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"A fond collection of memories from the early days of punk." --"Slug Magazine"
Product Description
The summer of 1976 through the summer of 1977 was the most significant year in British rock history, when punk rock rose from a murmur on the streets to a roar of defiance that still reverberates today. This collection of vivid memories of concerts and cultural flash points focuses on what was happening on the streets and in the clubs, answering questions like what brought punks together with London's disenfranchised Rasta community; what made Teddy Boys - middle-aged men who dressed like 1950s rockers - hate punks so much that they roamed in packs looking for teenagers to beat up; what was it like to be in the now legendary Roxy Club; and, were the Sex Pistols really any good as a live band. Memories from others who were there - including members of the Damned, the Adverts, the Patti Smith Group, the Maniacs, and the Tom Robinson Band - add to this story of punk rock as it happened, stripped of hindsight and future legend, and laid bare.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
13 of 14 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
As a massive fan of the Punk era, I read lots of literature that chronicles that time. Here, Dave Thompson has sucessfully managed to produce a memoirs styled account of the early days of Punk in the Uk capital(mid 76 -mid 77)that refreshingly tells it straight; with an unbiased fans eye view - warts and all - honest approach. With extra insights from some of the key players (TV Smith etc)and a selection of the authors aquintances of the time, the story is told, month by month, with much of the era's main happenings chronicled along with lists of some of the Punk and related 45's that would have been spun at the time.
The most interesting periods for me, as a reader, are the reminders of how much violence, hatred, ignorance and general indifference was around regarding anything or anyone Punk associated at the time. There are moments in there that truly set the pulse racing as random acts of violence and injustice are served coldly towards Punk Rockers. As a 2nd generation Punk myself, I thankfully met no hospitalised serious assaults, but certainly suffered at the hands of societies anti-Punk vigilanties.
To put things in perspective,it is books such as Dave's that are now leading the way in telling the Punk story from the grass roots level(and dispelling the occasional Punk myth along the way). I have just finished reading this book, and can't wait to read something along similar lines. How about volume two: mid 77 to mid 78 and so on Dave? Anyone out there who wants to read about Punk and is tired of the same old mytholigised trendy stuff reciting the bands, the venues and the headlines - go and buy this book. You will enjoy!
Out of Control: Punk Rock at the Doncaster Outlook and Rotherham Windmill 1976-1978 (Our Generation)
Our Generation: The Punk and Mod Children of Sheffield, Rotherham and Doncaster
The most interesting periods for me, as a reader, are the reminders of how much violence, hatred, ignorance and general indifference was around regarding anything or anyone Punk associated at the time. There are moments in there that truly set the pulse racing as random acts of violence and injustice are served coldly towards Punk Rockers. As a 2nd generation Punk myself, I thankfully met no hospitalised serious assaults, but certainly suffered at the hands of societies anti-Punk vigilanties.
To put things in perspective,it is books such as Dave's that are now leading the way in telling the Punk story from the grass roots level(and dispelling the occasional Punk myth along the way). I have just finished reading this book, and can't wait to read something along similar lines. How about volume two: mid 77 to mid 78 and so on Dave? Anyone out there who wants to read about Punk and is tired of the same old mytholigised trendy stuff reciting the bands, the venues and the headlines - go and buy this book. You will enjoy!
Out of Control: Punk Rock at the Doncaster Outlook and Rotherham Windmill 1976-1978 (Our Generation)
Our Generation: The Punk and Mod Children of Sheffield, Rotherham and Doncaster
7 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
This is a weird one for me..I've read all the others...Englands Dreaming..John Robb...Punk 77..Babylons Burning..and this one is different in that it doesn't seem to use interviews with ths "Usual Suspects"..in fact you could argue that some of the bands and people interviewed..were not exactly "Punk Rock" ...
So..The Radio Stars ....(Martin Gordon and Andy Ellis already had previous careers in bands)....Danny Kustow from TRB..indeed a great guitarist...but I never really had TRB down as "PUNK"..I was a fan of the first two albums..but they were political in a much more intellectual way. ..Rikki and the last days of earth..Masterswitch...??
I certainly remember seeing their singles in the punk/new wave box of the record shop I worked in
So I suppose this is a kind of personal diary type thing ..and people that the author knew..
I found it an interesting read..but a lot of people who weren't around then might get this and think ...what is this about?? and who are some of these people?
Kind of weird also for this to be published in the States...where a lot of the featured bands and artists would be even more oscure!!!
There are some interesting records listed as "Soundtrack" to the time being discussed...a lot of 70's reggae...so I'm ceratinly going to check some of those out
So..The Radio Stars ....(Martin Gordon and Andy Ellis already had previous careers in bands)....Danny Kustow from TRB..indeed a great guitarist...but I never really had TRB down as "PUNK"..I was a fan of the first two albums..but they were political in a much more intellectual way. ..Rikki and the last days of earth..Masterswitch...??
I certainly remember seeing their singles in the punk/new wave box of the record shop I worked in
So I suppose this is a kind of personal diary type thing ..and people that the author knew..
I found it an interesting read..but a lot of people who weren't around then might get this and think ...what is this about?? and who are some of these people?
Kind of weird also for this to be published in the States...where a lot of the featured bands and artists would be even more oscure!!!
There are some interesting records listed as "Soundtrack" to the time being discussed...a lot of 70's reggae...so I'm ceratinly going to check some of those out
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
2 reviews
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Great First-Hand Memories of London Punk
27 Dec 2009
Format:Paperback
An interesting and in-depth look at the London punk scene, told by somebody who lived through it in his youth. The big names are all mentioned, but there are also great stories about those who are hardly remembered today. The author tells his story well and is an interesting companion for the journey.
Surprisingly awesome
31 Jan 2011
Format:Paperback
This looked interesting when I ran across it in a bookstore, but who could possibly have any additional insights on this well worn era in music?
Well, Dave Thompson can. Told from the point of view of a fan who moved to London to catch the action, it offers an entirely different perspective than the typical rock critic would. As much about the city as the music, one really gets a feel of what it was like to live in London during this exciting time. (Hint: not nearly as nice as you might think; London in the 70's sounds a lot like New York in the 70's, with large swaths of derelict housing, racial tension and dangerous turf even in the center city.)
I loved this book, the images are still burning (heh heh) in my mind several months later.
Well, Dave Thompson can. Told from the point of view of a fan who moved to London to catch the action, it offers an entirely different perspective than the typical rock critic would. As much about the city as the music, one really gets a feel of what it was like to live in London during this exciting time. (Hint: not nearly as nice as you might think; London in the 70's sounds a lot like New York in the 70's, with large swaths of derelict housing, racial tension and dangerous turf even in the center city.)
I loved this book, the images are still burning (heh heh) in my mind several months later.
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