Record Play Pause

Confessions of a Post-Punk Percussionist: the Joy Division Years: Volume I

By: Stephen Morris

Narrated by: Stephen Morris

THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER

This audiobook includes music from Joy Division and original tracks from Stephen Morris

Before he was responsible for some of the most iconic drumming in popular music, Stephen Morris grew up in 1960s and '70s industrial Macclesfield, on a quiet road that led seemingly to nowhere. Far removed from the bright lights and manic energy of nearby Manchester, he felt stifled by suburbia and feared he might never escape. Then he joined Joy Division - while they were still known as Warsaw - a pioneer of the rousing post-punk sound that would revolutionise twentieth-century rock.

Following two landmark albums and widespread critical acclaim, Joy Division were at the height of their powers and poised to break the US, when lead singer, Ian Curtis, committed suicide.

Part memoir, part scrapbook and part aural history: Stephen Morris's innate sense of rhythm and verve pulses through Record Play Pause. From recollections of growing up in the North West to the founding of New Order, Morris never strays far from the music. And by turns profound and wry, this book subverts the mythology and allows us to understand music's power to define who we are and what we become.

©2020 Stephen Morris (P)2020 Hachette Audio UK

Critic reviews

"A unique and thoughtful musical memoir." (Observer)

"Gritty coming-of-age story...plenty of anecdotes to keep us hooked, and his memories of Joy Division's Ian Curtis are poignant." (Daily Mirror)

Absolutely wonderful..

Funny, insightful and warm storytelling.. I'm reminded of my own journeys, Joy Division the soundtrack..

As a drummer and fan

I really enjoyed this audio book. Stephen covers how we got into music, drumming and the creation of Joy Division and then New Order. I like his honestly about music and drumming, we are not all that good individually making music but together they creating something that started and created the new wave music genre.

Thanks For the music Mr Morris

Fabulous stories of Joy Division characters. Innovative, groundbreaking music that will live forever. I enjoyed every second of this audiobook

A good book with questionable production

The random sound effects and music samples sprinkled throughout this production are often ill-timed and distracting (though the audio recordings of Tony Wilson and others from the Joy Division years were welcome). Still, Part 1 of Stephen’s autobiography is fascinating for JD fans, and it’s a treat to hear him read it.

A great listen for fans & drummers

I genuinely enjoyed listening to this walk through the life of a drummer whose music enjoyed playing in the 80’s.

Heartfelt and funny and brutally honest.

Worth a listen or two.