What do you think?
Rate this book
The Rhythm Method: Sex, Drums and Rock'n'roll by Forbes, Nicky (2008) Paperback
The Revillos' sticksman Nicky Forbes (Rocky Rhythm) draws on his musical escapades in the 1970s punk scene and beyond into the 1980s. Delve into The Rhythm Method and be part of the euphoric high of appearing on Top Of The Pops and playing gigs across the world: you'll be there, backstage, onstage, and back in the hotel room...
You'll sign to Virgin and record at Abbey Road, have sordid sex in low places, be idolised, be discarded. The author throws you right inside the band's van, on an ill-advised and relentless tour across America. You'll be in the thick of the squabbles, the high jinks, laughs and punch-ups. And you'll hang out with dozens of infamous groups and characters from a fascinating period of recent musical history.
With 30 previously unseen archive pictures.
LOYD GROSSMAN broadcaster and guitarist, says:
'Who'd want to play in a band like this? Nicky's book is essential reading for wannabe pop stars, fans and music biz veterans.'
Melody Maker, Sounds and Record Mirror editor, ALF MARTIN, says:
'The Rhythm Method whacks you in the face fast and furious right from the beginning and just doesn't stop. In this vividly honest tale of the extraordinary, triumphant life and demise of pop group The Rezillos/Revillos, the author doesn't let up even when it comes to the gory stories. He gives us a backstage pass to the mythology that pop is all a high. It was a long time coming but it's worth it.'
You'll sign to Virgin and record at Abbey Road, have sordid sex in low places, be idolised, be discarded. The author throws you right inside the band's van, on an ill-advised and relentless tour across America. You'll be in the thick of the squabbles, the high jinks, laughs and punch-ups. And you'll hang out with dozens of infamous groups and characters from a fascinating period of recent musical history.
With 30 previously unseen archive pictures.
LOYD GROSSMAN broadcaster and guitarist, says:
'Who'd want to play in a band like this? Nicky's book is essential reading for wannabe pop stars, fans and music biz veterans.'
Melody Maker, Sounds and Record Mirror editor, ALF MARTIN, says:
'The Rhythm Method whacks you in the face fast and furious right from the beginning and just doesn't stop. In this vividly honest tale of the extraordinary, triumphant life and demise of pop group The Rezillos/Revillos, the author doesn't let up even when it comes to the gory stories. He gives us a backstage pass to the mythology that pop is all a high. It was a long time coming but it's worth it.'
256 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
12 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
August 13, 2017
is also known as Rocky Rhythm and was the drummer of The Revillos. The Revillos being the second incarnation of UK punk originals The Rezillos.
recounts his childhood years in Braintree, Essex during which, like so many of us, he was in thrall to pop music. He learned the drums as a kid and was, for a period, a member of the Pork Dukes before joining The Revillos in 1978.
'' reminds me of '' by , which is also an incredibly insightful, well written insight into life in a rock n roll band written by one of the lesser known band members. James Fearnley being the accordionist of The Pogues.
Both books shine a bright and unabashed light on the less salubrious part of being in a group. The tedium, the squabbles, the punch ups, the casual sex, the record company rip offs etc.
The long section which details a particularly gruelling US tour, the band organised without any record contract, must be the ultimate description of how dispiriting touring can become. I was weary just reading about it, quite how the group felt during this period I can only imagine. Sadly things don’t get any better despite yet another false dawn of signing to EMI towards the end of the group’s lifespan.
For all that, '� is a great read full of good stories and a lot of humour.
That said the only response of any sane person is to wonder why anyone would embark on a "career" in rock n roll? Still, thank goodness they do, so the rest of us get to read compelling books like ''.
Highly recommended.
recounts his childhood years in Braintree, Essex during which, like so many of us, he was in thrall to pop music. He learned the drums as a kid and was, for a period, a member of the Pork Dukes before joining The Revillos in 1978.
'' reminds me of '' by , which is also an incredibly insightful, well written insight into life in a rock n roll band written by one of the lesser known band members. James Fearnley being the accordionist of The Pogues.
Both books shine a bright and unabashed light on the less salubrious part of being in a group. The tedium, the squabbles, the punch ups, the casual sex, the record company rip offs etc.
The long section which details a particularly gruelling US tour, the band organised without any record contract, must be the ultimate description of how dispiriting touring can become. I was weary just reading about it, quite how the group felt during this period I can only imagine. Sadly things don’t get any better despite yet another false dawn of signing to EMI towards the end of the group’s lifespan.
For all that, '� is a great read full of good stories and a lot of humour.
That said the only response of any sane person is to wonder why anyone would embark on a "career" in rock n roll? Still, thank goodness they do, so the rest of us get to read compelling books like ''.
Highly recommended.
November 25, 2019
Having been on Top of the Pops, you would think that you were living the dream. Being a rock star. Drummer for the Revillos (not the Rezillos, whom Nicky was asked to join). A no holds barred look at the disintegration of a band who started to hate each other on a wonderfully disastrous tour of the USA and Canada.
Not your average music biog but Nicky Forbes aka Rocky Rhythm, is not your average drummer.
Ray Smillie
Not your average music biog but Nicky Forbes aka Rocky Rhythm, is not your average drummer.
Ray Smillie
June 12, 2020
Fantastic little book. A great memoir by Nicky Forbes written with a great sense of humor, honesty and intellect. Not one single dull page in this book.
April 3, 2012
For anyone who ever wanted to join a rock band, this is a must read. Nicky's anecdotes are hilarious and a tad bit scary. Excellent writing and storytelling.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
Can't find what you're looking for?
Get help and learn more about the design.