It's here! Browse the 2024 Penguin Christmas gift guide
You Don't Have To Say You Love Me

You Don't Have To Say You Love Me

Summary

You probably know Simon Napier-Bell as the manager of the Yardbirds. Or you may know him as the man who managed Marc Bolan, or Japan. You should definitely know him as the man who managed Wham! And if none of these rings a bell, maybe you'll remember him as the man who co-wrote 'You Don't Have To Say You Love Me' for Dusty Springfield.

You Don't Have To Say You Love Me is one of the funniest books you will read and equally provoking. From his revelation that the entire music industry was motivated by sex, to an embarrassing come-on from a suicidal Brian Epstein, it's all shocking stuff. But when you're on the run from the German police with Marc Bolan, brothel-hopping with Keith Moon and generally living the life of Riley at the music industry's expense, it would be a shame not to share those amazing experiences with the rest of the world, wouldn't it?

Of all the great pop-music books written, it is worth savouring You Don't Have To Say You Love Me for its brilliant sideways insight into one of the most exciting cultural periods Britain has ever seen.

Reviews

  • An entertaining old-school romp through the Swinging Sixties...cracking anecdotes that leave you wondering how anyone who was at the heart of the sixties scene is still breathing...all good, irresponsible fun
    Independent on Sunday

About the author

Simon Napier-Bell

Simon Napier-Bell has been a film composer, songwriter, record producer, and author, but he is perhaps best known for having managed such artists as The Yardbirds, Marc Bolan, T Rex, Japan and Wham! Under his management, Wham! became the first Western pop group to ever play in Communist China in the 80s.

He is the author of three other books about the music industry: You Don't Have to Say You Love Me, Black Vinyl White Powder, and I'm Coming to Take You to Lunch. He is a director of Papa Entertainments PLC and of Snap-B Music, and continues to consult, write and broadcast on the music industry.
Learn More

Sign up to the Penguin Newsletter

For the latest books, recommendations, author interviews and more