Rocky Horror: From Concept to Cult [Paperback]

David Evans (Author), Scott Michaels (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 25, 2002

Several books have been published about the phenomenon, but here for the first time is an account of its origins. In two parts, the creators themselves discuss the original theater show and the making of the film.

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: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #786,144 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 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 review is from: Rocky Horror: From Concept to Cult (Paperback)

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.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

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

This review is from: Rocky Horror: From Concept to Cult (Paperback)

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.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Rocky Horror - From Cult to Concept., June 18, 2008

By 

T. Callahan "*Um...A Signature?*" (South Euclid, Ohio United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Rocky Horror: From Concept to Cult (Paperback)

"Rocky Horror: From Cult to Concept", a collection of pattering interviews with nearly everyone ever remotely involved with Richard O'Brien's cult phenom, is for completeist's only. Die Hard Rocky fan's (already well versed in the history of the musical sensation) will no doubt appreciate the chats with some of the more obscure player's (Peter Hinwood, who played the titular character in the 1975 film version proves a particularly pleasant character) but those looking for in depth insight into Rocky's early beginnings in London are advised to look elsewhere. Very little time is spent discussing the shows humble birth at the Royal Court's Theatre Upstairs.