WISDOM
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This book is not Hollywood, it’s not fiction, it’s not a whole bunch of words that mean nothing. IT’S VERY REAL!!
Thought-provoking Prose, and Boundless Imagination
It’s not easy to write down your life for the whole world to see. In facts it’s extremely scary. I spent nearly 20 years Jotting down trues stories, musical highs and lows, divorces and heartbreak, family business and looking for new chapters in one’s life.
Did I find what I was looking for? Did I accomplish my goals, how many years was I searching. Where am I now? That’s for you to discover when you read this memoir or listen to my personal Audio version.
Stories, Sparkling Conversations, Inspiring Change
My stories are varied. From simple childhood memories in ‘Post War’ Britain’ in the 50’s. The 1960’s music explosion known as the ‘British Invasion’ to the Honkytonk bars in Texas, and everything else in between, life was never slow.
You never know who you are going to meet. That person could change everything you thought was your destiny. Take you on a different path and career where you could wind up totally upside down. On the other hand, life could take you to your wildest dreams, those dreams that I strived for. (Choices).
Gary Swinard Book Recommendations
My memoir is life, twisting and turning at almost every step. It’s not just about the title of the book ‘Guitar Man’. It’s about the rollercoaster of life learning and namely in my case engaging in my most precious passion, music. My decisions, regardless of their outcomes, and the impact they had on others. During my teenage years, my guitar was central to my life and influenced many aspects of my personal development. The guitar was like part of my soul.
I wanted to share my story as many of you may identify your life with some of my life’s experiences. You are not alone in this department.
62 YEARS OF TRUE STAGE PERFORMANCE & EXPERIENCE
From 1963 to 2025 the years have just flown by, where did they all go? Though I knocked on the door of musical fame, it illuded me time and time again. Treading the boards on all sorts of stages from local village halls to Wembley, Disneyland Paris, Daytona Speedway, Nashville Opryland, Bally’s Las Vegas, The Ritz Carlton, The Savoy, The Café Royal, The Lord Mayor of London’s Ball, Cruise Ships and European Cities to name but just a few.
FICTIONAL REALM
Little did I know that at the age of just 15 I would be sharing the stage with so many famous iconic pop and rock stars of yesterday who are still touring today. It still seems fictional but was very real.
Inspiring Memoirs
I have just listed a few out of some 43 or so top hit musicians and groups of the day. Amen Corner, The Barron Knights, Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band’, Billy J Kramer, Brian Pool & The Tremolos, The Tremolos, Cliff Bennet & The Rebel Rousers, Deep Purple, Long John Baldry and the Steam Packet, The Fortunes, The Kinks, Uriah Heap, The Zombies, The Troggs, Ten Years After, Status Quo, The Love Affair, Jethro Tull, The Easy Beats, Jimmy James and the Vagabonds, The Searchers, Sweet, Mud, The Pretty Things, Freddie and the Dreamers and early Genisis.
There are many more great memories, especially rubbing shoulders and jamming with Jeff Beck and Noel Redding (Bassist for Jimmy Hendrix).
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Reviews: Insights from Gary Swinard's Admirers
Delve into the words of those who have been inspired, enlightened and transformed by Gary’s contributions to literature, podcasting and beyond. Join us as we celebrate the impact of Gary’s remarkable career through the words of his admirers.
Steve Hughes
Lifelong Friend
“Gary Swinard’s memoirs and musical career are celebrated through heartfelt reflections from lifelong friend Steve Hughes, who recalls their adventurous childhood together during the 1950s and 1960s, highlighting shared experiences such as cycling, playing outdoors, and youthful mischief, expressing confidence that Gary’s memoirs will be fascinating.”
Susan Hopkins
Sue Hutchinson (Formerly Sue Hopkins)
I have fond memories of listening to Gary’s group ‘The Young Ones’ back in the 60s. We grew up in what is known as the ‘Garden of England, Kent. We were teenagers and going to local dances with Gary’s band pounding out amazing songs of the day. Everyone was in awe of their talent and we girls had great evenings dancing in our ‘Mini Skirts,’ the height of fashion back then. Gary has had a long and full career with the support and backing of his family. This is a brilliant book and a must read!
Maureen Skinner
Maurine Hollinrake (Formerly Maurine Skinner)
Having just read a small part of Gary’s book, I am now eager to read more. Gary is a well-loved musician and I’m sure his book will live up to all expectations.
Andy Keeley
Andy Keeley Lead Guitarist, ‘Couriers’ Tristam Shandy and The Noel Redding Band
I first met Gary when he was fourteen years old when visiting his brother to find a bass player. I had just moved to Ashford from Hampshire. We talked for quite a while and found a connection in music and especially playing guitar. A year later at fifteen he joined our band ‘The Couriers’ as rhythm guitarist. His input was exceptional as there was little, he could not do. His harmonies were spot on as was his guitar playing for one so young. We are talking about 1966 and later he became a formidable bass player. Our time together was precious with many stories. We recorded with Noel Redding (Jimmy Hendrix) some original songs written by Dave Trott
John Tracey
John Tracey Professional Bass Player
I have known Gary as a musician and friend for a very long time. We shared the stage on many occasions together. I remember the fun with the band Los Tremendous’ in the early 90’s. On keys we had Steve Cameron who toured the world with ‘Hot Chocolate’ Ian Shawcross with his ‘British Trained Marine Band” brass section, me on bass and Gary on lead guitar. “Gary is known for his energetic guitar solos and I’ll never forget the night we played to a packed house at The County Hotel Ashford Kent. Gary’s solos on our song list had everyone on their feet.”
Joe Bolero
Joe Bolero Professional Sax Player for the touring Blues Brothers Show and his work with Don Henley
Being a professional Sax player, I have worked with many musicians in my life and I’m proud to say Gary is one of them. His dedication to playing with the best, has brought him a long way when he relocated to Florida in 2001. I also had the pleasure of being on several of his albums that were mainly of the easy listening type. Whether it be Blue’s, Rock or just a simple melody his guitar playing always made me smile. I’m so glad to hear that he has written his memoirs on different platforms, especially his Authors Audio version. Him being English his voice is totally engaging.
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