Whatever Happened to the C86 Kids?

'You will love this book.' - RICHARD OSMAN

Shortlisted for the Penderyn Music Book Prize
A Rough Trade Book of the Year
A Resident Book of the Year
A Monorail Book of the Year
A Virgin Radio Book of the Year

In 1986, the NME released a cassette that would shape music for years to come.

'You will love this book.'

'Twenty-two tales of youthful anger, innocence and indolence, filtered through almost forty years of regret, melancholy and, occasionally, dogged resistance. Nige Tassell succinctly and sweetly conjures up an era when groups could form in Glossop, Hebden Bridge or Whitstable and - for a few months, at least - become national heroes via the patronage of John Peel and the weekly music press. He spins gold from their grab-bag of agendas, musical politics and effects pedals and creates something that is frequently more impressive, entertaining and enjoyable than the music itself.'

'This is a funny, sad, gorgeous and beautifully researched book about the most influential loser tribe in the history of British music.'

'A valuable slice of pop history.'

'Nige's writing is to be treasured - a warm, welcoming and wonderful book.'

'Who, of a certain vintage and a certain propensity for hoarding things in lofts, including cassette-tape compilations sold via a weekly music publication, wouldn't want THIS BOOK?'

'Incredibly beautiful.'

'Excellent.'

'About music, but also about youthful dreams and mature reality. A lovely read.'

'Absolutely fantastic.'

For the past twenty-five years, Nige Tassell has written about music, popular culture and sport for a range of titles, including the Word , the Guardian , The Sunday Times , the Independent , Q , Esquire , GQ , Rouleur , the New Statesman and the Blizzard . His last music book Whatever Happened to the C86 Kids? was published in 2022 to great acclaim. Searching for Dexys Midnight Runners will be Nige's tenth book.