Sugar
Gravy
Pleasure
Sugar, Gravy, Pleasure: An Indie Odyssey in Peterborough
Publication date: 28th July, 2024
Growing up in Peterborough, voted the ‘worst place to live in England & the UK’, certainly had its challenges. But a love for Nick Cave’s band and a passion for indie music launched the author, Pete Elderkin, on a series of extraordinary events while following a dream to reach that holy grail for rock groups, a BBC Radio One John Peel session. Sugar, Gravy, Pleasure details the ups and downs of being in the wrong place and time while trying to DJ and run an exciting alternative music club in a what seemed a hostile, provincial environment.
This is a wry, self-deprecating memoir set over eleven years and telling the true story of The Sugar Club and how it, improbably, became one of the longest running club nights in the UK. It captures, with first-hand contributors, the fun experiences and social history of the unique 1990s and 2000s, when the grunge and Britpop scenes came from out of nowhere to the forefront of the UK music scene.
"I loved it. A beautiful, big-hearted book. Sugar, Gravy, Pleasure is a love letter to a lost time when music was at the centre of the universe." Tony Parsons, music journalist and best selling author.
About the Author
Pete Elderkin was born in Peterborough and moved to Auckland, New Zealand in 2002, where he works in the profit for purpose sector. He lives with his wife Jane and their boys Nate and Alfred.
Keep up to date with the news
Review by Tony Parsons, UK.
Music journalist and best selling author review.
"I loved it. A beautiful, big-hearted book about being a young, working class kid finding life, joy and the best music you ever heard in the most unlikeliest of places. 'Sugar, Gravy, Pleasure' is a love letter to a lost time when music was at the centre of the universe."
The Pleasureheads story, captured in a dedicated chapter
Photo - Melody Maker interview with Ian Gittens
Excerpt from Radio New Zealand interview with Emile Donovan on 'Nights' programme.
24 October 2024
UK paperback purchasing or audiobook / ebooks
Interview on Radio New Zealand, 24 October 2024
Emile Donovan 'Nights'show
Best of British magazine review
September 2024 edition
NZ personal book orders or distribution information
Paperbacks available in store in Unity books, central Auckland or Dear Reader bookshop in Grey Lynn, Auckland.
For all personal or trade NZ Book orders or distribution enquiries, please contact :[email protected]
RRP - Paperback's in store $23 NZD.
Pete's local bookstore stocks & supports the book:-
Dear Reader, 436 Richmond road, Auckland, NZ.
Or Unity books, 19 High street, Auckland stock paperback copies.
Feature article in Scoop, NZ
September 2024
Feature article in The Moment magazine.
September 2024 edition
Pete Elderkin's choice of the Best Books on British Rock Music Icons
The top five book recommendations.
First reader reviews - August '24
Amazon 5 star reviews
Peterborough Today newspaper
July 2024
ESP magazine
June 2024
Sugar club book launch
Thursday, 1 August
Get ready to celebrate the launch of the Sugar Club book. A book is included in the admission price. 6pm for a 6.30 pm start for one hour. The Met Lounge, Bridge Street, Peterborough, UK