Entertainers and performers gifts

Join rock-legend, former Shihad frontman and lead singer of The Adults, Jon Toogood in this unflinching and no-holds-barred memoir Home Again.This is more than a rock story. Toogood looks back on a 37-year career that helped define New Zealand rock music, and the personal cost that came with it. From a music-obsessed childhood in Wellington to the deafening roar of international stages, this...

People ask me how come I'm still alive, and I don’t know what to say. When I was growing up, if you’d have put me up against a wall with the other kids from my street and asked me which one of us was gonna make it to the age of sixty, with five kids and four grandkids and houses...

The much-anticipated memoir by media personality Alison Mau In my family, we never talked about the past... Since the age of twelve, Alison Mau wanted to be a journalist just like her dad. A beer-swilling, straight-talking man who was rough around the edges but could quote passages of Hamlet at will, he taught Ali everything from rabbit-hunting to throwing a...

In this unexpected memoir, written in a creative burst of just a few months in 2022, Sam Neill tells the story of how he became one of the world’s most celebrated actors, who has worked with everyone from Meryl Streep to Isabel Adjani, from Jeff Goldblum to Sean Connery, from Steven Spielberg to Jane Campion. By his own account, his...

People say to me, if you could do it all again, knowing what you know now, would you change anything? I'm like, f* no. If I'd been clean and sober, I wouldn't be Ozzy. If I'd done normal, sensible things, I wouldn't be Ozzy. Look, if it ends tomorrow, I can't complain. I've been all around the world. Seen a...

This is a searingly honest and moving memoir from double Golden Globe-nominatedactress Hayden Panettiere. Hayden Panettiere has been in front of the camera since before she could talk. She roseto stardom typecasted as Hollywood's blonde girl next door. As a young celebrity,naysayers were certain she would crash and burn. Not one to disappoint, she did.Hayden Panettiere's irreverent memoir satisfies our...

A smart, funny, and refreshing memoir from Mark Hoppus, the vocalist, bassist, and founding member of pop-punk band blink-182. This is a story of what happens when an angst-ridden kid who grew up in the desert experiences his parents' bitter divorce, moves around the country, switches identities from dork to goth to skate punk, and eventually meets his best friend...

The number one bestseller and Sunday Times Humour Book of the Year by national treasure Bob Mortimer. ‘The most life-affirming, joyful read of the year’ - Sunday Times ‘Winningly heartfelt’ – The Guardian ‘A triumph’ – Daily Mail Bob Mortimer’s life was trundling along happily until suddenly in 2015 he was diagnosed with a heart condition that required immediate surgery...

A memoir and self-help manual by one of the country's most treasured comedians - for anyone who feels stuck in a rut but doesn't have the tools or self-belief to shake things up. In his mid-twenties, Jimmy was bored, boring, unfulfilled and underachieving. He wasn't exactly depressed, but he was very sad. Think of a baby owl whose mum has...

This Angry Pen of Mine by Layne Staley invites you to dive into the untold creative world of Layne Staley, the legendary voice behind Alice in Chains. This extraordinary collection showcases his handwritten lyrics, deeply personal poetry, stunning original artwork, rare photos, fan tributes, and so much more. Step into the world of Layne Staley like never before. For the...

The captivating autobiography by one of America's most influential folk singers, Woody Guthrie. Bound for Glory is the funny, cynical and earthy autobiography of Woody Guthrie, the father of American folk music. He tells of his childhood running wild in an Oklahoma oil-boom town, the tragedies that struck his family, and of his life on the open road during the...

THE INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER - MILLIONS OF COPIES SOLD WORLDWIDE Gloriously bonkers - Guardian, Best Autobiographies and Memoirs of 2020 A rollicking, contemplative trip - Financial Times From the Academy Award-winning actor, an unconventional memoir filled with raucous stories, outlaw wisdom, and lessons learned the hard way about living with greater satisfaction. I've been in this life for fifty years, been...

Packed with hard-won wisdoms and gentle truths, this is Miranda's honest exploration of the lessons she has learned on her journey from illness to recovery. Hello to you, I am with news. I have a new book. Basically, I have had an unexpectedly difficult decade - there have been surprising joys, but also challenging lows. I shall be honest about...

Christina Applegate came of age on sets and stages, expected to be on time, with lines learned, ready for lights-camera-action. Performing began as a financial necessity and became an emotional escape from a tumultuous home life in the infamous Laurel Canyon scene of the 1970s and 80s. She first gained stardom as an audience favourite playing Kelly Bundy in the...

The story of a remarkable friendship between two people whose creative chemistry ignited the perfect storm of drama, comedy and heart. It explores how the characters and storylines came into being, with anecdotes from the making of all episodes of the show. Gavin & Stacey is a TV series like no other. Now, for the first time, its creators James...

Packed with hard-won wisdom and gentle truths, this is Miranda's honest exploration of the lessons she has learned on her journey from illness to recovery. Hello to you, I am with news. I have a new book. Basically, I have had an unexpectedly difficult decade - there have been surprising joys, but also challenging lows. I shall be honest about...

Freddie Mercury was one of the greatest showmen of the twentieth century. With his unparalleled voice and searing on-stage energy, he was a great pretender, a killer queen and a champion of the world. But behind the glamour lived a musician and lyricist talented beyond measure, and the creative force behind one of the most culturally significant and musically diverse...

'A forensic exploration of their compositions and recordings, and everything that has been poured into them... completely definitive' MOJO ★★★★★ The story of Manic Street Preachers is unique in pop. Raging out of the stricken mining communities of south Wales in the late 80s, they were seemingly condemned to mere cult status by a cruel juncture of artistic triumph, commercial...

Throughout history, cats and writers have bonded together in a magical combination of comfort, companionship and inspiration. The famous authors featured here range from Samuel Johnson, whose cat Hodge dined on oysters, and Edward Lear, whose charismatic cat Foss was missing half his tail, to Margaret Mitchell, L. M. Montgomery and Dorothy L. Sayers, who rescued her kitten Blitz from...

Paddy Gower has never been afraid to stand up for what he believes in. From his teenage and university years where he learnt to defend himself from cruel bullying about his looks, to the pressure-cooker years he spent in the Press Gallery holding politicians to account, to advocating for the families of the Christchurch terrorist attacks and for sufferers of...

Young Once is the hilarious and heart-warming memoir of actor and comedian Nigel Planer. Most famous for playing Neil the hippy in The Young Ones and being a pillar of the 80s alternative comedy scene through The Comic Strip Presents and Bad News, this memoir is inspired by a recent sold-out tour where audiences lapped up his witty and self-depreciating...

In early 1985, Michael J. Fox was one of the biggest stars on television. His world was about to get even bigger, but only if he could survive the kind of double duty unheard of in Hollywood. Fox's days were already dedicated to rehearsing and taping the hit sitcom Family Ties, but then the chance of a lifetime came his...

From the actor in Skins and Games of Thrones, a deeply intimate, shockingly honest memoir about acting, fame, mental illness and the struggle to leave a cult-like organisation whose belief in magic shattered Hannah's reality. In 2017, Hannah Murray was a successful actor whose career had taken her to Hollywood and given her the opportunity to act with A-list stars...

The outrageous, riotous memoir from the cult actor and star of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Clue, and IT. Actor, rock 'n' roll singer, the prince of Halloween, confusing sex symbol. Many labels have been given to the inimitable Tim Curry over the years. All are true, and yet none are quite right. Here, for the first time, Curry reveals...

The long-awaited memoir from a true Hollywood icon. We know Sylvester Stallone as one of the most revered actors, writers, and directors of all time, yet his life story is every bit as dramatic, intense, and inspiring as his greatest creations on screen. Bringing together a no-holds-barred account of a fascinating life with messages of hope, positivity, and resilience, in...

Thanks to a thrown beer bottle and a fan letter to a P.O. box, Melissa Auf der Maur's first band scored an opening slot for the Smashing Pumpkins in her bohemian home town, Montreal. Sensing Melissa's talent, Billy Corgan recommended her to Courtney Love. Whisked from her local scene, Melissa joined Hole just after the deaths of Kurt Cobain and...

The hilarious and heartfelt debut book from award-winning TV writer and comedian Pax Assadi A joyfully chaotic memoir about what we gain by embracing our shameful moments, from award-winning comedian and TV writer Pax Assadi.What do we lose by hiding our shame, and what do we gain by sharing it? From herding ducks across South Auckland to catastrophic culture shock...

What Have I Done? For the first—and only—time, Ben tackles this question head-on in his frank, forthright, and entertaining autobiography. Taking a deep dive into his life and times, both private and public, he reveals the true stories behind iconic hits such as The Young Ones, Blackadder, and We Will Rock You. He discusses his pioneering routines hosting Saturday Live,...

Fasten your seatbelts, darlings, it's been one helluva ride. Liza Minnelli is one of the most iconic and enduring figures in entertainment history. Now, in her first and only memoir, Kids, Wait Till You Hear This!, Liza tells her story in her own words - and what a story it is. Born into Hollywood royalty, Liza was the daughter of...

A memoir of stardom over six decades from the beloved Tony-Award winning actress. Finally sharing the long-awaited story of her fascinating career, Tony-Award winning actress Kelly Bishop takes us on her journey from starring on the stage to the silver screen to our most-streamed TV shows, sharing the wisdom she's learned along the way. Perhaps most famous for playing Emily...

It is never too late to build the life you’re seeking.Cynthia Erivo learned the music to Wicked a decade before she needed it, not knowing that those same lyrics would change her life. Ten years later, she has the chance to perform those songs on a world stage, showing us that there is always time to keep discovering ourselves, that the journey...

Discover the life of Roald Dahl, the groundbreaking author whose work is beloved by children all over the world. Little Roald grew up in the city of Cardiff in Wales. He loved to spend time reading with his family and visiting the local sweetshop for yummy chocolatey treats. But he found school difficult. No one believed in Roald's potential. When...

There's never been a more honest or raw memoir . . . and it may just save lives Daily Mail Funny, fascinating, compelling . . . also a wonderful read for fans of Friends The Times HI, MY NAME IS MATTHEW, although you may know me by my full name. My friends call me Matty. So begins the riveting story...

Yesterday When I Was Young

Priscilla Presley's divorce from Elvis left his fans incredulous. How could she leave theman every woman wanted? From the outside, life in Elvis's mansion looked glamorousand enviable, and in many respects, it was. But inside the mansion, her husband wasconstantly surrounded by a male entourage while at the gates, lines of beautiful womenwaited hopefully for an audience with the King....

Flea, the iconic bassist and co-founder, alongside Anthony Kiedis, of the immortal Red Hot Chili Peppers finally tells his fascinating origin story, complete with all the dizzying highs and the gutter lows you'd expect from an LA street rat turned world-famous rock star. Michael Peter Balzary was born in Melbourne, Australia, on October 16, 1962. His more famous stage name,...

Berserker! is a riveting memoir charting the life and times of Adrian Edmondson, one of the most iconic figures in British comedy. This instant Sunday Times bestseller and Financial Times Best Audio of 2023 transcends typical autobiographies by delving deep into a compelling narrative filled with humour, wisdom, and heartfelt nostalgia. The memoir begins with Edmondson's early years, shaped by...

'This is a book about being raised as a feral, motherless child; starting work at 17; immortalising several of this country’s most endearing catchphrases; triumphing at Cannes; being told you’re a genius by Peter Cook; and, at one party, accidentally taking some of Shaun Ryder’s crack, then attempting to set fire to a woman’s arse.' - Caitlin Moran, Times Magazine...

Astrid Jorgensen is on a mission to teach the world to sing. But she’s not promising to make anybody better at singing – she simply wants people to feel less ashamed of whatever voice they have. By its very nature, ‘best’ is rare and elusive: you’re not going to get much of it in life. And I sure don’t want...

David Mitchell, who you may know for his inappropriate anger on every TV panel show except Never Mind the Buzzcocks, his look of permanent discomfort on C4 sex comedy Peep Show, his online commenter-baiting in The Observer or just for wearing a stick-on moustache in That Mitchell and Webb Look, has written a book about his life. As well as...

Joan Didion’s hugely influential collection of essays which defines, for many, the America which rose from the ashes of the Sixties. We tell ourselves stories in order to live. The princess is caged in the consulate. The man with the candy will lead the children into the sea. In this now legendary journey into the hinterland of the American psyche,...

THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER "Mark Lanegan-primitive, brutal, and apocalyptic. What's not to love?" Nick Cave "A stoned cold classic." Ian Rankin "Mark Lanegan writes like he sings, from the pained heart of a damaged soul with brutal honesty." Bobby Gillespie "Powerfully written and brutally, frighteningly honest." Lucinda Williams A ROUGH TRADE AND MOJO BOOK OF THE YEAR From the back...

Help your little one dream big with a Little Golden Book biography about Julie Andrews, the beloved award-winning actress and singer! Little Golden Book biographies are the perfect introduction to nonfiction for pre-schoolers. This Little Golden Book about Dame Julie Andrews—Broadway icon, film star, and author—is a great read-aloud for young children as well as their parents and grandparents. Her...

The Dirt unveils the raw, unfiltered world of Mötley Crüe, the voice of a barely pubescent Generation X and the anointed high priests of the power ballad. Renowned as pioneers of Hollywood glam, their notorious sex lives captured the likes of celebrities Heather Locklear and Pamela Anderson, alongside teenage groupies from around the globe. Beyond their voracious sexual appetites, Tommy...

In his first memoir, beloved comedian and national treasure Bill Bailey shares stories of his life - and the animals he's met along the way. Bill Bailey has always had dogs, including a Patterdale terrier called Rocky who would travel with him in the van to his first shows and occasionally join him on stage. Fast forward a few decades...

I Wanna Be Yours by John Cooper Clarke is a vivid memoir that paints an extraordinary picture of an unconventional life. This candid and compelling autobiography takes readers on a journey through Clarke's remarkable career and personal experiences, offering a fascinating glimpse into the mind of one of Britain's most iconic poets. The memoir is a rich tapestry of humour,...

THE SUNDAY TIMES AND NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER LONGLISTED FOR THE BAILLIE GIFFORD PRIZE FOR NON-FICTION 'A triumph.' Deborah Levy, New Statesman 'Tremendous.' Alwyn Turner, The Times 'Revelatory.' Simon Schama, Financial Times 'The gold standard of Beatles books.' Anthony Quinn, Observer 'As enthralling and astonishing as their music.' Jon Dennis, Sunday Telegraph 'A masterpiece.' Dylan Jones, Evening Standard '[Ian Leslie]...

"This book is about where I came from, what I fought against, and what I chose formyself. Fame can blur the truth; this is my attempt to bring it back into focus." A legendary actor and Hollywood Icon whose five-decade career spans film, television,and producing, Michael Douglas has won two Academy Awards, a BAFTA Award, fiveGolden Globes, a Primetime Emmy,...

In Ain't Nobody's Fool: The Life and Times of Dolly Parton, Martha Ackmann chronicles the life of an American Original. From her impoverished childhood in the Smoky Mountains to international stardom as a singer, songwriter, actress, businesswoman, and philanthropist, Dolly Parton has exceeded everyone's expectations except her own. During a time when the Beatles set the standard for contemporary music,...

The only official biography of fashion and film icon and humanitarian Audrey Hepburn, with the actress’s personal history, insights from her family about her philosophy of life, and an intimate picture of how she lived outside of the public eye. There are few celebrities of yesterday or today as iconic as Audrey Hepburn. From humble beginnings, growing up in the...

Get to know BTS: A Little Golden Book Biography — the South Korean K-pop group loved by millions of fans around the world — with this beautifully illustrated collectible Little Golden Book! BTS's popularity has grown larger than anyone could have imagined. This boy band's smash success story comes to life — from their early days together in South Korea,...

In his first memoir, beloved comedian and national treasure Bill Bailey shares stories of his life - and the animals he's met along the way. Bill Bailey has always had dogs, including a Patterdale terrier called Rocky who would travel with him in the van to his first shows and occasionally join him on stage. Fast forward a few decades...

The brilliantly funny, achingly nostalgic memoir of a life spent watching and writing, from the award-winning reviewer and bestselling author of Driving to Treblinka. Born to a Polish Holocaust survivor father and a 1950s Kiwi tradwife too busy to police her viewing, Diana Wichtel cut her teeth on the Golden Age of television. But in the 1960s, things fell apart....

Embark on an extraordinary journey through the life, music, and spiritual adventures of Yusuf/Cat Stevens, one of the iconic figures of our time. Cat On The Road To Findout is more than a memoir—it's a profound exploration of identity, faith, and the universal search for meaning. Cat Stevens was launched to fame in the swinging sixties, with chart-topping pop hits...

Michael Jackson's former bodyguards reveal the amazing truths of the late superstar's last years—his life with his children, his financial crises, and the weeks leading up to his shocking death. Hounded by the tabloid media, Michael Jackson spent his final years moving from city to city, living with his three children in virtual seclusion—a futile attempt to escape a world...

In the manner of George Plimpton's ground-breaking oral biographies of Truman Capote and Edie Sedgwick, this is the definitive oral biography of David Bowie told through over 180 carefully edited and curated original, exclusive interviews with those who knew Bowie best from school friends to global megastars. Shortlisted for the NME Best Music Book Award 2018 THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER...

From ARNIE to DOLLY, BLACKADDER to SCORSESE; GRAHAM NORTON to HARRY POTTER; the VAGINA MONOLOGUES to ZOOM, welcome back to the irrepressible and unstoppable world of Miriam Margolyes. Packed with her wit, wisdom and unfiltered stories, The Little Book of Miriam is a memory palace of Miriam's extraordinary life's standout moments, opinions and conclusions. Never forget that this is a...

THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER 'Connolly's raucous run through his life is as furious, funny and foul-mouthed as you'd expect' Sunday Times In December 2018, after fifty years of belly-laughs, energy, and outrage, Billy Connolly announced his retirement from live stand-up comedy. It had been an extraordinary career. When he first started out in the late sixties, Billy played the banjo...

Frida is an enthralling biography that delves deeply into the life of one of the twentieth century's most captivating and transformative artists, Frida Kahlo. Written by Hayden Herrera, this beautifully illustrated book takes readers on an intimate journey through Kahlo's complex and extraordinary existence. Born near Mexico City in 1907, Frida's early life was marked by the seismic shifts of...

The incredible story of how a couple of country kids from Huntly became much-loved Kiwi icons and TV stars, with their own unique brand of original country music and comedy that has captivated audiences in New Zealand and overseas for more than 40 years. Jools and Lynda Topp, aka The Topp Twins, tell this story in their own words, describing...

In this collection of personal essays, the beloved star of Gilmore Girls and Parenthood reveals stories about life, love, and working as a woman in Hollywood—along with behind-the-scenes dispatches from the set of the new Gilmore Girls, where she plays the fast-talking Lorelai Gilmore once again. With a new bonus chapter From the star of the much-loved television shows Gilmore...

'A story of resilience, pain and joy' - inews As stunt double to Daniel Radcliffe in the Harry Potter film franchise, stuntman David Holmes helped to move J.K. Rowling's era-defining story from the page to the big screen. His work as a real-life Fall Guy enabled him to create some of the most memorable action sequences in the Wizarding World,...

The long-awaited memoir of the legendary actor, for readers of Keith Richards' LIFE and Bruce Springsteen's BORN TO RUN. From one of the most iconic actors in the history of film, an astonishingly revelatory account of a creative life in full. To the wider world, Al Pacino exploded onto the scene like a supernova. He landed his first leading role,...

THE SUNDAY TIMES AND NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER A memoir of Tim Curry's life's work – including the iconic Dr. Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show – and a testament to his profound impact on the entertainment industry as we know it today. 'Riotous fun' Telegraph 'Searingly intimate...highly entertaining' New York Times 'A witty page-turner, full of life. Come...

A hilarious and heartwarming memoir of Monty Python legend Eric Idle's fifty-year quest to build the perfect home in Provence. 'Enchanting and hilarious' Stephen Fry In 1971, two years after the launch of Monty Python's Flying Circus made his comedy troupe global superstars—and made all their lives a little more complicated—Eric Idle decided to buy a ramshackle property in the...

People say to me, if you could do it all again, knowing what you know now, would you change anything? I'm like, f* no. If I'd been clean and sober, I wouldn't be Ozzy. If I'd done normal, sensible things, I wouldn't be Ozzy. Look, if it ends tomorrow, I can't complain. I've been all around the world. Seen a...

The definitive oral history of Pink Floyd as told by friends, associates, family members and the band themselves through exclusive, never before published interviews. Bestselling music author Mark Blake has been an associate and collaborator of Pink Floyd for over thirty years. Shine On takes on the behemoth task of capturing the most comprehensive history of the band ever compiled, drawing on...

The real, untold, and unvarnished story of life inside the legendary Playboy Mansion—and the man who holds the key—from the woman who was Hef’s #1 girlfriend and star of The Girls Next Door. A spontaneous decision at age twenty-one transformed small-town Oregon girl Holly Sue Cullen into Holly Madison, Hugh Hefner’s #1 girlfriend. But like Alice in Wonderland after she...

The long-awaited autobiography from Phil Collins, one of the bestselling music artists of all time. This is the rollercoaster journey from his beginnings as a child actor to his domination of the charts both as a solo artist and as part of Genesis. His success is astounding, his music has global reach and his story is legendary. In his own...

Walt Disney by Neal Gabler is an exhaustive and insightful biography that delves into the life of one of the most influential figures in entertainment history. Known for creating timeless animated classics that have illuminated the childhoods of millions, Disney's legacy extends beyond films to iconic theme parks and a colossal media empire. Neal Gabler, being the first author granted...

The Hollywood screen legend brings his wit, insight, entertaining stories and wisdom to answer questions about every aspect of his long life— inspiring us all to Be More Michael Caine. I'm always asked questions—by fans, by other actors and friends, by my grandchildren. They want to know how I've lasted so long, how I handle fame, why I chose to...

In this lavish retrospective authored by the icon himself, Elton John shares his fondest memories, most unforgettable moments, and previously untold stories from his record-breaking final tour. Farewell Yellow Brick Road is a full-colour celebration of Elton John's record-breaking, globe-spanning farewell tour—from the first show in Allentown, PA in 2018, to the final show in Stockholm in 2023. Featured concerts...

The New York Times bestseller, Elvis and Me by Priscilla Presley and Sandra Harmon, offers readers a revealing insider’s perspective on one of the most celebrated figures in music history. In this memoir, Priscilla Presley opens up about her life with the King of Rock 'n' Roll, from their fateful meeting to their deeply intertwined lives. This intimate narrative allows...

Born on the 2nd of June 1960 to Jamaican parents, Shaun is a Londoner born and bred, and has been a devoted Chelsea fan since 1967. From the age of 12, Shaun knew he wanted to be a barrister and was determined to make it. Despite one or two setbacks along the way, he finally managed to fulfil his childhood...

The definitive autobiography from Alice Cooper, the Godfather of Shock Rock and one of the world's most iconic musicians with a career spanning six decades. In the beginning, Alice Cooper was the name of a rock group. Then my stage name. And then a monster. Now I've written a book that tracks Alice's 'evilution', how he and I became almost...

From the beloved actor and star of Twin Peaks, Blue Velvet and Sex and the City comes a candid and deeply personal memoir. In this highly anticipated memoir, the beloved actor and star of Twin Peaks, Blue Velvet, Sex and the City and more shares his utterly original account of his offbeat journey in Hollywood, his battles with fear and...

Gold Logie-nominated TV personality and food icon Melissa Leong bites down on her demons in this searing memoir, exploring themes of abuse in the hospitality industry, racism, mental health and, for a light palate cleanser, the thrill of mouth-wateringly memorable food. Most of all, she inspires the courage to create a life you really, really want. From Melissa Leong (aka...

"The new Chris Cornell biography is the book his legacy deserves." —Kerrang! "Reiff unearths plenty of unexpected details and novel anecdotes…but the book is perhaps most valuable for the way it rounds out and humanises this man who managed to keep so many of his cards close to the vest despite decades in the spotlight." —Variety Total F*cking Godhead brings...

In the Little People, Big Dreams series, discover the lives of outstanding people, from designers and artists to scientists. All of them went on to achieve incredible things, yet all of them began life as a little child with a dream. This book follows the life of Audrey Hepburn, from her early life during World War Two, to ballet school,...

The first major biography of Oscar Wilde in thirty years, Oscar by Matthew Sturgis, stands as the definitive account of Wilde's extraordinary life and times. This meticulously researched biography paints a vivid portrait of the legendary wit, playwright, and aesthete, capturing the paradoxes and complexities that defined his existence. From his meteoric rise to fame as a beloved figure of...