Richard Balls
@musicbiographer.bsky.social
Music fan and author A Furious Devotion: The Life of Shane MacGowan, Be Stiff: The Stiff Records Story, and Sex & Drugs & Rock ‘n’ Roll: The Life of Ian Dury. Elvis Costello book now in progress.
White Riot is showing at Diss Corn Hall on Wednesday 21 October and I will be taking part in a short Q&A.
The film tells the story of Rock Against Racism, a movement formed in response to Eric Clapton’s support for Enoch Powell.
Tickets here
creativeartseast.co.uk/whats-on/rip-i…#punknk
The film tells the story of Rock Against Racism, a movement formed in response to Eric Clapton’s support for Enoch Powell.
Tickets here
creativeartseast.co.uk/whats-on/rip-i…#punknk
October 7, 2026 at 7:50 PM
White Riot is showing at Diss Corn Hall on Wednesday 21 October and I will be taking part in a short Q&A.
The film tells the story of Rock Against Racism, a movement formed in response to Eric Clapton’s support for Enoch Powell.
Tickets here
creativeartseast.co.uk/whats-on/rip-i…#punknk
The film tells the story of Rock Against Racism, a movement formed in response to Eric Clapton’s support for Enoch Powell.
Tickets here
creativeartseast.co.uk/whats-on/rip-i…#punknk
St Stephen’s Church is such a fantastic venue so I was delighted that my Ipswich Book Festival event was held there at the weekend.
Thanks to everyone who came along to hear me discussing my books about Shane MacGowan, Ian Dury and Stiff Records.
Photos by What Associates.
#ipswich #books
Thanks to everyone who came along to hear me discussing my books about Shane MacGowan, Ian Dury and Stiff Records.
Photos by What Associates.
#ipswich #books
October 6, 2026 at 5:42 PM
A huge thank you to everyone who came to see me today at Ipswich Book Festival, to Ed Barnes for such insightful questions and to the brilliant and hard working team behind this event.
So many books sold and such lovely conversations afterwards ❤️
#ipswich #books #iandury #shanemacgowan #punk
So many books sold and such lovely conversations afterwards ❤️
#ipswich #books #iandury #shanemacgowan #punk
October 4, 2026 at 7:39 PM
A huge thank you to everyone who came to see me today at Ipswich Book Festival, to Ed Barnes for such insightful questions and to the brilliant and hard working team behind this event.
So many books sold and such lovely conversations afterwards ❤️
#ipswich #books #iandury #shanemacgowan #punk
So many books sold and such lovely conversations afterwards ❤️
#ipswich #books #iandury #shanemacgowan #punk
Today is the final day of Ipswich Book Festival and you can join me at St Stephen’s Church at 4pm to hear stories about Ian Dury, Shane MacGowan and the iconic Stiff Records label that signed them. I’ll be signing books too.
Book your tickets here
www.wolseytheatre.co.uk/events/richa...
#ipswich
Book your tickets here
www.wolseytheatre.co.uk/events/richa...
#ipswich
Richard Balls - New Wolsey Theatre
www.wolseytheatre.co.uk
October 4, 2026 at 9:29 AM
Today is the final day of Ipswich Book Festival and you can join me at St Stephen’s Church at 4pm to hear stories about Ian Dury, Shane MacGowan and the iconic Stiff Records label that signed them. I’ll be signing books too.
Book your tickets here
www.wolseytheatre.co.uk/events/richa...
#ipswich
Book your tickets here
www.wolseytheatre.co.uk/events/richa...
#ipswich
I have so much respect and admiration for @paulineblack.bsky.social and @theselecter.bsky.social. They were magnificent at Shepherds Bush Empire last night and as relevant as they were back in 1980.
Music can be a force for good and they have remained true to that.
#2tone #ska #theselecter
Music can be a force for good and they have remained true to that.
#2tone #ska #theselecter
October 3, 2026 at 7:47 PM
I have so much respect and admiration for @paulineblack.bsky.social and @theselecter.bsky.social. They were magnificent at Shepherds Bush Empire last night and as relevant as they were back in 1980.
Music can be a force for good and they have remained true to that.
#2tone #ska #theselecter
Music can be a force for good and they have remained true to that.
#2tone #ska #theselecter
My first night away from my rescue collie Sarah and there was this to remind me of her. Thanks Battersea.
#rescuedog #collie #batterseadogshome #adoptdontshop
#rescuedog #collie #batterseadogshome #adoptdontshop
October 3, 2026 at 5:11 PM
My first night away from my rescue collie Sarah and there was this to remind me of her. Thanks Battersea.
#rescuedog #collie #batterseadogshome #adoptdontshop
#rescuedog #collie #batterseadogshome #adoptdontshop
If you’re a fan of Ian Dury, Shane MacGowan or other legendary acts from Stiff Records, then join me at Ipswich Book Festival on Sunday 4 October.
Book your tickets here for the inside story of my rock biographies.
wolseytheatre.co.uk/events/richard…#ipswichc#suffolkl#punkn#thepogueses
Book your tickets here for the inside story of my rock biographies.
wolseytheatre.co.uk/events/richard…#ipswichc#suffolkl#punkn#thepogueses
October 2, 2026 at 2:31 PM
If you’re a fan of Ian Dury, Shane MacGowan or other legendary acts from Stiff Records, then join me at Ipswich Book Festival on Sunday 4 October.
Book your tickets here for the inside story of my rock biographies.
wolseytheatre.co.uk/events/richard…#ipswichc#suffolkl#punkn#thepogueses
Book your tickets here for the inside story of my rock biographies.
wolseytheatre.co.uk/events/richard…#ipswichc#suffolkl#punkn#thepogueses
Join me on Sunday 4 October at Ipswich Book Festival to hear about my biographies of Ian Dury and Shane MacGowan, as well as Be Stiff: The Stiff Records Story.
Venue - St Stephen’s Church
Time - 4pm
Tickets on sale here
wolseytheatre.co.uk/events/richard…#ipswichc#suffolkl#punkn#booksks
Venue - St Stephen’s Church
Time - 4pm
Tickets on sale here
wolseytheatre.co.uk/events/richard…#ipswichc#suffolkl#punkn#booksks
September 30, 2026 at 5:07 PM
Join me on Sunday 4 October at Ipswich Book Festival to hear about my biographies of Ian Dury and Shane MacGowan, as well as Be Stiff: The Stiff Records Story.
Venue - St Stephen’s Church
Time - 4pm
Tickets on sale here
wolseytheatre.co.uk/events/richard…#ipswichc#suffolkl#punkn#booksks
Venue - St Stephen’s Church
Time - 4pm
Tickets on sale here
wolseytheatre.co.uk/events/richard…#ipswichc#suffolkl#punkn#booksks
Very sad to hear that Michael Wynn Jones passed away this morning. His passion for Norwich City was unwavering and he was a wonderful ambassador for the club through thick and thin.
The directors entrance won’t be the same without him enjoying a cigarette.
#norwich #ncfc
The directors entrance won’t be the same without him enjoying a cigarette.
#norwich #ncfc
September 28, 2026 at 7:20 PM
Signed copies of Be Stiff: The Stiff Records Story are available here.
Read about the legendary label that signed Madness, The Damned, Ian Dury, Elvis Costello, The Pogues, Lene Lovich, Jona Lewis and many others!
Ahttps://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/198662136944?var=
#vinyl #stiffrecords
Read about the legendary label that signed Madness, The Damned, Ian Dury, Elvis Costello, The Pogues, Lene Lovich, Jona Lewis and many others!
Ahttps://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/198662136944?var=
#vinyl #stiffrecords
September 24, 2026 at 4:37 PM
Signed copies of Be Stiff: The Stiff Records Story are available here.
Read about the legendary label that signed Madness, The Damned, Ian Dury, Elvis Costello, The Pogues, Lene Lovich, Jona Lewis and many others!
Ahttps://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/198662136944?var=
#vinyl #stiffrecords
Read about the legendary label that signed Madness, The Damned, Ian Dury, Elvis Costello, The Pogues, Lene Lovich, Jona Lewis and many others!
Ahttps://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/198662136944?var=
#vinyl #stiffrecords
Reposted by Richard Balls
I’ll be talking discussing my books about Ian Dury, Shane MacGowan and Stiff Records at Ipswich Book Festival on Sunday 4 October.
Book your tickets here
www.wolseytheatre.co.uk/events/richa...
#stiffrecords #ipswich #iandury #shanemacgowan #stiffrecords
Book your tickets here
www.wolseytheatre.co.uk/events/richa...
#stiffrecords #ipswich #iandury #shanemacgowan #stiffrecords
September 7, 2026 at 7:06 PM
I’ll be talking discussing my books about Ian Dury, Shane MacGowan and Stiff Records at Ipswich Book Festival on Sunday 4 October.
Book your tickets here
www.wolseytheatre.co.uk/events/richa...
#stiffrecords #ipswich #iandury #shanemacgowan #stiffrecords
Book your tickets here
www.wolseytheatre.co.uk/events/richa...
#stiffrecords #ipswich #iandury #shanemacgowan #stiffrecords
My sweet rescue dog Sarah exploring Cromer beach today. At the start of this year, she was in a puppy farm in northern China. Now thanks to Slaughterhouse Survivors she is living her best life here in Norfolk.
#rescuedog #adoptdontshop #norfolk #collie
#rescuedog #adoptdontshop #norfolk #collie
September 20, 2026 at 5:12 PM
My sweet rescue dog Sarah exploring Cromer beach today. At the start of this year, she was in a puppy farm in northern China. Now thanks to Slaughterhouse Survivors she is living her best life here in Norfolk.
#rescuedog #adoptdontshop #norfolk #collie
#rescuedog #adoptdontshop #norfolk #collie
Reposted by Richard Balls
Next month is the 40th anniversary of XTC’s Skylarking and to celebrate, today's episode of What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast features XTC’s Colin Moulding, Blur’s Dave Rowntree, BBC Radio 4 presenter Samira Ahmed and MP Rupa Huq. @burningshed.com www.xtclimelight.com/2026/09/18/s...
Skylarking at 40 with XTC’s Colin Moulding, Blur’s Dave Rowntree, MP Rupa Huq and presenter Samira Ahmed - xtclimelight.com
Bassist and songwriter Colin Moulding joins Blur’s Dave Rowntree, MP Rupa Huq and presenter Samira Ahmed to talk about XTC's Skylarking
www.xtclimelight.com
September 18, 2026 at 6:06 AM
Next month is the 40th anniversary of XTC’s Skylarking and to celebrate, today's episode of What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast features XTC’s Colin Moulding, Blur’s Dave Rowntree, BBC Radio 4 presenter Samira Ahmed and MP Rupa Huq. @burningshed.com www.xtclimelight.com/2026/09/18/s...
At the start of this year, Sarah was in a puppy mill in northern China, and suffering unimaginable conditions.
Today she was happily splashing about in a Norfolk river and fetching sticks. Such a happy girl and loving her new life.
#rescuedog #norfolk #china
Today she was happily splashing about in a Norfolk river and fetching sticks. Such a happy girl and loving her new life.
#rescuedog #norfolk #china
September 13, 2026 at 4:48 PM
At the start of this year, Sarah was in a puppy mill in northern China, and suffering unimaginable conditions.
Today she was happily splashing about in a Norfolk river and fetching sticks. Such a happy girl and loving her new life.
#rescuedog #norfolk #china
Today she was happily splashing about in a Norfolk river and fetching sticks. Such a happy girl and loving her new life.
#rescuedog #norfolk #china
September 13, 2026 at 1:06 PM
John Martyn was born Iain David McGeachy on this day in 1949. Over the years, I have found that his music has stayed with me and landed in a way that no other artist’s has.
‘There’s a place in the leaf/A place in the bow/I’ve found a place for me just now’.
#johnmartyn
‘There’s a place in the leaf/A place in the bow/I’ve found a place for me just now’.
#johnmartyn
September 11, 2026 at 7:53 PM
John Martyn was born Iain David McGeachy on this day in 1949. Over the years, I have found that his music has stayed with me and landed in a way that no other artist’s has.
‘There’s a place in the leaf/A place in the bow/I’ve found a place for me just now’.
#johnmartyn
‘There’s a place in the leaf/A place in the bow/I’ve found a place for me just now’.
#johnmartyn
Calling fans of Shane MacGowan, Ian Dury and other unforgettable acts from the legendary Stiff Records!
I am appearing at Ipswich Book Festival on Sunday 4 October at St Stephen’s Church to talk about all three of my books.
Book your tickets here
www.wolseytheatre.co.uk/events/richa...
#ipswich
I am appearing at Ipswich Book Festival on Sunday 4 October at St Stephen’s Church to talk about all three of my books.
Book your tickets here
www.wolseytheatre.co.uk/events/richa...
#ipswich
September 11, 2026 at 4:00 PM
Calling fans of Shane MacGowan, Ian Dury and other unforgettable acts from the legendary Stiff Records!
I am appearing at Ipswich Book Festival on Sunday 4 October at St Stephen’s Church to talk about all three of my books.
Book your tickets here
www.wolseytheatre.co.uk/events/richa...
#ipswich
I am appearing at Ipswich Book Festival on Sunday 4 October at St Stephen’s Church to talk about all three of my books.
Book your tickets here
www.wolseytheatre.co.uk/events/richa...
#ipswich
I’ll be talking discussing my books about Ian Dury, Shane MacGowan and Stiff Records at Ipswich Book Festival on Sunday 4 October.
Book your tickets here
www.wolseytheatre.co.uk/events/richa...
#stiffrecords #ipswich #iandury #shanemacgowan #stiffrecords
Book your tickets here
www.wolseytheatre.co.uk/events/richa...
#stiffrecords #ipswich #iandury #shanemacgowan #stiffrecords
September 7, 2026 at 7:06 PM
I’ll be talking discussing my books about Ian Dury, Shane MacGowan and Stiff Records at Ipswich Book Festival on Sunday 4 October.
Book your tickets here
www.wolseytheatre.co.uk/events/richa...
#stiffrecords #ipswich #iandury #shanemacgowan #stiffrecords
Book your tickets here
www.wolseytheatre.co.uk/events/richa...
#stiffrecords #ipswich #iandury #shanemacgowan #stiffrecords
This is Sarah, the little girl I adopted from Slaughterhouse Survivors in China, taking her first swim.
We were out for a walk when she saw two dogs swimming after sticks. She went into
the water and started barking, so I threw one for her.
Made my day to see her so happy ❤️
#norwich #rescuedog
We were out for a walk when she saw two dogs swimming after sticks. She went into
the water and started barking, so I threw one for her.
Made my day to see her so happy ❤️
#norwich #rescuedog
September 6, 2026 at 8:51 PM
This is Sarah, the little girl I adopted from Slaughterhouse Survivors in China, taking her first swim.
We were out for a walk when she saw two dogs swimming after sticks. She went into
the water and started barking, so I threw one for her.
Made my day to see her so happy ❤️
#norwich #rescuedog
We were out for a walk when she saw two dogs swimming after sticks. She went into
the water and started barking, so I threw one for her.
Made my day to see her so happy ❤️
#norwich #rescuedog
This is what Norwich is all about. A free event at @americanlibraryuk.bsky.social in @theforumnorwich.bsky.social listening to the super talented songwriter @amyrigby.bsky.social reading from her book Girl To Country, and joined by her partner Wreckless Eric. Just love her witty lyrics.
#norwich
#norwich
September 6, 2026 at 9:12 AM
This is what Norwich is all about. A free event at @americanlibraryuk.bsky.social in @theforumnorwich.bsky.social listening to the super talented songwriter @amyrigby.bsky.social reading from her book Girl To Country, and joined by her partner Wreckless Eric. Just love her witty lyrics.
#norwich
#norwich
Another first for Sarah. A trip to the beach and walking on sand!
She didn’t know what to make of the sea but she happily splashed through a pool. So proud of this beautiful soul I adopted from Slaughterhouse Survivors in China less than a month ago.
#collie #rescuedog #adoptdontshop #norfolk
She didn’t know what to make of the sea but she happily splashed through a pool. So proud of this beautiful soul I adopted from Slaughterhouse Survivors in China less than a month ago.
#collie #rescuedog #adoptdontshop #norfolk
August 31, 2026 at 6:40 PM
Another first for Sarah. A trip to the beach and walking on sand!
She didn’t know what to make of the sea but she happily splashed through a pool. So proud of this beautiful soul I adopted from Slaughterhouse Survivors in China less than a month ago.
#collie #rescuedog #adoptdontshop #norfolk
She didn’t know what to make of the sea but she happily splashed through a pool. So proud of this beautiful soul I adopted from Slaughterhouse Survivors in China less than a month ago.
#collie #rescuedog #adoptdontshop #norfolk
I was at the Fleadh Mor in Ireland in 1993 on the Sunday - check out the line-up!
Shane MacGowan played his first major show with his new band The Popes. Bob Dylan headlined with a full band and was incredible. Van Morrison also did a great set.
#ireland #shanemacgowan #bobdylan
Shane MacGowan played his first major show with his new band The Popes. Bob Dylan headlined with a full band and was incredible. Van Morrison also did a great set.
#ireland #shanemacgowan #bobdylan
August 29, 2026 at 4:38 PM
I was at the Fleadh Mor in Ireland in 1993 on the Sunday - check out the line-up!
Shane MacGowan played his first major show with his new band The Popes. Bob Dylan headlined with a full band and was incredible. Van Morrison also did a great set.
#ireland #shanemacgowan #bobdylan
Shane MacGowan played his first major show with his new band The Popes. Bob Dylan headlined with a full band and was incredible. Van Morrison also did a great set.
#ireland #shanemacgowan #bobdylan