Gene Vincent and Eddie Cochran: Rock N Roll Revolutionaries
by John Collis
Category: Biography & Autobiography

The UK tour by Eddie Cochran and Gene Vincent early in 1960 marked a defining moment in British popular culture. It signalled the end of the monochrome 1950s and heralded the 'Swinging Sixties'. It put rock'n'roll on the map, paving the way for the Beatles, Merseybeat and the 'British invasion' of America. Cochran and Vincent were unlikely friends. Eddie was a West Coast pin-up, prodigiously talented as a guitarist, singer, songwriter and producer. Gene, on the other hand, was a crippled, gun-toting alcoholic, a devil with the voice of an angel and the most potent image in rock'n'roll, that of the dangerous, black leather rebel. Their influence has been felt ever since, from the Sex Pistols to the Jam and the Clash, in songs such as 'Summertime Blues' and 'Be Bop a Lula'. fascinating story of these two men, who defined not just the rock'n'roll way of life but its way of death too: Eddie died prematurely in a crash, with Gene eventually losing a long fight against drugs, drink and despair. Among rock'n'roll fans Eddie and Gene are revered like no one else, even Elvis and Buddy Holly. And yet their story has never been properly told - until now.