An extended 60-minute audio interview with Scott Bradshaw and Dafydd Fuller, talking about the band’s debut album ‘For All We’ve Left Behind,’ which is released on 22 February. Reviewed as our 5/5 January ‘Album of the Month,’ during this interview we discuss the standout tracks, the marriage of music and image, the album launch gig,  plans for the year ahead – and raspberry ripple ice cream.

Clips too of three Black Lakes tracks: Ghosts, The Divide, and Black Days Come, which I premiered on my Friday show last month – to a great listener reaction.

If you enjoy the interview, do share with your friends and explore the band further. You can check out the band’s store, album pre-order info and all their social links from their site https://www.blacklakes.com.

Black Lakes 60 mins

FEATURE INTERVIEW: BLACK LAKES - ALBUM COUNTDOWN

Marking seven years of interviews with Spike and The Quireboys, it's time to dig out our archive interviews with Spike and present them for listen again as a story through time. Second stop in this whistle-stop series, this interview from Spring 2016 is backstage in London during the band's tour. Also featured here, chat with Bonafide and Hardcore Superstar who joined Spike for the fun interview. High spirits before a fabulous show.

LA Spike series #2 AOR 2016

FEATURE INTERVIEW: THE SPIKE QUIREBOYS SERIES #2

Spoken word segments from an hour special with Peter Gamble, talking about the return of Silent Running after a 30-year break. A band that's core to Northern Island's rich history in producing fine rock bands. Peter and I discussed what's ahead for the band - and reflect on how the music scene has changed in the last 30 years.

LA Silent Running

FEATURE INTERVIEW: SILENT RUNNING - THE COMEBACK

From the original two hour interview, 60 minutes here of speech audio as Spike from Quireboys shares his story of 2022. After the split earlier in the spring, much was said on social media and much was said by other people about Spike - but Spike himself stood back from the noise and refrained from doing interviews. Six months on, Spike tells his story on his terms and in his words - ahead of the original band members reforming for the first of their live shows. Music removed from the original piece here, just Spike sharing his right to reply.

LA Spikes 2022 story

FEATURE INTERVIEW: SPIKE'S QUIREBOYS STORY

A feature radio interview with Thunder songwriter and guitarist, Luke Morley, on the re-issue of Thunder’s first three studio albums. Luke reflects on the making of the albums and picks choice deep-cuts from each album. 
To discover these re-issues on vinyl or CD visit: https://www.thunderonline.com

LA Luke Morley Thunder

FEATURE INTERVIEW: LUKE MORLEY ON THUNDER RE-ISSUES

Interview from a feature hour with Suzi on her ‘uncovered’ EP and a reflection on her phenomenal 55-year career in rock n roll. Advice also for bands starting out today from one of the true greats. 
To discover more about Suzi’s catalogue and news visit: http://www.suziquatro.com

LA Suzi Quatro

FEATURE INTERVIEW: SUZI QUATRO

One of a series of three new interviews with Sari Schorr recorded Autumn 2023 as we reflected on her milestones from the year and look ahead at 2024 plans. For this in-person interview Sari talks about her collaboration album with Robin Trower the day before its official release and also the day of her interview and session at Times Radio.

WebSariLake23

FEATURE INTERVIEW: SARI SCHORR AT THE LAKE

January 2024, we kicked off our 10th New Year with the New Horizons interview series, speaking with bands about hopes and plans for the year ahead. This one features former Band of the Year, Amongst Liars. The interview was done online, with the participants covering from a chest infection and Cover respectively - but, as always, the show goes on!

NH24LA Liars

NEW HORIZONS 2024 - AMONGST LIARS

Our first interview with this fine band – and we always make a point with each year’s New Horizons interview series to start some new band stories for listeners. A nice interview, serious but relaxed, Luke from the band talks about his fondness for Genesis, recording the songs in his garage (without annoying the neighbours) and the making of the band’s third studio album.

Since this interview, the band has been a regular on the Monday show, powered by lots of requests. Without doubt, Unquiet Nights are ones to watch for 2024.

NH24LA Unquiet Nights

NEW HORIZONS 2024: UNQUIET NIGHTS

Feature interview #1,640 in an ongoing series. Here is the full-length, un-edited version of a feature audio interview with Blue Nation that was originally aired in the Spring. The interview was done at a London restaurant, a few hours before the band’s appearance and live session at Times Radio.

Neil and Luke gave views for the ‘Music in Numbers’ interview series and discussed the importance of authenticity in music today. 

Blue Nation had a storming start to 2024 with us, twice called as ‘Band of the Month.’ Good to put this piece up on the site while I’m taking a break. Our story with the band will continue on my return in the next month or two.

After the interview, do visit the band’s webstore and check out forthcoming live dates at:
https://we3kingsband.wixsite.com/we3kingsband. Go to a show if you can – they might play ‘Birmingham.’

Amongst Liars Web24

BLUE NATION: MUSIC IN NUMBERS FROM LONDON

Feature interview #1,621 in an ongoing series. May 2024 - a fun interview with Lynne Jackaman and Jamie, from a black cab hurtling through the Streets of London.
 
During the chat we reflect on doing 10 years of interviews together and we also review the second hand records we’d just purchased from Soho an hour or two before. A super relaxed personal chat, banter between friends, all the formal questions went out the window years ago.

Lynne’s been a hallmark of Great Music Stories, I’ve been proud to follow her story over the years and she makes the point of GMS work because she always gives time – which allows us to keep her story alive. Long may it continue!

LA Lynne Jackaman taxi interview 24

LYNNE JACKAMAN: THE BLACK CAB LONDON INTERVIEW

Great Music Stories feature audio interview #1,668 in an ongoing series. A lovely 30 minute chat with Indy from authentic rock force Doomsday Outlaw - looking ahead at 2025 plans and reviewing 2024’s milestones. Some serious industry chat coupled with some fun as well – as Indy presents the vision and essence of a proudly independent band doing things their way and focusing on the enduring primacy of the art.

Big apologies that this interview has taken so long to air. It was originally recorded in November 2024, a few days before I went down with Covid - and after that we went straight into the 10th annual Band of The Year vote, a time when we pause interviews. Despite the delay getting this out, this interview presents a warm and engaging introduction to a band that are worth exploring further.

If you enjoy the interview, do browse the band’s web site for news, shows and maybe buy a CD or a slab of vinyl - https://www.doomsdayoutlaw.com
  


DOOMSDAY OUTLAW: FEATURE INTERVIEW

Feature audio interview 1,677 in an ongoing series – a marvellous and warm welcome back for Rebecca Downes to Great Music Stories. An artist whose story we have followed with great interest for many years. This is a long interview and it’s about as broad-ranging and spontaneous as you can get with any blues/rock interview. Ralphie turns up, as do Sheba and the rock xylo. We talk nursery rhymes, AI, the power of the niche, desert islands, barbers, pensioners, record shops and the postal service. In between all, that plenty of matrons and the odd mention of new music too – which Rebecca has coming soon. Enjoy the madness and then go and check Rebecca’s music on your platform of choice. If you want to buck the cool-kid trend, you could even be totally outrageous and buy one of Rebecca’s CDs. Marvellous.

REBECCA DOWNES FEATURE INTERVIEW

Feature audio interview #1,677 in an ongoing series. Hugh Syme is one of the iconic album creatives of his generation. Well known to many for designing the album covers for many of the great Rush albums, his Art Director talents have also included work for many other fine artists. His most recent project was with Ellis Mano Band and their new album ‘Morph,’ which we called as Album of the Month in February 2025. During this interview, Hugh reflects on his work with both Rush and Ellis Mano, reflection more generally on the creative process as an artist. We discuss the vital marriage between music and album artwork and whether something has been lost in the digital and streaming age. We also discuss the new world of AI.

TALKING PICTURES: FEATURE INTERVIEW WITH HUGH SYME

Feature audio interview 1,682 in an ongoing series of interview hour specials. A warm welcome back to Autumn Killers, a band whose story and music we have supported for many years. The band featured in the top echelon of our Band of the Year listener countdown for the last two years, and their latest album ‘Making Waves’ offers a pioneering slice of rock modernity and experimentation that is well worth discovering. This latest chat with Dunc was more of a rambling two-way fireside chat, covering lots of topics in spontaneous fashion. In the spirit of the interview, no edits for this one. If you enjoy the chat, do check out the band’s CD and vinyl music and merch at their website https://autumnkillers.com

FROM AUTUMN TO SPRING WITH DUNC FROM AUTUMN KILLERS

Feature audio interview 1,680 in an ongoing series of interview hour specials. Saffron Gorman is an artist we have supported since 2016 through a number of her bands, and on the rockshow we premiered a number of songs that became listener favourites. For this interview,  we meet Saffron and her band mates online. Serious chat on the band’s plans for 2025 and lots of fun stuff too. If you enjoy the interview, do give the band a follow on socials. And do hit the band search tab on this website to explore some of our various interviews with Saffron and also her former band, Safire, over time.

SAFFRON GORMAN AND THE BLACK EAGLE BAND – FULL BAND INTERVIEW

Audio interview hour special #1,844 in an ongoing series, on the eve of the release of the band’s new studio album, I had a 60 minute fireside chat with Kevin. We talked about the making of the new album, what the truth of success looks like to a DIY band in it for the music. We reflected on the life of a creative, the opportunity and challenges posed by AI – and some words too on the music Kevin has been listening to whilst writing for the new album.  r

CRY FOR MERCY: NEW ALBUM SPECIAL

Feature audio interview 1,685 in an ongoing series. An expansively long interview with Matt Simons from GMS alumni Band of the Year DeadBlondeStars. Matt has been a big part of the GMS community and the rock show over the years. In fact this one’s possibly not even an interview at all; more a spontaneous fireside chat, if a rambling one, between two friends. It turns into more of a two way chat, Matt reflects on the band’s journey and Guy looks back on a decade in radio. Both explore, from their respective perspectives as individual music fans, what success looks like - they each explore what drives the joy of music discovery as music fans. We also reflect on the ‘rock show for freedom’ three years on and Matt talks about kitchens as well. 
If you enjoy Matt’s words, do check out DeadBlondeStars and their music at https://www.deadblondestars.com

A TWO-WAY FIRESIDE CHAT WITH MATT SIMONS

Audio feature interview 1,684 in an ongoing series. Three years ago, quite a number of fabulous rising bands and artists joined me for a series of 4 ‘rockshows for freedom,’ as we stood up for peace and freedom in words and music, response to world events. Amongst Liars were one of those bands and they shared a fabulous live set for the first weekend’s broadcast. Three years on, Ian from Amongst Liars joined me again to reflect on world events three years on. Chat on former Single of the Year ‘Black Days’ being repurposed for a new era, the latest cat café news from Leo, news on the third album and tour news for the autumn. An alumni Band of the Year for Great Music Stories, Amongst Liars stand tall as an authentic, modern band with something to say - and new adventures on which to take guitar music. If you enjoy the interview, do check out the band’s music, webstore and news at https://www.amongstliars.com

AMONGST LIARS: ROCKSHOW FOR FREEDOM - THREE YEARS ON

Feature interview 1,687 in an ongoing series. A lovely catch up with guitar maestro and accomplished songwriter – Jack J Hutchinson - who talks about his 2025; the big gigs he’s going to, his touring and new writing work. We also reflect on creatives getting through the lockdown era - and now the challenging geo-political context. Comment too on AI and  social engagement. Through all this we reflect on the importance and enduring power of music to help people get through tough times – and music can be a meaningful voice for positive change. If you enjoy Jack’s interview, do check out his site for latest news and webstore goodies - https://jackjhutchinsonmusic.com

JACK J HUTCHINSON

Feature audio interview 1,688 in an ongoing series, with one of rock’s most authentic , forward-looking and original bands. With the countdown on for the new Badflower album - ‘No Place Like Home’ - I spoke again with Josh from the band on the story behind the new songs. News too on the farm, the rock cats, Barbara the cow, albums for space - and general reflections on the state of the world. Badflower were Former Album of the Year champs with Great Music Stories; so if you enjoy this interview, to check out the band online for latest news and album pre-order links - https://www.badflowermusic.com


BADFLOWER – THE ROCK CATS, NEWS FROM THE FARM AND NEW ALBUM COUNTDOWN

Feature interview #1,689 in an ongoing series. Ahead of the final show of her UK tour, I met Sari backstage in London at the 229. There was a piano in the room, just inviting to be played. So we sat at piano together and did a spontaneous interview whilst also playing the keys. A special anthem created for the south coast legends at LoveRocks Festival. The latest in an going interview series with Sari. Some of the others are available on this site, and there’s a Book on Sari’s Great Music Story in the making folks. For now a chat, a piano and a new song. Enjoy.
If you enjoy the interview, do check out the latest news from Sari at her site: https://www.sarischorr.com 

SARI SCHORR UK TOUR FINALE AT THE 229

London town at the end of May 2025. The day before their showcase show in London – and on the back of a run of news coverage across the UK national press – I met Violet Blend in Soho for morning coffee in the bright spring sunshine. As George served us Italian coffee, Giada presented me with a ‘bottle of red’ from Florence; Fabbriccio showcased his new hair-do before ice-cream blind-tasting, Michelle talks floods, styling and the new Violet T-shirt, and Nigel talked white socks. Comments too on Archduke Wayne’s midnight stagecoach dash to London and, in between all that silly stuff, some serious chat too. The band talks AI in music and first words on the band’s new songs for their forthcoming album.

Audio feature interview #1,690 in an ongoing series. If you enjoy the band chat, do check them out further at https://www.violetblend.cloud

VIOLET BLEND: THE CALM BEFORE THE STORM IN LONDON TOWN

Feature interview 1,686 in an ongoing series. This extended audio piece features two new interviews in one place. Around 4 weeks ago I did a 60-minute ‘fireside chat’ format interview with Hoss Thompson. We talked hamsters, AI, journeys into space and smashed down the genre silos - talking music from 90s pop to Petty, prog Xylo to Beethoven. Sadly, on editing this piece, I realised my mic wasn’t turned on. I gave it an edit, and whilst half the audio is below perfect, the actual interview deserved to be shared as it captured a moment. So last weekend we did a second interview on the new album writing as well. So here, we open with the most recent interview, followed by the full and unedited original piece, for those that can bear with the audio quality. A 90-minite 2-in-1 interview here is also a fitting way to celebrate 10 years of Great Music Stories interviews, with Hoss since summer 2015 – the most comprehensive set of Thirteen Stars available anywhere.

After the interview, do check out Hoss and his band Thirteen Stars - and visit their webstore at https://thirteenstars.bigcartel.com

HOSS THOMPSON – TWO INTERVIEWS IN ONE: NEW ALBUM, HAMSTERS IN SPACE, AI AND CARPENTRY

Nick Van Eede  Feature Interview

The first of two feature interviews with Bob Catley – this from from summer 2015 looks at the story of the band, their studio archive and concert milestones. Originally broadcast as an hour special in words and music, this original hour was re-aired in early 2016 to coincide with the band’s new album ‘Sacred Blood Divine Lies.’ A further feature interview was done at this time (which will be posted here soon) and an un-used interview segment of this second interview was added to the end of this feature.

Guy Bellamy's Album

Feature interview: The Magnum Story

A collage of fun interviews from a very special night in Brighton, when three acts came to town and let rip. Back stage interviews with the Dead Daisies, The Answer and Jackaman wrapped into an hour special from what was one of the standout rock tours of 2016. The hour special also featured some exclusive session tracks from Jackaman. Presented here are the speech segments from the hour that was broadcast on 9 December 2016.

FEATURE INTERVIEW: BRIGHTON ROCKS SPECIAL!

First broadcast on my rockshow on 24 November 2016, to mark 25 years since the tragic passing of Freddie Mercury, for this 2 hour 15 min tribute show, I spoke with 18 rock musicians about the inspiration and creative legacy of Freddie Mercury. Here the speech clips include moving tributes from musicians spanning Anathema, Jackaman, Black Stone Cherry, Colour of Noise, The Dead Daisies, Inglorious, Machines Dream, JD SIMO, Trucker Diablo, Sari Schorr, Guy Bailey, Knock Out Kaine, Fireroad, Bad Touch, Safire, Tantrum, Thirteen Stars & RSJ. This feature underlines the widely held view of Freddie as the greatest rock frontman of all time, a rock icon whose musicality, creativity and showmanship has today influenced a new generation of rock musicians.

Following its original rockshow broadcast in November, this feature was re-broadcast during Christmas week 2016 in response to listener demand. The interviews are here to enjoy on listen again for the first time.

Feature interview: Freddie Mercury - A Tribute

From the Great Music Stories archive, an expansive feature interview with Fish looking back at his studio catalogue, which was first broadcast as two one-hour specials in XXX. Fish gives a compelling narrative on the story behind the music, reflects on the creative process, recording and touring. Due to public demand, this package was re-aired on two subsequent occasions, which explains why it has taken so long to be added to the listen again archive.

Must played during the original feature included: Vigil / Kayleigh (solo version) / The Company / Big Wedge / Jack and Jill / Internal Exile / Credo / Solo / Fortunes of war /
Lavender (solo version) / Lucky (live acoustic) / Goldfish & Clowns / Brother 52 (remix) / Old crow / Shot The Craw / Tiki 4 / Arc Of The Curve / Cinderella Search (live) / High Wood / Crucifix Corner / White Feather (live) / Poet’s Moon / Carnival Man / Make It Happen

FEATURE INTERVIEW: FISH - VIEW FROM THE HILL

A fascinating insight on rock icons Rush from the producer’s chair. Terry Brown talks fondly about working with the band for more than 10 albums and then chats about his current work with new Band Blurred Vision. We also talk about the current music scene and Terry offers some tips for young bands starting out. An interview that connects classic and modern rock in just 15 minutes. Shorter than our usual feature hours because the music played was longer in length than usual.

FEATURE INTERVIEW: TERRY BROWN ON RUSH

Last week, I had a chat on the phone with These Wicked Rivers. A clip of the interview aired on my show last Friday, but here’s the full, uncut thing as an online special. Dan and Sam from the band talk about their evolution through the early EPs, the fundraiser for the new album ‘Eden,’ signing with managers RPM, the grassroots scene, and details on what’s available from the band’s online store.

Have a listen and then have a browse the pre-order store at www.thesewickedrivers.com/products

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