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Walking Back Home
'For all these years I've told stories. Sometimes these days I also tell them on the radio. I've met some amazing people and their stories need told too. The first time Deacon Blue ever played Wembley Arena I started to introduce a song only to hear, "Get on with it" shouted from Row Z. We proceeded with the song, but I often thought I'd quite like to finish that story.'
In 1986, Ricky Ross started a full-time career in music, which has lasted for over 35 years. His earlier working life was spent in youth work and teaching in his home city of Dundee, and his adopted home of Glasgow. It was in these two cities where he spent his formative years learning how to write and play songs.
Having always written about the people and places who've made an impact on his life, it's no surprise that this is how he has approached Walking Back Home, his first ever memoir, which takes the reader on a journey from Ricky's childhood to the rollercoaster of leading his band to top of the charts and their break-up, his solo career and Deacon Blue's recent renaissance.
In 1986, Ricky Ross started a full-time career in music, which has lasted for over 35 years. His earlier working life was spent in youth work and teaching in his home city of Dundee, and his adopted home of Glasgow. It was in these two cities where he spent his formative years learning how to write and play songs.
Having always written about the people and places who've made an impact on his life, it's no surprise that this is how he has approached Walking Back Home, his first ever memoir, which takes the reader on a journey from Ricky's childhood to the rollercoaster of leading his band to top of the charts and their break-up, his solo career and Deacon Blue's recent renaissance.
304 pages, Hardcover
Published December 13, 2022
15 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 7, 2023
Deacon Blue were pretty much the first band I was really into. I still recall buying the 7 inch of When Will You (Make My Telephone Ring) back in the 80s - and for a few years after I was obsessive about them - I bought all the singles, all the albums, even tracking down the hard to find mini album ‘Riches’. Their debut album ‘Raintown’ remains in my top 5 favourite albums list.
After a few years I drifted away from them, but there remained a soft spot for them in my heart.
For Christmas I received a signed copy of the memoir by their lead singer, lead songwriter and driving force Ricky Ross. It’s one of the more enjoyable rock memoirs I’ve read. It’s enjoyable because it doesn’t focus exclusively on the band years, in fact arguably Deacon Blue are more of a background presence. It’s a memoir of childhood (he was brought up in a very religious but loving family) of Scotland, of journeys across the world and of music. Ross was always a more thoughtful, reflective rock star and this comes across in this memoir. He doesn’t say much about his relationship with band member and wife Lorraine Mcintosh and whilst he mentions his children they are very much off limits.
Whilst I read parts of this book I was playing my old Deacon Blue albums, the years fell away and the love flooded back.
After a few years I drifted away from them, but there remained a soft spot for them in my heart.
For Christmas I received a signed copy of the memoir by their lead singer, lead songwriter and driving force Ricky Ross. It’s one of the more enjoyable rock memoirs I’ve read. It’s enjoyable because it doesn’t focus exclusively on the band years, in fact arguably Deacon Blue are more of a background presence. It’s a memoir of childhood (he was brought up in a very religious but loving family) of Scotland, of journeys across the world and of music. Ross was always a more thoughtful, reflective rock star and this comes across in this memoir. He doesn’t say much about his relationship with band member and wife Lorraine Mcintosh and whilst he mentions his children they are very much off limits.
Whilst I read parts of this book I was playing my old Deacon Blue albums, the years fell away and the love flooded back.
January 2, 2023
Not what I expected but somehow, so honest and wise, it didn’t matter at all. Thank Ricky for being a valiant heart.
March 28, 2025
Not sure why it’s taken me so long to read this book! Deacon Blue has been a soundtrack to lots of areas of my life. I have seen them on the majority of tours in that time but I had little knowledge of the man behind the music.
I found this book very interesting, Ricky’s upbringing is not that of a usual creative who seems to have to had had a rocky start to define their music! I enjoyed following his journey from where he started to his break onto the music scene. I respected the distance that he kept in regard to talking only limitedly about Lorraine and his children.
I can recommend the audio version as Ricky narrates and it makes it much more personal.
Thanks Ricky and all those involved in this autobiography, I’ll feel like I know you a little bit better when I next see you on stage.
I found this book very interesting, Ricky’s upbringing is not that of a usual creative who seems to have to had had a rocky start to define their music! I enjoyed following his journey from where he started to his break onto the music scene. I respected the distance that he kept in regard to talking only limitedly about Lorraine and his children.
I can recommend the audio version as Ricky narrates and it makes it much more personal.
Thanks Ricky and all those involved in this autobiography, I’ll feel like I know you a little bit better when I next see you on stage.
October 2, 2022
Having been a life-long fan of both Ricky Ross and Deacon Blue I was excited to read his memoir and learn more about his life. I was not disappointed. I took my time reading this book as I did not want it to end. I was lucky enough to see Ricky perform his short stories tour in Queens Hall, Edinburgh and even luckier to meet him after the show, where he graciously spent time talking to everyone and allowed photos to be taken. He came across as warm and sincere and throughout the book comes across the same way.
This is a fascinating read and should appeal to all music lovers. What came across the most, for me was Ricky's complete honesty, like in every life it's not all fun and games and Ricky does not hold back when talking of the dark times in his life. He certainly accentuates the positive and tries to eliminate most of the negative in his own wonderful way.
This is a fascinating read and should appeal to all music lovers. What came across the most, for me was Ricky's complete honesty, like in every life it's not all fun and games and Ricky does not hold back when talking of the dark times in his life. He certainly accentuates the positive and tries to eliminate most of the negative in his own wonderful way.
October 1, 2022
"For all these years, I've told stories These days, I sometimes tell them on the radio. I've met some amazing people, and their stories need to be told too. The first time Deacon Blue ever played Wembley Arena, I started to introduce a song, only to hear, 'Get on with it!' shouted from row Z. We proceeded with the song, but I often thought I'd quite like to finish that story. Here it is."
I've followed Ricky Ross's career for many years, and often hoped he might pen a volume such as this one. It certainly doesn't disappoint. There are a number of insights into his musical career and songwriting—some of these references a little obtuse in a way that rewards careful reading—and much more besides, including insights into his formative relationships, travels, and his religiosity. All of them resonate with his well-crafted gift for storytelling; some made me laugh, some made me cry, and they offer scattered insights that come together to provide resonant insights into his deeply thoughtful approach to life. It seems, too, that his story isn't fully told just yet, and that's a very comforting prospect.
I've followed Ricky Ross's career for many years, and often hoped he might pen a volume such as this one. It certainly doesn't disappoint. There are a number of insights into his musical career and songwriting—some of these references a little obtuse in a way that rewards careful reading—and much more besides, including insights into his formative relationships, travels, and his religiosity. All of them resonate with his well-crafted gift for storytelling; some made me laugh, some made me cry, and they offer scattered insights that come together to provide resonant insights into his deeply thoughtful approach to life. It seems, too, that his story isn't fully told just yet, and that's a very comforting prospect.
September 12, 2022
Interesting enough if you are not a big fan of Deacon Blue , the end kind of drags and too much God rubbish in it
September 6, 2022
3.5* Walking Back Home is a beautifully written memoir from Ricky Ross, best known as the singer/songwriter from Scottish band Deacon Blue.
Starting from early memories of family in Dundee and taking us through to the present day, this is a well told and constructed book. Shining through strongly is RR’s passion for music and songwriting, which has been with him from an early age.
What it was a little lacking was a real insight into Deacon Blue - particularly the heydays of the late 80s and early 90s. We learn how the band get together, an honest telling of the 1994 split, a mediocre success in getting back together in 1999 and finally reforming the group and going back on tour and making records. However we learn little of what life was like in the bubble of a huge pop band, save for appearing on Spanish TV and fleeting mention of Top of the Pops. Save to say, I’ve got my CDs back out!
Overall a hugely enjoyable read. I listened to the audiobook, narrated by RR and that added depth to the prose.
Starting from early memories of family in Dundee and taking us through to the present day, this is a well told and constructed book. Shining through strongly is RR’s passion for music and songwriting, which has been with him from an early age.
What it was a little lacking was a real insight into Deacon Blue - particularly the heydays of the late 80s and early 90s. We learn how the band get together, an honest telling of the 1994 split, a mediocre success in getting back together in 1999 and finally reforming the group and going back on tour and making records. However we learn little of what life was like in the bubble of a huge pop band, save for appearing on Spanish TV and fleeting mention of Top of the Pops. Save to say, I’ve got my CDs back out!
Overall a hugely enjoyable read. I listened to the audiobook, narrated by RR and that added depth to the prose.
February 17, 2023
I listened to this on Audible and he reads this very well, hearing it in his voice was a definite plus. Less a blow by blow account of the band's up and downs, more a series of meditations on his childhood, family, youth work, travel, faith and doubt, as well as song writing and, of course, music. That suited me well because although I loved the first album I was never a great fan of the band, so I appreciated the wider perspectives of this book.
He comes across very well and though there is nothing of substance on the break up of his first marriage and how he got together with band member Lorraine, I quite respect him for not telling us all about it. It's none of our business and would only intrude on the privacy of others. It ties in with how thoughtful he appears to be, his open-mindedness and his curiosity about the world and the people in it. Strikes me as a decent guy who can turn a phrase in that wonderful lilt of his. I really enjoyed it.
When I finished it I dug out Raintown. Really stands up well after all these years.
He comes across very well and though there is nothing of substance on the break up of his first marriage and how he got together with band member Lorraine, I quite respect him for not telling us all about it. It's none of our business and would only intrude on the privacy of others. It ties in with how thoughtful he appears to be, his open-mindedness and his curiosity about the world and the people in it. Strikes me as a decent guy who can turn a phrase in that wonderful lilt of his. I really enjoyed it.
When I finished it I dug out Raintown. Really stands up well after all these years.
November 4, 2022
It’s no secret I’m a big fan of Deacon Blue, and have loved Ricky Ross’ songwriting skills since I was a teenager. I love this memoir, lots of great snippets about his childhood, tales of what led him to form the band and what it was like hanging around in a time in the late 80s when there was some fantastic music coming out of Scotland. The 15 year old me would have happily hung out in a group of musicians like Lloyd Cole and the Commotions, The Bluebells and Danny Wilson. In fact, the 49 year old me would still very much enjoy that.
I respect Ricky’s decision not to write about his wife and children, believing he shouldn’t tell their stories for them. I also respect his reflections on how he understands how others enjoy his work. The writing style is thoughtful, as you might expect from a man who crafts a good song.
I don’t imagine this book will get an audience outside of those of us who are fans, but there’s a lot to like here.
I respect Ricky’s decision not to write about his wife and children, believing he shouldn’t tell their stories for them. I also respect his reflections on how he understands how others enjoy his work. The writing style is thoughtful, as you might expect from a man who crafts a good song.
I don’t imagine this book will get an audience outside of those of us who are fans, but there’s a lot to like here.
November 23, 2022
Actually listened to the audio book on Audible , which according to Good Reads does not exist .Bravely Ricky Ross narrates his own "autobiography" and is good at it as well . Unfortunately the book does not fully deliver . The book is more a collection of themed recollections rather than a structured book . He does not mention how he got together with his second wife who is also in Deacon Blue . He does address this late on in the book and argues that it was not right to deal with this part of his life on the basis of their privacy , which is fair enough but does leave a big gap in the book .It does touch on the music music making process , but is inconsistent on which albums he deals with in any detail .A lot of detail on his early years prior to breaking through.
June 11, 2024
"In the early days/years..."
An immensely enjoyable biography that balances pathos, local history and quirky anecdotes with honest reflections on the music business. The structure and pacing of the book may not meet everyone's expectations and in addition to a few missing details to help readers follow certain through-lines, there is not much exploration of his or Deacon Blue's music. With those small caveats, it is an excellent book that is very much worth the attention of anyone remotely interested in Ross' work.
An immensely enjoyable biography that balances pathos, local history and quirky anecdotes with honest reflections on the music business. The structure and pacing of the book may not meet everyone's expectations and in addition to a few missing details to help readers follow certain through-lines, there is not much exploration of his or Deacon Blue's music. With those small caveats, it is an excellent book that is very much worth the attention of anyone remotely interested in Ross' work.
December 16, 2022
The recent band biography will offer more than anecdotes about touring, recording and promotion, but you get Ricky the globetrotting son and scribe who sings about life and its people. Great on Nashville and on his pre-fame life in teaching and charity work. The missing star is for some clunky errors in copy which will be fixed in the paperback.
October 6, 2023
Interesting and engaging set of anecdotes / memoir from singer / songwriter / broadcaster and front man from the Scottish pop group Deacon Blue. It covers his childhood and upbringing in Dundee, his time in the music industry, his travels and of course his band Deacon Blue. Nicely written charming stories from his life. well worth reading for fans and also those less committed.
June 24, 2023
I chaired an event with Ricky Ross at Solas Festival, so read his book in preparation. He has a great way with a story, and while I'm not the world's biggest Deacon Blue fan, I loved his insights on life, fame, faith and songwriting. He's a great Q&A guest too.
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March 2, 2024I really enjoyed this book, despite it being a lot too much religious for my taste. The chapter I enjoyed the most was about my favourite DB album, 'Fellow Hoodlums'. It gave me an insight to two of my favourite songs, 'James Joyce Soles' and 'The Day That Jackie Jumped the Jail'. I learnt a lot.
September 5, 2022
I knew that Ricky Ross would write great prose because he writes great songs and I was right. Really interesting autobiography.
September 10, 2022
i have been a deacon blue fan for years and this book just out more meat in the bones of the deacon blue story for me
its a great read
its a great read
November 11, 2022
A very good and personal account of a brilliant artist.
January 17, 2023
Really enjoyed this book. Brought back a lot of memories and I revisited a lot of old albums. Very honest and sensitive autobiography
February 23, 2023
Audiobook review: I would have liked to hear more about his spiritual life and musical education. A bit too surface level.
March 5, 2023
Really interesting read, not only for Deacon Blue fans, but those interested in inspirations for songs and how a band can make it.
April 9, 2023
Nicely written. But so so boring.
August 23, 2023
Great read if you're a fan of deacon blue
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews