From 1971. While I could find no evidence of controversy or best-sellerhood, this novel does attempt to rip the lid off the pop world, albeit in a kind of spottily-researched and lecherous way. Chronicling the rise of four cliches known as The Scorpions: singer Jack Millyon (master manipulator, primary trangressor/bad influence, great interviewee), drummer Jon Barry (drug psycho/lyricist) , keyboardist Vic Andover (the 'sensible' one - he's married!), and guitarist Rob Keston (who giggles, pouts and scares easily - seriously). You don't have to pay too much attention to who plays what, as the author confuses character and instrument several times throughout. Anyway, read with fevered excitement as the band formerly known as the Embryos are turned into rock idols by Brian Epsteinesque manager Philip Ogle (again, seriously). The book is a sort of amalgam of Beatles and Stones stories - the focal point of the novel is loosely based on Mick and Keef's Redlands bust (cleverly 'Rakehall" here).
I read the thing about three months ago, and damn if I didn't think to highlight the choice hilarious bits, and there were plenty. However, this may give you the idea:
Whatever his sex life - and it was the dark side of the moon, inseparable and essential - Philip Ogle was a man of considerable organizing talent and a systematic, orderly mind.
And for his part, Paul Tabori was an impressively accomplished journalist/author, check this out. And this!
Above is a scan of the British NEL version. The awesome American Belmont/Tower edition ratchets up the hyperbole:
