Did The Idea For Ben Elton's "Stark" Come From Billie Reid's "Slaves"?

Back in 1999 when he was recording 'Ticket Out Of Dizneyland', Billie Reid remembered how he wrote 'Slaves Replacement Technology & The Neutron Bomb' in 1988. The next summer, Ben Elton's book 'Stark' was published, using a very similar theme. Billie pointed out that a couple he stayed with at a farmhouse south of Fremantle (who used to 'milk his brains then scoff') went on to rent from and stay with Ben and his wife Sophie: 'Ben's Stark appeared soon after,' said Billie.

Back then I didn't delve that deeply. However I did broach the issue with him in late 2010, asking if he thought Ben had 'borrowed' his idea. He suggested that it could just be a coincidence but 'it was more a case that great minds think alike'.

I wouldn't be so sure. My thoughts are that this idea quite possibly started with Billie. Those of us that know Billie would conclude that he wouldn't mention it unless he genuinely thought it. Had the connection not existed between Billie and Ben then the alarm bells would not have rung. It wouldn't surprise me at all if the seed for Stark came from Billie. With all respect to Ben (and bearing in mind that Stark is a 500-page novel and Billie's work is a brief lyric) the concept is remarkably close. The timing, the connection and the similar theme suggests he could well have been inspired by Billie.

Email: d@billiereidmusic.com

The Road Avenger Novel, First Public Demo Debut

Saint Charles, MO (MMP Publishing) - MMP Publishing is pleased to announce a preview of the upcoming novel "The Road Avenger" by Mary Margaret Park, a story based upon the 1985 Data East laserdisc classic, "Road Blaster".

"The Road Avenger" novel preview is an excerpt from the larger work, consisting of four segments from the novel's opening, and will mark the first of several public viewings to be released over the next year.

"We're taking 'The Road Avenger' to places he's never been." author Mary Margaret Park said, "A world beyond what the fans already know, building upon the roots of the original 'Road Blaster' experience."

Readers interested in obtaining "The Road Avenger" novel preview may do so by visiting http://www.theroadavenger.com

Accompanying the novel's first public demo debut is the release of the "Road Blaster Singles Collection" by Sekrett Scilensce, a remake of the 1992 "Road Blaster FX" theme-song.

http://www.sekrettscilensce.com/mp3s/ss_rb-ra_demo-teaser-eng.mp3

The "Road Blaster Singles Collection" includes nine new recordings spanning versions in Japanese, English, German, Spanish, as well as instrumental arrangements.

"We're honored to have been authorized to serve the music remakes and novel adaptation." composer Sekrett Scilensce said.

Listeners interested in obtaining the "Road Blaster Singles Collection" may do so by visiting http://www.roadblastersoundtrack.com

The producer's have partnered with artist Manoel Camilo Nascimento of Ramius Technology and Design. MC Nascimento's first set of artworks, showcases a vision of The Road Avenger's universe through a blend of impressionistic and realistic styling.

About the releases:

Authorized by G-mode co. ltd., "The Road Avenger" is a novelization the 1985 Data East laserdisc classic "Road Blaster". It is written by author Mary Margaret Park and co-produced by composer Sekrett Scilensce. Editing of the novel's demo was performed by Jayne Pupek (Tomato Girl, novelist).

Authorized by Freeway Corp., the "Road Blaster Singles Collection" is a remake of the 1992 "Road Blaster FX" theme-song originally by the Japanese rock-band J-Walk. It is produced and performed by composer Sekrett Scilensce.

The "Silver Moon" and "Shelby mug-shot" artworks are licensed by Ramius Technology and Design and are illustrated by Manoel Camilo Nascimento.