Days and Days: A Story about Sunderland's Leatherface and the Ties That Bind

by Chris MacDonald

It might seem odd — a punk band introducing poetry into someone’s life. But what if this lyrical influence was the reason you became a writer in the first place?

Days and Days weaves together two stories. One is a tale of friendship and self-discovery that occurs during a backpacking adventure through England, Scotland, and Ireland. The other celebrates the highly influential yet underestimated UK band Leatherface, a group that The Guardian called “the greatest British punk band of the modern era.”

Without so much as a single hostel booked, Chris MacDonald and his friend Jason cross the Atlantic. They sleep in train stations, endure a haunting on top of a volcano in Edinburgh, are driven out of Belfast by the IRA, and witness the mother of all storms. They also find themselves in the rehearsal space of their teenage punk idols, a building steeped in cultural significance for the Sunderland music scene.

Days and Days is about the silver thread that connects us even after drifting apart. It’s a story about forgiveness and reflection, how beauty can be found within callous cladding. Leatherface band members, colleagues, and friends generously share personal insights that guide the reader into the melancholy, darkness, and humor that surround Sunderland’s best-kept secret.

Genres: Music, Punk, Biography

256 pages, Paperback

Published October 8, 2024

Reviews

[Jesse Havoc · Rating 5 out of 5]

This read was not an expensive meal at a fancy hotel that was never able to live up to expectations. This was more like the unexpected free place to stay with a shower that was needed for days and the absolutely best peanut butter sandwich ever. It was a nice reminder that discovery of beauty can happen at any time, usually in unexpected places. Try not to push it away when it falls in your lap.
What I'm trying to say is that I didn't discover the band Leatherface as much as I happened to have them come through town and play at O'Cayz Corral with Hot Water Music, Dillinger Four and Discount. One of many shows I went to in the summer of 1999. I was placed right back into those smells and faces and sounds again. I'm going to misquote the book and say, why not romanticize the past? Romance is good and the future, at times, seems hopeless. I loved this book. Highly recommended whether you're familiar with the bands mentioned in it or not.

[Shawna M · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, thank you to ECW Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I'll start by admitting a couple of things. I am a huge music nerd and although I have been involved in similar scenes (i.e. punk) as the setting of this book, I was not familiar with the primary band in this book (Leatherface). In addition, the band coming from Sunderland UK is not *quite* a conflict of interest with my being "Team Newcastle" but I feel that it's important to disclose this at the start. If you are familiar with the area or even the football (soccer) teams you will understand why I mention this fact. For a unique perspective and to kind of review the book at face value, I didn't check out the band prior to reading and went in with an open mind. So, what do I think as a music nerd without any ties to the band?

If it's any sign, my copy is flapping with dozens of bookmark sticky flags as I found quotes that resonated with me... about life as a young adult traveling, exploring, getting into trouble, and going on adventures... and the soundtrack along the way. I had flashbacks to my own years getting into somewhat sketchy situations, making memories along the way, all mostly driven by the pursuit of music and friendship.

I won't cite quotes because the version I read was a prerelease, but I recommend this book to readers who love books about music, particularly the punk scene, and those who might relate to the scene a few decades back. Even without an extensive knowledge of the band it was still an enjoyable read. It does fluctuate between storytelling and the occasional waxing poetic that was a bit jarring at first, but I adjusted along the way and appreciated the contrast. If you enjoy books about the music scene, obsession with a band (including seeking out the obscure), and friendship in general, you would probably dig this book. If you are a fan of Leatherface or have connections to Canada or North East England, even better! The focus is not just on the one band, and it's not necessary to have that background to find some value in taking the time to read. You will probably find some of it relatable, and if this is not your scene maybe you can appreciate it the way one appreciates the study of sociology or cultural anthropology. Insert Attenborough voice "here we observe the Canadian Punks on a migratory journey to England in search of an obscure band" and perhaps you can see the humour, or at least wonder how young adults can survive and function. It certainly had me reflecting on some of my own adventures back in the day.

[Tony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even if you're not a fan of UK punk band LEATHERFACE there is much to enjoy in this musical memoir, which doubles up as a travelogue of two Canadians travelling in the UK in the late 90s, who have the opportunity to watch their favourite band, and even sit in on a rehearsal and meet the legendary singer Franke Stubbs.

If you are a LEATHERFACE fan then this is a book for you, the bits about the band are more interesting than the often funny accounts of the 2 young men travelling and drinking their way across Europe. But I could have done without his potted accounts of places they visited, like Edinburgh and Belfast. The book was at its best when it concentrated on the music and how punk rock has the ability of bringing folks together.

I've seen LEATHERFACE several times, at both ends of their careers, also Frankie Stubbs as a solo artist. They were certainly a unique band and the author brings the magic of their highly original music to life. They say never meet your heroes, Chris MacDonald did and it came out okay! I could have spoken to Frankie Stubbs on a couple of occasions, but never did. But he did sign a CD for me when LEATHERFACE supported HOT WATER MUSIC at the Highbury Garage around 2001.

Another strength of the book is the musicians the author tracked down from the punk scene, including Fat Bob from WAT TYLER/HARD SKIN, Duncan from SNUFF, Simon from SNUFF/SOUTHPORT, members of HOT WATER MUSIC and many others, all of which worshipped LEATHERFACE.

I doubt LEATHERFACE got the acclaim and recognition their music deserved and because of this we need books like DAYS AND DAYS, which act as love letters to things we love. And I don't think anybody under 30 would appreciate how hard, and to what great lengths, the older generations went to in discovering and tracking down obscure brilliant music. I did it and Chris MacDonald did it and meanwhile this amazing band called LEATHERFACE waits to be discovered by the younger generations of punks!

[JACK SPARKS · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a 33 year listener of the music of the UK band Leatherface, I was ecstatic upon hearing of this book. I was in Australia at the time for work and as much as I love my kindle I knew I wanted a tangible copy of it. Upon returning home I ordered it on Amazon.

Anyone whoever heard the music of Leatherface knew it had something other bands don’t. This book, while not a biography on the band, is more of a coming of age story of two young men finding their way from Canada to the UK to find this band and see them play. Backpacking, hostels, and the kindness of others leads them around and through the mosaic of tiles that make up the UK countryside and its cities. The author is anything but reserved in his honesty and trepidation of all the encounters with the band and his travel mate. Even if you’ve never heard of the band Leatherface, Macdonald brings forth the poetry of Stubbs in the many moments of this modern punk rock odyssey enough to make you want to be a fan and search out the song lyrics and music of the venerable Leatherface. Macdonald breaks the mold of the old adage, “never meet your heroes”. I think anyone with even a shred of adventure left should dive into this fun emotional read!

Jack

[Kate Błaszczyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part travel memoir following a couple of young Canadian punks backpacking their way around the UK in a time before google maps was a thing, rejoicing in the fact that they are able to spend time in the company of their favourite band, Leatherface, along the way, and part band bio told through the lens of peers (including the likes of members of Snuff, and a lot of Hot Water Music). The impact of the music of Leatherface is palpable from the interviews and anecdotes throughout different chapters and the whole read leaves you with a feeling of nostalgia, hope, and passion. I loved every page. (Also, exciting for me that I was present at two events cited in this book (Out of Spite at Joseph’s Well in 2002, and Chuck Ragan at Gorilla a few years back), which surprised me as most of these goings on were happening before I was old enough to go to gigs, but I just caught the tail end it would seem)
I would urge everyone who has even a passing interest in UK punk to pick up a copy of this when you see it.

[Andrew Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book about an almost forgotten band. its sort of a travelogue, sort of a history of Leatherface but overall, i got the impression that the book is actually about how music and bands can influence male friendships. It is not the normal run of the mill music Biog i thought it was going to be. The writing felt a bit incoherent at times because it wasn't always clear immediately which timeline or setting each chapter belonged to, and this was not helped by the same people popping up in each timeline and setting. It was enjoyable i think, just not really what i was expecting. Worth a read if you've heard of Leatherface, but if you havent, go and listen to Mush, then give it a read. You'll get more out of it. Netgalley ARC

[Matt Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first heard about this book, I thought it was going to be a biography of the band Leatherface. When I read the blurb about the book, I thought it was going to be a personal story.
What I ended up reading is a combination of the two, along with personal stories from people that know the band or toured with the band through the years.
Chris has a unique way of blending his personal journey with stories about the band, as told from the perspective of people he interviewed. The stories give background and context to what Leatherface means to so many people. Leatherface isn't known by enough people but they just may have been your favourite band's favourite band.
Throughout the book, Chris is able to paint a picture for you so that you feel like you're right there alongside him in his journey through England, Scotland and Ireland as well as back home in Toronto. From dingy bars to camping on a mountain and almost getting shanked.
This book should be considered a "must read" for anyone that has even a passing interest in Leatherface or wants an introduction to what was probably the biggest band in the underground punk scene in the 90s.
So start streaming Minx or Mush through headphones and give this book a read.

NOTE: I received an advance copy of this book through ECW Press.

[Andy Higgins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this. I’m probably on the side of bias as I have been listening to the band for 30 years however I approached this book with reservations. There are only a few ‘music’ / ‘band’ related books that cut the mustard. I scanned through the chapter headings wondering how the author could create a narrative. Really impressed how the authors travels and exposure to the songs were woven into the history of the band. After a couple of chapters with my reservations quashed I settled into what is an excellent read. As poetic and imaginative as the band’s lyrics - 10/10 … Will buttonhole the author for future releases …

[Richard Wolstenholme · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stumbled across Days and Days after an idle Google search in the hope of finding something new - spoken, written or even sung about this peerless band that has provided a consistent soundtrack from adolescence to midlife. I read it cover to cover and was left wanting more. If you ever had the privilege to hear Leatherface live, or you've listened to their work, or if you have a interest in punk counter culture, this is essential and fun reading. Thank you Chris!

[Steven Midwinter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolute Top-notch. A mix of travel diary, memoir and band bio. The personal memoir and travel writing is as sharp as a tack - poetic, life-affirming, melancholy, much like the remarkable lyrics of Frankie Stubbs. Leatherface are/were one of the most important bands to come from all of punk, and the author's story conveys just how impactful they can be.This band could be your life!

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I blurbed this book: "More than a memoir about music, Days and Days is a like a public house where time runs forward and back, the folly of youth is mixed up with heroic ambition, and Leatherface is always on the jukebox."

[Tim DeMarco · Rating 5 out of 5]

A love story, but not about romance. It's an ode to friendship and the power of music. A must-read for any fan of Leatherface or anybody searching for a book about male friendship. Very grateful that this exists.

[Enid Wray]

I am not the reader for this book.

DNF

[Matthew Kaminsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well-written and full of heart.

[TOBIAS · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listen to more Leatherface today!

[R.L. Muscatello · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute gem of an autobiographical docu-story. Written with earnestness, heart, sincerity, humor, vulnerability, grit and grace. No matter how you feel about (or even if you’ve never heard of) England’s punk legends, Leatherface, you will put this novel down with admiration. Not just for the band itself, but for the lyrical movement of the story, the deep dive into this era of punk, and, for those of us lucky enough to have come of age at this time, being able to identify on such a profound level. Highly recommend for lovers of music and, like Leatherface, the stories of those who shape us with their sound. “Thank you for playing the way you play”.