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

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 Hall, pulling together a dream team of Fairport alumni, Albion veterans, and folk royalty. Enter Blair Dunlop, his son and a formidable talent in his own right, orchestrating events. In this podcast, we...

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 hustling airplay for a then-unknown Springsteen, navigating Pink Floyd’s civil war, and watching Keith Richards defy the laws of human endurance. His book, Gliders Over Hollywood , is a love letter to an era...

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 heavy with loss, Terry Hall, John Bradbury, and others loom large, but the fight isn’t over. With a new single, When A Light Goes Out , and a mission to educate, Golding keeps the flame alive, pr...

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 melodic instinct into something richer, think power pop with the wisdom of experience. Dave Fenton and Steve Smith reflect on their unexpected second act, and why making music now is more fun than ever. Fu...

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 written it all down. Electric Light Odyssey skips the usual rock-star myth making. And Hux? He’s still playing with The Orchestra, still proving there’s life after the encore. Further information parthenonhu...

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, commanded the Reality tour, and stripped Loving the Alien down to its ghostly bones. He’s the sonic architect behind Suzanne Vega and the mad scientist of Spooky Ghost. This show dives headfirst into Ge...

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 Gift , the last shows and the announcement of, and his view on, the split. Further information Rick Buckler – The Strange Brew YouTube interview The Jam 1982 book Rick Buckler podcast tracks Also...

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 House of the Rising Sun or Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood . It’s Bob Dylan epiphanies, BBC battles, and the refusal to be a museum piece. The Animals weren’t supposed to last, but they did. Turn it up. Jo...

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 blended experimental approaches with pop accessibility, exemplified by ‘Don’t You Want Me.’ Their work established Dare as a landmark album of the 1980s, leaving a legacy that proved...

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 to overseeing the long-unreleased Toy sessions, his collaboration with Bowie captures a period of bold creativity. Mark reflects on their studio work, live performances, and David’s lasting impact. Fur...

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 Immediate Family and his enduring love for live performance. Further information Further information immediatefamilyband.com Waddy Wachtel podcast tracks Podcasts also available: Danny Kortchmar , Leland...

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 Winter 2025 tour and the forthcoming Cropedy Convention Festival. Dave offers insights into working with legendary producers like George Martin, Gus Dudgeon and Glyn Johns and approach collaborating with a...

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 Abbey Road working with The Beatles, to co-producing David Bowie’s Hunky Dory at Trident, Ken’s reflections offer a glimpse into the art of recording. His stories, spanning sessions with Elton John...

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 about his career beginnings, the joys and challenges of session work, and the deep camaraderie within The Immediate Family, a band of lifelong friends whose music continues to resonate today. Further in...

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 Family with fellow legendary 1970s sidemen, Danny reflects on recording groundbreaking albums like Tapestry and his journey to the present. Further information immediatefamilyband.com Danny Kortchmar pod...

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 to his roots with The Clang Group, he reflects on his career highlights as a songwriter and producer. Further information The Clang Group’s new album New Clang , is set for release on 21 February...

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, and the relationship between the group and engineer Glyn Johns on this landmark album. He also reflects on working on Jimi Hendrix’s All Along the Watchtower and The Rolling Stones’ Symp...

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 innovation and collaboration. He shares his daring escape from Communist Hungary and his audacious vision to merge British progressive rock with American fusion which continues today with new album, A Memor...

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 Drake, and Cat Stevens. The conversation also explores the cultural significance of Island Records and shines a light on overlooked releases from this remarkable era. Further information theislandbookof...

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 (complete with Keith Moon’s wild escapades), he shares it all. After the band’s split, Keith ventured into solo projects and produced music for TV and film. Now, he’s as active as ever, celebrating the re...

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. Bruce opens up about the long journey to get his new Bruce Woolley and the Camera Club anthology released, the origins of “Video Killed the Radio Star”, and the musicians like Thomas Dolby wh...

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, Petersen played an integral role during the group, contributing to their global rise. His time with the group included performances on hits such as ‘Massachusetts’, ‘To Love Somebody’,...

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 reflections on composing landmark tracks like ‘Firth of Fifth,’ Tony shares stories that go deep into his and Genesis’ legacy. Further information Tony Banks – 18 Pieces For Orchestra 7-...

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’s legendary flaming helmets was ignited on the CAT Club stage during the screening of his unforgettable 1968 Top of the Pops performance of ‘Fire.’ The evening climaxed with a spellbindin...

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’Connell, Perrett crafts an honest, self-reflective exploration of life’s complexities, balancing raw emotional depth with moments of dark humour. He also reflects on his time with The Only Ones...