17/07/2025
couldn't be more excited to be a small part of the new book by Ned's Atomic Dustbin front man Jonn Penney.
https://www.threadsatomicdustbin.com/shop/p/selfish
Pre-orders are a massive help — they’ll guide how many we print and, frankly, help us stay in the black. As a thank you, the first 1,000 pre-orders will receive a free signed postcard.
Jonn Penney has written a lyric book, because that’s where he is at: “I might like to show off and demand attention on stage, but writing a book is a different beast. Talking constantly about myself is not exactly my idea of fun, so I decided to write a lyric book instead - because my words in our songs are what I am most proud of. Hopefully, by reflecting on those words, I can reveal to Neds fans what was happening with the band and my own life at specific times in our story… and why.’
Happily, while reviewing the origins of the songs, Jonn has also been able to recant a candid tale or two: “I'm told that some folk want to read this stuff… and it's actually been a real treat to reflect on my experiences. I’ve always felt like an 'accidental rock star', because almost all of these words just seemed to pour out of me automatically in those various studios and rehearsal rooms. I didn't feel like I was driving the words as they emerged, it felt like I'd accidentally burped them out.”
“I didn't keep diaries and so while writing this book, I only had traces of feelings that I had back then for reference; I'm a 50-something, reflecting on what happened (well, what my memory tells me happened) with a 50-something perspective. So that's what this book is: a reflection.’
If you are a fan of Ned’s Atomic Dustbin and had time amongst the beautiful chaos to appreciate Jonn’s words… if you ever wondered what Jonn was writing about… what his life was like during his blessed Neds existence and, essentially, who Jonn Penney actually is… then this book is for you.
Jonn Penney has written a lyric book, because that’s where he is at: “I might like to show off and demand attention on stage, but writing a book is a different beast. Talking constantly about myself is not exactly my idea of fun, so I decided to write a lyric book instead - because my words in o...