A band frontman from Kidderminster has been turned into a character in a novel by an international bestselling author.
Kidderminster-born Nick Townsend, frontman of Black Country band WEAK13, has been written into fiction in a novel by international bestselling author D.G Torrens.
WEAK13 are a rock mental band based in Birmingham and the Black Country.
In a unique crossover between music and literature, lead vocalist Nick Townsend appears in the book, Four For a Boy, alongside his partner, Birmingham DJ Pandora Rox.
“Without giving away too many spoilers, there’s a point in the book where a character tracks me down and asks for help” said the WEAK13 frontman.
“I’m told that our music has been keeping the character sane while he’s living on the streets, and we, along with others, do what we can to support him.”
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The author, D.G Torrens has 28 books, including Amelia's Story which has sold several hundred thousand copies worldwide.
She said "In Four For a Boy I wanted to tell a story about men's mental health. I feel like it is an issue that must be highlighted more. I'm a huge advocate for it."
The novel follows a young man who has found himself homeless, and follows the trials and tribulations of his life, mental state and relationships.
"This was the first time I have used a mixture of real and fictional people in my book, I wanted the story to represent the reality of men's mental health, so by mixing fiction with real figures it made the story appear closer to reality."
She said: "Nick is a great guy, and a friend.
"When I heard his song, 'Something More', it really reminded me of the television show Vikings, which I was obsessed with, and it resonated with me and the story I wanted to tell regarding struggle, desperation and hope."
Nick hinted at a potential music video for his song 'Something More', adding “As we’ve already picked up awards in Bangkok, Bracciano, Birmingham and the Black Country; it would be challenging indeed to create a music video for ‘Something More’ that captures some of author D.G. Torrens story elements and attracts further film awards”.
D.G Torren's novel particularly highlights the issue of homelessness and male depression.
"The leading cause of death for men under forty five is suicide, this is unacceptable, I wanted to highlight men's mental health to say this is a real issue that needs to be put in the spotlight".
"When preparing myself to write this book I went into Birmingham, bought a few homeless people some food, and just sat on the street with them and chatted, they are normal people, with stories to tell, and we are all just one pay cheque away from being in the same position".
Four For A Boy is available now on Amazon in both paperback and Kindle formats. Fans can also catch WEAK13 performing live at The Boars Head in Kidderminster on Friday, August 28.
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