A Voice From The Wings

One of the issues with rock and pop stars' autobiographies is that they are written by people in the middle of the maelstrom. No matter how much bad behaviour has been perpetuated, the show must go on and much is left unsaid.

In contrast, the perspective of a figure such as Barry 'Scratchy' Myers is that of an insider-outsider.

As Clash DJ from 1978 to 1980, he had a backstage pass and, considering how Joe Strummer & Co have been mythologised over the years, his recollections are especially valuable.

Not that Myers' book, replete with evocative photographs and reproductions of memorabilia, is totally concerned with the Clash. Rather, it's the story of a rebel who obsesses about music.

As the book progresses we see how Myers wills his alter ego, DJ Scratchy, into life. His time with the Clash ends if not badly, then with a certain amount of rancour, but an afterword saluting the band's late road manager, Johnny Green, shows how time heals.

Revealing and full of insights into punk's main players.

Jonathan Wright 4 Stars

Classic Pop magazine