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Live At the Brixton Academy: A riotous life in the music business
In 1982, aged twenty-three, Simon Parkes paid £1 for a virtually derelict building in Brixton. Over the next fifteen years he turned it into Britain's most iconic music venue. And now he's telling his story: full of fond - and wild - reminiscences of the famous musicians who played at the venue, including Robert Plant and Jimmy Page, Lou Reed, The Ramones, New Order, the Beastie Boys and The Smiths.
This is about one man's burning desire for success against the odds, his passion for live music and the excitement of those wilderness years, a far cry from the corporate world that controls the scene today. From rock-star debauchery and mixing it up with Brixton gangsters to putting on the first legal raves in the UK and countless backroom business deals, this is the story of how to succeed in business with no experience and fulfil your teenage fantasies.
This is about one man's burning desire for success against the odds, his passion for live music and the excitement of those wilderness years, a far cry from the corporate world that controls the scene today. From rock-star debauchery and mixing it up with Brixton gangsters to putting on the first legal raves in the UK and countless backroom business deals, this is the story of how to succeed in business with no experience and fulfil your teenage fantasies.
432 pages, Paperback
First published January 23, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
September 14, 2015
The Brixton Academy is a place of legend. From one of my forays to a sweaty London gig as a teenager (to see Carter The Unstoppable Sex Machine in 1991) to finding myself living 5 minutes down the road 10 years later I've spent more sweaty nights there than I care to remember.
So this book promised much, and delivered on all scores. This incredible account by the unique character behind it who went to school with Prince Andrew and then took on the Brixton yardies with only one arm tells the inside story of how he turned a disused chair store into the hippest venue in London, and hung out with everyone from The Clash to Public Enemy, Grace Jones, Bono, Mick Jagger and Eric Clapton in the process. But it's the small names, the unsung heroes and the backstage stories and dealings that make this book an essential read for anyone who has ever passed through it's doors. Wonderful.
So this book promised much, and delivered on all scores. This incredible account by the unique character behind it who went to school with Prince Andrew and then took on the Brixton yardies with only one arm tells the inside story of how he turned a disused chair store into the hippest venue in London, and hung out with everyone from The Clash to Public Enemy, Grace Jones, Bono, Mick Jagger and Eric Clapton in the process. But it's the small names, the unsung heroes and the backstage stories and dealings that make this book an essential read for anyone who has ever passed through it's doors. Wonderful.
January 5, 2018
An entertaining and informative memoir from the former owner of one of Britain's most important and influential music venues. There's a lot about the music biz -- both the legit and the sleazy sides of it -- but there's also a lot about the neighborhood, the primarily West Indian suburb of southern London.
April 10, 2014
Brilliantly written, witty and nostalgic. A must for anyone who knows Brixton or grew up in the Academy.
July 8, 2025
Properly entertaining storytelling of some incredible moments at the Academy from Simon, from its inception to its greatest nights (and some
of its worse ones!). I really enjoyed reading this as someone who has loved going to Brixton Academy and gigs in general.
of its worse ones!). I really enjoyed reading this as someone who has loved going to Brixton Academy and gigs in general.
April 1, 2024
A must read for any music fan, especially if you adore Brixton Academy.
February 22, 2015
I received this book as a Xmas gift and read it in two sittings. It is a thoroughly enjoyable gallop through the history of the iconic (and my favourite) London venue.
Simon Parkes, a Gordonstoun-educated son of a Northern fishing magnate, fell in love with the venue’s “dilapidated elegance of that art deco”. He tells how he bought the old “Brixton Astoria’s” lease from a top brewer company for merely a quid (in return for a deal on Watneys beer concessions) and hired a bunch of South London roughnecks to clean up the place and provide the necessary “security”. The book is a trove of lively stories about how he then built up the “Academy” brand, first through Jamaican reggae gigs and post punk New Wave and, later on, rap, dance/rave and Britpop. Throughout the 80s he contended with drug pushers, Brixton gangsters, Jamaican “Yardies”, and the cut-throat world of live music promotion in London.
There is some interesting history about the old theatre at the start of the book. When it was built in 1929 the original theme of the Astoria was “the Mediterranean Night”. The proscenium arch was modelled after the Rialto bridge in Venice and the ceiling in the auditorium was decorated with twinkling stars to give the audience the impression of sitting under the Venetian night sky. As Parkes says “a bit of Venice in South London, who’d ever have thought it?
And, of course, Parkes’ friendships with legends across the whole spectrum of pop, rock and dance music propel the narrative and keep you riveted. The names will be familiar to those who have stood over the years on that sloping floor: The Clash, The Cult, The Pogues, The Pixies, Run DMC, Motorhead, The Smiths, Primal Scream, The Happy Mondays and so on.
Parkes closes the book with some comments about the relative decline of live music due to shifting priorities dictated by the corporate rock business “suits” and the rise of manufactured “identikit” pop groups who couldn’t play live (for example, the Spice Girls). Indeed, it could be argued that Parkes’ stewardship of the Academy from 1980 until the mid 90s saw out the last golden era of live rock’n’roll in London.
Simon Parkes, a Gordonstoun-educated son of a Northern fishing magnate, fell in love with the venue’s “dilapidated elegance of that art deco”. He tells how he bought the old “Brixton Astoria’s” lease from a top brewer company for merely a quid (in return for a deal on Watneys beer concessions) and hired a bunch of South London roughnecks to clean up the place and provide the necessary “security”. The book is a trove of lively stories about how he then built up the “Academy” brand, first through Jamaican reggae gigs and post punk New Wave and, later on, rap, dance/rave and Britpop. Throughout the 80s he contended with drug pushers, Brixton gangsters, Jamaican “Yardies”, and the cut-throat world of live music promotion in London.
There is some interesting history about the old theatre at the start of the book. When it was built in 1929 the original theme of the Astoria was “the Mediterranean Night”. The proscenium arch was modelled after the Rialto bridge in Venice and the ceiling in the auditorium was decorated with twinkling stars to give the audience the impression of sitting under the Venetian night sky. As Parkes says “a bit of Venice in South London, who’d ever have thought it?
And, of course, Parkes’ friendships with legends across the whole spectrum of pop, rock and dance music propel the narrative and keep you riveted. The names will be familiar to those who have stood over the years on that sloping floor: The Clash, The Cult, The Pogues, The Pixies, Run DMC, Motorhead, The Smiths, Primal Scream, The Happy Mondays and so on.
Parkes closes the book with some comments about the relative decline of live music due to shifting priorities dictated by the corporate rock business “suits” and the rise of manufactured “identikit” pop groups who couldn’t play live (for example, the Spice Girls). Indeed, it could be argued that Parkes’ stewardship of the Academy from 1980 until the mid 90s saw out the last golden era of live rock’n’roll in London.
May 31, 2016
Am a little lost for words when it comes to describing this book.
Firstly, Mr Parkes should be dead. One gets the impression he got close to being murdered on more than one occasion. If there was ever a case for divine intervention, it is within the pages of this book. Not just in matters of life and death. The universe (and, unwittingly, Parkes) giving Lloyds Bank a lesson in justice is priceless.
It is a wonderful insight into the music industry, as it was in the mid 1980's through the 90's. A lesson in cultural changes between now and then for those that are too young to have lived through and experienced those changes.
What else? Brixton, of course. Parkes bought this venue as Brixton was displaying bleeding wounds from the 80's riots. Of course, the most logical place to build a rock venue from scratch. No-one else would have done it. No-one else could have succeeded.
On one level, it is a story of a nut job successfully doing something that shouldn't have been possible, with zero experience in the industry at the outset. On a deeper level, it is story of someone who was born to do something. It reminds me of a poster I had in my late teens, a simple pencil sketch of birds in flight, with the caption "they can, because they think they can".
Is any of the above the reason why I bought this book? No, it is the reason you should read this book. I bought it as a music lover, not really knowing what to expect. I read it now because I'm going to a gig at The Academy in little under 2 weeks to see my childhood idol (I'd say teen idol, but I was only 10yrs old when I fell under a spell, which is still working). I'm so glad I did. Having a greater appreciation of how Brixton Academy came into being will add an extra frisson to the event, if that's possible. Thank you, Simon Parkes. (Barking mad though you undoubtedly are, but I probably don't register 100% sane myself, which maybe is why I find this tale so appealing).
Firstly, Mr Parkes should be dead. One gets the impression he got close to being murdered on more than one occasion. If there was ever a case for divine intervention, it is within the pages of this book. Not just in matters of life and death. The universe (and, unwittingly, Parkes) giving Lloyds Bank a lesson in justice is priceless.
It is a wonderful insight into the music industry, as it was in the mid 1980's through the 90's. A lesson in cultural changes between now and then for those that are too young to have lived through and experienced those changes.
What else? Brixton, of course. Parkes bought this venue as Brixton was displaying bleeding wounds from the 80's riots. Of course, the most logical place to build a rock venue from scratch. No-one else would have done it. No-one else could have succeeded.
On one level, it is a story of a nut job successfully doing something that shouldn't have been possible, with zero experience in the industry at the outset. On a deeper level, it is story of someone who was born to do something. It reminds me of a poster I had in my late teens, a simple pencil sketch of birds in flight, with the caption "they can, because they think they can".
Is any of the above the reason why I bought this book? No, it is the reason you should read this book. I bought it as a music lover, not really knowing what to expect. I read it now because I'm going to a gig at The Academy in little under 2 weeks to see my childhood idol (I'd say teen idol, but I was only 10yrs old when I fell under a spell, which is still working). I'm so glad I did. Having a greater appreciation of how Brixton Academy came into being will add an extra frisson to the event, if that's possible. Thank you, Simon Parkes. (Barking mad though you undoubtedly are, but I probably don't register 100% sane myself, which maybe is why I find this tale so appealing).
May 29, 2016
I did enjoy this as a lifelong Brixton dweller and having grown up with the academy during this period. I went to a few gigs mentioned and love the venue. A very personal.account which is great to have an insight into. But, the writing isn't all that and it definitely could have been better edited. Still, thanks for the memories Simon Parkes!
October 24, 2019
This is a memorable and insightful book, not just on the history of the academy but also on the community of brixton as a whole and the music business in general. Living in Australia, I have been fortunate enough to attend a concert at the brixton and the venue left me underwhelmed which was the opposite feeling to how the book made me feel.
January 30, 2019
Excellent.
Such an interesting read. Thanks for creating what you did and then informing us all about it... some brilliant stories...
Such an interesting read. Thanks for creating what you did and then informing us all about it... some brilliant stories...
March 11, 2021
Well, if you're reading this review, you're probably already positively predisposed towards this book from the subject matter alone, and will therefore probably enjoy it. The titular venue is a fantastic building architecturally, and is now a stalwart of the UK music scene, and the story of how that came to pass is a suitably interesting one for any fans of live music. In truth, it's a very straightforward narrative, and the writing style is perfunctory at best, but it's a brisk, chatty, conversational read, which just about manages to avoid being simply a list of famous bands who have played at the venue, not least by the frequent appearances of the local gangster community.
Mind you, be aware this isn't a gossip tome - Parkes alludes to the kinds of debauched behaviour supposedly endemic in the music scene, but doesn't go into detail or name names. Personally, I would have appreciated chapters (or at least appendices) on the history of the venue (fascinating in itself) and the workings of the live music industry (say, how things work between artists, managers, agencies, promoters and venues, and how the money splits between them all for ticket sales, bar-take and merchandise etc.), but it's an enjoyable, unpretentious read for any live music fans.
Mind you, be aware this isn't a gossip tome - Parkes alludes to the kinds of debauched behaviour supposedly endemic in the music scene, but doesn't go into detail or name names. Personally, I would have appreciated chapters (or at least appendices) on the history of the venue (fascinating in itself) and the workings of the live music industry (say, how things work between artists, managers, agencies, promoters and venues, and how the money splits between them all for ticket sales, bar-take and merchandise etc.), but it's an enjoyable, unpretentious read for any live music fans.
February 19, 2020
This is more about Simon Parkes, the man who started everything, but this is in no way meant to play down this story, as Parkes is the Academy as much as the Academy is Parkes. And I've really enjoyed throughout this trip to the story of music in Britain through the eyes of a venue which would become the heart of this South London neighborhood (where I had the immense luck to witness performances by The Pogues, Anthrax and Slayer, I must say!).
Perhaps, on occasion, it may a bit too much of Parkes "saving the day" but you can feel there's tons of honesty in his recount of show biz, as well as a valuable lesson to learn on that stuff as taken from someone who's been in the eye of the storm for so long.
In the end, it feels more like a collection of articles, easy to read and enjoyable all the way. Also, 100% agree with Parkes reflections on music and showbiz after his last days at the Academy. Alas...
Perhaps, on occasion, it may a bit too much of Parkes "saving the day" but you can feel there's tons of honesty in his recount of show biz, as well as a valuable lesson to learn on that stuff as taken from someone who's been in the eye of the storm for so long.
In the end, it feels more like a collection of articles, easy to read and enjoyable all the way. Also, 100% agree with Parkes reflections on music and showbiz after his last days at the Academy. Alas...
November 28, 2021
If I had had the time I would have finished this in a week or less, no problem.
Phenomenally good read from the word go. Simon has such a way with words and each little story within the wider novel feels like a story he’s retelling to a friend.
The Brixton Academy was home to the first gig I ever went to as a teenager and holds a special little place in my heart as it does for countless others. Being able to hear all about how it came to be has made it even more special and the next time I visit for a gig I shall relish in the new perspective this book has given me.
For true concert fans everywhere, 5 stars isn’t enough to express how much I loved reading every page of this book.
Phenomenally good read from the word go. Simon has such a way with words and each little story within the wider novel feels like a story he’s retelling to a friend.
The Brixton Academy was home to the first gig I ever went to as a teenager and holds a special little place in my heart as it does for countless others. Being able to hear all about how it came to be has made it even more special and the next time I visit for a gig I shall relish in the new perspective this book has given me.
For true concert fans everywhere, 5 stars isn’t enough to express how much I loved reading every page of this book.
July 30, 2025
this consistently went from 3 stars to 4 stars because after about 300 pages i couldn’t handle simon parkes’ ego anymore. whilst the story he has written and tells us is fascinating, it slowly becomes more about simon’s money and how he didn’t use his privilege to help others but just to his own benefit - this was very off putting at times. imagine seeing kurt cobain has killed himself and your first thought is MY INSURANCE DOESNT COVER SUICIDE. pls, give me a break.
however, the last chapter of reflection really brought it back up to 4 stars for me, at the end of the day it’s about the music.
however, the last chapter of reflection really brought it back up to 4 stars for me, at the end of the day it’s about the music.
May 20, 2020
I am absolutely gutted that I’ve finished this book. I’m a true live music nerd with around 17 years of gigs and concerts under my belt, and I’m extremely passionate about the history, workings and secrets of the industry. This book starts off with a personal background to Simon, but grows to be packed full of stories and anecdotes of his time at the Academy. The facts are outstanding, and the memories are mesmerising - I would go as far to say that this is my favourite book ever. Fantastic from cover to cover, and may even read it again...
May 6, 2021
Great read. Fab to hear about how Simon Parkes took a derelict but beautiful old building in Brixton (which at the time was not the most desirable destination for many) and turned it into the wonderful venue that we all know and love (I for one always used to say it was the best venue around).
For me this was particularly interesting due to my life-long love of music and the fact that I lived in Brixton for quite a few years.
It's a must-read for anyone into live music who experienced the Brixton Academy.
The writing is conversational, the anecdotes are enjoyable.
For me this was particularly interesting due to my life-long love of music and the fact that I lived in Brixton for quite a few years.
It's a must-read for anyone into live music who experienced the Brixton Academy.
The writing is conversational, the anecdotes are enjoyable.
April 12, 2025
This is a beautifully written book by Simon Parkes. How he writes about turning the Brixton Academy into the legendary music venue it js today brings the nostalgic feeling of how music and the culture that comes with it has changed and grown drastically. The stories he has from his time at the Brixton Academy were all so different and incredible. His business strategies were also phenomenal and interesting and definitely strategies to respect.
March 14, 2021
Based on the premise, was super disappointed in this. Too much of it has been ghostwritten from narration which gives it a real "needless to say, I had the last laugh" vibe. He also makes tons of super odd proclamations - personally if I ran a Brixton venue in the 80/90s and was letting the police use the roof to spy on people, I'd probably keep that to myself.
September 2, 2021
Beast of a place, great read.
I worked at Brixton police station in the late eighties. On big nights would hover in Astoria walk to hear how the band was doing and try to keep an eye on the local Herbert's who preyed on the punters leaving the venue. As Simon says, the Conflict concert was the most colourful night out on the street!
I worked at Brixton police station in the late eighties. On big nights would hover in Astoria walk to hear how the band was doing and try to keep an eye on the local Herbert's who preyed on the punters leaving the venue. As Simon says, the Conflict concert was the most colourful night out on the street!
January 23, 2022
An excellent story of one of the cornerstones of recent music history and the man who started and ran it. Many anecdotes in here that are fascinating, crazy and impossible to pull off in todays corporate centric music industry. Im glad these stories were put to paper as they are some of the best you might hear of the crazy world of rock and roll!
October 21, 2024
Much like the exponential growth of the Brixton Academy, this book climbed up the ladder to become one of my top favourites. As a live music photographer (who went to the O2 Academy in Brixton just for a gig and felt the exact same as described when i first walked in) I just want to talk to Simon for hours ngl
July 17, 2020
The story is fascinating and it’s particularly amazing to hear what Brixton used to be like as a town. It doesn’t get 5 stars because it is quite poorly written and I found the author quite unlikeable and full of himself. Still, it’s a very quick and easy read so may be worthwhile.
May 3, 2020
A fun little page turner. Lots of ridiculous rock n roll stories and larger than life characters. If you've enjoyed live music at some point over the last 30 years you'll get a kick out of this.
May 17, 2020
Shocked if this doesn’t get turned into a film one day. Some really crazy musical anecdotes. Quite inspiring at times, but mainly just a great memoir about a great venue.
June 10, 2020
I really enjoyed learning through this book and really glad Simon decided to write it. It opens the doors into the music scene for me, and not only that, sheds light to how business was done back in the 80/90s. Is quite remarkable that he managed everything he did, as he constantly states, being a naive white boy though you think would be detrimental, got him out of a few situations. Not only about the great artists and music but about a suburb that has been through a lot of gentrification to be what i know it is to be today, all thanks to this institution.
July 18, 2020
Excellent venue, excellent book
September 10, 2020
Best thing I've read in ages. I've read countless music biogs around the artists and management, but this stonking read from a venue owner's perspective is a real eye opener - superb!
January 9, 2021
Excellent - full of almost unbelievable stories about the creation and running of what is no doubt the best venue in Britain. Funny, enlightening, and in places moving - well worth a read
October 5, 2022
So fun. If you already think things are crooked in the music biz, this will open your eyes further.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews