Dirty Stop Out's Guide to 1980s Birmingham - collector's edition with free gift

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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