‘Have a good time all the time’
Route are pleased to announce the signing of Steve Hill’s book Friday Night Fever: Inside The Cult Of Half Man Half Biscuit.
Half Man Half Biscuit occupy a unique place in British culture. Existing largely outside the music business, this idiosyncratic Birkenhead band has flown under the radar for over four decades, skewering societal mores through a surrealist lens with laugh-out-loud lyrics and acutely observed satire.
Without embarking on anything that could realistically be described as a tour, they have nevertheless garnered an army of adoring followers. Biscuit gigs are supremely joyous occasions, with fans often travelling huge distances to far-flung locations.
United by their love of the band, many disparate devotees never miss a show. Following the enforced pandemic hiatus, author Steve Hill made the life changing decision to join these Ultras and go fulltime.
Round Britain in a Dukla Prague Away Kit – from Somerset to Scotland and all points in between – Friday Night Fever is a raucous road trip. But beyond the jocularity and Joy Division Oven Gloves, there is a poignant exploration of the lives touched by this most beloved national treasure.
Route Editor Ian Daley: ‘There has been a Half Man Half Biscuit book shaped hole in our list for some time. One of the pre-eminent members of the die-hard Biscuit followers is an old friend and former colleague, so we’ve long been aware of this rich subculture in British life, and equally as long wanted to celebrate it. We are delighted that Steve finally presented us with a book about it. He’s very skilfully managed to capture the quirky, idiosyncratic outlook of the band and their followers as we follow him travelling around the country, partly as observer, partly as a member of the cult himself. As a result, there’s much to enjoy for the legion of fans, and it also serves and as an entertaining taster for curious onlookers.’
Steve Hill: ‘If there's anything better than squeezing into an Eastern European football shirt, driving to a bleak northern outpost, meeting some likeminded souls and watching Britain's greatest group then I don't want to know. Half Man Half Biscuit have probably given me more pleasure than almost any other group. I thought if I didn't write a book about them then someone else would. I have taken so much from Half Man over the years, it’s time I gave something back. Becoming a fulltime Biscuit fan was one of the greatest decisions I ever made. Have a good time all the time.’
Steve Hill is a freelance journalist and author of The Card, the story of his quest to attend every match, home and away for a whole season, of his beloved Chester FC, and Wall of Sport, a descent into multiscreen madness watching sport on TV. Friday Night Fever will be published in 2026. More details to follow. Read Steve’s article about Half Man Half Biscuit for the Guardian here.
Half Man Half Biscuit and fans, The Ritz, Manchester, January 2026