A review by newishpuritan
Frank: The True Story that Inspired the Movie by Jon Ronson
3.0
I read this because I saw Frank Sidebottom many times at Liverpool Polytechnic in the late 80s. Jon Ronson played keyboards in his band throughout this period - but I can't even really remember a band. All my attention was obviously on Frank, who sang, lectured about 'space' or 'puppets', or acted pantomimes like 'Bobbinson Crusoe'.
This is a simple, straightforward account by Ronson, rather light on detail (and the last part is a brief survey of other 'outsider' musical acts). It's poor value, since it's only a few thousand words. But it's affectionate and generous.
In retrospect, it's difficult to explain Frank's appeal - who exactly were the intended audience? He was quite childish and innocent - he studiously avoided innuendo or obscenity - but I can't imagine children enjoying the act. Maybe he was ideal for student bars: places poised between childhood and adulthood.
This is a simple, straightforward account by Ronson, rather light on detail (and the last part is a brief survey of other 'outsider' musical acts). It's poor value, since it's only a few thousand words. But it's affectionate and generous.
In retrospect, it's difficult to explain Frank's appeal - who exactly were the intended audience? He was quite childish and innocent - he studiously avoided innuendo or obscenity - but I can't imagine children enjoying the act. Maybe he was ideal for student bars: places poised between childhood and adulthood.