Thomas was bassist with Elvis Costello and The Attractions at the height of the band’s success with hits like "Oliver’s Army" and "Accidents Will Happen." Though names are never mentioned, The Big Wheel paints a vivid and hilarious picture of exactly what it is like touring the US and the rest of the world with Costello and Company, sharing your life 24 hours a day with a moody egotistical singer, a crazed drummer and a host of hangers-on.

Originally published by Viking in 1990, The Big Wheel was nominated for the Ralph J. Gleason award for music writing. Less impressed, Costello sacked Thomas for writing it. This is one of the great music books, and probably the funniest.