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The Big Midweek

Life Inside the Fall

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The Big Midweek

By: Steve Hanley, Olivia Piekarski
Narrated by: Stewart Lee
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The first insider's account of life inside The Fall, Steve Hanley's story unfolds like a novel; from 1979 when he joined his schoolmates Marc Riley and Craig Scanlon in The Fall, he puts us right in the heart of the action: on stage, on the tour bus, in the recording studio, and up close and personal with an eccentric cast of band mates. These vividly drawn scenes give unprecedented insight into the intense, highly-charged creative atmosphere within The Fall and their relentless work ethic which has won them a dedicated cult following, high-art respectability and a unique place in popular music history.

Narrated by Stewart Lee
Foreword by Marc Riley

©2014, 2016 Route Publishing (P)2025 Route Publishing Entertainment & Celebrities Funny Witty Inspiring Thought-Provoking
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Critic reviews

A Guardian Book of the Year
A Rough Trade Book of the Year
Reader’s Digest Editor’s Choice
A Dagsavisen Book of the Year
All stars
Most relevant
Some of the writing and reminiscing are very witty and while being read by Stewart Lee seem like part of one of his comedy shows.

The first half while the band were in the ascent is very positive and amusing but the second half where MES is struggling to function due to his alcohol abuse, paranoia and his bullying behaviour to everyone makes it difficult to understand how Steve and the rest of the band could put up with this day in and day out.

I enjoyed going back to that era but the disintegration of the band often from self sabotage in the second half makes difficult and repetitive reading.

An inside story of being in the Fall read by Stewart Lee, what’s not to like?

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Brilliantly written, read and so, so honest. I adore the Fall, but I doubt there’s ever been a more comic character than Mark E Smith. How Steve coped is a testament to his resilience. A must listen for if you ‘get’ — or especially ‘don’t get’ - the band.

A brilliant tale told honestly, and hilariously.

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Best audio book since John Cooper Clarke’s I wanna be yours. The Big Mid week is the funniest true story I’ve ever heard.

LOL

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Very funny and often tongue in cheek first hand account of life in The Fall and life in a touring band in general. It’s the first book on The Fall that I’ve read and it didn’t disappoint. I’d like to read Mark E Smiths account/side of the story, Renegade, now. But it’s not been recorded as an audiobook! Damn.
I had to slow it right down to 60%. But once slowed down, the narration is perfect.
Highly recommend for any Fall fans and anyone interested in the shenanigans of a touring band in general.

Hilarious account of life in The Fall

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as a life long fall fan, I was duty bound to read this book. it gives a glimpse of the madness that was the fall that produced the brilliance that was the fall.

brilliant

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