Ian Broudie

“This book adds another vital layer to the chronicles of the time.” - Louder Than War

 

The definitive autobiography by musician, singer-songw riter and producer Ian Broudie, chronicling his career as frontman of multi-platinum-selling rock band the Lightning Seeds, w ith tales from Britpop stardom to footballing royalty. From experimenting w ith punk in Big in Japan to penning and recording new -w ave tracks for Care, Ian Broudie found short-lived success in multiple bands early in his career. W hen these stints ended and w ith an independent record label in his name, he became a producer-for-hire, w orking on hit records for acts like Echo & the Bunnymen, the Fall, the Pale Fountains, Terry Hall, W edding Present and the Coral. But it w as ten years on from the disbandment of Big in Japan that he returned to w here it all began: his bedroom, tape recorder and guitar pick at hand. Originating as a one-man-band, the Lightning Seeds w as born out of limitation and necessity w hen the opportunity arose to expand on Ian's set of home recordings and press a few hundred copies of his debut. The record took off and his next three records received critical acclaim. So, sailing the w ave of Britpop, he assembled a touring band to perform his songs live across the Atlantic. W here the Lightning Seeds gave him success, though, football made him a legend. Together w ith comedians David Baddiel and Frank Skinner, Ian released the 1996 single 'Three Lions' to mark the England football team's participation in that year's Euros. It shot to number one in the UK and the refrain 'it's coming home' echoed across stadiums and streets in celebration of England's progress. The remake w as released in 1998, ahead of the W orld Cup, and scored another UK number one. Since then, the original has topped the chart tw ice more, making it the only single in the chart's history to reach the top spot four separate times. Now , follow ing the release of the Lightning Seeds' long-aw aited comeback album, Ian reflects on his illustrious career as one of our most critically and commercially revered artists.