In Destiny Stopped Screaming, author and journalist Simon Heavisides offers a poignant and insightful exploration of the life and artistry of Adrian Borland, the underappreciated frontman of The Sound. This book is both a riveting biography and cautionary tale about the detrimental impact of media and peer influence on the mental well-being of musicians. Penned twenty-five years after Borland’s untimely passing, this work stands as a significant tribute to the haunting brilliance of the British singer, songwriter, and guitarist.
Heavisides begins the biography by exploring Borland’s early life and often tumultuous relationship with his father, painting a portrait of a highly creative—and admittedly coddled—soul. He then guides us through Borland’s career trajectory, from his first punk band, The Outsiders, through the era of The Sound to his later solo career and collaborations with artists like Mark Burgess (The Chameleons). We witness a sensitive artist trying to make sense of the world, producing poetic music on par with his heroes, Patti Smith and Jim Morrison.
Much of the book focuses on Adrian Borland’s personal struggles, exacerbated by a ruthless press that unfairly criticized everything from his appearance to his middle-class background and grammar school education. It also examines the fallout from Borland’s alcoholism and battles with schizoaffective disorder. A tragic series of psychotic breaks, addictions, and outbursts led to the end of The Sound in 1987. By the early ’90s, AIDS had claimed the life of his bandmate Max Mayers. Several years later, Borland tragically ended his own life in a railroad yard.
What sets Destiny Stopped Screaming apart is its deep dive into Borland’s own lyrics, offering insight into an artist desperate to express himself fully. After all, Borland himself invited people to learn about him through his music. This toothy tome is a treasure for liner notes fanatics, and though we sadly know how the story ends, Heavisides makes it clear: Borland truly deserves more recognition. Let this 500-page bio be a headlong dive into the “Heartland” of anthemic post-punk and existentialism.
Destiny Stopped Screaming: The Life And Times of Adrian Borland is out now.
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