Rocking Surrey: A History of Suburban Rock ‘n’ Roll with English author Neil Mach
‘Rockin’ Surrey’ native Neil Mach enjoys bragging about being born in the same year as the opening of The Cavern Club, Elvis’s legendary Jailhouse rock, and the fortuitous meeting of Lennon & McCartney at a church fete.
During his early school years, Neil received training in ballet, tap dancing, and stage performance. As a result, he made appearances on stage and in numerous renowned musicals.
In the early years of the disco ‘revolution’ in the mid-1970s, Neil established a mobile disco with his friends from Surrey. Their disco was a triumph!
Neil transitioned into rock writing after leaving public service and has since gained global recognition as a talented author/journalist. He established the ‘Rock Pen’ school to mentor aspiring music writers and has contributed to numerous respected magazines, newsletters, and blogs. Neil has attended countless music festivals and concerts, written thousands of reviews, and interviewed many renowned figures from various music genres.
In 2021, he conducted research and curated a highly acclaimed exhibition on the ‘Coronation Charts’ - the pioneering pop charts in British music history that emerged during Queen Elizabeth II’s ascent to the throne. The exhibition was accompanied by an informative talk.
In 2024, he successfully curated a pop-up exhibition that highlighted rock & pop in 1969.
The author’s 45-60 minute illustrated talk, Rocking Surrey: A History of Suburban Rock ‘n’ Roll, uncovers why the County of Surrey has been a hub for rock artists.
He provides an explanation for why he believes leafy suburbia has produced such talented individuals. Surrey has been home to the world’s greatest musicians, from punk rock legends to progressive rock heroes, and even supergroups like the Beatles and the Rolling Stones.
This talk will definitely make audiences laugh and reminisce, and they'll be amazed at some of the connections this speaker uncovers.
Prepare to be amazed by the personal history of popular music and unexpected revelations in his Rocking Surrey talk.
Links: https://www.facebook.com/author.neilmach https://www.neilmachauthor.com
Views: 1566 | Enquiries: 6Neil Mach is considered highly skilled in the art of public speaking.
It doesn’t matter how big or small your audience is, this speaker has delivered his entertaining illustrated presentations to audiences large & small, from theatres to living rooms, from care homes to first schools!
Neil has given his amazing presentations to community groups, Probus clubs, W.I. meetings, U3A groups, care homes, schools, colleges, and neighbourhood associations big-and-small for over five years.
With over 20 books written, Neil is a published ethical author and he describes himself as a ‘hippy grandad' and 'community historian.'
His home is Staines by the River Thames but Neil is willing to travel in the South-East and the Thames Valley and has given his slideshow talks in Leicester, Birmingham, South Kent, and North Bedfordshire.
After retiring from over 35 years in public service, Neil became an internationally recognized author/journalist in the music industry. He founded the ‘Rock Pen’ school to nurture aspiring music writers and made valuable contributions to various esteemed publications, newsletters, and blogs.
During 2021, Neil curated a highly acclaimed exhibition on the ‘Coronation Charts’, which marked the beginning of the pop record charts in British music history. In 2024, Neil arranged a temporary exhibition that focused on Led Zeppelin in 1969. He later conducted presentations on the same subject, and wrote a book on the 'history of suburban rock 'n' roll'.
Neil hosts his own podcast show (now in its fifth year, with over 125 episodes broadcast) and he makes regular appearances on TV and frequent guest appearances on radio and podcast.
If you need him quickly Neil is often available at short notice (less than a week).
Neil is aware of the financial constraints of small community groups and associations, so he offers his illustrated talks for free, but he'd appreciate a reasonable contribution towards his travel expenses.
Neil brings mementos, artifacts, costumes (!) and ephemera with him to aid in triggering audience memories. He also provides his own equipment.
What audiences are saying...
"Grateful thanks for your entertaining and informative presentation on Wednesday. It really was enjoyed and much appreciated!"
"Thank you so much for your talk today. It was just what we wanted..."
"Lots of great feedback today Neil. We’d love to have you back..."
"I just wanted to thank you again for your talk. I had some great feedback, everyone found your talk interesting & entertaining..."
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Links:
https://www.facebook.com/author.neilmach
https://www.neilmachauthor.com/
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