Award-winning author offers fresh insight into the rigorous paths to stardom in two highly-competitive fields

Published on 25th February 2022, this highly original and unputdownable book by award-winning writer Motez Bishara is a collection of personal interviews with 15 extraordinary individuals who have reached the pinnacle of world sport and music.

Whether singing to millions on TV or performing in sold-out arenas, a common theme that permeates among the inspiring interviewees in these emotive conversations is their ability to put aside any fear of ridicule or failure on the way to achieving their immense goals.

With the resolute energy and motivation of these champions jumping off the page, Athletes Who Rock! is a must-read for all those needing an injection of get-up-and-go to kickstart their journeys to success.

Synopsis:

Athletes Who Rock! is a collection of personal interviews with 15 extraordinary individuals who have lived out every kid’s fantasy: becoming a rock star and star athlete at the same time.

Revealing conversations with Damian Lillard, Bernie Williams, Chelcee Grimes, Yannick Noah, Rony Seikaly, Pat Nevin, Ray Barbee, Lyndsay Perry, Kyle Turley, Bronson Arroyo, Mark Butcher, Pat Burgener, Essence Carson, Kevin Walker and Daniela Hantuchova shed light on how to succeed at the highest levels of sports and music, despite nearly impossible odds.

For these champions, the conviction to chase their dreams unhinged by the fear of failure has created an unrivalled assembly of thrills: They’ve dunked on Michael Jordan, and dribbled around Kevin Keegan, then spun records to thousands of revellers in Ibiza and millions on the radio.

They’ve won World Series titles and tennis Grand Slams, an Olympic gold and a WNBA championship, played in the FA Cup Final and NCAA basketball final, been named to NFL Pro Bowls and NBA All Star games, and captained England in The Ashes.

Yet for every tale of playing the Royal Albert Hall or hitting a World Series home run, there is another that involves overcoming one of life’s big challenges – be it a catastrophic injury, a broken family, mental health issues or bigotry. The hurdles they have crossed are at times hard to believe. Now they’re offering exclusive behind-the-scenes access into their worlds.

Beyond the banter in the locker rooms and recording studios, these intense competitors share the impactful backstories of their twin paths to success.

The author says:

“This collection of in-depth interviews provides insider accounts from the dual careers of these remarkable athlete-musicians. They’ve played sold out stadiums, written hit records, collected awards and DJed at the most prestigious nightclubs – all while excelling in the world’s biggest sporting competitions.

“Their experiences are eye-opening. For every tale of playing the Royal Albert Hall, hitting a World Series home run or winning an Olympic gold there is another that involves overcoming one of life’s big challenges. The hurdles they have crossed are often hard to believe. Now their stories are ready to be told.”