Join Jon King in conversation about his memoir To Hell with Poverty! chronicling his misadventures in the legendary post-punk band Gang of Four

“One of postpunk’s most influential bands.” – The New York Times, on Gang of Four

MASS MoCA’s R&D Store presents a Solid Sound Book Talk for To Hell with Poverty! (Akashic Books) which documents Jon King’s story from a south London slum and working-class background to international success as core musician, lyricist, writer, and producer in the legendary post-punk/funk band Gang of Four.

King’s memoir takes the reader on an episodic journey full of raucous adventures from his childhood and teenage years, to the height of Gang of Four’s success in the seventies and eighties.

Thrown off Top of the Pops, truncheoned by police at an anti-Nazi rally, coming of age in the heart of the Leeds music scene and the UK post-punk movement, mingling with Hells Angels and other undesirables, supported by bands like R.E.M. and playing with the likes of the Police, Iggy Pop, and the Buzzcocks — King’s time with Gang of Four is rich with jaw-dropping stories. Evocative, fast-paced, and witty, To Hell with Poverty! is a music memoir for the ages.

Can’t make the event? Pre-order a copy of To Hell with Poverty! and we’ll get it signed for you.

Jon King is an English musician, songwriter, and Grammy-nominated art director in the post-punk band Gang of Four.