Category Archives: Music

The Eve of the Final Tour – the Jeff Wayne interview

Posted on November 15, 2014 by writewyattuk

More than 35 years after Jeff Wayne’s first musical adaptation of HG Wells’ classic 1897 science fiction tale, it appears that there’s still plenty of life in The War of the Worlds. But while Jeff is about to embark on … Continue reading →

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Going Overground – In conversation with Damian O’Neill

Posted on November 14, 2014 by writewyattuk

This week saw the release of a new solo single from one of my musical heroes, a certain Damian O’Neill. I’m tempted to not even bother with an introduction, but this Derry-raised, London-based guitarist made his name alongside brother John … Continue reading →

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The Everlasting Yeah – Anima Rising

Posted on November 9, 2014 by writewyattuk

It’s arrived at last. The pledges have been counted, the funds have been crowded, and the cats are finally out of the bag. So welcome one and all to the mighty sound of The Everlasting Yeah and their debut album … Continue reading →

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Peace in our time – the Armistice Pals charity project

Posted on November 6, 2014 by writewyattuk

In the week legendary American folk singer and activist Pete Seeger died – back in late January – a Lancashire band paid their own emotional live tribute. In so doing, Wigan octet Merry Hell revisited their own past as The … Continue reading →

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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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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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