Talk Talk book launch night + Spirit of Eden playback

A special evening to celebrate the music of Talk Talk – and to launch a new, updated edition of ‘A Perfect Silence’, Ben Wardle’s acclaimed biography of their leader, the late Mark Hollis.

Ben’s book is the first in-depth biography of Hollis, tracing his intriguing creative progress from synthpop hitmaker to ambient post-rock innovator. Published in 2021, A Perfect Silence was described as ‘Beautiful’ by Stewart Maconie in Radio Times, while journalist Jude Rogers said it had “a revelation on every page”.

Many more friends and collaborators of Hollis have been interviewed for the new edition of the book, which Ben will be introducing at the Boston Room in conversation with journalist Duncan Steer. There will also be a playback of Talk Talk’s classic album Spirit of Eden, recreating the studio atmosphere in which it was recorded – in darkness with the room lit only by abstract images from an oil projector.

We are delighted that Phill Brown, engineer of Talk Talk's last two albums (including Spirit of Eden) and Mark Hollis' solo album will be joining us at the show. In his long career, Phill has also worked in the studio with Bob Marley, Led Zeppelin, the Rolling Stones and Roxy Music.

Ben and Phill will be in conversation with journalist Duncan Steer, previously host of many special Q&A nights with guests including Nick Lowe, Baxter Dury, Pat Nevin, Don Letts and Nick Banks.

There will be a chance to ask your own questions and Ben and Phill will be signing books after the event.

You can read more about the original edition of the book at: Mark Hollis: A Perfect Silence | Rocket 88 (rocket88books.com)

The first 25 tickets are £13 and we have a special offer on an Early Bird ticket-and-book bundle of £28 (RRP of the book is £25). Full price tickets will be £15, book/ticket offer: £30.

The Boston Room is the lovely cabaret space behind the George IV on Chiswick High Road - five minutes' walk from Turnham Green tube station on the District line.