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We Think Some Eras Deserve An Encore...

Birmingham book - Dirty Stop Out's Guide to 1980s Birmingham

Regular price £ 21.95 GBP
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  • The ‘80s were a different world — no smartphones, no social media drama, just real music, real nights out, and real-life connections.
    That’s why we created the 'Dirty Stop Out’s Guide to 1980s Birmingham' — we want to take you back there!

    Do you remember a world before algorithms told us what music to listen to, when we lived for the moment rather than the next social media post?

    Over a year of research has gone into creating this — the ultimate A4 coffee table book guaranteed to make you feel 18 again.
    It's packed with hundreds of rare, never-before-seen photos, eye-catching memorabilia, scores of interviews, and more.

     

What makes this edition special?

This is a highly sought-after collector’s edition, featuring an exclusive, limited-edition cover. With only 500 copies ever to be printed, it’s a one-of-a-kind opportunity to own a piece of Birmingham’s vibrant 1980s history.

Each book comes with an enhanced matt finish, making it not only visually stunning but a true keepsake for lovers of nostalgia. Packed with rare, never-before-seen photos and memorabilia, this collector’s item is as much a treasure for enthusiasts as it is a time machine to a legendary era.

Our collector’s editions are known to increase in value over time, making this a worthy addition to any collection.

Is this book suitable as a gift?

Absolutely! This book is the perfect nostalgic gift for anyone who lived through the 1980s, especially those who were part of Birmingham’s music and club scene

How long does delivery take?

We pride ourselves on fast and efficient delivery. Orders placed before 2pm are normally posted the same business day. We post Royal Mail Tracked 48 which means your book should arrive within 2 business days of postage. Please allow extra time for international deliveries.

Is this book only for people who lived in Birmingham?

While it’s focused on Birmingham’s nightlife, anyone with a love for the 1980s music scene, club culture, and fashion will enjoy it. Whether you lived in the city or wish you had, it’s a fascinating glimpse into the era.

Who are the authors?

Jim Simpson has been prominent on the Birmingham music scene from his beginnings in the 1960s playing trumpet with Locomotive to the present day when he has
racked up 40 years as Director of the Birmingham Jazz and Blues Festival and nearly as many guiding the fortunes of King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys, plus reviving Henry’s Blueshouse initially at the Bull’s Head, now in Snobs.
His company, Big Bear Music, is probably the longest lived independent record label in the UK. Having managed Black Sabbath in their early years, in the seventies he toured and recorded many American bluesmen as well as managing and recording such fondly remembered Birmingham groups as Muscles, the Quads and Tea and Symphony. In 2019
Brewin Books published his memoir of 60 years in the
music business, Don’t Worry ‘bout the Bear. In 2024 he was awarded an Honourary Degree in Music by the University of Birmingham.
Ron Simpson was absent from Birmingham for all of the 1980s, having moved to Yorkshire in 1971. After retiring from teaching in 1995, he has written prolifically. In addition to numerous study guides for English Literature and grammar books aimed at teenagers, he wrote Teach Yourself English Grammar which went into its fourth edition in 2019. He also co-wrote Don’t Worry ‘bout the Bear. He reviews theatre and music for several websites and is news and features editor for Jazz Rag, a national bi-monthly magazine edited by his brother Jim.

Will there be more editions or volumes?

This book is part of the Dirty Stop Out’s Guide series and we already do the Dirty Stop Out's Guide to 1970s Birmingham which has been very popular. We also do editions in nearby Coventry, Liverpool, Manchester and many other places.

How much is postage?

You pay a flat fee to cover postage and packing. But if your order is more than £75 it's free UK postage. Have you seen our amazing hand-printed Birmingham T-shirts?

What if I don't like my book?

Love your Dirty Stop Outs purchase, or receive a full refund if you return the goods within 30 days. We sell to rock stars and believe in rock star customer service... For everyone!

Did you know your purchase will support Dementia UK?

Our memory-packed books have been helping dementia sufferers since 2011. We now make a donation from every sale to Dementia UK

A Word From The Owner...

Here at Dirty Stop Outs we think you're never too old too disgrace a dancefloor and certainly never old enough to know any better. Our mission is simple – we want you to re-discover your rock’n’roll mojo. So why grow up when you can still be a 'Dirty Stop Out'?

  • Money Back Guarantee

    Love your Dirty Stop Outs purchase, or receive a full refund if you return the goods within 30 days. We sell to rock stars and believe in rock star customer service... For everyone!

  • Free UK Delivery

    Delivery is on us for all orders over £75 - how retro rock'n'roll is that?

  • Charity donation logo

    Every Sale Helps A Dementia Sufferer

    Our memory-packed books have been helping dementia sufferers since 2011. We now make a donation from every sale to Dementia UK.

You're Amongst Friends With The Dirty Stop Outs...

Product FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions...

Oi Dirty Stop Outs - where's my parcel?

All books will leave Dirty Stop Outs HQ within two business
days or your order. We deliver using Royal Mail Tracked 48 so expect your postman to be looking very jealously at your package within another two business days. If your package doesn’t arrive as scheduled don’t hesitate to drop us a line and we’ll get
everything sorted in true retro rock’n’roll fashion. Just drop us a line at: info@dirtystopouts.com

I'm sorry I've changed my mind - I'm just not ready to re-discover my mojo...

Refunds really are no problem. In fact we’ll provide one with no questions asked as long as you return your undamaged goods within 30 days of purchase. Just drop us a line at: returns@dirtystopouts.com Refunds are usually made within one business day of undamaged goods being returned to us.

Customer Reviews

Based on 12 reviews
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K
Karen. L.
Fast Delivery and Great Customer Service!

Ordered as a surprise for my husband, and it arrived super quickly! The book itself is fantastic quality, and the customer service was top-notch. Highly recommended

L
Laura B.
Brings Back the Best Memories

Every page had me grinning ear to ear! This book reminded me of nights at The Dome and Powerhouse. A perfect way to relive those times when life felt simpler and the music was incredible.

C
Claire. M
Well-Written and Nostalgia-Filled

In a digital age, these books stand out. The feel of the pages, the weight in your hands it's an immersive experience. And the memories shared are priceless. My parents and I are reliving our youth through these pages!

P
Paul. G.
Perfect Gift for Any 80s Music Fan!

The amount of detail in this book is incredible. I learned so much about the venues I used to frequent. It�s well-researched, filled with fascinating stories, and absolutely crammed with photos.

S
Steven. R
A Must-Read for Any Birmingham Native

I grew up in Birmingham during the 80s, and this book hits all the right notes. The venues, the fashion, the music�it's all here. Every Brummie should have this on their shelf