Based on the Radio 4 series of the same name, I Was Douglas Adams’s Flatmate is based on the conceit of interviewing someone whose relationship with a famous person was based not on straight friendship or peerdom: thus we have Douglas Adams’s flatmate, Johnny Cash’s tailor, Chet Baker’s last ever tour manager, and Andrew McGibbon himself, who as well as conducting these interviews, was Morrisey’s drummer in his immediate post-Smiths musical career.

When these are good, they are absolutely great: Douglas Adams is a hero to many for his Hitch Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, and he was obviously as engaging in real life as you would expect from his books. As a flat mate, he may have had some frustrations, but Jon Canter, who lived with him, clearly cherished the experience. Chet Baker, was a beautiful jazz trumpet player and tender vocalist who is exposed for the damaged and addicted soul he was by the time McGibbon’s subject, who managed him towards the end of his sad life, came to know him.

When they’re not good, they’re merely OK: Will Carling’s osteopath told me a lot about sports injuries, but not a lot about Will Carling (who is quite possibly one of the least interesting subjects on display here anyway). Billie Holiday’s Stand-In turns out to be Annie Ross, who while she may not be a household name went on to become a famous jazz singer in her own right – so for me, interviewing her about one night where she went on for a jazz legend was less interesting than finding out about her own life and career. Les Dawson’s gag writer is also someone with their own fame and career track record: David Nobbs, creator of Reginald Perrin.

In short, something of a curate’s egg of a book, with some very enjoyable highlights, which at their best shed new light on their famous subjects.

Read our interview with Andrew McGibbon

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