Street-Level Superstar: A Year With Lawrence: 'One of the great Pop biographies' SUNDAY TIMES

Longlisted for the Penderyn Music Book Prize and a multiple "Book of the Year" selection across esteemed publications like Rough Trade, Uncut, Mojo, The Guardian, Daily Mail, Financial Times, Resident, Telegraph, and Daily Express, Will Hodgkinson's Street-Level Superstar is clearly a book that has struck a chord. Lawrence, the enigmatic subject of this biography, is described as "the greatest pop star who never made it," a figure whose dreams of mainstream glory have been consistently thwarted by a potent cocktail of misfortune and self-sabotage across five decades.

At sixty-one, facing poverty, obscurity, and the indignity of playground mockery, Lawrence embarks on a new, perhaps quixotic, mission: to finally pen a smash hit. But Hodgkinson's compelling narrative immediately poses the central question: what is the true cost of such a long-held dream?

The book meticulously charts Lawrence's musical journey. From the cult indie darlings Felt, who famously released ten albums and ten singles in ten years starting in 1980, to his audacious reinvention as the novelty-pop outfit Denim in 1991. Signed to EMI and riding the Britpop wave, Denim's "Summer Smash" in 1997 looked like his long-awaited breakthrough, even becoming Radio 1's Single of the Week. Then, fate intervened tragically with the death of Princess Diana, leading to the single's withdrawal and a subsequent descent into crushing depression, addiction, and homelessness.

Yet, as Hodgkinson vividly portrays, Lawrence's artistic spirit remained unbroken. Street-Level Superstar follows Lawrence's attempts to rebuild his life, capturing the often absurd realities he faces along the way – from being mistaken for an elderly woman by an amorous pensioner to the laborious task of dragging sacks of two-pence coins to the bank, and his poignant wanderings through London's forgotten suburbs in search of lyrical inspiration.

Through rain-soaked walks and candid conversations, Hodgkinson expertly weaves the tale of Britain's most eccentric cult star. The central tension remains: will Lawrence finally achieve his elusive hit before the year's end? And, more importantly, was the lifelong sacrifice – of family, relationships, health, and sanity – ultimately worth the pursuit of art?

Street-Level Superstar is more than just a biography; it's a moving and often darkly humorous exploration of artistic obsession, resilience in the face of adversity, and the enduring allure of the pop dream. Hodgkinson's writing is sharp and empathetic, offering a compelling portrait of a unique and unforgettable figure in British music. As Lawrence himself wryly notes, "Will has finally written his masterpiece. I'm glad I could be of assistance." This book is a testament to the enduring power of artistic ambition, even when the spotlight stubbornly refuses to shine.