Renegade
The Lives and Tales of Mark E. Smith
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Penguin Books Ltd
Published:26th Feb '09
Should be back in stock very soon
This autobiography reveals the tumultuous life of Mark E. Smith and the band The Fall, exploring their music and personal struggles.
In Renegade, the author offers a raw and unfiltered glimpse into his tumultuous life and the chaotic journey of the band The Fall. Known for their distinctive sound and notorious in-house conflicts, the narrative dives deep into the highs and lows experienced both personally and professionally. From encounters with the law to struggles with addiction, bankruptcy, and divorce, the autobiography paints a vivid picture of a life lived on the edge, where the legendary thirst for life and music often led to dark places.
Mark E. Smith, the charismatic and enigmatic frontman of The Fall, emerges as a complex figure through his own words. The book captures his relentless spirit and refusal to compromise, showcasing his unique perspective on the music industry and his relationships with various personalities. With over 66 members cycling through the band, Smith's voice remains the constant thread, making Renegade a fascinating exploration of creativity, conflict, and resilience.
As readers journey through the pages, they will find a blend of humor, sharp wit, and sociological insights that highlight Smith's significance in the music world. This autobiography is not just a recounting of events but a cultural commentary that resonates with anyone who appreciates the intricacies of life and art. Renegade stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Mark E. Smith and his influence on generations of musicians.
Ranting, raging, burning...relentlessly splenetic, a long and sustained rant...may also be the funniest music book ever written * Observer *
Unutterably funny...a riot of aimings and blamings and score-settlings. Smith manages to have a right laff, and reveal himself as a figure of dazzling sociological import * Independent on Sunday *
Remarkable, brilliant. A provocative joy. Smith's rant gushes like a furious fountain of razor-sharp invective over his childhood and the early days of The Fall, relationships/ marriage, the record industry/ musicians and his views on everything from football to mobile phones, from drinking and drugs to driving, from books to bankruptcy, from Paul Morley to pubs. Unbeatable' Time Out
Engrossing, exhausting, dense with fascinating detail. As both memoir and cultural history, Renegade is a remarkable achievement * Daily Telegraph *
A hoot * Hot Press *
Stuffed with crazy wisdom * London Lite *
Hilarious * Scotland on Sunday *
A wide-ranging, eccentric set of fugitive opinions, a smart marshalling of numerous rambling pub conversations * The Times Literary Supplement *
Vicious, funny, always contrarian * Daily Telegraph *
Smith's about as reliable a narrator as the members of Motley Crue were in their depraved memoir The Dirt. And just as entertaining. Delving into Renegade is like listening to Smith hold court down the pub...it contains far too many astute, poetic observations to be dismissed as colourful ramblings from a committed curmudgeon * Scotsman *
Unutterably funny...a riot of aimings and blamings and score-settlings. Smith manages to have a right laff, and reveal himself as a figure of dazzling sociological import * Independent on Sunday *
ISBN: 9780141028668
Dimensions: 198mm x 129mm x 16mm
Weight: 181g
256 pages