The Strange Brew - artist stories behind the greatest music ever recorded

Billy Bragg talks about his life in music and activism, from his early days and the DIY spirit of Life’s a Riot with Spy vs Spy to new book Billy Bragg – A People’s History. He reflects on his ...

Annie Haslam and Jim McCarty discuss the origins and evolution of Renaissance ahead of their special run of four shows. They reflect on how the band was formed after Jim’s time in The Yardbirds, Anni...

Peter Hammill and Van der Graaf Generator have influenced artists from David Bowie to John Lydon, yet Peter has always worked on the edge of the mainstream. In this conversation, he reflects on why r...

brendan b. brown of Wheatus marks 25 years since Teenage Dirtbag first turned the band from New York outsiders into a phenomenon. brendan talks about the dark story behind its lyrics, and why it cont...

Stu Cook, bassist and founding member of Creedence Clearwater Revival, talks about the band’s early years, their rise and the chemistry that fuelled their success. He speaks frankly about working wit...

Derek Shulman and John Weathers never looked back, and maybe that’s why Gentle Giant’s music still stares you down, especially in the reimagined version of Playing the Fool. In this extensive convers...

Jon King reflects on his memoir, To Hell with Poverty, and the tumultuous birth of Gang of Four. King reflects on the curious dichotomy of his privileged schooling and working-class heritage, his fat...

The Primitives crashed into pop history with their 1988 anthem, and four decades later, Paul Court and Tracy Tracy are still making records with the same effortless cool. They recall their indie orig...

Wolfgang Flür, Kraftwerk’s rhythm architect back when their beats still had human fingerprints, revisits his journey from sticks to circuits. He trades nostalgia for momentum, reflecting on his early...

Ashley Hutchings, the man who helped to write the British folk-rock playbook, hits 80, and instead of slowing down, he’s throwing a bash. The Million Dollar Bash, no less, at Birmingham Town Ha...

Over decades in rock promotion, Paul Rappaport was both a champion and a confidant to artists, witnessing their rise, fall, and occasional reanimation. In this conversation, Rap, spills about hustlin...

Founding member of The Specials, Lynval Golding, traces his journey from Jamaica to Coventry, reflecting on the racism he faced, the politics he fought, and the legacy he helped build. His words are ...

Four decades after Turning Japanese burned its way into pop history, The Vapors prove they’re more than a one-hit wonder. With new album ‘Wasp In A Jar’, they channel that same sharp melo...

Parthenon Huxley’s career has made him a guitar slinger, hitmaker, and survivor of rock’s revolving door. From bar bands to ELO Part Two, from near-misses to crafting pop perfection. Now, he’s writte...

Gerry Leonard: the six-string sorcerer who conjured sounds Bowie didn’t even know he needed. From Dublin’s backstreets to New York’s avant-garde underbelly, he helped define Bowie’s late-era sound, c...

It was announced today, 18 February 2025 that Rick Buckler passed away. In October 2022 Rick reflected on The Jam’s final year, 1982. Rick covered the recording and release of final studio album The ...

Over sixty years of pounding the skins, watching the world change while The Animals’ songs stay raw and urgent. Animals founding member John Steel, is still keeping the beat. This isn’t just Ho...

Ian Burden (The Human League) and David M. Allen (programming and engineering) recall the making of Dare by The Human League. Guided by producer Martin Rushent, the album’s recording techniques...

Mark Plati played a key role in David Bowie’s career as a producer, engineer, musician, and live musical director. From the groundbreaking sounds of Earthling, his studio work for Hours and Heathen t...

Guitarist Waddy Wachtel shares stories from his incredible career, including working with Stevie Nicks, Keith Richards, and Linda Ronstadt, the creation of Werewolves of London, current group The Imm...

Dave Mattacks reflects on his remarkable career in music, highlighting his time in Fairport Convention and work with Paul McCartney, Elton John, and XTC. He previews Fairport Convention’s Winte...

Renowned music producer and engineer Ken Scott recently sat down for an in-depth conversation at The CAT Club, sharing anecdotes and insights from his extraordinary career. From his early days at Abb...

Leland Sklar has been the heartbeat of countless recordings and performances, from his work with James Taylor and Phil Collins to his latest collaboration with The Immediate Family. Leland opens up a...

Danny Kortchmar has seamlessly bridged the roles of guitarist, songwriter, and producer for artists including James Taylor, Carole King, Jackson Browne and Harry Nilsson. Now leading The Immediate Fa...

Clive Langer is a pioneer with Deaf School, a craftsman behind chart-topping hits, and a collaborator with artists including Madness, Elvis Costello, David Bowie, and Morrissey. At a time he returns ...

Phill Brown recalls the making of the Small Faces’ album Ogdens’ Nut Gone Flake. As a tape operator at Olympic Studios, he provides insights into the recording techniques, studio dynamics...

Leslie Mandoki is a visionary musician in progressive rock. As the mastermind behind Mandoki Soulmates, he united Ian Anderson, Jack Bruce, Greg Lake and Al Di Meola in a celebration of musical innov...

Neil Storey highlights 12 standout tracks from Island Records’ transformative years, 1969-70. We uncover the stories behind releases from the trailblazing label, featuring Free, Traffic, Nick D...

Keith Hopwood of Herman’s Hermits reflects on a life in music. From the breakout hit I’m Into Something Good to writing and recording with the group, making movies, and touring with The Who (co...

Bruce Woolley has had a fascinating career in music, from his early days co-writing “Video Killed the Radio Star” to working with artists including Trevor Horn, Dollar and Grace Jones. ...

Colin ‘Smiley’ Petersen passed away on Monday, November 18, 2024, leaving behind a legacy that bridged the worlds of music and film. Known as the original drummer of the Bee Gees, Pete...

Tony Banks reveals the creative exploration that defined Genesis’ sound and his personal foray into orchestral music. From early influences that shaped the band’s evolving approach to reflectio...

Arthur Brown shares captivating stories from his extraordinary life and the history behind his classic album, The Crazy World of Arthur Brown. The event included a thrilling moment when one of Arthur...

Peter Perrett opens up about his life and the creative process leading to The Cleansing, his most ambitious album yet. Collaborating with peers and friends, Bobby Gillespie, Johnny Marr, and Carlos O...

Rosalie Cunningham chooses eight key tracks from across her career, highlighting both personal and musical turning points. From her early days with Purson to her evolving solo work, she reveals into ...

Jeff Wayne shares the influences that shaped his acclaimed musical adaptation of The War of the Worlds. From the dramatic opening of The Eve of the War to unforgettable collaborations with artists li...

Mark Wilkerson uncovers the fascinating story of Thunderclap Newman, the group known for their 1969 hit ‘Something in the Air’ and guided by Pete Townshend. Highlighting the unique collab...

John Paul White discusses his recent album ‘The Hurting Kind’, which was inspired by classic country, rock, and torch singers from his childhood. White talks about the creative process be...

David Wells breaks down the irresistible world of late 60s American bubblegum pop, exploring its catchy hit singles, cult collectables, and forgotten album tracks. From The Archies to The Monkees, Oh...

Few collaborations feel as natural as Those Pretty Wrongs, where Big Star drummer Jody Stephens teams up with multi-instrumentalist Luther Russell. Their podcast offers a deep dive into the art of so...

Chris Leslie shares a selection of his favourite songs with Fairport Convention and reflects on his highlights with the group. He discusses his approach to songwriting and the experience of performin...

Susan Cowsill reflects on her musical journey, from her time with the Continental Drifters to growing up as a member of The Cowsills. She shares stories behind the formation of Continental Drifters, ...

Ahmet Zappa and Joe Travers celebrate the 50th anniversary of Frank Zappa’s landmark album Apostrophe (‘). They explore the album’s lasting impact, offering a deep dive into Frank&#...

Terry Reid unlocks a treasure chest of stories, being one of the most influential figures in rock history. He warmly describes his early days writing songs like ‘Without Expression,’ as w...

Richie Furay shares how his country influences shaped his music and role in Buffalo Springfield and Poco, and his evolution as a solo artist. He reflects on his friendship with Stephen Stills, the fo...

Alan Parsons reflects on the Alan Parsons Project including the new reissue of their landmark album Pyramid. He also recalls his time at Abbey Road Studios, including his early years in the studio wi...

Steve Wynn discusses his new memoir ‘I Wouldn’t Say It If It Wasn’t True’ and musical career. Steve covers the early days of The Dream Syndicate, their rapid rise to prominence in the 198...

Owen Elliot-Kugell, daughter of ‘Mama Cass’ Elliot, offers a heartfelt look into her mother’s life and career while reflecting on the writing of her memoir, My Mama, Cass, in honour...

Alan Whitehead, former drummer of The Marmalade, shares his experiences with the group as well as time in The Attack and Loose Ends. He covers Marmalade’s journey to success with hits like R...

Larry Tamblyn, founder and original lead singer of the Standells, discusses their origins, recording ‘Dirty Water’ and other garage rock classics like ‘Sometimes Good Guys Don’...