LONDON: Dublin Castle

Wednesday 23rd February, 2022

7:30pm

Event information

RNR Book Club is exceedingly pleased to welcome a real post-punk mover-shaker as our next victim/guest. Tony Fletcher guided Jamming! from a 6-page school publication to a nationally distributed monthly, and has now edited this wonderful new compendium edition just published by Omnibus. Features full-colour reproductions of original artwork, behind-the-scenes insights from Tony, plus the reflections of musicians and former contributors as they reassess their interviews and Jamming!’s long-lasting influence.
One of Britain’s best-loved and most successful fanzines, Jamming! documented the musical landscape as it evolved between 1977 and 1986. Fully illustrated throughout, The Best of Jamming! includes numerous stand-out pieces from the zine’s impressive 36 issue-run, from early features on The Jam, The Smiths, Run-D.M.C, The Fall, Cocteau Twins and The Beat, to surprise exclusive interviews with Paul McCartney, U2 and Pete Townshend. Personal letters from Mark E. Smith, Paul Weller and others appear alongside arts, sports and politics features, poetry and a Foreword by Billy Bragg.

An immensely evocative read, The Best of Jamming! perfectly encapsulates the excitement and unprecedented potential of the DIY era.

'Jamming! was the quintessential punk rock product. Fletcher is fearless in his naivety, his subjects unguarded. This compendium captures its era perfectly' Classic Rock, 8/10

'Highlights from one of the best fanzines. The masterstroke is Fletcher providing insights and later-life reflections on each issue. His fanzine was a cut above. So's this compendium' Kris Needs, Record Collector, 4/5...

Tony Fletcher is the author of ten books including best-selling biographies of Keith Moon, The Smiths, R.E.M. and Wilson Pickett, a co-write with Eddie Floyd, a memoir, a NYC music history and a novel. He lives in the USA and this is his only London event for the Best of Jamming!

WITH... Interview / Q And A by Tony Gleed, special guests, books for sale, signings and selfies, dedicated DJ set showcasing the Jamming ethos and archive.