Rocky Horror: From Concept to Cult (Paperback)

by David Evans (Author), Scott Michaels (Author) "The world revolves around creations..." (more)
Key Phrases: theatre upstairs, cast album, music biz, Rocky Horror, Richard O'Brien, Royal Court (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
On the heels of the 25th anniversary of the making of the infamous movie, Rocky Horror looks behind the scenes and uncovers the truth from those who were there. This celebration of Transylvanian proportions brings the true fan completely up to date.

Product Details

• Paperback: 300 pages
• Publisher: Sanctuary Publishing (May 25, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1860743838
• ISBN-13: 978-1860743832
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 6.3 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #425,290 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Disappointing, December 27, 2005

By	Morgan Phillips (Savannah, GA United States) - See all my reviews

This book was very interesting and should definitely be read by hardcore Rocky Horror fans. That said, it is somewhat disappointing to read for two reasons, one being something the authors could help- the other being something they could not.

Almost everyone involved in creating the Rocky Horror Show and its picture show variant seems jaded or pissed off. Money is often the first thing on people's minds, and the reader comes away knowing that the production screwed many people involved, but could come away having learned so much more. Everyone is quick to point out what a huge part they played in creating this legend- the ego is unbelievable. That, however, the authors could not help. They simply took their information and gave it.

My major problem with the book, however, comes from the authors themselves. While it is true that Rocky Horror is a phenomenon, and certainly influential, I found it awfully hard to swallow some of the ideas that they put forth. It is their belief that Rocky Horror *created* punk, which is ridiculous. No doubt it was part of the culture, but no one thing created it. Also, Rocky Horror is listed as the precursor to Meat Loaf and Jim Steinman's "Bat Out Of Hell"- bull. And by the time they're raving about how "Death Becomes Her" is just a rip-off of the RHPS, you're ready to put down your book and read something else.

This is a very decent book. Lots of great information has passed hands through it, and I do recommend it. However, Rocky Horror has never meant influence or changing the world. It has meant the glorification of fun, rock and roll, and sex. It is a fun show spoofing old horror flicks. To go so far about its importance is to deny it's real power: the ability to have a good time.

5.0 out of 5 stars STIRRING AND IRREVERENT, July 8, 2009

By	Stephen Cox (Los Angeles) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I rather enjoyed this book, "Rocky Horror: From Concept to Cult" by Scott Michaels and David Evans. I found the book in America luckily and for the first time it enlightened me on the origins of this fantastic cult film and phenomenon. Loved the one-on-one interviews with cast members, as well as recent photos of the cast...especially Peter Hinwood. The contributions from little Transylvanian Sadie Corre were great, but then again I love midgets. Bravo to the authors! I hope they expand and reprint the book in the near future with more photos and larger format. This book deserves it!

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful history of a pop culture phenom., June 22, 2009

By	Mark L. "Mark L." (Hollywood, CA) - See all my reviews

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and its history of a UK fringe musical smash that became a film flop, then an audience participation sensation with its own cult - and eventually a Hollywood Film Studio's cottage industry. I loved reading about the creative process - part inspiration, part kismet and lots of group collaboration. You are taken step by step, through terrific interviews, into the birth of a cultural phenomenon that only happens once in a lifetime. I have a newfound respect for the film actors especially after learning what a cold, damp slog of a shoot it was for them. It was a revelation to learn of the RHPS film set's cliques. The authors have provided a true glimpse (warts and all) at the creative stage/screen process of ordinary people who gave extraordinarily of their gifts to keep generations singing and laughing for decades. This book brilliantly sums up the cultural life of Rocky Horror and those halcyon days of pre-VHS/DVD fan fanaticism and weekend theatrics. It also gives a hint that perhaps that early reverence is retreating into a void just like those glossy red lips.