Punk legend Charlie Harper recounts many escapades and amusing moments from throughout his long life!
If you don’t know who Charlie Harper is, then you’re not a real punk! He is THE legend. THE KING OF PUNK! The UK Subs frontman since 1977, he still is today. He has lived on this earth for a very long time, and has had so many interesting experiences, which he discusses in his book. He is a genuinely lovely individual, who I had the pleasure of meeting through my dad years ago, and who I have seen and spoken to since at many gigs. He is very humble, down to earth, and easy to talk to.
His autobiography ‘An Anarchy Of Demons’, which I feel so lucky to be reviewing, reflects that perfectly! It was an absolutely absorbing read. So many pages, 478 (in full colour!) to be exact. 136 chapters, some of them only 1 page long. The book also contains many unseen photos from his own collection, from throughout Charlie’s life, to illustrate his stories.
The foreword of ‘An Anarchy Of Demons’ was written by none other than Lars Frederiksen of punk band Rancid, about how he met Charlie, sharing how Charlie inspired Lars to make music himself. There was even a story told of Lars, Charlie, and Steve Whale of The Business at a gig seeing Motörhead in 2005, where they ended up backstage with Lemmy.
One thing that was said to Charlie by Lemmy that night was “Cos if it wasn’t for YOU, I’d be the oldest cunt doing this”. I loved this! It’s not only true, but it is the reason why Charlie is a legend, because a lot of people retire from their bands when they hit their 60s or occasionally 70s. Charlie is currently 81 and is still going strong! Lars also mentions the time he joined the Subs to play guitar with them.
Throughout this book, there are so many interesting and fun stories told. Charlie also recalls the number of members who have been in UK Subs – that’s quite a few!
Born on 25th May 1944, during World War 2, Charlie tells the story via his mother of his early life, and what conditions were like back then for them all. Some of it is pretty shocking!
Charlie talks about his childhood, his time at boarding schools for misfit boys, his adventurous youth, the various bands he joined as a bassist, then forming UK Subs and how they got their name. The gigs and tours he’s played over the years, the experiences he’s had in his life, both music-related and in his turbulent personal life; an astonishing variety of fascinating, startling, and crazy exploits!
Charlie is a great storyteller in his unique way, keeping me hooked throughout the whole book with all the different stories told. I couldn’t read it all in one sitting as it is very long, which would take many hours, but reading a few chapters at a time was the best way to do it.
I don’t want to spoil the book too much, so I won’t say any more, but I highly recommend checking it out for yourself. It will appeal to everyone with an interest in punk, history and great autobiographies!
Published on 5th September 2025 via Earth Island Books, copies are available in hardback, paperback and ebook, from HERE and all good book sellers!
Main Photo Credit: RUTH RAE – Charlie Harper at Rebellion 2025
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