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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best book magazine in the UK“, Joe Cullen, the Bard of Dalston, has released his first ‘factional’ story (part memoir, part discourse), Coming Unstuck – A Year in the Life of a Failed Funk Band.
Previously, Joe Cullen has garnered awards and a reputation for his poetry, but now he releases his first foray into literature, Coming Unstuck – A Year In The Life Of A Failed Funk Band.
Also known as the Bard of Dalston, Cullen recounts a year in the life of his funk band never making it to the big time which will resonate with all those who have had their similarly lofty ambitions minimised or quashed. But where this book really shines, is in its backstory of feeling stuck.
Coming Unstuck – A Year In The Life Of A Failed Funk Band is faction; Part memoir. Part discourse on why people get stuck, and why forming a band is not necessarily the best way to get unstuck. Based on true events, the book’s front-story follows a year in the life of a London band’s attempts to claw its way up the greasy pole of the music business.
Its backstory involves a journey into the dark heart of stuckness, taking in genetic theory, memetics, the history of the Border Reivers, the Liverpool Police Strike, dodgy Lourdes miracles, a Nigerian Noseband, and the refurbishment of the boilers in the Houses of Parliament.
Take a front-stage seat as Cyrus, Brendan, Pete, Duff, Max, Flimsy and The Guv’nor overcome unscrupulous promoters, bogus A&R reps, death-wired amplifiers, catatonic audiences, and the music critic of the Borehamwood Times in pursuit of that elusive recording contract. Only to do a Devon Loch with the winning post in sight.
Combining the analytical attributes required as a sociologist and seeing life through the unique lens afforded to those skilled in the art of poetry, Joe Cullen’s ability to deliver a soliloquy on this 21st century malaise elevates his book into something really rather special.
A great read for all those with a passion for the music business, Coming Unstuck resonates more as a literary and understanding friend for all for those trying to work out what life is all about.
Born in Liverpool, resident in Dalston, Joe Cullen – aka the Bard of Dalston – is a sociologist and poet. He’s not just an observer; he’s immersed in its everyday life, its characters, and its struggles. His poetry reflects this intimate connection, weaving stories of working-class heroes, hidden corners, and the quiet rebellion against gentrification. His poems are rich in language, raw in emotion, and infused with humor and authenticity. They celebrate the ordinary, the overlooked, and the resilience of the human spirit.
His work isn’t confined to the page. Cullen is a spoken word performer, bringing his poems to life on stage with passion and rhythm. He also engages in community projects, sharing his love for language and empowering local voices.
The ‘Bard of Dalston’s’ publications include ‘South Poetry, ‘South Bank Poetry,’ ‘Other Poetry,’ ‘Long Poem Magazine,’ ‘Decanto,’ ‘The North,’ ‘Stand,’ ‘The Projectionist’s Playground’, ‘Snakeskin’, ‘Ninemuses’, ‘The Delinquent,’ ‘Ink Sweat and Tears’, ‘Lighten up Online’, ‘Brittle Star’ and ‘Footballpoets.’ Poetry awards include: ‘Poetry Kit’ award, 2012; ‘Poetry Pulse’, 2012; ‘Rhyme & Reason’, 2012; ‘Sportswriters Awards’, 2012, ‘Four Counties’, 2015.
Poetry readings include Torriano, London, RADA, London, Salisbury Arts Centre, Barbican Arts Centre, Poetry Café, London and the Crystal Palace festival.
He was nominated by ‘South Poetry’ for the Forward Prize 2010/11 in the ‘best single poem’ category
Kindle: https://amzn.to/3TK9zFK
Paperback: https://amzn.to/3NQYzTj
Hardcover: https://amzn.to/3tGaUD0
It is also available at Waterstones and Barnes & Noble
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