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No Off Switch
Having seen his radio career hit the skids following a booze-fuelled nervous breakdown and a spell in jail for harassing his ex-partner, an autobiography would be the perfect opportunity for DJ Andy Kershaw to perform a bit of PR on himself. This account does not go out of its way to endear us to him. With digs at everything from Rastafarianism and the smoking ban to musicians he doesn't care for. From his pioneering work as entertainments officer at Leeds University in the 1980s, to his introduction of many foreign artists to British ears, to his latter-day work as a foreign reporter, Kershaw has had a fascinating life.
432 pages, Hardcover
First published July 1, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
August 17, 2011
I heard Andy Kershaw being interviewed by Richard Bacon about this book. As he's a local lad I decided to give it a go.
A lot of the sentiments expressed by the author are similar to my own. I'm impressed by his vast knowledge and immense passion for his music. His bravery in covering some of the world's most horrible hotspots is commendable.
The problem is the man's arrogance. It oozes out from every page once he gets on his high horse about something. The old fashioned case of 'You may be right but I can never condone a case put so smugly and so condescendingly'. A little bit of charisma goes a long way to help your cause. A bad attitude, borne before you had a point to make, does not.
Then there's his attitude to women. It's terrible. He seems to know this and yet does nothing to improve it through his adult life. I'd love to like this guy, he has a lot to offer. Sadly he just comes across as a gobby, chauvinistic, Northerner. The book is still an interesting read. Just be prepared for your hackles to frequently lift.
A lot of the sentiments expressed by the author are similar to my own. I'm impressed by his vast knowledge and immense passion for his music. His bravery in covering some of the world's most horrible hotspots is commendable.
The problem is the man's arrogance. It oozes out from every page once he gets on his high horse about something. The old fashioned case of 'You may be right but I can never condone a case put so smugly and so condescendingly'. A little bit of charisma goes a long way to help your cause. A bad attitude, borne before you had a point to make, does not.
Then there's his attitude to women. It's terrible. He seems to know this and yet does nothing to improve it through his adult life. I'd love to like this guy, he has a lot to offer. Sadly he just comes across as a gobby, chauvinistic, Northerner. The book is still an interesting read. Just be prepared for your hackles to frequently lift.
November 3, 2012
Well, I have finally finished "No Off Switch". I really didnt want it ever to end, and I endeavoured to eek it out for as long a time as possible, peppering my reading time with other works in an attempt to ensure that I would be able to enjoy it for as long as possible. And it was no easy task, let me tell you, as this book just begs to be consumed whole and in one sitting the minute the first page is embarked upon.
But, alas, all good things must eventually come to an end....and this one sadly has.
Of course I can, and most definitely will re-read it...and re-read it. But the "sad" bit is because, effectively, I will never again have the pleasure and anticipation of reading this book for the very first time.
Many, many moons ago, before Dr.Kershaw´s introduction to Room 318, John Peel, holding forth about how best to appreciate music, said to me that the single most important occasion that you will listen to any given piece of music is the very first time that you hear it. Thereafter, he told me, your appreciation of it will be marred by precondition.
Imagine my delight then , on reading Dr.Kershaw´s account of the very first time that he and John were exposed to the initial few bars of their first Bhundu Boys track.
"Suddenly it was as if the room was being sprayed with a fountain of jewelled guitar notes.........Peel and I looked at eachother , frozen and open-mouthed."
Reading this book for the very first time is intense and exciting. It is delightfully detailed without ever being laboured. I suppose it helps to have been of the same generation, but I felt as though I was there with Dr.Kershaw throughout. Written with such crisp observation, the provoked imagery that accompanies the reading is up there with only the most talented of authors. But not only did I feel that I was present with him throughout, more, much more importantly, Dr.Kershaw reminded me of experiences and situations and music in my own past life , that I had all but forgotten. Suddenly my very own past with the early-developed passion for music at the age of 13, was presented to me infront of my very eyes in glorious technicolour. It was as though he´d woken me up! He flicked my "On Switch".
Dr. Kershaw, we all know, is undisputedly one of the very greatest broadcasters of our generation. Again, to listen to him on radio is as though you are watching him on television; the conjoured imagery that accompanies his animated narrative is vivid. His account of his own life is irresistible, compelling, intensely honest and historical. His committment of exploring the unknown and unfamiliar in total uncensored detail is unique. He has integrity and courage.
I´m left envious of anybody who has yet to read this book. As John Peel said, the first pure and unassumed experience of something so delightful can never be repeated.
On the other hand, will I sit here and tell you then that I wont be reading it again? No way!! I have a sneaky feeling that this autobiography may just be one of those rare nuggets that will stand up to further and regular scrutiny.
Hurry up and live another 20 years , please , so we can have Part 2.
But, alas, all good things must eventually come to an end....and this one sadly has.
Of course I can, and most definitely will re-read it...and re-read it. But the "sad" bit is because, effectively, I will never again have the pleasure and anticipation of reading this book for the very first time.
Many, many moons ago, before Dr.Kershaw´s introduction to Room 318, John Peel, holding forth about how best to appreciate music, said to me that the single most important occasion that you will listen to any given piece of music is the very first time that you hear it. Thereafter, he told me, your appreciation of it will be marred by precondition.
Imagine my delight then , on reading Dr.Kershaw´s account of the very first time that he and John were exposed to the initial few bars of their first Bhundu Boys track.
"Suddenly it was as if the room was being sprayed with a fountain of jewelled guitar notes.........Peel and I looked at eachother , frozen and open-mouthed."
Reading this book for the very first time is intense and exciting. It is delightfully detailed without ever being laboured. I suppose it helps to have been of the same generation, but I felt as though I was there with Dr.Kershaw throughout. Written with such crisp observation, the provoked imagery that accompanies the reading is up there with only the most talented of authors. But not only did I feel that I was present with him throughout, more, much more importantly, Dr.Kershaw reminded me of experiences and situations and music in my own past life , that I had all but forgotten. Suddenly my very own past with the early-developed passion for music at the age of 13, was presented to me infront of my very eyes in glorious technicolour. It was as though he´d woken me up! He flicked my "On Switch".
Dr. Kershaw, we all know, is undisputedly one of the very greatest broadcasters of our generation. Again, to listen to him on radio is as though you are watching him on television; the conjoured imagery that accompanies his animated narrative is vivid. His account of his own life is irresistible, compelling, intensely honest and historical. His committment of exploring the unknown and unfamiliar in total uncensored detail is unique. He has integrity and courage.
I´m left envious of anybody who has yet to read this book. As John Peel said, the first pure and unassumed experience of something so delightful can never be repeated.
On the other hand, will I sit here and tell you then that I wont be reading it again? No way!! I have a sneaky feeling that this autobiography may just be one of those rare nuggets that will stand up to further and regular scrutiny.
Hurry up and live another 20 years , please , so we can have Part 2.
October 17, 2012
Of a much higher standard than most so-called "celebrity" autobiographies, Kershaw's book is extremely well-written and devoid of flab throughout its 450-odd action-packed pages. While it may occasionally sound like he's blowing his own trumpet, Kershaw is unusual in that he actually has an entire brass section to make a noise with, and he's also clearly capable of self-criticism if not given to false modesty.
Beginning his career booking bands such as The Clash to play at Leeds University, Kershaw goes on to roadie for Billy Bragg before falling into a job as a rather unlikely Radio 1 DJ, where he becomes hugely influential in introducing music from countries such as Africa to UK audiences. He then goes over to Radio 3 and becomes a foreign correspondent, finding himself involved in surreal and sometimes dangerous situations in countries such as Haiti, Rwanda and North Korea. The breakdown of a long-term relationship leads to several stints of imprisonment on the Isle of Man and a period of several months where he's actually on the run from the police!
Kershaw has clearly had a far more colourful life than most of us and his book is, by turns, hilarious, moving and thought-provoking as well as characteristically outspoken, particularly in its criticism of well-known figures such as John Peel (turns out he wasn't a saint after all!).
A really great read for anyone interested in music, broadcasting, motorcycle racing, politics and people!
Beginning his career booking bands such as The Clash to play at Leeds University, Kershaw goes on to roadie for Billy Bragg before falling into a job as a rather unlikely Radio 1 DJ, where he becomes hugely influential in introducing music from countries such as Africa to UK audiences. He then goes over to Radio 3 and becomes a foreign correspondent, finding himself involved in surreal and sometimes dangerous situations in countries such as Haiti, Rwanda and North Korea. The breakdown of a long-term relationship leads to several stints of imprisonment on the Isle of Man and a period of several months where he's actually on the run from the police!
Kershaw has clearly had a far more colourful life than most of us and his book is, by turns, hilarious, moving and thought-provoking as well as characteristically outspoken, particularly in its criticism of well-known figures such as John Peel (turns out he wasn't a saint after all!).
A really great read for anyone interested in music, broadcasting, motorcycle racing, politics and people!
June 22, 2017
Racing through Andy Kershaw's book,and ticking off the gigs I remember from Leeds : the students union refec where I saw the Clash ,Ian Dury's first gig,Elvis Costello. Wonderful stuff.
August 6, 2011
For me, Kershaw is in the pantheon of DJs/broadcasters that I've found influential over the years, along with Peel, John Walters et al. In an industry of glossy pseudo-celebrity DJs peddling the week's latest hyped artiste, these and others could always be relied on to play music you'd probably never heard before, and were unlikely to anywhere else. Kershaw's 'Desert Island discs' of a few years back was superb; a joyous and eclectic choice, with some fascinating anecdotes, including his career with Peel & Walters. More recently, plugging this book on R4's 'Loose Ends' I was a bit taken aback to hear a very sour, defensive and abrasive Kershaw; so I was unsure about what 'No Off Switch' would be like.
Largely, I wasn't disappointed. If you've read any of Mark Radcliffe's music industry writings, some of Kershaw's book will be familiar territory. This isn't a book that plays for laughs though - he's had an incredibly fortunate life (some recent years notwithstanding), with opportunities and incidents happening unlooked-for almost every day, it seems.
Kershaw's career has gone from student Ents organiser to R1 DJ alongside Peel, 'Whistle Test' presenter, radio correspondent in any number of conflict zones in Africa and elsewhere. If this were simply a collection of amusing anecdotes then the book would be a good read. What makes it harder, and ultimately for me better, is Kershaw's willingness to include his own very vocal opinions about a lot of things - music business figures he can't stand, his critical (but maybe honest?) opinions about Peel and the real man behind the near-deified broadcaster. I get the impression Kershaw is driven to the point of thoughtlessness, not always concerned with the opinions or feelings of others (at least where they conflict with his own wants), and endlessly certain of his own value and worth.
These traits could easily make him a very unlikeable person, and parts of this book are a hard read; but in the end he manages to present a human side which goes some way to redeeming his flaws. In brief, he destroys his own happiness with a found-out one-night-stand, and then spectacularly emotionally and professionally implodes. This period is grimly recounted; and if the reader won't necessarily be sympathetic then at least we can understand why it came to this.
Kershaw had it all, in many ways, and through his own failings lost much of what he had. He seems to be slowly coming back from the wilderness, older but (on the basis of his recent radio interview) not necessarily wiser. For me, faults and all, having Kershaw the broadcaster back is a Good Thing; and if this book helps bring him back from the wilderness then it's worth the cover price.
This book made me laugh, was fascinating, made me cross, made me miss Peel, 'Whistle Test', and music on the BBC World Service. Long-ish, at 450 pages, I read it in 2 days - it's a definite page-turner. Highly recommended.
Largely, I wasn't disappointed. If you've read any of Mark Radcliffe's music industry writings, some of Kershaw's book will be familiar territory. This isn't a book that plays for laughs though - he's had an incredibly fortunate life (some recent years notwithstanding), with opportunities and incidents happening unlooked-for almost every day, it seems.
Kershaw's career has gone from student Ents organiser to R1 DJ alongside Peel, 'Whistle Test' presenter, radio correspondent in any number of conflict zones in Africa and elsewhere. If this were simply a collection of amusing anecdotes then the book would be a good read. What makes it harder, and ultimately for me better, is Kershaw's willingness to include his own very vocal opinions about a lot of things - music business figures he can't stand, his critical (but maybe honest?) opinions about Peel and the real man behind the near-deified broadcaster. I get the impression Kershaw is driven to the point of thoughtlessness, not always concerned with the opinions or feelings of others (at least where they conflict with his own wants), and endlessly certain of his own value and worth.
These traits could easily make him a very unlikeable person, and parts of this book are a hard read; but in the end he manages to present a human side which goes some way to redeeming his flaws. In brief, he destroys his own happiness with a found-out one-night-stand, and then spectacularly emotionally and professionally implodes. This period is grimly recounted; and if the reader won't necessarily be sympathetic then at least we can understand why it came to this.
Kershaw had it all, in many ways, and through his own failings lost much of what he had. He seems to be slowly coming back from the wilderness, older but (on the basis of his recent radio interview) not necessarily wiser. For me, faults and all, having Kershaw the broadcaster back is a Good Thing; and if this book helps bring him back from the wilderness then it's worth the cover price.
This book made me laugh, was fascinating, made me cross, made me miss Peel, 'Whistle Test', and music on the BBC World Service. Long-ish, at 450 pages, I read it in 2 days - it's a definite page-turner. Highly recommended.
November 13, 2012
I first came across Andy Kershaw in 1981 when I was a first year student at the University Of Leeds. I sat in the balcony of a huge wood panelled auditorium and watched as Andy tried hard to convince us that joining Ents Soc was the best thing we could ever do while studying at Leeds. I was drawn in by his enthusiasm and passion for his job as Ents Sec. It is a lifelong regret that I didn't join Ents, the reason being I was a girl from a small country village in Staffordshire and far too shy to approach this charismatic young man. I was passionate about music and joining Ents would have been the making of me. Alas, it was not to be. Andy's natural exuberance and his passion for music has enabled him to mix easily with people from all races, cultures and walks of life, which has impacted on the breadth of musical styles he brought to his BBC Radio shows. His adventures before he even left school are an inspiration to any young person. Despite his personal problems of late, Andy has had the strength of spirit to fight back with the support of loyal friends. If you love music, politics, motorbikes or travel then you'll adore this book and be unable to put it down. Even if your interests lie elsewhere, you'll find this a fascinating life story.
October 20, 2013
No Off Switch confirms Andy Kershaw's status as a national treasure. He is like a salmon swimming against the tide of a raging conventional river to give life to hidden musical talents from around the world. Although he doesn't have the traditional education of a journalist, he has acutely focussed eyes and ears and a natural sense of curiosity which enable him to report with style and flair from hell holes in that distinctive and unique Rochdale accent. Kershaw's love of family is bottomless and the loss of his children through a bitter marital break up elicits nothing but sympathy. That he should have been persecuted through the courts is an outrage. But it's a relief to discover that, ever the rebel, Kershaw is also a survivor and he has generated enough credit with patrons such as the controller of Radio Three that he is able to rise again like a phoenix. No Off Switch is a fine autobiography that spares no one, not least the author. When Andy Kershaw looks in the mirror, he has every right to feel proud of his passionate, insurrectionist, gobby self.
February 6, 2015
After a poor run of form in Autobiographies (lee Evans and Norman Wisdom were particularly low points), I have hit a rich vein. It will be difficult to top this though. Brilliantly written, funny and tragic in equal measure this is a brutally honest version of his life. He manages, and this is the brilliant part, to be both modest and proud (and so he should be) in such a way that it is not annoying. He skates that fine line with precision. He takes credit where he thinks he deserves it, gives it to others involved, yet also manages to fit in some barbs to those who failed to meet his high standards, while taking responsibility for his own failings.
I can highly recommend it, though it might help if you know who he is, or you thought you knew. "I just got back from Mozambique!"
I can highly recommend it, though it might help if you know who he is, or you thought you knew. "I just got back from Mozambique!"
March 24, 2021
I’d been meaning to read this for years, and what finally prompted me to buy it was hearing Kershaw talking about Bob Dylan on a podcast. He tells some great tales, and what really comes through is the passion he has for bringing musicians to a wider audience, often spending his own money to travel to them, and hosting them when they came to London.
The final chapters about when his life fell apart post separation are incredibly moving, and I hope that he is still feeling positive about life. The 'thank you's at the beginning of the book show that people are there for him when he needed them, just as he’d been there years before for musicians like Ted Hawkins.
The final chapters about when his life fell apart post separation are incredibly moving, and I hope that he is still feeling positive about life. The 'thank you's at the beginning of the book show that people are there for him when he needed them, just as he’d been there years before for musicians like Ted Hawkins.
May 6, 2017
Superbly written, Andy Kershaw just tells it like it is. He's had a fascinating life so far, 99% of which I was unaware of.
Another reviewer of this book said that they felt Andy blew his own trumpet a lot; I did not feel this at all, just a great enjoyment from hearing about a life well lived. Bravo Andy!!
Another reviewer of this book said that they felt Andy blew his own trumpet a lot; I did not feel this at all, just a great enjoyment from hearing about a life well lived. Bravo Andy!!
February 23, 2023
I found Kershaw's life and lifestyle to be boring and hedonistic. I had expected more in the way of personal impressions of the people he met while working as a broadcaster and disc jockey. I was disappointed with his excesses and how the choices he made directly affected his family, his children and "partner" at the time.
June 14, 2024
An interesting and often troubled life very well told. Andy Kershaw has an immense knowledge and passion for music, and for being a foreign correspondent in trouble spots around the world. I heard him mention this autobiography on his podcast and am very glad to have had the opportunity to have read this fascinating book.
June 1, 2017
A strange book - nay, several books - written by several different men occupying Andy Kershaw's brain. Rarely have I been exasperated then fascinated in the turn of a page. I'm not sure I ended up liking him or not but there's a lot of evidence for both sides in this book.
April 11, 2018
Witty and intelligent, honest, and hugely entertaining, whether the author is telling stories from his childhood, North Korea or about The Clash at Leeds University. You don’t have to be a music fan to enjoy this book. Thoroughly enjoyable.
January 31, 2021
Having read it, I can only quote the man himself (on multiple, increasingly annoying occasions throughout this book): What the f**k is this?
Dreadful.
Dreadful.
May 22, 2022
Did not finish...
October 26, 2024
Not bad. His time at Leeds University booking bands was very interesting.
March 6, 2025
Ok autobiography, very personal and revealing
January 11, 2013
There can’t be many books out there that feature both Frankie Howerd and the Rwandan Patriotic Front, but here’s one of them. It’s the story of an outstanding, hugely varied career in broadcasting – a triumph of enthusiasm and intelligence over the usual attempts at conformity and appearing 'cool'. Andy Kershaw is clearly driven by a deep love of music, a great curiosity about the world, and an aversion to blandness, complacency and boredom.
After becoming dissatisfied with merely doing a weekly Radio 1 show, he practically appointed himself as the BBC’s radio correspondent for the world’s most dangerous and inaccessible corners – something that was unlikely to happen with, let’s say, Bruno Brookes. There are a lot of insightful thoughts in here about music and public service broadcasting. Chapter 27, about Kershaw’s Radio 1 show, should be compulsory reading for the management at BBC 6 Music as a lesson in how music radio should be done.
He isn’t short of opinions, and you’re unlikely to agree with everything he says in here – at times, you might find yourself wanting to track him down and have a good old argument. One minor irritation is that he sometimes appears overly boastful (although there is plenty of self-deprecation as well). Regardless of any flaws it may have, though, No Off Switch is superbly written and never, ever dull.
Interestingly, Kershaw is at his most restrained and balanced when writing about the crisis that engulfed his personal life in the late 2000s. He accepts a share of the blame, lavishes praise on those who helped him, and shows a refreshing lack of bitterness all round.
Although I’m not one of those readers who often find a book difficult to put down, it was always quite a wrench to put this one aside – there was always that curiosity about what might be coming up next. It makes for a compelling, fast-paced, often hilarious read.
After becoming dissatisfied with merely doing a weekly Radio 1 show, he practically appointed himself as the BBC’s radio correspondent for the world’s most dangerous and inaccessible corners – something that was unlikely to happen with, let’s say, Bruno Brookes. There are a lot of insightful thoughts in here about music and public service broadcasting. Chapter 27, about Kershaw’s Radio 1 show, should be compulsory reading for the management at BBC 6 Music as a lesson in how music radio should be done.
He isn’t short of opinions, and you’re unlikely to agree with everything he says in here – at times, you might find yourself wanting to track him down and have a good old argument. One minor irritation is that he sometimes appears overly boastful (although there is plenty of self-deprecation as well). Regardless of any flaws it may have, though, No Off Switch is superbly written and never, ever dull.
Interestingly, Kershaw is at his most restrained and balanced when writing about the crisis that engulfed his personal life in the late 2000s. He accepts a share of the blame, lavishes praise on those who helped him, and shows a refreshing lack of bitterness all round.
Although I’m not one of those readers who often find a book difficult to put down, it was always quite a wrench to put this one aside – there was always that curiosity about what might be coming up next. It makes for a compelling, fast-paced, often hilarious read.
November 2, 2013
I was never really a fan of Andy Kershaw's gobby Northerner style either on the radio or the TV. And I couldn't really be bothered with his taste for what became known as World Music either. So why did I pick up this book? Partly because of good reviews but also because I sensed he was a straightforward guy and would tell a straightforward account of his life without airbrushing or protecting the celeb circuit. Which is exactly what you get (except, maybe, when he tells us his sister got her job on Radio One by sending in a tape to a producer. Nothing to do with him. Simple as that, eh?) Kershaw admits he had a charmed life from University onward, and only ever really made one effort to land a job. From that one chance that he manufactured for himself, the rest just seemed to fall into place. Working for the Stones, Bruce Springsteen, John Peel and John Walters, Live Aid, Radio One....it all happened without really trying.
From being basically a DJ he gets a chance to become a journalist for Radio Four as a foreign correspondent and has many an adventure in foreign climes that he happily relates here. His stories are always engaging and interesting, although his undoubted ego shines through here and there (or maybe that was just my envy poking in?)
Of course, most of us know that it wasn't all days of wine and roses for Kershaw and he does cover his personal issues with his divorce and subsequent derailing as he turns to the bottle for support. Kershaw knows he is tabloid fodder, but to be fair even by his own account he gives them enough material to work with. This part of the book is necessarily one-sided and I did wonder what his estranged partner's side of it would be? To be fair to Kershaw, he avoids having a swing at his ex and aims this part of the book solely at himself. He comes through it a wiser man, we hope, and end the book wishing the best for him. Or at least I did.
From being basically a DJ he gets a chance to become a journalist for Radio Four as a foreign correspondent and has many an adventure in foreign climes that he happily relates here. His stories are always engaging and interesting, although his undoubted ego shines through here and there (or maybe that was just my envy poking in?)
Of course, most of us know that it wasn't all days of wine and roses for Kershaw and he does cover his personal issues with his divorce and subsequent derailing as he turns to the bottle for support. Kershaw knows he is tabloid fodder, but to be fair even by his own account he gives them enough material to work with. This part of the book is necessarily one-sided and I did wonder what his estranged partner's side of it would be? To be fair to Kershaw, he avoids having a swing at his ex and aims this part of the book solely at himself. He comes through it a wiser man, we hope, and end the book wishing the best for him. Or at least I did.
April 4, 2013
Anyone who has followed Andy Kershaw over the years will know that he's not a man to hold back. From his early and extremely entertaining years at Leeds Uni (a good place to go as it had the best gigs in the north) through his appointment at Radio 1 and subsequent branching out into quality journalism makes for gripping reading from start to finish. I particularly enjoyed hearing the whole Radio 1 story and how he slotted in with Peel and Walters and the eventual demise of the whole relationship after Walter's death and the decline in the BBC with John Birt as DG. His travels and some of the mysteries of certain world regimes are explained in a matter of fact and often very entertaining way as he travels through Haiti, Iraq and most of the African continent. The highly publicised break up of his marriage and subsequent troubles with the Isle of Man legal system are at last explained from a different viewpoint. Whether you agree or not his soul bearing over the loss of his kids is compelling and moving.
In a world of increasing blandness and mediocrity it was good to be reminded that the world of music and broadcasting was all the better for the likes of Kershaw. Read the book and you'll be inspired to reach for your record collection and listen to his award winning documentaries on the BBC website. Highly recommended!
In a world of increasing blandness and mediocrity it was good to be reminded that the world of music and broadcasting was all the better for the likes of Kershaw. Read the book and you'll be inspired to reach for your record collection and listen to his award winning documentaries on the BBC website. Highly recommended!
December 19, 2012
Love this as I love the man - honest, genuine, enthusiastic, irascible and only the greatest taste in music. How could you not love someone who applied to Leeds University because it booked the best bands for its union, had given an early gig to Led Zepp and had been the venue for one of the greatest live albums of all time - The Who Live At Leeds. Indeed, Kershaw put only Leeds on his UCCA app form, repeated it six times and duly got his place. Then he proceeded to ignore lectures while he helped out with the union gigs and soon ended up booking the bands himself. The rest is history. Live Aid he quickly sussed as a marketing opportunity for the music biz and he is no fan of Bob Geldof. But I'm giving too much away - champion of world music, foreign correspondent par excellence, expert on Haiti and North Korea, biker, lover of the TT Races (so much so, he moved to the Isle Of Man) - this is a lad who only wrote half his 'A Level' Economics paper so he could leave early to get the train from Manchester to London that would just see him in time to make Bob Dylan's only UK gig that year. Andy got an A Grade for his Economics exam and so does this book. Buy it now, read it and then give it to a friend. We are not worthy.
March 10, 2013
A good friend of mine recommended this book to me and I devoured all 408 pages in a matter of three days. Despite not being much of a fan I really enjoyed reading this biography. Essentially the book covers:
- Andy's childhood
- His time at Leeds University which was devoted to working in Ents, failing his degree and finally booking all the bands
- Being a roadie and driver for Billy Bragg
- Presenting the Old Grey Whistle Test (and Live Aid)
- Being a Radio 1 DJ
- Fearlessly working as an occasional travel and war correspondent in some of the most dangerous places on earth
- Breaking up with his wife and children
- Suffering a breakdown, alcohol abuse and being on the run from the police
- Recovery and re-establishing himself
It's a great read and Andy's passion and uncompromising opinions fill every page. For all his strong views, he comes across as one of the good guys with an incredible array of entertaining and interesting stories to recount. If you have any interest in music, the media, social history, travel, relationships, politics and foreign affairs then I'm confident you'll enjoy this book.
- Andy's childhood
- His time at Leeds University which was devoted to working in Ents, failing his degree and finally booking all the bands
- Being a roadie and driver for Billy Bragg
- Presenting the Old Grey Whistle Test (and Live Aid)
- Being a Radio 1 DJ
- Fearlessly working as an occasional travel and war correspondent in some of the most dangerous places on earth
- Breaking up with his wife and children
- Suffering a breakdown, alcohol abuse and being on the run from the police
- Recovery and re-establishing himself
It's a great read and Andy's passion and uncompromising opinions fill every page. For all his strong views, he comes across as one of the good guys with an incredible array of entertaining and interesting stories to recount. If you have any interest in music, the media, social history, travel, relationships, politics and foreign affairs then I'm confident you'll enjoy this book.
January 20, 2013
Such a relief to finish this book -- couldn't wait to be not in his company anymore. I've loved Kershaw's radio work for two decades and he's introduced me to loads of wonderful music in that time, so I was bang in this book's target audience. There are some good stories in there for sure -- I particularly liked his reminiscing about John Walters, his Producer at Radio 1 for many years, who is I think the book's real hero. But, oh the tone, the Partridge-like lack of self-awareness, the tiresome left-wing posturing, the stunning bitterness in his voice when he writes about John Peel, and then finally having seemingly been a serial cheater for years, the hideous self-pity when his personal life hits meltdown. Like being trapped in the corner of a party with a drunk bore. And to think I once looked up to the man. Avoid.
September 25, 2011
Enjoyable well written biog. Andy is opinionated and doesn't suffer fools, which makes for an entertaining read.
The first half, I thought him enthusiastic but arrogant, rather like Dexter Mayhew in the novel One Day.
The second half he starts seeing the world, getting into different music and becoming an evangelist for the new rhythms he's found.He also seeks out and visits places in turmoil, like Haiti, and gets under the skin of the local community, sending From Your Own Correspondent reports for BBC radio.
He also goes into the highly publicised personal family traumas he's been through.
Andy comes across as spiky but sympathetic.
As well as photos in the centre, the text is full of photos which enhance the book.
The first half, I thought him enthusiastic but arrogant, rather like Dexter Mayhew in the novel One Day.
The second half he starts seeing the world, getting into different music and becoming an evangelist for the new rhythms he's found.He also seeks out and visits places in turmoil, like Haiti, and gets under the skin of the local community, sending From Your Own Correspondent reports for BBC radio.
He also goes into the highly publicised personal family traumas he's been through.
Andy comes across as spiky but sympathetic.
As well as photos in the centre, the text is full of photos which enhance the book.
April 2, 2013
Kershaw tells a very good story - many very good stories actually. He was actually there and all the anecdotes are 100% believable. he sloe writes pretty well?
Why the harsh judgement? Well, he comes across as a man I wouldn't want to be stuck on a desert island with (maybe that's unkind), and the closing, rather sad, sections where he screws up his family life fail to extract sympathy from me.
Read this if you want some good, repeatable stories about the bands of 1975-now, some good tales about the wankers at the BBC, and can overlook a slightly sad and flawed character having a heap of fun.
Why the harsh judgement? Well, he comes across as a man I wouldn't want to be stuck on a desert island with (maybe that's unkind), and the closing, rather sad, sections where he screws up his family life fail to extract sympathy from me.
Read this if you want some good, repeatable stories about the bands of 1975-now, some good tales about the wankers at the BBC, and can overlook a slightly sad and flawed character having a heap of fun.
February 21, 2013
Fantastic book. Kershaw puts his own travails down on paper in a manner that illustrates his passion for life, travel, music and without an ounce of sanctimony or woe is me. He illuminates his highs and lows with humour, grace, honesty and humility. His love of discovering new things in the world whether its music, people or places mark him out as a natural storyteller. His fight for access to his kids is a triumph of dogged determination and never die spirit.
February 27, 2013
I love a rebel and Kershaw is certainly that! He was the king of Leeds Uni gigs, always full of unrelenting energy, quick wit, sometimes argumentative and on the whole slightly bonkers. I consumed this extremely well-written little book! Loved his wit and stories relating to the Old Grey Whistle Test, Live Aid and his travels as a foreign correspondent. A colourful life!
June 10, 2016
Even if you don't (and you won't) agree with all of Mr Kershaws' opinions and judgments in this volume, the infectious what next-isms are irresistible. An entertaining memoir of an opinionated and self styled non-celebrity DJ and broadcaster. Keep a pen handy there's some music you might be unfamiar with that needs investigating (James Carr was a great find for me).
January 23, 2012
This guy's been around . He's also an unflinching self-critic , & at times this is painfully honest . It's also very funny at times , & a good history both of music , broadcasting , & foreign affairs , amongst other things. Read it.
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