A true and interesting story about 90s punks Leatherface, and the author, Chris MacDonald
You may already know Chris MacDonald within the punk scene. He grew up in Toronto, Canada; plays guitar in LeBarons, and has been to many gigs in the UK. He is currently a tattoo artist and an author, with his first book ‘The Things I Came Here With’, published on October 18th 2022. His second novel ‘Days and Days: A Story about Sunderland’s Leatherface and the Ties That Bind‘ was published on October 8th 2024.
“It’s the end of a millennium and Toronto friends Chris and Jason set out for a revelatory adventure through England, Scotland, and Ireland. With every mile, they edge closer to Sunderland’s Leatherface – the modern era’s most anomalous and influential UK punks – while visions of beauty, danger, and dark humour unravel… And before long, they find themselves in the belly of the beast: with the band that changed so many lives.”
In this book, Chris talks about how Leatherface influenced him, his life before discovering the band, and his personal experiences with the band. He has chosen to focus on the members at the time of his journey – Frankie Stubbs, Dickie Hammond, Andrew “Lainey” Laing, and Andy Crighton.
Chris was first introduced to Leatherface by his friend Jason Dwyer, who shares his love for music. They both wrote songs in their teens and have been to many gigs together. Jason played a cassette tape on his stereo, with the first song being ‘I Want The Moon.’ Chris enjoyed it so much that he borrowed the cassette tape to show his brother. He has loved the band who inspired him ever since.
This book has so much detail – Chris has an incredible memory of everything! He recounts his own stories and experiences, as well as the stories and experiences of others, including the band themselves. He tells us how he met Leatherface, all the gigs and tours he’s been to with the band, and includes many interesting facts throughout the story.
Overall, ‘Days and Days: A Story about Sunderland’s Leatherface and the Ties That Bind‘ is a great book to read. It’s interesting, gripping, and occasionally shocking! I don’t want to spoil anything, but if you’re keen to find out more about Leatherface, and Chris himself, then you need to read it asap!
Need more Punk In Your Life?
Griff and Michele are back with a Ska classic!
Follow-up single to their December hit ‘Christmas Smile’, Griff & Michele with one ‘L’ return with a cover of the 1968 Ska/Rocksteady/Reggae classic ‘54-46’, by
Crymwav to hit London on Friday!
West coast US rockers Crymwav (pronounced ‘Crimewave’) are crossing the pond to play a show at the famous Iron Maiden pub the Cart & Horses
Scarborough Punk Souvenir – are YOU in this fantastic photobook, by Phil Thorns?
Scarborough Punk Festival 2024 was an amazing event – top photographer Phil Thorns presents the best of the action! Published in a fabulous 72 page
Syama de Jong, ‘first lady’ of Dutch punk, passes away
Rest in Punk, Rest in Power, Saskia aka Sacha aka Syama de Jong! We shall never forget you. Herman de Tollenaere recounts her extraordinary legacy.
Peesh goes ‘Under the Radar’ in his new seasonal project!
Northumbrian punk singer-songwriter Peesh has just released a great new single, ‘Under the Radar’, to celebrate the first day of Spring – and to launch
Album review: Satanic Rites of The Wildhearts
March 2025 sees The Wildhearts return with their 11th studio album; ‘Satanic Rites of The Wildhearts’. Featuring their new line-up, coming out on a new
I’ve been going to gigs since I was 18 years old, and have loved them ever since. They are my second home. I enjoy discovering new bands, meeting punks of different ages, and learning more about the scene. I sing, play guitar, and learning the drums. Punk for life!
Did you know that we are 100% DIY? We run our own game. No one dictates to us, and no one drives what we can or cannot put on our pages – and this is how we plan to continue!
