Tragic Magic: The Life of Traffic's Chris Wood

Biography & Memoir
Cover of the book Tragic Magic: The Life of Traffic's Chris Wood by Dan Ropek, Bennion Kearny
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Dan Ropek ISBN: 9781910773338
Publisher: Bennion Kearny Publication: May 25, 2016
Imprint: Smashwords Edition Language: English
Author: Dan Ropek
ISBN: 9781910773338
Publisher: Bennion Kearny
Publication: May 25, 2016
Imprint: Smashwords Edition
Language: English

Traffic was the most enigmatic British band of their day. Formed in early 1967 by Chris Wood, Steve Winwood, Jim Capaldi and Dave Mason, they rejected the bright lights of London, in favor of a run-down, supposedly haunted, cottage in the country – a place to live communally and write music.

With Chris especially intent on channeling the vibes of England’s landscape into their sound, days would be spent getting high, exploring, playing and working in varying proportions. Against all odds this eccentric model paid off – songs such as “Dear Mr. Fantasy” and “John Barleycorn Must Die” would lift Traffic into the upper echelons of the rock world.

As they brushed shoulders with Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles and the Grateful Dead, and with Dave dropping in and out of the band, Traffic’s music evolved from a synthesis of Steve’s innate musicality, Jim’s atmospheric lyrics and Chris’s special brand of congenial mysticism. Record sales boomed and tours carried them back and forth across the Atlantic, everything seemed to be going to plan – a dreamlike fairy tale come true.

But for Chris, a toll would be exacted.

Amid the clashing egos, wearing road trips, stressful break ups and a complex personal life, he vacillated precariously between bursts of exquisite creativity and torrents of self-destruction; a paradoxical dance which continued until his death in 1983. For a man who found artistic expression everything, and for whom suffering for it was an expectation, Chris would stare fully into the Medusa’s face of the music industry, paying a higher price than perhaps any of his contemporaries.

Researched and written over a ten-year period, “Tragic Magic” offers the only definitive account of Traffic’s story and Chris Wood’s quietly extraordinary life.

Please Note: this eBook version of Tragic Magic does not contain the photographs found in the print version.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Traffic was the most enigmatic British band of their day. Formed in early 1967 by Chris Wood, Steve Winwood, Jim Capaldi and Dave Mason, they rejected the bright lights of London, in favor of a run-down, supposedly haunted, cottage in the country – a place to live communally and write music.

With Chris especially intent on channeling the vibes of England’s landscape into their sound, days would be spent getting high, exploring, playing and working in varying proportions. Against all odds this eccentric model paid off – songs such as “Dear Mr. Fantasy” and “John Barleycorn Must Die” would lift Traffic into the upper echelons of the rock world.

As they brushed shoulders with Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles and the Grateful Dead, and with Dave dropping in and out of the band, Traffic’s music evolved from a synthesis of Steve’s innate musicality, Jim’s atmospheric lyrics and Chris’s special brand of congenial mysticism. Record sales boomed and tours carried them back and forth across the Atlantic, everything seemed to be going to plan – a dreamlike fairy tale come true.

But for Chris, a toll would be exacted.

Amid the clashing egos, wearing road trips, stressful break ups and a complex personal life, he vacillated precariously between bursts of exquisite creativity and torrents of self-destruction; a paradoxical dance which continued until his death in 1983. For a man who found artistic expression everything, and for whom suffering for it was an expectation, Chris would stare fully into the Medusa’s face of the music industry, paying a higher price than perhaps any of his contemporaries.

Researched and written over a ten-year period, “Tragic Magic” offers the only definitive account of Traffic’s story and Chris Wood’s quietly extraordinary life.

Please Note: this eBook version of Tragic Magic does not contain the photographs found in the print version.

More books from Bennion Kearny

Cover of the book Orkney Visitor's Guide 2017 [Travel Series] by Dan Ropek
Cover of the book Just Carry On Breathing: A Year Surviving Suicide and Widowhood by Dan Ropek
Cover of the book The Laurel and Hardy Legacy: Sitcom Stars Talk Stan and Ollie by Dan Ropek
Cover of the book Universality | The Blueprint for Soccer's New Era: How Germany and Pep Guardiola are showing us the Future Football Game by Dan Ropek
Cover of the book Deliberate Soccer Practice: 50 Passing & Possession Football Exercises to Improve Decision-Making by Dan Ropek
Cover of the book The Successful Golfer: Practical Fixes for the Mental Game of Golf by Dan Ropek
Cover of the book Soccer Tough 2: Advanced Psychology Techniques for Footballers by Dan Ropek
Cover of the book How to Have a Baby and Not Lose Your Shit by Dan Ropek
Cover of the book The Way Forward: Solutions to England's Football Failings by Dan Ropek
Cover of the book 20 Minute Golf Tune-Up: Concentration and Nerves by Dan Ropek
Cover of the book Deliberate Soccer Practice: 50 Defending Football Exercises to Improve Decision-Making by Dan Ropek
Cover of the book Golf Tough: Practice, Prepare, Perform and Progress by Dan Ropek
Cover of the book From Dinner Date to Soulmate: Cynthia Spillman’s Guide to Mature Dating by Dan Ropek
Cover of the book Write From The Start: The Beginner’s Guide to Writing Professional Non-Fiction by Dan Ropek
Cover of the book Steel and Grace: Sheffield's Olympic Track and Field Medallists by Dan Ropek
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy