Monthly Archives: June 2019

Just past the crossroads – back in touch with Mark Radcliffe

When much-loved BBC radio and TV broadcaster, musician and writer Mark Radcliffe announced on air he was receiving treatment for cancer, I think we all feared the worst. Boltonian Mark, this weekend co-presenting TV coverage of the 2019 Glastonbury Festival, … Continue reading

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Charmed to meet ya – in conversation with Paul Hanley

Some books come your way with elaborate press releases. Others arrive on your desk in a more convoluted fashion. And the latter was certainly the case with Paul Hanley’s Leave the Capital. It was broadcaster Pete Mitchell who lent me … Continue reading

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Always have the bus fare hame – going wisely with Eddi Reader

Eddie Reader already had two Brit awards and had topped the singles charts by the end of the 1980s. But if you suspect this story’s merely a retro affair centred on big hit, ‘Perfect’, think again. The Glasgow-born singer-songwriter has … Continue reading

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Fylde under nature – talking The Membranes’ new record and much more with John Robb

It’s 35 years since music writer, Louder Than War founder and Membranes/Goldblade bass player/vocalist John Robb left the ‘Tatty Seaside Town’ later celebrated on 1988’s Kiss Ass … Godhead! LP. But he clearly still has plenty of time for his … Continue reading

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Pip Blom / Talk Show / Jacob Slater – Band on the Wall, Manchester

Champions League Final? Well, there was no way that could ever live up to either semi, and perhaps this was my show of support for Ajax, nipping down to Manchester, erm, City to catch another Amsterdam outfit with youth on … Continue reading

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The Rutles – The Continental, Preston

At the risk of patronising several accomplished acts, there have been some quality Beatles copyists treading the boards or taking to the studio to emulate the Fab Four over the past five decades, and I’ve a lot of respect for … Continue reading

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