Posted by Janine Warren’s new book, The World Was a Mess But His Hair Was Perfect: The Last Indie Music Scene 2000-2010, finally provides an authoritative account of the UK’s post-2000 indie resurgence. While Lizzy Goodman’s 2017 tome Meet Me In The Bathroom set the gold standard for documenting the frenzied creativity of the New York scene, readers on this side of the Atlantic have long awaited a definitive companion piece that captures the British experience.
Warren is uniquely positioned to tell this story. Having served as a publicist for many of the era’s most iconic acts—including Johnny Marr, Bloc Party, Franz Ferdinand, The Libertines, Marianne Faithfull, and Mick Jones—she offers an insider’s perspective on the turbulent decade that defined a generation of guitar music.
The book is more than just a historical record; it is a collection of yarns and anecdotes from the period’s most vital voices. Warren invites contributions from industry heavyweights such as former NME editor Conor McNicholas and producer Paul Epworth, providing a multi-faceted view of the studio sessions and backstage chaos that shaped the sound of the 00s.
Visuals play a crucial role in the narrative as well. The book features a foreword by Alex Kapranos of Franz Ferdinand and utilizes period-faithful cover design by Matthew Cooper. Furthermore, it showcases a collection of previously unseen photography by Andy Willsher, widely regarded as the most celebrated gig photographer of that era.
Reading this book takes me back to the start of our journey as a band… we just wanted to make something that moved us, physically, emotionally, whatever it took.
With early praise from figures like Bloc Party frontman Kele Okereke, the book promises to be an essential read for anyone who lived through the era or wishes to understand its lasting impact. The World Was a Mess But His Hair Was Perfect: The Last Indie Music Scene 2000-2010 is set for release on September 3rd via Omnibus.