Beta Band’s Steve Mason spent 12 years writing memoir he feared ‘read like a primary school essay’

Independent TVShowing now | Culture22:49Bookmark popoverRemoved from bookmarksClose popoverBeta Band’s Steve Mason spent 12 years writing memoir he feared ‘read like a primary school essay’Beta Band frontman Steve Mason has revealed he spent 12 years writing his memoir, Failure is Always an Option, while worrying much of that time that it read “like a primary school essay”.Ahead of the band's appearance at Latitude Festival this summer, Mason also rejected the “cult genius” tag that has followed him throughout his career, saying it was never something he set out to achieve.The memoir recounts a series of stories from the band's rise, including a prank involving a fake visit from Michael Jackson to Rockfield Studios.

Mason also reveals the group once turned down a $1m car advert deal.Latitude Festival 2026 takes place 23-26 July at Henham Park, Suffolk. Tickets are available at latitudefestival.

comUp next00:38Rod Stewart parties on way to watch Scotland after cancelling show01:04MasterChef star reveals he was stalked by angry chef after bad review00:27Watch as David Beckham is honoured with Hollywood Walk of Fame star00:40David Hockney tribute interrupted as BBC presenter issues apologyEditor's Picks09:50Westlife on Simon Cowell, boyband mania, and the golden era of music05:43Why Labour’s anti-Burnham argument doesn’t work07:40Hokum: Adam Scott and Damian McCarthy on their new horror29:04Exclusive: Has Keir Starmer made a huge mistake sacking Olly Robbins?More Editor's Picks02:59Starmer, Trump, and the unique conflict of UK-US communication03:04Should UK households make a household emergency plan?06:49Mandelson files deconstructed: How 147 pages add up to very little07:34Dave Franco is in his villain eraMusic Box12:25Sam Ryder on heartbreak and the healing power of music13:04Tom Grennan: ‘I’ve been fighting my demons for years’02:13Montreux Jazz Festival CEO on what makes it so special05:49Lemoncello perform ‘Old Friend’ in Music Box sessionMore Music Box05:45Lemoncello perform ‘Sunflower’ in Music Box session04:13Boston trio Tiny Habits perform ‘Wishes’ for Music Box session03:58Boston trio Tiny Habits perform ‘Mudroom’ in Music Box session03:41Rock band The Mysterines perform single ‘Stray’ for Music BoxACFC14:24Why everybody’s WRONG about the Arsenal VAR decision18:04Why Michael Carrick SHOULD be the next Man United manager16:11Why everyone’s SCARED of Nottingham Forest right now15:05How Frank Lampard’s genius got Coventry back to the Premier LeagueMore ACFC15:58The real reason PSG vs Bayern was SO good17:19Why Como’s Cesc Fabregas is Europe’s next ELITE manager15:09Why Chelsea just sacked Liam Rosenior18:44Why Arsenal just FAILED to beat Manchester CityIn The Room39:34The Reform weakness that Restore Britain will exploit 04:03The person who should be in the Mandelson files – but barely features41:54In The Room | Mandelson files: 1,504 pointless pages?

01:04MPs salaries have resulted in ‘soft and hidden corruption’More In The Room38:36In The Room | The shady role of money in politics39:19Burnham or Brexit 2.0? Analysing the Labour leadership face-off03:16I worked for Andy Burnham – here’s why he would be brilliant as PM06:54Analysis: Do Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting have what it takes?

Well Enough46:12Ed Gamble on diabetes, body image and letting go of perfection32:26“I lost my period and thought it was normal”45:02Psychologist reveals how pursuing happiness is making you miserable43:16What is the difference between happiness and joy?More Well Enough38:33Julia Bradbury on the healing power of nature and walking for recovery38:02Sophie Richards: Men need better education on periods and fertility45:47Vicky Pattison on PMDD, egg freezing and sex education47:22‘Periods cost over £20k’: The invisible cost of womanhoodTravel Smart07:11The TravelSmart guide to perfect summer escapes 08:32London’s secret spots: A local’s guide to visiting the capital05:45Mauritius vs Maldives: Which is the paradise island for you?05:35How to escape the crowds on an Italy holidayMore Travel Smart08:02The Mediterranean escape with something for all the family06:42The first-timer’s guide to South America05:23How to have a luxury holiday for less with TravelSmart07:08The TravelSmart guide to MalaysiaWorld of Trouble47:54Former MI6 chief on Russia, Trump and the future of the West55:16UK-Palestinian ambassador: It’s time for mass protests against Israel45:27Zelensky: Trump risks using all of his missiles on Iran51:21David Miliband: Democracy is in retreat amid growing global conflictMore World of Trouble59:37I was a British PoW tortured by Russia; this is how Ukraine can win01:02:38‘Putin’s whole life revolves around war – he’s manipulating Trump’59:36UK’s most senior army officer on Ukraine, Iraq and breaking the rules47:54Former MI6 chief on Russia, Trump and the future of the WestDrive Smart07:40The Updated 2025 Nissan Micra That No One Expected!

08:56How This Car Gets Amazing Aerodynamics With Hidden Features!13:49Fiat Grande Panda