There and Black Again: The Autobiography of Don Letts

Don Letts, the Rebel Dread, has never walked a predictable line. Filmmaker, musician, DJ, broadcaster, social commentator, husband, and father – his very existence has been a vibrant defiance of conformity. Born in Britain to Windrush parents, Letts moved with an effortless cool between the raw energy of London's punk explosion and the deep, resonant pulse of its reggae scene, forging a unique and influential path. This updated 2024 edition of There and Black Again offers an exhilarating look back at his exceptional life, a journey as eclectic and compelling as his own persona.

Imagine a film directed by Letts himself, the narrative unfolding in a series of vivid scenes shot across a global landscape. From the gritty streets of London's punk heyday to the sun-drenched vibrancy of Kingston, the relentless pulse of New York City to the sprawling canvas of Los Angeles, the stark beauty of Windhoek to the unexpected quiet of Salt Lake City, and the iconic Jamaican backdrop of Goldeneye – each location serves as a stage for his remarkable story. And what a cast! Joe Strummer, John Lydon, the legendary Bob Marley (a friendship sparked by a daring hotel infiltration), Chrissie Hynde, the visionary Chris Blackwell, glimpses of Paul McCartney, the towering figure of Nelson Mandela, Keith Richards, Patti Smith, the powerful voice of Chuck D., and the revolutionary duo of Malcolm McLaren and Vivienne Westwood all make memorable appearances.

More than just name-dropping, There and Black Again immerses you in the pivotal moments that shaped Letts' trajectory: the raw energy of The Clash's White Riot tour where he served as manager for the incendiary Slits, his intuitive rise as a groundbreaking video director just as MTV was exploding onto the cultural landscape. This updated edition also resonates with the present, featuring Letts' potent reflections on the Black Lives Matter movement alongside the deeply personal currents of love, loss, and connection.

Expect a potent and moving blend of civil unrest, the electrifying communion of live music, sharp wit cutting through weighty issues, and the unwavering backdrop of political struggle. There and Black Again isn't a conventional memoir; it's a refreshing and consistently surprising odyssey with a man who has never hesitated to forge his own distinctive rhythm through life. This is Don Letts in his own inimitable style – insightful, engaging, and utterly unforgettable.