Articles – Interviews

To present a balanced picture of music from the mid 1960s to the present day the Strange Brew Podcast has produced many exclusive interviews and articles on artists. Here are some highlights.

Please note that audio podcast differ to written interviews so please also refer to the podcasts page.

Ian Hunter of Mott The Hoople: Ian Hunter

Ian Hunter

Michelle Phillips of The Mamas & The Papas: Michelle Phillips

Michelle Phillips

Allan Clarke lead singer of The Hollies: Allan Clarke

GrahamNash_Allan_Clarke

Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull: Ian Anderson – The Zealot Gene

Ian Anderson

Colin Blunstone, lead singer of The Zombies talks about about his favourite tracks; old and new, rare and legendary: Colin Blunstone

Colin Blunstone

Rod Argent, writer and keyboardist of The Zombies talks about key tracks that shaped his career: Rod Argent

Rod Argent

Andy Fairweather Low covers his highlights from his time as lead singer of Amen Corner, solo hits and time playing with Roger Waters, George Harrison and Eric Clapton: Andy Fairweather Low

Andy Fairweather Low

David Marks of The Beach Boys: David Marks – The Lost Beach Boy

David Marks Beach Boys

Geoff Emerick recalls recording The Beatles at Abbey Road: Geoff Emerick on THE SESSIONS – The Beatles At Abbey Road

Geoff Emerick,17 October 2015. From: portret.nl Author: Eddie Janssens

As a founding member of The Moody Blues, flutist, singer and songwriter Ray Thomas chartered a path with the group from their early r’n’b days, psychedelia into symphonic prog rock: Ray Thomas

Ray Thomas 1968

The great Bill Bruford: Bill Bruford is Making a Song and Dance

bill bruford

Pete Brown, Cream and Jack Bruce lyricist: Pete Brown

Pete Brown

John Carter, one of British 60s pop’s most enduring backroom figures: The John Carter Story

The John Carter Story

Jim McCarty talks about his time in The Yardbirds, Shoot and Renaissance: Jim McCarty

Jim McCarty

Bernie Marsden – Whitesnake guitarist and songwriter: Bernie Marsden

Bernie Marsden - photo by Eric Duvet

Legendary engineer Phill Brown looks back on his incredible career as a young tape operator on sessions for Jimi Hendrix, Rolling Stones, Small Faces, and Traffic at Olympic Sound Studios; to engineering for Mott the Hoople, Led Zeppelin, Nilsson, Bob Marley and more: Phill Brown

Phill Brown

Renowned EMI producer and writer of the Teenage Opera, Mark Wirtz

scrap-019

Mike ‘McGear’ McCartney, of The Scaffold and GRIMMS:

Mike McGear McCartney

Mike McCartney’s Early Liverpool

Mike Pender, founder member and former lead singer of The Searchers tells Jason Barnard about his musical journey: Mike Pender – Origins of the Searchers and The Search for Myself

Mike Pender autobiography search for myself

Steve Ellis former front man of The Love Affair covers his time with the ‘Everlasting Love’ hit makers but also his work in Ellis, Widowmaker and acclaimed solo career: Steve Ellis – Time Hasn’t Changed Us

Steve Ellis

John Dunsterville of Rainbow Ffolly:

Guitarist Paul Brett who has played with Tintern Abbey, The Crazy World Of Arthur Brown, Elmer Gantry’s Velvet Opera and Paul Brett’s Sage: Paul Brett

Paul Brett

Songwriter and guitarist Keith Christmas on playing alongside Bowie and Mighty Baby: Keith Christmas

Keith Christmas

Cult songwriters Peter Howell and John Ferdinando who crafted a series of privately-issued sought after albums:

John Ferdinando and Peter Howell

The British ‘Sugarman’? Nick Garrie’s story draws parallels with Sixto Rodriguez:

nick

David ‘Davy’ O’List of The Nice, Roxy Music, The Attack, one of the most groundbreaking and talented guitarists of British rock scene:

Davy O'List

The Fleur de Lys (or Les Fleur de Lys as they were originally known) released a string of memorable records including ‘Circles’ and ‘Hold On’; universally recognised as classics of the era. Keith Guster from the band reveals the truth behind the myth: Keith Guster

LesFleurDeLys-reflections-m

Jason Barnard met The Pretty Things backstage at The Borderline in London  to discuss their past, present and future. Read an exclusive extensive career spanning interview with this legendary group: The Pretty Things

Pretty Things JasonBarnard

rock st trop

Wally Waller ex Pretty Things talks about when the band rocked St Trop

Jason Barnard speaks to one of the sixties and seventies most successful songwriters Tony Hazzard

Tony Hazzard today

http://thestrangebrew.co.uk/articles/tony-hazzard

Jason Barnard speaks to Kaleidoscope/Fairfield Parlour’s lead singer Peter Daltrey to uncover the story of this truly legendary psychedelic group

Jason Barnard of the Strange Brew Podcast talks to Patrick Campbell-Lyons, one half of psychedelic pioneers Nirvana.

The Story of Simon Simopath LP, Nirvana, Island 1967

Jason Barnard speaks to Andy Ellison, legendary John’s Children, Jet and Radio Stars front man about his amazing roller coaster half century in music.

Johns_Children_Club

Jason Barnard exclusively chats to Dave Slater of Liverpool band Focal Point who were the first act signed to Apple in 1967. For the first time Dave tells the Strange Brew about his time in the band, Apple and The Beatles.

Joe Beard of cult jugband psych band The Purple Gang takes to swinging London in 1967.

The Purple Gang

Jim Peterman first met his future band leader Steve Miller at the University of Wisconsin in Madison during 1964. He talks to Nick Warburton about his time with The Steve Miller Band and recording the landmark albums, Children of The Future and Sailor.

Andy Bown of Status Quo reveals his highlights with Status Quo and The Herd with Peter Frampton.

andy bown

Nick Warburton talks to Mike Harrison and Tony Nolasco who came to England in December 1968 with their blues/rock band, McKenna Mendelson Mainline. They tell the Strange Brew about the Toronto group’s record deal with Liberty Records and recording their landmark album, “Stink”:

Jason Barnard speaks to Tom Hartman of the Aerovons who were responsible for the classic Parlophone single “World Of You”.  Tom wrote, produced and recorded an album’s worth of material at Abbey Road while just 17 in 1969.

The Aerovons recording

Remembered as one of the UK’s leading ‘surf’ groups, they were a favourite of Keith Moon and rubbed shoulders with some of the best in the business. But the passage of time has not been kind to The Summer Set so Dominic Picksley uncovers their true legacy.

Nick Warburton reports on a little known chapter of Cat Stevens’ career and the band (Zeus) that fell under his wing. A story that links Cat, John Bonham, The Idle Race, and World Of Oz!

Denny Alexander of Merseybeat r’n’b pounders the Clayton Squares as well as mod psych legends The Penny Peeps:

Anglo-Canadian cult legends Milkwood who drew praise from Jimi Hendrix and The Band:

Nick for the first time tells the full story Hedgehoppers Anonymous: Hedgehoppers Part 1 and Hedgehoppers Part 2

Nick also pulls together the history of cult Canadian rock band Influence, who contained two Brits in their ranks:  Influence, Andy Keiller

Jason Barnard scoops the latest on British psych legends July: July Magical Days, July – Resurrection

Peter Waddington of The Dawnbreakers and The Amazing Friendly Apple.

John Peel favourite and Dandelion folk rock star Trevor Midgley (aka Beau).

Tony Banks of Genesis:

Tony Banks

Steve Howe of Yes:

https://thestrangebrew.co.uk/articles/steve-howe-yes/

Gilbert O’Sullivan:

gos promo

http://thestrangebrew.co.uk/articles/gilbert-osullivan

Davey Johnstone – Elton John’s longtime guitarist – Davey Johnstone

davey johnstone

Al Stewart gives an extensive career spanning interview including his time in the 60s living with Paul Simon to Year of the Cat superstardom.

al stewart

http://thestrangebrew.co.uk/articles/al-stewart-past-present-and-future

Folk legend Maddy Prior of Steeleye Span:

Maddy Prior

http://thestrangebrew.co.uk/articles/maddy-prior/

Ken Scott’s work as a recording engineer and producer spans much of the greatest rock music ever recorded. From The Beatles ‘White Album’, David Bowie’s ‘Ziggy Stardust’, George Harrison’s ‘All Things Must Pass’ to Lou Reed’s ‘Transformer’: From Abbey Road To Ziggy Stardust.

Ken Scott

Long time David Bowie producer Tony Visconti:

tony visconti
https://thestrangebrew.co.uk/articles/tony-visconti

Jason Barnard’s extensive interview with Badfinger’s Joey Molland. Read about his early years in Liverpool, the huge highs and lows of Badfinger, historic sessions with George Harrison and John Lennon, to his solo rebirth:

Joey Molland

http://thestrangebrew.co.uk/articles/joey-molland-from-liverpool-to-memphis

James Warren, singer songwriter for The Korgis reveals the inspiration behind Everybody’s Got to Learn Sometime:

james warren
https://thestrangebrew.co.uk/articles/james-warren-the-korgis/

Bob Jackson guitarist for The Fortunes and Badfinger here in the UK.

Bob Jackson

Dennis Dunaway, bassist, songwriter, visionary for the Alice Cooper group talks about his definitive book on the band ‘Snakes! Guillotines! Electric Chairs!

Snakes! Guillotines! Electric Chairs! My Adventures in the Alice Cooper Group

http://thestrangebrew.co.uk/articles/dennis-dunaway-of-the-alice-cooper-group

Chris Pope of mod favourites, The Chords:

So Far Away The Chords album
https://thestrangebrew.co.uk/articles/chris-pope-the-chords/

The unmistakable voice of Annie Haslam crowned the lush recordings of Renaissance in 70s:

Annie Haslam - Renaissance

http://thestrangebrew.co.uk/articles/annie-haslam-renaissance

A rip-roaring trip with Pink Floyd, Paul McCartney and The Who by Brinsley Schwarz singer-songwriter guitarist Ian Gomm:

Moves transit

http://thestrangebrew.co.uk/articles/ian-gomm-brinsley-schwarz

Irish folk legends Tír na nÓg share the stories behind some of the most gorgeous songs ever recorded:

Tír na nÓg - Sonny Condell (left) and Leo O'Kelly (right)

 http://thestrangebrew.co.uk/articles/tir-na-nog-looking-up

Nick Warburton looks back at the various projects that Harry Vanda and George Young pursued with George Alexander after The Easybeats and Grapefruit broke up and the formation of The Marcus Hook Roll Band.

MarcusHookRollBand_TalesOfOldGrad-Daddy

http://thestrangebrew.co.uk/articles/george-young-harry-vanda-and-george-alexander

Mike Eastman of Katch 22 and Paintbox talks to Jason Barnard about his memories of 60s music scene and working with Vanda and Young.

Jason Barnard rolls with Marquis Michael Des Barres legendary frontman of Silverhead, Detective, Chequered Past and of course, The Power Station.

michaeldesbarres

http://thestrangebrew.co.uk/articles/rolling-with-michael-des-barres

Jason Barnard catches up with Tony Durant of the pioneering prog-orchestral-folk legends Fuchsia:

tony durant

http://thestrangebrew.co.uk/articles/tony-durant-and-fuchsia

Roy Ayers

Jazz-funk great Roy Ayers:

https://thestrangebrew.co.uk/articles/roy-ayers/

Jeff Christie of The Outer Limits and Christie:

http://thestrangebrew.co.uk/articles/jeff-christie-and-the-outer-limits (2010 interview)

http://thestrangebrew.co.uk/articles/jeff-christie-for-all-mankind (2015 interview)

Writer, producer, director Tony Klinger talks about the making The Who’s ‘Kids Are Alright’ and Deep Purple’s ‘Butterfly Ball’ films.

Twilight

http://thestrangebrew.co.uk/articles/tony-klinger

Nick Warburton uncovers John Bonham’s pre-Led Zeppelin band The Way of Life, with help from Fairport Convention’s Dave Pegg:

John Bonham

http://thestrangebrew.co.uk/articles/the-way-of-life

Terry Rae – Hollywood Stars drummer – one of the great 70s lost rock bands:

thestrangebrew.co.uk/articles/terry-rae-hollywood-stars

Singer-songwriter Philip Rambow on working with Mick Ronson and Brian Eno:

Mick Ronson Philip Rambow

One of the UK’s most respected guitarists, Gordon Giltrap:

thestrangebrew.co.uk/articles/gordon-giltrap-the-last-of-england

In an incredibly rare interview Jason uncovers the legend of Pig Rider and talks to John Mayes from the proto DIY psych pioneers:

Pig_Rider_duo

http://thestrangebrew.co.uk/articles/pig-rider

Guitarist/violinist Mike Piggot’s journey working with The System Soul Band, Paul Brett, Denny Laine, Pentangle, Bert Jansch to John Lodge:

DennyLaineBand1980

http://thestrangebrew.co.uk/articles/mike-piggott

Jason also speaks to US soul producer Billy Terrell. During his five decade career Billy has sung, composed, arranged and produced for a dizzying array of artists and genres.

http://thestrangebrew.co.uk/articles/billy-terrell

Rick Buckler of The Jam

Rick Buckler

The 1980s to present day

Sam Brown career spanning interview on her highlights as a singer and songwriter

Trevor Horn on 10 of his most important songs

Jason Barnard and Trevor Horn
The Anchoress

The Anchoress – Catherine Anne Davies

One of the world’s great modern guitarists, former Guns n Roses and currently Sixx:A.M. axeman DJ Ashba:

dj-ashba
The Wedding Present

The Wedding Present’s David Gedge:

http://thestrangebrew.co.uk/articles/david-gedge-sometimes-these-words/

Cleaners From Venus frontman Martin Newell speaks to Jason Barnard about the unique career he’s forged; from mid-70s glam, surviving the 80s, 90s success and current renewal.

martinnewell3

http://thestrangebrew.co.uk/articles/martin-newell-welcome-to-bohemia

http:/thestrangebrew.co.uk/martin-newells-jumble-sale/

Songwriter Dean Friedman.

Dean Friedman

Raul Malo of The Mavericks:

raul malo the mavericks

Kris Needs, one of the UK’s most prolific journalists and music writers.

Neil Arthur of Blancmange:

neil arthur blancmange

John Butler – Diesel Park West frontman:

https://thestrangebrew.co.uk/articles/john-butler-the-loyal-serpent/

The Lickerish Quartet: Roger Joseph Manning Jr, Tim Smith and Eric Dover (all ex Jellyfish)

The Lickerish Quartet

Doug Seegers was homeless on the Nashville streets busking after years of struggling with drink and drugs. Swedish country star Jill Johnson heard him sing his song ‘Going Down To The River’ which led him topping the Swedish charts, kick-starting his recording career.

thestrangebrew.co.uk/doug-seegers

Songwriter Clive Gregson.

Clive Gregson
https://thestrangebrew.co.uk/articles/clive-gregson/

Legendary DJ Tony Prince: The Royal Ruler.

Royal Ruler cover

John Sloman of Uriah Heep and Lonestar:

John Sloman

Jason Barnard speaks to multi-Brit award winning songwriter Mark Nevin about his time with Fairground Attraction, Morrissey and his work with Strange Brew era artists Mick Ronson, Ringo Starr and Sandie Shaw:

Mark Nevin Brits 89

http://thestrangebrew.co.uk/articles/marknevin

2014 interview with Mark: http://thestrangebrew.co.uk/articles/mark-nevin-love-love-love

2017 interview with Mark: http://thestrangebrew.co.uk/articles/mark-nevin-my-unfashionable-opinion/

Jason Barnard is given an extremely rare interview with psychedelic innovator nick nicely:

nick nicely EMI publicity photo c1982 (used with kind permission from http://www.willem.to/nicknicely/pictinacarr2.htm)

http://thestrangebrew.co.uk/articles/nick-nicely

Tyler Warren drummer for Queen and The Queen Extravaganza

Tyler Warren

http://thestrangebrew.co.uk/articles/tyler-warren-queen-extravaganza/