Into The Valley

Richard Jobson, the lead singer of the punk rock band The Skids, has written a memoir called "Into The Valley". He discusses his life, including his childhood accident that left him with epilepsy, the formation of The Skids, and the breakdown of the band. Jobson also talks about his friendship with Stuart Adamson, who took his own life two decades later. He became a successful film producer and presenter on television in the 1980s. In 2017, Jobson reactivated The Skids, and they went on a successful UK tour. The book is a first-hand account of the late 1970s and early 80s and how Jobson overcame adversity to become successful in the music and film industry.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 18 February 2022
Publisher: Wymer Publishing

Richard Jobson, a renowned film producer, has led an eventful and diverse life. Despite facing a harrowing incident as a child that resulted in epilepsy, he was just fifteen when he co-founded the punk rock band The Skids in 1977 alongside songwriting partner Stuart Adamson. The band achieved significant success with hit singles like "Into the Valley," but after four albums, The Skids disbanded, and Jobson formed The Armoury Show. Adamson, on the other hand, went on to form the renowned eighties band Big Country.

In this candid and introspective narrative, Jobson delves into the various challenges and struggles that have shaped his life. He openly discusses his breakdown during the production of The Skids' third album, "The Absolute Game," revealing the suicidal thoughts that plagued him at the time. What makes this story even more poignant is that Adamson, Jobson's songwriting partner, would take his own life two decades later. Despite the band's breakup, they remained close friends, and their relationship is explored in depth throughout the book.

In the 1980s, Jobson gained prominence as a television presenter and film reviewer for Sky Television. In June 2013, he was awarded an honorary degree (Doctor of Arts) from Edinburgh Napier University. Today, Jobson is a successful filmmaker, but his life has taken a full circle. In 2017, he reactivated The Skids, embarking on a successful UK tour that led to increased demand for shows in 2018 and the band's first new album in over three decades. This resurgence has prompted Jobson to write his memoirs, capturing his experiences in the band.

"Into the Valley" is a captivating read that showcases Jobson's remarkable journey from a school punk to a successful film producer. It provides a firsthand account of the late 1970s and early 80s, appealing not only to punk rock fans but to anyone interested in music and film. Jobson's triumph over his disability is a testament to his resilience and determination, and his story is a source of inspiration for many.

Weight: 320g
Dimension: 145 x 570 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781912782949
Edition number: New ed