Monthly Archives: August 2019

Space: the vinyl frontier – back in touch with Ian McNabb

It was the morning after the night before when I called Ian McNabb, and it was just sinking in that it wasn’t just a bad dream. Boris Johnson really was the new Prime Minister, as the Cold Shoulder and Icicle … Continue reading

Posted in Books Films, TV & Radio, Music | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Intergalactic Sonic Trio: the Further Adventures of Ash – in conversation with Rick McMurray

Rick McMurray was at home in Edinburgh when I called, all set for the next run of live appearances with Ash, the following fortnight alone including outdoor festivals in Devon, Lancashire, Hampshire and Warwickshire, and club dates in Reading and … Continue reading

Posted in Books Films, TV & Radio, Music | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Introducing The Amber List – in conversation with Mick Shepherd

In the 1980s, several independent bands based around Lancashire played a part in an emerging regional scene that ultimately brought wider success for a few North West acts. Of course, not every act involved would end up on the front … Continue reading

Posted in Books Films, TV & Radio, Music | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Cutting It Fine: from Making Out to Poldark, and beyond – the Debbie Horsfield interview

Until she took on the most recent screen adaptation of classic Cornish historical literary saga Poldark, writer Debbie Horsfield was best known for a string of Manchester-based dramas. It’s now 30 years since the first of her three series of … Continue reading

Posted in Books Films, TV & Radio, Comedy & Theatre, Music | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Years on the clock, but magic in the songbook – the Craig Reid interview

It’s been a busy year for The Proclaimers, still promoting last year’s mighty Angry Cyclist album with live dates here, there and everywhere, clocking up a hell of a lot more than 500 miles and 500 more so far. But … Continue reading

Posted in Books Films, TV & Radio, Comedy & Theatre, Music | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment