Thank You for the Days: A Boy's Own Adventures in Radio and Beyond

by Mark Radcliffe

Approaching 50, Mark Radcliffe decided to write about his life and his love of music. But crucially, he only wanted to write about the most interesting days and not the dull ones in between. From "The Day My Mother Hit Me With a Golf Club" to "The Day I Met the Band Who Changed My Life," he charts the peaks and troughs of his life and career with wit, panache, and insight. He is very funny when recounting his days working at the BBC in the 1980s and 1990s (including how, when bored, he and his colleagues invented a fictional department), and on winning Stars in Their Eyes as Shane MacGowan. Yet amongst the laughter are more sober days, such as the day when he learned John Peel had died. A cracking read and a potted history of both one man's life and his love affair with music, Thank You For the Days is a uniquely entertaining memoir that will appeal not just to music fans but to connoisseurs of British popular culture.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction, Biography, Autobiography, Humor, Memoir, Biography Memoir

306 pages, Paperback

First published April 6, 2009

Reviews

[Nigeyb · Rating 3 out of 5]

On the cover David Bowie states "Steal this book". Reason enough to read it. I also recently read and enjoyed Reelin' in the Years: The Soundtrack of a Northern Life another autobiographical book by Mark Radcliffe.

Mark Radcliffe is one of the good guys - a man who is passionate about music, down to earth, humorous and someone I would love to meet. This book is as predictably enjoyable as I knew it would be. I didn't enjoy it quite as much as Reelin' in the Years: The Soundtrack of a Northern Life. I'm not sure why, perhaps I am becoming blasé about Mark's style, or perhaps it's just not as good.

One part that really struck was when he goes back to his halls of residence at Manchester University as a fifty year old. He states: "Standing in my old bedroom, as alone as I'd been when my mum dropped me off there in September 1976, was a bittersweet experience. I've never felt my age more keenly that I did at that moment. My spell at Uni was such an exciting and absorbing time, and one I felt a real sense of privilege at having experienced. There was no one telling you what to do or what times you had to come in or go out. The freedom came without much responsibility though, which made it all the more delicious. You had no bills to pay or job to worry about, and everybody wanted to be your friend. Even some girls. It was heaven from the very first day, and standing there as a middle-aged man I was forcibly struck by the realisation that I would never be as free as that ever again, or as intoxicated by the limitlessness of possibility." I could have written that. Not the bit about Manchester University as I didn't go there - but the rest of it.

So there you have it, Thank You for the Days: A Boy's Own Adventures in Radio and Beyond by Mark Radcliffe is quite good, and definitely worth reading if you like music and/or biography.

[Nick Davies · Rating 3 out of 5]

An easy and at times gently witty and entertaining read, here Mark Radcliffe strings together a few reminisces about his life in music - it's fairly likeable and there were quite a few moments of particular interest to me, he's obviously passionate and knowledgeable about his field, has had a career with plenty of material for such a book. However, it left me feeling that it had been a little light and a little homogenous in places. My assumption is that Radcliffe has written about or spoken about similar stuff on a regular basis for decades and hence parts felt a little six out of ten in nature. I think I only paid a quid for it, and it filled a delayed train journey adequately so it can't be all bad, but I find it difficult to be effusive in my praise.

[Andy Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

The dulcet tones of Radcliffe can be heard reading the words in your head as you read this.
A quick tour of musical history spanning across different genre's, Some chapters are better then others but then I guess you'll enjoy the chapters most that appeal to your musical tastes.
He's alright is that Radcliffe fella.

[Rachel Stevenson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've been fond of Mark Radcliffe since he presented Out on Blue Six on Radio 1 back in the early '90s, but I'm not sure that he's a writer. Or rather, I had to hear his voice in my head, like a particularly morose schizophrenic, as I read the book because without his sardonic Boltonian wit, it all became a bit too Partridge-esque. Maybe I should have got the audiobook.

It didn't help that the first chapter was about Dr Feelgood, a band whom grizzled old men who should know better get teary about, but whom I loathe, and that whenever Radders introduces a topic, e.g. appearing on Stars In Their Eyes, he has to preface it with a rant about a soft target, in this chapter's case, reality shows and Simon Cowell's stranglehold on the music industry. Or when he writes about meeting his hero, David Bowie, he leads up to it with a long and fairly insulting prologue about how people who have heroes are idiots.

There are a lot of passages that sound like they were written for a book called I, Radcliffe and many could end with: “Needless to say, I had the last laugh.”

'I recruited a fellow student, the blonde and beautiful Susan Nightingale......Susan began to talk about her boyfriend a lot. She'd kept that quiet when I offered her the gig!'

'[Kate Bush] was the kind of girl who looked like she'd come from a good family and had been very well educated but was also a bit of a free spirit.'

'I had studied English and American literatures at University and...so could drop names like Ionesco, Wesker and Marlowe into the conversation.'

'I'm also put off by swimmers and decathletes who are always keen to let you know that they have to get up at five in the morning....well don't then if you don't like it.'

'I have occasionally wondered what it must be like to walk down the street and have builders turn and admire your bottom.'

'I mean I'm not gay or anything, but I know a good-looking chap when I see one.'

However, some of the other chapters are genuinely engaging. He's at his best when writing on subjects that he's genuinely passionate about rather than humblebragging about meeting Madonna or Mick Jagger or giving his opinions on people who like foreign holidays. So the chapters about his love for Man City or walking the Coast to Coast are preferable to the japes he and Lard got up whilst dressing for the annual R1 DJ photo, or tales of him getting drunk with his band(s) (drinking tales are always a lot less interesting to reader than writer). The piece on the indie Diana, John Peel, is moving and the machinations behind Mark and Lard's sacking from the R1 Breakfast Show interesting. But if you were ever a Brosette, just don't read the chapter on Bros.

I think I'll stick to Stuart Maconie in future.

[Alex · Rating 1 out of 5]

At the top of the cover of this book it bears the legend "'Steal This Book !' - David Bowie". Good advice from the Dame there because you certainly wouldn't want to buy it.

The problem with this book for me was twofold; a) it wasn't about Mark Radcliffe's radio experiences as such, more like tales of his schooldays and situations he found himself in as a result of being a broadcaster, and b) listening to Mark waffle on during his radio shows is quite entertaining, but when it comes to reading him waffling on, well....it becomes tedious.

Another thing I disliked about the book was that Mark displayed, much like Phill Jupitus did in my previous book read, a real snobbery about popular music and popular culture sometimes. When talking about television, he repeatedly referred to TV as the 'idiot box' or 'idiot lantern'. A sweeping generalisation of the medium, and I expected better from him.

I was quite glad to finish this book, which is a shame because I was looking forward to reading it, but for me it was ultimately a let-down. Never mind.

[Matt Fallaize · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining and chatty yomp through various high and low lights of the inimitable Radcliffe's experience. Blessedly, it's not a sanitised and matey account, and has enough snark to leaven the niceness. Lots of entertaining stories and views behind the scenes, and the chapter on John Peel is genuinely moving. It was published before the crimes of Jimmy Savile became public knowledge, so whilst it's still a nasty shock, it's understandable when his name crops up in passing. I wonder if later editions have excised any reference to him.

[Mira · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having enjoyed Mark Radcliffe's Mark & Lard shows on Radio One and his book Showbusiness: Diary of a Rock 'n' Roll Nobody I knew this would be a good read.

Check out my YouTube review here : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxvYF9...

:)

[Edmole · Rating 3 out of 5]

An easy read by a lovely man about a good life lived happily and well.

[Terry Barlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. Never Laugh at Comedy. Unless it is Exceptional. So Many Laugh Out Loud Moments. " I Took Bros into a Goods Yard " a Gem . Think you can say Mark is not much of a Roy Keane Fan ! Am a Big Listener of the Radcliffe & Marconnie Radio Show. So Suppose I am a bit Biased. Like Lard too !. Plenty of Musical Knowledge Gained. Only Criticism. Should have Been More Pages . Wonderful Read.

[Nigel Street · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a keen fan of the man it is perhaps not unsurprising that I enjoyed this. Not that this is a pre-requisite as his easy unassuming style makes for a pleasing read anyhow. There was things I learnt along the way which I had been aware of but the detail had passed me by at the time such as the brief tenure as the Radio 1 Breakfast show host. All round an enjoyable read and if anything would like to have heard more about his own efforts as a musician.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Each chapter is a separate story of the author’s life. Some were interesting, others didn’t appeal e.g. the one on football. Having recently finished another of his books, perhaps it was too soon to read another similar one of his. I might have enjoyed it more if id left longer between the books.
Nothing bad about it, just a lot of chapters were uninteresting to me this time.

[Allan Heron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable and amusing book from Radcliffe who comes across as a guy you'd like to bump into and chat over a few beers with.

The book is made up of significant days from his life through which you build an understanding of his life. A very engaging read.

[Corie Stanfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book about a man who does not take himself too seriously.

This book was great! I could hear Mark Radcliffe’s voice in my head throughout, witty, sort of factual, and lots of fun! Recommended for anyone who has ever enjoyed listening to great music radio!

[Sara Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really didn’t enjoy the first chapter, which was an homage to Dr Feelgood, who I didn’t really recognise (but have since discovered sang “Milk and alcohol”), but glad I persevered because the rest of the book was full of little gems of stories from 79s, 80s and 90s Britain.

[Dave Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

Days I will remember all my life

Excellent for music fans.
Plenty of pop star anecdotes and potential pub quiz material.
Ticks most of my boxes. An easy read to pick up and put down as . You like without losing the plot.

[Jonny Brick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fans will love Mark's tales of Dr Feelgood, Kate Bush and David Bowie, and John Peel is treated like a benevolent uncle. Mark, now in his sixties, has become the modern-day Peel. Find out why in this tome.

[Jan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A largely enjoyable collection of reminiscences of a life spent in the music business along with other childhood and adult memories!

The stories arent specifically connected in any way but its a fun read anyway and reflects a different era working life was more fun and jobs easier to come by!

[Ashley George · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blooming excellent. I love MR and his encyclopaedic musical knowledge, this book is equally funny and informative.

[Kath · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great muso autobiography combining all my favourites genres: Manchester, David Bowie, love of music etc etc. comes across really well, like a well-loved friend.

[David Ellcock · Rating 3 out of 5]

Diverting and easy to read. It’s not a masterpiece but I’m glad I’ve read it.

[Clare Staines · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not for me. DNF

[Spinwallah · Rating 5 out of 5]

i cant imagine there are many people i would rather have a couple of pints with than Mark. top man

[Godzilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I left bewildered by some of these other reviews:
"It's not as good as Pies and Prejudice" - er, well it's a memoir, not a cultural dissection/travelogue, so it's a different genre entirely!

I had found Mark Radcliffe slightly aloof before reading this book. Clearly now, this is in comparison to the other gushing DJs/media whores who populate our airwaves. He's still not got the warmth and fuzziness of John Peel, but then he was a one off.

There are some great tales, some genuine insights and a warm glow surrounding this book. There's no scandal or blinding revelations, more like a matey chat down the pub, with a few interesting titbits along the way.

The only envy I found myself having, was over the free records he admits readily come his way. He reduces the "celebs" into ordinary characters with different lifestyles, which ultimately is all they are.

Frankly it's left we wanting that sort of chat with Mark Radcliffe, over a few pints of the beer he clearly loves (and has great taste in)

Next time I'm in Great Budworth I'll listen out for the shed with drums!

[Rob · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the literary equivalent of a friendly chat in the pub with the genial DJ, Mark Radcliffe. It aspires to be little more than a series of personal anecdotes that roughly, and in no specific order, chart his career through various radio stations. Themed loosely around the idea of key days in his life (e.g. the day I went to Kate Bush's house for cheese flan; the day I ruined a perfectly good suit) the stories he tells are generally entertaining, though as often as not a springboard for good-natured rants and riffs on heroes, holidays and everything in between.

It's hard not to like him, as the book is written in the same low-key, self deprecating manner that characterises his radio shows. That said, it's not a particularly satisfying read due to his habit of ignoring any sense of chronology. It's probably not for anyone who knows nothing about Radcliffe, but for those who fancy spending a little more time with him than they get on the radio, it works just fine.

[Emma Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Starting the year with lovely easy to read commutable books, nothing too dreary to a dreary start to 2017. Picked this one up from the book swap shelf at work. It is what it is, really; a few jovial stories of fun and laughable memories of Mark Radcliffe's life. Easy to read en route to work. Worth a look-in.

[Vicky · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would actually give this a three and a half if I could. It's a lovely collection of anecdotes about Mark Radcliffe's life both on and off air. He's a warm and interesting chap and I enjoyed the book a great deal. A thoroughly nice guy, an honest account and an interesting read.

The anecdotes are not earth-shattering or sensational, but they are written in an amusing and entertaining way and portray Radcliffe as a pretty down-to-earth guy. I like an autobiography that makes you feel like you could happily go for a pint with the writer by the end of it. And this did just that.

I charts his encounters with John Peel, Paul McCartney, David Bowie, Tony Blair and many more. I would definitely read another of his books.

[Derek Bridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've always enjoyed what Mark Radcliffe does ("talk in between records"), even if he does say um-err too much. I particularly liked the recent evening shows with Stuart Maconie and remain annoyed that they have been moved to an afternoon slot (although if it means less Noddy Holder it can only be a blessing). But I was even a fan of Mark's breakfast show, with Lard, and based my own game (Mad Or Sad) on theirs (Dobbins or Bobbins) - mine was much crueller.

So what am I saying?

I'm saying that Mark has a nice line in gentle, self-deprecating humour, a passion for music, and a liking for people. And it all comes across in this book of anecdotes. An easy and pleasurable read.

[DJ Yossarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This made a great, random, late summer read -- humorous, not terribly demanding, peppered with anecdotes about meeting the likes of Kate Bush, Shane MacGowan, George Harrison, and working with the legendary and greatly missed John Peel. Not all of it hits the mark, but it's an entertaining read. Favorite bit: his comment that "The Beatles" was actually a pretty lame name for a group that had had such a profound influence on popular music, and that the Fab Four, rather than Genesis P Orridge & Co, really ought to have been called "Throbbing Gristle", since it was a much better name.

[Tresor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was hooked from the first few sentences when I read about Mark's love affair with Dr Feelgood - takes me back to my teenage years when I saw Dr Feelgood (a few times) at Cheltenham Town Hall. I guess it's because he's one of my contemporaries that I enjoy this book and his radio show so much, along with the fact that we seem to share a pretty similar musical taste. The book is like the radio show - warm and funny. What more could anyone want?

[Graham Hughes · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable, often hilarious collection of anecdotes from the life and career of one of Britain's better music presenters over the last 20 years or so.
In his writing, as well as his broadcasting, Radcliffe sometimes rambles a little (though at least we're spared the 'erm, er, ...' interjections in print); he also occasionally lapses into cliche. Altogether, though, he comes across as warm, likeable, funny and refreshingly ego-free, and his tales are well worth reading.