London’s Burning: True Adventures On The Front Lines Of Punk 1976-1977
by Dave Thompson

A young punter’s-eye view of the punk warzone

Noted music journalist and author Dave Thompson is by no means the first to wheel out his reminiscences and opinions on first wave punk, but his take on it is a little different from most. Aged only 16 and 17 during the period this book covers, his illustrious writing career lay in the future and the fact that he was just a regular punter – albeit an enthusiastic and knowledgeable one with a knack for being in the right place at the right time. As Thompson says in his preface, he mostly avoids using hindsight, so what you get are the memories of a slightly naïve teen observer written by an expert adult. It’s a rather refreshing approach. His choice of interviewees is another departure from the norm. Alongside the likes of TV Smith and Brian James – great value though they are – Thompson also quotes from unusual suspects such as Tom Robinson Band guitarist Danny Kustow, Radio Stars singer Andy Ellison and Maniacs mainman Alex Lee Shaw, all of whom were right there when it was all happening, but give an interesting insight from just outside the epicentre.

4 stars 4 stars 4 stars 4 stars

ISBN 9781556527692, 318 pages

Reviewed by Shane Baldwin
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