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Walls Come Tumbling Down: The Music and Politics of Rock Against Racism, 2 Tone and Red Wedge
In August 1976, Eric Clapton made an inflammatory speech in support of Enoch Powell and ‘black’ repatriation, sparking an anti-racism campaign that would soon radicalise an entire generation. The following sixteen years saw politics and pop music come together as never before to challenge racism, gender inequality and social and class divisions. For the first time in UK history, musicians became instigators of social change and their political persuasion as important as the songs they sang.
Through the voices of campaigners, musicians, artists and politicians, Daniel Rachel charts this extraordinary and pivotal period between 1976 and 1992, following the rise and fall of three key movements of the time: Rock Against Racism, 2 Tone and Red Wedge, revealing how they both shaped, and were shaped by, the music of a generation.
Consisting of new and exclusive in-depth conversations with over 100 contributors, including Pauline Black, Billy Bragg, Jerry Dammers, Phill Jupitus, Neil Kinnock, Linton Kwesi-Johnson, Tom Robinson, Clare Short, Tracey Thorn and many more, Walls Come Tumbling Down is a fascinating, polyphonic and authoritative account of those crucial sixteen years in Britain's history, from the acclaimed writer of Isle of Noises.
Walls Come Tumbling Down also features more than 150 images – many rare or previously unpublished – from some of the greatest names in photography, including Adrian Boot, Chalkie Davies, Jill Furmanovsky, Syd Shelton, Pennie Smith, Steve Rapport and Virginia Turbett.
Through the voices of campaigners, musicians, artists and politicians, Daniel Rachel charts this extraordinary and pivotal period between 1976 and 1992, following the rise and fall of three key movements of the time: Rock Against Racism, 2 Tone and Red Wedge, revealing how they both shaped, and were shaped by, the music of a generation.
Consisting of new and exclusive in-depth conversations with over 100 contributors, including Pauline Black, Billy Bragg, Jerry Dammers, Phill Jupitus, Neil Kinnock, Linton Kwesi-Johnson, Tom Robinson, Clare Short, Tracey Thorn and many more, Walls Come Tumbling Down is a fascinating, polyphonic and authoritative account of those crucial sixteen years in Britain's history, from the acclaimed writer of Isle of Noises.
Walls Come Tumbling Down also features more than 150 images – many rare or previously unpublished – from some of the greatest names in photography, including Adrian Boot, Chalkie Davies, Jill Furmanovsky, Syd Shelton, Pennie Smith, Steve Rapport and Virginia Turbett.
593 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 8, 2016
15 people are currently reading
285 people want to read
About the author
Daniel Rachel
11 books28 followersDaniel Rachel is a musician turned award winning and best-selling author. His works include:
Isle of Noises: Conversations with Great British Songwriters (a Guardian and NME Book of the Year),
Walls Come Tumbling Down: the music & politics of Rock Against Racism, 2 Tone and Red Wedge (winner of the Penderyn Music Book prize),
Don’t Look Back in Anger: the Rise & Fall of Cool Britannia (An Evening Standard and Metro Book of the Year),
The Lost Album of The Beatles: What if the Beatles hadn’t Split Up? (Guardian Book Choice)
Too Much Too Young: The 2 Tone Records Story: Rude Boys, Racism and the Soundtrack of a Generation
He has also co-authored
Oasis: Knebworth: Two Nights That Will Live Forever (with Jill Furmanovsky – A Sunday Times Bestseller),
When Ziggy Played the Marquee by Terry O'Neill (editor)
Ranking Roger's autobiography I Just Can't Stop It: My Life in The Beat (a Vive Le Rock Book of the Year).
One For The Road (The Life & Lyrics of Simon Fowler & Ocean Colour Scene)
David Bowie: Icon
HIs latest book, This Ain't Rock 'n' Roll: Pop Music, the Swastika and the Third Reich is published in November 2025
Praise for Isle of Noises
‘Without doubt the finest book I've ever read about songwriters and the songs they write.’ NOEL GALLAGHER
‘I was astounded by Daniel’s knowledge and even after all these years to be asked original questions that surprise you was very impressive.’ ROBIN GIBB
‘It makes for a fascinating read. Especially if you're trying to get a sense of what it takes to write songs.’ ANNIE LENNOX
‘…sometimes you know straightaway if someone’s going to be trotting out the same old stuff. Daniel’s obviously got a real feeling for the esoteric, romantic and spiritual side of it.’ JOHNNY MARR
Isle of Noises: Conversations with Great British Songwriters (a Guardian and NME Book of the Year),
Walls Come Tumbling Down: the music & politics of Rock Against Racism, 2 Tone and Red Wedge (winner of the Penderyn Music Book prize),
Don’t Look Back in Anger: the Rise & Fall of Cool Britannia (An Evening Standard and Metro Book of the Year),
The Lost Album of The Beatles: What if the Beatles hadn’t Split Up? (Guardian Book Choice)
Too Much Too Young: The 2 Tone Records Story: Rude Boys, Racism and the Soundtrack of a Generation
He has also co-authored
Oasis: Knebworth: Two Nights That Will Live Forever (with Jill Furmanovsky – A Sunday Times Bestseller),
When Ziggy Played the Marquee by Terry O'Neill (editor)
Ranking Roger's autobiography I Just Can't Stop It: My Life in The Beat (a Vive Le Rock Book of the Year).
One For The Road (The Life & Lyrics of Simon Fowler & Ocean Colour Scene)
David Bowie: Icon
HIs latest book, This Ain't Rock 'n' Roll: Pop Music, the Swastika and the Third Reich is published in November 2025
Praise for Isle of Noises
‘Without doubt the finest book I've ever read about songwriters and the songs they write.’ NOEL GALLAGHER
‘I was astounded by Daniel’s knowledge and even after all these years to be asked original questions that surprise you was very impressive.’ ROBIN GIBB
‘It makes for a fascinating read. Especially if you're trying to get a sense of what it takes to write songs.’ ANNIE LENNOX
‘…sometimes you know straightaway if someone’s going to be trotting out the same old stuff. Daniel’s obviously got a real feeling for the esoteric, romantic and spiritual side of it.’ JOHNNY MARR
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
October 5, 2016
Exhaustively researched absorbing account of the alternative 80s. Some of my preconceptions confirmed, eg Tom Robinson's a good guy and The Clash were sloganisers, and some revised- felt better towards Paul Weller. However, I didn't buy the Red Wedge era records at the time and spent the 80s listening to The Fall; for all the good intentions, is there a taint of sanctimoniousness about the enterprise?
November 13, 2021
Like 80% of my boyfriends (💖David💖! 💗Pete💗! 🤍💗🖤Dave🖤💗🤍! ❤️❤️❤️Mick❤️❤️❤️! 🤍🖤🤍🖤Jerry🖤🤍🖤🤍! 💙🤍❤️Paul❤️🤍💙! and MORE I’m probably even forgetting right now!!) appear in this book so YEAH it’s good!!
And for the not 😻 part of my review, this is a super interesting way of contextualising a lot of the major events of the 70s and 80s through the lens of the musical movements that coalesced and responded to them. I think it would have been interesting to have had a little more context around the shift in the SWP (was surprised to learn that they’d sort of supported RAR and the narrative around them in that section seems very positive but the mentions in the Red Wedge section are more in line with what I would have expected throughout, i.e. negative) but maybe that’s like a whole other book and not really possible beyond the few mentions I noticed. Otherwise though it’s really great! I especially liked the section where the artists discussed their views on being both aesthetes and socialists and how one doesn’t have to enjoin one from being the other. There’s also a tonnnnnn of great stuff about 2 Tone AND a very good amount of photos (tho, like, let’s be real, more would not have gone amiss!)
And for the not 😻 part of my review, this is a super interesting way of contextualising a lot of the major events of the 70s and 80s through the lens of the musical movements that coalesced and responded to them. I think it would have been interesting to have had a little more context around the shift in the SWP (was surprised to learn that they’d sort of supported RAR and the narrative around them in that section seems very positive but the mentions in the Red Wedge section are more in line with what I would have expected throughout, i.e. negative) but maybe that’s like a whole other book and not really possible beyond the few mentions I noticed. Otherwise though it’s really great! I especially liked the section where the artists discussed their views on being both aesthetes and socialists and how one doesn’t have to enjoin one from being the other. There’s also a tonnnnnn of great stuff about 2 Tone AND a very good amount of photos (tho, like, let’s be real, more would not have gone amiss!)
November 20, 2016
I've always been a sucker for protest songs. Greenpeace, Artists Against Apartheid, Amnesty International, etc if there's an album I probably have it and likely the DVD too. So when this oral history of Rock Against Racism, Red Wedge and Artists United Against Apartheid came out I figured it was written for me. The voices of some of my favorite artists, The Style Council, UB40, Paul Weller, Billy Bragg are the ones telling the stories of the protest efforts in the late 70's up through the early 90's. The only way to make this book better would be to release a companion album, I'm guessing it would need to be several volumes.
April 20, 2025
a really really very interesting account of the British political history either side of Thatcher’s government. the style is exciting, as you get to hear from the people involved and a (albeit respectively narrow) range of views on some of the events and opinions. for someone almost completely new to the topic, it’s also fairly easy to follow.
HOWEVER, it did start to feel a little repetitive about 1/3 of the way in. it kind of starts to feel like everyone is saying the same thing in different words.
HOWEVER, it did start to feel a little repetitive about 1/3 of the way in. it kind of starts to feel like everyone is saying the same thing in different words.
January 16, 2019
When Music Changed EVERYTHING!
An incredible book! If,like myself,you were a young teenager during the period that this book covers,you'll perhaps remember how grey the country seemed and how dispossessed and useless we felt.Punk added some much-needed excitement and colour and then RAR happened! Antifascism,political knowledge and anti-Thatcher set to some of the greatest music we'd heard! It's all in this book,told by the people who made it happen.It's not just about RAR,it's got the Red Wedge story and all the things that came from that up until the wonderful Free Nelson Mandela movement that Jerry Dammers initiated and,let's not forget,did so much to get Nelson freed.This book is a joy.We could do with the energy and vision of everyone involved again.
An incredible book! If,like myself,you were a young teenager during the period that this book covers,you'll perhaps remember how grey the country seemed and how dispossessed and useless we felt.Punk added some much-needed excitement and colour and then RAR happened! Antifascism,political knowledge and anti-Thatcher set to some of the greatest music we'd heard! It's all in this book,told by the people who made it happen.It's not just about RAR,it's got the Red Wedge story and all the things that came from that up until the wonderful Free Nelson Mandela movement that Jerry Dammers initiated and,let's not forget,did so much to get Nelson freed.This book is a joy.We could do with the energy and vision of everyone involved again.
March 21, 2023
Earlier this year I read the excellent White Riot, a fictionalised tale relating to some of the events described properly here. This is an oral history about the last time music truly had a social conscience and strived to change minds. It’s the kind of political action unlikely to happen again even as we now live through a time where the in-power Tories are taking cues and influence from the punishing Thatcher era and in some ways it feels like nothing has changed, but the resistance is scattered to their individual social media handles with dissent in pithy memes or head shaking, shoulder shrugging defeatism.
I’m no different really, but there was a time when young people and bands sought to change hearts and minds as they could starting with the rise of Rock Against Racism. The gig for me was always remembered for the footage I’d seen of The Clash, but they were merely a small part of things as RAR looked to and succeeded in defeating the National Front. The campaign itself hosted loads of gigs around the country pairing punk and reggae bands together to form a united front against right wing opposition. This coupled with the pairing up with the Anti-Nazi League brought about a new awareness and brought people together under one banner to dismantle, what was seen as a dangerous political opponent.
The second part of the book looks at 2 Tone and how following on from RAR, you had a series of mixed race bands coming out of Coventry and achieving success with songs touching upon the social realism of the time and the disillusionment of many youths towards the Thatcher led government. It’s a surprise how short lived The Specials actually were even as they cruised to the top of the charts with the unparalleled Ghost Town and the band fell apart. The embracing of their brand of ska melded a lot of the things RAR sought to achieve and they did so at the height of the charts along with Bodysnatchers, The Beat and The Selecter. 2 Tone managed to be stylish, socially aware and hugely successful in short order in ways that have never been replicated since.
In the third part of the book, we are told the story of Red Wedge, which I was completely unaware of before reading the book and I suppose goes to show the ways in which pop music is rarely associated with politics these days. Red Wedge is perhaps something you are more likely to continue to see in American politics such as with the likes of Springsteen and Conor Oberst’s support of John Kerry some years ago now, but in Britain and after reading, you can tell this type of action died a death following this. Paul Weller, Billy Bragg and a host of others set off on a tour of gigs and day events to promote the Labour Party and simply engage with young people who were not interested or bothered about voting to seek change in the form of Labour. Even then you had people trying to catch out the artists when it came to political debate and you had the artists involved trying to back away from the Labour Party at times and just looking for people to engage and take action. It creates an interesting thread of history that puts forward the notion explored further in Dylan Jones’ Faster Than A Cannonball: 1995 and All That whereby Blair uses the popularity of Britpop in a more indirect sense to fluff up the Labour cultural initiatives.
The book ends with a brief part about Jerry Dammers’ concerts in support of Nelson Mandela and the way in which (Free) Nelson Mandela managed to boost his profile to the point he became one of the seminal figures in recent history.
It’s a big book that at times falls into repetition on various things, but manages to explain the facets of putting together such organisations and bringing the fight to the fore of music instead of hiding behind the bottom line. The music industry is not what it was and never will it be given the way our culture has changed, but it is heartening to read this history while disheartening to imagine how much more difficult things like this would be to achieve today where we find ourselves with the same messages being sent out by the ruling party as ever, but with little means of resistance other than our pocket of the internet.
I’m no different really, but there was a time when young people and bands sought to change hearts and minds as they could starting with the rise of Rock Against Racism. The gig for me was always remembered for the footage I’d seen of The Clash, but they were merely a small part of things as RAR looked to and succeeded in defeating the National Front. The campaign itself hosted loads of gigs around the country pairing punk and reggae bands together to form a united front against right wing opposition. This coupled with the pairing up with the Anti-Nazi League brought about a new awareness and brought people together under one banner to dismantle, what was seen as a dangerous political opponent.
The second part of the book looks at 2 Tone and how following on from RAR, you had a series of mixed race bands coming out of Coventry and achieving success with songs touching upon the social realism of the time and the disillusionment of many youths towards the Thatcher led government. It’s a surprise how short lived The Specials actually were even as they cruised to the top of the charts with the unparalleled Ghost Town and the band fell apart. The embracing of their brand of ska melded a lot of the things RAR sought to achieve and they did so at the height of the charts along with Bodysnatchers, The Beat and The Selecter. 2 Tone managed to be stylish, socially aware and hugely successful in short order in ways that have never been replicated since.
In the third part of the book, we are told the story of Red Wedge, which I was completely unaware of before reading the book and I suppose goes to show the ways in which pop music is rarely associated with politics these days. Red Wedge is perhaps something you are more likely to continue to see in American politics such as with the likes of Springsteen and Conor Oberst’s support of John Kerry some years ago now, but in Britain and after reading, you can tell this type of action died a death following this. Paul Weller, Billy Bragg and a host of others set off on a tour of gigs and day events to promote the Labour Party and simply engage with young people who were not interested or bothered about voting to seek change in the form of Labour. Even then you had people trying to catch out the artists when it came to political debate and you had the artists involved trying to back away from the Labour Party at times and just looking for people to engage and take action. It creates an interesting thread of history that puts forward the notion explored further in Dylan Jones’ Faster Than A Cannonball: 1995 and All That whereby Blair uses the popularity of Britpop in a more indirect sense to fluff up the Labour cultural initiatives.
The book ends with a brief part about Jerry Dammers’ concerts in support of Nelson Mandela and the way in which (Free) Nelson Mandela managed to boost his profile to the point he became one of the seminal figures in recent history.
It’s a big book that at times falls into repetition on various things, but manages to explain the facets of putting together such organisations and bringing the fight to the fore of music instead of hiding behind the bottom line. The music industry is not what it was and never will it be given the way our culture has changed, but it is heartening to read this history while disheartening to imagine how much more difficult things like this would be to achieve today where we find ourselves with the same messages being sent out by the ruling party as ever, but with little means of resistance other than our pocket of the internet.
September 18, 2017
The very first march I went on was from Trafalgar Square to Victoria Park for the ANL Carnival. As a school boy it also happened to be one of my first consciously political arguments when the five of us debated on the train from Hampshire suburbia to Waterloo whether we should go straight to the park so we would be sure to catch X Ray Spex or do the march. Me and one other mate did the march. Despite getting to an age where I forget where I put my coffee, I remember so much of that day. (It was also my first hang-over which we tried to cure by buying Jaffa cakes and cans of pale ale). That day was an important moment in politicising me.
With that in mind and with so many musical heroes included in the book, there was much to enjoy. At times, there are fascinating and interesting discussions concerning the interaction of culture and politics. All the examples are ones which are worthy efforts to shape the political life of Britain. It is also, I have to say, exhaustively researched. However...
However, one reason for giving initially giving it three stars (unable to give it 3 1/2 I settled for 4) is that perhaps it is too researched. It certainly is exhausting at times. I found it a little repetitive after the half way mark. Also, at about that point, I did think Chris Dean's (Redskins lead singer) quip that Billy Bragg was Neil Kinnock's publicity officer was being amply shown with both Bragg and Kinnock seeming to take over the book. Often to follow the Kinnock Labour Party line of attacking Militant and the SWP. Or anyone who questioned Kinnock's 'leadership'. Without reply. It almost becomes the Bragg(ing) Kinnock show.
But that said, I would recommend those people interested in how music and politics can come together, to read it. Especially, the chapters about Rock Against Racism. Now I'm going to play my beloved Germ Free Adolescents album.
With that in mind and with so many musical heroes included in the book, there was much to enjoy. At times, there are fascinating and interesting discussions concerning the interaction of culture and politics. All the examples are ones which are worthy efforts to shape the political life of Britain. It is also, I have to say, exhaustively researched. However...
However, one reason for giving initially giving it three stars (unable to give it 3 1/2 I settled for 4) is that perhaps it is too researched. It certainly is exhausting at times. I found it a little repetitive after the half way mark. Also, at about that point, I did think Chris Dean's (Redskins lead singer) quip that Billy Bragg was Neil Kinnock's publicity officer was being amply shown with both Bragg and Kinnock seeming to take over the book. Often to follow the Kinnock Labour Party line of attacking Militant and the SWP. Or anyone who questioned Kinnock's 'leadership'. Without reply. It almost becomes the Bragg(ing) Kinnock show.
But that said, I would recommend those people interested in how music and politics can come together, to read it. Especially, the chapters about Rock Against Racism. Now I'm going to play my beloved Germ Free Adolescents album.
August 19, 2018
I initially found the oral history format rather unsatisfying, but I’m glad I stuck with it. There’s a LOT of detail in this book, which essentially tells three stories - Rock Against Rascism in the late 70s, Two Tone in the very late 70s/early 80s, and Red Wedge in the mid 80s - from multiple viewpoints/recollections. It’s easy to get mired in the detail, but having finished it and taking a step back to consider the larger picture, I’ve learned a lot of social history directly from those who made that social history happen. A very welcome addition to books exploring social history through popular music.
May 16, 2020
I enjoyed this, I love social and cultural history and this gave me insight into a period which I’m just a bit young to remember.
The research was meticulous and the number of oral histories and views brought it to life.
However I found the style a bit jarring and hard to follow, being a series of quotes without contextual background or narrative. I understand this was the chosen style and allows the interviewees a voice - but it was challenging to follow
The research was meticulous and the number of oral histories and views brought it to life.
However I found the style a bit jarring and hard to follow, being a series of quotes without contextual background or narrative. I understand this was the chosen style and allows the interviewees a voice - but it was challenging to follow
August 14, 2025
Compelling account - in the words of those that were there - of the rise of both Anti-Racism and Anti-Thatcherism in the UK music scene of the 1970's and 80's. For a fan of both the music and the movement(s), this is a much needed documentation of a time when protest was not only lawful, but to those of a similar mindset, almost compulsory.
May 4, 2023
Such a great way of telling this incredible historical time. Each page filled with individual tales of what and why things in Britain were changing. A great book for anyone who wants to understand the power of music and politics
July 18, 2024
As someone with a niche interest in British pop music and political history alike, this book certainly fed my obscure special interest. Obscure it is, however, and I’m not sure if it really needed to be 500+ pages long.
June 16, 2017
Cracking read on fascinating time in culture and politics
June 14, 2018
This is the deepest dive into music and activism I’ve read. The book is a long read but worth the time.
July 10, 2018
Brilliantly put together
February 8, 2022
Excellent book brought back a lot of memories and will hopefully inspire future generations to pick up the torch.
March 3, 2022
Gets pretty dry and granular, especially for someone not native to the UK, but also has a lot of stories and details I never heard before.
February 15, 2023
really interesting but should have been three separate books rather than within one large book
March 1, 2023
Really didn’t like the format of this book. It’s informative but not written in a way to follow the narrative. Very disappointed.
June 1, 2023
Capitalism is kiling music.
September 7, 2024
Only read Red Wedge part so far. Enjoyed it.
July 8, 2025
Read for uni work, pretty interesting.
March 8, 2017
Fascinating and very revealing. I was 17 in 1979 and lucky enough to see The Specials, Madness, The Selecter, The Beat and UB40 live. When I listen to their music today, the feeling that I was hearing something unique and amazing is as strong as it was back then. So, reading about the Two Tone years from those involved made me feel very nostalgic. I'm glad I didn't know back then about all the in-fighting that was going on, though. The contributors to this book don't hold back!
It was interesting reading about Red Wedge and I can understand why I was turned off by it at the time. Good intentions but very frustrating trying to bring about change in such a stuffy, old-fashioned political environment. Having heard negative comments about Paul Weller's contribution, I was pleased that he came out of this book so well.
A brilliant book - and beautifully edited which is pretty rare these days!
It was interesting reading about Red Wedge and I can understand why I was turned off by it at the time. Good intentions but very frustrating trying to bring about change in such a stuffy, old-fashioned political environment. Having heard negative comments about Paul Weller's contribution, I was pleased that he came out of this book so well.
A brilliant book - and beautifully edited which is pretty rare these days!
April 7, 2017
One of the greatest music books written.
April 29, 2017
I have a lot of love and nostalgia for this era. These were my formative years and when I fell in love with music. It was a time when a lot of British music and politics came together to challenge racism, inequality and social/class divisions.
Daniel Rachel chronicles Rock Against Racism, 2 Tone and Red Wedge from the points of view of the musicians involved. I found the oral history style of writing a bit disjointed. It just felt like it needed editing. I would have preferred a narrative account containing interviews with those involved. I was also a bit disappointed with the publication itself, especially the grainy, black and white photos. It could have been much better packaged.
Daniel Rachel chronicles Rock Against Racism, 2 Tone and Red Wedge from the points of view of the musicians involved. I found the oral history style of writing a bit disjointed. It just felt like it needed editing. I would have preferred a narrative account containing interviews with those involved. I was also a bit disappointed with the publication itself, especially the grainy, black and white photos. It could have been much better packaged.
May 2, 2017
This is like 3 books in one. Rock against racism, 2 Tone and Red Wedge. The oral history idea composed of shortish quotes from those who were there and main players in what went on. I found the behind the scenes parts of the Red Wedge part the most interesting. And I was reminded of the 1983 election. Can Labour stay above that threshold in 2017?
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January 27, 2018We were there but mostly for the music. Sure, we hated racism and racists because it was so pointless and stupid but I had no clue what was going on in the background so this book was a great eye opener for me. I'm proud to have supported RAR and have had that experience of marching and 'doing something'. It laid the foundation for a life of activism and awareness and I'm proud to have been a part of it.
March 31, 2019
The best book about music I've ever read. Meticulously researched and detailed, moving, engaging and so immersive it almost felt like reading a novel, every single page bursting with interesting anecdotes by interesting people.
I honestly didn't expect to like it as much as I did but it's always nice to have your expectations being challenged in a positive way, so it's definitely five stars and an instant Favourite from me!
I honestly didn't expect to like it as much as I did but it's always nice to have your expectations being challenged in a positive way, so it's definitely five stars and an instant Favourite from me!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews