A NEW book from a Finnish author tells the story of the legendary Isle of Wight drummer known as Razzle.

Razzle (his real name, Nicholas Charles Dingley) grew up in Coventry before his family moved to Binstead.

Before performing in the 1980s glam-rock band, Hanoi Rocks, Razzle played in local Binstead groups, one of which was called Thin Red Line.

While on tour in America, Razzle was in the passenger seat of Mötley Crue lead vocalist Vince Neil’s sports car when the musician crashed into oncoming traffic.

Razzle died, aged just 24, while Neil was sentenced for vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence of alcohol.

The band broke up soon after, but they became very influential for countless groups like Guns N’ Roses and Manic Street Preachers.

Last month, on what would have been Razzle’s 62nd birthday, a small ornamental bottle of wine and a tin of beer was placed next to his grave in the churchyard at Holy Cross Church in Binstead.

Later in January, a book from Finnish music writer, non-fiction author and translator, Ari Väntänen will tell Razzle’s story.

Ari said: “He was so full of life that being remembered as a car crash casualty was just wrong. I decided I’d write a book about him.

“I managed to track down about 70 people who knew Razzle, and they provided me with stories, memories, and photos. I built the narrative out of their interviews.”

Ari found out that Razzle lived in Binstead between 1970 and 1980 and that he learnt to play and formed his first band on the Island during the punk years of the late 70s.

He continued: “The members of the band always told me how important Razzle was as a band member and a friend.

“He was the one who kept their wild bunch together.”

Originally set for release in English only, Ari’s publishers in Finland asked him to create a Finnish version of the book.

The Finnish edition came out in late 2020, but due to Covid and contractual reasons, the English release was put on hold.

The English version will be available on January 28, and pre-order links are available here.

Razzle lived fast and died young, but he affected countless lives.