You Can Drum But You Can't Hide

Of all the iconic musicians and scenes that emanate from Manchester, Simon Wolstencroft is the one who joins up the dots. He learnt his chops playing with Johnny Marr and Andy Rourke, but turned down The Smiths because he didn’t like the cut of Morrissey’s jib. He parted ways with his schoolmates Ian Brown and John Squire before The Patrol became The Stone Roses. He spent eleven glorious years in The Fall and when that journey inevitably hit the buffers he hooked up with his old mate Ian Brown and went on to collaborate with a string of his musical city’s luminaries.

You Can Drum But You Can’t Hide hands you an access all areas pass to the back alleys and living rooms of the musical mavericks synonymous with the city of Manchester. As rival camps retreat to their own grudges, Wolstencroft is the humble bee who crosses borders and pollinates. With humour and candour, ‘Funky’ Si’s memoir recounts a life of drumming, parties, drugs, friendship and a love of making music.

Wolstencroft’s book gives us a whole new perspective about Manchester’s music scene. A cracking read.’ — Louder Than War

‘Essential.’ — Vive le Rock!

‘This punchy and addictive memoir proves as endearing and self-effacing as Wolstencroft himself.’ — The Quietus

'Refreshingly frank.’ — Record Collector

‘An ideal read for all fans of Manchester’s groups, artists and music-history.’ — Your Own

‘Infectious, incredibly honest, and told with heaps of candour. This book is for anyone who is an appreciator of music, and which tells how to make the best of every situation life throws at you.’ — We Are Cult