Windswept & Interesting: My Autobiography

14,87 $

Explore the captivating life of comedy icon Billy Connolly in his autobiography, *Windswept & Interesting*. From a challenging Glasgow upbringing marked by early loss and hardship, Connolly rose through shipyard work and folk music to revolutionize stand-up comedy. Discover how his fearless humor, unconventional style (think leotards and banana boots!), and a game-changing Parkinson appearance propelled him to global stardom. More than just a celebrity memoir, this is a deeply personal and hilarious journey filled with wisdom, digressions, and the indomitable spirit of ‘The Big Yin’. A must-read for fans and anyone seeking inspiration from a life lived boldly.

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In his first full-length autobiography, comedy legend and national treasure Billy Connolly reveals the truth behind his windswept and interesting life.

Born in a tenement flat in Glasgow in 1942, orphaned by the age of 4, and a survivor of appalling abuse at the hands of his own family, Billy’s life is a remarkable story of success against all the odds.

Billy found his escape first as an apprentice welder in the shipyards of the River Clyde. Later he became a folk musician – a ‘rambling man’ – with a genuine talent for playing the banjo. But it was his ability to spin stories, tell jokes and hold an audience in the palm of his hand that truly set him apart.

As a young comedian Billy broke all the rules. He was fearless and outspoken – willing to call out hypocrisy wherever he saw it. But his stand-up was full of warmth, humility and silliness too. His startling, hairy ‘glam-rock’ stage appearance – wearing leotards, scissor suits and banana boots – only added to his appeal.

It was an appearance on Michael Parkinson’s chat show in 1975 – and one outrageous story in particular – that catapulted Billy from cult hero to national star. TV shows, documentaries, international fame and award-winning Hollywood movies followed. Billy’s pitch-perfect stand-up comedy kept coming too – for over 50 years, in fact – until a double diagnosis of cancer and Parkinson’s Disease brought his remarkable live performances to an end. Since then he has continued making TV shows, creating extraordinary drawings… and writing.

Windswept and Interesting is Billy’s story in his own words. It is joyfully funny – stuffed full of hard-earned wisdom as well as countless digressions on fishing, farting and the joys of dancing naked. It is an unforgettable, life-affirming story of a true comedy legend.

I didn’t know I was Windswept and Interesting until somebody told me. It was a friend who was startlingly exotic himself. He just come back from Kashmir and was all billowy shirt and Indian beads. I had long hair and a beard and was swishing around in electric blue flairs.
He said: Look at you – all windswept and interesting!”
I just said: Exactly!”
After that, I simply had to maintain my reputation…’

**Delve into the Extraordinary Life of a Comedy Icon: Billy Connolly's Windswept & Interesting** Prepare to be captivated by the raw, hilarious, and deeply moving autobiography of Billy Connolly, a true national treasure and comedy legend. *Windswept & Interesting* isn't just another celebrity memoir; it's a visceral journey through a life lived to the absolute fullest, a testament to resilience, and a celebration of the human spirit. Born into poverty in a Glasgow tenement in 1942, Connolly's early life was marked by hardship and loss. Orphaned by the tender age of four, he faced appalling abuse within his own family. Yet, from these difficult beginnings, a remarkable story of triumph emerges. Connolly's signature humor, often laced with social commentary and a healthy dose of irreverence, became his shield and his sword. Before conquering the world of comedy, Connolly navigated the tough shipyards of the River Clyde as an apprentice welder. He later found solace and creative expression as a folk musician, honing his skills as a banjo player and storyteller. It was his innate ability to connect with audiences, to weave tales that were both outrageously funny and profoundly human, that truly set him on his path. Connolly burst onto the comedy scene as a fearless and outspoken voice. He challenged societal norms, skewered hypocrisy with razor-sharp wit, and embraced a flamboyant stage presence that defied expectations. His iconic "glam-rock" attire leotards, scissor suits, and those unforgettable banana boots became synonymous with his rebellious spirit and infectious energy. The turning point arrived with a memorable appearance on Michael Parkinson's chat show in 1975. A single, outrageously funny anecdote propelled Connolly from a beloved cult figure to a national phenomenon. Television shows, documentaries, international tours, and acclaimed roles in Hollywood films soon followed. He became a global icon, his stand-up comedy resonating with audiences across continents for over five decades. *Windswept & Interesting* offers an intimate glimpse into the man behind the legend. Connolly recounts his experiences with unflinching honesty, revealing the personal struggles and triumphs that shaped his extraordinary career. He shares anecdotes from his early days in Glasgow, his adventures on the road, and his encounters with fellow artists and celebrities. The book doesn't shy away from the darker aspects of his past, offering a powerful testament to his resilience and strength of character. But the book is far from just a chronological recounting of events. Connolly's distinct voice shines through on every page, infused with his signature wit, self-deprecating humor, and philosophical musings. He meanders through tangents on fishing, the simple pleasures of life, and the undeniable joy of dancing naked, creating a reading experience that is both hilarious and deeply enriching. It is a celebration of life's absurdities and the importance of embracing joy in the face of adversity. Even after a double diagnosis of cancer and Parkinson's Disease brought an end to his live performances, Connolly's creative spirit remained undeterred. He continued to create television shows, produced captivating artwork, and ultimately penned this remarkable autobiography. *Windswept & Interesting* is a testament to his enduring talent and his unwavering determination to live life to the fullest. This autobiography isn't just a story; it's an experience. Prepare to laugh, to cry, and to be inspired by the extraordinary life of Billy Connolly, a true comedy genius and a genuine force of nature. It's a must-read for anyone who has ever been touched by his humor, his humanity, or his unwavering spirit. Discover why Billy Connolly is, indeed, windswept and interesting. You'll find yourself utterly charmed and deeply moved. Don't miss this opportunity to own a piece of comedy history!
Additional information
Authors

Binding

Condition

ISBN-10

1529318270

ISBN-13

9781529318272

Language

Pages

400

Publisher

Year published

Weight

340

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