Tag Archives: Birmingham

Introducing The Amber List – in conversation with Mick Shepherd

Posted on August 14, 2019 by

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 →

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Present company accepted – having words with UB40’s Jimmy Brown

Posted on October 7, 2016 by

You probably know about the legal dispute rocking reggae behemoths UB40, two factions of the band at odds with each other over the use of the name. But while all that rumbles on, the show goes on for the five remaining … Continue reading →

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Getting up close and personal with Toyah

Posted on June 17, 2016 by

Regular readers of this blog won’t be surprised that this scribe is an avid viewer of BBC 4’s Top of the Pops re-runs, a point I soon confess to my latest interviewee, Toyah Willcox. “Oh, God bless those!” The more … Continue reading →

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The Astounding Broccoli Boy by Frank Cottrell Boyce – a writewyattuk review

Posted on May 4, 2015 by

Frank Cottrell Boyce has a lot to live up to when it comes to publication time, not least considering the quality of his first three children’s novels, Millions, Framed and Cosmic. I also enjoyed the Merseyside author’s re-imaginings of Ian … Continue reading →

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Picture the poet, greet the griot – the Benjamin Zephaniah interview

Posted on March 19, 2015 by

When I spoke to Benjamin Zephaniah earlier this week, he was between a BBC radio interview and two days lecturing at West London’s Brunel University. The Lincolnshire-based dub poet, author and activist was then heading back for another radio broadcast … Continue reading →

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Legendary poet redefines Black History Month – the Benjamin Zephaniah feature

Posted on October 3, 2014 by

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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Back to basics with UB40 – the Brian Travers interview

Posted on August 21, 2014 by

Picture the scene. It’s another hot, sunny afternoon and the back garden beckons. But it’s my turn to make tea. Oddly enough, I can’t cook without some good sounds for company, and today I’ve chosen an old favourite, in honour … Continue reading →

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