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The Tremolo Diaries
Del Amitri frontman Justin Currie reflects on life as a touring musician in the shadow of his life changing Parkinson’s diagnosis.
It’s 2022 and we join Justin at the doctor’s office, looking down the barrel of a Parkinson’s diagnosis. After concerned fans noticed a tremor in his hand, Currie sought the medical advice which led him to the discovery that would throw his future into uncertainty.
The immediate fallout of his diagnosis is laid bare in Currie’s candid, stream of consciousness voice. A voice that is also by turns poetic, self-deprecating and darkly humorous across a series of diary entries that capture Justin’s innermost feelings — part travelogue, part confessional.
Following a coming to terms with the situation whilst on tour in the U.S, the second half of the story joins Currie in 2024, supporting Simple Minds on tour with Del Amitri. Anger, heartbreak and a looming sense of finality concoct a terse relationship between what once was and what may never be. Yet, page after page, what prevails is the achingly perfect timing of his acerbic wit.
The Tremolo Diaries is a beautiful and unique meditation on illness and aging. It is a twilight years reflection on band life in the 21st Century. It’s a travelogue around the world’s art galleries, parks, bars and sites of natural beauty. And most importantly, it is about love and friendship, adversity and courage, life and loss.
In a first-of-its-kind exploration of Parkinson’s by a multi-platinum selling musician, The Tremolo Diaries looks the dramatic irony of Currie’s affliction in the eye, puts down the guitar, and returns the needle to the start of the song.
It’s 2022 and we join Justin at the doctor’s office, looking down the barrel of a Parkinson’s diagnosis. After concerned fans noticed a tremor in his hand, Currie sought the medical advice which led him to the discovery that would throw his future into uncertainty.
The immediate fallout of his diagnosis is laid bare in Currie’s candid, stream of consciousness voice. A voice that is also by turns poetic, self-deprecating and darkly humorous across a series of diary entries that capture Justin’s innermost feelings — part travelogue, part confessional.
Following a coming to terms with the situation whilst on tour in the U.S, the second half of the story joins Currie in 2024, supporting Simple Minds on tour with Del Amitri. Anger, heartbreak and a looming sense of finality concoct a terse relationship between what once was and what may never be. Yet, page after page, what prevails is the achingly perfect timing of his acerbic wit.
The Tremolo Diaries is a beautiful and unique meditation on illness and aging. It is a twilight years reflection on band life in the 21st Century. It’s a travelogue around the world’s art galleries, parks, bars and sites of natural beauty. And most importantly, it is about love and friendship, adversity and courage, life and loss.
In a first-of-its-kind exploration of Parkinson’s by a multi-platinum selling musician, The Tremolo Diaries looks the dramatic irony of Currie’s affliction in the eye, puts down the guitar, and returns the needle to the start of the song.
225 pages, Hardcover
Published August 28, 2025
33 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 4, 2026
Oh my - I knew this one was going to be a tough read and it was. It’s mostly an account of his travels on his last two tours - one in America and one in Europe, interspersed with personal interludes when he talks about his diagnosis with Parkinson’s and his partner’s tragic circumstances after she suffered a major stroke. It is funny in bits though as his ascerbic wit shines through but heart-breaking in other parts as his emotions take over and you can feel the struggle he is having with his own disease and his home problems. He has to live in the present now and not think about the future and he finds that hard. There are a few telling bits in the book, where I wondered about certain things but will never probably know the truth behind them. All us fans can do is hope that things don’t get too worse for him too quickly and that he is surrounded by family and friends to support him.
September 2, 2025
A Glaswegian Catharsis … Painful, Insighful
Justin Currie’s book, as he would probably acknowledge, is a bit of a niche volume. First, you have to know that he is a founder, bassist, singer and songwriter for the moderately successful Glasgow rock band, Del Amitri. As a long-time garage band player, I’ve always admired their work, even when most of my friends had no clue who they were. So that’s one reason for me to read the book.
But this book turns out not so much about the band’s story as it is a well-crafted tome about Currie’s personal trauma - a diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease, dealing with his mother’s death, the stroke that institutionalized his long-time partner and his own aging.
In other words, it is about personal loss and repeated heart break, wrapped up in the guise of one year’s concert touring.
And his sadness has made him cranky but I think he’s due that. He doesn’t much like America, capitalism or bad art, but owns those traits, too.
In the end, I felt his pain and respect his reality. The book probably was catharsis for him, but the stories transcend his job as a musician and there are things to be learned if you can get past the depression.
Justin Currie’s book, as he would probably acknowledge, is a bit of a niche volume. First, you have to know that he is a founder, bassist, singer and songwriter for the moderately successful Glasgow rock band, Del Amitri. As a long-time garage band player, I’ve always admired their work, even when most of my friends had no clue who they were. So that’s one reason for me to read the book.
But this book turns out not so much about the band’s story as it is a well-crafted tome about Currie’s personal trauma - a diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease, dealing with his mother’s death, the stroke that institutionalized his long-time partner and his own aging.
In other words, it is about personal loss and repeated heart break, wrapped up in the guise of one year’s concert touring.
And his sadness has made him cranky but I think he’s due that. He doesn’t much like America, capitalism or bad art, but owns those traits, too.
In the end, I felt his pain and respect his reality. The book probably was catharsis for him, but the stories transcend his job as a musician and there are things to be learned if you can get past the depression.
January 9, 2026
Having spent 15 years touring and playing music, and heavily influenced by this man’s skepticism, humor and angst, this resonated with me. His ardour, or lack thereof, is of the same vibrating frequencies with which I reverberate.
What shit this world is… what beautiful shit.
What shit this world is… what beautiful shit.
October 7, 2025
This is exceptional. Warm, funny, but moving and brutal in places. Currie's way with words has always been superb, and he's at his best when describing things he doesn't like, and I'm fine with that.
September 11, 2025
I'll start my review off by saying that as an impressionable 14 year old, Del Amitri were the first live show I witnessed. From that point on, the band have been instrumental in my own musical journey and having seen them more times than I care to remember, I can honestly say, they hold a very dear place in my heart. As well as that, the influence Justin Currie has had on me also in unmeasured. His songwriting and humour are unique. I've been fortunate enough to spend time in his company and he was everything that I hoped, and more.
However, I must review this book without any of the above clouding my judgement and taking the book as I see it and not how my fan-boy views of Jc and the band make me want to say.
This was a book of desperate loneliness and pain. I'm pretty sure that it wasn't written from the standpoint of required sympathy but of complete transparency and honesty. This makes it even more heartbreaking. Not only having to deal with his own affliction and mortality, but the feeling of complete helplessness of his partners recent trauma. Having to cope with just one of these life changing occurrences is bad enough, but to deal with both and at the same time trying to juggle a career (a career that you feel could be over in the blink of an eye) would drive even the most optomistic and pragmatic person to dispair.
There were a couple of sardonic and humorous anecdotes to give the book a slight glimmer of light but the whole book, for me, was just about a man staring down the barrel of uncertainty. And to see a hero (could be a parent, family member or close friend) having to come to terms with these changes, and knowing they're ultimately doing it alone, is a hard pill to swallow.
If you're looking for an autobiography of Justin Currie or an in-depth tale of the formation and growth of one of Britains most under-rated bands, this isn't it.
If you're looking for a book about one persons struggle to overcome affliction and finding light at the end of the tunnel, this isn't it either.
This is a tale about a man taking each step as if it's his last and not knowing what sort of ground he is going to find under his feet. he may not be ok with it, but then, in his situation, who is?
However, I must review this book without any of the above clouding my judgement and taking the book as I see it and not how my fan-boy views of Jc and the band make me want to say.
This was a book of desperate loneliness and pain. I'm pretty sure that it wasn't written from the standpoint of required sympathy but of complete transparency and honesty. This makes it even more heartbreaking. Not only having to deal with his own affliction and mortality, but the feeling of complete helplessness of his partners recent trauma. Having to cope with just one of these life changing occurrences is bad enough, but to deal with both and at the same time trying to juggle a career (a career that you feel could be over in the blink of an eye) would drive even the most optomistic and pragmatic person to dispair.
There were a couple of sardonic and humorous anecdotes to give the book a slight glimmer of light but the whole book, for me, was just about a man staring down the barrel of uncertainty. And to see a hero (could be a parent, family member or close friend) having to come to terms with these changes, and knowing they're ultimately doing it alone, is a hard pill to swallow.
If you're looking for an autobiography of Justin Currie or an in-depth tale of the formation and growth of one of Britains most under-rated bands, this isn't it.
If you're looking for a book about one persons struggle to overcome affliction and finding light at the end of the tunnel, this isn't it either.
This is a tale about a man taking each step as if it's his last and not knowing what sort of ground he is going to find under his feet. he may not be ok with it, but then, in his situation, who is?
September 24, 2025
Unsurprisingly, this book is beautifully written. Justin Currie is one of my favorite songwriters and along with Dylan, Isbell, Mark Knopfler, Kathleen Edwards, and Bill Mallonee, I rate him as one of the greatest lyricists of all-time. The man has a way with words as is clear throughout this "diary" of life on the road in 2023-2024.
Written shortly after being diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease, this is an unflinching account of life with the disease while on the road touring with the dels. There's some humor in the book (almost every time Currie refers to "Gavin" (his tremored right hand)), but primarily the entries are brutally honest. Whether the author is writing about what Parkinson's has wrought on his body, mind, and loved ones, his love Emma's stroke (and post-stroke care), fellow musicians, or daily observations, Justin Currie tells it straight and evocatively. This is a beautifully heartbreaking read. And I damn fine one. As a bonus: the author reads the book on the Audible version I listened to and it's even more powerful in that medium. I loved this so much I ordered a hardback copy. It's brilliant.
Written shortly after being diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease, this is an unflinching account of life with the disease while on the road touring with the dels. There's some humor in the book (almost every time Currie refers to "Gavin" (his tremored right hand)), but primarily the entries are brutally honest. Whether the author is writing about what Parkinson's has wrought on his body, mind, and loved ones, his love Emma's stroke (and post-stroke care), fellow musicians, or daily observations, Justin Currie tells it straight and evocatively. This is a beautifully heartbreaking read. And I damn fine one. As a bonus: the author reads the book on the Audible version I listened to and it's even more powerful in that medium. I loved this so much I ordered a hardback copy. It's brilliant.
September 30, 2025
This is Justin Currie’s memoir, reflecting on his Parkinson’s diagnosis and his life on the road with Del Amitri since. It’s raw, moving, and laced with the dry wit and sharp observations that make his songwriting so brilliant.
This one is a bit of a departure from my usual reading, being non-fiction, but I’ve been a huge Del Amitri fan for as long as I can remember, so I couldn’t resist picking it up. I’m glad I did, because it’s every bit as compelling as a great novel—sometimes heartbreaking, sometimes funny, always deeply human.
Currie doesn’t shy away from the realities of living with Parkinson’s, but what struck me most was how much life and spirit he still pours into his words. His writing style feels conversational, almost like sitting down with him over a pint and listening to him tell his story, and that made it all the more engaging. His reflections on music and performing hit especially hard for longtime fans like me, offering a glimpse behind the songs that have been a soundtrack to my life.
I absolutely loved this book. It’s poignant yet hopeful, and for me it only deepened my appreciation for him as both a musician and a person. A truly unforgettable read.
This one is a bit of a departure from my usual reading, being non-fiction, but I’ve been a huge Del Amitri fan for as long as I can remember, so I couldn’t resist picking it up. I’m glad I did, because it’s every bit as compelling as a great novel—sometimes heartbreaking, sometimes funny, always deeply human.
Currie doesn’t shy away from the realities of living with Parkinson’s, but what struck me most was how much life and spirit he still pours into his words. His writing style feels conversational, almost like sitting down with him over a pint and listening to him tell his story, and that made it all the more engaging. His reflections on music and performing hit especially hard for longtime fans like me, offering a glimpse behind the songs that have been a soundtrack to my life.
I absolutely loved this book. It’s poignant yet hopeful, and for me it only deepened my appreciation for him as both a musician and a person. A truly unforgettable read.
September 13, 2025
Raw, heavy, deeply emotional to the core. Justin lets it all hang out, speaks the truth, his truth. Moments of tears, and often much laughter as Justin knows exactly how to put words down on paper as if you are on the inside of all his jokes and irony.
Parkinson's is a dreadful, awful disease, but Justin manages his daily life with grace, humor, and mostly honest about what is really going on inside his soul.
As a lover of Del Amitri and all the band members themselves, it feels so personal to read into Justin's life. Perhaps we could all use a dose of reality outside of ourselves. Especially those of us who have a pretty nice life.
Parkinson's is a dreadful, awful disease, but Justin manages his daily life with grace, humor, and mostly honest about what is really going on inside his soul.
As a lover of Del Amitri and all the band members themselves, it feels so personal to read into Justin's life. Perhaps we could all use a dose of reality outside of ourselves. Especially those of us who have a pretty nice life.
September 16, 2025
Heartbreaking and hilarious in equal measure. If you’re a fan then you already know JC has a brilliant way with words. Not unlike his tour diaries from around a decade ago, only with an all new perspective that will have you laughing on minute and crying the next. Justin Currie is one our most underrated wordsmiths. He is a national treasure and here, like everything else he releases, is proof.
November 29, 2025
A heartbreak of a book, but yet quietly uplifting, a bit like a classic Del Amitri song. Such a talented writer, should his ghastly affliction curtail his performing career, perhaps a writer’s life for him awaits. Absolutely superb book and one of the best music memoirs I have ever read. A triumph!
December 23, 2025
Brilliant book... slightly crabbit insights into touring, diners, art galleries and towns and cities across North America and Europe all touched with a lot of humour. And some really thoughtful insights into the impact of a long-term condition like Parkinson's but this is only a part of the book and it's a really funny, moving and insightful book
October 7, 2025
moving and well written
The honesty, insight and awareness which Del Amitri lead singer writes about touring as an again lead singer suffering with Parkinson’s is captivating. His intelligence and dark wit shine through. Highly recommend
The honesty, insight and awareness which Del Amitri lead singer writes about touring as an again lead singer suffering with Parkinson’s is captivating. His intelligence and dark wit shine through. Highly recommend
January 6, 2026
More like a 3.5 only because it becomes a little repetitive in 2nd half. Really enjoyed the profanity and how judgemental Currie can be - refreshingly honest. The dark humour is justified given his health issues and those of his partner.
January 12, 2026
A travelogue over 90 days touring of a rock musician interrupted by disease, death , ageneral atmosphere of sadness and the odd life affirming encounters. Just as much an emotional journey for me as for the writer.
Move away Jimmy Blue!!
Move away Jimmy Blue!!
October 18, 2025
Beautifully written melancholic ramblings. I listened to the audiobook and Justin’s reading was great as expected.
October 22, 2025
Brutally honest. Haunting. Brilliant. Brave. A book about seemingly nothing was actually a book about everything. I enjoyed every word. The audio format, with Justin narrating, was perfect.
January 9, 2026
A really moving piece of work and I found myself rationing it as I didn’t want it to end.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews