ACM Retro

No smartphones 📵, no social media drama 🙅‍♂️, just real music 🎶, real nights out 🕺, and real-life connections 🤝. Are you ready for the 'Dirty Stop Out's Guide to 1980s Birmingham'? Collector's edition drops this Wednesday!
Order now: https://dirtystopouts.com/products/dirty-stop-outs-guide-to-1980s-birmingham-collectors-edition







Big Bear Music

Rave Reviews and Retro Delights: The Era That Keeps On Giving!🌟📚

Even though I've been penning books for 15 years I still get a fantastic buzz when I see a positive review - and I totally loved this one I received today for my newly re-published
'Dirty Stop Out's Guide to 1980s Sheffield':
"I received this yesterday and to be honest, I can't put it down. It's full of beautiful memories and is beautifully written. So many places I remembered that I'd completely forgotten about. My only complaint is, that even though it covers absolutely everything, it leaves you wanting more and not in a bad way either."
So on that note here's a few pics to jog your memory from the era. You can check it out here: https://dirtystopouts.com/products/dirty-stop-outs-guide-to-1980s-sheffield

🚪 Unlock Sheffield's '80s Past With Our Stunning Photos! 🗝️
Though I wax lyrical about the months of research that go into one of my books, I know it's pictures that really make the deep emotional connections.
The right photo has the ability to transport you straight back to a time or event you'd virtually forgotten about.
It brings a smile to your face as you start to read the emotions on the faces in the photo and hone in on the shops and buildings you'd forgotten existed.
Within seconds, you switch from a forgotten memory to reliving an amazing time in your life as you remember the people you were with, the clothes you were wearing, and the experiences you had.
My newly re-published 'Dirty Stop Out's Guide to 1980s Sheffield' is full of the most amazing photos.
These are some more of my personal favourites from the era. You can check out the book here:
https://dirtystopouts.com/products/dirty-stop-outs-guide-to-1980s-sheffield

Rebels: Sheffield’s Rock Sanctuary Of The '80s 🎸
In the heart of 1980s’ Steel City, a rock haven emerged on Dixon Lane that would go down in history.
Rebels wasn’t just a nightclub; it was the beating heart of a resurgent rock scene, drawing in fans from all over as the city’s music scene soared to new heights, with Def Leppard leading the charge. I practically lived there!
My newly re-published 'Dirty Stop Out’s Guide to 1980s Sheffield' captures the essence of this venue that took its Penthouse roots and attracted crowds from right around the region: https://dirtystopouts.com/products/dirty-stop-outs-guide-to-1980s-sheffield
Rebels was more than just a night out — it was a refuge from the mainstream, offering a dedicated space for rock fans to lose themselves in the music.
What are your memories of this much missed venue?

Sheffield’s Fighting Spirit Triumphed in its Darkest Hour 💥💪
This weekend marks the return of my ‘Defiant!’ book. Now republished, the book provides a fresh twist on the Sheffield Blitz story.
‘Defiant’ was the word that appeared in The Star in the hours following the attacks – it perfectly summed up the mood of the Sheffield population.
Their renewed determination to defeat the N**i war machine was held up as an example to the entire nation by Winston Churchill.
The book takes the reader from the build-up to war, right through to the city beginning to rebuild – both structurally and emotionally. It features stunning pictures and evocative first-hand memories.
The journey continues up to the 1951 Pageant of Production – the massive Sheffield City Hall event aimed at celebrating the city’s achievements and pointing to a brighter future. Even Princess Margaret attended, along with scores of other VIPs.
You can check out the book here: https://dirtystopouts.com/products/defiant