Worst. Eurovision. Ever. by Roy D. Hacksaw (Book)

Earth Island Books

When some plucky underdogs from Moldova unexpectedly won the Eurovision Song Contest, the show’s organisers were instantly worried about how they were going to hold the following year’s competition in such a small and little-visited country. But the location was the least of their worries as a procession of unlikely artists began to be chosen for the show, and everything from Norwegian black metallers, a Saudi Arabian prince performing for San Marino, and an Icelandic bloke dressed as a dog caused a cascade of complications before a single note had even been sung. Can they keep all the egos in check, or is the whole thing going to come tumbling down around them?


That’s the premise of the latest novel from Roy D Hacksaw, but it’s only the tip of a chaotic iceberg that takes a deep dive into the backstage shenanigans at the continent’s favourite singing show. But why would an old punker like Hacksaw want to write a book about such pop fluff? Well it turns out the boy’s got form. As a journalist he’s been covering the contest in person since the nineties, and over those years he’s seen all sorts of unexpected misbehaviour and excess, as well as the incredible efforts of the organisers to keep the whole thing on track in spite of it all. And with so much Eurovision experience under his belt he figured that it was ripe material to base a novel on.


So forget that cheesy old Will Ferrell film - if you want a look into the kind of nonsense that goes on behind the scenes at the contest, Worst. Eurovision. Ever. will take you on a wild ride around the rehearsals, dressing rooms and showbiz parties with such an informed eye that you’ll never look at the dear old contest the same way again.


This book is shipping now - Early editions of the book will come with a set of Eurovision Trumps cards packed with facts and figures from Eurovision history. So get in there early and play along with your pals!

(The first 200 copies of the book come with a set of top trumps cards).

“Forget everything you think you know about Eurovision, because this book shows you the stuff you don’t see on TV.” Caroline Westbrook - Metro



“Hilarious and heart-warming, this is a must read for anyone who loves Europe’s favourite TV show!” James Scanlan - Eurovision Ireland

“Roy takes the essence of the Eurovision, mixes it with a dose of realism, and delivers a cocktail of the fabulous.” Phil Colclough - OnEurope.co.uk



“If you’ve ever wondered what Eurovision is really like behind the scenes, this book will take you right there. It’s a hilarious tale, where dreams coming true is only the start of a wild ride.” Robyn Gallagher - Wiwiblogs


“Roy really brings the joy of Eurovision in its intimate detail, with an enthralling plot that will keep you gripped until the end!” Nathan Waddell - ESCxtra



“If you can imagine it, it’s happened backstage at Eurovision. Roy guides you through the reality-adjacent tales of diplomatic skullduggery, musical crimes and glittering triumphs.” Dr Ellie - Eurovision Again