Going Off Alarming: The Autobiography: Vol 2

by Danny Baker

"In these memoirs I bounce all about British TV with such success that I wind up in radio. I will also be filling a few holes that I left in the previous decades. For example, I managed to forget in Book One that I had been shot. Twice.'"

Danny Baker's first volume of autobiography, Going to Sea in a Sieve, was acclaimed for its nonstop humor and anecdotal flourish. It told the exploits of Danny's extraordinary childhood, and the wild living of his teenage years. Now, he is 25 and it is 1982, and he embarks on an accidental and anxiety-induced career in television—going off alarming. With rollicking good stories from what he describes as "a frankly crackpot life," Danny continues this stupendous chronicle with irrepressible verve and hilarity. Dozens of TV shows—many of them lousy—give up their backstage stories, and Danny's extraordinary family, particularly his father Spud, react to the ride throughout. Game shows, talk shows, adverts, and TFI Friday are but a few of the unplanned pit stops along the way. Not forgetting the tale of Twizzle: the Dog Who Hanged Himself, Died, Then Came Back to Life Again. . . Clearly, this will be no ordinary show business stroll down memory lane.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Autobiography, Humor, Comedy, Audiobook, Memoir

272 pages, Paperback

First published May 8, 2014

About the author

This profile is for the comedian, screenwriter and radio presenter. For the mental-health writer see Danny^^Baker and for all others see Danny^^^Baker.

Reviews

[Nigeyb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having thoroughly enjoyed Going to Sea in a Sieve: The Autobiography, the first volume of Danny Baker's autobiography, I was looking forward to Going Off Alarming which is the second instalment.

Danny Baker is a great story teller and someone with many great stories to tell. The first thing to confess is that I am very biased in favour of Mr Baker. I am frequently amazed to discover that not everyone shares my enthusiasm. What's not to love?

Going Off Alarming is, in common with Volume 1, very similar to listening to Danny talk - quick, chatty, witty, and compelling. This volume deals with the celebrity years as variously a TV presenter, comedy writer, radio presenter and the face of Daz washing powder - as well as being a high profile pal of Chris Evans and Paul "Gazza" Gascoigne.

The book is naturally a joy. The anecdotes come thick and fast, and are frequently at Danny's own expense. My personal favourites include getting shot in the arse in Jamaica Road, his first meeting with Kenneth Williams, the caravan tow bar injury, his non-meeting with Bob Dylan, and an extraordinary day out with Paul Gascoigne. We also get to enjoy more anecdotes from Dan's childhood, and especially about his dad Spud who appears to be an even bigger character than his son.

It's another entertaining, funny and interesting read. I say again, what's not to love?

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Volume 2 of Baker's memoirs is a colourful, at times riotous breeze through the years where his media ubiquity, he claims, must have been grating for viewers and listeners. That's not how I remember it. His co-conspirator, Danny Kelly, once described Baker as the country's best broadcaster and from radio evidence, that's how I remember the early 1990s. He's still doing the same show on 5Live on Saturday mornings, and it's unmissable.

His inherited devil-may-care cavalier attitude to such fripperies as career or financial planning is well-documented here, a childlike charm on its own. Inherited? Yup, from the glorious Spud, Danny's dad, who, as in Going to Sea in a Sieve: The Autobiography, is again the provider of most of the laugh out loud episodes, rivalled only by Twizzle, the cunningly-inventive but deranged dog.

Volume 3 is promised. I could read it right now.

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sky black with hats, for this is a pip and a dandy. An object lesson in how this sort of thing - i.e. a multi-volume autobiography - *should* be done; nota bene, Stephen Fry. It fairly zips along, is seldom not very funny and along the way skewers most of the tropes that we've been trained to expect from the genre. Can't wait for volume three for more letting daylight in on magic. English as tuppence, changing yet changeless as canal water, nestling in green nowhere, armoured and effete...

[Derek Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's rare for me to laugh out loud at a book but this was impossible not to, usually building from a snigger through a stifled to laugh to an outright guffaw.

Baker writes like he broadcasts - with brio and wit and sheer joy of life - at times the sentences are worthy of a latter day P G Wodehouse in the way he builds an anecdote.

The undoubted star of the book is his dad Spud, a man with his own outlook on life and who Danny clearly adores, his mum is no weak link either and wife Wendy manages to cope with everything usually by laughing at him.

Roll on Volume 3.

[Joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Danny Baker is one of the most entertaining broadcasters there is. His radio shows have always been a breath of fresh air, his wit and ability to tell stories is without equal.
This second installment of his biography covers the years of his big breakthrough and subsequent fall from grace.
It is a series of tales told only as Danny could tell them. There is little meat to flesh out the bones of why he got the sack from various broadcasters and shows. To that end there is little malice or bad feeling about any of the downturns in fortune. Everything is told with good grace and buckets of humor.
Don't expect an insight into broadcasting in the '90s, just enjoy the brilliant storytelling of a star who seems to think one of these days he'll be found out.
Brilliant stuff....roll on volume 3.

[Neil Denham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can understand why some people might not like Danny Baker, but I personally love the way he looks at life with a joy and wonder that is missing from so many biographies.

I laughed every single page, and felt a really honesty in the stories he tells... even when on the surface they seem unfeasible!

[Margaret Robson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Less endearing than ' To Sea in a Sieve'

I can listen to Danny Baker talking about anything - he is such an engaging broadcaster. I loved the first volume of his autobiography but found 'Going Off Alarming' a bit disappointing. There were moments among the anecdotes which made me smile but I would not recommend the book to others and am unlikely to read volume 3.

[Simon Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was already familiar with a lot of these anecdotes but this is a superbly written autobiography and packed with great stories, hilariously told. The bit about him trying to paint the bedroom ceiling had me doubled over on the bus. Roll on Volume 3.

[Desmond Reid · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eccentric he may be. Boring he is most certainly not.

Danny Baker, the English irreverent broadcaster, has published his second autobiography: 'Going Off Alarming'. From being 'shot up the arse' (not once but twice!) to his days as a media writer in the 90's (Chris Evans 'TFI - Friday') his journey has certainly been haphazard and chaotic at best.

Yet, Baker's 'career' (a term he surely would hate) through television and radio shows his pure joy of grabbing every opportunity with both hands. Whilst always believing he'll get a 'proper' job when all this malarkey and froth dries up.

Celebrity encounters aplenty, he also dishes up large slices of life which prove he just an ordinary bloke enjoying the ride of his life.....

Recently, the bombastic but supremely talented showman that is Connor McGregor clinched his second title belt in a sensational bout within the world of mixed martial arts known as the 'UFC'.

I can't help wondering if Connor and Danny are cut from the same cloth for their accomplishments in polar opposite worlds. Both used their very wit and DNA from humble working class roots (Irish former plumber v. son of a docker) with a supreme unshakable self belief.

Baker also divides a nation for his likability and those who don't.

This unflinching self confidence is matched with a sharp tongue which shines throughout 'Going Off Alarming' (a reference from his equally colorful dad 'Spud' when things are about to 'kick off'). Danny has the uncanny knack to always to fall buttered side up, repeatedly throughout his life. But that's Danny and overall hilarity always prevails.

For every celebrity encounter with the likes of Bob Dylan (cringe worthy gold) and footballer Paul Gascoigne (a mind-boggling tale of him driving a double decker around Marble Arch) there are recollections of the ordinary. The chapter 'Black Sheep' reflects on Danny's lovable and demented dog 'Twizzle'. His relationship with his Bank Manager in the early days is also laugh out loud gold.

His dad stands large throughout his life and one can see where Danny gets his bravado. A story where Spud defends a perceived wrong on his son's behalf against the comedian Harry Enfield highlights Baker families strong sense of place.

Overall, an unwavering look at Bakers life past in all its hues. At times maybe a little laboured (detours to such unrelated topics as Ouija boards are aplenty).

However, Danny's unquestionable self confidence in his own uniqueness makes this volume a colorful hyperactive slice of life read.

7/10

[Alan M · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ahh - that difficult second album. Flawed, but mostly worth the pocket money.

I became familiar with Danny’s work through his All Day Breakfast Show podcasts, which I found enormously enjoyable and got me through some months of a commute that otherwise threatened to do for me, both physically and mentally. As with volume 1, some of the anecdotes were already familiar, although some weren’t. All are told with some panache – the Zappa and Dylan being for me great examples, but I do wonder about the process for deciding what went in to the book and what didn’t. I can’t help but recall a Baker and Kelly podcast where they talked with some amusement about how familiar they both were with stretching limited material gossamer thin on Radio 5 Live, and I get a sense something a little similar is happening here. Compare the limited insight we get into Chris Evans to the chapter long account of the exploits of DB’s dog Twizzle.

Danny makes it clear at the very start of the book that he prefers to accentuate the positive, and his brother’s death is related with little comment beyond the facts of what happened and no insight in terms of the impact on him or his father who is otherwise very visible throughout the book. Much of his career is described in a jaunty mildly depreciating tone swaddled in lashings of “how could this keep happening to me”. And yet there is a different Danny Baker that is only occasionally evidenced here.

The other Danny surfaces when he tackles a couple of subjects that he clearly feels passionately about and he takes at least one glove off. Whether it’s education, the state of radio or his relationship with Paul Gascoigne, it’s a welcome break from the cheery banter that dominates the book elsewhere. DB is an eloquent and powerful speaker when roused, and it’s a shame that it’s rarely allowed to show.

In terms of the “other” Danny what strikes me is that the easy come easy go happy go lucky approach he describes in the book is at odds with the public hissy fits he had about the end of the All Day Breakfast Show and his BBC London gig. Maybe the next volume will set the record straight on what the ins and outs of the end of the All Day Breakfast Show, and maybe it just proves Danny is human after. It would be interesting to hear how he reconciles the slating he gave Aunty at the time with all the work he’s picked up from them since.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, I preferred it to the first installment. I've read a few reviews that said his confidence is grating and I can see what these reviewers mean but I actually grew to really like it and found it refreshing. I think we are all so used to someone being self-deprecating or talking about the worst/saddest aspects of their lives and Danny doesn't do that in this book, he is honest and openly points out his faults (such as decorating!) but on the whole he is confident in his ability. He seems throughout genuinely appreciative of the career that he has had and frequently pays note to how lucky he was to be in the right place with the right connections at the right time so I didn't feel like it slipped in to the territory of being boastful.

The book is packed full of anecdotes, most of them very funny, I particularly enjoyed reading about his times with Chris Evans and Paul Gascoigne and hearing what actually happened rather than the versions that the tabloids printed. I also liked reading about how he dealt with the radio bosses who he (correctly) believed had taken him out to lunch in order to sack him, he anticipated he was about to be sacked and rather than wait for the inevitable decided to bring it up himself by saying "I understand you're about to sack me but can you get this over with so we can get on with chatting about bands we like", I liked this because I felt it was an interesting approach, perhaps one that others could use in situations in their lives, the way he disarmed them and actually impacted upon them changing their mind and instead talking through their concerns.

My only reason for marking this down to 4 stars is because I felt it lacked the structure of the first book, there are times when the anecdotes don't seem to be following a chronological order and in parts I felt that it made the book feel like a series of anecdotes with no real structure or timeline.

I recommend this book as it is like listening to an old friend tell anecdotes, he can certainly tell a tale and even stories about his everyday life are interesting and told with humour, I look forward to reading the third installment.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Baker's second volume of autobiography is as funny, revealing, and eminently readable as the first. This time we get the lowdown on Baker's TV career, that point in the early 90s where he became almost ubiquitous. He freely admits that he became over exposed and that he never actively pursued TV "fame" but simply was in the right place at the right time (again). It's a common thread that opportunity constantly comes a-knock in' at the Baker door.

Baker also drops in stories that he forgot to put in the first volume (such as being shot up the arse on the Jamaica Road!) as well as snapshots of home life (especially amusing are the tales of his loopy dog, Twizzle).

As Baker himself says, if you're expecting a "misery memoir" then look elsewhere. Baker's philosophy is to look on the sunny side and let the other stuff t ale care of itself. To that end he spends money as fast as he can make it, because otherwise what's the point? Enjoy life now. It's a persuasive point of view.

As ever he may be marmite to some, but I found this another immensely enjoyable read. Roll on volume three.

[Jazza1971 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved "Going to Sea in a Sieve" - it was hilarious and really brought to life Baker's early years. It's easy to see why the BBC decided to make a series of it (Cradle to Grave).
This, however, can probably be seen as the autobiographical equivalent of a "difficult second album". Bands debut album's can often be raw and unpolished, but are full of yearning and angst. But when it gets to their second album they are now living the dream and are more comfortably well off and so they have less to write about.
And that's how it is with this point in Baker's life - it details his time in the 90s when he went from hit show to hit show, and so there is no great turmoil, and his constant luck with jobs could almost be seen as bragging.
In fairness to Danny he tackles this issue straight on and admits that it might annoy some, but he is simply documenting this point in his life as it was. Which is fair enough, but it makes for less of an engaging read.

[Alex · Rating 2 out of 5]

I remember when Danny Baker was writing this book, because he used to give updates of his progress on his Twitter feed. They were mainly along the lines of 'I should be writing but I can't be bothered. I'll have some wine instead and then I'll knock out 300 pages in a couple of days when it matters'.

Well, the finished book certainly reflects his attitude above, and in the end he didn't even knock out 300 pages.

There are still some anecdotes in the book that are well worth reading (especially the section on his friendship with Paul Gascoigne), but mainly it's really half-hearted, haphazard, poorly-structured and lazy.

I'm hoping for far better from the next volume, mainly because he should cover his falling out with BBC London, and as his Twitter feed shows, he only really nowadays gets fire in his belly when he feels someone or something has done him wrong.

[Darla Ebert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a funny guy, previously unknown to me. This ignorance on my part is, my opinion, due to his being a UK comedian and possibly too that the author operates behind the scenes, writing and networking. If only there could have been less of the obscene language the book could have been near-perfect. Such hilarious stories and self-deprecating wit. I think, as applies to the vulgarities, for those who grow up hearing such coarse expressions these become an acceptable part of conversation. But for those who are not familiar (and do not want to be) the use of such language detracts from what the person is saying. If anything. As Mr. Baker has a lot to say, and the content is hysterical, I would only just suggest less of the crude, particularly when put into book form.

[Andy Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second volume of Danny Baker’s memoirs (pompous name he wouldn’t approve of I’m sure) are like volume one, an uplifting and life affirming read. Baker describes his journey (another word he’ll hate) into the TV firmament in such a haphazard way that you have to believe him when he says that none of his career has been planned. His enjoyment of the trappings of ‘fame’ shine through this book as does Baker’s humility and humanity. In particular his description of his friendship with Paul Gascogne is particularly heartfelt and is so typical of the man. And it does justice to his Geordie pal too.

I can’t wait to read volume three.

[Gary E · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book

The first book was not at all what I expected it to be . . . but I loved it . . . it was just different.

This book was completely different from the first book and it was exactly what I was hoping the first book would be and I loved this book as well.

This book is laugh out loud funny. I found myself having to either leave the bedroom (to make sure I did not wake my wife) or struggling to keep my laughing silent.

If you watched the show “From Cradle to the Grave” and you found it funny . . . make sure you read both volumes of this wonderful funny and light hearted book!

[Jeff Howells · Rating 5 out of 5]

A raconteur par excellence. Danny Baker can not only talk the hind legs off a donkey but probably also off the entire field of the Grand National. When he’s interviewed you only need to ask one question and he’s away for hours on end and barely catching a breath.
However the important thing is he is always so brilliantly entertaining & damn funny. This second volume of his memoirs had me hooting with laughter practically at every page. There’s very few around that can match his “Daz” ling exuberance (see what I did there?)...

[Tim Julian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Danny Baker is a household name in Britain due to his TV and radio appearances, but he began life as a pop writer and this second volume of his memoirs showcases his undeniable skill at crafting a hilarious anecdote. The encounters with comedy legends like Kenneth Williams, Tommy Cooper, Frankie Howerd and Mel Brooks are all worth the price of admission, but it's his descriptions of family life, in particular his portrait of his dad Spud, that put this volume right up among the classic comic memoirs.

[Andrew Wright · Rating 3 out of 5]

There's a feeling of more of the same after vo. 1, but the stories aren't quite on par - possibly due to this being a less interesting (for us, anyway) time of Baker's life. The first book was full of youth-on-a-journey stories. This is more "Then I worked in television. Then got another job in television" and so on. There are a few great tales - one in particular featuring Frank Zappa - and as much as I like Danny, I did prefer the first book.

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not quite as good as volume one but still an enjoyable journey into the life of the ebullient Danny Baker and his wonderful dad. What you see is what you get with this gentleman. An eye for the absurdities in life and not afraid to speak his mind. Kudos too for working with Michael Robbins in the panto. Oh no he didn't! Oh yes he did! Still never been paid for that though. Far from the average autobiography but Danny Baker is far from your average bloke.

Ray Smillie

[Harry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since writing this the author has been rather hung by his own petard as he might say and been sacked by the BBC (yet again). It's only a matter of time before The Candyman is back on the airwaves again as he is probably the finest communicator of his generation. Anyway this book is a laugh out loud account of his first steps into TV and subsequently radio which in my opinion is his forte.

So, red or brown sauce?

[Martin Day · Rating 4 out of 5]

You don't have to have read vol 1 first, but it would be a shame not to

As with any 'celebrity' memoir of helps to be familiar with the author, but Danny Baker has a wealth of anecdotes to amuse ,and cultural observations to jolt the memory, even if this, still current, personality has passed you by. This collection left me with a smile on my face. His utterly joyous reminiscences of Gazza are a highlight of ultimately tinged with poignancy. Go on, treat yourself.

[Tony · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unlike his first book of autobiography that read like the often refined tales you might find from a friend down the pub this sequel reads more like the kind of material forced out of an unwilling raconteur who has already told all his good stories but is being pressed for "just one more".
Unless you have a particular interest in Danny Baker go read the first volume instead.

[Russell Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Basically, if you like Danny Baker then this is a no-brainer. It's exactly what you'd expect from him. Some real laugh out loud moments - I especially enjoyed the story of meeting Kenneth Williams. I also love the stories involving his old man - Spud, the love for him shines through in every word. I must go back and read volume 1!

[John M · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as the previous autobiography - this feels lightweight and some of the anecdotes are very thin indeed. That said, Danny's quick wit comes across well and it feels pretty honest. He's a Marmite job though - I quite like him thousands don't ... more so after the recent chimp gaff...say no more, eh Danny?

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good laugh!

What makes this book brilliant are the genuinely funny stories, I mean belly laugh funny, here's a man whom you'd love to share a beer and a chin way with. Down to earth and humble Danny writes as though he's talking to you personally, the words flow effortlessly of the page. Highly recommended!

[Kim Cooper · Rating 3 out of 5]

A re-read hot on the tails of re-reading his first book again. In honesty, I didnt enjoy this one as much as the first, but still a good read. There is no denying that Danny has lead a fascinating life and this book doesnt disappoint, with lots of stories about this cheeky chappy, who seems to lead an enchanted existence! Long may it reign.

[Grahambootle · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading the first in the set there was no way I was going to miss this one.

I think it's a better read than going to sea in a sieve, but the timeline is disjointed in places, it did make me laugh out loud at several points. Will read the third book when the price comes down a bit.

[Hil · Rating 3 out of 5]

The charmed life of Danny Baker continues...somehow I enjoyed this one less, maybe because it felt more about his sport-related career and I preferred the music and NME days. I will have a break before reading the next...