Based on a character originally made popular on behalf of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home (‘Christmas Morning, Rockford’s Christmas Song’ first entered the UK Charts in 2005), at its heart Rockford’s Rock Opera is an audio book about extinction, about animals and the affect man is having upon the earth. But it’s also a story with real hope and which highlights positive moves we can all make to help reverse the current ecological crisis.
Featuring and scripted by well know writer and performer Steve Punt (The Mary Whitehouse Experience, The Now Show etc), Rockford’s Rock Opera is, on one hand, a loving return to the hopeful days of the best 1960s concept albums, on the other, a completely new way to enjoy audio books via the web.
“I believe the world is ready for some positive music… not to mention some hope’ says Matthew Sweetapple, creator of Rockford’s Rock Opera (http://www.sweetapple.co.uk). “The Internet provides opportunities for individuals to reach the world and to make a real difference.”
Although the Rockford’s Rock Opera audio book will be enjoyed by anyone over the age of five, it is not simply a children’s story. Anyone who enjoys great music with an original story and who needs to believe we can make a difference to the world will find inspiration in the unique tale.
Rockford’s Rock Opera is not a traditional ‘stage musical’ with hammy songs, its diverse musical inspiration can be found in The Beatles, The Small Faces, Genesis, The Lightning Seeds, XTC and works such as Jeff Wayne’s ‘War of the Worlds’, Roger Glover’s ‘Butterfly Ball’, and Harry Nilssen’s ‘The Point’.
One legendary Rockford fan is Gerry Bron – the man behind bands such as Manfred Mann, Motorhead, Uriah Heep and the immortal Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band:
“The growth of the internet, combined with rise of ecological issues requiring global attention, give Rockford’s Rock Opera a unique platform from which to reach out to the world. Quite apart from a wonderful and timely story, it’s a fabulous collection of pop songs!”
Rockford’s Rock Opera audio book is available now as a FREE download and to stream FREE on the web. Or, for the complete experience it’s now available on 3 CDs complete with videos and illustrated books.
www.rockfordsrockopera.com also features FREE animated videos and, importantly, information about the ecological and extinction issues that are central to the story.
For an interview with Matthew Sweetapple, please contact Sweetapple on +44 (0)20 8440 7691 or by email: rockford ‘at’ sweetapple.co.uk
Images of Rockford and Rockford’s Rock Opera are also available from: www.rockfordsrockopera.com
