Groovy, Laidback and Nasty – Daniel Dylan Wray

Fri 16 October, 2026 at 6:00 pm

From electronic futurism to generation-defining indie rock, Sheffield has long been a crucible for world leading music. Creativity flourished in spite of economic decline and bleak political circumstances. But Sheffield’s music scene has never been documented or celebrated to the level of other cities. In Groovy, Laidback and Nasty, acclaimed Sheffield journalist Daniel Dylan Wray remedies this, describing the city’s DIY spirit and musical innovators who built its inimitable legacy. Brilliantly researched and spanning almost seven decades, it features over 150 interviews with the likes of Pulp, Arctic Monkeys, The Human League, Cabaret Voltaire, Self Esteem and Richard Hawley.

Both a compelling cultural study and an unapologetic love letter to the city, this is the definitive musical history Sheffield so richly deserves.

Daniel Dylan Wray is a music and culture writer who lives in Sheffield. Primarily writing for The Guardian, he has also written for outlets including the BBC, the Independent, Pitchfork, The Times, New Statesman, Uncut, The Quietus and more. Groovy, Laidback and Nasty is his first book.