Listen free for 30 days
-
Windswept & Interesting
- My Autobiography
- Narrated by: Billy Connolly
- Length: 8 hrs and 38 mins
Failed to add items
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wish list failed.
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Buy Now for $37.83
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
Publisher's Summary
WINNER OF THE 2022 BRITISH BOOK AWARDS AUDIOBOOK OF THE YEAR: NON-FICTION
The funny, frank and full autobiography of the nation's favourite comedian.
It's the first time I've done this. Other people have written about me - or for me - but this time, it's just my own life in my own words.
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 four 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 & 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 said: 'Look at you - all windswept and interesting!'
I just said: 'Exactly!'
After that, I simply had to maintain my reputation....
You may also enjoy...
-
Rambling Man
- My Life on the Road
- Written by: Billy Connolly
- Narrated by: Billy Connolly
- Length: 7 hrs and 55 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In his joyful book, Billy explores this philosophy and how it has shaped him, and he shares hilarious new stories from his lifetime on the road. From riding his trike down America's famous Route 66, building an igloo on an iceberg in the Arctic, playing elephant polo (badly) in Nepal and crashing his motorbike (more than once), to eating witchetty grubs in Australia, being serenaded by a penguin in New Zealand, and swapping secrets in a traditional Sweat Lodge ritual in Canada, Rambling Man is a truly global adventure with the greatest possible travel companion.
-
-
The honesty, the courage to voice his real emotions.
- By Jethro Mitchell on 2023-12-03
Written by: Billy Connolly
-
Made in Scotland
- My Grand Adventures in a Wee Country
- Written by: Billy Connolly
- Narrated by: Gordon Kennedy
- Length: 6 hrs and 17 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Billy Connolly may be a citizen of the world, but in his heart he's never been far from his homeland. Made in Scotland is Billy's unique and intimate portrait of his native Scotland, a love letter to the places and people that made him. It's an adventure inspired by a single incident: the moment Billy received his Knighthood and was asked, 'How does it feel to have achieved all this when you came from nothing?' His response was, 'But I did come from something!'
-
-
Love this guy
- By trevor Wilson on 2024-11-08
Written by: Billy Connolly
-
This Much Is True
- Written by: Miriam Margolyes
- Narrated by: Miriam Margolyes
- Length: 15 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Award-winning actor, creator of a myriad of memorable characters from Lady Whiteadder to Professor Sprout, Miriam Margolyes is a national treasure. Now, at last, at the age of 80, she has finally decided to tell her extraordinary life story. And it's far richer and stranger than any part she's played.
-
-
Really enjoyable
- By MR A B GILBERT on 2023-11-12
Written by: Miriam Margolyes
-
Blowing the Bloody Doors Off
- And Other Lessons in Life
- Written by: Michael Caine
- Narrated by: Michael Caine
- Length: 6 hrs and 39 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
One of our best-loved actors, Michael Caine has starred in over 100 films in his six-decade career, spanning classic movies like Alfie, Zulu, and The Italian Job (the inspiration for the book title) to playing Alfred opposite Christian Bale's Batman in Christopher Nolan's blockbuster Dark Knight trilogy. Caine has excelled in every kind of role - with a skill that's made it look easy. As he says, "Small parts can lead to big things. And if you keep doing things right, the stars will align when you least expect it."
-
-
Wonderful
- By Lou on 2019-01-26
Written by: Michael Caine
-
Oh Miriam!
- Stories from an Extraordinary Life
- Written by: Miriam Margolyes
- Narrated by: Miriam Margolyes
- Length: 10 hrs and 43 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
From being escorted off the Today programme (for saying what we were all thinking) to declaring her love to Vanessa Redgrave; from Tales of the Unexpected to Graham Norton's sofa, she is our most loved and most outspoken national treasure. Oh Miriam! takes you inside both her head and her heart. Buckle up for the most irrepressible, hilarious and moving listen of 2023.
-
-
Hilarious and most entertaining!
- By Sharlene James on 2023-10-05
Written by: Miriam Margolyes
-
So, Anyway...
- Written by: John Cleese
- Narrated by: John Cleese
- Length: 13 hrs and 32 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The legendary writer and performer of Monty Python and Fawlty Towers fame takes listeners on a grand tour of his ascent in the entertainment world John Cleese’s huge comedic influence has stretched across generations; his sharp irreverent eye and the unique brand of physical comedy he perfected now seem written into comedy’s DNA. In this rollicking memoir, Cleese recalls his humble beginnings in a sleepy English town, his early comedic days at Cambridge University (with future Python partner Graham Chapman), and the founding of the landmark comedy troupe.
-
-
excellent, as expected.
- By Zenith VCR on 2019-11-13
Written by: John Cleese
-
Rambling Man
- My Life on the Road
- Written by: Billy Connolly
- Narrated by: Billy Connolly
- Length: 7 hrs and 55 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In his joyful book, Billy explores this philosophy and how it has shaped him, and he shares hilarious new stories from his lifetime on the road. From riding his trike down America's famous Route 66, building an igloo on an iceberg in the Arctic, playing elephant polo (badly) in Nepal and crashing his motorbike (more than once), to eating witchetty grubs in Australia, being serenaded by a penguin in New Zealand, and swapping secrets in a traditional Sweat Lodge ritual in Canada, Rambling Man is a truly global adventure with the greatest possible travel companion.
-
-
The honesty, the courage to voice his real emotions.
- By Jethro Mitchell on 2023-12-03
Written by: Billy Connolly
-
Made in Scotland
- My Grand Adventures in a Wee Country
- Written by: Billy Connolly
- Narrated by: Gordon Kennedy
- Length: 6 hrs and 17 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Billy Connolly may be a citizen of the world, but in his heart he's never been far from his homeland. Made in Scotland is Billy's unique and intimate portrait of his native Scotland, a love letter to the places and people that made him. It's an adventure inspired by a single incident: the moment Billy received his Knighthood and was asked, 'How does it feel to have achieved all this when you came from nothing?' His response was, 'But I did come from something!'
-
-
Love this guy
- By trevor Wilson on 2024-11-08
Written by: Billy Connolly
-
This Much Is True
- Written by: Miriam Margolyes
- Narrated by: Miriam Margolyes
- Length: 15 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Award-winning actor, creator of a myriad of memorable characters from Lady Whiteadder to Professor Sprout, Miriam Margolyes is a national treasure. Now, at last, at the age of 80, she has finally decided to tell her extraordinary life story. And it's far richer and stranger than any part she's played.
-
-
Really enjoyable
- By MR A B GILBERT on 2023-11-12
Written by: Miriam Margolyes
-
Blowing the Bloody Doors Off
- And Other Lessons in Life
- Written by: Michael Caine
- Narrated by: Michael Caine
- Length: 6 hrs and 39 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
One of our best-loved actors, Michael Caine has starred in over 100 films in his six-decade career, spanning classic movies like Alfie, Zulu, and The Italian Job (the inspiration for the book title) to playing Alfred opposite Christian Bale's Batman in Christopher Nolan's blockbuster Dark Knight trilogy. Caine has excelled in every kind of role - with a skill that's made it look easy. As he says, "Small parts can lead to big things. And if you keep doing things right, the stars will align when you least expect it."
-
-
Wonderful
- By Lou on 2019-01-26
Written by: Michael Caine
-
Oh Miriam!
- Stories from an Extraordinary Life
- Written by: Miriam Margolyes
- Narrated by: Miriam Margolyes
- Length: 10 hrs and 43 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
From being escorted off the Today programme (for saying what we were all thinking) to declaring her love to Vanessa Redgrave; from Tales of the Unexpected to Graham Norton's sofa, she is our most loved and most outspoken national treasure. Oh Miriam! takes you inside both her head and her heart. Buckle up for the most irrepressible, hilarious and moving listen of 2023.
-
-
Hilarious and most entertaining!
- By Sharlene James on 2023-10-05
Written by: Miriam Margolyes
-
So, Anyway...
- Written by: John Cleese
- Narrated by: John Cleese
- Length: 13 hrs and 32 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The legendary writer and performer of Monty Python and Fawlty Towers fame takes listeners on a grand tour of his ascent in the entertainment world John Cleese’s huge comedic influence has stretched across generations; his sharp irreverent eye and the unique brand of physical comedy he perfected now seem written into comedy’s DNA. In this rollicking memoir, Cleese recalls his humble beginnings in a sleepy English town, his early comedic days at Cambridge University (with future Python partner Graham Chapman), and the founding of the landmark comedy troupe.
-
-
excellent, as expected.
- By Zenith VCR on 2019-11-13
Written by: John Cleese
-
The Life and Loves of a He Devil
- Written by: Graham Norton
- Narrated by: Graham Norton
- Length: 6 hrs and 58 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Graham Norton has been entertaining audiences and having fun with some of the world's biggest stars for nearly 20 years. He is loved across the nation for his delight in the peculiar and for his ability to find humour and a common ground in all that life brings.
-
-
I’ve always loved Graham Norton. Now I absolutely adore him!
- By Nicola Clarke on 2020-03-04
Written by: Graham Norton
-
Believe Me
- A Memoir of Love, Death and Jazz Chickens
- Written by: Eddie Izzard
- Narrated by: Eddie Izzard
- Length: 14 hrs and 39 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Over the course of a 30-year career, Eddie Izzard has proven himself to be a creative chameleon, inhabiting the stage and film and television screens with an unbelievable fervor. Born in Yemen and raised in Ireland, Wales, and postwar England, he lost his mother at the age of six. In his teens he dropped out of university and took to the streets of London as part of a two-man escape act; when his partner went on vacation, Izzard kept busy by inventing a one-man act, and thus a career was ignited.
-
-
gratitude in the graceful storytelling
- By Kindle Customer on 2022-06-17
Written by: Eddie Izzard
-
An Audience with Billy Connolly
- Written by: Billy Connolly
- Narrated by: Billy Connolly
- Length: 49 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
One of the great Billy Connolly's finest performances and one very fondly remembered by thousands of fans. It was one of the tv shows that really made him into a superstar- and with good reason. From Scottish parties and folk singers to visits from the Priest to those woderful ads for the Big Slipper and do it yourself haircuts, and of course incontinence knickers!
Written by: Billy Connolly
-
Thinking About It Only Makes It Worse
- Written by: David Mitchell
- Narrated by: David Mitchell
- Length: 9 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Why is every film or tv programme a sequel or a remake? Why are people so f***ing hung up about swearing? Why do the asterisks in that sentence make it okay? Why do so many people want to stop other people doing things, and how can they be stopped from stopping them? These and many other questions trouble David Mitchell. Join him on a tour of the absurdities of modern life - from Ryanair to Richard III, Downton Abbey to phone etiquette, UKIP to hot dogs made of cats.
-
-
Hilarious
- By jessica on 2019-07-08
Written by: David Mitchell
-
Riding the Elephant
- A Memoir of Altercations, Humiliations, Hallucinations, and Observations
- Written by: Craig Ferguson
- Narrated by: Craig Ferguson
- Length: 8 hrs and 3 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Craig Ferguson has defied the odds his entire life. He has failed when he should have succeeded and succeeded when he should have failed. The fact that he is neither dead nor in a locked facility (at the time of printing) is something of a miracle in itself. In Craig’s candid and revealing memoir, listeners will get a look into the mind and recollections of the unique and twisted Scottish American who became a national hero for pioneering the world’s first TV robot skeleton sidekick and reviving two dudes in a horse suit dancing as a form of entertainment.
-
-
very interesting!
- By Yvon Malenfant on 2019-08-22
Written by: Craig Ferguson
-
High Voltage
- The Life of Angus Young – AC/DC's Last Man Standing
- Written by: Jeff Apter
- Narrated by: John Derum
- Length: 8 hrs and 5 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The first biography to focus exclusively on Angus Young - from his remarkable rise from working-class Glasgow and Sydney to the biggest stages in the world. Angus Young, the cofounder and the last remaining original member of AC/DC, has for more than 40 years been the face, the sound and sometimes the exposed backside of the trailblazing rock band.
-
-
Top Shelf Excellent!
- By William on 2024-11-07
Written by: Jeff Apter
-
How to be Champion
- An Autobiography
- Written by: Sarah Millican
- Narrated by: Sarah Millican
- Length: 6 hrs and 57 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Part autobiography, part self-help, part confession, part celebration of being a common-or-garden woman, part collection of synonyms for nunny, Sarah Millican's debut audiobook delves into her super normal life with daft stories, funny tales and proper advice on how to get past life's blips - like being good at school but not good at friends, the excitement of IBS and how to blossom postdivorce.
-
-
I couldn’t stop smiling.
- By Nicole M. on 2019-08-28
Written by: Sarah Millican
-
Between the Stops
- The View of My Life from the Top of the Number 12 Bus
- Written by: Sandi Toksvig
- Narrated by: Sandi Toksvig
- Length: 9 hrs and 30 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
'Between the Stops is a sort of a memoir, my sort. It's about a bus trip really, because it's my view from the Number 12 bus (mostly top deck, the seat at the front on the right), a double-decker that plies its way from Dulwich, in South East London, where I was living, to where I sometimes work - at the BBC, in the heart of the capital. It's not a sensible way to write a memoir at all, probably, but it's the way things pop into your head as you travel, so it's my way'.
-
-
Between the Stops is an absolute gem!
- By C York on 2024-11-13
Written by: Sandi Toksvig
-
Making It So
- A Memoir
- Written by: Patrick Stewart
- Narrated by: Patrick Stewart
- Length: 18 hrs and 50 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
From his acclaimed stage triumphs to his legendary onscreen work in the Star Trek and X-Men franchises, Sir Patrick Stewart has captivated audiences around the world and across multiple generations with his indelible command of stage and screen. Now, he presents his long-awaited memoir, Making It So, a revealing portrait of an artist whose astonishing life—from his humble beginnings in Yorkshire, England, to the heights of Hollywood and worldwide acclaim—proves a story as exuberant, definitive, and enduring as the author himself.
-
-
Such an incredible voice to listen to.
- By ShawAngel on 2023-10-05
Written by: Patrick Stewart
-
Always Look on the Bright Side of Life
- A Sortabiography
- Written by: Eric Idle
- Narrated by: Eric Idle
- Length: 8 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
We know him best for his unforgettable roles on Monty Python - from the Flying Circus to The Meaning of Life. Now, Eric Idle reflects on the meaning of his own life in this entertaining memoir that takes us on an unforgettable journey from his childhood in an austere boarding school through his successful career in comedy, television, theater, and film.
-
-
It's Eric Idle. Enjoy.
- By Zenith VCR on 2019-05-23
Written by: Eric Idle
-
Sonny Boy
- A Memoir
- Written by: Al Pacino
- Narrated by: Al Pacino
- Length: 12 hrs and 28 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
To the wider world, Al Pacino exploded onto the scene like a supernova. He landed his first leading role, in The Panic in Needle Park, in 1971, and by 1975, he had starred in four movies—The Godfather and The Godfather Part II, Serpico, and Dog Day Afternoon—that were not just successes but landmarks in the history of film. Those performances became legendary and changed his life forever. Not since Marlon Brando and James Dean in the late 1950s had an actor landed in the culture with such force.
-
-
Great biography by a great artist!
- By Ray Labibi on 2024-10-31
Written by: Al Pacino
-
Just Ignore Him
- A BBC Two Between the Covers book club pick
- Written by: Alan Davies
- Narrated by: Alan Davies
- Length: 8 hrs and 43 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Through even the joyous and innocent memories, the pain of Davies' lifelong grief and profound betrayal is unfiltered, searing and beautifully articulated. Just Ignore Him is not only an autobiography, it is a testament to a survivor's resilience and courage.
-
-
Undeniably Heartbreaking
- By Wendy Spence-Lamrock on 2024-04-19
Written by: Alan Davies
What listeners say about Windswept & Interesting
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Anonymous User
- 2023-01-12
Don’t listen whilst driving
If you grew up listening to Billy on LP’s, you’ll love this book.
There were times I had to stop listening to it in my car because I there was a huge chance I was going to crash due to the tears streaming down my face from laughing.
A great man and a great comedian ❤️
10/10
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Lori
- 2024-06-03
He’s most definitely windswept and interesting! So matter of fact.
Billy is not an “actor”. Not really, even though he’s done film and television. I think he’s just basically played himself in roles. Or maybe it’s age and a careless what ya think attitude. I found his narration one note, but I still enjoyed his tellings. Mind you I’m coming off Mrs Sally Field who is well a phenomenal narrator.
I was surprised by some of Billy’s life. He brings just the right amount of humour, feels like you’re visiting your uncle and he’s meandering through memories and family stories.
Don’t get annoyed at Billy’s great ability to completely ramble, just love him for being windswept and interesting 💜
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
- cherie
- 2022-10-17
great book
loved it. loved BC narrating. almost cried and definitely laughed out loud a bunch.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Denise Paulsen
- 2022-09-21
Terrific
I was born in Glasgow - my dad was born in Motherwell and my mum Townhead - she’s still with us at 88-yrs young - has a memory like Billy - she remembers everything about her youth - she is the youngest of 12 kids. …. I so enjoyed your book Billy. You’re a treasure.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Miss mac
- 2022-08-29
Funny and sometimes Sad
Billy bares his Soul in this funny poignant book.
my husband was recently diagnosis with Parkinsons. We have both been great fans of Billy' since the Humble Bum days.. Billy has really inspired Bob on how to cope with this disease
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Ron Henderson
- 2023-10-11
Very Billy
Funny and honest. Typical Connelly fare serious without being maudlin and funny as expected. A very comfortable read.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Sarah Furlong
- 2021-11-19
Listened to the whole book in 1 day!
Very emotional, heartfelt and so well done. Once I started listening, I couldn’t stop. I felt like I was sitting in the same room as Billy. Well done! Billy Connolly fans will not be disappointed. Get to know The Big Yin like never before.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- C. Sirett
- 2022-03-16
Great Listen
Big Yin is amazing in this great listen. He really is a great story teller and amazing to hear about his early life. Loved every minute of it and sad to finish.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Matt
- 2022-01-05
I liked it
It was a good autobiography. Billy seems like a really good and honest guy. I enjoyed listening to the book and I was sad when it was over.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Unidentified
- 2022-02-19
Beautiful, daring and honest.
Fantastic beautiful account of an exsquisite life lived. This is now my favorite book. well done Yin.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!