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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best book magazine in the UK“, drummer with the original Rocky Horror, Martin Fitzgibbon, shares his experiences in new memoir, Behind the Curtain: My Life and Rocky Horror.
I interviewed Martin Fitzgibbon about his life and career, what inspired him to write his memoir, Behind the Curtain: My Life and Rocky Horror, and the work that went into it.
Tell me a bit about who you are.
I’m a musician, songwriter, singer and although it sounds slightly pretentious to say out loud, now the
author of a memoir. In 1973 I worked on the original production of The Rocky Horror Show which
premiered at the Royal Court Theatre in London alongside Tim Curry and Richard O’Brien amongst others.
The memoir gives a personal insight into those exciting times as The Rocky Horror Show was launched
onto an unsuspecting world for the first time. I continue to perform and have been lucky to play different
genres of music in many parts of the world.
I’m currently preparing to record a solo album which is due to be released later this year or early in 2025
When did you first WANT to write a book?
Friends badgered me for decades to write down my story although I resisted the idea for a long time I always had an intention to revisit those years and to put in writing the stories and my experiences that otherwise would have been lost.
The idea to write a book and bring that to fruition was crystallised by the 50th anniversary of the show in 2023. It felt to me as though the time was right.
When did you take a step to start writing?
As I said the anniversary was a catalyst and by pure coincidence I was on a train in Germany on my way
to Düsseldorf airport when we unexpectedly stopped right outside a large arena with a huge billboard
advertising the Rocky Horror Show. We were stationary there for a good ten minutes as I sat looking out of the train window reminiscing on the past and how far the show had travelled over the years. I’m not a true believer in that sort of thing, but it felt like an omen, as though someone was trying to tell me to get writing.
How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?
The idea was born a good time before I got started. I can’t tell you an exact date but once I was out of the
blocks it took around a year to write. I don’t have too many assets but determination is something that
drives me. I wrote constantly and at every opportunity under many different circumstances. During the
process I did a lot of pruning in order to keep things moving forward, whilst hopefully keeping it interesting.
The result means a more concise book, but it’s a judgment I feel happy with.
What made you want to write Behind the Curtain: My Life and Rocky Horror?
It felt as though the time was right. It also gave me an opportunity to go through my life and musical career outside of Rocky. I’ve been involved in music for the majority of my life and had some amazing, priceless experiences. Only once I’d started to write did I became acutely aware that so many of the people I had shared my life with had passed. It felt as though I was honouring those people a little by putting them down in book form.
What were your biggest challenges with writing Behind the Curtain: My Life and Rocky Horror?
Trying to work from memory with integrity and honesty. The show was fifty years old and the memory can
undoubtedly play tricks so I thought carefully about events and tried hard to put those into context. I’m
content that the end result in the book is my truth and no one else’s.
What was your research process for Behind the Curtain: My Life and Rocky Horror?
For once I wish I had kept a diary, something I’ve never done but the major events of my life musical and
otherwise are etched indelibly in my mind. I had no trouble remembering those and happily most of them
are positive.There’s been plenty written about the Rocky Horror Show, but I wanted to avoid reading
anything that might cloud my own recollection.
I knew some of the so called “facts” were in reality myths, repeated and passed down over time and I debunked some of those in the book. I had kept lots of memorabilia, press cuttings of first night, old show programmes and so on. Rereading those helped to put me back in the moment.
How did you plan the structure of Behind the Curtain: My Life and Rocky Horror?
I wanted to keep the book moving forward at a good pace to hopefully keep the readers interest. To that end I spaced out the chapters with Rocky Horror as the central theme, interspersed with my childhood and life’s adventures. I began playing music professionally aged sixteen so there was a lot of life to cover before and after the RHS.
Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did Behind the Curtain: My Life and Rocky Horror need?
I edited myself rigorously but had the proof read for grammatical errors and spelling. I discovered there
weren’t too many, but nonetheless I think it was a good decision.
What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a book?
Don’t give up. I found so many people make a start and don’t finish their potential book. Have faith in your own ability and be disciplined enough to see it through.
Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?
I’ve tentatively started a historical novel which is based loosely around a little known English “outlaw” who
was unjustly sentenced to hang. His sentence was commuted and instead he was transported to Tasmania
where he later died. It’s a true and fascinating story which deserves to be told. I hope to do it justice.
And, finally, are your proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?
It was well worth the effort. For me writing the book was very reminiscent of making records. They’re a
similar beast in that you lovingly refine and shape your work, then after too long a time of tweaking and
fiddling, you let it sail away in the hope that it finds favour with everyone. It was frustrating at times, only
because you’re striving to make this imperfect thing perfect, but that’s part of the creative process and
secretly hugely satisfying.
Pop all your book, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:
Apple Books: https://apple.co/3W8JCzr
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Paperback: https://amzn.to/3xKVAXr
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