Eighties Archive Podcast

We welcome Jim Irvin, the frontman of London cult 80s band Furniture. We find out about their indie road to an eventual signing to Stiff and beyond and just how much bad luck they had as a band, whilst operating against the grain by choice. Jim went on to write for Melody Maker and subsequently became the Features Editor for MOJO. Having also authored books including the honest and telling account...

*This episode contains excerpts of 3rd party material* Welcome to Martin Macaloon one of the brothers who helped shape the incredible sound of the incomparable Durham band, Prefab Sprout. Humble and unassuming, Martin graciously walks us through the timeline of Sprout history from their first independent release right through to 1990. Martin is on a solo tour with Thomas Dolby performing his broth...

*this episode contains excerpts of third party music* Welcome musician Tim May who was the saxophonist in the brilliant Roaring Boys, who also features Neil MacColl, son of Peggy and Ewan and half brother of Kirsty The Roaring Boys evolved from established Cambridge signed band The Models, They found themselves at the centre of a bidding war. However although they got signed, The Roaring Boys suff...

*This episode features excerpts of 3rd party music* We welcome, Ian McNay, founder and chairman of Cherry Red records, which still remains today, one of the most prolific independent record institutions in operation. Ian takes the time to tell us the Cherry Red story, detailing many of the key moments and signings that decorate his path to success, maintaining an ethos for supporting the truly uni...

*This episode includes excerpts of 3rd paty music* Welcome Ross middleton, Scottish singer who along side musician Gary Barnacle, formed Leisure Process, signed by Muff Winwood.

*This episode contains excerpts of 3rd party music* in this edition we welcome Bobby Hodgens from Scottish jangle pop band The Bluebells. Associated with the Postcard Records scene early on, hearing Orange Juice, Altered Images and Simple Minds inspired him to start a band. The Bluebells had a hugely infectious body of songs and at one time their personel included Craig Gannon who was poached from...

*This episode contains 3rd party music excerpts* We welcome composer Paul Fishman, most famed for his role as keyboardist in 80s new wave band Re-Flex. As the son of Jack Fishman, co composer with Roy Budd and the nephew of Vera Lynn, Paul's life in music was inevitable. He talks about his work as a signed artist starting in the 70s with Prog project 'In Search Of Ancient Gods', throug...

*Contains language that may offend* *This episode contains excerpts of 3rd party music* In this edition we welcome a titan of the Record industry, Dave "Robbo" Robinson, co founder of Stiff Records. A talented photographer in the early 60s who snapped amongst others, The Beatles at The Cavern, who at that time were "not particularly memorable". Band management took Dave from Lo...

*This episode contains excerpts of 3rd party music content* HAPPY NEW YEAR! In this episode, find out what OUR origin stories are and what our 80's was like. Expect factually incorrect musings, a Midge Ure impression from Dave, punctuated with excellent music choices throughout. Oh and a lot of swearing and a Ouija board story from John. Normal service will resume in the next episode - We promise!...

*This episode contains excerpts of 3rd party music content* In this episode we welcome actress Francoise Pascal who as well as acting along side many national treasures like Peter Sellers, Diana Dors and Terry Scott, has also recorded singles and been a model. Appearing in TV Dramas on both sides of the Atlantic in Coronation Street and The Young & The restless, She was also a regular on panel...

*This episode contains excerpts of 3rd party music content* Welcome Corinne & Andy from Grammy nominated Jazz pop darlings Swing Out Sister. From her beginnings in fashion design at St. Martins, London where Sade was also in attendance, Corinne made her live debut auditioning for Working Week (standing in for Tracey Thorn) at The Hacienda in Manchester with Andy in the audience (then still in...

*Content disclaimer * this episode contains very strong language and subject matter some listeners may find triggering as well as containing excerpts of 3rd party music content* We present a frank but fun chin wag with TV presenter vet Steve blacknell, about the highs and lows of his career. From being a nurse and falling for his first love Kate Bush, to PR work with Record companies, life at the...

*This episode contains excerpts of 3rd party music content* This episode sees John explore the work that the Misty Moon team do, with Stuart & Jen Morris, who lovingly curate in South London, celebrating TV & Film nostalgia from Friday the 13th to The Sweeney.

*This episode contains excerpts of 3rd party music content* Mancunian musician Graham Massey joins us for a chat about his career, starting with the early band Biting Tongues signed to Factory, to the monster that became 808 State. Graham talks about his love of A-Tonal jazz, experimental music, writing with Bjork, rave culture, the strong arm influence of the staff at Eastern Bloc Records, The St...

*This episode contains excerpts of 3rd party music content* We have a great chin wag with Scouse Actor Victor Mcguire about his career in TV and film, covering the popular series Bread and Goodnight Sweetheart as well as Phantom Of The Opera and Star Wars to name a few!! It was no surprise to us to find that Vic is a warm, humble and down to earth guy who was never comfortable with celebrity. He a...

*This episode contains excerpts of 3rd party music content* Welcome Writer, Author Andrew Cartmel. John interviews this a man whose writing includes of course Doctor Who.

*This episode contains excerpts of 3rd party music content* We welcome Actress Nicola Bryant most know for her role as Doctor Who's companion Peri Brown - John's favourite companion to John's favourite Doctor. To this end, although David did the noble thing and let John go a bit silly on a solo mission, he still did the hard work to make him sound less silly...sort of. Nicola was an absolutely lov...

*This episode contains excerpts of 3rd party music content* *Some strong language, listener discretion is advised* Ahead of Britpop by some 5 years, Ben Addison and his twin brother Scott forged a band that were a magic blend, steeped in references. channelling his Anthony Newley via Bowie, kicking out Who licks in power pop punk troupe Boys Wonder. This was a riveting conversation with someone wh...

*This episode contains excerpts of 3rd party music content* Welcome to Melbourne born studio legend, Julian Mendelsohn, who tells us all bout his journey from his 'Radio Shack' electronics obsession that developed into recording gear and studio equipment, which after a family move to England drove him into a career doing exactly that. Julian has worked with just about everybody and his name featur...

*This episode contains excerpts of 3rd party music content* Simon was one half of 80s folk pop sensation Big Bam Boo, along with Shark they stormed America destined for big things with a big budget. David was lucky enough to see them live several times in London venues supporting various bands in the late 80s. Simon's journey through the world of writing and performing has been a very interesting...

*This episode features 3rd party musical content* John talks the hind legs off Super 8 and VHS expert Mark Williams, about his days at paramount in Wardour Street, working with Michael Man, possible dodgy dealings in the good days of VHS and all things niche in the world of horror. Mark's film VHS Forever and his book Bootlace Cinema are available now - DA

*This episode contains excerpts of 3rd party Musical content* In this edition we welcome American songwriter Bob Beland who offers a different view of the 80s from across the Atlantic at the top of the decade, writing in his band Stealing Cars with Stephen Hague, dalliances with Tom Waits, culminating in a collaboration with 10CC drummer Kevin Godley, - DA

*This episode features excerpts of 3rd party musical content* Welcome the esteemed studio legend, Peter Boyd Smith, responsible for the production and mixing on some of our favourite 80s records from The Bible, Sting and the incredible second album from The Adventures, The Sea Of Love. A humble and down to earth pro with great taste in music including the pedestal statement regarding Peter Gabriel...

*This episode features excerpts of 3rd party musical content* We speak with New Zealand singer songwriter JJ Mist, who is currently releasing original material through the lens of the 80s, making a stir in the genre recognised as Synthwave. Born to a touring musician Mother, JJ has been raised in a musical family and has developed her own writing with the help of fellow producer Alex Markham, movi...

*This episode features excerpts of 3rd party music content* This is the story of veteran Kent born Musican and songwriter Martin Ansell, who having been in a grammar school band supporting Gong in Chatham, he began his 'London' career doing the odd session in Rockstar studios owned by John Springate of the Glitter Band. It was here that he met Rod Bowkett and together they formed many ideas under...