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Spaceships Over Glasgow: Mogwai, Mayhem and Misspent Youth
Born the son of Scotland's last telescope-maker, Stuart Braithwaite was perhaps always destined for a life of psychedelic adventuring on the furthest frontiers of noise in MOGWAI, one of the best loved and most groundbreaking post-rock bands of the past three decades.
Modestly delinquent at school, Stuart developed an early appetite for 'alternative' music in what might arguably be described as its halcyon days, the late 80s. Discovering bands like Sonic Youth, My Bloody Valentine, and Jesus and Mary Chain, and attending seminal gigs (often incongruously incognito as a young girl with long hair to compensate for his babyface features) by The Cure and Nirvana, Stuart compensated for his indifference to school work with a dedication to rock and roll ... and of course the fledgling hedonism that comes with it.
After an initial outing in the unfortunately (and provocatively named), Pregnant Nun, Stuart - alongside teenage friends Dominic Aitchison and Martin Bulloch - upgrades the band name to MOGWAI. They release their first single 'Tuner/Lower' in 1996. Championed by the legendary John Peel, and making a name for themselves for tinnitus-inducing live shows, MOGWAI'S subsequent single 'Summer' is named Single of the Week in NME. Their first album, Mogwai Young Team, follows to significant critical acclaim.
Spaceships Over Glasgow is a lovesong to live rock and roll; to the passionate abandon we've all felt in the crowd (and some of us, if lucky enough, from the stage) at a truly incendiary gig. It is also the story of a life lived on the edge; of the high-times and hazardous pit-stops of international touring with a band of misfits and miscreants.
Modestly delinquent at school, Stuart developed an early appetite for 'alternative' music in what might arguably be described as its halcyon days, the late 80s. Discovering bands like Sonic Youth, My Bloody Valentine, and Jesus and Mary Chain, and attending seminal gigs (often incongruously incognito as a young girl with long hair to compensate for his babyface features) by The Cure and Nirvana, Stuart compensated for his indifference to school work with a dedication to rock and roll ... and of course the fledgling hedonism that comes with it.
After an initial outing in the unfortunately (and provocatively named), Pregnant Nun, Stuart - alongside teenage friends Dominic Aitchison and Martin Bulloch - upgrades the band name to MOGWAI. They release their first single 'Tuner/Lower' in 1996. Championed by the legendary John Peel, and making a name for themselves for tinnitus-inducing live shows, MOGWAI'S subsequent single 'Summer' is named Single of the Week in NME. Their first album, Mogwai Young Team, follows to significant critical acclaim.
Spaceships Over Glasgow is a lovesong to live rock and roll; to the passionate abandon we've all felt in the crowd (and some of us, if lucky enough, from the stage) at a truly incendiary gig. It is also the story of a life lived on the edge; of the high-times and hazardous pit-stops of international touring with a band of misfits and miscreants.
325 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2022
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802 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
March 3, 2023
I haven’t written a book review in probably a year or so now, but Mogwai are one of my favourite bands. Counting the sheer length of fandom, they are number one. I was there when Young Team came out and blew my socks off (my friend Graham’s Vauxhall Cavalier sound system was shite, but that didn’t stop us hotboxing and blasting Like Herod at full volume from it); likewise I was there when Come on Die Young disappointed my socks off (at first, naively - I was 19, over half my life ago when it came out; too quiet after YT, too tense; too much build up; and what’s with the American football commentary? But screw all that noise - after all these long years, it’s actually now my favourite Mogwai album); and I was there at Glastonbury in 98 or 99 when Stuart Braithwaite made some incendiary comments about the then Queen of England while the band played on a bonkers set up of an Other Stage (guitar left - guitar right), which marked the first of (at best reckoning) the 14 times I’ve seen them live. I’ve had my ears blown out by that kick-in on Mogwai Fear Satan more than I’ve had girlfriends. Yep. All this to say, there are few bands I’ve been a fan of since their near inception to the present day (and there are probably few bands who’ve lasted so long).
Stuart’s book, then, for me is a no-brainer of a read. Born just a wee bit before me, his musical discovery escapades (as covered in the first quarter-ish of the book) mirror my own quite closely. While reading, I can’t count the amount of times I nodded and smiled knowing he had been up to (roughly) the same daft shite I had been. There were a few bands I hadn’t got into as he did (13th Floor Elevators being the best example of a band I discovered only thanks to Spaceships Over Glasgow), but largely, his love of guitars and decadence very closely mirrored my own (I grew up in northern Cumbria, a few miles shy of Carlisle, for geographical comparison. Not Scotland, but near enough to pop over for a pint whenever we fancied).
However, Stuart is not a writer, and it shows. This is not (NOT!) necessarily a bad thing - it’s not like I bought the book and went into this thinking I’d get the same literary shivers as with Tolstoy, FFS - it’s an (I hope) honest and straightforward account of his growing up, musical formation, and subsequent adventures. I started reading on the basis of wanting to know more about the (by his own admission) wee fella, the one who’d slammed his pedals into my lug holes and sang straight into my heart on Cody. There’s still something untouchably poignant about the verse:
When I drive alone at night
I see the streetlights as fairgrounds
And I tried a hundred times
To see the road signs as day-glo
Which is as oblique as they come, and for all I know is as meaningless as anything sung by (for example) David Byrne or Bowie (there’s certainly no explanation forthcoming in Spacehsips Over Glasgow, nor did I expect one), but I’d be lying if I didn’t say that verse (played as I walked home from many house parties, stoned or otherwise, invariably, in the UK, below orange sodium) strikes me deep, and for all the best reasons - an unexplainable snapshot of something I can latch onto. It has soundtracked more comedowns than I can count. Thanks Stuart.
But yes, he’s not a writer, and nor would you expect him to be. He’s a fucking awesome guitar player. But also, be damned if he didn’t put pen to paper and whack out a tale as addictive and as eminently readable as he has. Many writers bang on about the book they want to write, but with nothing material to show for it, but Stuart Braithwaite has. And even more admirably, he fucking remembered enough to write it down. Because yes, Stuart likes (probably liked, but I can’t be 100% sure) his intoxication; who doesn’t. Some of the most telling tales (for me anyway) in the book were focused on his ability/inability to play because of certain substances, and are wonderfully described. As someone who has never stood on a stage other than to act (as part of a cast greater than 5), I can only judge this with the utmost respect. Wandering on a stage to play guitar with a band while fucked out of my skull on acid is unthinkable; most of the time I can barely bang two skins together into a (half decent) spliff.
Criticisms: it ends too soon. The last chapter is a beautiful and touching elegy to his dad (kudos), but the book doesn’t end in the present, and doesn’t touch on any album after Hardcore Will Never Die, but You Will, which is strange, as that album came out over 10 years ago. Does this mean there’ll be a second volume bringing us up to the UK number one album, As the Love Continues? I hope so; I’d buy it in a heart beat.
Also (disclaimer: I’m not a musician), there is little elaboration on the recording process beyond: with Young Team we made some mistakes (I’m being slightly unfair here, but I seriously would have liked to know more about those recording sessions, for reason I’ll explain below); we corrected them with CODY; we wanted to do something different with Rock Action; any album after this gets very little page real estate. Compared with the descriptions of emotion and inebriation during (sometimes pivotal) live performances, I thought the telling of the album recordings were lacking. And how could he leave out the story of what actually happened for Dominic to punch him during the recording of Young Team (as is relayed over the phone by - I think - Martin on Tracy)? I’d pay for another volume just to hear that tale. The camaraderie as relayed by Stuart between him and Dominic is lovely, and I’ve often wondered (during gigs) about the big stoic bass player; he looks like an ace chap. Again, I would love to know why he planted Stuart, and why the band felt it was such a good thing to relay on the album. It does beg the question why someone was even recording that call in the first place, though.
Criticisms: there are repetitions and ellipsis. By repetitions I refer to phrases and language alone; Stuart has a narrow palette when describing experiences, but I put it down to inexperience, (perhaps) sloppy editing, and (again perhaps) the need to get down what happened as quickly and concisely as possible (such is the nature of recall). I can’t be arsed looking up examples of this, but I felt while reading there could be more variation in the language used; a decent editor should have / could have picked up on this.
By ellipsis, there are distinct gaps (perhaps intentional); Stuart seems like a diplomatic sort, and is careful not to say too much about other people (and I can see why this would be intentional). I am the furthest thing from a gossip-monger I can imagine, so I do not here refer to a lack of (deep breath) ‘celebrity gossip’ (and I daresay Stuart, being as down-to-earth as he is, would even consider himself a celebrity in this sense; but it has to be said he knows people). No thank you. But John leaving the band is barely touched upon, and apart from Barry being nervous at the start in photo shoots and Martin’s health problems, we don’t learn much about the other band members. Again, this is probably intentional. I follow Stuart on Twitter, and while that means fuck all in the long run, he comes across as a really nice person. Diplomatic, sympathetic, considerate and thoughtful. So I assume he really wanted to protect his (band)mate’s privacy, and only tell the story of his involvement with them. As a fanboy, it’s a slight loss. As a fellow human being, it’s totally understandable.
In all, I tore through Spaceships Over Glasgow in three days. While I have somewhat criticised his writing, he has an easy-going style which is akin to having a good crack with an old pal; albeit one who’s been to some far out edges, and plays his guitar louder than anyone I’ve ever seen (bar, maybe, Kevin Shields). The music world is all the better of this book in it, and I thank you, Stuart.
CODA: one of my friends, not from the UK, only a few weeks ago (while sipping warm up beers before a Sigur Ros gig) admitted to have listened, but never really got into, Mogwai. I took this not only as a big gap in his musical knowledge that needed correcting, but I also felt a bit affronted personally. Such is (I always assume) the ubiquity of Mogwai among those with musical taste, and my own love for the band, I couldn’t fathom this from someone A) I’ve known for 10 years; and B) has a great taste in music; I honestly took it personally. In his book, Stuart is really at his best when he talks about his love for the bands that formed him, and the lengths he went to to get their records and see them live. This review is my reply to that; I have been with Mogwai their entire life, and I can’t honestly fucking wait for Mogwai Fear Satan to blast my socks off again. Here’s to the 15th gig.
Stuart’s book, then, for me is a no-brainer of a read. Born just a wee bit before me, his musical discovery escapades (as covered in the first quarter-ish of the book) mirror my own quite closely. While reading, I can’t count the amount of times I nodded and smiled knowing he had been up to (roughly) the same daft shite I had been. There were a few bands I hadn’t got into as he did (13th Floor Elevators being the best example of a band I discovered only thanks to Spaceships Over Glasgow), but largely, his love of guitars and decadence very closely mirrored my own (I grew up in northern Cumbria, a few miles shy of Carlisle, for geographical comparison. Not Scotland, but near enough to pop over for a pint whenever we fancied).
However, Stuart is not a writer, and it shows. This is not (NOT!) necessarily a bad thing - it’s not like I bought the book and went into this thinking I’d get the same literary shivers as with Tolstoy, FFS - it’s an (I hope) honest and straightforward account of his growing up, musical formation, and subsequent adventures. I started reading on the basis of wanting to know more about the (by his own admission) wee fella, the one who’d slammed his pedals into my lug holes and sang straight into my heart on Cody. There’s still something untouchably poignant about the verse:
When I drive alone at night
I see the streetlights as fairgrounds
And I tried a hundred times
To see the road signs as day-glo
Which is as oblique as they come, and for all I know is as meaningless as anything sung by (for example) David Byrne or Bowie (there’s certainly no explanation forthcoming in Spacehsips Over Glasgow, nor did I expect one), but I’d be lying if I didn’t say that verse (played as I walked home from many house parties, stoned or otherwise, invariably, in the UK, below orange sodium) strikes me deep, and for all the best reasons - an unexplainable snapshot of something I can latch onto. It has soundtracked more comedowns than I can count. Thanks Stuart.
But yes, he’s not a writer, and nor would you expect him to be. He’s a fucking awesome guitar player. But also, be damned if he didn’t put pen to paper and whack out a tale as addictive and as eminently readable as he has. Many writers bang on about the book they want to write, but with nothing material to show for it, but Stuart Braithwaite has. And even more admirably, he fucking remembered enough to write it down. Because yes, Stuart likes (probably liked, but I can’t be 100% sure) his intoxication; who doesn’t. Some of the most telling tales (for me anyway) in the book were focused on his ability/inability to play because of certain substances, and are wonderfully described. As someone who has never stood on a stage other than to act (as part of a cast greater than 5), I can only judge this with the utmost respect. Wandering on a stage to play guitar with a band while fucked out of my skull on acid is unthinkable; most of the time I can barely bang two skins together into a (half decent) spliff.
Criticisms: it ends too soon. The last chapter is a beautiful and touching elegy to his dad (kudos), but the book doesn’t end in the present, and doesn’t touch on any album after Hardcore Will Never Die, but You Will, which is strange, as that album came out over 10 years ago. Does this mean there’ll be a second volume bringing us up to the UK number one album, As the Love Continues? I hope so; I’d buy it in a heart beat.
Also (disclaimer: I’m not a musician), there is little elaboration on the recording process beyond: with Young Team we made some mistakes (I’m being slightly unfair here, but I seriously would have liked to know more about those recording sessions, for reason I’ll explain below); we corrected them with CODY; we wanted to do something different with Rock Action; any album after this gets very little page real estate. Compared with the descriptions of emotion and inebriation during (sometimes pivotal) live performances, I thought the telling of the album recordings were lacking. And how could he leave out the story of what actually happened for Dominic to punch him during the recording of Young Team (as is relayed over the phone by - I think - Martin on Tracy)? I’d pay for another volume just to hear that tale. The camaraderie as relayed by Stuart between him and Dominic is lovely, and I’ve often wondered (during gigs) about the big stoic bass player; he looks like an ace chap. Again, I would love to know why he planted Stuart, and why the band felt it was such a good thing to relay on the album. It does beg the question why someone was even recording that call in the first place, though.
Criticisms: there are repetitions and ellipsis. By repetitions I refer to phrases and language alone; Stuart has a narrow palette when describing experiences, but I put it down to inexperience, (perhaps) sloppy editing, and (again perhaps) the need to get down what happened as quickly and concisely as possible (such is the nature of recall). I can’t be arsed looking up examples of this, but I felt while reading there could be more variation in the language used; a decent editor should have / could have picked up on this.
By ellipsis, there are distinct gaps (perhaps intentional); Stuart seems like a diplomatic sort, and is careful not to say too much about other people (and I can see why this would be intentional). I am the furthest thing from a gossip-monger I can imagine, so I do not here refer to a lack of (deep breath) ‘celebrity gossip’ (and I daresay Stuart, being as down-to-earth as he is, would even consider himself a celebrity in this sense; but it has to be said he knows people). No thank you. But John leaving the band is barely touched upon, and apart from Barry being nervous at the start in photo shoots and Martin’s health problems, we don’t learn much about the other band members. Again, this is probably intentional. I follow Stuart on Twitter, and while that means fuck all in the long run, he comes across as a really nice person. Diplomatic, sympathetic, considerate and thoughtful. So I assume he really wanted to protect his (band)mate’s privacy, and only tell the story of his involvement with them. As a fanboy, it’s a slight loss. As a fellow human being, it’s totally understandable.
In all, I tore through Spaceships Over Glasgow in three days. While I have somewhat criticised his writing, he has an easy-going style which is akin to having a good crack with an old pal; albeit one who’s been to some far out edges, and plays his guitar louder than anyone I’ve ever seen (bar, maybe, Kevin Shields). The music world is all the better of this book in it, and I thank you, Stuart.
CODA: one of my friends, not from the UK, only a few weeks ago (while sipping warm up beers before a Sigur Ros gig) admitted to have listened, but never really got into, Mogwai. I took this not only as a big gap in his musical knowledge that needed correcting, but I also felt a bit affronted personally. Such is (I always assume) the ubiquity of Mogwai among those with musical taste, and my own love for the band, I couldn’t fathom this from someone A) I’ve known for 10 years; and B) has a great taste in music; I honestly took it personally. In his book, Stuart is really at his best when he talks about his love for the bands that formed him, and the lengths he went to to get their records and see them live. This review is my reply to that; I have been with Mogwai their entire life, and I can’t honestly fucking wait for Mogwai Fear Satan to blast my socks off again. Here’s to the 15th gig.
November 13, 2022
not as much on the music as I was hoping for, much more a document of being on the sesh for two decades, but written in a very endearing and infectiously enthusiastic way
November 11, 2022
Mogwai was one of those bands which I read a lot about but did not have a chance to listen to their music. I was a teenager in the 90’s and it was difficult to come across their music at the time as record stores in Malta only focused on major label bands . Finally in ’99 , NME issued a best of the year compilation and Cody was on it and I was smitten.
Later on I managed to hear more tracks, with the Hunted By a Freak being shown on MTV occasionally and finally in 2008 I got to see them perform their debut in full at Summercase, which is documented in the book, and yes The Sex Pistols sound bled into their set.
As one can guess from the title, this book is lead singer Stuart Braithwaite’s autobiography from his childhood and burgeoning love for alt rock , the formation of Mogwai up until the release of their album Hardcore will never Die but you Will. If you thought that the band were all serious like their music , think again. This is a drug and alcohol fuelled hedonistic ride of a book. Tons of japes, madness and some pretty weird situations.
As a reader of rock biographies, these are things which feature in a lot of them but what makes this one different is Stuart Braithwaite’s honesty. These are the words of a genuine music fanatic who has a goofy sense of humor. It also helps that Stuart Braithwaite is also observant and is quick to notice people’s idiosyncrasies. I also liked the fact that he doesn’t waste time. I’ve always hated it when music bios start with the singer’s grandparents. Here, there’s a brief description of Braithwaite’s parents’ background and the rest of the focus is on him. Future bios please take not of this.
Spaceships Over Glasgow is a fun and entertaining read. If you’re a Mogwai fan you’ll love it and if not you’ll soon gravitate towards their music ( my personal fave of their’s is Happry Songs for Happy People and their latest As the Love Continues is a great entry point as well)
Later on I managed to hear more tracks, with the Hunted By a Freak being shown on MTV occasionally and finally in 2008 I got to see them perform their debut in full at Summercase, which is documented in the book, and yes The Sex Pistols sound bled into their set.
As one can guess from the title, this book is lead singer Stuart Braithwaite’s autobiography from his childhood and burgeoning love for alt rock , the formation of Mogwai up until the release of their album Hardcore will never Die but you Will. If you thought that the band were all serious like their music , think again. This is a drug and alcohol fuelled hedonistic ride of a book. Tons of japes, madness and some pretty weird situations.
As a reader of rock biographies, these are things which feature in a lot of them but what makes this one different is Stuart Braithwaite’s honesty. These are the words of a genuine music fanatic who has a goofy sense of humor. It also helps that Stuart Braithwaite is also observant and is quick to notice people’s idiosyncrasies. I also liked the fact that he doesn’t waste time. I’ve always hated it when music bios start with the singer’s grandparents. Here, there’s a brief description of Braithwaite’s parents’ background and the rest of the focus is on him. Future bios please take not of this.
Spaceships Over Glasgow is a fun and entertaining read. If you’re a Mogwai fan you’ll love it and if not you’ll soon gravitate towards their music ( my personal fave of their’s is Happry Songs for Happy People and their latest As the Love Continues is a great entry point as well)
January 3, 2023
"We got drunk, the gig was great, we partied afterwards in to the night and made friends with lots of musicians." Rinse and repeat. Perhaps it's better to stick to knowing musicians just through their music.
January 21, 2023
A good read on experimental music and over exuberant partying. Loses a star because it could have been a bit more in depth in parts, and things that I'd like to have known more about end up being skipped over. Loses another for finishing about ten years ago and not taking us up to date (although the event used as the capstone is a fitting end, and Stuarts's writing about it is some of the best in the book). But then it gets a star back for reminding me about Club Quattro in Shibuya, and another for the memories of Reading 1991 - from his description of the bands he saw, it appears that Stuart was following me about all weekend (I'm not the racist, I must add). And, why not, let's give it another star just because Mogwai Fear Satan is so huge.
October 4, 2022
I could write a whole essay about all the things this brilliant memoir made me feel and remember. A highly interesting insight into youth culture and the music industry of the 90s and 00s.
As an avid music fan, it was fascinating to learn how all these bands and people I've listened to and admired for years are connected, without it ever feeling liker name-dropping.
I was positively giddy when the festival weekend where I first had the chance to see Mogwai was actually mentioned!
A must-read for music fans!
As an avid music fan, it was fascinating to learn how all these bands and people I've listened to and admired for years are connected, without it ever feeling liker name-dropping.
I was positively giddy when the festival weekend where I first had the chance to see Mogwai was actually mentioned!
A must-read for music fans!
December 2, 2023
Repetitive, dull and overly long, much like most of Mogwai's output for the past twenty years. The final chapter is very sweet, at least.
December 30, 2022
As a fan of Mogwai's music and the soundscapes they have produced over the years I looked forward to reading this memoir from Stuart Braithwaite, founding member of the band. Despite the prose being a bit repetitive and certainly not purple, I admire the brutal honesty as he charts the rise of the band. Stuart's sense of humour shines through, as does his hedonistic lifestyle of excess alcohol and drugs. 3.5 stars from me. Rounded up to 4 as I'm a fan.
February 7, 2023
I am a huge fan of Mogwai‘s music. Their albums are among my most played and their songs have accompanied me over many years in all kinds of contexts.
Stuart Braithwaite‘s memoir of his childhood, teenage years and the beginning years of Mogwai has some really interesting passages which allow fans to “step in” to the world of this band and its members. However, the continuous description of alcohol and drug excesses that make up a (way too) large part of the text becomes extremely tiresome. Structure and content are locked in a cycle of repetition: “we played x show with y band and got totally wasted before / after / both” … rinse and repeat.
The last chapter about the death and legacy of Stuart‘s father is emotionally rich and touching and together with the first chapters that tell how Stuart‘s love for music developed definitely one of the better / best passages of the memoir.
For a band that has been around for over 20 years, there should be more interesting things to tell — especially about the many amazing songs the band has written !
Stuart Braithwaite‘s memoir of his childhood, teenage years and the beginning years of Mogwai has some really interesting passages which allow fans to “step in” to the world of this band and its members. However, the continuous description of alcohol and drug excesses that make up a (way too) large part of the text becomes extremely tiresome. Structure and content are locked in a cycle of repetition: “we played x show with y band and got totally wasted before / after / both” … rinse and repeat.
The last chapter about the death and legacy of Stuart‘s father is emotionally rich and touching and together with the first chapters that tell how Stuart‘s love for music developed definitely one of the better / best passages of the memoir.
For a band that has been around for over 20 years, there should be more interesting things to tell — especially about the many amazing songs the band has written !
July 8, 2025
mogwai are one of my favorite bands of all the time, and i'm happy that the audio version is read by Stuard Braithwaite himself
this book feels more like a recollection of events than a collection fun stories. there are not many insides into the creative process or other revelations, and the book is good enough as it is. it's a great trip into mogwai's timeline with some detailed info on mogwai's references
i doubt this book will make sense to anyone who is not a fan already or wants do delve deeper into the nostalgia around bands like arab strap, pavement, the cure, tortoise
this book feels more like a recollection of events than a collection fun stories. there are not many insides into the creative process or other revelations, and the book is good enough as it is. it's a great trip into mogwai's timeline with some detailed info on mogwai's references
i doubt this book will make sense to anyone who is not a fan already or wants do delve deeper into the nostalgia around bands like arab strap, pavement, the cure, tortoise
February 9, 2023
Context with hard bits
November 11, 2023
Er ist der Sohn des letzten Teleskopbauers in Großbritannien und der Sänger von Mogwai, einer post-rock Band, die gleichermaßen durch ihre Musik und ihre Sprüche über andere Bands auf sich aufmerksam machte. Stuart Braithwaite nimmt in seinem Buch seine Leser mit auf eine Reise durch die Geschichte der Band vom ersten Treffen zweier Teenager, aber auch durch seine eigene Geschichte.
Mir kam es so vor, als ob es für Stuart schon immer Musik gegeben hätte. Das mag an seiner älteren Schwester liegen, die Musik genauso liebte wie er selbst. Aber auch an seinen Eltern, die seine Leidenschaft offensichtlich sehr entspannt sahen. Die Schule spielte für Stuart nur eine untergeordnete Rolle und falls es deswegen zu Konflikten mit seinen Eltern kam, waren die ihm nicht wichtig genug, um in seiner Biografie erwähnt zu werden. Dabei hat sein Vater täglich mehrere Bücher gelesen, eine kleine Bemerkung, die mich sehr beeindruckt hat.
Stuart ging schon früh auf Konzerte. Erst gemeinsam mit seiner Schwester im heimatlichen Glasgow, später vergrößerte sich sein Aktionsradius. Viele der Bands, die er gesehen hat, haben mich auch interessiert. Dafür, dass er Nirvana gesehen hatte, bevor sie große wurden, beneide ich ihn fast ein wenig. Irgendwann war Schottland als musikalischer Spielplatz nicht mehr groß genug und es ging nach England zum Reading Festival. Damals hörte er noch auf die Bitte seiner Mutter, dort keine Drogen zu nehmen. Später würde sich das ändern.
Bei der Begeisterung führte der einzig mögliche Weg für Stuart selbst in Richtung Musik. Anfang der 1990er Jahre traf er Dominic Aitchison und gründete vier Jahre später gemeinsam mit einem Schulfreund Mogwai. Der Name stammt von einer Figur aus dem Film Gremlins, bedeutet aber auch "Böser Geist" oder "Teufel" und ist Programm für die Band. Zu der Zeit war es üblich, dass sich Bands untereinander öffentlich stritten, Mogwai wurde bekannt mit einem T-Shirt, auf der eine Beleidigung gegen Blur stand.
Stuarts Leben liest sich wie das branchentypische Vorurteil von Sex, Drugs and Rock'n'Roll und es wirkt so, als ob er sich in seiner Rolle sehr wohlgefühlt hat. Auf mich wirkt er dagegen wie ein Teenager, der nie erwachsen wurde. Er feierte Partys, ging auf Konzerte (stand aber dieses Mal auf der Bühne) und interessierte sich für nichts anderes als seine Musik und sein Image als Bad Boy, das er lange pflegte. Aber irgendwann musste auch er einsehen, dass er ruhiger werden musste, wenn er nicht alles verlieren wollte.
Der Anfang von Stuarts Geschichte war interessant zu lesen, später wurde sie zu einer Geschichte von Abstürzen, schlechtem Benehmen und Konzerten, an die er sich nicht immer erinnern konnte. Auf lange Sicht hat der interessante Anfang nicht gereicht, damit mir das Buch wirklich gefallen hat.
Mir kam es so vor, als ob es für Stuart schon immer Musik gegeben hätte. Das mag an seiner älteren Schwester liegen, die Musik genauso liebte wie er selbst. Aber auch an seinen Eltern, die seine Leidenschaft offensichtlich sehr entspannt sahen. Die Schule spielte für Stuart nur eine untergeordnete Rolle und falls es deswegen zu Konflikten mit seinen Eltern kam, waren die ihm nicht wichtig genug, um in seiner Biografie erwähnt zu werden. Dabei hat sein Vater täglich mehrere Bücher gelesen, eine kleine Bemerkung, die mich sehr beeindruckt hat.
Stuart ging schon früh auf Konzerte. Erst gemeinsam mit seiner Schwester im heimatlichen Glasgow, später vergrößerte sich sein Aktionsradius. Viele der Bands, die er gesehen hat, haben mich auch interessiert. Dafür, dass er Nirvana gesehen hatte, bevor sie große wurden, beneide ich ihn fast ein wenig. Irgendwann war Schottland als musikalischer Spielplatz nicht mehr groß genug und es ging nach England zum Reading Festival. Damals hörte er noch auf die Bitte seiner Mutter, dort keine Drogen zu nehmen. Später würde sich das ändern.
Bei der Begeisterung führte der einzig mögliche Weg für Stuart selbst in Richtung Musik. Anfang der 1990er Jahre traf er Dominic Aitchison und gründete vier Jahre später gemeinsam mit einem Schulfreund Mogwai. Der Name stammt von einer Figur aus dem Film Gremlins, bedeutet aber auch "Böser Geist" oder "Teufel" und ist Programm für die Band. Zu der Zeit war es üblich, dass sich Bands untereinander öffentlich stritten, Mogwai wurde bekannt mit einem T-Shirt, auf der eine Beleidigung gegen Blur stand.
Stuarts Leben liest sich wie das branchentypische Vorurteil von Sex, Drugs and Rock'n'Roll und es wirkt so, als ob er sich in seiner Rolle sehr wohlgefühlt hat. Auf mich wirkt er dagegen wie ein Teenager, der nie erwachsen wurde. Er feierte Partys, ging auf Konzerte (stand aber dieses Mal auf der Bühne) und interessierte sich für nichts anderes als seine Musik und sein Image als Bad Boy, das er lange pflegte. Aber irgendwann musste auch er einsehen, dass er ruhiger werden musste, wenn er nicht alles verlieren wollte.
Der Anfang von Stuarts Geschichte war interessant zu lesen, später wurde sie zu einer Geschichte von Abstürzen, schlechtem Benehmen und Konzerten, an die er sich nicht immer erinnern konnte. Auf lange Sicht hat der interessante Anfang nicht gereicht, damit mir das Buch wirklich gefallen hat.
December 28, 2022
An interesting and informative read.
March 21, 2024
75% of this is just stories of Mogwai getting melted. Very enjoyable
September 30, 2023
Described as one of the music books of the year by various music press publications, don’t believe the hype, it certainly isn’t.
The book is a constant read of ‘look how drunk and drugged up I got’. To me, Braithwaite comes across as a selfish person and it reflects in his writing. I got bored after the constant recounting of what was essentially childish drunken misbehaviour.
Mogwai are a great and interesting band. If you want to read a book on hedonistic rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle, then check out ‘The Dirt’ about Mötley Crüe, ‘I Am Ozzy’ by Ozzy Osbourne or any of the fabulous books written by Peter Hook. They come across as either truly likeable characters or genuine about their addictions and behaviours linked to substance abuse.
The book is a constant read of ‘look how drunk and drugged up I got’. To me, Braithwaite comes across as a selfish person and it reflects in his writing. I got bored after the constant recounting of what was essentially childish drunken misbehaviour.
Mogwai are a great and interesting band. If you want to read a book on hedonistic rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle, then check out ‘The Dirt’ about Mötley Crüe, ‘I Am Ozzy’ by Ozzy Osbourne or any of the fabulous books written by Peter Hook. They come across as either truly likeable characters or genuine about their addictions and behaviours linked to substance abuse.
August 14, 2023
I really enjoyed the start of this, Stuart first discovering music and that feeling of going to first barrowlands gigs. So relatable and nostalgic. It was good to hear more of the bands journey, but I could have done with 100 pages less of the getting wasted stories—are these stories ever interesting to anyone that wasn’t there? The ending was really moving. His family seem so loving and supportive.
October 22, 2022
A diferencia de las memorias de otros músicos que he leído, el libro de Stuart carece de intenciones literarias. No hay un arco dramático, no hay un conflicto o una premisa… es nada más un wey platicando su vida. De hecho ni final tiene: se detiene y ya. Lo disfruté como fan de Mogwai y nada más. Así que si no les interesa Mogwai, no les va a interesar esto.
November 26, 2022
I thank Stuart for his honest account of his and Mogwai's musical journey. I am struck by a few things;
1. What would have happened to Stuart if the life as a musician had not worked out?
2. The importance of family
3. The vibrancy of the Glasgow music scene.
4. How dependent on drink /drugs music can be. How different would it be to have drug/alcohol free gigs?
1. What would have happened to Stuart if the life as a musician had not worked out?
2. The importance of family
3. The vibrancy of the Glasgow music scene.
4. How dependent on drink /drugs music can be. How different would it be to have drug/alcohol free gigs?
October 21, 2022
I'm a fan of Mogwai but didn't know a lot about the behind of scenes stuff. I found this to be a bit repetitive in terms of stories of being fucked up and it gets old super quick.
June 16, 2023
I don't do a lot of biographies, and I don't imagine this is a particularly stand-out example of one to be honest, but being a) such a big Mogwai fan and b) someone with a lot of pretty similar cultural touchstones growing up, I've found enough of this to be endearing and haven't been left too disappointed.
Despite listening to them for basically my entire adult life since 2005ish Mogwai aren't a group of people I actually know much about. Reflecting on this book I was wondering if they're deliberately a bit mysterious and unknowable, but had to check myself when I realised they've behaved quite accessibly over the years like releasing an entire deep-dive podcast series and doing various "in conversation with..." events. I think it's maybe just more that they're pretty down to earth and not super pretentious and I've mostly allowed myself to just be a fan of the music and not the individuals. In any case I found quite a lot of the book to be surprising, starting with the subject of probably a good quarter of the book - that they've basically been on the sesh for the last 30 years.
The book covers most of the beats you'd expect it to, but misses a few too. Although he's a bit older than me I could relate to Stuart's upbringing and journey into music fandom. There are some constants there for both of us such as The Cure, but there were quite a few references to bands and artists which were lost on me (which gives me some fun homework to do!). It was enjoyable picking up more and more of the references as the chronology moved forward until it got to the point when he was essentially listing some of my favourite bands and remembering tours I'd been at! The relatable content kept coming as he described growing up and living in Scotland - by the sounds of it we've both lived in the same area, if not the same street, at different points of our lives too.
It's not the most well-written book I've ever read. I felt there was a lot of repetition, both in terms of the style of writing and with general content, which rankled a wee bit as I read. There's a bit - I think around when CODY was coming out - where he's been describing how he'd talk shit about other bands in interviews in a naive and insecure way to get attention, but now that they were actually getting some recognition he's realising that's now putting a bad taste in his mouth and was stopping, but then much later in the book (and many years later in the story) he's describing doing exactly the same thing without any acknowledgement of this.
The details feel quite selective, and sometimes in a weird way. It's possible I missed it but I don't remember him at any point talking about the creation of Rock Action or making the decision to start running a record label - at some point he just dropped in how they were going to name an album after their record label. That entire endeavour is completely glossed over, but I would have thought it would be pretty interesting. The book also ends very abruptly. When I was nearing the end and realising we were only in about 2004 I was starting to see we were in trouble, and then it just ends around the release of Hardcore Will Never Die... Unfortunately that cuts out the bulk of the time I've been a fan of the band and the vast majority of the times I've seen them live and might recognise a story or two! It kinda feels like a deadline was approaching and the book had to get sent in.
Although it's pretty plainly written it feels honest, at times quite vulnerable, and often funny. There are some good anecdotes in there, and I've enjoyed learning some of the inspirations for track names, which I've frequently found myself puzzling over through the years. It's possibly at its best when Stuart's writing about the bands he loves - his passion shines through.
Despite listening to them for basically my entire adult life since 2005ish Mogwai aren't a group of people I actually know much about. Reflecting on this book I was wondering if they're deliberately a bit mysterious and unknowable, but had to check myself when I realised they've behaved quite accessibly over the years like releasing an entire deep-dive podcast series and doing various "in conversation with..." events. I think it's maybe just more that they're pretty down to earth and not super pretentious and I've mostly allowed myself to just be a fan of the music and not the individuals. In any case I found quite a lot of the book to be surprising, starting with the subject of probably a good quarter of the book - that they've basically been on the sesh for the last 30 years.
The book covers most of the beats you'd expect it to, but misses a few too. Although he's a bit older than me I could relate to Stuart's upbringing and journey into music fandom. There are some constants there for both of us such as The Cure, but there were quite a few references to bands and artists which were lost on me (which gives me some fun homework to do!). It was enjoyable picking up more and more of the references as the chronology moved forward until it got to the point when he was essentially listing some of my favourite bands and remembering tours I'd been at! The relatable content kept coming as he described growing up and living in Scotland - by the sounds of it we've both lived in the same area, if not the same street, at different points of our lives too.
It's not the most well-written book I've ever read. I felt there was a lot of repetition, both in terms of the style of writing and with general content, which rankled a wee bit as I read. There's a bit - I think around when CODY was coming out - where he's been describing how he'd talk shit about other bands in interviews in a naive and insecure way to get attention, but now that they were actually getting some recognition he's realising that's now putting a bad taste in his mouth and was stopping, but then much later in the book (and many years later in the story) he's describing doing exactly the same thing without any acknowledgement of this.
The details feel quite selective, and sometimes in a weird way. It's possible I missed it but I don't remember him at any point talking about the creation of Rock Action or making the decision to start running a record label - at some point he just dropped in how they were going to name an album after their record label. That entire endeavour is completely glossed over, but I would have thought it would be pretty interesting. The book also ends very abruptly. When I was nearing the end and realising we were only in about 2004 I was starting to see we were in trouble, and then it just ends around the release of Hardcore Will Never Die... Unfortunately that cuts out the bulk of the time I've been a fan of the band and the vast majority of the times I've seen them live and might recognise a story or two! It kinda feels like a deadline was approaching and the book had to get sent in.
Although it's pretty plainly written it feels honest, at times quite vulnerable, and often funny. There are some good anecdotes in there, and I've enjoyed learning some of the inspirations for track names, which I've frequently found myself puzzling over through the years. It's possibly at its best when Stuart's writing about the bands he loves - his passion shines through.
April 1, 2024
Really readable, really enjoyable, and made me dive deep into Mogwai's back catalogue. Lots of fun details in here, particularly about how they come up with their random song and album titles, a kind of perverse approach that feels very Glaswegian.
The only limitation is that it becomes a little repetitive along the lines of 'played a gig at [famous venue]. Greatest night of our lives. Can't remember much as was completely smashed.' But Braithwaite's story, and the success and influence of Mogwai, is remarkable, so it's a very worthwhile book.
The only limitation is that it becomes a little repetitive along the lines of 'played a gig at [famous venue]. Greatest night of our lives. Can't remember much as was completely smashed.' But Braithwaite's story, and the success and influence of Mogwai, is remarkable, so it's a very worthwhile book.
December 23, 2022
I was beyond excited to see that Stuart was writing a book and this exceeded all expectations. I've been a huge fan of Mogwai since the early 00's and getting some insight into the person, people, and experiences that shaped the sound I've fallen so deeply in love with was an amazing time.
The book truly captures the excitement and love for music that Stuart has. It reads as a love letter to live music, excesses of life, and passion for craft. The vivid portraits he paints of his own experiences with drugs and alcohol, and the accounts of touring, recording, and life in between are really spectacular.
A great conversational read for fans of his music, the Glasgow scene, or just those generally looking for a great perspective in music over the last 30+ years.
The book truly captures the excitement and love for music that Stuart has. It reads as a love letter to live music, excesses of life, and passion for craft. The vivid portraits he paints of his own experiences with drugs and alcohol, and the accounts of touring, recording, and life in between are really spectacular.
A great conversational read for fans of his music, the Glasgow scene, or just those generally looking for a great perspective in music over the last 30+ years.
August 28, 2025
The audio book rendering by the author is brilliant. I wasn't really into Mogwai, but now they're on one of my many playlists.
February 3, 2023
Decent book - heard of the band but never actually listened to them until started reading. Some amusing anecdotes and definitely sums up the Glaswegian identity and how important music is to the area.
February 4, 2023
Fantastic book and great memoir.
December 21, 2024
The extras on the audiobook reveal that the original concept for this book was that it was just going to be reviews of every gig Stuart had attended. This makes a lot of sense as the strongest part is when he is talking about other bands he likes- his passion for their work really shines through.
Unfortunately if you are looking for any great insights into Mogwai's creative process, it seems like he is too humble to think that there is anything of great interest to discuss, so it gets very little time. You get far (far!) more information about various benders the band have been on, to the point that while I initially found the author funny and down to earth, by the end of the book and the last time you hear something to the affect of "my personal life was in such a shambles, I could really do with this trip to get hammered and see some of my favourite bands!", you feel like shaking him and shouting "YOUR PERSONAL LIFE IS A MESS BECAUSE ALL YOU DO IS TAKE OFF TO GO ON A BENDER AND SEE BANDS!!!"
Unfortunately if you are looking for any great insights into Mogwai's creative process, it seems like he is too humble to think that there is anything of great interest to discuss, so it gets very little time. You get far (far!) more information about various benders the band have been on, to the point that while I initially found the author funny and down to earth, by the end of the book and the last time you hear something to the affect of "my personal life was in such a shambles, I could really do with this trip to get hammered and see some of my favourite bands!", you feel like shaking him and shouting "YOUR PERSONAL LIFE IS A MESS BECAUSE ALL YOU DO IS TAKE OFF TO GO ON A BENDER AND SEE BANDS!!!"
December 11, 2022
Exactly what I expected/wanted from a musicians biography and a sensational book title!
To me music (researching/discovery, listening and going to concerts) is a very important part of my life and the descriptions of Stuart's experiences of the same, made me feel like some sort of lost brother.
A lot of biographies feel like a mass 'listing off' but Stuart takes the time to describe discovery of music, how music effects him, venues, what it feels like to play on stage & vs seeing his heroes play the same stages. That for me, put me in the exact same spaces and places Stuart was in which made the book a page turner I couldn't put down.
As a fellow Scot, the Barrowlands cannot be beaten and I especially loved the depictions of the ballroom every time it was mentioned.
Last chapter about John and the Sighthill Stones was a touching end to the book. Looking forward to the next one and digging into some of the music mentioned within Spaceships.
To me music (researching/discovery, listening and going to concerts) is a very important part of my life and the descriptions of Stuart's experiences of the same, made me feel like some sort of lost brother.
A lot of biographies feel like a mass 'listing off' but Stuart takes the time to describe discovery of music, how music effects him, venues, what it feels like to play on stage & vs seeing his heroes play the same stages. That for me, put me in the exact same spaces and places Stuart was in which made the book a page turner I couldn't put down.
As a fellow Scot, the Barrowlands cannot be beaten and I especially loved the depictions of the ballroom every time it was mentioned.
Last chapter about John and the Sighthill Stones was a touching end to the book. Looking forward to the next one and digging into some of the music mentioned within Spaceships.
October 4, 2023
Well. This was... disappointing. I like Mogwai as a band, but there is basically no insight into them at all. There's no creative process insight other than we wrote a song, changed a chord progression, made this bit LOUD or even LOUDER. Other than making them sound like @rseh0les there's no really insight into who they are as people either. It's one long litany of 'we went somewhere, got drunk, then drunker, played really loud, then quiet, then LOUD, then got really drunk and had a good laugh.' I certainly hope he's had his liver function checked.
It's written ok, mildly amusing at times but needs a bloody good edit to stop silly repetition. Underwhelming.
It's written ok, mildly amusing at times but needs a bloody good edit to stop silly repetition. Underwhelming.
November 6, 2022
Was brilliant, loved all the stories of how they were getting wasted all the time and all the stories about making music. The only thing about it was I thought it was a bit rushed towards the end and didn’t spend too much time on the later things. Kind of stopped at hardcore when there were a couple more albums after that that were out well before he wrote this. Anyway it was excellent and I tore through it in about 5 days. Would recommend to any Mogwai fan
Read
October 6, 2022Well-narrated by Braithwaite, the earlier chapters are far more enjoyable. With a hardened unwillingess to really say anything in detail about Mogwai's music, the repetitive accounts of endless bachanalia, while very funny, get a bit dull. Final chapters on his dad are great, though.
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