If you like your music and are looking for a book that celebrates LGBTQI legends then 50 Queer Music Icons is the one for you. This is the first book from former Presets manager, Will Larnach-Jones. It was recently launched at APRA’s headquarters in Sydney. The AU’s Natalie Salvo brings you the five things you need to know about this exciting new title.
1. Will Larnach-Jones was obsessed with pop music from the ages of seven to eight years old. He believes music was much more tribalistic back then. These days he enjoys a range of different artists. When he was asked about who he’d invite to an imaginary dinner party he said: Troye Sivan, Elton John, Sylvester, Boy George and Rob Halford of Judas Priest.
2. This book is illustrated by Michele Rosenthal, a New Yorker who specialises in colourful vector graphics. By her own admission, she drinks tea constantly and plays trivia poorly.
3. The subjects chosen for this book are ones that always had one foot in the queer camp. You get legends like Freddie Mercury and George Michael alongside contemporary figures like Rufus Wainwright, Beth Ditto and Frank Ocean.
4. Larnach-Jones is an English literature major. He has previously written artist biographies and these skills came in handy when trying to put down the most important information for each entry.
5. Audiences are naturally curious and everyone has an interesting fan story. For Larnach-Jones he remembers that a friend of his once asked Boy George for an autograph. The former Culture Club front man had written down, “Boy George F**k You,” as you do.
Will Larnach-Jones’ 50 Queer Music Icons is out now through Hardie Grant Books.
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