Hurrah! Pete Overend Watts' book has arrived. That is, the late, lamented P.O.W. book has arrived - another addition to the Rock & Roll Library. Pete played bass and wore the tallest, highest heeled boots in all of glam rock in one of my favourite bands: Mott the Hoople - aka The 'oople, MTH or just Mott. Once retired from being a rock star, he did a number of different things: he ran an antique business, sold clothes and restored furniture, then he "got the bug" and started walking. This book is his account of tackling the South West Coast Path of England, which is 650 miles long. He wasn't even in shape and for Pete, the trek was 680 miles, as he got lost several times along the way. Pete, you were one of England's great eccentrics, and you are missed. I can't wait to start this book! PS: We share the same May birthday. RIP, Mr. Watts: May 13, 1947 – Jan, 22, 2017

A pale, out-of-shape, unoutdoorsy, sometimes grumpy 56-year old challenges himself to walk England's South West Coast Path (630 miles long) - solo. "The Man Who Hated Walking" is a delightful and funny book - basically Pete Overhand Watts' diary of his sojourn through Dorset/Cornwall/Devon. He gets lost quite often, so it's more like 650 miles when he's done. Pete happens to have been the bass player and a founding member of one of the UK's most beloved bands: Mott the Hoople, but in a 300+ page book, this is only mentioned in about two sentences. You can laugh, cry, scream, smile and grimace along with Pete on his "big adventure". He is so honest and funny, you can't help but cheer for him on every page. At the conclusion of his epic trek, it is very moving as people join in and walk the last bit with him, cheering him on. He got teary and so did I. RIP, Pete.

Pete: I never met you, but every time I see the cover of this book, I miss you.