Monthly Archives: October 2014

Stepping Stones to the big time – the Paul Carrack interview

Posted on October 31, 2014 by writewyattuk

When I introduce myself to Paul Carrack on the phone, telling him I’m putting together something for a Lancashire publication, his gruff Northern response is, “You don’t sound very Lancastrian.” I add more detail, explaining how I’ve got around a … Continue reading →

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Rock’n’roll royalty – In conversation with The Subways’ Billy Lunn

Posted on October 24, 2014 by writewyattuk

The words exciting, explosive and thrilling get used a lot when The Subways are brought up in conversation. A lot of exclamation marks are used too, especially when you’re in conference with the band’s front-man Billy Lunn via an email … Continue reading →

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Really Glad You Came – a re-appraisal of the Ian Dury record collection

Posted on October 22, 2014 by writewyattuk

I finally got around to seeing 2010 Ian Dury bio-pic Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll a couple of weeks ago. I’d resisted before, having read Richard Balls’ 2000 excellent Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll: The Life … Continue reading →

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Open season for the trunk of funk – the Craig Charles interview

Posted on October 17, 2014 by writewyattuk

According to your spheres of interest, you may know him best as Coronation Street’s Lloyd Mullaney or Red Dwarf’s Dave Lister, or just as that cheeky Scouse lad off Robot Wars or Takeshi’s Castle. But many more of us know … Continue reading →

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Guitar-wielding visiting author proves a hit – the John Dougherty interview

Posted on October 14, 2014 by writewyattuk

Children’s author, poet and songwriter John Dougherty is a regular on the school visit circuit, and was in Lancashire recently, helping promote the Fantastic Book Awards. You might have spotted a few of his books, like Zeus on the Loose, … Continue reading →

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From The Jam / Deadwood Dog – Preston 53 Degrees

Posted on October 12, 2014 by writewyattuk

After a winning set by locals Deadwood Dog and a stirring late ‘70s/early ’80s soundtrack between, there was more than a frisson of excitement around 53 Degrees as The Gift’s upbeat instrumental Circus signalled the arrival of the main act. Bass … Continue reading →

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Big Country show their Steeltown mettle – the Bruce Watson interview

Posted on October 10, 2014 by writewyattuk

Be honest. What do you think of if someone mentions Big Country? The band that is, not the 1958 Gregory Peck and Jean Simmons film success based on Donald Hamilton’s novel, with that fantastically-evocative and stirring musical score. Do you … Continue reading →

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Preston’s Got Soul: Judy Street – 53 Degrees

Posted on October 7, 2014 by writewyattuk

In case you didn’t realise, there’s something of a Northern Soul revival going on at the moment, no doubt stoked by the likes of Duffy and John Newman on the mainstream scene. And the forthcoming, much-anticipated film that takes this … Continue reading →

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When Setting Sons rise again – the Bruce Foxton and From the Jam update

Posted on October 3, 2014 by writewyattuk

Thirty-five years ago next month, The Jam released their fourth long player, Setting Sons, a further high point in an already stellar career. After their explosive debut, In The City, in 1977, the Woking three-piece gave us the not-quite fully-baked follow-up … Continue reading →

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Legendary poet redefines Black History Month – the Benjamin Zephaniah feature

Posted on October 3, 2014 by writewyattuk

It made perfect sense to invite legendary dub poet and writer Benjamin Zephaniah to launch Lancashire’s Black History Month celebrations. But somehow there was no real surprise that the star attraction was soon questioning the validity of the event he … Continue reading →

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