Nine Eight Books snaps up Michael Head's memoir

Nine Eight Books, the dedicated music imprint of Bonnier Books UK, has acquired Ciao Ciao Bambino, Michael Head’s lyrical memoir. 

Pete Selby, publishing director, acquired world all-language rights directly from Head and his manager and daughter Alice. Ciao Ciao Bambino will be published in hardback, audiobook and e-book by Nine Eight Books on 15th August 2024. 

The publisher described Ciao Ciao Bambino as “an astonishing story of the healing power of music, family and love”. 

The blurb reads: “We follow the adventurous Mick through his childhood in 1960s Liverpool, the formation of the critically acclaimed The Pale Fountains, the roller-coaster ups and downs of Shack and a cast of musical luminaries including Arthur Lee and Love, Noel Gallagher, Ian Broudie and many more.” 

Selby said: “Mick Head is one of our greatest living artists. A soulful poet, a chronicler of life’s darker recesses and a big-hearted celebrant of all its magical beauty, Ciao Ciao Bambino captures everything on the page that has coursed through Mick’s astonishing musical body of work.

“That he is alive, well and enjoying the greatest success of his 40-year career is testament to those who love him and the high regard he is held in. That we are lucky enough to publish his frank and uncompromising story is an honour.”  

Head said: “When I first met Pete, I had no intention of writing my autobiography. People had asked several times but my answer was always the same – I’m not done yet. But I’ve loved every bit of the unravelling of my memories.

“When that happens, I think you can start understanding who you really are. But what it’s ultimately shown me, is that with the power of love, family and friendships, there is always light at the end of the tunnel." 

Head was born in Liverpool in 1961 and is still based there. He formed The Pale Fountains with Chris McCaffrey in 1980, Shack with brother John, Ian Templeton and Pete Wilkinson in 1988 and the Red Elastic Band in 2013. This year is the 40th anniversary of the release of The Pale Fountains’ debut, “Pacific Street”. "Loophole" will be Head’s 11th studio album.