Justin Lewis
@whenisbirths.bsky.social
Author/editor/'cultural historian'/carer, S Wales, probably autistic:
NEW BOOK!: Into the Groove, OUT NOW.
Textcast archive: https://firstlastanything.co.uk/about/ (new eps on Sundays)
Email: [email protected]
ko-fi.com/firstlastanything
NEW BOOK!: Into the Groove, OUT NOW.
Textcast archive: https://firstlastanything.co.uk/about/ (new eps on Sundays)
Email: [email protected]
ko-fi.com/firstlastanything
Christmas Wrapping, Last Christmas, Do They Know It's Christmas?, Merry Christmas Everyone, Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence - and Bros's impromptu cover of We Wish You a Merry Christmas.
Celebrate the 1980s at Christmas, and the 1980s at other times of the year, with my new book, #IntoTheGroove.
Celebrate the 1980s at Christmas, and the 1980s at other times of the year, with my new book, #IntoTheGroove.
December 1, 2025 at 11:59 AM
Christmas Wrapping, Last Christmas, Do They Know It's Christmas?, Merry Christmas Everyone, Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence - and Bros's impromptu cover of We Wish You a Merry Christmas.
Celebrate the 1980s at Christmas, and the 1980s at other times of the year, with my new book, #IntoTheGroove.
Celebrate the 1980s at Christmas, and the 1980s at other times of the year, with my new book, #IntoTheGroove.
Tom Stoppard (RIP) reviewing the week's television, The Observer, 31 May 1970. It's so pleasing that he loved Tom and Jerry. (Apologies for ALT readers, had to cut the opening paragraph, ran out of character limit.)
December 1, 2025 at 9:52 AM
Tom Stoppard (RIP) reviewing the week's television, The Observer, 31 May 1970. It's so pleasing that he loved Tom and Jerry. (Apologies for ALT readers, had to cut the opening paragraph, ran out of character limit.)
I do these exclusive A6 and A5 cards for birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas etc. Do get in touch if you’d like me to create them. Email [email protected] for more info. Thanks.
November 26, 2025 at 8:16 AM
I do these exclusive A6 and A5 cards for birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas etc. Do get in touch if you’d like me to create them. Email [email protected] for more info. Thanks.
This was the 100th #WhenWasThings card, which I did for November 1968. Obviously a White Album reference. I think everyone will find the ALT text useful for this one. (In fact I fear this will be illegible on this platform, but we'll see.)
November 22, 2025 at 11:36 AM
This was the 100th #WhenWasThings card, which I did for November 1968. Obviously a White Album reference. I think everyone will find the ALT text useful for this one. (In fact I fear this will be illegible on this platform, but we'll see.)
Another of my #WhenWasThings month-in-history cards, this time one I designed for November 1984. If you'd like to order an exclusive commission for yourself or a loved one, email me for further details! [email protected]
November 21, 2025 at 7:58 AM
Another of my #WhenWasThings month-in-history cards, this time one I designed for November 1984. If you'd like to order an exclusive commission for yourself or a loved one, email me for further details! [email protected]
A #WhenWasThings card I designed five years ago exactly. I do exclusive commissions like this. Perfect for birthdays, Christmas etc. Email in bio, as they say. Please share if you like it.
November 20, 2025 at 12:09 PM
A #WhenWasThings card I designed five years ago exactly. I do exclusive commissions like this. Perfect for birthdays, Christmas etc. Email in bio, as they say. Please share if you like it.
Come and join us at @booksellercrow.bsky.social in Crystal Palace on Thurs 11 Dec with the team from @deserterblog.bsky.social, to launch and celebrate both our new books. I will be interviewed about my #IntoTheGroove book by @clairywoowoo.bsky.social. It will be fun. Please come!
November 16, 2025 at 7:33 PM
Come and join us at @booksellercrow.bsky.social in Crystal Palace on Thurs 11 Dec with the team from @deserterblog.bsky.social, to launch and celebrate both our new books. I will be interviewed about my #IntoTheGroove book by @clairywoowoo.bsky.social. It will be fun. Please come!
Six years ago, I did a #WhenWasThings for November 1975, this was only the sixth instalment but it was the first one where I thought, The design for this could be anything, could go anywhere...
November 14, 2025 at 12:24 PM
Six years ago, I did a #WhenWasThings for November 1975, this was only the sixth instalment but it was the first one where I thought, The design for this could be anything, could go anywhere...
My attempts to connect my written work with a feline audience have taken a giant step forward. This review for my last book, #DontStopTheMusic, perhaps the sweetest I’ve ever had, from the United States. Thank you Rob, Myra and Mr Tiddles.
November 11, 2025 at 9:37 AM
My attempts to connect my written work with a feline audience have taken a giant step forward. This review for my last book, #DontStopTheMusic, perhaps the sweetest I’ve ever had, from the United States. Thank you Rob, Myra and Mr Tiddles.
It’s back for the second half of series 3 - my textcast #FirstLastAnything, on music of all kinds with a very special guest each week. New instalment to be read will appear at about 9am this morning.
November 9, 2025 at 7:45 AM
It’s back for the second half of series 3 - my textcast #FirstLastAnything, on music of all kinds with a very special guest each week. New instalment to be read will appear at about 9am this morning.
November 1957. 'No AI was involved.' #WhenWasThings
November 8, 2025 at 10:27 PM
November 1957. 'No AI was involved.' #WhenWasThings
Hello to followers based in the USA and Canada: My last book, #DontStopTheMusic came out there a year ago.
It’s an On This Day In Pop History book, with plenty of N American-relevant content. Contact your local bookshop. A perfect birthday or holiday gift!
It’s an On This Day In Pop History book, with plenty of N American-relevant content. Contact your local bookshop. A perfect birthday or holiday gift!
November 1, 2025 at 1:20 PM
Hello to followers based in the USA and Canada: My last book, #DontStopTheMusic came out there a year ago.
It’s an On This Day In Pop History book, with plenty of N American-relevant content. Contact your local bookshop. A perfect birthday or holiday gift!
It’s an On This Day In Pop History book, with plenty of N American-relevant content. Contact your local bookshop. A perfect birthday or holiday gift!
I have a new book out on 1980s pop called #IntoTheGroove, and during this #totp from Oct 1982, I'll be posting some teases from it.
October 31, 2025 at 7:57 PM
I have a new book out on 1980s pop called #IntoTheGroove, and during this #totp from Oct 1982, I'll be posting some teases from it.
Last day of October, so here's some things that happened exactly 30 years ago this month. You can order exclusive commissions of handmade cards like this for yourself or loved ones for any month in history - email in bio - and yes, this is my handwriting. #Oct1995 #WhenWasThings #ChristmasIsComing
October 31, 2025 at 9:58 AM
Last day of October, so here's some things that happened exactly 30 years ago this month. You can order exclusive commissions of handmade cards like this for yourself or loved ones for any month in history - email in bio - and yes, this is my handwriting. #Oct1995 #WhenWasThings #ChristmasIsComing
On Mon 29 Oct 1984, #FrankieGoesToHollywood released their debut album, the double set Welcome to the Pleasuredome. Find out their surprising connection with #EastEnders in my new book on 80s pop history, #IntoTheGroove. OUT NOW!
October 29, 2025 at 8:36 AM
On Mon 29 Oct 1984, #FrankieGoesToHollywood released their debut album, the double set Welcome to the Pleasuredome. Find out their surprising connection with #EastEnders in my new book on 80s pop history, #IntoTheGroove. OUT NOW!
Birthdays for 28 Oct. Why not do as Elsa 'might' have done, and order a bespoke #WhenIsBirths birthday card for yourself or a loved one? Choose your colour scheme and areas of interest. And yes, that is my handwriting. No AI slop here. Email me for more info! [email protected]
![Birthdays for 28 Oct, black and yellow text on bright blue background.
28 OCT:
Jane Alexander / Gerry Anderson [the broadcaster] / Bob Andy / Francis Bacon / Harold Battiste / Chris Bauer / Howard Blake / Graham Bond / Simon Brett / Lucy Bronze / Desmond Child / Gwendoline Christie / Alan Clarke / Carl Davis / Richard Dimbleby / Richard Doll / Terence Donovan / Erasmus / Wayne Fontana / Dennis Franz / Bill Gates/ Ben Harper / Susan Harris / Jack Hedley / Jamie XX / Caitlyn Jenner / Gershon Kingsley / Cleo Laine / ELSA LANCHESTER / Curtis Lee / Kevin Macdonald / Hank Marvin / Stephen Morris / Camille Muffat / Frank Ocean / Brad Paisley / Suzy Parker / Joaquin Phoenix / Joan Plowright / Annie Potts / William Reid / Andy Richter / Julia Roberts / Philip Savile / Eileen Shanahan / Matt Smith / Jack Soo / Joe Thomas / Evelyn Waugh
(C) WIB JSL MMXXV](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:w2t63zyue4dcfblsrmg24wwr/bafkreiga7kdgrmkaviwmrfqohfdpn5bcmypcq3hmvnvkb646tugzclxzy4@jpeg)
October 28, 2025 at 10:51 AM
Birthdays for 28 Oct. Why not do as Elsa 'might' have done, and order a bespoke #WhenIsBirths birthday card for yourself or a loved one? Choose your colour scheme and areas of interest. And yes, that is my handwriting. No AI slop here. Email me for more info! [email protected]
The international hit version of West End Girls by #PetShopBoys was released 40 years ago today, Mon 28 Oct 1985. It launched their chart career, going to #1 in the UK and USA.
My new book, #IntoTheGroove, the history of 1980s pop, has plenty on its origin and background, and it’s OUT NOW.
My new book, #IntoTheGroove, the history of 1980s pop, has plenty on its origin and background, and it’s OUT NOW.
October 28, 2025 at 7:46 AM
The international hit version of West End Girls by #PetShopBoys was released 40 years ago today, Mon 28 Oct 1985. It launched their chart career, going to #1 in the UK and USA.
My new book, #IntoTheGroove, the history of 1980s pop, has plenty on its origin and background, and it’s OUT NOW.
My new book, #IntoTheGroove, the history of 1980s pop, has plenty on its origin and background, and it’s OUT NOW.
#IntoTheGroove, my month-by-month guide to 1980s musical history, and a tale of pop and circumstance.
OUT NOW: uk.bookshop.org/p/books/into...
'Justin Lewis tells pop's never-ending story brilliantly.'
DAVID QUANTICK
'A treasure chest of pop riches... I loved this book!'
SAMIRA AHMED
OUT NOW: uk.bookshop.org/p/books/into...
'Justin Lewis tells pop's never-ending story brilliantly.'
DAVID QUANTICK
'A treasure chest of pop riches... I loved this book!'
SAMIRA AHMED
October 27, 2025 at 7:33 AM
#IntoTheGroove, my month-by-month guide to 1980s musical history, and a tale of pop and circumstance.
OUT NOW: uk.bookshop.org/p/books/into...
'Justin Lewis tells pop's never-ending story brilliantly.'
DAVID QUANTICK
'A treasure chest of pop riches... I loved this book!'
SAMIRA AHMED
OUT NOW: uk.bookshop.org/p/books/into...
'Justin Lewis tells pop's never-ending story brilliantly.'
DAVID QUANTICK
'A treasure chest of pop riches... I loved this book!'
SAMIRA AHMED
Forty years ago, at 11pm, on Sat 26 Oct 1985, Channel 4 premiered An Audience with Billy Connolly. (S4C showed it nine days later.) It was watched by 4.8m people and practically everyone who saw has been word-perfect ever since. #
Here's some of what else happened in Oct 85. #WhenWasThings
Here's some of what else happened in Oct 85. #WhenWasThings
October 26, 2025 at 10:27 AM
Forty years ago, at 11pm, on Sat 26 Oct 1985, Channel 4 premiered An Audience with Billy Connolly. (S4C showed it nine days later.) It was watched by 4.8m people and practically everyone who saw has been word-perfect ever since. #
Here's some of what else happened in Oct 85. #WhenWasThings
Here's some of what else happened in Oct 85. #WhenWasThings
To Chelsea at Lichfield on the Waterstones website: thank you for one of the most fantastic reviews I've ever received for anything. It's when people say, 'I want to read other things you've written.' #IntoTheGroove
October 24, 2025 at 3:46 PM
To Chelsea at Lichfield on the Waterstones website: thank you for one of the most fantastic reviews I've ever received for anything. It's when people say, 'I want to read other things you've written.' #IntoTheGroove
The forecast was 'chucking it down', so a pleasant surprise. Will be coming here again, I feel.
October 22, 2025 at 1:29 PM
The forecast was 'chucking it down', so a pleasant surprise. Will be coming here again, I feel.
I think there are still tickets available for this: I will be talking to the great @quantick.bsky.social about my #IntoTheGroove book and 80s pop history at Waterstones Hastings, this Wednesday at 5pm. www.waterstones.com/events/justi...
October 19, 2025 at 7:40 PM
I think there are still tickets available for this: I will be talking to the great @quantick.bsky.social about my #IntoTheGroove book and 80s pop history at Waterstones Hastings, this Wednesday at 5pm. www.waterstones.com/events/justi...
Realised I hadn’t posted this here. This is from the #IntoTheGroove event we did in Mumbles on Wednesday. (I look deep in thought here.) My thanks to my interviewer, the brilliant @juderogers.bsky.social, and to everyone who came along!
October 19, 2025 at 11:47 AM
Realised I hadn’t posted this here. This is from the #IntoTheGroove event we did in Mumbles on Wednesday. (I look deep in thought here.) My thanks to my interviewer, the brilliant @juderogers.bsky.social, and to everyone who came along!
I have a new book out called #intoTheGroove about the history of 1980s pop, it's been very well-received so far, and for the next #totp, I'll be giving some pointers as to the sort of thing you can expect in its pages.
October 17, 2025 at 7:30 PM
I have a new book out called #intoTheGroove about the history of 1980s pop, it's been very well-received so far, and for the next #totp, I'll be giving some pointers as to the sort of thing you can expect in its pages.
Pre-event selfie. Pics to follow from that. #IntoTheGroove
October 15, 2025 at 9:20 PM
Pre-event selfie. Pics to follow from that. #IntoTheGroove