When contacted a few months ago by author Dave Philpott he kindly told me all about his forthcoming book release Dear Mr Pop Star and I was immediately intrigued thanks to it’s unique concept. Having agreed to take part in the Blog Tour for it’s release I couldn’t wait to get reading and it didn’t disappoint! Many thanks to Dave and Derek Philpott for allowing me to be part of this wonderful tour. So here is my review; I hope you enjoy it!
About The Book
For more than a decade, Derek Philpott and his son, Dave, have been writing deliberately deranged letters to pop stars from the 1960s to the 90s to take issue with the lyrics of some of their best-known songs. They miss the point as often as they hit it.
But then, to their great surprise, the pop stars started writing back…
Dear Mr Pop Star contains 100 of Derek and Dave’s greatest hits, including correspondence with Katrina and the Waves, Tears for Fears, Squeeze, The Housemartins, Suzi Quatro, Devo, Deep Purple, Nik Kershaw, T’Pau, Human League, Eurythmics, Wang Chung, EMF, Mott the Hoople, Heaven 17, Jesus Jones, Johnny Hates Jazz, Carter the Unstoppable Sex Machine, Chesney Hawkes and many, many more.
Review
When I first heard about this book I knew it was going to be something special as the concept was something I haven’t seen done before. I wasn’t wrong, this book is perfect for avid music fans and comedy lovers alike and I thoroughly enjoyed devouring it!
I’m sure with modern day communication the art of writing fan mail to famous people is something of a dying art, though if you are ‘getting on’ a bit like me you’ll probably have written at least one in your time. However, Derek and Dave Philpott have taken this concept to a new level, writing hundreds of letters to pop stars of varying genre filling them with witty observations about their band names and cleverly picking apart their lyrics.
Crazily they began to receive responses from the stars with equally entertaining and hilarious responses which the duo decided to compile to create this book. Many of the bands and songs were familiar to me, however I did have to seek out some of the music and give it a listen to help understand all the references. Whilst lots of the letters sent were rewarded with a response the book intersperses them with a handful of those that weren’t so lucky, and these were equally genius!
Dear Mr Pop Star would be the perfect coffee table book to pick and delve into when you need a little chuckle! It would also make an ideal gift, I know my Dad would love this book it’s right up his street. Well worth bearing in mind when you are racking your brain for gift ideas this Christmas
Dear Mr Pop Star is available to purchase from Amazon*
*This post contains affiliate links
**I was gifted a copy of this book in return for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Fraser’s Fun House 
Melanie
Thank you so much for this beautiful critique of our bonkers bonk. We find it delightful that you should so succinctly note the pop music/comedy hybrid attraction of our tome and our revival of that archaic 10-20th Century medium of letter writing.
It is crazy that we received responses but for that we thank our wonderful online community, and, to add to the experience we are delighted to submit for your delectation.. The Dear Mr Pop Star in order and everything done by a fan with too much time on his hands playlist! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0MlvwncmMXbeVL9eg1g9lR
In conclusion, thank you, thank you thank you!! It’s been a delight corresponding with you in the weeks and weeks leading to this glorious appraisal and you have been encouraging and supportive throughout. Just massive kudos not just for spending your valuable time and assets, but also for such a sublime critique that delves right to the essence and heart of our insane little world… Best and Highest, Dave and Dad Philpott
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I love the idea of this book, it sounds so much fun! Ha ha, that’s amazing that the bands started to reply to them, I imagine the responses were so funny. I’m definitely intrigued now as to what Derek and Dave have said in these letters and what the witty replies were! This would be a fab gift idea, I think my dad would appreciate this and I really love the bright and vibrant cover too. Thanks for sharing Melanie ❤ xx
Bexa | http://www.hellobexa.com
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It is amazing Bexa if you love music it’s well worth a read! My Dad is music obsessed and I know he would live this!
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