Fierce Dancing - Adventures in the Underground by CJ Stone.
ISBN 0-571-17630-5. Published by Faber and Faber.
Price £6.99 (UK)/$10.95 (USA).
Reviewed by Steve Andrews.

Highly acclaimed Guardian and Big Issue columnist CJ Stone makes his debut in the world of books with this paperback, and what a classic it is. This one will appeal to anyone interested in counter-culture, and also to a wide selection of music lovers. Penny Rimbaud, famed for his work with Crass, talks to the author about the life and tragic death of Wally Hope, and his involvement with the Stonehenge Free Festies. This chapter is both fascinating and very revealing about the background of the originator of Stonehenge festivals.

Another chapter is devoted to Nik Turner (ex-Hawkwind), talking about his work with various bands, experiences on the road and his philosophies and attitudes towards life. Elsewhere, Rose Simpson, who was once part of The Incredible String Band, and more recently Lady Mayoress of Aberystwyth, discusses the band, acid, cults and scientology in particular, and all of this is found in a chapter featuring and based around none other than your book reviewer, namely me.

CJ takes us from the late 60s up until now, detailing some of his travels and experiences with various people he has known who are part of the British underground and alternative society. He writes with a very frank, no holds barred, "bugs 'n' all" style, giving both sides of the story, sometimes making a point but usually tempered with a great sense of humour that had me in stitches. The book is semi-autobiographical but peopled with many very likeable characters and rogues. Written in the best tradition of "the beats", it is fast paced and the kind of book you don't want to put down.

Other people and topics covered include King Arthur, Debby of Advance Party, Castlemorton and The Mother raves, inside a road protest camp, the Battle of the Beanfield, Teepee Valley, drugs, drink and partying.

Fierce Dancing is a brilliant work, probably the best book I've read in years and I do a lot of reading. Get it, read it and, as they say, enjoy!

Housing Benefit Hill in the Guardian weekend supplement, also written by CJ Stone is also very highly recommended.

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