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Windswept & Interesting: My Autobiography
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'd 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 "Look at you - all windswept and interesting!"I just "Exactly!"After that, I simply had to maintain my reputation...'
356 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 14, 2021
698 people are currently reading
3,268 people want to read
About the author
Billy Connolly
51books248followersWilliam "Billy" Connolly, Jr., CBE is a Scottish comedian, musician, presenter and actor. He is sometimes known, especially in his native Scotland, by the nickname The Big Yin (The Big One). His first trade, in the early 1960s, was as a welder (specifically a boilermaker) in the Glasgow shipyards, but he gave it up towards the end of the decade to pursue a career as a folk singer in the Humblebums and subsequently as a soloist. In the early 1970s he made the transition from folk-singer with a comedic persona to fully-fledged comedian, a role in which he continues. He also became an actor, and has appeared in such films as Mrs. Brown (1997), for which he was nominated for a BAFTA; The Boondock Saints (1999); The Last Samurai (2003); Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events (2004); and The X-Files: I Want to Believe (2008).
It is as a stand-up comedian that Connolly is best known. His observational comedy is idiosyncratic and often off-the-cuff. He has outraged certain sectors of audiences, critics and the media with his free use of the word "fuck". He has made jokes relating to masturbation, blasphemy, defecation, flatulence, haemorrhoids, sex, his father's illness, his aunts' cruelty and, in the latter stages of his career, old age (specifically his experiences of growing old). In 2007 and again in 2010, he was voted the greatest stand-up comic on Channel 4's 100 Greatest Stand-Ups.
Connolly has been married to comedian and psychologist since 1989. In the book , and in a December 2008 online interview, Connolly states he was sexually abused by his father between the ages of 10 and 15. He believes this was a result of the Catholic Church not allowing his father to divorce after his mother left the family. Due to this, Connolly has a "deep distrust and dislike of the Catholic church and any other organization that brainwashes people". In a 1999 interview with "The Sunday Herald" Connolly condemned the SNP as "racist" and the new Scottish parliament as a "joke".
In November 1998, Connolly was the subject of a two-hour retrospective entitled Billy Connolly: Erect for 30 Years, which included tributes from Judi Dench, Sean Connery, Whoopi Goldberg, Robin Williams, Dustin Hoffman, and Eddie Izzard.
It is as a stand-up comedian that Connolly is best known. His observational comedy is idiosyncratic and often off-the-cuff. He has outraged certain sectors of audiences, critics and the media with his free use of the word "fuck". He has made jokes relating to masturbation, blasphemy, defecation, flatulence, haemorrhoids, sex, his father's illness, his aunts' cruelty and, in the latter stages of his career, old age (specifically his experiences of growing old). In 2007 and again in 2010, he was voted the greatest stand-up comic on Channel 4's 100 Greatest Stand-Ups.
Connolly has been married to comedian and psychologist since 1989. In the book , and in a December 2008 online interview, Connolly states he was sexually abused by his father between the ages of 10 and 15. He believes this was a result of the Catholic Church not allowing his father to divorce after his mother left the family. Due to this, Connolly has a "deep distrust and dislike of the Catholic church and any other organization that brainwashes people". In a 1999 interview with "The Sunday Herald" Connolly condemned the SNP as "racist" and the new Scottish parliament as a "joke".
In November 1998, Connolly was the subject of a two-hour retrospective entitled Billy Connolly: Erect for 30 Years, which included tributes from Judi Dench, Sean Connery, Whoopi Goldberg, Robin Williams, Dustin Hoffman, and Eddie Izzard.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,009 reviews
July 21, 2022
I loved everything about this and didn’t want it to end. It succeeded in making me feel like I was both at a Billy Connolly show and sitting down with the man while he told me stories from his life over tea and biscuits.
“There’s something wonderful about a biscuit. It lifts you off the floor. My favourite is the digestive. It’s the king of biscuits."
Billy wrote this autobiography via dictation, and the result is that it perfectly captures Billy’s voice. It’s impossible not to read this without Billy’s Glaswegian accent in your head. It has a wonderful whimsical ramble to it that is equal parts endearing and laugh-out-loud funny. It has been a long time since I regularly had to pause reading because it was making me laugh until tears rolled down my face.
It packs an emotional punch at times too. I was aware of Billy’s difficult childhood, having read Billy by (his wife) Pamela Stephenson, many years ago. But it hits a lot harder when Billy is talking details of the rampant abuse in his own words.
“The children’s home scared me. Everything scared me after my mother left. And I’ve gone on being scared my whole life.”
It was heartbreaking to read of how he suffered at the hands of his aunt, his dad and school teachers. It was inspirational how he dragged himself out of that environment, through hard work, a sense of humour and a passion for music and reading.
“Everything I’ve achieved in my life has been because of the library.”
Billy’s love for books, music and animals were some of my favourite aspects. Some passages will no doubt be familiar to fans from his stand-up shows over the years – but they never get old. His approach to comedy was insightful and as much a reflection of Billy’s approach to life too.
“I never wrote anything down, never prepared ‘a show’. It’s heart stopping to go onstage without having much of a clue what you're going to say, but that’s what I’ve always done.”
Billy’s words continually transported me to different times and places; whether it was his childhood in post-war Scotland, the Glasgow dances he enjoyed, his time in the paratroopers, or his extensive travels around the world.
I really enjoyed the passion for which Billy spoke about Scotland and its culture – I learnt a lot! I only wish I had been a guest at one of his epic Highland parties! Reading of his life as a welder in the shipyards, and his love for my country were highlights which made me smile too.
“Australia is one of my favourite places in the world. I love it. It has genuine optimism. The people are nice. It’s an attractive place, with good-looking towns. There’s a lovely devil-may-care attitude. They don’t mind getting into trouble. They’re not stiff-arsed people, they’re fun-loving rebellious folks. I felt very comfortable in their company.”
The enthusiasm for which Billy has lived life is infectious. His perspective on various subjects is always refreshing and guaranteed to be laugh-inducing. He makes me want to live my own best life and make the most of it. Hell, he’s even got me appreciating dreary, rainy weather now.
“The graveyard’s full of people who would love this weather.”
Without Billy, the world would be such a boring, beige place. I’m grateful for the many laughs he has given me over the years, for kick-starting my wanderlust, for lifting my spirits when I feel down, and for sharing his epic life in this brilliant book.
Thanks, Billy
“There’s something wonderful about a biscuit. It lifts you off the floor. My favourite is the digestive. It’s the king of biscuits."
Billy wrote this autobiography via dictation, and the result is that it perfectly captures Billy’s voice. It’s impossible not to read this without Billy’s Glaswegian accent in your head. It has a wonderful whimsical ramble to it that is equal parts endearing and laugh-out-loud funny. It has been a long time since I regularly had to pause reading because it was making me laugh until tears rolled down my face.
It packs an emotional punch at times too. I was aware of Billy’s difficult childhood, having read Billy by (his wife) Pamela Stephenson, many years ago. But it hits a lot harder when Billy is talking details of the rampant abuse in his own words.
“The children’s home scared me. Everything scared me after my mother left. And I’ve gone on being scared my whole life.”
It was heartbreaking to read of how he suffered at the hands of his aunt, his dad and school teachers. It was inspirational how he dragged himself out of that environment, through hard work, a sense of humour and a passion for music and reading.
“Everything I’ve achieved in my life has been because of the library.”
Billy’s love for books, music and animals were some of my favourite aspects. Some passages will no doubt be familiar to fans from his stand-up shows over the years – but they never get old. His approach to comedy was insightful and as much a reflection of Billy’s approach to life too.
“I never wrote anything down, never prepared ‘a show’. It’s heart stopping to go onstage without having much of a clue what you're going to say, but that’s what I’ve always done.”
Billy’s words continually transported me to different times and places; whether it was his childhood in post-war Scotland, the Glasgow dances he enjoyed, his time in the paratroopers, or his extensive travels around the world.
I really enjoyed the passion for which Billy spoke about Scotland and its culture – I learnt a lot! I only wish I had been a guest at one of his epic Highland parties! Reading of his life as a welder in the shipyards, and his love for my country were highlights which made me smile too.
“Australia is one of my favourite places in the world. I love it. It has genuine optimism. The people are nice. It’s an attractive place, with good-looking towns. There’s a lovely devil-may-care attitude. They don’t mind getting into trouble. They’re not stiff-arsed people, they’re fun-loving rebellious folks. I felt very comfortable in their company.”
The enthusiasm for which Billy has lived life is infectious. His perspective on various subjects is always refreshing and guaranteed to be laugh-inducing. He makes me want to live my own best life and make the most of it. Hell, he’s even got me appreciating dreary, rainy weather now.
“The graveyard’s full of people who would love this weather.”
Without Billy, the world would be such a boring, beige place. I’m grateful for the many laughs he has given me over the years, for kick-starting my wanderlust, for lifting my spirits when I feel down, and for sharing his epic life in this brilliant book.
Thanks, Billy
December 28, 2021
Okay, basically i just read this in one sitting
It's very rare for me to do that, i was just so engrossed in it.
It's written so well and chapters are the perfect length.
It's sad, it's interesting but most of all it's hilarious.
There was jokes in it I'd heard before, he's previously used them in concert; I'm not saying it's a bad thing because they were essential to the stories of his background he was describing.
I now understand why this had been highly rated, it was an absolutely brilliant autobiography and possibly the best one I've actually read.
Being from Glasgow myself, I identify with a lot of his upbringing and his experiences of living there; it's the best place in the world.
I admire him for a lot of reasons, like he came from a lower class part of Glasgow and suffered terrible abuse and made something of himself; even after being told repeatedly that he'd amount to nothing.
In recent times, surviving cancer, being diagnosed with Parkinson's and still continues to battle on without losing himself; I can't help but to admire his strength.
I couldn't recommend this book enough.
All the best big yin! ☆
It's very rare for me to do that, i was just so engrossed in it.
It's written so well and chapters are the perfect length.
It's sad, it's interesting but most of all it's hilarious.
There was jokes in it I'd heard before, he's previously used them in concert; I'm not saying it's a bad thing because they were essential to the stories of his background he was describing.
I now understand why this had been highly rated, it was an absolutely brilliant autobiography and possibly the best one I've actually read.
Being from Glasgow myself, I identify with a lot of his upbringing and his experiences of living there; it's the best place in the world.
I admire him for a lot of reasons, like he came from a lower class part of Glasgow and suffered terrible abuse and made something of himself; even after being told repeatedly that he'd amount to nothing.
In recent times, surviving cancer, being diagnosed with Parkinson's and still continues to battle on without losing himself; I can't help but to admire his strength.
I couldn't recommend this book enough.
All the best big yin! ☆
November 25, 2021
Comedian, actor & all round legend Billy Connolly final releasess his autobiography & it's been worth the wait.
Connolly's style of writing is chatty & relaxed & much like his live shows. There's obviously a lot of humour to be found here, but he doesn't shy away from the darker side of his life. Some of the stories from his childhood are very upsetting, but he doesn't dwell on them & still has a very positive outlook on life.
His school years & his job as a welder are a delight to read about & take the reader back to a much simpler time, long before the modern day distractions of today. He's met some wonderful people, famous & unknown, & talks about them in an honest & amusing way.
Billy Connolly has had a great life so far & it's been very enjoyable to read about it. It must have been evern better to live it.
Connolly's style of writing is chatty & relaxed & much like his live shows. There's obviously a lot of humour to be found here, but he doesn't shy away from the darker side of his life. Some of the stories from his childhood are very upsetting, but he doesn't dwell on them & still has a very positive outlook on life.
His school years & his job as a welder are a delight to read about & take the reader back to a much simpler time, long before the modern day distractions of today. He's met some wonderful people, famous & unknown, & talks about them in an honest & amusing way.
Billy Connolly has had a great life so far & it's been very enjoyable to read about it. It must have been evern better to live it.
![Profile Image for Terence M - [Quot libros, quam breve tempus!].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1712357414i%2F6658001._UY200_CR4%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
November 30, 2023
Sadly, 3-Stars - despite this being a DNF, because I love Billy Connolly
Audiobook: 08:39 Hours - Narrator: Author
Billy Connolly - Windswept & Interesting
From my Listening Status (adjusted because I stuffed it up) :
November 21, 2023 @ 7.0%
"I have been a great fan of Billy Connolly since the year dot. In his very early years as a comedian, I knew he was going to be a super success if, a) "the authorities" didn't ban his incorrigible use of every swear word known to man, and b) he survived his hard-core drinking."
November 21, 2023 @ 7.0%
"Recorded in 2021, three years after his retirement in 2018, it is painfully obvious that his Parkinson's disease has taken its toll on Billy's voice and sadly, his ability to express his usually incomparable sense of humour.
This audiobook will be difficult for me to finish."
November 30, 2023 @ 26.0%
Heard: 02:28 Hours - Balance: 06:11 Hours
"As much as I love and admire Billy Connolly, I am unable to finish this book. Due to his debilitating illness, the poor old bloke is so obviously struggling to read and articulate his thoughts, it is simply too sad for me to listen to."
Audiobook: 08:39 Hours - Narrator: Author
Billy Connolly - Windswept & Interesting
From my Listening Status (adjusted because I stuffed it up) :
November 21, 2023 @ 7.0%
"I have been a great fan of Billy Connolly since the year dot. In his very early years as a comedian, I knew he was going to be a super success if, a) "the authorities" didn't ban his incorrigible use of every swear word known to man, and b) he survived his hard-core drinking."
November 21, 2023 @ 7.0%
"Recorded in 2021, three years after his retirement in 2018, it is painfully obvious that his Parkinson's disease has taken its toll on Billy's voice and sadly, his ability to express his usually incomparable sense of humour.
This audiobook will be difficult for me to finish."
November 30, 2023 @ 26.0%
Heard: 02:28 Hours - Balance: 06:11 Hours
"As much as I love and admire Billy Connolly, I am unable to finish this book. Due to his debilitating illness, the poor old bloke is so obviously struggling to read and articulate his thoughts, it is simply too sad for me to listen to."
October 24, 2021
Thoroughly enjoyed the audiobook of Windswept and Interesting by Billy Connolly, narrated by the man himself. A few stories I'd heard before, but there was so much that I hadn't. He really had a hell of a life growing up. But what a treasure he is. Everything he has achieved in his life, and even now through his art, is nothing short of phenomenal. The true definition of how well life can turn out when you just go with the flow and don't give a flying f*ck.
Five stars. No question.
Five stars. No question.
January 7, 2022
A lovely autobiographical tale from none other than Sir William Connolly himself it is a dictated book rather than a written book, the program that was supposed to change the spoken word into writing decided that a Glaswegian accent was not understandable for machine, and I do sympathise because the first time I met a person from Glasgow while studying in Lancaster England he spoke to me and I am sure I found Chewbacca better understandable when I heard him first.
That this book has been dictated shows clearly and however much I wanted to buy the audiobook I am quite sure I would have missed some of the text and would pee myself laughing even if it is not all that funny. I have got a live show by Connolly in my collection and that one does give me a hard time too.
My daughters first contact with this artist was of course The Hobbit in which they were very amused by this crazy king riding a pig. While he was not their favourite dwarf they took the effort to seek out all the various person playing them. Hence we watch way too many Richard Armitage or Aidan Turner shows at my house. Connolly does give them trouble because while my daughters sounds like a generic Americans the tongue from Glasgow somehow escapes them.
Anyhow this is a marvellous tale concerning the life and good times of one Billy Connolly daft Glaswegian comedian and musician. It is a laugh and a tear, he does show the world how one can live and not perhaps fit the standard because if anything he is different and that is what is so great about him and his work.
A great read to start the year with.
That this book has been dictated shows clearly and however much I wanted to buy the audiobook I am quite sure I would have missed some of the text and would pee myself laughing even if it is not all that funny. I have got a live show by Connolly in my collection and that one does give me a hard time too.
My daughters first contact with this artist was of course The Hobbit in which they were very amused by this crazy king riding a pig. While he was not their favourite dwarf they took the effort to seek out all the various person playing them. Hence we watch way too many Richard Armitage or Aidan Turner shows at my house. Connolly does give them trouble because while my daughters sounds like a generic Americans the tongue from Glasgow somehow escapes them.
Anyhow this is a marvellous tale concerning the life and good times of one Billy Connolly daft Glaswegian comedian and musician. It is a laugh and a tear, he does show the world how one can live and not perhaps fit the standard because if anything he is different and that is what is so great about him and his work.
A great read to start the year with.
October 19, 2021
If you love the big yin, you'll love this. Being from just down the road in Ayrshire he's national hero to me and his face should be on our currency IMO.
I highly recommend listening to the audio version, especially since Billy has retired from stand up - it feels like a treat to be able to spend nearly 9 hours in his company listening to his stories again.
I highly recommend listening to the audio version, especially since Billy has retired from stand up - it feels like a treat to be able to spend nearly 9 hours in his company listening to his stories again.
Read
February 1, 2022Oh I LOVED this (audio book) so much. By turns heartbreaking, shocking, hilarious and moving I fell a little bit more in love with Billy with every minute I listened to. What an incredible man and what a hell of a life he's had.
February 28, 2022
A very welcome Christmas present I must say. Billy now has Parkinson’s, so he is dictating his life story into his phone. I have seen him a couple of times in concert at Hammersmith, London and have watched most of his TV work but only a few of the films he has been in.
It is a fairly loose autobiography and what I mean by that is that he does not get bogged down in details and dates. As you would expect there is a lot of Billy’s own opinions thrown in as well. If you are a Billy fan then you will know a lot of this already but there is enough in the book to certainly keep you happy. It did me.
It is a very easy read and follows the normal path of birth to the present day. He does not shy away from telling some of the harder stories from his childhood. You can really hear Billy in this book. He has had one hell of a life that is for sure. A rock ‘n’ roll comedian with a lifestyle to match.
There were some bits of his life that he did not even mention. Becoming a Sir was one. He got the Knighthood back in 2017. I am sure there are loads of other stuff and stories to tell. This book was good though.
It is a fairly loose autobiography and what I mean by that is that he does not get bogged down in details and dates. As you would expect there is a lot of Billy’s own opinions thrown in as well. If you are a Billy fan then you will know a lot of this already but there is enough in the book to certainly keep you happy. It did me.
It is a very easy read and follows the normal path of birth to the present day. He does not shy away from telling some of the harder stories from his childhood. You can really hear Billy in this book. He has had one hell of a life that is for sure. A rock ‘n’ roll comedian with a lifestyle to match.
There were some bits of his life that he did not even mention. Becoming a Sir was one. He got the Knighthood back in 2017. I am sure there are loads of other stuff and stories to tell. This book was good though.
June 23, 2022
I truly enjoyed reading Billy Connolly's autobiography, which took me on a journey through his life in his own words. It was as if we were sitting down together enjoying a cup of tea and a biscuit [cookie], while he told me about the good and the bad and what he really cares about, his family and having the time and space to contemplate his own thoughts.
About tea and biscuits, he writes, "There's something wonderful about a biscuit. It lifts you off the floor." Billy Connolly's favorite commercially available biscuit is also mine. It's the digestive. They are plain but versatile, and they are perfect for dunking in hot tea.
Connolly writes that "Teatime in the shipyards was a joy. We used to sit by the fire to have our sandwiches and tea." We learn that new apprentices are asked, "Who makes your sandwich?" on their first day of work and are advised never to tell their sandwich maker that they liked their cheeses sandwich as they will be "chained to cheese for the rest of their life."
Connolly remains jovial throughout the book as if he is shooting the breeze with us, his audience. His wonderful sense of humor gave me several laugh out loud moments. One such occasion is when he cuts his hair and shaves for the first time in twenty years. His daughter, Amy, watches the process fascinated and yells to her sisters, "Come and look! Daddy's in the bathroom scraping off his fur!"
He is philosophical about how mobile phones have made us so much more accessible writing that "You're always gettable. Now people can call you in your quiet moments you used to love." He laments that people seem afraid to be alone with their thoughts. They need to endlessly talk on the phone with others, rather than take the time to reflect and explore their own minds.
His love of children and ease of spending time with them shone through. He writes about changing baby's 'nappies' [diapers] without qualms and that "It's a joy to release the baby of this burden." He goes on further to write about his appreciation of toddlers as "the craziest people. They change their clothes six times a day, and they ask you the nicest questions."
His wife, Pamela Stephenson, was one of my favorite characters on the TV show, 'Not the Nine O'Clock news.' Connolly includes excerpts about her here and there throughout the book. One of my favorites is her response when Connolly expresses his annoyance at hearing 'car alarms' go off all the time while he is swimming in the ocean in Australia. He writes, "Pamela looked at me with that look that women give you that says, 'why have I put up with you for so long?' But all she said was: 'Billy - that's the shark alarm.'"
There was a refreshing lack of famous name-dropping that you find in some autobiographies of people in the entertainment business. However, I was delight to read that Judi Dench is, "A lovely person who can change a room when she walks in, but she doesn't have the 'la-di-da' aura. She just oozes elegance and greatness."
We learn of some of Connolly's exploits that have led to him feeling that he is lucky to be alive. He describes his current occupation, "fishing happily in Florida, and I'm not yet dead or broken," and goes on to describe a chance meeting with a writer in a London nightclub. He was wearing what he would describe as a 'windswept and interesting' outfit, "leather jodhpurs and a leather jacket. Pink socks and mules." The writer told him that he looked like, "A welder who got away with it."
About tea and biscuits, he writes, "There's something wonderful about a biscuit. It lifts you off the floor." Billy Connolly's favorite commercially available biscuit is also mine. It's the digestive. They are plain but versatile, and they are perfect for dunking in hot tea.
Connolly writes that "Teatime in the shipyards was a joy. We used to sit by the fire to have our sandwiches and tea." We learn that new apprentices are asked, "Who makes your sandwich?" on their first day of work and are advised never to tell their sandwich maker that they liked their cheeses sandwich as they will be "chained to cheese for the rest of their life."
Connolly remains jovial throughout the book as if he is shooting the breeze with us, his audience. His wonderful sense of humor gave me several laugh out loud moments. One such occasion is when he cuts his hair and shaves for the first time in twenty years. His daughter, Amy, watches the process fascinated and yells to her sisters, "Come and look! Daddy's in the bathroom scraping off his fur!"
He is philosophical about how mobile phones have made us so much more accessible writing that "You're always gettable. Now people can call you in your quiet moments you used to love." He laments that people seem afraid to be alone with their thoughts. They need to endlessly talk on the phone with others, rather than take the time to reflect and explore their own minds.
His love of children and ease of spending time with them shone through. He writes about changing baby's 'nappies' [diapers] without qualms and that "It's a joy to release the baby of this burden." He goes on further to write about his appreciation of toddlers as "the craziest people. They change their clothes six times a day, and they ask you the nicest questions."
His wife, Pamela Stephenson, was one of my favorite characters on the TV show, 'Not the Nine O'Clock news.' Connolly includes excerpts about her here and there throughout the book. One of my favorites is her response when Connolly expresses his annoyance at hearing 'car alarms' go off all the time while he is swimming in the ocean in Australia. He writes, "Pamela looked at me with that look that women give you that says, 'why have I put up with you for so long?' But all she said was: 'Billy - that's the shark alarm.'"
There was a refreshing lack of famous name-dropping that you find in some autobiographies of people in the entertainment business. However, I was delight to read that Judi Dench is, "A lovely person who can change a room when she walks in, but she doesn't have the 'la-di-da' aura. She just oozes elegance and greatness."
We learn of some of Connolly's exploits that have led to him feeling that he is lucky to be alive. He describes his current occupation, "fishing happily in Florida, and I'm not yet dead or broken," and goes on to describe a chance meeting with a writer in a London nightclub. He was wearing what he would describe as a 'windswept and interesting' outfit, "leather jodhpurs and a leather jacket. Pink socks and mules." The writer told him that he looked like, "A welder who got away with it."
January 12, 2023
Okay, I just read this in one sitting.
It's very rare for me to do that, I was just so engrossed in it.
It's written so well and the chapters are the perfect length.
It's sad, it's interesting and most of all hilarious.
I now understand why this had been highly rated, it was a brilliant autobiography and possibly the best one I've read.
It's very rare for me to do that, I was just so engrossed in it.
It's written so well and the chapters are the perfect length.
It's sad, it's interesting and most of all hilarious.
I now understand why this had been highly rated, it was a brilliant autobiography and possibly the best one I've read.
October 26, 2021
Please, if you can, get the audiobook of this autobiography. Yes, some of it sounds familiar if you are a fan of his live shows, but genuinely the tales are no less funny and hearing Billy laugh, take note, hesitate and show his genuine emotion through his narration is incredibly moving.
My love for this comic has never died, only grown. Listening to this has been a genuine treat. 5*.
My love for this comic has never died, only grown. Listening to this has been a genuine treat. 5*.
January 9, 2022
I grew up watching Billy, first on VHS and then on DVD. I laughed along before I was even old enough to understand what was so funny. I was in the audience for three of his concerts, one of which was during his final tour of Australia. I met him twice and have the photos to prove it, including the one where my camera unexpectedly decided it needed a flash. Billy’s surprised expression is just as awesome as you’d expect. I even managed to get some Billy autographs and a Billy hug.
I’ve laughed so much my body has gotten confused and morphed into ugly crying. I’ve learned to be wary of beige people and to appreciate the freedom of naked dancing (vicariously, not personally). I’ve identified as windswept and interesting for as long as I can remember.
Of course I was going to read this book, and preorder a signed copy.
It was just as wonderful as I’d hoped. You can hear Billy in your head as you read his story. I’m going to hear him in my head for real when I listen to the audiobook version. Naturally I needed a copy in every format I could find but the audiobook is going to be an absolute treat; I can’t wait to hear his laughter.
You’ll learn “wee interesting things” about Billy here, some you’ll already know as if it’s your own autobiography, but you won’t care because it’s Billy. The new things may build on things you already knew; they’ll give you an even greater appreciation of the man he is and the things he’s overcome in order to delight you with his worldview.
I highlighted too many quotes to share with you here but I need you to read some of them.
On fashion:
I’ve laughed so much my body has gotten confused and morphed into ugly crying. I’ve learned to be wary of beige people and to appreciate the freedom of naked dancing (vicariously, not personally). I’ve identified as windswept and interesting for as long as I can remember.
Of course I was going to read this book, and preorder a signed copy.
It was just as wonderful as I’d hoped. You can hear Billy in your head as you read his story. I’m going to hear him in my head for real when I listen to the audiobook version. Naturally I needed a copy in every format I could find but the audiobook is going to be an absolute treat; I can’t wait to hear his laughter.
You’ll learn “wee interesting things” about Billy here, some you’ll already know as if it’s your own autobiography, but you won’t care because it’s Billy. The new things may build on things you already knew; they’ll give you an even greater appreciation of the man he is and the things he’s overcome in order to delight you with his worldview.
I highlighted too many quotes to share with you here but I need you to read some of them.
On fashion:
I once wore a pair of black patent brogues with furry black and white spotted panels on a plane. A flight attendant said, ‘I like your shoes.’ I said, ‘Thanks - I had them made abroad. The shoemaker had a big box of Dalmatian puppies, and you could pick your own …’ It was the only time in my life I was smacked by a flight crew member.On weight:
I can’t control my weight and eat the things I like, so I eat the things I like.On libraries:
Everything I’ve achieved in my life has been because of the library.On Australian wildlife:
I’m warning you. Australia is a dangerous place! Australians must be the bravest buggers on the face of the earth. Imminent danger every fucking day.On snorkelling:
I was a bit nervous because I’d just seen Jaws for the first time - you know that movie about a shark that plays the cello? It put me off being in the sea. Every time I put my head underwater, I heard, ’dun dun dun dun dun dun dun dun …’On scuba diving:
My favourite underwater trick is to get my buoyancy bang on and stand still vertically. Just stand there looking bored when people swim past. Nod to them as if you’re waiting at a bus stop. Look at your watch. You get the most extraordinary looks from people.This is the Billy you already know and love, but in book form. If anything, it made me love him more.
‘I’m William F. B. Connolly the Third. Here’s some parting advice for you: “Lie on your back and you won’t squash your nose.”’Blog -
February 14, 2022
Another very enjoyable autobiography from a comedian – this time a British National Treasure: Sir William Connolly – aka The Big Yin.
Although it does sort of start at the beginning of his life – and end pretty much in the present, like many of Billy Connolly’s stage performances, there are many detours as he suddenly remembers something else that should now be mentioned before it is forgotten again and lost. So, if you are expecting a linear life story – look elsewhere.
His childhood was unremittingly awful. He was born in poverty in Glasgow. His mother left when he was young, his father was away fighting in Burma (WWII), and he was brought up by his aunts, one of whom – Mona – abused him physically and mentally, and specialised in humiliating him whenever possible. His father returned home to add sexual abuse to the young Billy’s life. He was beaten at home and at school, and – understandably – suffered with poor self-esteem, a feeling which lasted well into his adulthood.
However, he never felt sorry for himself, nor blamed others. He has had a life-long curiosity, always wanting to learn more, and to experience new things – be it becoming a paratrooper, welder, banjo player – or dancing naked in the streets. His delight in visiting new places, meeting new people, and performing is evident throughout the book.
Billy Connolly is an eternal optimist. Even his health problems with hearing loss, prostate cancer and Parkinson’s disease, have not kept him down long. With the help and support of his second wife, Pamela Stephenson, he has overcome so much, and is no longer a heavy drinker with violent tendencies – but a much-loved family man, and revered comedian, musician and actor around the English-speaking world.
I listened to the audible book, narrated by the man himself, and would definitely recommend this method, rather than the written book. There is a lot of swearing – and while that can jar somewhat when seen on paper, it fits so perfectly with Billy Connolly’s personality, and his Glaswegian upbringing. He even has a chapter dedicated to the importance of swearing well.
This is an inspiring story about an inspiring life – a true rags to riches tale. Highly recommended.
Although it does sort of start at the beginning of his life – and end pretty much in the present, like many of Billy Connolly’s stage performances, there are many detours as he suddenly remembers something else that should now be mentioned before it is forgotten again and lost. So, if you are expecting a linear life story – look elsewhere.
His childhood was unremittingly awful. He was born in poverty in Glasgow. His mother left when he was young, his father was away fighting in Burma (WWII), and he was brought up by his aunts, one of whom – Mona – abused him physically and mentally, and specialised in humiliating him whenever possible. His father returned home to add sexual abuse to the young Billy’s life. He was beaten at home and at school, and – understandably – suffered with poor self-esteem, a feeling which lasted well into his adulthood.
However, he never felt sorry for himself, nor blamed others. He has had a life-long curiosity, always wanting to learn more, and to experience new things – be it becoming a paratrooper, welder, banjo player – or dancing naked in the streets. His delight in visiting new places, meeting new people, and performing is evident throughout the book.
Billy Connolly is an eternal optimist. Even his health problems with hearing loss, prostate cancer and Parkinson’s disease, have not kept him down long. With the help and support of his second wife, Pamela Stephenson, he has overcome so much, and is no longer a heavy drinker with violent tendencies – but a much-loved family man, and revered comedian, musician and actor around the English-speaking world.
I listened to the audible book, narrated by the man himself, and would definitely recommend this method, rather than the written book. There is a lot of swearing – and while that can jar somewhat when seen on paper, it fits so perfectly with Billy Connolly’s personality, and his Glaswegian upbringing. He even has a chapter dedicated to the importance of swearing well.
This is an inspiring story about an inspiring life – a true rags to riches tale. Highly recommended.
January 3, 2022
In chapter 20 of this meandering memoir comedian Billy Connelly admits to not writing but dictating this book into his phone. Earlier in the book he describes his “stream of consciousness” approach to live routines, saying whatever comes into his head. What served him well over a unique and stellar career of standup serves him less well as an author.
He certainly writes with a voice, it’s full of colourful anecdotes, it spans his lifetime and he admits early he had no intention of being bothered with dates and factual details. I certainly learnt a bit about the man, his childhood, his trade, his military experience and the genesis of his career from folk music to comedy. (Gerry Rafferty is his most fascinating and well-painted cameo.)
Billy’s whistled out this pastiche of routines, recollections and ricochets (remember, he says the first thing that comes into his head.) Golden for diehard fans, I’m sure, but for those of us a little less likely to fall under his spell, the looseness becomes something of a distraction. Ultimately Billy delivers something that falls short of the substance that might faithfully chronicle his remarkable career for posterity.
I expect the audio book would do this one far greater justice, since the physical book is essentially a transcription, as opposed to a work of prose.
Nonetheless an interesting (and windswept!) enjoyable brisk summer holiday read. In the reader’s diet, books like this can sit well when they find their place in the wider rhythm of reading.
I thank Riley for his thoughtful and generous gift. ❤️
PS Sir Billy is 75 years old and suffering from Parkinson’s so I realise my criticisms should be measured in the light of his condition. There is no question that he is still very much sprite of mind. And as in love with dropping the f-bomb as ever.
He certainly writes with a voice, it’s full of colourful anecdotes, it spans his lifetime and he admits early he had no intention of being bothered with dates and factual details. I certainly learnt a bit about the man, his childhood, his trade, his military experience and the genesis of his career from folk music to comedy. (Gerry Rafferty is his most fascinating and well-painted cameo.)
Billy’s whistled out this pastiche of routines, recollections and ricochets (remember, he says the first thing that comes into his head.) Golden for diehard fans, I’m sure, but for those of us a little less likely to fall under his spell, the looseness becomes something of a distraction. Ultimately Billy delivers something that falls short of the substance that might faithfully chronicle his remarkable career for posterity.
I expect the audio book would do this one far greater justice, since the physical book is essentially a transcription, as opposed to a work of prose.
Nonetheless an interesting (and windswept!) enjoyable brisk summer holiday read. In the reader’s diet, books like this can sit well when they find their place in the wider rhythm of reading.
I thank Riley for his thoughtful and generous gift. ❤️
PS Sir Billy is 75 years old and suffering from Parkinson’s so I realise my criticisms should be measured in the light of his condition. There is no question that he is still very much sprite of mind. And as in love with dropping the f-bomb as ever.
Read
November 7, 2021It's curious to think that a lot of younger Australian kids don't know Billy Connolly, as he was something of a staple here for many years. Defiantly different, refusing social conventions, etc, but mainly just funny. Plus banjos.
Also someone who made it through a brutal childhood, and whose story brings home how often kids can show nothing on the surface, even when the subject of all sorts of hell when no-one's looking.
Like many of Connolly's live performances, there's a few chaotic tangents in this autobiography, but it remains entertaining throughout. Connolly narrates the audiobook himself, and there's a certain difficulty in speaking that shows his age, but as one extended 'stand-up', I'd definitely recommend it as the way to experience his story.
Also someone who made it through a brutal childhood, and whose story brings home how often kids can show nothing on the surface, even when the subject of all sorts of hell when no-one's looking.
Like many of Connolly's live performances, there's a few chaotic tangents in this autobiography, but it remains entertaining throughout. Connolly narrates the audiobook himself, and there's a certain difficulty in speaking that shows his age, but as one extended 'stand-up', I'd definitely recommend it as the way to experience his story.
November 7, 2021
I haven’t been so sad to finish an audiobook in ages. I’m going to miss him telling me his story on my drives to work this week. A joy to listen to from start to finish. He’s one of a kind. Love him.
January 6, 2022
Legend.
there’s no such thing as bad weather; only the wrong clothes. Says everything about the man's outlook, even with his problems.
Thoroughly enjoyed this one.
there’s no such thing as bad weather; only the wrong clothes. Says everything about the man's outlook, even with his problems.
Thoroughly enjoyed this one.
March 26, 2024
listened on audiobook, because there’s no other way to experience this book properly.
absolute perfection ❤️ love the big yin so much xxx
absolute perfection ❤️ love the big yin so much xxx
November 18, 2022
Windswept, Interesting, and Brilliant!
The darling, hilarious, flamboyant Billy Connolly, first seen by me as the "new teacher" on Head of the Class, later giving life to favorites like King Fergus of Dunbroch, John Brown, and of course Billy Bones- the only person to die in a Muppet movie! He's had a wild life, sometimes hard, sometimes amazing, and is just such a hilarious, but also loving, person. In this book he gives you his tips, through roughly chronological anecdotes, on how you, too, can become windswept and interesting. He also tells hilarious bits from his comedy shows, behind the scene info on movies, and is generally just someone you would love to sit down with and talk to- and that's what this book feels like. An intimate conversation with someone amazing.
The darling, hilarious, flamboyant Billy Connolly, first seen by me as the "new teacher" on Head of the Class, later giving life to favorites like King Fergus of Dunbroch, John Brown, and of course Billy Bones- the only person to die in a Muppet movie! He's had a wild life, sometimes hard, sometimes amazing, and is just such a hilarious, but also loving, person. In this book he gives you his tips, through roughly chronological anecdotes, on how you, too, can become windswept and interesting. He also tells hilarious bits from his comedy shows, behind the scene info on movies, and is generally just someone you would love to sit down with and talk to- and that's what this book feels like. An intimate conversation with someone amazing.
October 19, 2021
The thing about Billy Connolly is I could listen to him talk forever, and the joy about this book is it is written in the style of him talking to you for nearly 400 pages. You read it with his voice in your head. He says he wrote it by dictating it and that really comes across, and also is the best medium for him to spin his yarns.
If you have read any of his other books ("Made in Scotland" and "Tall Tales and Wee Stories") the occasional paragraph will read as familiar (also some of his live work as well) but I don't think that detracts from the overall work.
It's not a typical biography. There's a rough linear timeline to it, but much more fun is how it meanders and he goes on a ramble (and how all these yarns and stories fit together).
I've just found out the audio book is read by him and I bet that's really good.
If you have read any of his other books ("Made in Scotland" and "Tall Tales and Wee Stories") the occasional paragraph will read as familiar (also some of his live work as well) but I don't think that detracts from the overall work.
It's not a typical biography. There's a rough linear timeline to it, but much more fun is how it meanders and he goes on a ramble (and how all these yarns and stories fit together).
I've just found out the audio book is read by him and I bet that's really good.
January 10, 2024
Apparently, Billy Connolly dictated this book into an app on his phone but the app didn’t understand his Glaswegian accent, so in the end his family had to help him transcribe the whole thing! In fact reading the autobiography is just like listening to the Big Yin. Some great stories, also some sad ones that would have been difficult for him to talk about.
February 5, 2024
I listened to this as an audiobook and I imagined billy was my papa. Billy is every Scottish persons papa. Except he is able to observe and reflect frankly and honestly, unveiling private thoughts and feelings in a way which my papa is sadly not able to do.
This warmed my heart in such a way that a book containing a multitude of willies and farts has never before.
I was genuinely shocked when he mentioned certain abuses breezily, alluding to them in a sentence within a chapter, and moving away from the topic. I thought here we go again, this will be my third autobiography by a man who drops his trauma as a punch line but does not actually address how it has impacted his life or discuss how it has affected him emotionally. however if you persist with this and know the big yin at all, you will see billy doesn’t ever merely just mention things on a flyaway; they are part of a bigger story, and they will come back into the conversation soon enough.
This warmed my heart in such a way that a book containing a multitude of willies and farts has never before.
I was genuinely shocked when he mentioned certain abuses breezily, alluding to them in a sentence within a chapter, and moving away from the topic. I thought here we go again, this will be my third autobiography by a man who drops his trauma as a punch line but does not actually address how it has impacted his life or discuss how it has affected him emotionally. however if you persist with this and know the big yin at all, you will see billy doesn’t ever merely just mention things on a flyaway; they are part of a bigger story, and they will come back into the conversation soon enough.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 19, 2022
This is just so brilliantly Billy. It flows to the rhythm of his own mind and that’s what makes it so perfect for me. 5 Star Human means a 5 Star Book ✨
December 29, 2021
Billy Connolly is one of the most likable people in the world and this book is just hearing him talk for 400 pages.
Exactly what I wanted it to be.
Exactly what I wanted it to be.
October 21, 2021
This book is classic Billy. It's like seeing him live or sitting having a wee chat with him through the pages of a book, or in my case the joy of listening to the very man narrate his own audio book.
In this book he tells of his childhood, finally from his own words and a lot of his childhood memories. I read his wife's book many years ago, so I knew of some of the elements he spoke of but it was a totally different experience hearing it from his own point of view.
The one thing I found from this is his unerring positivity. He could have turned out so differently by letting those who were supposed to have raised him get to him, instead he pushed on and had the great delight of proving them all wrong.
Billy takes you through his experiences of being in bands, friendships, comedy and eventual stardom. He does mention a lot of famous names but does it in a way that doesn't feel that he's name dropping, just talking about friends. He admits his weaknesses, his joys and his love for all things "other".
It's a lovely summary of a very full live well lived, and being a fellow Scot it gave me the appreciation of where you are from and all the little things we assume are just day to day things that people from other places and cultures may find odd or other. Particularly the Scot love of a swear word!
If you like Billy, you will love this wee insight into him and his many experiences, which i'm sure he could fill several books worth.
A lovely read, 5* for me.
The wee book lady xx
In this book he tells of his childhood, finally from his own words and a lot of his childhood memories. I read his wife's book many years ago, so I knew of some of the elements he spoke of but it was a totally different experience hearing it from his own point of view.
The one thing I found from this is his unerring positivity. He could have turned out so differently by letting those who were supposed to have raised him get to him, instead he pushed on and had the great delight of proving them all wrong.
Billy takes you through his experiences of being in bands, friendships, comedy and eventual stardom. He does mention a lot of famous names but does it in a way that doesn't feel that he's name dropping, just talking about friends. He admits his weaknesses, his joys and his love for all things "other".
It's a lovely summary of a very full live well lived, and being a fellow Scot it gave me the appreciation of where you are from and all the little things we assume are just day to day things that people from other places and cultures may find odd or other. Particularly the Scot love of a swear word!
If you like Billy, you will love this wee insight into him and his many experiences, which i'm sure he could fill several books worth.
A lovely read, 5* for me.
The wee book lady xx
Read
January 24, 2023Chaotic in the best way
April 1, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Really enjoyable read and an easy writing style! I think me not being a mega Billy Connolly fan meant I didn’t enjoy this as I might do if I knew more of his content etc but would definitely recommend if you’re already a fan and want to know more about The Big Yin!
Really enjoyable read and an easy writing style! I think me not being a mega Billy Connolly fan meant I didn’t enjoy this as I might do if I knew more of his content etc but would definitely recommend if you’re already a fan and want to know more about The Big Yin!
December 6, 2024
I’ve read his wife’s biography on him (titled Billy, published in 2002 - great read), but this is the first time reading his life story from the Big Yin himself. It doesn’t disappoint.
The book is written much like he performs his stand-up - doesn’t follow a linear flow as stories from the past breakthrough between tales of what he’s up to lately. And the comedy is still very strong. I laughed out loud a lot while reading this.
For me, Billy Connolly is the only person who ever had me laugh so hard, I was bent over in my seat, clutching my legs, crying, wondering if I would crack a rib. He carries all his brilliant nonsense into his writing. Windswept and interesting? Absolutely!
The book is written much like he performs his stand-up - doesn’t follow a linear flow as stories from the past breakthrough between tales of what he’s up to lately. And the comedy is still very strong. I laughed out loud a lot while reading this.
For me, Billy Connolly is the only person who ever had me laugh so hard, I was bent over in my seat, clutching my legs, crying, wondering if I would crack a rib. He carries all his brilliant nonsense into his writing. Windswept and interesting? Absolutely!
April 1, 2022
I've idolized Billy Connolly since I was a kid. When I was 12, I shocked my aunt when I presented her with the Pick of Billy Connolly album I'd bought with the Christmas money she'd given me. I've been to his shows in both the UK and US. So as a Big Yin fan, I tore through his autobiography. It's an enjoyable journey through Billy's life. I learned a few things I didn't know and saw some of the origins of his comedy performances. There's a lot here (the man's has had an incredible life) and surprisingly he doesn't go into a ton of detail for much of it. Things are mentioned but not dwelled upon. I can see that being an issue for a lot of people but for a Billy Connolly fan, it's all good.
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