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How to Be a Rock Star
Shaun Ryder is a 1990s rock 'n' roll legend. Now, for the first time, comes his hilarious, swaggering, hugely entertaining account of just what it takes to be a rock star.
As lead singer of Happy Mondays and Black Grape, Shaun Ryder was the Keith Richards and Mick Jagger of his generation. A true rebel, who formed and led not one but two seminal bands, he's had number-one albums, been a figurehead of the Madchester scene, headlined Glastonbury Festival, toured the world numerous times, taken every drug under the sun, been through rehab - and came out the other side as a national treasure.
Now, for the first time, Shaun lifts the lid on the real inside story of how to be a rock star. With insights from three decades touring the world, which took him from Salford to San Francisco, from playing working men's clubs to headlining Glastonbury and playing in front of the biggest festival crowd the world has ever seen, in Brazil, in the middle of thunderstorm.
From recording your first demo tape to having a No.1 album, covering tour bus debauchery, ridiculous riders, record company run-ins, drug dealers and the mafia, Shaun gives a fly-on-the-wall look at the rock 'n' roll lifestyle - warts and all: how to be a rock star - and also how not to be a rock star.
As lead singer of Happy Mondays and Black Grape, Shaun Ryder was the Keith Richards and Mick Jagger of his generation. A true rebel, who formed and led not one but two seminal bands, he's had number-one albums, been a figurehead of the Madchester scene, headlined Glastonbury Festival, toured the world numerous times, taken every drug under the sun, been through rehab - and came out the other side as a national treasure.
Now, for the first time, Shaun lifts the lid on the real inside story of how to be a rock star. With insights from three decades touring the world, which took him from Salford to San Francisco, from playing working men's clubs to headlining Glastonbury and playing in front of the biggest festival crowd the world has ever seen, in Brazil, in the middle of thunderstorm.
From recording your first demo tape to having a No.1 album, covering tour bus debauchery, ridiculous riders, record company run-ins, drug dealers and the mafia, Shaun gives a fly-on-the-wall look at the rock 'n' roll lifestyle - warts and all: how to be a rock star - and also how not to be a rock star.
304 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 2022
20 people are currently reading
130 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
August 19, 2022
Early on, Ryder muses that most people have heard of the band Motley Crew because of their much covered hell-raising but probably couldn’t name a single record they’d made. Well, that’s precisely how I feel about the Happy Mondays. Ryder and his mate Bez – the one who prances about on stage but adds nothing of any substance to the music – are well known for their regular television appearances (Celebrity Gogglebox, Celebrity Mastermind and Celebrity Big Brother to name but a few), but I’m a total stranger to their musical output – and they’ve been going for around forty years! In truth, I’m sure I’ve heard some of it, but I just can’t call a single song to mind.
I’d thought that this would be simply a series of anecdotes but actually it’s a (semi) serious attempt to provide some guidance to anyone starting out on the long and treacherous road to rock stardom. And in addition there are plenty of anecdotes here too, as well as a decent history of the band and their various travails as well as reflections on Ryder’s time with his other ensemble, Black Grape. Mixed in with this are a few pearls of wisdom such as: do your own thing and make sure you practice. Okay, there’s a bit more than that but you get my drift. It’s actually good fun, with the audio version I listened to being narrated by the author himself. He states early on that he’s long suffered from ADHD and I think this comes across a little in his rapid and somewhat ranting delivery.
This book will definitely appeal to fans of the band – I’ve now tracked down a few of the Monday’s tracks and I confess that I’m not about to join that particular club – and to anyone thinking about starting up a band. Seriously, there actually are some fairly basic, but nonetheless precious, pointers here.
My thanks to W. F. Howes Ltd for providing a copy of this audiobook vis NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I’d thought that this would be simply a series of anecdotes but actually it’s a (semi) serious attempt to provide some guidance to anyone starting out on the long and treacherous road to rock stardom. And in addition there are plenty of anecdotes here too, as well as a decent history of the band and their various travails as well as reflections on Ryder’s time with his other ensemble, Black Grape. Mixed in with this are a few pearls of wisdom such as: do your own thing and make sure you practice. Okay, there’s a bit more than that but you get my drift. It’s actually good fun, with the audio version I listened to being narrated by the author himself. He states early on that he’s long suffered from ADHD and I think this comes across a little in his rapid and somewhat ranting delivery.
This book will definitely appeal to fans of the band – I’ve now tracked down a few of the Monday’s tracks and I confess that I’m not about to join that particular club – and to anyone thinking about starting up a band. Seriously, there actually are some fairly basic, but nonetheless precious, pointers here.
My thanks to W. F. Howes Ltd for providing a copy of this audiobook vis NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 17, 2022
Completed as an audio book, and I feel like I would have just moderately enjoyed it in written form; but with his narration it was so bloody entertaining.
I found it extremely funny and absolutely whipped through it, couldn't wait to put it on as soon as I got in the car for work.
Content wise, it was decent, nothing life changing, but his retelling of his story was just so engaging.
I also feel like if I wasn't from Manchester I perhaps wouldn't have enjoyed as much... but luckily I am, and it was great learning more about manc institutions and iconic bands.
Would highly recommend.
I found it extremely funny and absolutely whipped through it, couldn't wait to put it on as soon as I got in the car for work.
Content wise, it was decent, nothing life changing, but his retelling of his story was just so engaging.
I also feel like if I wasn't from Manchester I perhaps wouldn't have enjoyed as much... but luckily I am, and it was great learning more about manc institutions and iconic bands.
Would highly recommend.
May 11, 2024
Hysterical
November 28, 2021
How To Be A Rockstar is like listening to an old friend tell you a very sweary story of their life and I enjoyed every second of it. Shaun shares a lot of background on his rise to fame with the Happy Mondays and Black Grape, he gives his version of the many controversial myths about himself and gives some solid advice and insight on what it's like trying to make it in the music world - it's honestly really interesting and Shaun's way of telling it is hilarious. There are so many genuinely funny anecdotes, lots of fun name drops and I especially enjoyed hearing about his song writing process - I wonder if he's ever considered that his ability to create and play back music so clearly in his mind could be attributed to his ADHD? (I have it too). I'm amongst the younger generation of fans, I don't remember any of Shaun Ryder and his band's wilder days so it was interesting to hear about it first hand. Would I have wanted to be a part of the ecstasy fueled entourage from back in the day? Absolutely not, but it's a lot of fun to hear about. A lot of people know Shaun and Bez from reality shows like Gogglebox and I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here and might buy this book based on that and although they get a mention and there is an interview with them both at the end of the audiobook, this book is primarily about the musician side of Shaun's life.
July 17, 2022
Reflections and lessons learned:
“You can take the kids out of Manchester, but you can’t take the Manchester out of the kids…”
A line worth repeating - they thought they’d broke the rules as they didn’t really know what the rules were! Discussions about a lot of drug taking, performing, mixing, partying, style, and pronunciation of the word ‘fook’ - not a polished performance, but that’s not what they’re about - they continue chance it, enjoy it and win at it - love them and will probably make any fan smile
I finished this on a day where Shaun sadly lost his brother, the band their bassist - hard not to reflect that, despite how it all sounds, these Salford lads might not be as bulletproof as previously - let’s value them whilst we can…
“You can take the kids out of Manchester, but you can’t take the Manchester out of the kids…”
A line worth repeating - they thought they’d broke the rules as they didn’t really know what the rules were! Discussions about a lot of drug taking, performing, mixing, partying, style, and pronunciation of the word ‘fook’ - not a polished performance, but that’s not what they’re about - they continue chance it, enjoy it and win at it - love them and will probably make any fan smile
I finished this on a day where Shaun sadly lost his brother, the band their bassist - hard not to reflect that, despite how it all sounds, these Salford lads might not be as bulletproof as previously - let’s value them whilst we can…
July 7, 2024
Honest and thoughtful
Shaun Ryder is an enigma. I appreciate his brain, there's a wonky honesty that draws me into his world. Easy to read and connect with. I feel like he's the kind of bloke you could just have an honest, Frank chat with. Brain frequency 's being what they are. All power to you chief!
Shaun Ryder is an enigma. I appreciate his brain, there's a wonky honesty that draws me into his world. Easy to read and connect with. I feel like he's the kind of bloke you could just have an honest, Frank chat with. Brain frequency 's being what they are. All power to you chief!
April 27, 2022
Good fun and the hugely likeable Ryder tells some brilliant tales. Somewhat repetitive at times, had I read rather than listened to Shaun via the fantastic Libby app, I may not have enjoyed as much, but as it was narrated by the author this was entirely forgivable!
August 14, 2023
Twistinn ma melon man.. The one an only Shaun Ryder tells his story of what it was like growing up in Manchester, meeting the iconic Bez, breaking into television, and of course, fronting the Happy Mondays in a world of drugs, booze, council schemes and funky music.
Got through ‘How to be a rock star’ pretty quick but this was the audiobook version. I think the book would be an easy read though. Shaun tells it like it is and how it was, he comes across as a down to earth, funny, real lad from the scheme who made it big, and never forgot his roots.
I saw the Mondays in Glasgow back in 2017 and they were phenomenal (a bit of sobriety from the band helped of course). Would love to see them again, there’s not many bands like them, they were unique.
All in all though, it was an interesting read/listen with some funny and sometimes (often) mental stories from the manc lads. I hear Bez has released his own book quite recently, I’ll be checking that out!
Got through ‘How to be a rock star’ pretty quick but this was the audiobook version. I think the book would be an easy read though. Shaun tells it like it is and how it was, he comes across as a down to earth, funny, real lad from the scheme who made it big, and never forgot his roots.
I saw the Mondays in Glasgow back in 2017 and they were phenomenal (a bit of sobriety from the band helped of course). Would love to see them again, there’s not many bands like them, they were unique.
All in all though, it was an interesting read/listen with some funny and sometimes (often) mental stories from the manc lads. I hear Bez has released his own book quite recently, I’ll be checking that out!
September 16, 2025
I listened to this as an audio book, and it's always great fun to hear Shaun giving advice in the form of anecdotes. Everything comes across a little more 'Real' than just reading his shenanigans!
April 24, 2023
This book was exactly what I expected and exactly what I needed. From one of the bands of my teenage years, one mate bought me an album for my 18th and I got to see them live only last year.
This book takes you behind the headlines and shows up the real people behind the media headlines. Despite the drink and drugs there was a serious vision for the band and the standards of the music and records were very important to them.
This book won’t change the world but if you’re of an age where you remember the Mondays and Black Grape the first time around you’ll feel all warm and happy reading about them as they continue to play regular tours and release music
This book takes you behind the headlines and shows up the real people behind the media headlines. Despite the drink and drugs there was a serious vision for the band and the standards of the music and records were very important to them.
This book won’t change the world but if you’re of an age where you remember the Mondays and Black Grape the first time around you’ll feel all warm and happy reading about them as they continue to play regular tours and release music
March 9, 2022
I absolutely loved this book. I listened to it on Audiable, and I would definitely recommend that because Shaun reads it himself, and it's just better! I lost count of the times I laughed and laughed hard just in the first 2 chapters.
I wanted to give it 5, but as an avid reader, I recognise the book does lack the general tone of an author who writes a series of books and is a novelist.
How to be a rockstar is an autobiography, not a novel, and it is written in Shauns own words, which I think is amazing due to his admitted struggles with adhd that he has come this far. Shaun isn't a novelist, although he can tick that off now, but he's a musician, singer, song writer, novelist, husband, dad, best friend, and so much more. But above all that, he's a legend!
You don't have to be a Happy Monday's fan to enjoy this book; you don't have to be a fan of Shaun, Bez, or Sex, Drugs, and Rock n Roll. It's not all about that.
It's one man's bare and honest story of the highs and lows of living in Manchester, growing up in the 60's and 70's, partying hard, working harder.
Shaun talks about the history of other popular bands such as The Beetles, Oasis, U2 and UB40. He explains how the band names came about and what it was like to make it back then.
Ultimately, it was hard work, commitment, self-belief, strong relationships, being prepared for knock backs, but always getting back up.
Shaun tells us about the pros and cons of the media and how headlines are misconstrued to seek the attention of the readers.
He tells us about life before social media, camera phones, etc, and how making it without these platforms is an achievement.
He's no saint; he admits that, but what he is is honest, intelligent, creative, funny, relatable, grateful, humble, and hard working.
He appreciates every opportunity he's been given, every experience he's had, and the love and support from friends, family, and fans. Especially the relationship he has with his wife Joanne, who he thanks many times for her support in his sobriety, his children who he adores and supports to achieve their dreams and not forgetting, in his own words, his sexless marriage to Bez.
The relationship between Shaun and Bez in endearing, and they are like brothers. They have been through so much together for almost 40 years, and you can hear in Shauns voice how much he loves, cares, and respects Bez. If you haven't seen them on Gogglebox, you should, if it's only their parts. Their relationship is prominent and unlike many other celebs who film in air bnbs or rented accommodation, they film in Shauns house. A lot of people wouldn't be comfortable letting the nation see inside their private space, but Shaun bares warts and all in his attempt at being real.
This book was an eye opener. I'm not a fan of drugs, but it is interesting to hear about the lifestyle and consequent situations they face due to drugs. I'm probably making assumptions, and I hate that because I never expected to say Shaun Ryder is full of words of wisdom and makes a lot of sense, but I've said it, and it's true.
Give the man a chance, go into the book open-minded, and you just might be grateful of the experience!
I wanted to give it 5, but as an avid reader, I recognise the book does lack the general tone of an author who writes a series of books and is a novelist.
How to be a rockstar is an autobiography, not a novel, and it is written in Shauns own words, which I think is amazing due to his admitted struggles with adhd that he has come this far. Shaun isn't a novelist, although he can tick that off now, but he's a musician, singer, song writer, novelist, husband, dad, best friend, and so much more. But above all that, he's a legend!
You don't have to be a Happy Monday's fan to enjoy this book; you don't have to be a fan of Shaun, Bez, or Sex, Drugs, and Rock n Roll. It's not all about that.
It's one man's bare and honest story of the highs and lows of living in Manchester, growing up in the 60's and 70's, partying hard, working harder.
Shaun talks about the history of other popular bands such as The Beetles, Oasis, U2 and UB40. He explains how the band names came about and what it was like to make it back then.
Ultimately, it was hard work, commitment, self-belief, strong relationships, being prepared for knock backs, but always getting back up.
Shaun tells us about the pros and cons of the media and how headlines are misconstrued to seek the attention of the readers.
He tells us about life before social media, camera phones, etc, and how making it without these platforms is an achievement.
He's no saint; he admits that, but what he is is honest, intelligent, creative, funny, relatable, grateful, humble, and hard working.
He appreciates every opportunity he's been given, every experience he's had, and the love and support from friends, family, and fans. Especially the relationship he has with his wife Joanne, who he thanks many times for her support in his sobriety, his children who he adores and supports to achieve their dreams and not forgetting, in his own words, his sexless marriage to Bez.
The relationship between Shaun and Bez in endearing, and they are like brothers. They have been through so much together for almost 40 years, and you can hear in Shauns voice how much he loves, cares, and respects Bez. If you haven't seen them on Gogglebox, you should, if it's only their parts. Their relationship is prominent and unlike many other celebs who film in air bnbs or rented accommodation, they film in Shauns house. A lot of people wouldn't be comfortable letting the nation see inside their private space, but Shaun bares warts and all in his attempt at being real.
This book was an eye opener. I'm not a fan of drugs, but it is interesting to hear about the lifestyle and consequent situations they face due to drugs. I'm probably making assumptions, and I hate that because I never expected to say Shaun Ryder is full of words of wisdom and makes a lot of sense, but I've said it, and it's true.
Give the man a chance, go into the book open-minded, and you just might be grateful of the experience!
July 26, 2023
"Show me a boy who never wanted to be a rock star, and I'll show you a liar." - Ray Connolly, Stardust
"They embody true rock 'n' roll. Like Iggy Pop, they didn't give a fuck what anybody thought. They made Pete Docherty look like Cliff Richard." - Peter Hook, New Order/Joy Division
So, where do I begin with my review of this immensely entertaining guidebook full of advice for would-be rockstars? Well, for starters, anyone who prefaces a book about their life in rock music with a quote from the film Stardust is alright by me - and no, I do *not* mean the Neil Gaiman fantasy starring Claire Danes.
In the 70s when Shaun Ryder and his late brother Paul were bunking off school, two films they regularly sneaked in to see were Ray Connolly's tales of rockstar excess, That'll Be The Day and Stardust. Starring then teen heartthrob David Essex as wannabe superstar Jim MacLaine, plus such old hands as Adam Faith, Billy Fury, Dave Edmunds, Marty Wilde, Paul Nicholas, Keith Moon, and Ringo Starr, the films chronicled MacLaine's rise and eventual drug-fuelled fall from grace. The young Shaun Ryder, enthralled by this cautionary tale, decided that this was the life for him.
After many years of - literally - Pills, Thrills And Bellyaches, Ryder offers "a fly-on-the-wall look at the rock 'n' roll lifestyle" and offers his hard-won knowledge and expertise on how to and how *not* to be a rock star, with the help of co-writer Luke Bainbridge. There's advice on everything the would-be star needs to know, illustrated with more stories and anecdotes than you could shake a stick at, all of them colourful and a few truly hair-raising.
Ryder comes across as a genuinely genial guy, likeable, down-to-earth, and open. I very much enjoyed the book, particularly as I'm the same generation as Ryder and therefore much of what he talks about regarding popular culture and so on resonates very strongly with me. The book is very funny, and some of the stories are genuinely shocking and/or scary, but it's also remarkably warm and affectionate. And of course, there are some classic tales about Bez, such as his tenuous grasp on geography; when a journalist at an American press conference announces that he's from a newspaper based in Pennsylvania, Bez is ecstatic: "Mega! That's where Dracula comes from!" There's also an account of Bez's plaintive interaction with Siri, when he fell out with it because he thought it was accusing him of requiring NHS Direct and a friendly psychologist.
The only downside to How To Be A Rock Star - and it's an extremely minor one - is that it's transcribed from recordings made by Ryder, and as a result can be repetitive at times. That aside, this is a hugely enjoyable, swaggering read, in which it feels like Ryder is speaking to you directly. Enormous fun.
"They embody true rock 'n' roll. Like Iggy Pop, they didn't give a fuck what anybody thought. They made Pete Docherty look like Cliff Richard." - Peter Hook, New Order/Joy Division
So, where do I begin with my review of this immensely entertaining guidebook full of advice for would-be rockstars? Well, for starters, anyone who prefaces a book about their life in rock music with a quote from the film Stardust is alright by me - and no, I do *not* mean the Neil Gaiman fantasy starring Claire Danes.
In the 70s when Shaun Ryder and his late brother Paul were bunking off school, two films they regularly sneaked in to see were Ray Connolly's tales of rockstar excess, That'll Be The Day and Stardust. Starring then teen heartthrob David Essex as wannabe superstar Jim MacLaine, plus such old hands as Adam Faith, Billy Fury, Dave Edmunds, Marty Wilde, Paul Nicholas, Keith Moon, and Ringo Starr, the films chronicled MacLaine's rise and eventual drug-fuelled fall from grace. The young Shaun Ryder, enthralled by this cautionary tale, decided that this was the life for him.
After many years of - literally - Pills, Thrills And Bellyaches, Ryder offers "a fly-on-the-wall look at the rock 'n' roll lifestyle" and offers his hard-won knowledge and expertise on how to and how *not* to be a rock star, with the help of co-writer Luke Bainbridge. There's advice on everything the would-be star needs to know, illustrated with more stories and anecdotes than you could shake a stick at, all of them colourful and a few truly hair-raising.
Ryder comes across as a genuinely genial guy, likeable, down-to-earth, and open. I very much enjoyed the book, particularly as I'm the same generation as Ryder and therefore much of what he talks about regarding popular culture and so on resonates very strongly with me. The book is very funny, and some of the stories are genuinely shocking and/or scary, but it's also remarkably warm and affectionate. And of course, there are some classic tales about Bez, such as his tenuous grasp on geography; when a journalist at an American press conference announces that he's from a newspaper based in Pennsylvania, Bez is ecstatic: "Mega! That's where Dracula comes from!" There's also an account of Bez's plaintive interaction with Siri, when he fell out with it because he thought it was accusing him of requiring NHS Direct and a friendly psychologist.
The only downside to How To Be A Rock Star - and it's an extremely minor one - is that it's transcribed from recordings made by Ryder, and as a result can be repetitive at times. That aside, this is a hugely enjoyable, swaggering read, in which it feels like Ryder is speaking to you directly. Enormous fun.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 10, 2024
Amazing Reveal Of Shaun and Happy Mondays!
I love autobiographies like this, a truly honest stripped back deep reveal of the author and their career.
I was hesitant in buying this because of its title, i was expecting solely amusing statements or listings of how to be a rock star but i took the plunge anyway.
The book is completely the opposite of what i was expecting, i wouldn't say the title is misleading but I'd have thought it could've had a better title in the realm of the Happy Mondays completely revealed.
I listened on Audible as it's narrated by the legend himself and he does a mighty fine job of it. There is not one boring passage or anything worth skipping, it is utterly
un-put-downable! It's packed with detail about the whole life of The Happy Mondays and Shaun's life within it as well as Black Grape. Lots of other celebrities and bands get mentions too.
This has become my joint favourite musical autobiography alongside the cracking reveal of The Inspiral Carpets in Tom Hingley's Carpet Burns.
When you grow up with artists and bands that you love, you never really get to know them and you have lots of questions. It's only when years down the line that these questions get answered when the artists have grown up or have moved onto new things, when they become reminiscent and nostalgic. They don't have to worry about the press anymore or upset their record companies and fans or worry about anything endangering their careers. It's then that they can reveal everything! From behind the scenes to revealing secrets and regrets.
It's all in here and lots lots more!
The Audible performance plays this one sample piece of a tune between segments throughout and it really grew on me and i really wanted to know what the song was, then there's a nice surprise at the end of the book's narration.
You can't help but love Shaun Ryder, he's such a decent bloke.
Highly recommended especially if you grew up in the Madchester scene of the 90s!
I love autobiographies like this, a truly honest stripped back deep reveal of the author and their career.
I was hesitant in buying this because of its title, i was expecting solely amusing statements or listings of how to be a rock star but i took the plunge anyway.
The book is completely the opposite of what i was expecting, i wouldn't say the title is misleading but I'd have thought it could've had a better title in the realm of the Happy Mondays completely revealed.
I listened on Audible as it's narrated by the legend himself and he does a mighty fine job of it. There is not one boring passage or anything worth skipping, it is utterly
un-put-downable! It's packed with detail about the whole life of The Happy Mondays and Shaun's life within it as well as Black Grape. Lots of other celebrities and bands get mentions too.
This has become my joint favourite musical autobiography alongside the cracking reveal of The Inspiral Carpets in Tom Hingley's Carpet Burns.
When you grow up with artists and bands that you love, you never really get to know them and you have lots of questions. It's only when years down the line that these questions get answered when the artists have grown up or have moved onto new things, when they become reminiscent and nostalgic. They don't have to worry about the press anymore or upset their record companies and fans or worry about anything endangering their careers. It's then that they can reveal everything! From behind the scenes to revealing secrets and regrets.
It's all in here and lots lots more!
The Audible performance plays this one sample piece of a tune between segments throughout and it really grew on me and i really wanted to know what the song was, then there's a nice surprise at the end of the book's narration.
You can't help but love Shaun Ryder, he's such a decent bloke.
Highly recommended especially if you grew up in the Madchester scene of the 90s!
July 24, 2025
Audiobook, I dont care what anyone says, any reports, any studies, anything like that, an audiobook is not the same as reading the book. This book, narrated by one of music's great survivors himself, was good, funny and entertaining, but it was like listening to him just talking to you rather than reading the book. He comes across as thoughtful but still with an edge, he has previously unknown hidden depths. There were loads of what i presume are ad-libs. Listening to it made it better in this instance, because he's authentic and you can believe the stories when you may not have done had you just seen his word on the page. There is loads about The Mondays and Black grape, and some amusing stories about them that i don't think i'd heard before given i've been reading about themfor the past 35 years. There is plenty about other bands too - joy division and new order being the main ones, but oasis and others as well, all on the subject of being a rock star and being in a band. Audiobooks have a place but its deffo not the same as reading words on a page.
April 18, 2022
The wisdom of Shaun Ryder, I approached this from the audible option as the story is told by Shaun himself, it's noticeable that Shaun almost struggles to articulate the narration, I'll give the benift as he's probably trying to account for the non mancunian who may get lost in the colloquial dialogue.
The story is a slow burner but I did find a lot of intrest in the evolution of the Mondays and without dought I underestimated the ground breaking nature of their music, so respect to you Mr Ryder, it's certainly not a heavy read and I'm glad I'm now emersed in the knowledge of The Mondays.
I'll depart my revision with a quote from Shaun, "I never liked doing the dishes, but I love it now, you know where you are with dishes"
The story is a slow burner but I did find a lot of intrest in the evolution of the Mondays and without dought I underestimated the ground breaking nature of their music, so respect to you Mr Ryder, it's certainly not a heavy read and I'm glad I'm now emersed in the knowledge of The Mondays.
I'll depart my revision with a quote from Shaun, "I never liked doing the dishes, but I love it now, you know where you are with dishes"
November 8, 2021
Very funny. Shaun Ryder should have been a comedian as well as a rock star. He even sounds like Bernard Manning, narrating the unabridged version of his audiobook. People say audiobooks aren’t as good as reading the physical form of a book but this proves otherwise, in fact most audiobooks spoken by the author are the best versions. A lot of interesting titbits. I didn’t know Step On was a cover version but Call the Cops and Twisting My Melon were added by Ryder; saying that, Twisting My Melon was a line by Steve McQueen. At the end is an unreleased song and Ryder and Bez give an interview.
January 22, 2022
Thoroughly enjoyed Shaun recounting his rollercoaster life with the Mondays and Black Grape. He's refreshingly honest, self deprecating and funny too.
He really captures the early 90s rave and drug scene, Manchester, and the influence dance music and ecstasy had on popular culture without over glamourising the excesses of the 'rock and roll' lifestyle.
A bunch of scallies who had nothing and saw music and forming a band as a way out of poverty and a dead end job or worse. The antithesis of manufactured pop.
He really captures the early 90s rave and drug scene, Manchester, and the influence dance music and ecstasy had on popular culture without over glamourising the excesses of the 'rock and roll' lifestyle.
A bunch of scallies who had nothing and saw music and forming a band as a way out of poverty and a dead end job or worse. The antithesis of manufactured pop.
August 7, 2022
Great Read
I'm unashamedly biased. Because he was my generations Poet Laureate. A demi god.
Have read a few other books about him. All entertaining. But this one is far and away the best. Credit to whoever wrote it with him. This is a brilliant read. A gentler Shaun Ryder grown older grown wiser. Dispelling a lot of the myths. A reflective passage of rights. This is a brilliant read especially if you were there.
I rate Black Grapes debut appearance at Newcastle Riverside as one of the best I've ever seen the energy was unreal.
I'm unashamedly biased. Because he was my generations Poet Laureate. A demi god.
Have read a few other books about him. All entertaining. But this one is far and away the best. Credit to whoever wrote it with him. This is a brilliant read. A gentler Shaun Ryder grown older grown wiser. Dispelling a lot of the myths. A reflective passage of rights. This is a brilliant read especially if you were there.
I rate Black Grapes debut appearance at Newcastle Riverside as one of the best I've ever seen the energy was unreal.
September 8, 2022
Enjoyable, light-hearted 'guide' to being a 'Rock Star', written in what I found to be a down-to-earth, likable manner.
Lots of funny anecdotes here, and, surprisingly, some interesting facts about the music industry.
All told in what I found to be an honest way.
It did get a bit repetitive in places, and some chapters may not apply to all wannabe rock stars (see Teeth).
Some of it may have been a bit defensive of what some Mondays fans would consider Ryder and Bez's selling-out ways.
Lots of funny anecdotes here, and, surprisingly, some interesting facts about the music industry.
All told in what I found to be an honest way.
It did get a bit repetitive in places, and some chapters may not apply to all wannabe rock stars (see Teeth).
Some of it may have been a bit defensive of what some Mondays fans would consider Ryder and Bez's selling-out ways.
March 5, 2023
Having watched Ryder on TV in the years long after his heyday in the Happy Mondays and Black Grape and not really knowing the groups music, I picked this book up with no real idea either way. In fact it's quite an interesting read with some tips based his experience and knowledge of the pop music scene. I'm not sure how relevant it actually is to prospective pop groups but.. I sure the groups fans will love it and anybody with any interest in the age or music overall will find it quite interesting.
November 18, 2021
Well, that was an experience.
I got this book purely down to watching Shaun and Bez on Gogglebox. Pre-ordered it and was really looking forward to an insight into his life. Seems like the Happy Mondays were a lot bigger and better than I remember. Even Shaun himself seems a good amongst men. I wouldn't recommend it if you want to be a rock star, you'll never be as good as Shaun here. I found it a tad repetitive and dull; especially the last half.
I got this book purely down to watching Shaun and Bez on Gogglebox. Pre-ordered it and was really looking forward to an insight into his life. Seems like the Happy Mondays were a lot bigger and better than I remember. Even Shaun himself seems a good amongst men. I wouldn't recommend it if you want to be a rock star, you'll never be as good as Shaun here. I found it a tad repetitive and dull; especially the last half.
January 28, 2022
I love a biography every now and again. This is an interesting read and is basically what Shaun Ryder can remember of being in the Happy Mondays and Black Grape.
Nice easy read with some funny stories as you’d expect from 1 of the original Madchester lot.
If you’re a fan of Shaun then it’s worth a read as it’s a warts and all book. He doesn’t hide his addictions or the demons that plagued him even now in his calmer days his persona precedes him as a hard drinking, drug taking party animal.
Nice easy read with some funny stories as you’d expect from 1 of the original Madchester lot.
If you’re a fan of Shaun then it’s worth a read as it’s a warts and all book. He doesn’t hide his addictions or the demons that plagued him even now in his calmer days his persona precedes him as a hard drinking, drug taking party animal.
January 14, 2023
Don’t think I would’ve enjoyed the book on its own so I gave the audiobook a try, which in my opinion helps a lot with biography’s coming from the mouth of the person related. Shaun’s reading isn’t quite to the highest standard but gives his stories that little bit extra character to them, and some of the stories are hilarious. Whether myth and folklore dramatise a lot of situations, it’s certainly almost all believable and a good insight into one of the wildest bands in Manchesters history.
August 14, 2023
I am amazed that Shaun Ryder is still alive. This was a lively and entertaining book made more interesting by Ryder narrating the audiobook in his mad Macunian accent- of course peppered with frequent expletives. The book goes chapter by chapter listing of the various considerations one would have to master to become a rock start such as: Hotels, producers, video shoots, etc. The only negative was that Shaun seems to tell the same anecdotes several times in various points in the book.
February 26, 2022
I’m not sure I expected a lot from this, and sadly it met my expectations. I can’t say I was ever a huge Happy Mondays fan, but I’ve always found Mr Ryder an interesting character.
There are nuggets of gold in here, but there’s also a lot of repetition and a lack of real detail. He admits his memories are hazy, and that’s certainly borne out by this book.
There are nuggets of gold in here, but there’s also a lot of repetition and a lack of real detail. He admits his memories are hazy, and that’s certainly borne out by this book.
April 23, 2022
Very funny but repeats himself
This is a very funny book and a good look into the life of a rock star. Ryder tells a lot of funny stories and does not shy away from his past in any way. Only issue with the book is that some stories are repeated in chapters, I do however like how short the chapters are, it’s really gives you the i will just read one more chapter feeling.
This is a very funny book and a good look into the life of a rock star. Ryder tells a lot of funny stories and does not shy away from his past in any way. Only issue with the book is that some stories are repeated in chapters, I do however like how short the chapters are, it’s really gives you the i will just read one more chapter feeling.
August 14, 2022
Entertaining look at the pros and cons of being a rock star from the likeable Shaun Ryder. I was into the Happy Mondays back in the day and saw them support New Order at the Barrowlands in 87 (being honest I thought they were shite that night). Makes me want to look out my Mondays cds and have a listen.
January 27, 2023
This is such a fantastic book, and the audio version is stellar. The fact that Shaun remembers anything is a miracle and it is a great balance of wild stories told by someone who has humility about the fame they have achieved. Laughed all the way through it...famous caner loves washing up! Outstanding.
March 22, 2022
Really really enjoyed this. I liked the fact that Ryder narrated it himself. Good trip down memory lane - Madchester, Hacienda etc. Also got me listening to the tunes again - saw the Happy Mondays support Oasis at Wembley - great night - but as a 50+ got to admit I prefer the music of Black Grape
March 30, 2023
Good old read
Well worth a read ! I feel Shaun should get a halo, after turning into such a saint ! Good lu ck to him, he has found his place in life, and has written a very entertaining book.
Well worth a read ! I feel Shaun should get a halo, after turning into such a saint ! Good lu ck to him, he has found his place in life, and has written a very entertaining book.
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