Skip to content

Store & Venue Finder
Select your local currency
Back to All Books
Daniel Dylan Wray

Groovy, Laidback and Nasty: History of Independent Music in Sheffield Hardback By Daniel Dylan Wray

£25.00

Released: 7th May 2026. Spanning seven decades and with over 150 new interviews, including Richard Hawley, Arctic Monkeys, Self Esteem, ABC, Pulp, Def Leppard, The Human League, Toddla T, Cabaret Voltaire, Warp Records, Clock DVA, Heaven 17 and many more From dazzling electronic futurism to pioneering post-punk, via pop, metal, bassline, bleep techno and generation-defining indie rock, Sheffield has long been a crucible for world-leading music. Some artists have excelled on the fringes, others have achieved global success, but all remain connected through a fervently independent ethos. In Sheffield, creativity flourished in the face of isolation, economic decline and bleak political circumstances, resulting in some of Britain's most groundbreaking and singular music. But the region's ingrained humility and dogged stoicism means it has never been documented or celebrated to the level of more hubristic cities. In Groovy, Laidback and Nasty, acclaimed Sheffield journalist Daniel Dylan Wray sets out to remedy this, telling the story of the city's DIY spirit and the musical visionaries and innovators who helped build its inimitable legacy. Both a compelling cultural study and an unapologetic love letter to the city, this - finally - is the definitive musical history Sheffield so richly deserves. Hardback 416 pages

More info

There was an error adding this product to your basket. Please try again.

**Back in stock soon*

Ring & Reserve

    *Availability subject to change.

    To reserve this item in store, call: 03333 230 667

    Delivery
    *Free UK delivery on orders over £25
    (exclusions apply)
    Usually dispatched within 24 hours
    Click & Collect (UK only)
    Get it delivered to a UK store near you with FREE Click & Collect available on this product.
    • Details

      Released:
      7th May 2026
      Format:
      Book
      Barcode:
      9781399625234
    • Description

      Spanning seven decades and with over 150 new interviews, including Richard Hawley, Arctic Monkeys, Self Esteem, ABC, Pulp, Def Leppard, The Human League, Toddla T, Cabaret Voltaire, Warp Records, Clock DVA, Heaven 17 and many more From dazzling electronic futurism to pioneering post-punk, via pop, metal, bassline, bleep techno and generation-defining indie rock, Sheffield has long been a crucible for world-leading music. Some artists have excelled on the fringes, others have achieved global success, but all remain connected through a fervently independent ethos. In Sheffield, creativity flourished in the face of isolation, economic decline and bleak political circumstances, resulting in some of Britain's most groundbreaking and singular music. But the region's ingrained humility and dogged stoicism means it has never been documented or celebrated to the level of more hubristic cities. In Groovy, Laidback and Nasty, acclaimed Sheffield journalist Daniel Dylan Wray sets out to remedy this, telling the story of the city's DIY spirit and the musical visionaries and innovators who helped build its inimitable legacy. Both a compelling cultural study and an unapologetic love letter to the city, this - finally - is the definitive musical history Sheffield so richly deserves. Hardback 416 pages
    • Delivery and Returns

      Delivery charges

      UK Delivery:
      • Orders under £25 - £2.99 
      • Orders £25 and over - FREE*
      • Click & Collect - FREE**
      • Express Delivery - £5.99
      International Delivery:
      Costs are calculated at checkout based on parcel size and weight. Find out more here.

      *Some items are only available via a dedicated delivery service, for an additional charge.
      **Some items can only be delivered via Click & Collect to an HMV or Fopp store of your choice.

      For more information, please visit the Delivery section of our Help Centre.


      When will my order arrive?

      • We aim to dispatch in-stock items within 24 hours* 
      • Standard UK delivery: Royal Mail Tracked 48® service, usually within 2-5 working days (including Saturdays).
      • Express UK delivery: Royal Mail Tracked 24® or DPD, usually within two working days (order by 2pm, Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays).
      • International delivery: Tracked service, usually within 3-5 working days.
      • Pre-orders: dispatched with the aim to deliver on the release date.
      *Where an item is 'Back in stock soon', we usually expect stock within a week and will dispatch it once available.

      For more information, please visit the Delivery section of our Help Centre.

      Will you tell me when my order is on its way?

      • You will receive a dispatch email when each parcel is on its way.
      • Orders may arrive in multiple parcels, depending on stock availability.
      • Out-of-stock items will follow as soon as we receive stock.
      • You can check the status of your orders in your account.
      For more information, please visit the Delivery section of our Help Centre.


      Trusted Suppliers

      Items marked 'item fulfilled by Exertis on behalf of hmv' are dispatched directly by Exertis via their approved couriers. Your delivery details will be shared with Exertis and their courier to fulfil your order.


      Returns

      • We're happy to accept returns for unwanted items within 30 days of receipt, provided they’re in their original condition with all seals intact. Clothing and technology items without a seal may be opened for inspection (as you would in a shop) but must not be used and should be repackaged carefully.  
      • Some exclusions apply, please visit the Returns section of our Help Centre for more details. 
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       

    Sign-up for emails

    Sign-up for emails

    Sign-up for emails

    I'd love to hear about offers and promotions from hmv*