ABOUT THE AUTHOR

When an author comes to you with an autobiography, it can complicate the whole business of writing an 'ABOUT THE AUTHOR' blurb. After all, you don't want to give away too much information as it's all in the book! But, hey, I'll give it a go.

Steve 'Smiley' Barnard was raised in Sunbury-on-Thames, and was, genuinely, the son of a preacher man. He is, now, one of the most in demand, and respected, drummers, in the music industry; having worked with, among others, The Mock Turtles, Robbie Williams, Joe Strummer, From The Jam, The Alarm, and, Archive. He's played in tiny pubs and massive stadiums; to a handful of people and to huge crowds at the biggest festivals, worldwide.His tales of those times are all recalled in 'CLANG! Smiley Drops A Few', anecdotally and infectiously, with typical, Smiley, tongue in cheek humour (and a little embellishment at times).

Smiley is also a husband and father; a son and brother; and an absolute top fella! If you've ever had the pleasure of spending some time in his company, you'll know what I mean.

In addition to all this, Smiley is a multi-instrumentalist, and a great songwriter and recording artist in his own right, with a catalogue of 'Smiley's Friends' albums to his credit (which I'd recommend). He is a producer, working out of his own, also much in demand, Sunshine Corner Studios in Fleet.

It's a great book; a great read; written by the guy with the view from the back of the stage. If you've ever wondered what it's like, backstage, on the tour bus, in the hotel, and, travelling the world, with (and encountering) some of the legends of the music industry, then Smiley is the man to tell you.

The future is bright; the future is Smiley.

JAMES WALSH - GATECRASH THE PARTY BOOKS. MARCH 2020