Vivien Goldman, affectionately known as the “punk professor,” has been an integral part of the music scene since the 1970s. Her latest book, Rebel Musix, Scribe on a Vibe: Frontline Adventures Linking Punk, Reggae, Afrobeat and Jazz, is a riveting collection of her music writing that transports readers back to an electrifying era when journalists and musicians were deeply intertwined.
Goldman’s forte lies in her connections to the punk and reggae worlds. She rubbed shoulders with the Sex Pistols and served as Bob Marley’s publicist and go-to journalist. One standout moment in the book recounts Goldman playing The Clash’s cover of “Police & Thieves” for Marley, sparking the birth of a musical movement. Though Marley appreciated the punk aesthetic of safety pins, he opted not to adopt the look himself.
A Treasure Trove of Musical Encounters
Rebel Musix overflows with captivating encounters and indelible details. The book kicks off in the late 1970s, when London’s music scene was intimate enough for friendships and work to be deeply entangled. Goldman seamlessly navigated between socializing with musicians and retreating home to write about them. As she puts it, there was “no velvet VIP rope dividing writers and musicians in those days.”
The book features conversations with luminaries such as Brian Eno, Robert Wyatt, John Lydon, and Chrissie Hynde. Goldman dedicates sections to punk women, her New York pieces (featuring Richard Hell, George Clinton, and Talking Heads), ska and 2 Tone, Jamaican artists, and even ventures into writing about Fela and Femi Kuti, Ian Dury, Don Cherry, and Ornette Coleman.
Confronting Controversial Issues
While Rebel Musix brims with nostalgia, it doesn’t shy away from addressing the more troubling aspects of the era. Goldman reminds readers of the prevalence of swastikas as a token of rebellion in the punk movement, the rampant sexism and racial stereotyping that reduced even the formidable Grace Jones to tears, and the abuse hurled at The Slits’ Ari Up for sporting dreadlocks as a white woman.
One of the book’s most engaging moments is Goldman’s spirited debate with Peter Tosh about equality. Tosh’s outrageous statements about women leave Goldman feeling disheartened, but she stands her ground, demonstrating her willingness to challenge even the artists she admires.
A Genuine Love for Reggae
As a London-born Jewish woman, Goldman’s deep love for reggae shines through in her writing. While some might question her authority on the subject, musicians have always respected those who are truly passionate and knowledgeable about music, regardless of their background. Goldman’s inclusive approach, reflected in the book’s title that transforms “Music” into “Musix,” underscores her commitment to making outsiders feel welcome.
Unforgettable Anecdotes
Rebel Musix is peppered with unforgettable anecdotes that bring the era to life. From Brian Eno hurling his perpetually ringing phone against a wall to Johnny Rotten picking a fight with Goldman over Sid Vicious being denied entry to a party, these stories paint a vivid picture of the personalities that defined the scene.
Goldman’s writing is spirited and punchy, idealistic and true. I found this collection inspiring from start to finish.
– Miranda Sawyer, The Guardian
In the end, Rebel Musix is more than just a collection of music writing; it’s a love letter to a bygone era when music was a unifying force that brought together people from all walks of life. Goldman’s passion for her subjects is evident on every page, and her willingness to engage with difficult questions elevates the book beyond mere nostalgia.
For anyone who lived through the punk and reggae heydays or wishes they had, Rebel Musix is an essential read. It captures the essence of a time when music had the power to change lives and when the line between artist and audience was thrillingly blurred. In Goldman’s capable hands, that era comes roaring back to life, as vivid and vital as ever.
