Synopses & Reviews
Thomas was bassist with Elvis Costello and The Attractions at the height of the band’s success with hits like "Oliver’s Army" and "Accidents Will Happen." Though names are never mentioned, The Big Wheel paints a vivid and hilarious picture of exactly what it is like touring the US and the rest of the world with Costello and Company, sharing your life 24 hours a day with a moody egotistical singer, a crazed drummer and a host of hangers-on.
Originally published by Viking in 1990, The Big Wheel was nominated for the Ralph J. Gleason award for music writing. Less impressed, Costello sacked Thomas for writing it. This is one of the great music books, and probably the funniest.
Synopsis
Satirical take on life on the road with Elvis Costello and the Attractions, by the band's bass player.
About the Author
Bruce Thomas played bass in various bands through the late 60s and early 70s, and collaborated with Peter Greenm, Paul Rodgers and Steve Howe, amongst others. He joined Elvis Costello and The Attractions in 1977 and played on all their best records, including This Year's Model and Armed Forces, before he was sacked for writing The Big Wheel.
Since then he has played bass for Suzanne Vega and written an acclaimed biography of Bruce Lee.