I Don't Take Requests

by Tony Marnach, Michael Hennegan (Primary Contributor)

** CONTAINS NEW MATERIAL ** THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTELLER & WINNER OF THE ATTITUDE BOOK AWARD

'Refreshing, inspiring and candid.' ATTITUDE

'I love this man so much. He was, and always will be, my knight in shining Westwood.' DAVINA MCCALL

'This is a story that should never have been told' KATE MOSS

'The perfect beach read' THE SUNDAY TIMES

'If you want to change your life but can't.. I strongly advise you read this book' TRACEY EMIN

As one of club culture's most notorious - and best loved - figures, Tony is a complete force of nature.
Here he tells the most extraordinary stories of depravity and hedonism, of week-long benders and extreme self-destruction - and of recovery, redemption, friendship and the joy of a good tune.
___________________________________________________________________________

'Anyone can get a party started, but no one keeps it going like Fat Tony, the energy never dips and
what a life he's lived.. He's a tosser but we still love him.' ELTON JOHN & DAVID FURNISH

___________________________________________________________________________

Harrowing, honest and funny, this is the candid and outrageous memoir of a life of extremes. It's a story of getting it all and losing it all. Addiction, recovery, and starting again. Drawing a vivid portrait of Britain's street culture from the 1980s to the noughties, DJ Fat Tony describes his childhood on a London estate where he honed his petty criminality, was abused by an older man and became best friends with Boy George. He spent his teenage years parading the Kings Road in his latest (mostly stolen) clobber, worked as a receptionist at a brothel, hung out with Leigh Bowery and Andy Warhol, and created his drag persona, before becoming DJ to the stars (including Prince and Madonna) and spiralling into a life-threatening drug addiction.

This is a story of loss and redemption and living to tell all the tales in glorious, funny and often heart-breaking detail, from one of social media's best-loved meme-thieves and the world-renowned DJ.

___________________________________________________________________________

'There is nobody in London, let alone the world who has lived a more extraordinary life... his journey from villain to real life hero is one of the most beautiful examples of humanity I have ever witnessed. I wouldn't be without this c*nt.' KELLY OSBOURNE

'Hearing Tony's story is brutal and shocking. He is nothing short of a miracle and his willingness to be of service to others seeking sobriety is testament to how far he has come from the days of pulling his own teeth out.' MARC JACOBS

Genres: Memoir, Music, Nonfiction, Humor

272 pages, Paperback

Published September 26, 2023

Reviews

[od1_40reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to read Tony’s book as I was around on the London club scene at the same time that some of the contents of this book took place, and knew Tony through friends of friends from Trade, DTPM, Cafe de Paris etc.

It was an odd experience to read passages of this book and remember the people mentioned and places, times that some of the events took place. It was like stepping back in time for me in places.

It’s a brave book, to come out with some of his darkest moments, and it’s great to read and know that he was able to turn his life around, get sober and now is able to offer help and support to others struggling with addiction.

In terms of the book itself, it says DJ Fat Tony with Michael Hennegan, who I assume is the book’s ‘ghost’ writer, so I think it’s pretty much what you would expect. It’s definitely an entertaining read, and for anyone interested is a history of the London gay-club scene through the 80s, 90s, and 00s.

[Tom Birkett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really glad I stuck with this book. Around a third of the way through I was losing interest in his hedonistic stories which all started to sound similar. They really hit hard at the start, but there's only so many drug fueled tales I can listen to, especially ones where he comes across as a real *nice word for ****.
However, the second half of this book is fantastic. I'm glad he took such time to elaborate on those years of debauchery, to highlight just how far he had sunk. As such, when Tony talks openly and frankly about abuse (in multiple senses), rehab, mental health, dealing with homophobia, HIV/AIDS, prison, and what a life in recovery has been like for him, one is able to relate to them that much more. He speaks about these harrowing times of his life with real skill and oratorship. His stories are truly heartfelt and sensitive, yet hilarious and engaging. His sense of humour which is laced throughout the book, really helps the reader navigate these difficult topics, whilst never cheapening any of the sensitive points he makes.
This book really opened my eyes on so many issues, and I felt very emotional at several points hearing his stories.
I have huge respect for him, his ongoing recovery and the work he now does in communities.
I would recommend this book to anyone.

[Heather Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t usually leave reviews. I think about leaving them, I even write them in my head and then I just… leave it there and move onto the next.

I can’t get Fat Tony’s book outta my head. The first time I read Cat Marnells “How to Murder Your Life” I was the same. I related in a way I never have before. The latter is unquestionably an honest, glamorous and wild ride of a book but there’s something about “I Don’t Take Requests” that really gets to you.

If you’ve ever been that person - the one still leaning on someone’s kitchen counter at 7am, desperate to cling onto the last dregs of a party - the person who doesn’t want to go home, who can’t even sit with themselves for a second. If you live for hedonism and endless nights you will find yourself in these pages. It might not be Ibiza superclubs that you frequent. Boy George probably isn’t your best pal. I could never afford the amount of cocaine these guys tackled. But I read this book and it was like reading about myself. I love the way Tony just says who he is. He admits it’s a front. He tells you he’s a cunt. It’s just so fucking relatable. I’d give this book to every single one of my party people and dare them to not find themselves in these pages.

Fat Tony shared a quote on his insta, he’s fucking hilarious and worth a follow fyi. “Making someone laugh when they’ve just finished crying is on of the most beautiful things to ever exist”. And that’s exactly what he’s just done. He made me laugh, he made me cry, he made me laugh again. He made me get up this morning and begin my own battle, again. Now that is a beautiful thing.

[Rebeccacherry · Rating 2 out of 5]

Overrated

I was really interested in reading this book as dance culture was a big part of my life when younger. Fat Paul was always considered a bit of a plonker on that scene and it's reassuring to read that that's still the case. I knew a few people like Fat Paul and they are dead so the story of hitting rock bottom and overcoming addiction was interesting. Unfortunately his ego and staggering grandiosity get in the way of what could have been a really interesting and inspiring book. Bar his commitment to sponsor others as part of his own recovery, it doesn't sound like he has ever once done a good deed or a nice thing for another human being, there wasn't one example of empathy or kindness. He's also not funny not does he write particularly well so it's more a missive on how many drugs he did (which gets repetitive), name dropping as many people as he can , how talented and funny he is and how narcissistic he is. I commend him on his recovery but he is in no way likeable. Biggest laugh in the book is at the end though. Amongst the myriad slabs is a photo of him and Joan Collins. He's obviously bumped.into her in a restaurant and asked her for a selfie but has included it in the book anyway. :-)

[Mark Dunn · Rating 4 out of 5]

How is this man not dead...!

[Laura Browny · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing bloke. This isn't an easy read but it's a fascinating and honest look at the man himself but also the club scene from the 80s through to today.

[Steve Angelkov · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a story and life.

The Soho of now seems sedate, gentrified and pastiche in comparison to that of the 1980's, which saw Fat Tony start on his journey as a DJ.

Plenty of anecdotes, but this one stood out, for the sheer confidence and bravado:

"Stevie Wonder was in Café de Paris one night and sent one of his guys over to ask me what the track was. I told him and he came over again and said, ‘Stevie wants you to give him this record.’ I told him to **** off, and the guy pointed back over to Stevie and was like, ‘He’s just there, and he wants this record.’ I just replied, ‘Yeah, I know. I can see him.’ That’s how much of a **** I was."

Stevie Wonder............

What was lovely was Tony's reconnection with his dad, largely down to a criminal charge and court appearance. Also the full turning of the circle with sobriety and Tony now sponsoring other addicts through their journey is a fitting end, as what appears to be a spiritual life now.

This is a warts and all memoir that is enjoyable and shocking in equal measure.

[Rav E · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been into electronic and house music all my adult life, so I was surprised when I saw this book as I hadn't heard of DJ Fat Tony. I was further surprised when I opened it and heard stories of him playing shows in Wembley stadium and for artists such as Madonna, Prince, Mary J Bilge and George Michael.
But after playing a set by him on YouTube it all made sense - highly recommended his glitter box virtual festival set - gives you a good idea of what his style is like.
After starting this book I didn't think much of Tony. He was telling tales of hedonism, stealing, bullying, and generally being a grade A bastard, with a lot of uncouth name-dropping. But after reading it for longer you realise he is just telling the truth. He is so candid in all his stories - even when speaking about his childhood abuse and rehab and recovery. He really has bared all and it's rare for celebrity memoirs to always do this.
I would have liked a bit more written about music and how he started to love it. He writes as if it all the gigs and fame just fell into his lap because he was popular, when really he was obviously incredibly skilled and had great knowledge. Would have loved for him to have written about his favourite tracks of certain eras instead of the little lists of things he learnt at the end of every chapter - but I guess he does want to keep some things to himself!
Obviously recovery is a difficult thing but I can't say I admire the man. He went through hell and back but he seemed to get everything he deserved from the life he lived. But kudos to him for getting sober and I hope he stays that way.
I read this over 1 weekend in a boring January - definitely a good read and kept me interested throughout.

[Kieran · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a crazy whirlwind adventure. A really interesting insight into gay culture during the 80s and 90s in London. Music, models and drugs are at the forefront of this book and the descriptions make you feel like you were actually there. A book full of humour and heart.

[Jonathan Noble · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook, read by Fat Tony himself, and although he is not a polished narrator, I'm really pleased I got to hear his story in his own voice. I felt all the emotions throughout the course of this book. It made me laugh out loud more than anything I've read recently, but it was also hard to consume and very sad at times. It's fascinating to hear the story of a life woven around so many familiar names (people and places) and getting a new insight into them. A genuinely good book.

[Susan · Rating 1 out of 5]

I picked this book up in Waterstones during a thunderstorm, and ended up reading it purely because I didn't have anything else to do except wait for the rain to stop. It's the sort of book you can read in the lavatory very quickly, pick up and put down, and then flush away. It's like an over-lengthy article in a gossip magazine.

[Deborah And · Rating 1 out of 5]

Move over now magazine you have a new story teller in town. Just awful.

[Elizabeth Telford · Rating 5 out of 5]

How is dj Fat Tony still alive??? What a book!

[Daren Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though almost the same age as Fat Tony, growing up in South Yorkshire, what I knew about the wild club scene they called The Blitz was gleaned from the pages of fashion mags like New Sounds/New Styles and the gossip columns of Record Mirror. Tony on the other hand was actually there. At the centre of it all. Where he has remained for most of his life. The music and fashions changed, but as one of the most sought after DJs, Fat Tony has had a birdseye view of it all. Discovering the London club scene for myself in my early 20s, I remember the excitement (and relief) of getting through the hallowed doors of the Mud Club, staying awake long enough for Trade and DTPM, and the Ibiza-like inside/outsideness of The Cross. But whereas I would have had to queue to get in, Tony would probably have been in the VIP area. Part hilarious memoir of London at its craziest. Part cautionary tale about moths and flames, I Don’t Take Requests is a funny and moving must-read, whether you were at the epicentre on shouting from the fringes!

[Ben Andrews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I dont take requests was a fantastic read. Through the chapters, Tony is brutally honest about his life and himself. You may find yourself not liking him as a person as he tells tales of his harsh personality and mood swings. Midway through the book, the drug stories and anecdotes can seem like a bit much, but it's all there written down for a reason. His honesty is what makes this book, and in the second half of his story, you really get to see how low he got and what made him change his life around. Toward the end, you really feel for him, and some of the final chapters really got to me emotionally.

This autobiography is well worth a read (or a listen on audio). Even if some of the writing can be reparative, it's still worth your time.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5 You can't help thinking that Tony is extremely lucky to be alive. I'm pleased he is in recovery, is doing so much to help others and realises what a horrible person he was for years. I can't understand how anyone would want a celebrity lifestyle even before I read this book, but it just illustrates how superficial and illusionary it is. Unfortunately the most vulnerable are attracted to it and via drugs or alcohol are broken by it. It was compelling but an uncomfortable read; so far away from normal people's lives. For someone in recovery I thought he looked back on the drugs and his drug fuelled days with too much affection and celebration. This however would have been a great book club book, generating lots of discussion.

[Staceywh_17 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tony's story was to me what drugs were to him back in the day, addictive! I only started reading last night and couldn't put it down, I was transfixed by his tales of debauchery, drama and hedonism.

What a life!

Taking us on a journey through the ups and downs of life and the highs and lows of being an addict, Tony tells it as it is; no airs or graces required. He's candid, blunt and his no holds barred accounts of events will have you reeling in shock.

From nightclubs, narcotics, his own HIV diagnosis and his journey into recovery, I Don't Take Requests makes you wonder how this man is still here to tell the tale.

[Laura Devine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a totally honest description of a life involving everything in excess! Brutally honest but shows every side of his personality, I loved the way this book was written and I think it will help many, many people. It shows that you can have everything and that it still isn't enough but actually the important parts of life are not what you thought. It takes great strength not only to overcome everything that he has but to write a book with so much honesty, I loved it and wish him the very best!

[Lauren D · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually listened to this as an audio book, but I think reading it may have helped me soak up the experience more. I dont think you need to know anything about Tony to enjoy this read. It's not a literary masterpiece, and I'd question if you came away from it even liking him as a person, but it's enjoyable, and it stayed with me for a while.

[Lorena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Una historia honesta y brutal, sin filtro y con mucho sentimiento, me encanto,me hizo reír mucho la forma como narraba sus acontecimientos a pesar de ser algunos terribles! Es mucho mejor escucharlo que leerlo, ya que Fat Tony le pone toda su personalidad al narrar su historia de abusos, drogas y la vida desenfrenada que vivía

[Matthew Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book. Very honest. I was a DJ around the times and was playing at places like the gallery and had a sense of how wild things could get.

The second half of the book is inspiring stuff.

[Rhoda Groody · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had listened to a pod cast with Fearne Cotton featuring Fat Tony, and it was so inspirational I purchased the book. Sadly, it wasn't the same content on his existential outlook and real insights into recovery. I did get on side reading it though and took a thought-provoking journey alongside him.

[Elina Pagett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inhaled this in a few days, could not put it down - what an incredible man/story/life/book. Whether you know or are a fan of Fat Tony or not, this book is a true insight into the life of an addict - I’ll recommend anyone and everyone to read it

[Conor Moynihan · Rating 4 out of 5]

At times I thought it was a bit name-droppy for the sake of it, but he writes candidly and openly about addiction and thats the side that resonated with me

[Jem Q · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read although not for the faint hearted! So much in this and blimey, what a life!

[Zoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a story ~ if you read only one book this year READ THIS ONE !! Laughed, cried, and am overjoyed that Tony has beaten his addictions. What a guy.

[Marielos Peña · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining as f**k, and my usage of the C word has skyrocketed. I also have a deeper understanding and compassion for the ravages of addiction.

[Emma Biddle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this. So honest, funny, inspiring and sad.

[Jack Kerkham · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely the gayest book I’ve ever read in my life

[Tracy Hollen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars