The Big Midweek | Stewart Lee Session 

The best book about The Fall.

The Big Midweek is a mini masterpiece .

I know it's been awhile since it's publication, but I've only just got round to reading it and, well, it's easily one of the best books I've ever read. It's hard to describe, but it's just wonderful, the whole thing, the band, the tours, the characters, the 'normality' of the situation, ie that being in The Fall was a job, other things go on, people have babies, open pie shops, study for their A Levels, there are gigs, recording sessions, it's just the best book, the best music book, it's like a novel, it's better than a novel because it actually happened. The Fall, an institution, a band. God! It's so good. I wish Steve Hanley would write Volume Two. Hats off to Steve Hanley.

Steve Hanley, all round nice chap, and GREAT distinctive bassist!

How wonderful. I've not seen this before. What a great, genuine bloke Hanley is. And I love Stewart Lee an all.

I went to Leeds to see Brix and the band playing a social club - was one of their first gigs I think - Anyway, Paul and Steve (Hanley brothers) heard about me coming all that way for the gig and invited me backstage. I met Brix and the rest of the group, had a nice look at their instruments and they gave me a few beers. Lovely guys and a fantastic show. I know Mark didn't approve of what they were doing, but fuck it.

*Too* long the music press went through the pantomime jig of 'The Fall: It's ALL about M E Smith' - About time there was a correction. :) Great interview! Hanleys bass-lines MAKE The Falls sound the glory that it is!

What a lovely man

Brilliant bass player.The book was really fascinating.Great read.

Steve Hanley definitely doesn't sound like someone who's blagging it on 'Tempo House'.

People do trivialise Fall members but Steve Craig and Brix to me are part of the band I watched in my teenage years and early twenties and so to me they hold very fond memories. I especially likes Steve and Craig but as I was the same as them and quite shy. Many times I have seen them at the bar or leaving a gig but never spoke to them but I should have has Steve is a lovely man. I think you are afraid to meet your idols in case they let you down.

Steve's bass sound is intrinsic to The Fall in the same way that Tommy Iommi's guitar sound is intrinsic to Sabbath. They'd both be good without it, but it wouldnt be quite the same

And not before time! This was a pleasure to watch, hipness is not a state of mind, it's a fact of life. (RIP Mark E - ya mad bugger!)

I would put Steve Hanley's bass playing up there with Peter Hook of Joy Division/New Order and JJ Burnel of The Stranglers as the best Rock Bass players UK Rock has ever produced. All had their unique sound and were central to the band's sound.

I really enjoyed this, thanks!

Hanley’s book is a great read for Fall fans.

great book. love you steve

Before the main clip started I thought: I wonder what Steve Hanley looks like now. I was 100% right.

That was ace.

Simon Rogers is a funny guy

Whizzheads. Add some spirits and the brain goes home, leaves you there. That's Mark E.''s true mark. Matchstick eyed fucked up just about rock n roll but SO GOOD

Melvyn Bragg has let himself go.

Patrick Moore's let himself go.

Orson Welles has let himself go.

Steve Hanely has really let himself go.