Barrie Sharpe is one of London’s most original characters from the last 4 decades. Whether it be bringing 1970s American Funk music to the masses or heading up the seminal shop “Duffer of St George” he has never been far from the spotlight. His new autobiography, This Was Not Part of the Masterplan, is Sharpe’s first venture back into his youth.
As described in the book’s introduction by Skin (Skunk Anansie), Barrie’s words are his and expressed directly. The book is an engaging read and indeed expresses the ‘tears, pain, joy, and laughter’ of an influential person. The story is one that will resonate with all people whether part of the original scene or not.
We are living in very different times now but as a self published author I appreciate that a single minded vision is what takes you to the next level. I caught up with Barrie recently to discuss production of the book but as he describes the ethos still applies in 2015 – ‘I was a product of the times and the product became the producer. I designed the clothes, ran the club, played the records, was in the band and made the music, which created the scene that changed youth culture worldwide.’
http://sharpeye.tictail.com/product/this-was-not-part-of-the-masterplan-book
Barrie Sharpe ' This Was Not Part of the Master Plan '
What inspired you to get the book produced?
There were too many people out there re-writing history…
How did you go about producing it and did you get all the people you wanted involved?
I started a Kickstarter campaign to raise the money. Most of the people I wanted were involved…
Was it a free flowing process or did you have many challenges?
It was free flowing…
What were the challenges?
I am dyslexic…
Tell us about the process you went through in launching the book?
I financed using Kickstarter & promoted via Facebook…
What would you do differently on a future one, if there is a future one?
I would use the same process…
How is the book selling and will further copies be printed to meet demand?
The book is selling well in the limited market I have exposed it to. If need be…
What is your philosophy/mantra according to ‘Barrie’?
“My game my rules” – “Forget that shit, you can’t hold me back”…
Barrie's flight boxes
The book, funded on Kickstarter, is self-published and out now. http://sharpeye.tictail.com/product/this-was-not-part-of-the-masterplan-book
