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Pop: The History Makers with Steve Blame

Pop Star & Pop Cultural interviews with Steve Blame

Each Week - Pop: The History Makers presents a new one-hour interview with an icon of popular culture.If you prefer watching the interviews - go to my YouTube podcast channel -https://www.youtube.com/@popthehistorymakers

Latest episode

  • Dig Wayne

    01:03:33|
    Dig Wayne (JoBoxers) Interview, Just Got Lucky, Boxer Beat, 80s Icon Status.Best known as the charismatic frontman of JoBoxers, the British new wave and soul-influenced pop band that made a splash in the early 1980s, DIg Wayne was born and raised in the United States, Dig first gained recognition as part of the rockabilly revival scene with his band Buzz and the Flyers before moving to the UK, where he joined JoBoxers in 1982. With his distinctive blend of soul, punk energy, and sharp fashion sense, Dig became the driving force behind JoBoxers’ signature sound — a mix of Northern soul, pop, and punk influences.The band quickly rose to prominence with their debut single "Boxer Beat" in 1983, which became a UK Top 5 hit. They followed it up with the equally successful "Just Got Lucky," which not only charted in the UK but also found success in the US, becoming a staple of 1980s pop culture. Dig’s soulful vocals and magnetic stage presence helped define JoBoxers’ image, making them one of the most distinctive acts of the era.After JoBoxers disbanded in the mid-1980s, Dig Wayne explored a solo career and acting roles, but his work with JoBoxers remains a defining moment in 1980s music history. His ability to fuse American soul and rockabilly roots with British pop and punk energy left a lasting impact on the music scene.

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  • Gaz Whelan

    01:00:23|
    Best known as the drummer and co-founder of the iconic Manchester band Happy Mondays, Gaz Whelan was diagnosed at 11 years of age with a phobia of faults. His distinctive drumming style helped shape the band's signature blend of indie rock and dance music. ⁠⁠To watch this interview go here;https://youtu.be/fo-ZxR5R1i8⁠⁠Today Gaz, as the founding member of Yogi G and the Family Tree, has crafted an album - Show me the Truth - rich in confession and regret - Gaz has had a few, but this album, with his steadfast guitar and moving lyrics, is maybe his greatest accomplishment to date.⁠⁠Featured on the album; Gary Whelan. Lee 'Latch' Parker, Paul Ryder, Rowetta, Jon Lord, Johnny Evans, Wayne Edwards, Queen Vee, Chris Barton, Gilly Genesis, Iain Buckinghamshire, Mike Downing, Mike Bee, Neil Atherton
  • Lucy O'Brien

    42:02|
    Author Lucy O'Brien reveals the real story of Karen Carpenter in her book; Lead Sister. All the interviews at http://www.popthehistorymakers.comKaren Carpenter was one half of the sibling duo The Carpenters, who rose to fame in the 1970s with hits like Close to You and We've Only Just Begun. Known for her rich, melancholic voice and exceptional drumming skills, Karen helped define the Carpenters' distinctive sound. Despite their success, Karen struggled with anorexia nervosa, which tragically led to her death in 1983 at the age of 32.In 2023, British author and journalist Lucy O'Brien published Lead Sister: The Story of Karen Carpenter, a biography that explores Karen's life and legacy beyond the often-simplified narrative of her as a victim. O'Brien, who began her career in music journalism in the 1980s with NME and The Guardian, is known for her work on women in music, including She Bop: The Definitive History of Women in Rock, Pop, and Soul (1995) and biographies of Dusty Springfield, Annie Lennox, and Madonna. Lead Sister draws on fresh interviews with friends and collaborators, highlighting Karen’s influence as a singer, drummer, and producer. The book was named a Times Book of the Year and has been praised for its insightful and compassionate portrayal of Karen Carpenter.
  • Precious Wilson

    01:05:23|
    Precious Wilson; Eruption's One Way Ticket & I Can't Stand the Rain The Disco & Soul Diva's Journey.Precious Wilson is a British soul and disco singer who gained prominence in the late 1970s as the lead vocalist of the group Eruption. Born in Jamaica, she moved to the United Kingdom, where she joined Eruption and contributed to their international success with hits like "I Can't Stand the Rain" and "One Way Ticket." These tracks were produced by Frank Farian, known for his work with Boney M. and later Milli Vanilli. In 1979, Precious Wilson embarked on a solo career under Farian's guidance, releasing several albums and singles that showcased her dynamic vocals and stage presence. Her influence continues to resonate with fans of classic disco and soul music, and she remains active in the music industry, performing and recording new material.
  • Wolfgang Flür & Peter Duggal

    01:28:05|
    With Peter Duggal & collaborators U96, Boris Blank, Thomas Vangarde, Juan Atkins, Anthony Rother, Emil Schult, Peter Hook! More interviews at http://www.popthehistorymakers.comWolfgang Flür, former member of Kraftwerk, who has worked with collaborator Peter Duggal since 2015, is set to release his new album, Times, on March 28, 2025, and a new single with Juan Atkins - the Detroit godfather of Techno, on Tuesday 11th March.If you want to watch this on YouTube go here;Wolfgang Flür drops TIMES. Massive electronic names work with ex-Kraftwerk drummerhttps://youtu.be/uXetTet3kJUTrack Listing;POSH (featuring Juan Atkins) Released Tuesday 11th MarchPLANET IN FEVER (featuring U96 & Emil Schult)CINEMA (featuring Fabrice Lig)FAR AWAYFUTURE ONE (featuring NEWMEN)ÜBER_ALL (featuring Peter Hook & Thomas Vangarde)MAGAZINE (Imppu Rework)PROPERTY (featuring Anthony Rother)TIMESGLOBAL YOUTH (featuring Boris Blank & Emil Schult)SEXERSIZER (featuring U96)HILDEBRANDLIED (featuring U96)MONDAY TO THE MOON (featuring Peter Hook & Thomas Vangarde)Times reflects Flür's evolution, blending his electronic roots with contemporary influences.
  • U96

    52:43|
    The story of an unforgettable techno anthem! U96; the German band that commercialized techno with their anthem Das Boot!To watch on YouTube go here;https://youtu.be/_kXrac0By2wU96 is a German electronic music project best known for their 1991 hit Das Boot, a techno adaptation of the theme from the 1981 war film of the same name. Originally the band were Alex Christensen, Hayo Lewerentz, Ingo Hauss & Helmut Hoinkis, but today consist of Hayo and Ingo, and continue to make music.Their sound has developed from their techno and Eurodance days, and they continue to explore different electronic styles while maintaining their signature atmospheric sound, recently working with Wolfgang Flür (ex-Kraftwerk)This is Ingo and Hayo's story, of a band that exploded onto the music scene with one of the memorable tracks of the 90s.
  • Martyn Phillips

    01:08:27|
    Award-winning producer Martyn Phillips on his career, technology, and how music has changed. More interviews at http;//www.popthehistorymakers.comMartyn Phillips has collaborated with artists such as Londonbeat, Erasure, The Beloved, Swing Out Sister, and Jesus Jones. His notable production credits include Londonbeat's "I've Been Thinking About You," Jesus Jones' "Right Here, Right Now," and Erasure's "Chorus." Full interview to watch here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iNK5hBJZxBA