The image of Jordan in her white shards of beehive and Mondrian make-up remains one of the most iconic in pop history.
Yet few truly understood what was happening behind those watchful eyes when anarchy hit the UK.
How did a ballet-obsessed girl from sleepy Sussex journey through the clandestine gay clubs of Brighton and London to arrive at 430 King's Road, the epicenter of punk? How did she help shape a cultural revolution, navigate the harsh glare of the spotlight at such a young age, and share wild adventures with the likes of McLaren and Westwood, The Sex Pistols, Adam and the Ants, Derek Jarman, and Andy Warhol--before vanishing from view?
This Remastered edition, published in the wake of Jordan's passing in 2022, celebrates her extraordinary legacy. Featuring commentary from key players including Vivienne Westwood, Paul Cook, Marco Pirroni, Holly Johnson, and
her partner behind the SEX/Seditionaries counter, Michael Collins, it offers unparalleled insight into Jordan's life. Enhanced with images by Simon Barker, Sheila Rock, and Harri Peccinotti, Defying Gravity cements Jordan's place as one of punk's true trailblazers.
About the Author :
Icon, muse, catalyst and the most recognisable female face of punk, Jordan was described as "the first Sex Pistol" by Derek Jarman, Jon Savage and those who dared to walk up to 430 King's Road from 1975-81.
The public face of SEX, Seditionaries and World's End; the motivating force behind Jubilee and the first manager of The Ants - these are just some of her achievements.
Defying Gravity: Jordan's Story was published in 2019. Cathi Unsworth has written six pop-cultural noir novels, That Old Black Magic, Without The Moon, Weirdo, Bad Penny Blues, The Singer and The Not Knowing.
She started out on Sounds and has since written for Bizarre, Fortean Times, Financial Times, The Guardian, Mojo and Sight & Sound. More at www.cathiunsworth.co.uk Jon Savage is a writer, broadcaster and music journalist best known for his book England's Dreaming.
Review :
"If you've never read a book about punk, this is the only one you'll ever need." New Statesman
"This is not just a great book - it is a real page turner. It is an important resource in the story of punk. In short, it is a 100% stone cold, 24 karat classic. Buy it or regret it" HiFi World"Jordan's extraordinary gospel is here to set you straight... It's a book about fashion, fetishism, music, drugs, individuality, strength in adversity, death, reinvention and rebirth. But most of all it's the story of a pioneering spirit; the first punk on the block; a woman who empowered a generation and whose totemic inspiration changed the entire landscape of popular music." Classic Rock, 9/10
"The punk rock movement of the 1970s was about transformation...Jordan's compelling book is a no-holds-barred account of those heady years, with additional commentary from friends along the way." Rock and Roll Globe
"A thoroughly enjoyable deep dive into the 1970's London punk scene...Essential reading for those interested in the early UK punk scene, this well-researched and written book is packed with fun gossip, middle fingers, and interesting connections" Vancouverscape
