To Hell with Poverty!

Jon King

To Hell with Poverty!
Format
Hardback
Publisher
Akashic Books, Ltd.
Country
United States
Published
1 April 2025
Pages
336
ISBN
9781636142340

To Hell with Poverty!

Jon King

TO HELL WITH POVERTY! documents Jon King's story from a South London slum and impoverished working-class background to international success as core musician, lyricist, writer, and producer in the legendary postpunk/funk band Gang of Four. The reader is taken on an episodic and kaleidoscopic journey full of adventures from childhood to the end of Gang of Four's "golden period" in 1984. Thrown off the hit British TV show Top of the Pops; beaten by police at an anti-Nazi rally; being at the heart of the UK postpunk movement in the 1970s; fraternizing with Hells Angels and other "undesirables"; supported by bands like R.E.M. and playing with the likes of the Police and Talking Heads--King's times with Gang of Four are rich with stories.

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 numerous bands, from the Red Hot Chili Peppers and INXS, to 2024-era hip-hop giants Run the Jewels, whose hit song "The Ground Below" is built on samples from the Gang of Four's song "Ether." Gang of Four have been championed by the likes of Flea, Sofia Coppola, Massive Attack, Damien Hirst, Greil Marcus, and many more.

Order online and we’ll ship when available (1 April 2025)

Our stock data is updated periodically, and availability may change throughout the day for in-demand items. Please call the relevant shop for the most current stock information. Prices are subject to change without notice.

Sign in or become a Readings Member to add this title to a wishlist.