Bill Direen writes of music and musicians in cities and corner bars, small venues, rural shacks, after-parties and high-rises. This book contains over seventy photographs you won’t have seen anywhere else, and tributes to a huge range of gods, goddesses and plain mortals.
Apropos is Bill’s homage to performers, recording artists and road managers, small town geniuses and radio hosts. Apropos identifies and demonstrates what they have given us, and what they have inspired.
Some stars are found here, like Mark E. Smith, Shane MacGowan and Nico, but there are plenty of unknowns, loved locally for their one-hit bands and crazy talent. Add to that Direen’s take upon the semi-celebrateds, the rightful heroes of DIY and alternative production—Chris Knox, Peter Jefferies, David Kilgour, Bill Callahan, the Dead C.
Grapefruit Records, 2025