Description
In the late 1980s Horslips lyricist and drummer Eamon Carr began his journalistic career by conducting interviews with an eclectic mix of famous people. Told in Carr’s immediate, entertaining style, Pure Gold is a portal to a time before practised TV chat show performances and the churn of social media sound bites, providing honest and sometimes introspective insights into the private lives of global stars and national treasures, such as Jack Charlton, Eartha Kitt, Shane MacGowan and Malcolm McLaren.
A natural raconteur, Carr soon discovered that people were eager to share their stories with him, from J.P. Donleavy’s accounts of his mercurial friendship with Brendan Behan to Brenda Fricker’s memories of delivering her acceptance speech when she became the first Irish woman ever to win an Oscar.
Almost cinematic in his descriptions, Carr’s conversations with this cast of luminaries are searingly honest, irreverent and profound, highlighting the humanity that unites us all. Pure Gold is a treasure trove of interviews that will remain with the reader long after the book is closed.
Contents
Introduction
1. In at the Deep End
Jack Charlton
Eartha Kitt
2. Spinning a Yarn
Malcolm McLaren
John Mortimer
3. In the Moment
Brenda Fricker
Rudolf Nureyev
4. A Balancing Act
J.P. Donleavy 1989 & 2008
5. Leaning in Gently
Shane MacGowan
Brian Behan
6. Into the Lion’s Den
Ralph Steadman
‘Mad’ Frankie Fraser
7. Striking a Chord
Josephine Hart
Sheila Mooney
8. Through the Mill
Willy Russell
Tony Warren
Epilogue
Praise for Pure Gold
‘A time capsule of treasures from one of our most gifted interviewers.’ – John Connolly
‘The art of conversation is showcased in this insightful, quirky and eclectic collection. Eamon Carr’s backlist confirms him as an intuitive interviewer who reaches for genuine engagement with his subject.’ –Martina Devlin
About the Author
Eamon Carr is a member of legendary Irish Celtic rock band Horslips. A journalist and art historian, he has been cultural commentator and reporter on news and sport for Independent Newspapers for over two decades.
