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Blitz

The Club That Created the Eighties

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Blitz

By: Robert Elms
Narrated by: Robert Elms
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'Elms is one of the greatest chroniclers of our age. He was born to write this book.' Dylan Jones
'Fantastic! It is like time travel . . . [to] the most exciting, innovative, outrageous, wildest, most creative club ever.' Steve Dagger
'Elms was not only in the room where it happened, he was at the very heart of it.' Gary Kemp
'The perfect witness and commentator: open-minded, outward looking, and an expert and shrewd cultural analyst.' Lavinia Greenlaw
'Sharp, funny and caked in two-day old eyeliner.' Jodie Harsh

A history of the club that set the '80s alight, by the much-loved presenter, writer and Blitz attendee Robert Elms.

The short-lived Blitz club in London's Covent Garden was more than somewhere to hang out or be seen: it was a catalyst for cultural explosion, a counter-culture blast against everything Thatcher's leadership had ushered in by the dawn of the 80s. Tuesday nights boasted a ferocious, fearless cast - from Boy George and Spandau Ballet to Grayson Perry and Peter Doig, to Michele Clapton, Sade and John Galliano. This was the vanguard of a different England; socially liberal, loud, proud and diverse, fiercely individualistic and determined to succeed. Britain was black and white; the Blitz Kids switched on the colour.

In Blitz, Elms reflects on a club night founded by working-class kids, one whose impact reverberated beyond its doors, through the worlds of Art, Literature, Fashion and Music, and into the present day.

©2025 Robert Elms (P)2025 Faber & Faber
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Another well-told account of the late 1970s and early 1980s in London, based on a man who was there, is worth a read/listen.

a different story about that club and its members.

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Loved it, detailed and immersive story , it was my time and I remember it well 😎

Great narrative and fascinating story, about a young,visceral ,vibrant time the likes will never be seen again.

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This was an amazing listen takes me back to an era where the Blitz kids ruled. The journey takes be back to my childhood and the people who helped shape the person I am they influenced my life even though I didn’t known any of them. Robert tells his story brilliantly and brings to life the period brilliantly such a great listen and fully recommend so much so I even bought the hard back version.

Blitz revisited

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Listening with visuals of the decade and sounds of the music coming to life. what a great listen. Anyone would of regretted not being there and envied those that were there, amongst the excitement of individual characters coming to life in this story. non of the factory made same hair same outfit need to blend in of today's generation.

wow took me back to the 80s. Thank you for a great listen Robert xx

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Compelling account by someone who was there. The cultural impact of one small 80s nightclub on music, fashion and style is a riveting story well told and researched by writer and broadcaster Robert Elms. My only criticisms are the oft repeated lists of names of Blitz club participants, and too many descriptive sections about Blitz kids attire! Highly recommended for anyone interested in British fashion, pop music, social history and cultural trends.

First hand account of the Blitz club and its astonishing influence on fashion, music and style.

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