Chapters 8-10, 1974-1978 Summary and Analysis

Chapter 8 1974-1976 reveals a wealthy, reclusive recording star Mike Oldfield living in Wales and unable to cope with a standing ovation. Virgin Music has only a ten-year old film to promote him with but Atlantic Records licenses Tubular Bells to the film "The Exorcist" for continuing American royalties. Richard insists on worldwide rights and signing bands they want no matter how high the bid. Richard and Kristen almost drown in Cozumel on a capsized fishing boat. They swim ashore and promise to stay together forever. Ironically, one evening they swap partners on another houseboat named Duende, where Kristen falls in love again, this time with Kevin Ayers. They split in 1974 while Richard has trouble with Virgin Records, whose only star is Mike Oldfield. Virgin is unsuccessful at signing a major artist despite high bidding and Mike wants...