Third Place Books is thrilled to welcome author and musician Steve Turner for a discussion of his new book, Mud Ride: A Messy Trip Through the Grunge Explosion. Turner will be joined in conversation by Jonathan Evison, the local author of Lawn Boy, Small World, and the forthcoming novel Again and Again. This event is free and open to the public. Registration is required in advance.
This event will include a public signing and time for audience Q&A. Sustain our author series by purchasing a copy of the featured book!
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In the late 80s and early 90s, Steve Turner and his friends—Seattle skate punks, hardcore kids, and assorted misfits—started forming bands in each other’s basements and accidentally created a unique sound that spread far beyond their once-sleepy city. Mud Ride offers an inside look at the tight-knit grunge scene, the musical influences and experiments that shaped the grunge sound, and the story of Turner's bands, Green River and Mudhoney, which went from underground flophouse shows to selling out stadiums with Nirvana and Pearl Jam. Including stories about the key moments, musicians, and albums from grunge's beginnings to its come-down from the highs of global success and stardom, this is the first account of the musical phenomenon that took over the world from someone who was there for it all.
Written by Steve Turner, lead guitarist of Mudhoney, a foundational grunge band that inspired musical icons from Kurt Cobain to Sonic Youth, Mud Ride features a foreword by Pearl Jam's Stone Gossard and never-before-seen photographs and grunge memorabilia throughout. Take a seat and ride through the messy and muddy grunge scene that grew from the basements of the Northwest and went on to circle the globe.
“Mud Ride is a rollercoaster of a music memoir, at turns clear-eyed and madcap, quirky, surprising, and always propulsive. Turner offers us an insider’s account of the genesis of the Seattle sound and ethos, full of humor, pathos, and the sort of historical nuggets music fans cherish.”
—Jonathan Evison, author of Small World
“Honest, smart, wry, and filled with a deep musical detail and analysis you won’t get from anyone else.”
—Charles R. Cross, author of Heavier Than Heaven: A Biography of Kurt Cobain
“Mud Ride is an essential document—a history of the aesthetic, style, and language of what came to be known as grunge from one of its spiritual and intellectual founders.”
—Greg Vandy, KEXP Seattle host and author of 26 Songs in 30 Days
“[Mud Ride], with its insider’s perspective, takes music fanatics on an enjoyable romp through the grunge heyday.”
—Library Journal
Steve Turner is the guitarist and cofounder of seminal Seattle grunge band Mudhoney. He lives in Portland, Oregon.
Jonathan Evison is the author of the novels All About Lulu; West of Here; The Revised Fundamentals of Caregiving; This Is Your Life, Harriet Chance!; Lawn Boy; Legends of the North Cascades; and Small World. He lives with his wife and family in Washington State.
Want a signed edition of the featured book, but can't make it to the event? Order through our website or over the phone, and write your request for a signature or personalization in the comments field at checkout. Please call the hosting store if you're placing your order within 24 hours of the event.
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