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To Be Someone
'I really liked this book. I'd forgotten how sh*t it was in the seventies' Paul Weller
The Jam released their debut single, ‘In The City’, in May 1977. At that time, no-one was happy in Britain, particularly not in Ian Stone's house. He was fourteen and his days consisted of going to school, watching Arsenal play terrible football and listening to his parents’ marriage disintegrating. Outside, the country was divided – by racism, violence, inner-city riots, police corruption, unemployment and terrorism. But late one evening in 1978, Ian's eyes and ears were opened to an entirely new world. The Jam walked onstage at London's Music Machine to a huge roar, and launched into ninety blistering minutes of some of the best pop tunes ever written. It was easily the most exciting moment of his life. To Be Someone is a freewheeling account of the five years Ian spent in the grip of obsession. He took weekend jobs so he could go to gigs; he tried to sneak into the Hammersmith Odeon and ended up stuck on the roof; he was on the point of being thrown out of a Brighton hotel when Paul Weller himself intervened and invited him and his mates back into the bar. Above all, this memoir pays tribute to the band that helped Ian, and many others, to grow up amid the turbulence of Britain in the late 1970s and early 1980s. When Paul Weller eventually announced that the Jam were splitting up, Ian was but for him, and for everyone who followed them on that five-year journey, the love still runs deep.
The Jam released their debut single, ‘In The City’, in May 1977. At that time, no-one was happy in Britain, particularly not in Ian Stone's house. He was fourteen and his days consisted of going to school, watching Arsenal play terrible football and listening to his parents’ marriage disintegrating. Outside, the country was divided – by racism, violence, inner-city riots, police corruption, unemployment and terrorism. But late one evening in 1978, Ian's eyes and ears were opened to an entirely new world. The Jam walked onstage at London's Music Machine to a huge roar, and launched into ninety blistering minutes of some of the best pop tunes ever written. It was easily the most exciting moment of his life. To Be Someone is a freewheeling account of the five years Ian spent in the grip of obsession. He took weekend jobs so he could go to gigs; he tried to sneak into the Hammersmith Odeon and ended up stuck on the roof; he was on the point of being thrown out of a Brighton hotel when Paul Weller himself intervened and invited him and his mates back into the bar. Above all, this memoir pays tribute to the band that helped Ian, and many others, to grow up amid the turbulence of Britain in the late 1970s and early 1980s. When Paul Weller eventually announced that the Jam were splitting up, Ian was but for him, and for everyone who followed them on that five-year journey, the love still runs deep.
320 pages, Paperback
Published June 10, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
August 23, 2022
I was originally drawn to this book by the target on the cover. A million years ago when I was young, back in the late 80s, I was a mod. Anyway, every mod loves The Jam, fact. So when I read the sub title as, ‘A memoir about one teenager’s obsession with The Jam’ I was sold. But, this book is way, way more than that.
This is a frank and very funny trip down Memory Lane, back to the (not so?) glorious seventies. Ian Stone recalls exactly how it was back then - and he does so with such self deprecating honesty & wit that I challenge anyone to try & finish this book without laughing. I’d never heard of the author but soon worked out that his day job is a comedian & boy can you tell. His sarcasm & humour burst from the pages & the book just gets funnier & funnier. I mean the 70s were absolutely crackers when you come to think of it, the things people got away with, it’s unbelievable really. From toy klackers which you could knock your mate’s teeth out with to smoking on tubes, in playgrounds and hospitals, it’s all covered here.
As a child of the 70s, so many of his memories resonated with me, but even the ones that didn’t still had me gripped; cringing in places, chuckling in others. It’s also a recollection of his Jewish upbringing & his passion for music; I was entranced hearing about Jam gigs & the music scene & growing up in London in those heady times (he describes it so evocatively that you could almost be there) plus it’s written so well that every page is a joy.
If you’re old enough to remember the 70s I can’t recommend this one enough. It truly is a witty, wonderful and exceptionally well written tale of youth. Captured so perfectly that I think I can almost remember what it was like to be young again.
Almost.
This is a frank and very funny trip down Memory Lane, back to the (not so?) glorious seventies. Ian Stone recalls exactly how it was back then - and he does so with such self deprecating honesty & wit that I challenge anyone to try & finish this book without laughing. I’d never heard of the author but soon worked out that his day job is a comedian & boy can you tell. His sarcasm & humour burst from the pages & the book just gets funnier & funnier. I mean the 70s were absolutely crackers when you come to think of it, the things people got away with, it’s unbelievable really. From toy klackers which you could knock your mate’s teeth out with to smoking on tubes, in playgrounds and hospitals, it’s all covered here.
As a child of the 70s, so many of his memories resonated with me, but even the ones that didn’t still had me gripped; cringing in places, chuckling in others. It’s also a recollection of his Jewish upbringing & his passion for music; I was entranced hearing about Jam gigs & the music scene & growing up in London in those heady times (he describes it so evocatively that you could almost be there) plus it’s written so well that every page is a joy.
If you’re old enough to remember the 70s I can’t recommend this one enough. It truly is a witty, wonderful and exceptionally well written tale of youth. Captured so perfectly that I think I can almost remember what it was like to be young again.
Almost.
October 20, 2020
I came across Ian Stone through the wonderful Tuesday Club podcast which is an Arsenal FC podcast led by Alan Davies and his Arsenal supporting pals. When Unbound publishers were crowdfunding this book it seemed rude not to chuck a few quid into the pot. That turned out to be a very good decision as To Be Someone is a splendid memoir about young Ian Stone's twin obsessions - The Jam and Arsenal FC - and his somewhat dysfunctional family life. We are both a similar age and both grew up in north London which made it even more appealing.
As Paul Weller states on the cover, "I'd forgotten how shit it was in the seventies" - and it really was, and as Ian amusingly regularly reminds us. That said, this is a coming of age narrative with universal appeal. Most of us have experienced the insecurity and social awkwardness of adolescence which Ian perfectly captures.
To Be Someone is poignant, amusing, witty, nostaglic and, ultimately, uplifting.
4/5
As Paul Weller states on the cover, "I'd forgotten how shit it was in the seventies" - and it really was, and as Ian amusingly regularly reminds us. That said, this is a coming of age narrative with universal appeal. Most of us have experienced the insecurity and social awkwardness of adolescence which Ian perfectly captures.
To Be Someone is poignant, amusing, witty, nostaglic and, ultimately, uplifting.
4/5
July 26, 2020
Brilliant. Both hilarious and poignant this is a must for anyone growing up in the late 70's even if you're not a Jam fan (I am). Highly recommended
July 2, 2020
As someone who lived through the seventies, this book brought back so many memories of how the world was back then. I am a bit older than Ian and lived a very different life but so much of this book made me laugh out loud remembering the way we lived. It also made me very sad reading of the racism. bullying and anti-semitism that unfortunately is still around today.
September 6, 2022
Thought it was gonna be like the boy with the perpetual nervousness. Silly me, nothing can be as good as that.
September 15, 2020
Didn't we have a nice time
If the title of the book and the title of this review doesn't get you singing, it should, or at least look the lyrics up.
I'm a few years younger than Ian, so got into The Jam a year or two before they split up. But that doesn't matter with this book. I just loved the stories about Ian growing up and the influence Paul Weller and his music had on him. Despite being slightly younger it all resonated and the reflections of growing up in the 70s (mainly) are spot on, even if I'd forgotten most of them. This was fun, funny and very nostalgic, both in terms of the music and also of the era.
If you did grow up in the 70s this book is certainly for you; and if you didn't, it's still a great read and consider it a little history lesson as well.....
If the title of the book and the title of this review doesn't get you singing, it should, or at least look the lyrics up.
I'm a few years younger than Ian, so got into The Jam a year or two before they split up. But that doesn't matter with this book. I just loved the stories about Ian growing up and the influence Paul Weller and his music had on him. Despite being slightly younger it all resonated and the reflections of growing up in the 70s (mainly) are spot on, even if I'd forgotten most of them. This was fun, funny and very nostalgic, both in terms of the music and also of the era.
If you did grow up in the 70s this book is certainly for you; and if you didn't, it's still a great read and consider it a little history lesson as well.....
June 24, 2020
If you were a depressed teenager growing up in Thatcherite Britain, had a passion for football and loved not just The Jam but the messages Weller’s lyrics conveyed, this might just be the perfect book for your summer.
I was one such teenager, now 50 something leftie and I read it in 2 days, laughing out loud frequently, nodding continually and reading whole sections out loud to my wife as she endeavoured time get to sleep!
The fact that the author is one of our most accomplished standup comedians of course helps but he like Weller probably does not ‘give 2 f..ks for this review’’
LOVED IT!
I was one such teenager, now 50 something leftie and I read it in 2 days, laughing out loud frequently, nodding continually and reading whole sections out loud to my wife as she endeavoured time get to sleep!
The fact that the author is one of our most accomplished standup comedians of course helps but he like Weller probably does not ‘give 2 f..ks for this review’’
LOVED IT!
September 26, 2020
Being child of the 60’s and therefore a teenager in the 70’s and a big fan of the Jam I really enjoyed this book. It was full of experiences that I could relate to even though mine were in Manchester.
Football, gigs, following a bands every artistic move and some not so artistic. all the while the unknown future is on the horizon, employment for the lucky ones, and also girls.... for the lucky ones!
You don’t have to be a certain age to enjoy it or even a fan of The Jam. It’s funny and sad and chronicles a time that although only 40 years ago was like another world compared to the 21st Century,
Football, gigs, following a bands every artistic move and some not so artistic. all the while the unknown future is on the horizon, employment for the lucky ones, and also girls.... for the lucky ones!
You don’t have to be a certain age to enjoy it or even a fan of The Jam. It’s funny and sad and chronicles a time that although only 40 years ago was like another world compared to the 21st Century,
January 9, 2022
It brought back some very happy memories (but also sad one's too) of my teenage years in the late 70' and early 80's reading this book. Just like the author Ian Stone states in his book, times were tough back then and looking back now you really see how easy kids have it these days. There was however some moments of brilliance back then such as the music that was produced in those decades. I too was a massive fan of The Jam and I spent most of my money earned from my Saturday job on clothing both MOD and SKA stuff (there was no bank of mum & dad back then....not for me anyway). Reading this book brought all those memories flooding back.
January 29, 2021
I found this book alternately hilarious and horrifying. To be a Jewish teenage football fan in the 70s was frightening - the level of violence on the streets and football terraces was terrifying. And yet Ian Stone manages to find the humour while never diminishing the reality. His solace was discovering The Jam and while I remembered some of the tracks he discusses, it was fun to go back and re-listen to them. It has also been fun to disover a comedian I hadn't previously heard of and I'm looking forward to finding some of his stand-up routines to enjoy.
February 8, 2021
Another book picked up on a whim, but what a gem to find.
It transported me back to those magical teenage years where music and football takes over your life, particularly if you’re not a hit with the ladies.
Whilst I couldn’t relate to everything, as I grew up in a much more rural setting, the feelings of frustration, enlightenment and joy in discovery were like waypoints on my own years of growing up.
There’s a lot of honesty, warmth and reflection in these pages, and if none of it chimes with you then I’m sorry you missed out.
It transported me back to those magical teenage years where music and football takes over your life, particularly if you’re not a hit with the ladies.
Whilst I couldn’t relate to everything, as I grew up in a much more rural setting, the feelings of frustration, enlightenment and joy in discovery were like waypoints on my own years of growing up.
There’s a lot of honesty, warmth and reflection in these pages, and if none of it chimes with you then I’m sorry you missed out.
August 4, 2020
An Absolute Triumph
I was too young to appreciate The Jam at the time as I was just starting school as they made their breakthrough, but it doesn't matter, this could be any band/football team that you love coupled with a social history document of a land I just about remember. Also made me reconsider some of my own interpretations of Paul Weller's lyrics, and we are still fighting the same fight today
I was too young to appreciate The Jam at the time as I was just starting school as they made their breakthrough, but it doesn't matter, this could be any band/football team that you love coupled with a social history document of a land I just about remember. Also made me reconsider some of my own interpretations of Paul Weller's lyrics, and we are still fighting the same fight today
March 25, 2023
I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about this book- being a massive Paul Weller fan, but it was absolutely amazing. Ian Stone’s account of the 1970’s and early 1980’s, and family life brought so many memories flooding back, even though I’m slightly younger, there is so much familiarity about his story.
I can’t recommend this book highly enough, especially to people of a certain age. AND you will say” Blimey- I remember that”
I can’t recommend this book highly enough, especially to people of a certain age. AND you will say” Blimey- I remember that”
July 1, 2020
Growing up with The Jam sort of intersects with Pete Paphides on many things dysfunctional parents, endemiv violence in the 70s/80s, disengagement with school, ethnicity, centrality of pop music, etc It did keep me amused and I was surprised that I had read it before I had played all the Jam music I have in my possession.
July 23, 2020
I really loved this book. I loved the journey Ian took me on through the torments, the lows and the highs of his younger years, and how The Jam helped him through those years. I found it very moving, highly amusing and also sometimes sad all at the same time. A great book and one which I didn't want to have to end.
July 24, 2020
Such an enjoyable read, it was extremely difficult to put down. Laugh out loud moments were interspersed with the a acute pain of being an awkward teenager discovering their way in life.
Finding solace in music and football, is certainly something that all us menfolk can relate to.
Highly recommended
Finding solace in music and football, is certainly something that all us menfolk can relate to.
Highly recommended
July 30, 2020
I couldn’t put it down. I don’t read a lot but bought it as I am a huge fan of The Jam. I loved it. It doesn’t matter if you know the band and their works to enjoy Ian Stones witty observations on 70s life. Jam fans will love it , but so will anyone else who grew up in a suburban town at that time. Highly recommend it
December 11, 2020
Ian Stone is an excellent stand-up comedian and this brief memoir is packed full of his trademark wit & irreverent humour. His story centres on his teenage obsession with The Jam and he cleverly pokes fun at life in the 70s and early 80s which, I agree, was a bit "sh1t"!
Some genuinely laugh out loud stories here.
Some genuinely laugh out loud stories here.
January 3, 2021
Three books in one: Nostalgia for a rubbish era of history (England in the 70s); memoir of a Jewish lad from West Hendon whose childhood was dull and whose nose was as enormous as his love of Arsenal FC; and a celebration of Paul Weller's view of the world. Some motifs are overused in the writing but it's a winning tale (albeit better as an hour-long stand-up set).
January 30, 2021
Brilliant! Upon the recommendation (not personal) of podcaster and former stand up Elis James. This book has everything I love: social history, self-deprecating humour and broad, general discussions of football so that I don’t have to yawn my way through the details. Now love the Modfather even more and will probably be a little nicer to my parents for having endured the shitness of the 70s.
June 22, 2020
A brilliantly funny look at growing up in the 70's and being a fan of the music, of the time. I laughed all the way through and read it in one sitting. It brought back, so many great memories and of course being a huge Jam fan, just added to the experience. I highly recommend this book.
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July 22, 2020A thoroughly good read. The description of growing up in the 70’s and 80’s was both realistic and humorous. You don’t have to be fan of The Jam to enjoy this book and it was a shame to reach the end. I hope that it is the first of many to be written by Ian.
August 3, 2020
If you are of a similar age, a similar upbringing (more similar than was healthy), an Arsenal devotee and a Jam fan this book will resonate. If you are some or even none of those things you should enjoy the book; it is in equal measure well written, funny, sad and poignant. Highly recommended.
May 12, 2021
I adore The Jam. I have found Ian Stone hilarious when I’ve seen him live. This was always going to be an easy read. So many of Ian’s experiences of The Jam and the crap 70s are mine also. It’s right up there with Andrew Collins memoir.
August 18, 2021
A brilliant read that took me places I haven't been for a long time. Loved the wee reflections back to the 70s alongside reading about Ian's love of the greatest fucking band in the world. When the shit hits the fan...get the feckin Jam on!
#didntwehaveanicetime
#didntwehaveanicetime
December 1, 2024
Found this book via an episode of the Memory Lane podcast with Ian. Despite being indifferent to The Jam, I still really enjoyed his memoir. The illustrations by Phill Jupitus and ‘things were different in the 70s’ interludes do feel like padding though.
March 5, 2025
I bought this from Ian after a comedy gig about a year ago, if I’d known it was going to be this good I’d have read it much sooner. Fantastic book, full of laughs and good stories. I’m not a huge Jam fan but will be listening a lot more in future
August 6, 2020
Some good memories of the greatest band ever
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August 9, 2020Loved the book! Brought back great memories of following The Jam and the 1970s....highly recommend reading
August 14, 2020
Love The Jam, hate the Gooners, but a very easy and enjoyable read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews