Midge Ure, If I Was...: The Autobiography (Paperback)

~ Midge Ure (Author), Robin Eggar (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Midge Ure is one of the most successful and innovative musicians of the last 25 years. With his band Ultravox, Midge consistently combined massive popular chart success with crediblitly, influence and respect. On 25 November 1984, Midge spearheaded one of pop music's most historic events when 36 artists, collectively known as Band Aid, recorded 'Do They Know It's Christmas?', a song Midge had written with Bob Geldof in response to the famine in Ethiopia. Produced by Midge, the single sold over 3 million copies in the UK and led to Live Aid, the 1985 concert which featured the world's greatest music acts and raised millions for charity. In 2004, 'Do They Know It's Christmas?' was back at the top of the charts and in 2005 a global audience watched the world's biggest artists at the Live 8 concerts. In this fully updated edition, Midge Ure candidly gives his side of the story of Band Aid, Live Aid and Live 8 and talks honestly about his rise to fame and his collaborations with some of the greatest figures in music. If I Was...is a true testament to the talent and energy of a man who remains as vibrant today as when he first set out to become a musician twenty years ago.

About the Author

Midge Ure with Robin Eggar. Robin had a top ten bestseller with his biography of Tom Jones.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Virgin Books (November 10, 2005)
• ISBN-10: 0753510774
• ISBN-13: 978-0753510773
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #237,299 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This meant something to me., March 25, 2005

By	Jack Lokensky (Pomona, NY United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Midge Ure: If I Was...: The Autobiography (Hardcover)

Granted I am a fan of the man and his music; however, I think that the book is relevant to more than to just his fans. He tells a fascinating story of the Band Aid record, "Do They Know its Christmas?". Additionally, I was touched by his humanity. He is very well aware of the fact that his day is past, but he still has something to contribute. His realizations of how in England, perhaps he's a "has been" and in America he's a never was - moved me. I had a hard time putting it down.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic insight into the life of Midge Ure, December 20, 2004

By	Music Lover (slc, ut) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Midge Ure: If I Was...: The Autobiography (Hardcover)

If you are a fan of Midge Ure like I am, this book is a must. He tells great stories from the late 70's, early 80's London that makes me wish I could have been there to see this musical explosion of punk and New Wave. It was fascinating to read "behind the scenes" stories of the recording of "Do They Know It's Christmas?" and the organizing of the monumental concert that was "Live Aid". Midge truly is a fantastic musician and a pretty good wordsmith. This book is never boring and even if you are not a Midge Ure/Ultravox fan but an 80's music fan, you'll find yourself enjoying the stories of different musicians that enter and exit his life and their impact on his musical career.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Insightful Reading, December 27, 2004

By	Katherine Crossan "Tom" (Augusta, GA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Midge Ure: If I Was...: The Autobiography (Hardcover)

I am a huge fan of Midge Ure and Ultravox. I think that his last two albums have been underated, though probably his best work to date. The book offers insight into his life and what makes him tick. Some of it actually surprises me, he is a lot humbler and down to earth that I imagined, at least the way he shows himself. The life of a pop star has many highs and lows and this is all reflected in his book. He kept on making music in many different guises through the years, quite inredible that he continues to reinvent himself. Best of luck Midge.