Dedicated to the Music & Stars of 50s to 80s
Share A Cuppa Tea With Janis Ian
As she chats about UFOs, kisses, grandfathers, and more! Janis Ian was always going to be a star. At the age of two, she began piano lessons. By the age of 13, she was playing the organ, harmonica, French horn, and guitar. Songwriting for Janis started at the age of 12 with “Hair of Spun Gold” which later appeared on her...
News Beat ➧
In Charge Of Our Own Destiny – Colin Blunstone
It's taken 50 years to get the Zombies recorded back catalogue back into their own hands and lead singer Colin Blunstone couldn't be more happier... By Ian Woolley "It's very exciting and we were really fortunate with the company that handled our masters and I think...
Back Beat ➧
Staying In ‘Love’ With the Philly Sound – The Stylistics
"At one point in the early 70s, Philadelphia music was as popular as Motown. People were coming from all over the States to record here because they wanted to capture that Philly sound". So says Airrion Love whose home city gave birth to one of the 70s' most...
Review Beat ➧
Dave Hill’s Slade Still Rockin’ Their Fans
'You're only as good as your last gig' is a well-used phrase in music circles. After witnessing one of the few remaining 'glam' giants being put through his paces, it seems Dave Hill's Slade still has a lot to offer their loyal fans... ENGINE ROOMS (SOUTHAMPTON)...
Obituaries ➧
Pogues Frontman Shane MacGowan Dies
After being hospitalized in a Dublin hospital for many months with a blood infection, it was announced today that the Pogues lead singer Shane MacGowan had died... OBITUARY by Ian Woolley Hailed by many in the music world including Nick Cave as 'the greatest...
Share A Cuppa Tea With Janis Ian
As she chats about UFOs, kisses, grandfathers, and more! Janis Ian was always going to be a star. At the age of two, she began piano lessons. By the age of 13, she was playing the organ, harmonica, French horn, and guitar. Songwriting for Janis started at the age of 12 with “Hair of Spun Gold” which later appeared on her...
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News Beat ➧
In Charge Of Our Own Destiny – Colin Blunstone
It's taken 50 years to get the Zombies recorded back catalogue back into their own hands and lead singer Colin Blunstone couldn't be more happier... By Ian Woolley "It's very exciting and we were really fortunate with the company that handled our masters and I think...
Back Beat ➧
Staying In ‘Love’ With the Philly Sound – The Stylistics
"At one point in the early 70s, Philadelphia music was as popular as Motown. People were coming from all over the States to record here because they wanted to capture that Philly sound". So says Airrion Love whose home city gave birth to one of the 70s' most...
Review Beat ➧
Dave Hill’s Slade Still Rockin’ Their Fans
'You're only as good as your last gig' is a well-used phrase in music circles. After witnessing one of the few remaining 'glam' giants being put through his paces, it seems Dave Hill's Slade still has a lot to offer their loyal fans... ENGINE ROOMS (SOUTHAMPTON)...
Obituaries ➧
Pogues Frontman Shane MacGowan Dies
After being hospitalized in a Dublin hospital for many months with a blood infection, it was announced today that the Pogues lead singer Shane MacGowan had died... OBITUARY by Ian Woolley Hailed by many in the music world including Nick Cave as 'the greatest...
Back issues, subscriptions, pre-orders, etc.
News Beat
Beyond the Glam Years with John Springate
By Ian Woolley There are not many of us lead singers left but at least those of us that remain are still making a noise... As a bass player of one of Glam rock’s most successful bands of the ’70s, John Springate tasted success much earlier. Now with a new album out,...
Hazel shows signs of improvement
By Ian Woolley Hazel O'Connor shows signs of improvement on her long road her recovery... Hazel O’Connor’s brother has given an update on the singer-songwriter’s health after she was admitted to a French hospital in January following a “serious medical event”. In a...
A special day for Frank Murray
By Ian Woolley A special day and tribute to Irish music promoter Frank Murray held in London... On 5th February 2022, a special day was held at the Irish Cultural Centre in Hammersmith to commemorate the late Pogues manager who died in December. A unique statue...
Late music manager Frank Murray to be celebrated
By Ian Woolley Tomorrow The Irish Cultural Centre in Hammersmith, London presents a concert celebrating the life and times of the late, great Frank Murray... Christine Tobin and The Lost Brothers will perform at the Irish Cultural Centre on the evening of February...
Then Jerico – Mark Shaw is truly the ultimate survivor
Mark Shaw has some intimate gigs coming up which should please Then Jerico fans everywhere... By Ian Woolley We recently spoke with an upbeat Mark Shaw on what it's like to be stepping (treading carefully this time) back onto the stage once again. With some intimate...
Marty Wilde – It’s a family affair
by Ian Woolley Marty talks about his love for his family and somewhere close to my heart, Abergavenny... On the tail end of his recent tour at the age of 80, I met up with Marty in the town of Wimborne in Dorset. It seems fate that our paths should cross. Back in the...
Neil Young and Spotify part streaming company
By Ian Woolley The fake news debate continues... One of the legends of 70's rock has withdrawn his total back catalogue from the streaming giant Spotify. It's sparked a fresh debate whether controversial podcasts and the furor of fake news should stand next to just...
New Heritage Chart TV show airs
By Ian Woolley Veteran DJ Mike Read presents a new music show for TV... Featuring lots of stars that feature in many Radio Heritage Charts, it comes as welcome news to viewers and music fans who have been starved of seeing artists perform during these pandemic times....
Long Promised Road – New Brian Wilson film released
By Ian Woolley A new documentary film about The Beach Boys co-founder will be released in UK cinemas on 21st January 2022... The film charts Wilson's early life and career through the fly on the wall footage and intimate interviews. First premiering at the Tribeca...
New Janet Jackson documentary announced
By Ian Woolley Sky has today revealed a trailer for a highly-anticipated documentary Janet Jackson... The four-part documentary, produced by Workerbee (a Banijay UK company) and co-produced by AEC (Associated Entertainment Corporation), explores in her own words the...
Weaving Soul and Reggae – 50 Years with Osibisa
By Ian Woolley Osibisa founder and leader Teddy Osei is bringing his band into the 21st Century... Godfathers of Afro-rock, and the first-ever African band to make it at The Marquee Club. After two sell-out gigs at Ronnie Scott's last weekend, it's time we caught up...
PP Arnold – Rapping Bob Dylan and visiting Moo-Moo Land
By Jim Stewart The original soul diva and rapping Bob Dylan. Yes really... The mid-sixties was a boom time for Soul Music in the UK. Tamla Motown and Stax were becoming the dominant sounds, opening the door for R&B artists galore to be picked up by promoters and...
From Dead End Street to Village Green (on the Kinks trail)
For all the dedicated followers... By Ian Woolley Being a big Kinks fan for longer than I can remember, one can easily take in a few hours to revisit the band's early haunts around North London. To start this nostalgic trip, you need to head on the Northern Line to...
Kinks drummer will please their fans
Kinks fans look forward to the upcoming November weekend when they see former members of the London pop group perform on stage at the Boston Arms. The Kinks drummer Mick Avory joins other members of the Kast Off Kinks for an afternoon of bringing those Kinks favorites...
New Woman To Woman tour promises some great voices
Beverley Craven, Judie Tzuke & Julia Fordham announce Woman To Woman autumn 2022 UK tour (with special guest Rumer) Individually they’re icons of music, together they’re one of the strongest female fusions ever seen on the global music stage. Now, following the...
60’s Gold Tour adds Gary Puckett
US singer Gary Puckett flies over from the states to join the latest 60's Gold tour... The new UK 60's Gold tour kicks off on October 11th in Weymouth with 6 acts confirmed. Tremeloes features Chesney Hawkes, Herman's Hermits, Marmalade, Spencer James and the...
Coming Out Of The Wilderness – Hugh Cornwell
The former Stranglers frontman is coming out of the wilderness... By Ian Woolley Widely regarded as the poet laureate of the punk era (from his early career fronting the Stranglers to his transition as a solo artist), Hugh Cornwell has built a substantial and singular...
Music Stars That Loved to Gamble and Enjoy the Casino
Most people love to learn about what their favourite musicians get up to in their spare time. Yes, they are known for their singing abilities and their hit songs. But, fans want to dive into their personal lives and see what they really enjoy. Well, there are a lot of...
Growing up in Dundee – Ricky Ross’s new intimate tour
The Deacon Blue frontman reveals the hardships of growing up the Scottish way... By Ian Woolley Ricky Ross, songwriter and lead singer for Deacon Blue, one of Scotland's best-loved and most successful bands, returns to the stage in September & October 2022 with...
Paul da Vinci – Putting The Miming Record Straight
By Ian Woolley The voice of Paul da Vinci catapulted the Rubettes into the charts back in 1974. It was ironic that a short time later he appeared on Top of the Pops with his solo single “Your Baby Ain’t Your Baby Anymore” in the same studio with The Rubettes......
Back issues, subscriptions, pre-orders, etc.
Back Beat
Share a cuppa tea with Jane and Chris Montez
By Jane Quinn Share a cuppa tea with Jane and Chris Montez as he reveals his R ‘n' R musical history and the secret of eternal youth... In 1962 Chris Montez sang 'Let’s Dance' and - boy! - did we dance! Many huge hits followed, but our generation still seems to love...
Remember when… Billy Fury
By Ron Tennant Bad boy Billy had his heart on fame a real late, great pop idol - and it’s like he’s never been gone! Billy Fury was born as Ronald William Wycherley on April 17th, 1940. He was a war baby to his parents Albert and Jean Wycherley. Ronald had fair hair...
Share a cuppa tea with Jane and Dean Friedman
By Jane Quinn Dean chats with Jane about Lola, treehouses, and morality... He is sophisticated. He is funny. He is profound. He is Dean Friedman - a singer, multi-instrumentalist, a composer, a producer, a BBC Radio presenter, and much, much more. You will, of course,...
Toyah and Hazel – The Electric Ladies of the 80s
By Ian Woolley We caught up with two true survivors of the punk era – Toyah Wilcox & Hazel O’Connor... We talked to both of them about their career which, for both, spans more than 40 years. Born in Birmingham in 1958, Toyah Wilcox now regrets the rebellious stage...
Kiki Dee – Still Loving and Free
By Ian Woolley For 25 years, Kiki Dee has toured with celebrated guitarist Carmelo Luggeri and now with another album out, they are still loving and free... In that time, they have written and recorded several albums together with their new one due out later in the...
Odyssey – Not Looking For A Way Out
By Martin Hutchinson The original native New Yorkers, Steve and the band are filling the dancefloor... Disco legends Odyssey are taking their party night around the country in what promises to be an energetic and boogie-licious experience. Odyssey was one of the most...
Manfred Mann – A Mann and his music
By Derek Mead Here come the Manfred's... Manfred Mann was born in 1940 and has been active as a UK musician since 1961. 1962 - 1963; Mann-Hugg Blues Brothers 1962 to 1963 then changed name to - 1962 - 1969 Manfred Mann 1963 to 1969 during which time vocalists were...
Andy Williams – Andy’s non-rock collectibles
By Pat Murphy Andy Williams was a consummate albums artiste... If you were searching for the quintessential non-rock American album artiste of the 1960s/70s, Andy Williams would definitely be on your shortlist. Between 1960 and 1972, he put 19 different albums onto...
Share a cuppa tea with Jane and Chris Montez
By Jane Quinn Share a cuppa tea with Jane and Chris Montez as he reveals his R ‘n' R musical history and the secret of eternal youth... In 1962 Chris Montez sang 'Let’s Dance' and - boy! - did we dance! Many huge hits followed, but our generation still seems to love...
Remember when… Billy Fury
By Ron Tennant Bad boy Billy had his heart on fame a real late, great pop idol - and it’s like he’s never been gone! Billy Fury was born as Ronald William Wycherley on April 17th, 1940. He was a war baby to his parents Albert and Jean Wycherley. Ronald had fair hair...
Share a cuppa tea with Jane and Dean Friedman
By Jane Quinn Dean chats with Jane about Lola, treehouses, and morality... He is sophisticated. He is funny. He is profound. He is Dean Friedman - a singer, multi-instrumentalist, a composer, a producer, a BBC Radio presenter, and much, much more. You will, of course,...
Toyah and Hazel – The Electric Ladies of the 80s
By Ian Woolley We caught up with two true survivors of the punk era – Toyah Wilcox & Hazel O’Connor... We talked to both of them about their career which, for both, spans more than 40 years. Born in Birmingham in 1958, Toyah Wilcox now regrets the rebellious stage...
Kiki Dee – Still Loving and Free
By Ian Woolley For 25 years, Kiki Dee has toured with celebrated guitarist Carmelo Luggeri and now with another album out, they are still loving and free... In that time, they have written and recorded several albums together with their new one due out later in the...
Odyssey – Not Looking For A Way Out
By Martin Hutchinson The original native New Yorkers, Steve and the band are filling the dancefloor... Disco legends Odyssey are taking their party night around the country in what promises to be an energetic and boogie-licious experience. Odyssey was one of the most...
Manfred Mann – A Mann and his music
By Derek Mead Here come the Manfred's... Manfred Mann was born in 1940 and has been active as a UK musician since 1961. 1962 - 1963; Mann-Hugg Blues Brothers 1962 to 1963 then changed name to - 1962 - 1969 Manfred Mann 1963 to 1969 during which time vocalists were...
Andy Williams – Andy’s non-rock collectibles
By Pat Murphy Andy Williams was a consummate albums artiste... If you were searching for the quintessential non-rock American album artiste of the 1960s/70s, Andy Williams would definitely be on your shortlist. Between 1960 and 1972, he put 19 different albums onto...
Back issues, subscriptions, pre-orders, etc.
Review Beat
Frankie Vaughan – King of the covers
By Pat Murphy There was a time when covers were a huge feature of the British market... Fresh American hits were simultaneously recorded by several local artists with a view to grabbing a slice of the potential sales action. Many British names went this route. Marty...
Steve Hackett – Under A Mediterranean Sky
Review by David Parker Steve Hackett releases a new acoustic album 'Under A Mediterranean Sky'... It's his first acoustic solo album since Tribute in 2008, and the inspiration came from his extensive travels around the Mediterranean. Under A Mediterranean Sky is a...
The Beatles
A look back to the Beatle's Hamburg days... The now-legendary recordings of The Beatles' final performances at The Star Club, Hamburg, Germany in December 1962, have been reissued countless times over the years. Last Night in Hamburg is a German release from 1999 and...
Barbara Dickson – A Shirt Box Full of Songs
By Ian Woolley Barbara Dickson's updated autobiography A Shirt Box Full of Songs plus her new album – her 25th to date... Celebrated Scottish folk singer, songwriter, and actress Barbara Dickson's released the paperback of her updated autobiography A Shirt Box Full of...
The Hollies – Curtain is up again
By David Parker The Hollies have announced a huge UK tour for Autumn this year... We have already seen some planned tours and appearances from January to March cancelled because of the pandemic panic and we are now living in anticipation of a vaccination that will set...
Who Killed John Lennon?
By Ian Woolley Who Killed John Lennon? A new novel by celebrated music writer and biographer Lesley Ann-Jones has hit the shelves... Chatting with music biographer Lesley-Ann Jones on her new book Who Killed John Lennon? on the life of the Beatle from his early days...
How To Be A Rockstar – by David Ambrose
We are giving away not one, but THREE books of David Ambrose's (ex Fleetwood Mac) new book How To Be A Rock Star (worth £20). Courtesy of Little Wing Books, we have three copies of How To Be A Rock Star, written by ex Fleetwood Mac David Ambrose with celebrated music...
Flying Music Entertainment – Derek Nicol Retires
By Derek Nicol And now, Derek faces the final curtain call... At the age of 79, after 60- plus years in music and entertainment, including 37 years with Flying Music, I have decided to retire. I sat with Paul Walden in November and effectively gave six months' notice...
Frankie Vaughan – King of the covers
By Pat Murphy There was a time when covers were a huge feature of the British market... Fresh American hits were simultaneously recorded by several local artists with a view to grabbing a slice of the potential sales action. Many British names went this route. Marty...
Steve Hackett – Under A Mediterranean Sky
Review by David Parker Steve Hackett releases a new acoustic album 'Under A Mediterranean Sky'... It's his first acoustic solo album since Tribute in 2008, and the inspiration came from his extensive travels around the Mediterranean. Under A Mediterranean Sky is a...
The Beatles
A look back to the Beatle's Hamburg days... The now-legendary recordings of The Beatles' final performances at The Star Club, Hamburg, Germany in December 1962, have been reissued countless times over the years. Last Night in Hamburg is a German release from 1999 and...
Barbara Dickson – A Shirt Box Full of Songs
By Ian Woolley Barbara Dickson's updated autobiography A Shirt Box Full of Songs plus her new album – her 25th to date... Celebrated Scottish folk singer, songwriter, and actress Barbara Dickson's released the paperback of her updated autobiography A Shirt Box Full of...
The Hollies – Curtain is up again
By David Parker The Hollies have announced a huge UK tour for Autumn this year... We have already seen some planned tours and appearances from January to March cancelled because of the pandemic panic and we are now living in anticipation of a vaccination that will set...
Who Killed John Lennon?
By Ian Woolley Who Killed John Lennon? A new novel by celebrated music writer and biographer Lesley Ann-Jones has hit the shelves... Chatting with music biographer Lesley-Ann Jones on her new book Who Killed John Lennon? on the life of the Beatle from his early days...
How To Be A Rockstar – by David Ambrose
We are giving away not one, but THREE books of David Ambrose's (ex Fleetwood Mac) new book How To Be A Rock Star (worth £20). Courtesy of Little Wing Books, we have three copies of How To Be A Rock Star, written by ex Fleetwood Mac David Ambrose with celebrated music...
Flying Music Entertainment – Derek Nicol Retires
By Derek Nicol And now, Derek faces the final curtain call... At the age of 79, after 60- plus years in music and entertainment, including 37 years with Flying Music, I have decided to retire. I sat with Paul Walden in November and effectively gave six months' notice...
Back issues, subscriptions, pre-orders, etc.
Obituaries
He founder of Merseybeat – RIP Gerry Marsden
Gerry Marsden, the lead singer of the Liverpool group Gerry & the Pacemakers, has died... OBITUARY by Ian Woolley Gerry's band started the Merseybeat sound in the early sixties and by 1963 became the first band to reach the top of the UK pop charts with their...
Carving his own success – RIP Dominic Grant
Dominic Grant, the founder member of the 1970's pop group Guys 'n' Dolls has died... OBITUARY by Ian Woolley Enjoying success with his group with hits like There's A Whole Lot Of Loving, the former singer went on to be a celebrated sculptor. Along with members David...
The Tremeloes heartbeat – RIP Dave Munden
Tremeloes drummer and often lead singer Dave Munden has died... OBITUARY by Ian Woolley The group started out with Brian Poole as its lead singer but after he left in 1965, they still enjoyed chart success with their four-man line-up including the chart-topping single...
A distinctive voice – RIP Spencer Davis
Spencer Davis, lead singer of the 60's band Spencer Davis Group had died... OBITUARY by Ian Woolley One of the '60s most dynamic bands, the Spencer Davis Group lost its founding member on Monday after a bout of pneumonia. Hits like 'Keep On Running', 'Gimme Some...
From King Crimson to Greece – RIP Gordon Haskell
King Crimson's former bass guitarist Gordon Haskell has died... OBITUARY By Ian Woolley Haskell, who had featured in school friend Robert Fripp's pre-King Crimson band League Of Gentlemen, as well as psychedelic pop band Fleur de Lys (during which time he shared a...
RIP Larry Taylor
Larry Taylor, bassist of 60s rock band Canned Heat has died... Larry performed on albums by The Monkees, John Mayall and Tom Waits, Albert King, Leo Kottke, The Blasters, and Sunnyland Slim amongst others. He began his music career aged 18. Touring with rock icon...
RIP Dr John
Legendary musician Dr. John has died... The legendary Grammy award-winning musician, Malcolm John Rebennack Jr, known as Dr. John had six Grammy awards and was a pioneer in blending music styles to create a unique sound. He recorded over 20 albums with a range of...
A writer of so many great songs – RIP Les Reed
The great Les is estimated to have written more than 2,000 songs… what an amazing achievement.
He founder of Merseybeat – RIP Gerry Marsden
Gerry Marsden, the lead singer of the Liverpool group Gerry & the Pacemakers, has died... OBITUARY by Ian Woolley Gerry's band started the Merseybeat sound in the early sixties and by 1963 became the first band to reach the top of the UK pop charts with their...
Carving his own success – RIP Dominic Grant
Dominic Grant, the founder member of the 1970's pop group Guys 'n' Dolls has died... OBITUARY by Ian Woolley Enjoying success with his group with hits like There's A Whole Lot Of Loving, the former singer went on to be a celebrated sculptor. Along with members David...
The Tremeloes heartbeat – RIP Dave Munden
Tremeloes drummer and often lead singer Dave Munden has died... OBITUARY by Ian Woolley The group started out with Brian Poole as its lead singer but after he left in 1965, they still enjoyed chart success with their four-man line-up including the chart-topping single...
A distinctive voice – RIP Spencer Davis
Spencer Davis, lead singer of the 60's band Spencer Davis Group had died... OBITUARY by Ian Woolley One of the '60s most dynamic bands, the Spencer Davis Group lost its founding member on Monday after a bout of pneumonia. Hits like 'Keep On Running', 'Gimme Some...
From King Crimson to Greece – RIP Gordon Haskell
King Crimson's former bass guitarist Gordon Haskell has died... OBITUARY By Ian Woolley Haskell, who had featured in school friend Robert Fripp's pre-King Crimson band League Of Gentlemen, as well as psychedelic pop band Fleur de Lys (during which time he shared a...
RIP Larry Taylor
Larry Taylor, bassist of 60s rock band Canned Heat has died... Larry performed on albums by The Monkees, John Mayall and Tom Waits, Albert King, Leo Kottke, The Blasters, and Sunnyland Slim amongst others. He began his music career aged 18. Touring with rock icon...
RIP Dr John
Legendary musician Dr. John has died... The legendary Grammy award-winning musician, Malcolm John Rebennack Jr, known as Dr. John had six Grammy awards and was a pioneer in blending music styles to create a unique sound. He recorded over 20 albums with a range of...
A writer of so many great songs – RIP Les Reed
The great Les is estimated to have written more than 2,000 songs… what an amazing achievement.