Adam Norsworthy, widely recognised as one of the most respected figures on the UK’s grassroots music scene, has released a new book titled Stage By Stage: A Life in Twelve Gigs. Best known as a founding member of leading blues-rock outfit The Milk Men, Norsworthy steps away from the microphone to put pen to paper in this entertaining and poignant memoir.
Stage By Stage offers a unique structural approach to the autobiography format. Rather than a standard chronological plod, the narrative is anchored by twelve specific gigs that Norsworthy has either played or attended. These pivotal moments serve as markers that shaped the subsequent chapters of his life, both as a dedicated musician and as a man.
The timeline spans an impressive four decades, taking the reader on a journey from his first — and by all accounts disastrous — live performance in the USA at the tender age of nine, right through to his successful charity fundraising celebration of British Blues at the O2 in 2025. It is described not just as a biography, but as a funny, frank, and moving love letter to live music and the passionate people who ensure the show must go on, situated in that fascinating reality midway between superstardom and obscurity.
The book has already garnered praise from industry veterans. Mick Brown, author of Tearing Down the Wall of Sound: The Rise and Fall of Phil Spector, calls it:
“A highly entertaining, illuminating and heartfelt account of the ups, downs and ups again of a rock and roll obsessive, by the leader of one of Britain’s finest blues bands.”
Legendary record producer Jon Astley adds that “Adam has crossed the bridge between writing songs and writing a book delightfully.”
Aside from his literary endeavours, Norsworthy’s band The Milk Men have secured number one singles and albums and received countless award nominations. He is also the founder of the annual Milkfest charity concert at the O2. Last year the event raised thousands for the Brain Tumour Charity, with this year’s event supporting Dementia UK.
Stage By Stage: A Life in Twelve Gigs is out now in paperback via Amazon KDP Publishing, with a Kindle version set to follow shortly.
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