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Pop: The History Makers with Steve Blame
Alan G. Parker on John Lennon
Director Alan G. Parker on Borrowed Time; The Truth Behind John Lennon's Final Years REVEALED!
Alan G. Parker, director of Hello Quo Love Kills: The Story of Sid and the Pistols and It Was Fifty Years Ago Today... Sgt Pepper and Beyond, BORROWED TIME: LENNON'S LAST DECADE explores the final decade of Lennon's life in extraordinary detail.
Alan G. Parker is a British documentary filmmaker renowned for his in-depth explorations of iconic music figures, such as Sid Vicious, Monty Python, and The Beatles. His latest project, Borrowed Time: Lennon's Last Decade, is a visionary documentary that delves into the final ten years of John Lennon's life. The film chronicles Lennon's evolution beyond The Beatles, highlighting his solo musical endeavors, activism at the forefront of anti-war protests, and personal growth during the 1970s. It covers his activism and the associated naivety, delves into new information, and to some extent explodes some of the myths about Lennon, which lead to a greater understanding of the man. To me, tt feels like an honest portrayal, particularly around his murder, sometimes with people who haven't talked before.
Utilizing rare archival footage, interviews with close associates, and never-before-seen materials, Parker offers an intimate portrait of Lennon as he navigated fame, artistic reinvention, and his enduring influence as a pop culture icon. Borrowed Time: Lennon's Last Decade is scheduled for release in UK cinemas on May 2, 2025, with an exclusive Director's Cut available on the Icon Film Channel the same day.
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Sue Clowes
01:02:17|Sue Clowes; Designer of Boy George/Culture Club's iconic clothes; She help Shape 80's Fashion LegacyPhoto; (c) Samuel GuerrierPioneering British textile and fashion designer, Sue Clowes, is renowned for her influential role in shaping 1980s pop and street fashion.It was her collaboration with Boy George and Culture Club in the early 1980s that brought her widespread recognition, with Clowes's designs characterized by vibrant prints and religious iconography, and which became synonymous with the band's eclectic style. Subscribe here to learn when the Premiere startshttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5S9xw1B-ppDXVkAuvRRQtg?sub_confirmation=1After moving to Italy in 1987, Clowes, who at first threw herself into wearable technology clothes, eventually retreated from the fashion scene but in 2012 relaunched her brand with her daughter Marta Melani.Today, after retrospectives which have seen her work shown at the Victoria and Albert museum, and also at the recent Outlaws: Fashion Renegades of 80s London at the Fashion and Textile Museum in London, her contribution to fashion and popular culture is finally being acknowledged.Martin Green; DJ & Curator
42:06|Martin Green is a pioneering DJ, curator, and cultural archivist, best known as the founder of Smashing, the legendary 1990s Soho club that became a cornerstone of Britpop-era nightlife. He toured with Pulp and has DJ-ed for Blur, Suede, Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, and fashion houses like Chanel and Prada. A passionate collector, he compiled The Sound Gallery and over 30 albums of lounge, soundtracks, and musical curiosities.To see all the interviews - go here: www.popthehistorymakers.comIn 2010, Green co-founded Duovision Arts with James Lawler to spotlight overlooked artists, especially from the LGBTQ community. Duovision has exhibited work by Duggie Fields, Marc Almond, Pam Hogg, Jarvis Cocker, and others. In 2023, their Outlaws show at the Fashion and Textile Museum highlighted 1980s alternative designers linked to Leigh Bowery’s Taboo club. Their latest exhibition at the Museum of Liverpool celebrates Holly Johnson’s cultural legacy.Green’s work bridges club culture, visual art, and archival storytelling—championing the creative and the unconventional with style and substance.Limahl
53:45|Limahl; From Kajagoogoo's Too Shy to Giorgio Moroder's Never Ending Story!Limahl (born Christopher Hamill) is a British pop singer best known as the lead vocalist of the 1980s band Kajagoogoo, whose global hit "Too Shy" topped charts in 1983. After going solo, he gained further success with the international hit "The NeverEnding Story", the theme song for the cult fantasy film of the same name.Full Interview to watch here;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWseLSeUd7QLimahl has continued to perform and release music over the years, often blending nostalgia with fresh material. His latest song, "Horse With No Name" (2024), is a modern reimagining of the classic track by the band America. With updated production and Limahl’s signature vocals, it pays homage to the original while giving it a contemporary synth-pop twist, showing his enduring versatility as an artist.=========================🔎 Related Phrases:Limahl, Kajagoogoo, Never Ending Story, Too Shy, 1980s pop, British singer, synthpop, new wave, Christopher Hamill, solo career, MTV, hair icon, Giorgio Moroder, Top of the Pops, pop culture, retro music, 80s fashion, comeback, nostalgia, music videos, chart hits.#Limahl, #Kajagoogoo, #NeverEndingStory, #TooShy, #80sMusic, #80sPop, #NewWave, #Synthpop, #RetroMusic, #MTVIcons, #GiorgioMoroder, #80sIcon, #PopLegend, #TopOfThePops, #80sNostalgia, #VintageVibes, #FlashbackFriday, #ThrowbackTunes, #ClassicPop, #musiclegendsSwing Out Sister
01:05:16|Swing Out Sister: From ‘Breakout’ to Timeless – The Evolution of Style and SoundCertain Shades Of Limelight — an 8CD box set celebrating a dazzling decade of Swing Out Sister’s sophisticated pop brilliance is out on June 27th 2025.Spanning 1994 to 2004, this beautifully curated collection captures the creative evolution of one of Britain’s most stylish and soulful bands. From smooth jazz-infused grooves to cinematic pop masterpieces, Certain Shades Of Limelight is a tribute to Swing Out Sister’s unique artistry and enduring appeal.Formed in 1985, the trio — Corinne Drewery (vocals), Andy Connell (keyboards), and original drummer Martin Jackson — shot to fame with the timeless hit Breakout. Their refined blend of pop, jazz, and retro soul set them apart from the start, earning both critical praise and a loyal global following.Following the success of Cherry Pop’s Blue Mood, Breakout & Beyond, this essential companion set collects five of the band’s most sought-after mid-career albums, many unavailable for years:The Living Return (1994)Shapes and Patterns (1997)Filth and Dreams (1999)Somewhere Deep in the Night (2001)Where Our Love Grows (2004)Each album is newly remastered for enhanced clarity and warmth, sounding better than ever. But the surprises don’t stop there — three bonus discs round out the set:The Big Elsewhere, a soundtrack-style mini-album featuring alternate versions of the Japanese TV theme Now You’re Not HereA treasure trove of B-sides, 7” mixes, rare edits, instrumentals, and alternate takesLovingly compiled with input from Corinne and Andy, Certain Shades Of Limelight is the definitive portrait of Swing Out Sister’s second chapter. The lavish booklet features insightful sleeve notes by Classic Pop’s John Earls, personal reflections from the band, and exclusive CD wallet illustrations by Corinne herself.With a brand-new big band album currently in the works, now is the perfect time to rediscover — or be swept away for the first time by — the lush, cinematic world of Swing Out Sister.Chris Bostock of JoBoxers
48:12|Chris Bostock; JoBoxers, Style Council and Dave Stewart; The life of a Bass Guitar PlayerChris Bostock is an English musician, songwriter, and music producer, best known as the bassist for the 1980s new wave band JoBoxers. Born in Bristol in 1962, Bostock began his musical journey with classical piano at age six before transitioning to guitar and bass. He was a founding member of The Stingrays and later joined The X-Certs, both integral to Bristol's vibrant punk and new wave scenes in the late 1970s.In 1980, Bostock became part of the second incarnation of Subway Sect, managed by Bernard Rhodes (The Clash manager). This collaboration led to the formation of JoBoxers, whose blend of funk, soul, and ska produced hits like "Boxerbeat" and "Just Got Lucky," the latter reaching No. 7 on the UK charts and No. 31 in the US. Bostock co-wrote several of the band's tracks, contributing significantly to their distinctive sound.Beyond JoBoxers, Bostock's career includes work with The Style Council, Spear of Destiny, and forming The Spiritual Cowboys with Dave Stewart of Eurythmics fame. His versatile musicianship and collaborative spirit have made him a respected figure in the music industry.Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts on Madonna’s influence in thecomments below!✅ Important Links:👉 Website: https://www.popthehistorymakers.com/👉 Buy me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/popthehistorymakers✅Stay Connected With Me:👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steve.blame/Lee Swillingham
01:01:06|Lee Swillingham; Inside The FACE Magazine; a style Revolution That Changed British Culture!To watch the interview go here;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmZAmkcJC4kLee Swillingham, former Art Director of The Face magazine and co-curator of The Face; Culture Shirt Exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery in London, is a distinguished British art director renowned for his influential contributions to fashion and culture publications. After studying Graphic Design at Central Saint Martins, he became the art director of The Face magazine in 1992, where his innovative designs significantly boosted its circulation and acclaim. In 2000, Swillingham co-founded Pop magazine, further cementing his impact on the industry. Alongside Stuart Spalding, he established Suburbia, a creative agency that has been shaping visual culture for over two decades. In 2025, the National Portrait Gallery in London hosted "The Face Magazine: Culture Shift," an exhibition celebrating the iconic imagery from The Face. The exhibition featured over 200 prints by more than 80 photographers, showcasing the magazine's profound influence on fashion, music, and youth culture from the 1980s onward.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.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