To Hell with Poverty!

A Class Act: Inside the Gang of Four

By: Jon King

Narrated by: Jon King

From Jon King, legendary front man of iconic post-punk band Gang of Four, comes a memoir to remember.

To Hell with Poverty! documents King’s story from a south London slum and working-class background to international success as core musician, lyricist, writer, and producer in the legendary post-punk/funk band Gang of Four. King’s memoir takes the listener on an episodic journey full of raucous adventures from his childhood and teenage years, to the height of Gang of Four’s success in the seventies and eighties.

Thrown off Top of the Pops, truncheoned by police at an anti-Nazi rally, coming of age in the heart of the Leeds music scene and the UK post-punk movement, mingling with Hells Angels and other undesirables, supported by bands like R.E.M. and playing with the likes of the Police, Iggy Pop, and the Buzzcocks―King’s time with Gang of Four is rich with jaw-dropping stories. Evocative, fast-paced, and witty, To Hell with Poverty! is a music memoir for the ages.

Gang of Four’s Entertainment! LP is consistently ranked as one of the greatest debut albums of all time and continues to inspire new generations of musicians today. The band has influenced many artists, from the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Nirvana, and INXS, to 2025-era Frank Ocean, the Idles, and hip-hop giants Run the Jewels. Gang of Four have been championed by the likes of Flea, Sofia Coppola, Massive Attack, Damien Hirst, Greil Marcus, and many more.

©2025 Jon King (P)2025 Hachette Audio UK

Long Live GO4!

Fantastic story. I hope there is a volume 2! I appreciate the insight of later Gang of Four material. Well written and engaging. I was sad when it ended. I’d like to hear more.

Best Cultural History of Post Punk Era in England

I love way King talks about growing up in England and in college starting The Gang of Four with Andy Gill in the late 70s. Many of stories are very funny and he has a great sense of timing. I listened to this when I was recovering from back surgery and it really helped pass the time.