Smashing It Up (A Decade of Chaos With The Damned)
Kieron Tyler Talks To Tony Bugbear And Julie Hamill
The Dublin Castle Rock And Roll Book Club
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A Decade of Chaos With The Damned By Kieron Tyler is a fabulous read, at last a book that does justice to the true pioneers of the London Punk scene. The Sex Pistols, The Clash and The Damned were the originators of British punk rock, forming a three-pronged attack on a self-satisfied rock elite and were the inspiration to a new generation of music fans: the fans who would define the future. Forming in 1976, The Damned went on to be the first punk band from the UK to put out a single – New Rose in 1976, an album – Damned Damned Damned in 1977, and the first British punk act to tour the US. They went on to have 9 singles feature on the UK Top 40 singles chart (so far!)

Putting The Dammed in context for the first time as one of the UK’s great rock bands, Smashing It Up is the history of this important band and their original members. Packed with tales of the band’s encounters with other key musical figures of the time, Smashing It Up also investigates their permanently strained relationship with the wider music business in general. Julie Hamill and Tony Gleed host this DC RNR Book Club spesh with the usual kick ass Q and A with Kieron Tyler plus bespoke roots, shoots and fruits Damned Good soundtrack topping and tailing the experience. Strawberries all round, to go with The Cream of the British New Wave. Also featuring a very special guest live performance….

Drawing on interviews with the original band members, their friends, associates and eye witnesses on their chaotic journey, Smashing It Up is the definitive history of The Damned, putting the record straight once and for all placing them as pivotal ground breakers of punk rock. About the author: Keiron Tyler writes for Mojo and The Arts Desk, and has written for The Independent, The Guardian, Q, Billboard and Music Week. He is a lifelong fan of The Damned. Aren’t we all.

Tap on the ace pic of the Brian James era Damned propping up the Twin Towers above to hear our most recent Rock and Roll Book Club podcast with exclusive Sylvain Sylvain interview, and on the very fetching Boogaloo Radio logo here to hear Bugbear’s brand new show outta that wonderful portal. Tales Of The Dublin Castle are legion, and Tony Bugbear has been knocking around the vicinity for nigh on 25 years. [more] A stevedore of Rock, a galley slave of Roll, for what is after all London’s premier iconic Camden town independent pub venue. He can actually remember one or two of those stories. This new show on the very wonderful Boogaloo Radio outta leafy Highgate’s equally wonderful Boogaloo Bar and Restaurant is a match made in Heaven. Two legendary Bohemian North London hangouts getting in cahoots to educate, entertain and inform. The CBGBs Of London meets the Paddy Reilley’s of London? Something akin to that. Tony is joined for this first show by author and Dublin Castle Rock and Roll Book Club high priestess Julie Hamill, and Bugbear’s mysterious, enigmatic and only occasionally arsey spirit guide Ted Shiva. Much mirthful irreverence in the chat department and killer diller tunes on the playlist. Enjoy. With news of The Damned, Amy Winehouse, Sylvain Sylvain, The Beat. ..