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Richard Balls @musicbiographer.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

White Riot is showing at Diss Corn Hall on Wednesday 21 October and I will be taking part in a short Q&A. The film tells the story of Rock Against Racism, a movement formed in response to Eric Clapton’s support for Enoch Powell. Tickets here creativeartseast.co.uk/whats-on/rip-i… #punk

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Richard Balls @musicbiographer.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

St Stephen’s Church is such a fantastic venue so I was delighted that my Ipswich Book Festival event was held there at the weekend. Thanks to everyone who came along to hear me discussing my books about Shane MacGowan, Ian Dury and Stiff Records. Photos by What Associates. #ipswich #books

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Richard Balls @musicbiographer.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

A huge thank you to everyone who came to see me today at Ipswich Book Festival, to Ed Barnes for such insightful questions and to the brilliant and hard working team behind this event. So many books sold and such lovely conversations afterwards ❤️ #ipswich #books #iandury #shanemacgowan #punk

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Richard Balls @musicbiographer.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

Too Nice To Talk To has such a killer riff. One of so many highlights from The Beat at Shepherds Bush Empire on Friday night. Their shows are always such a vibe. What a joyful sound indeed. #TheBeat #ska #2tone

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Richard Balls @musicbiographer.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

Today is the final day of Ipswich Book Festival and you can join me at St Stephen’s Church at 4pm to hear stories about Ian Dury, Shane MacGowan and the iconic Stiff Records label that signed them. I’ll be signing books too. Book your tickets here www.wolseytheatre.co.uk/events/richa... #ipswich

wolseytheatre.co.uk

Richard Balls - New Wolsey Theatre

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Richard Balls @musicbiographer.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

I have so much respect and admiration for @paulineblack.bsky.social and @theselecter.bsky.social. They were magnificent at Shepherds Bush Empire last night and as relevant as they were back in 1980. Music can be a force for good and they have remained true to that. #2tone #ska #theselecter

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Richard Balls @musicbiographer.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

My first night away from my rescue collie Sarah and there was this to remind me of her. Thanks Battersea. #rescuedog #collie #batterseadogshome #adoptdontshop

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Richard Balls @musicbiographer.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

If you’re a fan of Ian Dury, Shane MacGowan or other legendary acts from Stiff Records, then join me at Ipswich Book Festival on Sunday 4 October. Book your tickets here for the inside story of my rock biographies. wolseytheatre.co.uk/events/richard… #ipswich #suffolk #punk #thepogues

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Richard Balls @musicbiographer.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Join me on Sunday 4 October at Ipswich Book Festival to hear about my biographies of Ian Dury and Shane MacGowan, as well as Be Stiff: The Stiff Records Story. Venue - St Stephen’s Church Time - 4pm Tickets on sale here wolseytheatre.co.uk/events/richard… #ipswich #suffolk #punk #books

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Richard Balls @musicbiographer.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Very sad to hear that Michael Wynn Jones passed away this morning. His passion for Norwich City was unwavering and he was a wonderful ambassador for the club through thick and thin. The directors entrance won’t be the same without him enjoying a cigarette. #norwich #ncfc

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Richard Balls @musicbiographer.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Signed copies of Be Stiff: The Stiff Records Story are available here. Read about the legendary label that signed Madness, The Damned, Ian Dury, Elvis Costello, The Pogues, Lene Lovich, Jona Lewis and many others! Ahttps://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/198662136944?var= #vinyl #stiffrecords

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Reposted by Richard Balls

Richard Balls @musicbiographer.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

I’ll be talking discussing my books about Ian Dury, Shane MacGowan and Stiff Records at Ipswich Book Festival on Sunday 4 October. Book your tickets here www.wolseytheatre.co.uk/events/richa... #stiffrecords #ipswich #iandury #shanemacgowan #stiffrecords

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Richard Balls @musicbiographer.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

My sweet rescue dog Sarah exploring Cromer beach today. At the start of this year, she was in a puppy farm in northern China. Now thanks to Slaughterhouse Survivors she is living her best life here in Norfolk. #rescuedog #adoptdontshop #norfolk #collie

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Reposted by Richard Balls

Mark Fisher @markffisher.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Next month is the 40th anniversary of XTC’s Skylarking and to celebrate, today's episode of What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast features XTC’s Colin Moulding, Blur’s Dave Rowntree, BBC Radio 4 presenter Samira Ahmed and MP Rupa Huq. @burningshed.com www.xtclimelight.com/2026/09/18/s...

xtclimelight.com

Skylarking at 40 with XTC’s Colin Moulding, Blur’s Dave Rowntree, MP Rupa Huq and presenter Samira Ahmed - xtclimelight.com

Bassist and songwriter Colin Moulding joins Blur’s Dave Rowntree, MP Rupa Huq and presenter Samira Ahmed to talk about XTC's Skylarking

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Richard Balls @musicbiographer.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

At the start of this year, Sarah was in a puppy mill in northern China, and suffering unimaginable conditions. Today she was happily splashing about in a Norfolk river and fetching sticks. Such a happy girl and loving her new life. #rescuedog #norfolk #china

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Richard Balls @musicbiographer.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

John Martyn was born Iain David McGeachy on this day in 1949. Over the years, I have found that his music has stayed with me and landed in a way that no other artist’s has. ‘There’s a place in the leaf/A place in the bow/I’ve found a place for me just now’. #johnmartyn

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Richard Balls @musicbiographer.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Calling fans of Shane MacGowan, Ian Dury and other unforgettable acts from the legendary Stiff Records! I am appearing at Ipswich Book Festival on Sunday 4 October at St Stephen’s Church to talk about all three of my books. Book your tickets here www.wolseytheatre.co.uk/events/richa... #ipswich

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Richard Balls @musicbiographer.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

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Richard Balls @musicbiographer.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

This is Sarah, the little girl I adopted from Slaughterhouse Survivors in China, taking her first swim. We were out for a walk when she saw two dogs swimming after sticks. She went into the water and started barking, so I threw one for her. Made my day to see her so happy ❤️ #norwich #rescuedog

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Richard Balls @musicbiographer.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

This is what Norwich is all about. A free event at @americanlibraryuk.bsky.social in @theforumnorwich.bsky.social listening to the super talented songwriter @amyrigby.bsky.social reading from her book Girl To Country, and joined by her partner Wreckless Eric. Just love her witty lyrics. #norwich

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Richard Balls @musicbiographer.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

Another first for Sarah. A trip to the beach and walking on sand! She didn’t know what to make of the sea but she happily splashed through a pool. So proud of this beautiful soul I adopted from Slaughterhouse Survivors in China less than a month ago. #collie #rescuedog #adoptdontshop #norfolk

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Richard Balls @musicbiographer.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

I was at the Fleadh Mor in Ireland in 1993 on the Sunday - check out the line-up! Shane MacGowan played his first major show with his new band The Popes. Bob Dylan headlined with a full band and was incredible. Van Morrison also did a great set. #ireland #shanemacgowan #bobdylan

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Richard Balls @musicbiographer.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Expect stories about Ian Dury, Shane MacGowan, Madness, Elvis Costello and other Stiff Records legendary acts at my Ipswich Book Festival event. Venue - St Stephen’s Church Date - Sunday 4 October Time - 4pm Book your tickets here www.wolseytheatre.co.uk/events/richa... #ipswich #suffolk

wolseytheatre.co.uk

Richard Balls - New Wolsey Theatre

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Richard Balls @musicbiographer.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

Three weeks ago I adopted this beautiful soul from Slaughterhouse Survivors in China ❤️ Say hello to Sarah everyone. #internationaldogday #collie

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Richard Balls @musicbiographer.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Happy 72nd birthday to Elvis Costello. One of my all-time musical heroes. #elviscostello

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Richard Balls @musicbiographer.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

Cow Tower, Norwich If you’ve never seen it, take the riverside walk from the train station past @norwichcathedral.bsky.social towards Wensum Street. #norwich

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Richard Balls @musicbiographer.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

Read about the incredible story of Stiff Records in this book. Expect stories about Elvis Costello, Madness, The Damned, The Pogues, Tenpole Tudor, Lene Lovich, and many more! BUY 1 here www.amazon.co.uk/Be-Stiff-Rec... #books #stiffrecords

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Richard Balls @musicbiographer.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

How have I never seen The Courettes before? I saw them last weekend at the Suffield Summer Fiesta and was blown away by them. #thecourettes #norfolk

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Richard Balls @musicbiographer.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

OMG!! I have a new favourite live band. Check out Oh! Gunquit whipping the crowd into a frenzy at the Suffield Summer Fiesta yesterday in north Norfolk. A blistering set of surf rock/garage punk that blew the place apart. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ #norfolk #ohgunquit #festival

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Richard Balls @musicbiographer.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

Thanks to everyone who came out to Cromer Community Centre on a hot night to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Stiff Records. Superb questions from Andrew Brammer and an enthusiastic audience, and lots of signed books snapped up. A very enjoyable night. #stiffrecords #cromer #norfolk

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Richard Balls @musicbiographer.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

To celebrate Stiff’s 50th birthday, here is my interview with Bruce Thomas from Elvis Costello & The Attractions from earlier this year. youtube.com/watch?v=vvnQ... #elviscostello #stiffrecords

youtube.com

50 Years of Stiff Records - Bruce Thomas from Elvis Costello & The Attractions

YouTube video by Be Stiff: The Stiff Records Story

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Richard Balls @musicbiographer.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

Happy 50th birthday to Stiff Records, the legendary independent label that tore up the industry rulebook and made records and music fun. What are your favourite Stiff singles and albums of all time? #stiffrecords #records #vinyl #elviscostello #iandury #punk #thepogues #madness

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Richard Balls @musicbiographer.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

Celebrate 50 years of the legendary Stiff Records with me at Cromer Community Centre on Friday 14 August. Get your tickets here wegottickets.com/f/17178 #cromer #stiffrecords #norfolk

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Richard Balls @musicbiographer.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

If you’re in north Norfolk on Friday 14 August, join me at Cromer Community Centre to roll back the years and celebrate Stiff Records on its 50th anniversary. Expect stories about The Damned, Madness, Elvis Costello and more. Book tickets here wegottickets.com/f/17178 #norfolk #cromer

wegottickets.com

Stiff Records 50th Anniversary Event

Stiff Records first release, on 14 August 1976, was a single (in the normal 7" vinyl 45 rpm format) by Nick Lowe, "So It Goes", B-side "Heart of the City", with the striking catalogue number BUY 1. T...

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Richard Balls @musicbiographer.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

If you’re in north Norfolk this Friday, join me at Cromer Community Centre at 8pm where I will be sharing stories about the legendary Stiff Records label. You can also pick up signed copies of my Stiff and Shane MacGowan books. Book your tickets here wegottickets.com/f/17178 #cromer #norfolk

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Reposted by Richard Balls

Richard Balls @musicbiographer.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

Join me at Cromer Community Centre in north Norfolk on Friday 14 August to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Stiff Records. Come and hear about the label that brought us Elvis Costello, Ian Dury, Madness, The Pogues and many more. #norfolk www.eveningnews24.co.uk/news/2642002...

eveningnews24.co.uk

Norwich author celebrates 50th anniversary of record label

A Norwich author is celebrating the 50th anniversary of an Indi record label behind some of the most memorable hits of the 70s and 80s.

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Richard Balls @musicbiographer.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

Sarah is here! After six months of waiting, the little girl rescued by Slaughterhouse Survivors has arrived at her forever home and she is just adorable. The work this charity does is nothing short of amazing! #RescueDogs

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Richard Balls @musicbiographer.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

I was very sad to learn of Maurice MacGowan’s passing. He was an extraordinary man with a huge intellect who was still translating Latin and Greek verse into his 90s. He was a wonderful husband to Therese and father to Shane and Siobhan. I feel immensely privileged to have met him.

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Richard Balls @musicbiographer.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

I have some wonderful news to share! This is Sarah, a two-year-old collie I am adopting from a charity n China. She was rescued from the most appalling conditions at a puppy mill and has been transformed into this absolute beauty. She begins her new life with me later this week and I can’t wait ❤️

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Richard Balls @musicbiographer.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

eveningnews24.co.uk

Norwich author celebrates 50th anniversary of record label

A Norwich author is celebrating the 50th anniversary of an Indi record label behind some of the most memorable hits of the 70s and 80s.

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Richard Balls @musicbiographer.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

It was so cool to hear David Byrne praising Norwich at @latitudefestival.bsky.social following his stay. He was particularly impressed with @norwichcastle.bsky.social and the man he saw playing a cimbalom in the street! #norwich #latitude #davidbyrne #talkingheads

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Richard Balls @musicbiographer.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

Glen Hansard was such a gifted writer and performer and his music was deeply embedded in the Irish tradition. Such a tragic loss for his family and the country for which he was such a proud ambassador.

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Richard Balls @musicbiographer.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

Really pleased to pick up a first edition copy of Peter Straub’s supernatural classic Julia. It was published in 1976 and turned into Richard Longcraine’s deeply unsettling film Full Circle (also known as The Haunting Of Julia) the following year, starring Mia Farrow. #horror #fullcircle

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Richard Balls @musicbiographer.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

@latitudefestival.bsky.social - you were amazing! David Byrne was the high point across four days of incredible music. Other standouts included The Last Dinner Party, Peter Hook & The Light, Wet Leg, Lime Garden, Dry Cleaning, Panic Shack. An absolute joy. #latitude #davidbyrne #wetleg #lastd

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Richard Balls @musicbiographer.bsky.social · 25/07/2026

Well, David Byrne lived up to expectations with his headline slot at @latitudefestival.bsky.social last night. A brilliantly realised treat for the eyes and ears, it was an all rhythm, movement and storytelling, a stunning distillation of what he’s been doing for decades 10/10 #latitude #davidbyrne

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