Counter culture icon that is ‘Mr Nice’

Now he is a best selling author, public speaker, recording label boss, parliamentary candidate, bar owner and the subject of a Hollywood filmed based on his life.

The original Mr Nice will be promoting his first fiction book with a spoken word performance at Leeds City Varieties Music Hall on Tuesday entitled Howard Marks Is Mr Nice.

After spending seven years in America’s Terre Haute federal prison for allegedly controlling 10 per cent of the world’s hashish trade, Mr Nice has become a counter-culture icon for a whole new generation.

His first foray into fiction, Sympathy for the Devil, was released in May. Speaking to The Guide, he said the book is: “A whodunnit from the point of view of a female undercover cop and the story concerns drugs and satanic cults.

“Satanic culture is a big dark question mark in the background throughout the book.”

He said the themes were inspired by his own life and travels through West Wales, where druidism was still alive and well.

Over the last decade, he has become known for his intelligent and engaging manner. The audience will get to experience this first hand, with music provided by Back to Basic founder Dave Beer and a question and answer session.

Howard added: “It’s the only show on the tour that is going to be filmed. So it’s an important one for me for all sorts of reasons. It should be a good night.”

Howard Marks Is Mr Nice comes to the City Varieties Leeds on Tuesday October 25. Tickets are on sale now priced at £16.50. Book by calling box office on 0113 243 0808.