Boys Keep Swinging cover art

Boys Keep Swinging

A Memoir

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Boys Keep Swinging

By: Jake Shears
Narrated by: Jake Shears
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About this listen

 In this “exhilarating yet poignant account of one boy taking flight” (Shelf Awareness, starred review), one of rock music's most entrancing figures transforms the vividness of his musical world into an unforgettable literary account of overcoming the odds and finding his true voice.

Long before hitting the stage as the lead singer of the iconic glam rock band Scissor Sisters, Jake Shears was Jason Sellards, a teenage boy living a fraught life, resulting in a difficult time in high school as his classmates bullied him and few teachers showed sympathy.

It wasn’t until years later, while living and studying in New York City, that Jason would find his voice as an artist and, with a group of friends and musicians who were also thirsting for stardom and freedom, form the band Scissor Sisters. First performing in the smoky gay nightclubs of New York, then finding massive success in the United Kingdom, Scissor Sisters would become revered by the LGBTQ community, sell out venues worldwide, and win multiple accolades with hits like “Take Your Mama” and “I Don’t Feel Like Dancin’,” as well as their cult-favorite cover of Pink Floyd’s “Comfortably Numb.”

“Brutally honest” (Elton John), candid, and courageous, Shears’s writing sings with the same powerful, spirited presence that he brings to his live performances. Boys Keep Swinging is “a wild, sexy, emotional ride through underground New York at the millennium. From the fringes to the top, it's a tale that speaks to the outsider in all of us” (Andy Cohen). Biographies & Memoirs Entertainment & Celebrities Music Celebrity New York Memoir Inspiring

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All stars
Most relevant
I’m a massive fan of music bios, and saw the Scissor Sisters early on supporting Duran Duran, and fell in love with their music. So I was already engaged with this.

Is a great tale, of one mans journey from being a child to being the frontman of a group. It’s full of inspiration and honesty, full of love. It’s frank, open and honest, and read beautifully by Jake.

I loved it.

A beautiful, staggering and heartbreaking journey.

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I loved this so much it answered a lot of things for me about scissor sisters. a must for any fan

brilliant

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Loved this Audio book - With the author narrating his words this recording really brings home the sincerity and emotion intended. Sometimes a little shocking and not for the prudish (but you knew that if you have followed SS or Jakes career), this book made me laugh and made me cry, made me gasp and made me want to sit in the car and hear more. Its amazing how what you see presented in the media is far from the reality of the Mental and Physical challenges being faced by Jake and those around him. Hope theres a follow up picking up from Ta-Dah! onwards...

honest,gritty and insightful

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Jake has had such a ride. So great to hear the details first hand and in his own voice

Amazing

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The definition of what a memoir should be: fascinating, effortless, authentic and totally addictive. Couldn't stop going back to it and found before I'd known it, had completed it in just a day. Brilliant that it was read by Jake himself. Such a relatable and personal sharing of a story that resonates in many different ways.

Effortlessly addictive. Devoured in a day

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