"Each page sparkles with drama and wit. If you loved John Niven's Kill Your Friends, this is the real deal." News of the World

“One man who knows better than anyone about the real inside story is lawyer Steven Machat, who worked with everyone from Seal and Donnie Osmond to Bobby Brown and Suge Knight. His excellent new book, Gods, Gangsters and Honour, details the highs and lows of his life in the industry, as he recalls scrapes with superstar celebrities, pulling off multi-million dollar deals and saving the likes of Michael Jackson, Claudia Shiffer and David Copperfield from massive mistakes. Whether you want to get into the game, or are simply a fan of music, this is the book you need to read right now.” RWD Magazine

“Off-the-wall, gossipy companion to rockbiz classics The Mansion on the Hill by Fred Goodman and Hit Men by Fredric Dannen...top-notch.” Mojo Magazine, Book of the Month

“Excess all areas.” The Independent

“Top US music industry lawyer and sometime artist wrangler for 30 years...amusing.” Q Magazine

Steven Machat grew up, as the son of the legendary showbiz lawyer Marty Machat, living amongst names such as Frank Sinatra, James Brown, Frankie Valli and Sam Cooke. Growing up in that environment, it wasn’t surprising that he followed his father into the business, and by the time he was in his late ’20s, he was proud to see his name alongside his father’s on the brass plaque outside their Broadway offices.

But there was a cost to it, like there always is. Steven discovered from a young age that the glitter and the glam too often disguises a crude and cruel reality, and those that we see as gods could just as easily be seen as gangsters. How does a man live a life inside such a conundrum? And is it possible to strive to any sense of honour inside such a madcap world? Gods, Gangsters and Honour is a fascinating and beautifully constructed memoir of a life inside the world that fascinates us all. 

Features appearances by Frank Sinatra, Leonard Cohen, Michael Jackson, David Copperfield, Sharon Osbourne, George Bush, Phil Collins, Suge Knight, Gianni Versace, Phil Spector, Joan Collins and many more.

Steven Machat now splits his time between New York and London. He has been involved with most of the major names in world entertainment over the last 30 years, and is currently working on several music and media projects in Lond

Details

• ISBN 9781905636839
• Published 25th March 2010
• Pages 448
• RRP: £10.99

Rights information

• World rights