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

Join us for a dive deep into The British Psychedelic Sounds of 1967. David Wells, a music journalist and historian, will be sharing his insights on this fascinating era of British music history. In this episode, we explore big hitters of the era such as The Who, The Tremeloes and Traffic. We also discuss the inclusion of cult tracks from bands like Kaleidoscope, Nirvana and Tintern Abbey, as well...

Today we speak to Caleb Quaye, a legendary guitarist who has played with some of the biggest names in music. Caleb’s career began in the 1960s where he formed a friendship with a young Reginald Dwight, who would later become known as Elton John. Caleb’s guitar work can be heard on many of Elton John’s early albums and material by John Baldry, Pete Townshend, PP Arnold, Steve Elli...

In this podcast we sit down with Allan Clarke to discuss his highly anticipated album, I’ll Never Forget. Clarke takes us on a trip down memory lane with the lead track ‘Buddy’s Back’, a nostalgic tribute to the early days of rock ‘n’ roll. The song features the distinctive voice of Clarke and the songwriting talents of Graham Nash, and sees them singing harmoni...

Bernie Marsden talks about his lifelong love of the blues and friendship with Peter Green, his time with Cozy Powell’s Hammer and Paice Ashton Lord, and partnership with David Coverdale and Whitesnake. Further information Bernie Marsden: Big Boy Blues And Green (1995-2005), 4CD Box Set berniemarsden.com Bernie Marsden podcast tracks Also available on The Strange Brew – written version of this podc...

David Wells provides a comprehensive overview yet of the Ladbroke Grove-based late 60s/early 70s freak music scene. Now widely acknowledged as England’s equivalent of the Haight-Ashbury underground scene in San Francisco, Ladbroke Grove in West London developed into the epicentre of the late 60s British counterculture movement. Further information Deviation Street: High Times In Ladbroke Grove – 1...

Andy Fairweather Low talks about his new album Flang Dang, his first solo album in 17 years. He also covers highlights from his time as lead singer of Amen Corner, solo hits and time playing with Roger Waters, George Harrison and Eric Clapton. Further information andyfairweatherlow.com Flang Dang Andy Fairweather Low – written Strange Brew interview Podcasts also available:  Blue Weaver – St...

Steve Hillage talks about the making of his classic solo albums Fish Rising, L, Green and Motivation Radio, producing Simple Minds and his latest work with System 7. Further information The Steve Hillage Band’s Golden Vibe UK Tour is from 21 March to 2 April. Details can be found at  stevehillage.com Steve Hillage’s “Los Angeles Forum – Jan 31st 1977” recording has been released for the firs...

Mikael Rickfors is known worldwide for his time as The Hollies singer in the early 1970s, with hits including ‘The Baby’ and ‘Magic Woman Touch’, but there’s so much more to his story. A legendary name in Swedish rock music, his songs have been recorded by Carlos Santana, Cyndi Lauper and Percy Sledge. Jason Barnard speaks to Mikael about his time fronting The Hollies...

Tony King talks about his remarkable life. From The Beatles to Elton John and The Rolling Stones, Tony has been a confidante and creative muse for some of the world’s greatest artists. Further information ‘The Tastemaker: My Life with the Legends and Geniuses of Rock Music’ by Tony King Tony King podcast tracks Podcasts also available: Paul Sexton on Charlie Watts , Davey Johnstone &#8...

Leo Lyons, legendary bassist and founder member of Ten Years After talks about his life in music. Leo covers the group’s formation and early years, playing Woodstock and friendship with Alvin Lee. We start with highlights from Leo’s current group, Hundred Seventy Split, which started out as a side project whilst still playing with Joe Gooch in the reformed Ten Years After. Further info...

Joe Jammer tells his incredible life story. Given his name by Jimmy Page and Robert Plant when he started working for Led Zeppelin in 1969, he came over to UK in 1970 and became a top session guitarist collaborating with Jerry Lee Lewis, Stealers Wheel, Roger Glover and the Rolling Stones. Joe also covers his role in the formation of Aerosmith, time with the Olympic Runners, Nobody’s Busines...

Sam Brown gives a career spanning interview on her highlights as a singer, writer and backing vocalist for George Harrison, Pink Floyd, Jools Holland and Jon Lord. We cover her early years, success with ‘Stop!’, her personal approach to songwriting, the ‘Concert for George’ and overcoming the loss of her voice with new album ‘Number 8’. Further information misss...

Brett Lyda of Almost Beatles Songs tells the story, and records new arrangements, of lost Beatles songs from the Get Back sessions including Watching Rainbows, Penina, Rambling Woman and How Do You Tell Someone. Further information Almost Beatles Songs Youtube Channel . Almost Beatles Songs Vol. 1 is available on most streaming platforms . Almost Beatles Songs tracks This podcast is also available...

Dick Taylor of The Pretty Things gives an extensive podcast interview. We start with Dick’s childhood friendship with Mick Jagger, his time in The Rolling Stones, The Pretty Things in the 1960s including recording SF Sorrow, producing Hawkwind, rejoining, their final show and album and the passing of Phil May. Further information theprettythings.com Dick Taylor podcast tracks Podcasts also o...

Guitarist and songwriter Kevin Armstrong talks about playing with David Bowie, Iggy Pop, Paul McCartney, Thomas Dolby and Morrissey. Kevin covers Live Aid, writing with David Bowie and Morrissey plus why his time with Paul McCartney was so short. Further information Kevin is playing with the Tony Fox Sales Band who are celebrating 45 years of Lust For Life with live dates in UK, Ireland and Japan...

Record producer and songwriter, John Williams talks about his life in music featuring The Waterboys, Debbie Harry, The Housemartins, Simple Minds, Blancmange, Claudia Brücken, Petula Clark and more. Further information Further information on The John Williams Syndicate and John’s career can be found at  johnowenwilliams.com John Williams – Strange Brew written interview John Williams p...

Guitarist Ray Russell talks about highlights from his career as an acclaimed session player and artist-composer. Ray covers playing with John Barry for the James Bond films, Bill Fay, Gil Evans, Tina Turner, Scott Walker, David Bowie, Dave Clark and Freddie Mercury. We also hear about Ray’s story about George Harrison’s fretless Bartell guitar and his time with Jimi Hendrix. Further in...

Graham Gouldman talks about 10cc’s The Ultimate Greatest Hits Tour show , playing with Ringo Starr, The Mockingbirds, Andrew Gold, Brian May and career highlights. Further information Get 20% off 10cc’s The Ultimate Greatest Hits Tour show on demand with the code STRANGEBREW-20 Graham Gouldman podcast tracks grahamgouldman.info Podcasts also available: Graham Gouldman (2020) , Kevin Go...

Paul Sexton talks about the life of The Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts. This podcast and Paul’s official biography Charlie’s Good Tonight highlights how Charlie, an obsessive jazz fan from childhood, came to an underpin The Stones for almost 60 years. A private and humble musician who became an unlikely rock star. Further information Charlie’s Good Tonight: The Authorised Biograp...

George Martin’s early years and pre-Beatles productions are explored by Ken Womack, one of the world’s leading authorities on The Beatles. George’s work with Peter Sellers, Dick James, The Temperance Seven, The Vipers and Matt Monro is included. Further information George Martin: A Painter In Sound – Pre-Beatles Productions & Classical Influences, 4CD Set kennethwomack.com George M...

Rick Buckler reflects on The Jam’s final year, 1982. Rick covers the recording and release of final studio album The Gift, the last shows and the announcement of, and his view today on, the split. Further information The Jam 1982 book by By Rick Buckler and Zoë Howe Rick Buckler podcast tracks Also on The Strange Brew: Bruce Foxton podcast interview This podcast is also available on  Apple P...

Roine Stolt of The Flower Kings explores the group’s albums from Back in the World of Adventures to By Royal Decree. Further information roinestolt.com Roine Stolt – The Flower Kings podcast tracks Roine Stolt – 2019 podcast This podcast is also available on  Apple Podcasts ,  Spotify  and all usual platforms. The post Roine Stolt – The Flower Kings appeared first on The St...

Helen O’Hara of Dexys Midnight Runners talks about her life in music. She covers her early years, joining Dexys Midnight Runners, the success of the Come On Eileen single and Too-Rye-Ay album, the making of Don’t Stand Me Down, playing with Tanita Tikaram, her solo work and rekindling her musical partnership with Kevin Rowland. Further information What’s She Like: A Memoir by Helen O&#...

David Wells describes how The Beatles 1967 single Penny Lane and its lighter psychedelic sound, helped to inspire the British pop scene to produce songs with quasi-classical arrangements, a childlike sensibility and character vignettes. David introduces songs from artists that have came to known as toytown pop including Jeff Lynne’s The Idle Race, Deram-era David Bowie, Tony Hazzard, Mark Wi...

Singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Michael Snow gives a rare career spanning interview on working with Doris Troy, Chuck Berry, John Lennon and Colin Blunstone. He also covers his early years in the Liverpool Merseybeat scene, recording one of the first Rolling Stones cover hit singles with West Five, playing with The Ferris Wheel and Rockin’ Horse plus writing hits for Marmalade, Georg...