• The KLF

  • Chaos, Magic and the Band Who Burned a Million Pounds
  • By: John Higgs
  • Narrated by: John Higgs
  • Length: 6 hrs and 51 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (23 ratings)

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The KLF  By  cover art

The KLF

By: John Higgs
Narrated by: John Higgs
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Publisher's Summary

The strange tale of the death, life and legacy of the hugely successful band.

They were the best-selling singles band in the world. They had awards, credibility, commercial success and creative freedom. Then they deleted their records, erased themselves from musical history and burnt their last million pounds in a boathouse on the Isle of Jura. And they couldn't say why.

This is not just the story of The KLF. It is a book about Carl Jung, Alan Moore, Robert Anton Wilson, Ken Campbell, Dada, Situationism, Discordianism, magic, chaos, punk, rave, the alchemical symbolism of Doctor Who and the special power of the number 23.

Wildly unauthorised and unlike any other music biography, The KLF is a trawl through chaos on the trail of a beautiful, accidental mythology.

Read by John Higgs.

©2018 John Higgs (P)2018 Orion Publishing Group Limited

Critic Reviews

"By far the best book this year, brilliant, discursive and wise." (Ben Goldacre)

What listeners say about The KLF

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Y qué fue del KLF?

En 1989 yo tenía 10 años y estaba por conocer música que me definiría to KLF fue uno de los primeros grupos que escuché y me atrapó su música. Me da gusto después de tantos años poder tener una respuesta a esa pregunta.

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  • Michelle S.
  • 04-09-18

This book Is worth listening to several times

This book is about so much more than the klf band. I have recommended it to everyone I know. I can also recommended John Higgs other books.

6 people found this helpful

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  • John
  • 10-25-18

Magical

The story reminded me to try finding out if I could still do something impossible!

5 people found this helpful

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  • roger anderson
  • 09-22-18

Khaos ahoy....................

I dont really do reviews ... But it must said its just a great listen and Its such an interesting story

Ive alway liked the music but there is so much more to the band which include such a diverse influences- Giant invisible rabbit spirits The Wicker Man, ABBA, Tammy Wynette, Doctor Who, 23, Extreme noise terror,Alan Moore and "Ideaspace",
Generation X, Robert Anton Wilson and much more
Absolutely fantastic...........

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  • Sazzle1007
  • 03-15-18

Fascinating

Very interesting, totally gripping. Loved this. Thought provoking and appealing narrative of KLF. If this is your bag, I would recommend.

3 people found this helpful

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  • Tommie Kelly
  • 10-16-18

Amazing Book - Worth Your Time

Really enjoyed this. More than a KLF biography - it really takes the "bigger picture" approach. Totally worth your time if you are into Chaos Magick. Discordianism or such topics.

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  • Alex Monaghan
  • 01-09-23

Fascinating background to the story of the KLF.


Explores their work and burning of £1 million from a range of diverse philosophical standpoints. Reminds the listener (if they are ild enough to be reminded) of the totally bizarre events of their heyday.

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  • J. Hill
  • 09-03-22

Fascinating and illuminating!

This is my 3rd book by John Higgs and now know to expect the unexpected…The KLF are the thread that runs through the book, whilst the in-depth social commentary that connects all the stories is fascinating! An education indeed! Suddenly my birthday on the 23rd suddenly holds new meaning! A brilliant book, as usual from John.

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  • Helen
  • 07-10-22

Magic!

Fascinating insight into a partially forgotten event as well as a profound discussion of our understanding of reality, chaos, and the stories we tell ourselves.

1 person found this helpful

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  • Karl Cleveley
  • 05-17-22

Very informative...perhaps too informative

John Higgs comes across more of a philospher than an ardant writer and follower of KLF, but his enthuasim is highly praised and love his little anecdotes.

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  • P B HULL
  • 08-27-19

Very odd

Not sure what this was about sometimes it was oddly brillient but mostly i didnt have a clue what was going on !

1 person found this helpful

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  • DR Russel Davies
  • 09-10-21

Fabulous book.

A fascinating story which is elegantly written and humorous. I’m a big fan of John Higgs. One day I’d like to have a chat with him and enjoy a cup of tea and a packet of crisps.

1 person found this helpful

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  • Gordana Todorovic
  • 02-08-20

Waste of time. Absolute drivel

Wanted to know more about the group but learned more about magic, discordianism and stupid pop psychology. Could not finish it

1 person found this helpful

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  • Arran M.
  • 12-23-21

Absolute Magick

Wasn’t expecting such a great story wrapped up in a fantastic magical history and explanation. Highly recommended

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  • Anonymous User
  • 04-30-18

A supermodel of a tale.

This was definitely needed: a tying up of all these threads through their culmination and combination in the guise of the KLF. Wonderfully researched, written and read. Thank you Mr. Higgs.