The Big Midweek

Life Inside the Fall

By: Steve Hanley, Olivia Piekarski

Narrated by: Stewart Lee

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

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

Best Music Bio Ever

The Fall was one of the greatest bands ever. Steve Hanley , being the longest serving member outside of MES is the best person to tell this story, and if his story. He seems like a great person , who held the band on course as well as he could. Very humble for someone whose base defined the sound of the band. This is a fun listen and read.

worth every credit

Stewart Lee is brilliant as Steve Hanley. Read the hardback and it was worth it to come back for the audio

Oh brother!

This is what I’m talking about. This is what you want. Belongs alongside your Jon Savage and Simon Reynolds. Pure punk and The Fall. I hope more audiobooks about/from the group come soon. Kudos to all involved. Great stories and insights. Really great