Zermattitis

'Tony Ashton was one of the funniest and most life affirming people I have ever met. Above all he taught me one of life's great ways of staying sane and alive at the same time: Make a 'V' sign, show you just don't care. Living by this advice has certainly done me no harm at all. For this alone I am truly grateful to Tony.' Billy Connolly 'I loved Tony Ashton and his unique, slightly skewed, vision of the world. And here it is, in his own words, in this book.' Ewan McGregor Tony Ashton, who sadly died in 2001, was a unique figure who garnered more respect and admiration within the business than most. Best known for the Ashton, Gardner & Dyke hit Resurrection Shuffle. However his enduring popularity also rests on his conviviality, sense of humour and flair for showmanship. Ashton was also a much in demand session musician who worked alongside many of rock's hierarchy, including Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney, Ritchie Blackmore, John Entwistle and countless others, including George Harrison, a close friend. Tony can be seen in Scorsese's Living In The Material World Harrison film. For many he will always be associated with Deep Purple, especially his friendship with founding member Jon Lord, who provides the book's foreword. Together they released First Of The Big Bands and Paice, Ashton & Lord' Malice in Wonderland. After Tony took ill in 1999, a benefit event was filmed at EMI's Abbey Road studios. Prior to this he wrote Zermattitis, the first of a planned trilogy. Now in conjunction with Tony's widow, Zermattitis is published for the first time. Painstakingly transcribed from a hand written manuscript, and will have your sides splitting with laughter throughout. Zermattitis isn't a straightforward autobiography, it's a collection of Tony's memoirs and short stories. The DVD of rare and previously unreleased Ashton Gardner & Dyke film includes a live performance from Montreux Jazz Festival 1970.