A BOOK which explores the phenomenal rise and rise of a Wilmslow pop rock band The 1975 is set to be released in the United States. 

The four members of the band are featured in the book entitled Love, Sex and Chocolate which was written by author David Nolan.

David has penned books on the likes of Simon Cowell but more locally on Joy Division and New Order, founder of Factory Records the late Tony Wilson, and the Sex Pistols and a punk gig they had in Manchester, which changed the world.  

The 1975 consists of lead vocalist and guitarist Matthew Healy, lead guitarist Adam Hann, bassist Ross MacDonald, and drummer George Daniel.

David traced the band’s origins to Wilmslow High School where they played together as teenagers in 2002.

In 2013, the group launched their debut album which topped the charts in September of that year while their second album topped the charts both sides on the Atlantic.

David said: “The very first time I heard The 1975 was when I heard The City on the radio – I thought… that’s my new favourite band. I got it straightaway.  “As I always do, I immediately started telling everyone they were going to be massive – it took a while, but I was right!

"I’ve written a lot about Manchester music in the past and it’s been a while since there has been a ‘Manchester’ band big enough to warrant a book. 

“The first UK publisher I took the idea to said, thanks but no thanks. Then the band went to Number 1 in the US and UK simultaneously. The publishers came back to me.”

The motivation in writing the book was because Mr Nolan had read lots of untrue information surrounding the band and approached the Wilmslow Guardian for help in tracking down people who had known or even been band members.

He said: “I was able to track down people who were involved in a lot of their early breakthrough gigs and so on. But the big scoop was convincing their original guitarist Owen Davies to speak.

“He was there from day one. Every step of the way. And when he said… ‘I’ve got these old pictures,do you want to see them?’ Well… how could I say no?  “Meanwhile, Matthew Healey is a journalist’s dream. He speaks in headlines and quotes. It sometimes gets him into to trouble, but he’s a proper pop star. He looks great, sound great and says ridiculous things. Ideal.

“He was like this from day one, it’s not a recent affectation.”  

Mr Nolan believes that despite The 1975 slipping under the media radar to stardom they are a perfect fit for other bands from the Manchester music scene from the Smiths to the likes of The Courteeners.

He adds: “The 1975 paid their dues, more so than a lot of so-called Manchester bands. The story arc of the book is also about how they worked their way from the tiniest of gigs in Manchester to playing at the Arena. 

“So, playing there was hugely symbolic for them. It was the last gig I saw at the Arena before the attack. 

“To try to attack Manchester through its love of music is a hugely futile thing to do. It made more people go to gigs not less. That’s what Manchester is all about.”

Love, Sex and Chocolate by David Nolan is available from all bookshops and online.