Chairperson: Tony Clayton-Lea

The Pogues’ founding member and accordion player reads from and discusses his new memoir Here Comes Everybody.

When The Pogues barrelled out from the back streets of King’s Cross in 1984, their pioneering mix of punk energy, traditional melodies and lyrical songwriting couldn’t have been more at odds with the prevailing pop aesthetic – think Wham!, Culture Club, Status Quo!

Initially reviled by traditionalists for their frequently fast, often riotous interpretations of Irish folk songs, The Pogues rose from the sweaty chaos of backroom gigs in Camden pubs to world tours with the likes of Elvis Costello, U2 and Bob Dylan. But relentless touring, hard drinking and all manner of excess took its toll and the band imploded and parted company seven years later.

Written with real lyricism and rare candour, Here Comes Everybody recalls the youthful friendships, the bust-ups, the amazing gigs, the terrible gigs, the fantastic highs and dramatic lows of life in one of music’s most explosive and exuberant bands.

“ It’s just how I imagined I’d remember it. ” Shane McGowan