Nina Antonia

Nina Antonia (born Nina Antonia Benjamin 1960 in Liverpool) is an English music journalist, author and former singer. She has written articles and books about Peter Doherty, Johnny Thunders, the New York Dolls, The Only Ones and a memoir of glam star Brett Smiley entitled 'The Prettiest Star'. She has also contributed to Classic Rock, Mojo & Uncut, as well penning liner notes for a variety of artists including Lou Reed, Nico, The Stooges, Vince Taylor, Link Wray and Wanda Jackson.

She was previously a member of the band The Mogodons with her then husband Christopher "Kris" Guidio, under the name Nina Guidio.

An in-depth critique of Nina's work by Jay Clifton was featured in 'Nude' magazine in their Summer 2009 edition,in which Clifton commented 'The special value of Nina's oeuvre lies not so much in her subjects, but in her personal commitment to both the documentation of them and a search for the truth about both their character and their cultural significance. Like the best writers, she begins from personal fascinations. But with a balance of personal feelings and objective contemplation, combined with a fluid literary style, she writes books that resonate beyond the parameters of the surface material.'

A selection of her work can be found on Rock's Back Pages.

Nina appeared in the Sundance nominated documentary 'Arthur Kane – New York Doll' alongside Mick Jones, Chrissie Hynde and Iggy Pop. She also participated in the 2014 documentary 'Looking For Johnny'. Made by Danny Garcia, 'Looking for Johnny' is a poignant yet celebratory look at the life and times of Johnny Thunders as told by his friends and co-musicians.

Nina's first book Johnny Thunders...In Cold Blood (Jungle Records, 1987) which has been in print for over 25 years, was hailed by the New Musical Express as 'Gorgeously Sordid' and awarded four stars. In 2012, the book was optioned along with Antonia's life story to a Hollywood production company. On 30/10/2013, Hollywood Reporter announced the attachment of director Alexander Soskin to the project, but he is no longer associated with it though the film is still on track. A de luxe Italian translation of the Thunders book appeared in late 2015 from Pipeline Books.

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