Looking Back At Me is the autobiography of the guitarist Wilko Johnson, written and collated with acclaimed rock writer Zoë Howe. Within the pages of this vibrant rock 'n' roll scrapbook, the former Dr Feelgood guitarist and beloved British R&B legend tells his story in his own words for the first time, giving his unique perspective on everything from his Essex childhood and his Indian odyssey as a young hippy to the wild days of Dr Feelgood and Ian Dury and The Blockheads to his current band. Johnson also expands on his love of astronomy, art, literature, clouds, poetry, science fiction, Shakespeare... he's the Renaissance man of rock. Amid the twists, turns and tangents, Looking Back At Me features many previously unseen images of Wilko from throughout his life, as well as an array of Wilko ephemera and anecdotes from notable Wilko fans, including Robert Plant, Mick Farren, JJ Burnel, Keith Levene, Alison Moyet, Gavin Martin and Whispering Bob Harris.
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About the Author
Zoë Howe is a music writer based in Leigh On Sea. Her books include the acclaimed biography 'Typical Girls? The Story Of The Slits' and 'How's Your Dad? Living In The Shadow of a Rock Star Parent', both published by Omnibus. In addition to writing she has made music radio series for Resonance FM and RTI, and has appeared as a talking head on Absolute Radio, BBC 6 Music, E4 and Planet Rock. Zoë is also a drummer and has worked with Viv Albertine (The Slits), Anne Pigalle, Mick Jones, Southend band The Voronas and Steve Beresford.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
29 of 29 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
There have been plenty of rock 'n' roll autobiographies, probably too many if truth be told. Like me you've probably read more than your fair share of them. Too many times I've finished a lengthy tome only to think 'well that was all very interesting, but it didn't actually tell me what they were really like'. However, Wilko Johnson's new autobiography, written with help from Zoe Howe, positively reeks of the man behind the black and red Telecaster. As soon as you open this book you are drawn into Wilko's world.
And what a world it is. Howe has done a superb job editing Wilko's scattergun verbiage to tell his story. The first thing that strikes you is his voice, both his voice as storyteller and his unique, twisted, amphetamine driven take on estuary English. It's a powerful voice that has been on an extraordinary journey, both physically and intellectually, and it really comes to life on the pages of this book. As Howe says in her introduction, 'this is your portal to Planet Wilko'.
Planet Wilko is a fascinating place that's made all the more interesting by the amount of photos and memorabilia taken from Wilko's personal archive. It ranges from photos taken by the hippie Wilko on his trip to Afghanistan, paintings, press cuttings and photos of the man in black at the height of his powers with The Feelgoods and as a solo performer.
This is the book that fans of Dr Feelgood and Wilko Johnson have been waiting for. A rare example of autobiography it is as interesting and quirky as its author, quite simply it is essential.
And what a world it is. Howe has done a superb job editing Wilko's scattergun verbiage to tell his story. The first thing that strikes you is his voice, both his voice as storyteller and his unique, twisted, amphetamine driven take on estuary English. It's a powerful voice that has been on an extraordinary journey, both physically and intellectually, and it really comes to life on the pages of this book. As Howe says in her introduction, 'this is your portal to Planet Wilko'.
Planet Wilko is a fascinating place that's made all the more interesting by the amount of photos and memorabilia taken from Wilko's personal archive. It ranges from photos taken by the hippie Wilko on his trip to Afghanistan, paintings, press cuttings and photos of the man in black at the height of his powers with The Feelgoods and as a solo performer.
This is the book that fans of Dr Feelgood and Wilko Johnson have been waiting for. A rare example of autobiography it is as interesting and quirky as its author, quite simply it is essential.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
By Philtrum
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
More of a coffee table book with long anecdotes. I saw Dr Feelgood back in the late 70s (after Wilko had left) and I'd half followed his career. I was sad to hear the other day that he's been diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer. I would like to get tickets for his farewell tour. He's clearly something of a polymath and I enjoyed the tales of his travels in India. He was obviously a talented artist and the later sections about his interest in astronomy were also good.
What was never really discussed and what would have been very interesting was his marriage. He says he was devoted to his wife, Irene, and they were together for 40 years until she died. But his girlfriends were mentioned a lot throughout the book. There was one mention of the band not approving of his "lifestyle" but further detail here would have been interesting, and not in the prurient sense.
Very enjoyable.
9/10
What was never really discussed and what would have been very interesting was his marriage. He says he was devoted to his wife, Irene, and they were together for 40 years until she died. But his girlfriends were mentioned a lot throughout the book. There was one mention of the band not approving of his "lifestyle" but further detail here would have been interesting, and not in the prurient sense.
Very enjoyable.
9/10
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By James Smith
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
This book is awesome, this man is awesome, He has been a hero of mine since the seventies and his book underlines it - just like his playing it looks simple but is actually intricate. Really enjoyable read. Thanks Wilco.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
lovely genuine book
surprised by how good this book was. excellent stories and well laid out in chronology. fabulous photos.arrived in superb condition
Published 1 month ago by anita bloor
5.0 out of 5 stars
looking forward to it
A few of us went up to Kendal in 2005 for the 'Mad, Bad & Dangerous' tour. Decided to pick tickets up early and bumped into Norman Watt-Roy. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Huwie4786
5.0 out of 5 stars
Simply Brilliant!
Loved it! Great pictures, and even better words from a much loved musical talent and all round fabulous character. He is a genius!
Published 3 months ago by Sonya Cisco
2.0 out of 5 stars
That's not alright...
I've been a Wilko fan for more than 30 years - for me he's the best guitarist to have ever coaxed a chord from a Telecaster. So I was therefore really looking forward to this book. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Anthony Clark
5.0 out of 5 stars
ideal gift
Bought this as a birthday gift for my husband who is a big fan. He has enjoyed dipping into very much- it seems to be the perfect mix of pics and anecdotes.
Published 7 months ago by mettyb
5.0 out of 5 stars
Life's Good!
Over the last few years things have been pretty good for Wilko and Feelgood fans - an extended, double disc edition of Down By The Jetty, the Oil City Confidential film and then... Read more
Published 9 months ago by S. R. George
5.0 out of 5 stars
look back in awe
superb coffee table book of photos from the early days to current shows of the manic madman Wilko Johnson !! ... Read more
Published 11 months ago by Barreno
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