Summer smashes
In the year of the 40th anniversary of Rock Against Racism, join Daniel at a clutch talks, events, and festivals as well as his regular slot as guest contributor on BBC 5 LIve 'The Record Club'. See 'Events' for more information...
Rock Against Racism 40th Anniversary
Carnival Against the Nazis To celebrate the 1978 Rock Against Racism Carnival Against the Nazis, the Migration Museum is hosting an exhibition of memorabillia until September 2018. In April, Daniel chaired an in-conversation with original RAR member Kate Webb, Clash manager, Caroline Coon, lead singer of Alien Kulture, Pervez Bilgrami, and Manchester RAR organiser Debbie [...]
David Bowie book
When Ziggy Played the Marquee features the photography of Terry o'Neil with text by Daniel Rachel. When Ziggy played The Marquee Club in Soho, London, in October 1973, most of those invited to the small venue did not realize that this would be the last performance David Bowie would ever give as Ziggy Stardust. Terry O'Neill, [...]
Steve Lamacq Show BBC 6 Music
Daniel talks to Steve about his Good Day Bad Records sharing stories about his first single 'Too Much Too Young' by the Specials and a one-to-one performance with Bobby Gillespie (Primal Scream) http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b08xkzft Interview at 1 hr 40 mins
Modcast special
In conversation with Annajoy David, Eddie Pillar and Dean Rudland
Rough Trade podcast
In conversation and playing the records of the Specials, Kate Tempest, the Style Council, and the Selecter.
Guardian review
'This definitive books suggests that now might be the time to learn from the story it tells.' John Harris reviews the paperback of edition of Walls Come Tumbling Down by Daniel Rachel.
NME podcast with Billy Bragg
Listen to author Daniel Rachel and Billy Bragg discuss new Rock Against Racism book ‘Walls Come Tumbling Down’ ByDamian Jones Apr 28, 2017 A podcast featuring Billy Bragg and award winning author Daniel Rachel has been posted online. The audio focuses on Rachel’s new book Walls Come Tumbling Down which consists of new conversations with over 100 contributors, including Pauline [...]
Guardian feature/ Penderyn Book of the Year
British 70s protest-music chronicle wins music book of the year Daniel Rachel’s Walls Come Tumbling Down, an exhaustive account of the Rock Against Racism, 2 Tone and Red Wedge movements, takes the Penderyn music book prize ‘Very important at this moment in time, too’ … the Clash perform at the 1978 Rock Against Racism carnival [...]
Penderyn Book Music Prize 2017 – acceptance speech
Walls Come Tumbling Down: the music and politics of Rock Against Racism, 2 Tone and Red Wedge has won the Penderyn Music Book Prize 2017. 'The Mercury Prize of Books' - NME 'I am so thrilled to receive the Penderyn Music Book Prize. The last time I won a prize was the tombola at St [...]
Penderyn Book Music Prize 2017 winner
Walls Come Tumbling Down: the music and politics of Rock Against Racism, 2 Tone and Red Wedge has won the Penderyn Music Book Prize 2017. 'The Mercury Prize of Books' - NME 'I am so thrilled to receive the Penderyn Music Book Prize. The last time I won a prize was the tombola at St Christopher’s [...]
BBC Radio 5 – The Up All Night Record Club
Daniel will be the guest contributor on the first of a new BBC Radio 5 Live series 'The Up All Night Recortd Club' Episode 1: The Beatles 'Revolver' The Human League 'Dare' Both albums, upon release, were awarded 5 star reviews. Do the rceords stand up in 2017. Phone in and share your opinions. BBC [...]
Friends of the Earth – best protest song?
Friends of the Earth invited prominant people to contribute to question, 'Which is the best protest song?' 10 January 2017 Which is the best protest song? They can stir our hearts, emotions and actions. But which are the best-ever protest songs? Oliver Bennett asks prominent people to share the music that moved them most. Where [...]
25 Song Video Playlist with exclusive book extracts
Bob Marley – I Shot the Sherriff DAVID HINDS Clapton was hailed as a god because of the Yardbirds and then Cream, but I thought ‘I Shot The Sheriff’ was utter rubbish. It was nowhere on a par to Marley’s version: Sheriff John Brown always hated me . . . every time I plant a seed [...]
Ocean Colour Scene tour programme
Ocean Colour Scene's Moseley Shoals 20th anniversary tour programme features words from Daniel. taken from the deluxe re-issue.
BBC 6 Music interview with Shaun Keaveny
Daniel talks to Shaun about socialism, anti-fascism and the Specials chasing racists out of the dance hall. Listen again. Interview at 2hrs
Two short films: the records and the story behind the book
In conversation with Jean from Picador about the events that contribute to Walls Come Tumbling Down. Daniel talks through the music behind Walls Come Tumbling Down Check out some of Daniel's recommendations on a special playlist he made for Pan Macmillan here: http://www.picador.com/blog/august-20...
Tracey Thorn feature in New Statesman
Read Tracey Thorn's article 'What has happened to Political Pop' about Red Wedge and clearing up after Billy Bragg, in the New Statesman.
Daniel reading an extract from Walls Come Tumbling Down
Extract from the opening pages about Eric Clapton's racist rant at the Birmingham Odeon in August 1976
MOJO triple page feature
Mojo Magazine 3 page extract from Walls Come Tumbling Down about the 2 Tone, 1979 featuring the Specials, the Selecter and Madness.
Recent events and images
People's History Museum with Billy Bragg: 'An amazing oral history of a time when pop culture fought against the forces of darkness. Well worth reading not just by those who were there, but also by anyone looking for the inspiration to mix pop and politics in the 21st century.' Jerry Dammers at the launch of [...]
Guardian Book of the Week
This is a triumphant oral history of Rock Against Racism, 2 Tone and Red Wedge, a timely account of 1970s-80s musicians who fought against bigotry and Thatcherism John Harris review of Walls Come Tumbling Down...'triumphant...definitive book...the details are as much rooted in great human stories as dry politics, and the text manages to sustain its mood [...]
Fred Perry subculture exclusive playlist and feature
11 track playlist especially chosen for Fred Perry by Daniel coupled with and an exclusive interview at Fred Perry subculture
Birmingham Literary Festival
Film from the Walls Come Tumbling Down in conversation at the Birmingham Literary Festival Studio Theatre (l-r) Richard Coles, Ruth Gregory, Ranking Roger, Daniel Rachel.