Tag Archives: The Beatles

About the Young Idea – talking about The Jam with Nicky Weller

From the moment you turn right at the desk inside the Cunard Building’s The Jam – About the Young Idea exhibition and head down a mock London Underground tunnel lined with promo posters publicising the original records, you’re in for … Continue reading

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Yes yesterdays and todays – the Alan White interview

This coming summer, drummer and songwriter Alan White will have been in the band Yes for a staggering 44 years – give or take one worked gap-year. That equates to two-thirds of his 66 years and counting, so I guess … Continue reading

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The Adventures of the Crumpsall Kid – A Memoir by Mike Harding – a writewyattuk review

When you get to know and like an author or performer, there’s a concern when you get a chance to review their latest work that you won’t be able to give an honest appraisal. But within a couple of pages … Continue reading

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Now I’ve Got a Witness – remembering The Rolling Stones’ 1960s roots with Richard Houghton

I’m not sure how old newly-published author Richard Houghton thought I was when we first spoke, but he was hoping I might fill him in with my memories of seeing The Rolling Stones at the Wooden Bridge in Guildford in … Continue reading

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Squeeze – Cradle to the Grave – a writewyattuk review

Squeeze are back, some 17 years after the rather disappointing Domino, with a brand new set of songs. And they’re everything I might have hoped for. In the same sense that I wish The Beatles’ Let It Be hadn’t followed Abbey Road … Continue reading

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The Crumpsall Kid rides out – the Mike Harding interview

Veteran comic, folk singer-songwriter, author, broadcaster and playwright Mike Harding is set to visit 17 small theatres and arts clubs in May. From Keswick to Barnsley via Pocklington, Mike has a busy few weeks ahead of him, and it’s not … Continue reading

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Still diving for pearls – the Elkie Brooks interview

At the end of February, Elkie Brooks turns 70, and that seems difficult to believe. In fact, the Lancashire-born vocal talent agrees, chipping in with, “Likewise!” Elkie, born Elaine Bookbinder in Broughton, Salford, and brought up in Prestwich, North Manchester, … Continue reading

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Creative twists on children’s fiction – a writewyattuk book review special

In which writewyattuk runs the rule over three recent publications offering a creative twist on established children’s fiction – with great success. Back in my school days, I’d have loved poring over books of the quality of Mick Manning and … Continue reading

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Boycie’s Bonus – the John Challis interview

Cards on the table first. Only Fools and Horses – classic comedy. Up there with the very best of British. I’ll add Dad’s Army in that bracket too. That wondrous combination of superb character acting and top-notch writing. Hats off to … Continue reading

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Still hip after all these years: Deacon Blue – Preston Guild Hall

THERE’S something about seated gigs that unnerves me, and I instinctively felt uneasy pulling up a pew at Deacon Blue’s official tour opener at Preston Guild Hall. Granted, this was a more senior audience than when Ricky Ross and co … Continue reading

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