September 2014

One small step for Word In Your Ear, one giant stride for Monday nights in the pub

September 23, 2014 David Hepworth 0

Last night’s show was our best yet. Thanks to the people at the Islington we managed to get the visuals working and so we we could put on […]

Stevie Nicks biographer Zoe Howe added to our Ben Watt live podcast recording

September 13, 2014 David Hepworth 0

We’re delighted to say that Zoe Howe‘s joining us at our next Word In Your Ear Podcast recording at the Islington on September 22nd. She’ll be […]

A Quiet Word with Ben Watt at the Islington

September 8, 2014 David Hepworth 0

Ben Watt’s worn a variety of hats in the last thirty years: half of Everything But The Girl, solo artist, deejay, producer, club owner and […]

Word In Your Ear

David Hepworth, Mark Ellen and chums cast an occasionally jaundiced eye over the goings-on in the worlds of music and entertainment.

Peter Hammill has spent nearly six decades building the most devoted following imaginable – Bowie, Peter Gabriel and Mark E Smith among them. ‘Rock And Role’ tells his invigorating story, beautifully illustrated with photos, cuttings, artwork and memorabilia. Author Joe Banks looks back at his life, impact and captivating way with words, and stops off at …

… the value of looks and charisma in the days when labels hadn’t the faintest idea of the future

… how Hammill “created a world to live inside and broadcast from”

… psychedelic cabaret with wolf masks and blood capsules

… meeting Hammill’s muse and former girlfriend Alice: “50 years later, each still think the other one left them”

… “songs that ask the big questions about life”

… discovering VDGG in 1984 (via Marillion) and piecing together their story in the days before the internet

… public school, Gilbert & Sullivan and the Hallelujah Chorus

… the influence of A Plague of Lighthouse Keepers on Genesis’ Supper’s Ready

… his plans with Mark E Smith and how Bowie had every new album delivered to him all his life

… Charisma, Tony Stratton-Smith and the freedom to experiment

… the intensity of his following in Japan and Italy: “there’s no such thing as a casual Hammill fan”.

Order ‘Rock And Role’ here: https://burningshed.com/store/kingmaker