To Ease My Troubled Mind: The Authorised Unauthorised History of Billy Childish

Steven Hamper, a stonemason in 1977, smashed his hand with a 3lb club hammer and became Billy Childish, a punk rock artist known for his DIY cred and over one hundred and fifty albums. "To Ease My Troubled Mind" is a mosaic portrait of Childish, featuring interviews with family, ex-girlfriends, band members, friends, foes, and collaborators, showcasing his obstacle-strewn upbringing and his prolific and uncompromising creative force.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 04 July 2024
Publisher: Orion Publishing Co

In 1977, at the age of 17, Steven Hamper embarked on a journey that defied societal expectations. Working as a stonemason in the dockyards of Chatham, Kent, his heart yearned for something more. Punk rock's raw energy and celebration of amateurism captivated him, igniting a desire for rebellion. In a moment of audacious defiance, Steven wielded a 3lb club hammer and shattered his hand, vowing never to work again. This act of radical self-destruction transformed him into the enigmatic figure known as Billy Childish.

Over the years, Childish has remained steadfastly committed to punk's DIY ethos, emerging as one of the most recognizable and authentic voices in various artistic endeavors. His prolific career spans over one hundred and fifty albums, encompassing raw rock and roll, punk, blues, and folk. He has also authored numerous volumes of searing poetry and several autobiographical novels, showcasing his diverse literary talents. However, it is his painting that has garnered him critical acclaim, commercial success, and international recognition in recent years.

Childish's artistic journey has remained unwavering, despite the changing tides of the art world. His unwavering dedication to his craft has earned him a reputation as a true renaissance man. To Ease My Troubled Mind, a captivating mosaic portrait, is a testament to his artistic prowess. Compiled over a year of extensive interviews with Childish, as well as with close family, ex-girlfriends, band members past and present, friends, foes, collaborators, and even his therapist, the book offers an unflinching yet frequently spiritual and funny portrayal of an artist whose obstacle-strewn upbringing formed the very backbone of his work.

Raised in a broken home and subjected to abuse as a child, Childish battled undiagnosed dyslexia while struggling in remedial class. Despite these challenges, he has emerged as Britain's most prolific and uncompromising creative force. His art reflects the struggles and triumphs of his life, capturing the raw emotion and vulnerability of his experiences.

Through his art, Childish has connected with people from all walks of life, transcending boundaries and challenging societal norms. His paintings, with their bold colors and intricate details, evoke a sense of wonder and curiosity, inviting viewers to explore the depths of his psyche. Childish's artistic journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the transformative effect of self-expression.

In conclusion, Billy Childish's story is a remarkable testament to the power of creativity and the human spirit. His journey from a stonemason to a punk rock icon, and then to a celebrated painter, is a testament to the indomitable human spirit. Through his art, he has touched the lives of countless individuals, inspiring them to embrace their own uniqueness and pursue their dreams. Childish's legacy will continue to resonate for generations to come, reminding us that art has the power to transform lives and ignite change.

Weight: 594g
Dimension: 164 x 242 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399615532