Renegade: The Lives and Tales of Mark E. Smith

by Mark E. Smith, Tom Sheehan (Photographer), E.D. Smith

Reams of stuff have been written about me in the past, but never in my own this is the proper one’ Mark E. Smith Still going after thirty years, The Fall are one of the most distinctive British bands, their music — odd, spare, cranky and circular — an acknowledged influence on The Smiths, The Happy Mondays, Nirvana and Franz Ferdinand. And Mark E. Smith IS The Fall. For the first time we get to hear his full, candid take on the ups and downs of a band as notorious for its in-house fighting as for its great music; and on a life that has endured prison in America, drugs, bankruptcy, divorce and the often bleak results of a legendary thirst.

Genres: Music, Biography, Nonfiction, Autobiography, Memoir, Punk, British Literature

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Dave Marsland · Rating 3 out of 5]

He's a funny one is Mark E Smith. I admired his truculence, his Northernness, his love of The Stooges and his distain for anything 'celebrity'. His friends were Salford Irish (like mine), which always makes for a colourful life. The Fall were a riotously good band. As John Peel famously described them "They are always different; they are always the same". This is a good book with some hilarious moments, particularly his theory on middle class kids rebelling against their parents. But as it wore on his ranting became wearysome. It was rather like being at a family party and getting cornered by a drunk, angry uncle, telling you that the kids today don't understand.
That said, I believe that The Fall's version of Jerusalem is brilliant. It should be the UK's National anthem, it's THAT good.

[Jonathan Hutchins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Never liked The Fall much (and I was listening to Peel solid from 1979 for a few years) but there's no denying Mark E. Smith can't be ignored. I want to pigeonhole him as a smart-mouthed alcoholic has-been, and I can't. It's in large part a class thing - much of what he says about working-class vs middle-class attitudes in the North is absolutely spot-on. His self-comparison to Alex Ferguson is not as hubristic as it sounds - yes he routinely fires band members and has left traumas and lifelong loathings in his wake, but it's in pursuit of the true goal - his band, his creation. I utter silvery chuckles of contempt at his drinking and his New York debacle - then am brought up short by his admiration for Machen and Philip K.Dick, his insights into the 'music industry' [about time that phrase was put in quotes] and politics. He has the true working-class respect for parents, for what's 'manly' and what isn't, for the institution of marriage, and for fundamental values of work and making something of yourself. And in the end you can't patronise him, either with praise or contempt - which is rare. He's too smart, and doesn't care what you think because he has formed and tested his own opinions and knows why he holds them. And he is a true renegade in the sense of rebel, outlaw. Compare Shaun Ryder - ooh, he's wicked, he's naughty, he's dodgy, see him let loose in the jungle! But MES has too much self-respect and cynicism for degrading populist crap like 'I'm A Celebrity' in the first place. Look well upon the creased baggy-eyed visage of Mark E. Smith - for there aren't many, if any, like him, any more.

[Alexander Peterhans · Rating 4 out of 5]

You're probably here because you're a fan of The Fall, and by default a fan of Mark E. Smith. A very witty and edgy little goblin, Smith makes this book a compelling read.

I'll just leave you with some quotes that made me laugh and/or think (disclaimer: I don't always agree with what Smith is saying, but that's not the point).

"It’s a generational thing – something’s amiss with too many lads these days around the ages of thirty-five and under. Empty of wonder. I think they’ve been told too much by their parents, they’re not in this life to discover things for themselves."

"I started smoking when I was about sixteen. I don’t think you need it really before then."

"It’s a shame that people are living their lives like this, because it goes much quicker than you think. I’d rather people concentrated on their own ideas a bit more. It’s as if they don’t think their own lives are of any importance; completely different from people of my dad and grandad’s generation, who at least had an understanding of what it was to exist, to try and do things and not waste time."

"I didn’t mind being on the dole. I had a lot of time on my hands as a result. Other people went to university and I read books, smoked cigs and looked around most days. It’s good to have a period like that in your life, when you’re not being forced to think like others."

"That’s why I’ve never aligned myself to the whole punk thing. To me, punk is and was a quick statement. That’s why most of the main players couldn’t handle the fall-out of it all, they were like a bunch of shell-shocked army majors stuck in time, endlessly repeating their once-successful war cries. Nothing wrong with that, I suppose, but I wanted something with a bit more longevity."

"I got on the bus the other day and there was this bald bloke who kept staring. I’ve seen him around … He wears powerful blandness"

"He gave us a bass player – Eric the Ferret. He was useless, but he meant well."

"I still see ‘Fiery Jack’ types like that. They’re quite heartening in a way. Manchester has always had men like that, hard livers with hard livers; faces like unmade beds."

"They’re not as vapid as you think, Americans. They concocted their entire history from lies, so they’re not going to buy into some limey’s glorified head-trip."

"The barman might be a big fucking Bavarian but when he’s not serving he’ll read a book. It’s important. If people read more, they’d come to a better understanding of other people and there’d be less people trudging off to shrinks."

"If it’s in your head and you’ve got the right people around you, then there’s no better time to tell that story. You can’t be afraid of reactions when it’s like that. I think too many writers hold too much back for another time and then lose the initial spark."

"I am one of the 3 per cent who was made to take speed. It helps me sleep."

"We’re living in a re-issue world, filching from the past like magpies with a Tardis."

(No, that's not the whole book.)

[MJ Nicholls · Rating 4 out of 5]

A slender and typically unrepentant diatribe from MES, stretched into the only ‘official’ book we’re likely to get on The Fall. Dave Simpson’s book The Fallen gets to the heart of the fan’s obsession with the group, providing a more compassionate look at a band so beloved among writers and word-lovers. It’s a little more, um . . . balanced.

This book acts like an extension of the MES myth, sprinkling a few surprises here and there among the liquored ramblings of the great man, transcribed (and no doubt embellished) by Austin Collings. The little patches of experiment and gibberish don’t add much other than ticking the ‘unconventional’ box, but the treat here is hearing the bilious attacks on ex-band members, wives, guitarists, and Paul Morley (thrice in the first 100 pages!)

Cheese State! Fall Motel!

[Harry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was 90 pages into this when the old curmudgeon Mark E Smith died. I first picked up a Fall single in 1982 and have been a fan ever since. Very much a Marmite band as in you either like them or you don't and no in between. This book is probably similar. It's obviously life as he sees it but several other members of the group have other ideas. As for me I'm just into CB.

[Simon King · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quite disappointing if you want to read a coherent, well-parsed biography of his career. Enlightening if you want 300 pages of continuous ranting (no different from a run-of-the-mill Fall song, come to think of it). Seeing that he didn't actually sit down to write it, don't blame MES, blame the ghost writer. (Apparently he had a nervous breakdown whilst typing up this protracted diatribe. Poor soul!)

I'd really like to see MES produce a literary work some day. I recall reading a 80s interview (maybe my deceptive memory fools me!) where he brags that "he could really write a novel" but isn't "educated enough." I'll settle for this book but, going by some of his lyrics, he can really produce some memorable, if not poetic (or quasi-poetic - take your pick!), lines.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve always considered myself to be a Fall fan even though it took me many years to start buying any albums. Mostly because in the late-70s to mid-90s most of the records I bought were secondhand and you simply never saw a Fall album secondhand, which indicated to me how good they were. I’d always catch them live locally when I could, and regardless of whether I’d heard the material – and usually, other than “Mr Pharmacist”, I hadn’t – was always immediately immersed in the imminently danceable rhythms and the hypnotic delivery of Mark E Smith. It was only after “The Unutterable” that I then began to buy new Fall albums on release, but there’s still a lot of early albums I’ve never heard and it’s only since Mark’s death that I’ve decided to deliberately rumble through the back catalogue (starting with the Peel Sessions, a great introduction), and felt comfortable living in his past – something he himself was loathe to do – as it seemed almost heretical to do so beforehand.

This book is perfect: both in style, content, and information. Like the music itself it partly opens a rust-locked window and if you push your snout against the glass to breathe in the promise of another world you’ll encounter wafts of decay and joy and laughter and violence. Like the music the book satisfies through a feeling of incompleteness, the promise of more to come. Knowing nothing else will come – other than the backwards trawl through the back catalogue – is a little harrowing. But leaving you wanting more is an indication of genius. And this book – particularly now Smith has left – is all you need to understand that.

[Spencer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highly entertaining, meandering and irreverent - a 230+ page rant against the record industry, the middle class and those (ex-bandmates generally) that have 'slighted' him - plus other (drink fuelled) misdemeanours.

Still; a lot of (genuine) wisdom and hard earned experience is laid bare. And it's often very funny - and hugely quotable, as you'd imagine. The drink plays a huge part and perhaps a lot of the after effects have been underplayed. Real details (particularly with relationships) are scant but actually this makes for a better read - it zips along very quickly.

I'm currently putting together an exhaustive Fall playlist - it's reignited my interest in everything MES has done over the years.

The MES M/O: Basically, find your path and stick to it. Do not swerve or bend to those who would dilute your output, take advantage of you, or try to stop you drinking. Then keep going regardless...

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm glad I read this and learned something about a man and a band I knew very little about. Mark E. Smith is a complex, yet humorous man who has an often very agreeable opinion about almost everything, from politics and drinking all the way to television and FRIENDS. His stories about his siblings, touring, and a near encounter with Rikers could be turned into short stories, they're so funny yet so surreal. Now, I'm looking forward to catching up with The Fall.

[Joe Richards · Rating 2 out of 5]

A garbled and generally unfulfilling piece of ghost-writing, which is exactly what I should have expected. Entertaining in parts, vitriolic in others. There isn't much given away that isn't already known to Fall fans, and any insight is usually provided through ego-tinted glasses. It does speak volumes for MES' unique appeal, however: despite my negative review, I would certainly still recommend it to Fall fans.

[Caleb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly don't know why it took me so long to read this book. I've been a rabid Fall fan since high school, devouring every album, every Peel session, and virtually every MES interview on YouTube. I admit, the guy fascinates me. He's never been afraid to call it like it is, and as an artist he always takes the road less traveled. He's an icon and an enigma at the same time.

For fans of The Fall, RENEGADE is more than a tell-all autobiography. It's a treasury. In it, MES reflects on his working class Manchester upbringing; his drinking habits; technology; football; the ersatz nature of both indie and popular music; and of course, fronting The Fall. As a writer and artist myself, every page gave me something to think or laugh about; Smith's humor is quite infectious.

Highly recommended for fans of The Fall, or at least are familiar with Mark E Smith.

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start by saying that Mark E Smith hits the nail on the head re the current state of football. It has arguably got worse since this book was printed. The story wavers between rants and sheer genius. I have always liked the bloody mindedness of Mark but I now actually love him. A man very much of his own mind. Naturally it is mostly about the Fall but it is very much an insight to the intelligence and the heart of Mark E Smith. A renegade indeed.

Ray Smillie

[John Clarke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a few Fall albums, not a huge Fall fan but always liked MES' attitude and unwillingness to conform, in short he believed wholeheartedly in what he was doing regardless.
This is a book you will hammer through, very funny in parts and you need not be a Fall fan to enjoy it. No dull talk about production of this or that, its a stream of consciousness and he pulls no punches. A truly unique voice, jaggy, uncompromising and honest. I'm sorry he's gone but indeed his vibration will live on.

[Lee Klein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stayed up late on Xmas night reading this wonderful present - finished just now. Inspiring to read the words of M.E.S. himself, role model for all who might fancy a few pints down at their local, who savor the subtleties of the occasional sporting event, who openly disrespect daft twats if they deserve it, and are fierce when it comes to aesthetic independence.

[melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

this guy is such a dick and a TOTAL eeyore, but he's also totally hilarious. only for upper-level Fall fans, i'd say.

[Jane Long · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Mein Kampf for the Hollyoaks generation." Also contains the assertion that Louise's Stuck In The Middle With You was a great cover version. What a guy.

[Adam Hudson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anyone familiar with MES or The Fall knows exactly what they’re getting. Very amusing.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

The message he seemed to want to get across was that he never did ANYTHING wrong, nothing was EVER his fault and oh he thinks every woman is stupid of course; expect his wife. Despite this, I still enjoyed reading this.

[Ruairidh Burras · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not an autobiography by any stretch, but a great conversation with the opinionated drunk down the pub.
It’s far too short to offer anything too insightful, but feels like a solid extended interview that you might watch on YouTube at 2am.
He’s very witty, very dry, and seemingly hates everyone. A contrarian with good Scotch in his veins.
Good company, but probably saying the same as he said last week.

[Maarten Wagemakers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tauted as an autobiography, but this is more of one big rant loosely following the trajectory of Mark E. Smith's life rather than what you'd expect from someone's life story. It's very likely the ghost writer of this book had to cobble everything together from drunken diatribes of a cantankerous MES during 3 AM interview sessions in pubs, as that's basically what it sounds like anyway. While an audio book version of Renegade read by MES himself was probably out of the question from the onset as a matter of principle, it's still fun to imagine one; slurred and sloganeering drawl included.

But MES is no fool - while he dishes out plenty in his familiar charicatural snarl (and hilariously so), it's pretty clear he's in on it. His 'bastard persona' is a shield to deal with the kind of unwanted attention that comes with rockstardom, record industry shenanigans, inane and ill-prepared journalists, overambitious band members (whom he incidentally regards as little more than employees anyway), the lot. "I really do think they see me as a robot, or as insane, or suicidal. (..) I'm a living charicature. (..) It's a blessing in one respect. I can walk down the street and nobody will bother me. It's held me in a good stead. I can walk down a trendy London street and they know who I am, but they don't come up to me. (..) If I really apply my mind to it I [can clear a room entirely]."

It's a fun read that starts off with some old-fashioned character assassination (judging by publishing dates it's very likely Renegade was "inspired" by Dave Simpson's book that collected the memoires of former Fall members, one that apparently made MES itching for a swift put-down), but slowly but gradually adds some more insight into the overly principled, almost self-sabotaging character of the protagonist. Of course it's still one large string of wild anecdotes and opinions - which MES has in abundance - and as a biography on The Fall itself it falls a bit short (MES focuses on what he considers of note from certain periods in his life, so don't expect him to focus on chart successes, John Peel's prolonged patronage - aside from a few words at the very beginning - or even career highlight This Nation's Saving Grace, which is only mentioned in passing), but you do get a much better understanding of his bark.

[Talitha Stewart · Rating 2 out of 5]

This read like an old man nonsensically rambling to you in a pub - which I think is perfect.

[Mark Desrosiers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This reads like a combination of I Lived to Tell it All, and KISS and Make Up. Like George Jones, Mark E. Smith doesn't seem to know where his gifts came from (or even what they are), but gives himself ample room for cranky old-fogeyisms and bibulous self-handicapping. And like Gene Simmons, Mark regrets nothing, defends his vices, snipes at ex-bandmates, and comes across like a cocksure (or maybe "tonguesure") asshole. (But unlike Gene, Mark's knack for lucre obviously ain't all there, considering how frequently he is "skint" in the book.)

There are many hilarious quotes here, and even some oddball insights about alcohol tolerance and shifting identities. But on the whole, it reads like an endless pub rant, and too often you just want to get up and play some darts. I'm giving it an extra star because he's still pretty much my all-time favorite singer.

One last thing: I know he's a misanthrope, but did he really give this a title that implants a Styx earworm for the rest of the week? "Oh mama I'm in fear for my life of the long arm of the law..."

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, I guess it's no surprise that this book is entertaining, and lacks focus. Meandering doesn't even begin to describe the journey each page takes. And I even skipped the poetry/prose interludes. The thousands of pints Mark E Smith has had over the years have done nothing to dull this man's ego or judgmentalism. Thankfully for us it hasn't dulled his drive for The Fall. But on the prior points there is a lot of shit talking in this book, and very little praise for anyone outside of Mark's pubmates, football players, and his current wife... Mark E Smith comes off as just as much of a controlling jerk as you already thought, but maybe if you take him at his word you could think he's less of an alcoholic than famed. I am glad I read this, but I think my time would have been better spent listening to Fall records.

[Rob Burton · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not a major fan of The Fall or Mark E. Smith although I am aware of the music and him - he's been around long enough and his legend is big enough.

The blurb on the cover of the books state it's 'Hilarious', 'May be the funniest music book ever written', A riot', and so on - maybe for the music journo's who are interested in this stuff but in the end I found Marks continuous defence of his actions all a bit tedious.

I read it on the train, in China, two hours from Nanjing to Shanghai and the two hours back with a bit at lunch time. So a captive audience.

Fortunately, I had purchased this book with the John Lydon book I reviewed a month or so ago (and is better) on a two for £5 deal in a London bookshop this summer - given the actual paperback has a £10.99 price tag then it was a bargain read - which is the best thing about it.

[Paul Saxton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Smith should have written this book a few years earlier, when he was sharper, cooler, more focused and less of an embittered drunk. Still, this collection of transcribed interviews is entertaining enough, with Smith obviously playing to the crowd a bit and living up to his image of an avuncular, although often belligerent, tyrant. Which is why it's perfect for the Guardian-reading, casual Fall fan who wants to just dip into the strange world of MES.

For those of us, however, who are a little more obsessed with The Fall, there's quite a bit missing - as well as the fact that his stories and musings often seem tiresomely familiar.

In all, I'd say it's a missed opportunity. Good - but not nearly as good as it should, and could, have been.

[Cole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ostensibly the memoirs of The Fall's lead vocalist, my guess is that the writing process consisted of Mark E. Smith sitting down in a pub and spewing volumes of autobiographical vitriol to some journo with a micro-cassette recorder. Which was subsequently transcribed verbatim...

Which could've been any day in the life of Smith... but in this instance, he got paid.

Sample quote: "Degrees have a way of warping people -- it's not good for people to spend that amount of time at university, acting like rock stars on weekdays."

[Phil Overeem · Rating 5 out of 5]

There may be too much rant and self-justification here for the casual reader, but if you're a fan--or if you like Rotten's memoirs--it's a must. He is a cranky old fart, but also hilarious and insightful. And prole-friendly.

[Rod · Rating 3 out of 5]

Drunk Manc Threat-uh.

[Matt Suder · Rating 4 out of 5]

1/2 as long as Keef's bio & 2x as fun...

[Flyss Williams · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sorely lacking a narrative thread. This came across to me as a series of drunken rants and excuses and no where near as funny as it promised. Disappointing.