Whatever Happened to the C86 Kids?: An Indie Odyssey

Very interesting book, sympathetically written by Nige Tassell. Only a few of the acts on the C86 tape went on to much success, and there's a certain amount of sadness reading about all these music careers that didn't really go anywhere. However some of the people involved in the tape did make music they were happy with afterwards, and all the others seem to have emerged from the experience unscathed, making good lives for themselves in other fields. C86 became a sort of immovable cultural icon, no matter what you thought about the music, and the participants interviewed here seem pleased to have been involved, with good reason I'd say.

I'd read reviews and seen comments so was expecting this book to be great, but i wasnt expecting the journey it took me on. I am sadly old enough (or maybe not sadly) to remember C86, and to be one of those who had a copy. I saw or would see many of the bands, so the back story before for each band was interesting but the beauty in this book is the journey those bands took after - which is unbelievably varied but always fascinating, from those who celebrated being on C86 and for whom it was a highlight, to those who hated it and won't talk of it. For me this was a real insight, and journey back, to those days where for many bands success was an Indie Top 10, or a second Peel Session and before Indie became cool, and mainstream success was the target. I absolutely loved the personal way this was presented and the stories brought to life, definitely one of my favourite reads for some time. An absolute must read for anyone who has ever heard of The Pastels, or BMX Bandits, but also for anyone interested in the hostory of Indie & Alternative music as these bands very often laid the foundations for other bands later success.

Nige Tassell’s odyssey to track down all of the bands featured on the legendary C86 cassette is a delight. Funny, hopeful and bittersweet. A great and well-written read.

I am a little too young to remember the C86 generation. My indie awakening was in the very late 80s/early 90s. I had a good knowledge of the Weddoes and Primal Scream but only a vague awareness of some of the other bands therefore.The book put that right in spades. I learned about the careers and lives of all sorts of people. I was impressed by the detective work in finding the various people and fascinated by the varying life stories.Those stories were one of the many strengths of the book. It is a tale of musicians, but perhaps more importantly a tale of the routes in which life can take people.I loved it, and recommend it to music lovers and anyone who likes to read about people and social history.

Don't usually read non sports book but the authors excellent track record and my fond memories of youth drew me in. Brilliant idea for a book. Great research and hugely entertaining.

Got for my partner and he has loved it

Brilliantly researched and written, a fascinating account of a 'scene' and the musicians who were involved.

Sone great detective work by the author tracking down the bands that made the seminal shambling C86 tape. If you have any interest in music it’s a must