Capturing The Wry

Between 1993 and 1995 John Hartley and his alter ego Johny Nocash led the Irony Board(s) on a journey with an intended destination of fame and fortune. The paths of life do not always lead in the desired direction, however. Described at the time by renowned music journalist Martin Aston as "bittersweet, naive, hook-lined, captivating, unpretentious, clever - but not clever-clever - and deserving of more widespread attention", the Irony Board's tales of love, lust and signing on are recounted here.

'Capturing the Wry' was originally published in paperback as a limited edition of 100 by i40Publishing.

What the experts said...

"Making music as a life choice is a rocky road to say the least. This book will find a home in the hearts of many." John Douglas and Frank Reader, the Trash Can Sinatras

"Essential reading for troubled souls of a certain age." Johny Brown, the Band of Holy Joy

"A swaggering walk down memory lane, when memory lane had proper concrete elephants." Marc Iles, the Bolton News

"A bittersweet tale of indiepop stardom ulitimately scuppered by the need to eat." John Dobson, In Bed With Maradona

"Great times, well-recounted by the people's poet Johny Nocash. I even remembered some of it." Andrew Kellington, drummer, the Irony Board

150pp

Auteur

John has written, performed and reviewed alternative music since the late 1980s. Founder member of cult band The Irony Board, he has continued to release music with Echolalia, Broken Down Lorry, The Broken Heed and most recently as Johny Nocash. He began reviewing music for the Neo-Tokyo online magazine in the mid 1990s, and has since written comprehensively for the acclaimed Dukla Prague Away Kit blog, the Everything Indie Over 40 website and Toppermost.

His memoir 'Capturing the Wry' was first published by i40Publishing in 2018. His forthcoming authorised biography of the indie band BOB is published by i40Publishing in February 2023.

When not filling his head with music John is a father of three, long-suffering supporter of Bolton Wanderers and Chorley FC, an enthusiastic drinker of tea, and a school leader in special education. He also writes Young Adult fiction.