Tag Archives: Blackpool

Hot desking it in Nuevo Cottonopolis – examining John Robb’s continued belief in the power of rock ‘n’ roll

Do You Believe in the Power of Rock ‘n’ Roll? John Robb does, and I’ve got to realise in recent years that you don’t have to do quite so much preparation for a chat with this ever-entertaining Manchester-based, Fylde coast-born … Continue reading

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Journey to the Art of Darkness – talking The History of Goth with John Robb

Ah, the dreaded label. An integral part of music culture down the years, but an all too easy way to categorise, and often proving nonsense. Punk, post-punk, alternative, indie, indie pop, twee pop, shoegaze, soul, funk, jazz funk, heavy soul, … Continue reading

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The Members / Blow-Up – Preston, The Continental, Friday 4th February 2022

Two nights out in a row? What is this, 2019 or something? Well, daily figures suggest we’re far from over this damned virus, whatever those trying to save their political careers might try to spin. But there are positive signs … Continue reading

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On the frontline, embracing the future – putting the world to rights with John Robb

Music writer, Louder Than War founder, Membranes/Goldblade bass player/vocalist and eco campaigner John Robb was on his bike when I called, dismounting to answer his phone, the two of us quickly getting on to the Government postponing its so-called ‘Freedom … Continue reading

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Ever redefining: from The Continental to The Colossalist – the Vukovar feature

Remember live music? It’s been a while. Come mid-March it’ll be a year since my last gig, and slightly longer since my most recent visit to cherished Lancashire arts venue The Continental in Preston, where at one stage it seemed … Continue reading

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West Coast aspirations, dreams and realisation – the Karima Francis interview

There’s a new single out from Karima Francis, 11 years beyond feted debut LP, The Author. And it signals a welcome return for this acclaimed Blackpool singer-songwriter, currently based in London after a spell in Los Angeles. ‘Orange Rose’ is … Continue reading

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The Wedding Present / Vinny Peculiar – Waterloo Music Bar, Blackpool

Thirty summers ago I saw the semi-legendary Wedding Present play to possibly their largest audience thus far at Reading Festival, and certainly a bigger crowd than when I saw them at Glastonbury two years earlier. It had been an amazing … 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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Where the Solid Gold Easy Action is – in conversation with Gordon Gibson

Getting on for four decades after he sold his first vinyl, I’m pleased to say that Gordon Gibson shows no sign of wanting to step away from Action Records in Preston. The much-revered Gordon, originally from Stranraer, has been in … Continue reading

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Talking ’bout that Who generation – back in conversation with Richard Houghton

Did you happen to catch a band called The High Numbers in Greenford, West London, in 1963? They were regulars at the Oldfield Hotel around then, still playing there the following year, by which time they’d changed name to The … Continue reading

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