Author Q&A: Solid Bond in Your Heart – A People’s History of The Jam
‘Solid Bond In Your Heart: A People’s History of The Jam’ is a new book by acclaimed author and journalist Malcolm Wyatt.
Published in 2025 by Manchester-based Spenwood Books, it tells the tale of one the most iconic and inspirational bands of all time: The Jam. Exploding on to the British music scene with their April 1977 debut single and LP, In The City, they went on to pen nine top-10 and 18 top-40 singles up to their December 1982 farewell, including UK No.1s ‘Going Underground’, ‘Start!’, ‘A Town Called Malice’, and swansong, ‘Beat Surrender’,
Told by the band, members of their inner circle, loyal fans and contemporaries, ‘Solid Bond In Your Heart: A People’s History of The Jam’ charts the band’s epic rise and celebrates the powerful affection they still command.
With a foreword from Paul Weller, there are also contributions from bandmates Bruce and Rick, plus co-founder Steve Brookes, with an afterword from broadcaster Gary Crowley and accounts from over 500 fans. And along the way, there are words and photos from the band’s many North-West appearances, not least at Manchester Apollo, Granada TV, Middleton Civic Hall, the University of Salford, and Saddleworth Arts Festival.
Alongside ‘Solid Bond In Your Heart: A People’s History of The Jam’, its author Malcolm Wyatt has penned 2023’s ‘Wild! Wild! Wild! A People’s History of Slade’, and ‘This Day in Music’s Guide to The Clash’.
Appearing in the Henry Watson Music Library on the first floor of Central Library on 24 February, expect an intimate, in-person talk, Q&A and book signing with the author.
Did you know…at Manchester Central Library and our neighbourhood libraries, we have a broad selection of books on music which are free to borrow if you have a library card? You can browse our music collection online here or in the Henry Watson Music Library at this event, and find out how to join the library free here or on the day (just bring along some ID with your home address on to complete sign up and pick up your new library card).
Book tickets here or click on ‘Book Now’ below and ‘pay-what-you can’.
All donations go to Manchester Libraries to support future activities.
