The first complete, in-depth biography of the Talk Talk leader draws on scores of new and original interviews with Mark Hollis’s friends, musicians, collaborators and record company personnel to create this important and substantial biography. Tracing Mark Hollis's life from earliest beginnings through his formative years, author Ben Wardle offers genuine insight into the creative forces which helped shape the sound and songs recorded by Talk Talk. For the first time A Perfect Silence explains the realities and explodes the myths surrounding Hollis and Talk Talk's career, and in doing so reveals the working patterns, sense of humour and desire for privacy of the man himself.
Among the interviewees for this book are Simon Brenner, producer Rhett Davies, Phill Brown, James Marsh, musical collaborators George Page, Phil Ramocon, Martin Ditcham, Dominic Miller, Mark Feltham, Johnny Turnbull, Robbie McIntosh and others. Talk Talk live sound engineer Chris Beale, long-time manager Keith Aspden, original A&R manager Ashley Goodall, old school friends, numerous industry figures, friends and acquaintances who knew him only after he’d retired all add fresh insight and perspective to this extensive and engaging biography.
About the author
Ben Wardle is a writer and lecturer in music business. He has written several books, and contributed features to publications including The Guardian, and The Word. He has written and presented regularly for BBC’s Front Row and hosted a podcast about vinyl for several years. Previously he was A&R for various record companies, signing artists including Sleeper, The Wannadies and Stephen Duffy.
