Buckley, David 1965-

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Buckley, David 1965-

PERSONAL:

Born 1965. Education: Liverpool University, Ph.D.

CAREER:

Freelance biographer.

WRITINGS:

David Bowie: The Complete Guide to His Music, Omnibus Press (Chester, NY), 1996, 2nd edition, 2004.

The Stranglers: No Mercy, Hodder & Stoughton (London, England), 1997.

Strange Fascination: David Bowie, the Definitive Story, Virgin (London, England), 1999.

R.E.M. Fiction: An Alternative Biography, Virgin (London, England), 2002.

The Thrill of It All: The Story of Bryan Ferry and Roxy Music, Chicago Review Press (Chicago, IL), 2005.

Elton: The Biography, Chicago Review Press (Chicago, IL), 2007.

SIDELIGHTS:

A biographer of rock musicians, David Buckley has produced well-researched studies of David Bowie, Bryan Ferry, and the Stranglers. After publishing a short guide to Bowie's music and an official biography of the Stranglers, Buckley was able to publish a biography of his rock music idol, David Bowie. Strange Fascination: David Bowie, the Definitive Story is a heavily documented study that explores the cultural themes and the biographical details that have been such a powerful influence in Bowie's music.

Buckley next produced R.E.M. Fiction: An Alternative Biography after his publisher rejected his idea of doing a study of Roxy Music. He persevered, however, and eventually published The Thrill of It All: The Story of Bryan Ferry and Roxy Music. Buckley had interviewed Ferry while researching his biography of David Bowie, but he found a reluctance on the part of band members to participate in the new venture. Nevertheless, he undertook the extensive research and wide-ranging interviews that have marked his biographies. He describes Ferry's compelling rise from coal miner's son to rock star, as well as the artistic influences and personal battles the musician encountered along the way, particularly his difficult relationship with keyboardist Brian Eno, who left Roxy Music a few years after its formation. Reviewing the book for Artforum International, Geeta Daval felt that, "as a history, the book is perfectly competent—but readers seeking an account as original and thought-provoking as the band itself should look elsewhere." Other reviewers were more impressed, including Library Journal contributor Matthew Moyer, who concluded: "This is the best Ferry/ Roxy read yet."

Elton: The Biography, which Buckley published in 2007, takes a look at the life and career of the flamboyant British rock star Elton John. Buckley maintains that it is important and necessary to gain an understanding of the man beneath the musician. Born Reg Dwight, and only changing his name to Elton Hercules John in 1972, the singer faced many hardships and a certain amount of prejudice as a result of his difficult youth and his openly gay behavior as an adult. Looking at the early part of John's career and following it up to present day, Buckley is able to address the various questions about the rock star, including when and why he became fascinated with the crazy costumes he wears on stage, and his long-term difficulties with drugs and alcohol. He also looks at John's friendships, some of which were extremely public, his involvement in various charities and projects, and his relationships with lyricist Bernie Taupin and with partner David Furnish. A reviewer for the Hollywood Reporter praised the book overall but commented that "Buckley … could have more thoroughly considered John's successes (‘The Lion King’) and failures (‘Lestat’) writing stage and film musicals." A contributor to Kirkus Reviews commented that the book shows "the pop-music icon revealed as never before."