Pop: The History Makers with Steve Blame

Kurt Maloo is a Swiss singer, songwriter, and musician best known as one half of the duo Double, whose hit single "The Captain of Her Heart" became an international success in the 1980s, and one of the most memorable jazz-pop ballads of the decade. Watch on YouTubewww.popthehistorymakers.comBuy Me A Coffee - Support this podcastwww.buymeacoffee.com/popthehistorymakersThe Captain of her Heart is notable for its minimalist arrangement, featuring a haunting piano melody and a gentle saxophone solo, which together create a melancholic atmosphere that captured listeners worldwide. This timeless track became a significant hit across Europe, reaching the top 10 in several countries, including the UK, and also found success in the United States, where it reached #16 on the Billboard Hot 100—an impressive feat for a Swiss act at the time.

Rockin’ the Kremlin by David Junk and Fred Bronson tells the thrilling story of David Junk, Universal Music Russia's first CEO, and his mission to bring Western music to post-Soviet Russia. Watch on YoTtubewww.popthehistorymakers.comPlease become a YouTube channel member to support this channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5S9xw1B-ppDXVkAuvRRQtg/joinWhen the Soviet Union fell, Russia was hungry for Western music and its messages. David Junk, one of the first Americans to step into this uncharted territory, took on the challenge of building a music industry from scratch. With a talented team of young Russians, David navigated a landscape of political turmoil, organized crime, and cultural clashes, bringing megastars like Metallica, Mariah Carey, Sting, and Eminem to Russian audiences and developing local acts like Alsou and t.A.T.u., Russia's bestselling pop act of all time.

Colin Blunstone is best known as the lead vocalist of the iconic British rock band The Zombies. Formed in the early 1960s, The Zombies became pioneers of the British Invasion, with Blunstone's distinctively ethereal and breathy vocals shaping the band's unique sound. The group achieved international fame with hits like "She's Not There" and "Time of the Season," and their 1968 album Odessey and Oracle is now regarded as a masterpiece of psychedelic pop. However, after the initial commercial success, The Zombies disbanded in 1968, and Blunstone embarked on a solo career.To watch this podcast and many more interviews please go towww.popthehistorymakers.comBlunstone's solo work, beginning with his 1971 album One Year, showcases his velvety voice in a more introspective, orchestral-pop context. His early solo singles, including "Say You Don't Mind" and "I Don't Believe in Miracles," were well-received, blending soft rock with lush arrangements. Over the decades, Blunstone has maintained a steady presence in the music world, collaborating with artists like Alan Parsons and contributing to the reformation of The Zombies in the 2000s, where he continues to perform and record with the band.photo (c) Alex Lake

Gavin Friday, born Fionán Martin Hanvey on October 8, 1959, in Dublin, Ireland, is an eclectic artist whose career spans music, visual arts, and film. He first gained prominence in the late 1970s as the frontman of the post-punk band The Virgin Prunes, known for their avant-garde performances and experimental sound. The band, closely associated with U2, carved a niche in the underground music scene with their dark, theatrical style before disbanding in 1986. Following the breakup of The Virgin Prunes, Friday embarked on a successful solo career, moving away from the abrasive punk sound toward a more sophisticated blend of cabaret, jazz, and art-rock influences. His solo albums like Each Man Kills the Thing He Loves (1989) and Adam 'n' Eve (1992) showcase his distinctive baritone voice and penchant for lyrical storytelling.Watch all videos at:www.popthehistorymakers.comIn addition to his musical endeavors, Friday has forged a notable career in film and multimedia, both as a composer and actor. He has worked on scores for films such as In the Name of the Father (1993) and Romeo + Juliet (1996), often collaborating with longtime friend Maurice Seezer. Friday is also known for his work in theater and visual arts, often combining music, spoken word, and performance art in his projects. His multi-faceted artistry has made him a compelling and enduring figure in the worlds of alternative music and avant-garde art.

Glen Matlock: From Sex Pistols' Anarchy. Clashes with John Lydon. Still fighting the establishment.Watch on YouTube⁠www.popthehistorymakers.com⁠⁠Buy Me A Coffee - Support this podcast⁠www.buymeacoffee.com/popthehistorymakers⁠Glen Matlock is a legendary British musician, songwriter, and bassist, best known as one of the founding members of the iconic punk rock band, the Sex Pistols. A pivotal figure in the rise of the punk movement in the 1970s, Matlock played a crucial role in crafting the band's distinctive sound, co-writing many of their most famous songs, including "Anarchy in the UK" and "God Save the Queen." His melodic basslines and songwriting sensibilities brought a unique musicality to the band, balancing the raw, anarchic energy of punk with a more structured, rock-inspired approach.Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5S9xw1B-ppDXVkAuvRRQtg/joinAfter leaving the Sex Pistols in 1977, Matlock went on to have a diverse and successful career, performing with various influential acts such as Rich Kids, Iggy Pop, and The Faces. His ability to seamlessly move between punk, rock, and more experimental sounds has solidified his reputation as one of the most versatile and respected figures in British rock. Throughout the years, Matlock has remained active in the music scene, continuing to release solo work and collaborate with artists across genres, while his contributions to punk and rock music continue to influence generations of musicians.In 2023 his album ‘Consequences Coming’ was received to wide-spread critical acclaim. Glen is currently the bass player for Blondie & will be supporting Alice Cooper this Autumn.He's also touring the UK in November with his band, Chris Musto, Jim Lowe and Neil X. More info & tickets via: www.GlenMatlock.co.ukphoto credit Danny Clifford

Francesco Mellina is a renowned photographer, best known for capturing the vibrant music and cultural scene in Liverpool during the late 1970s and early 1980s. ⁠⁠To watch this www.popthehistorymakers.com⁠In this podcast we concentrate on his work in the book - Total Stranger, Unseen photographs of Pete Burns and Dead or Alive between 1978 and 1983. Mellina was not only Burns’ photographer, he was also the band’s early manager. Known for his androgynous appearance and bold fashion choices, Pete Burns, became a prominent figure in the music scene with their worldwide hit ‘You Spin Me Round (Like A Record)’ blending elements of new wave, dance-pop, and goth culture.⁠Originally from southern Italy, Mellina moved to the UK and quickly immersed himself in the burgeoning punk and post-punk music movements. His work, particularly from this era, provides an intimate and authentic portrayal of iconic musicians, including The Clash, The Ramones, and Siouxsie and the Banshees, as well as everyday youth culture. Mellina’s photography stands out for its raw, candid style, often blurring the lines between subject and spectator, offering a unique glimpse into the underground scene that shaped a generation. His images have since become important historical records of a transformative period in British music and culture.⁠⁠The book si available from Francesco Mellina’s website.⁠www.redbookart.com⁠⁠The exhibition Total Stranger is on between 21 September 2024 – 19 January 2025, Wednesday–Sunday, 10am–4pm at Bridge Cottage, in Port Sunlight, Wirral.

Phil Harding is a renowned British music producer and audio engineer, best known for his work in the 1980s and 1990s. He gained prominence as a key member of the Stock Aitken Waterman (SAW) production team, contributing to a string of hits for pop acts such as Kylie Minogue, Rick Astley, and Dead or Alive.Watch on YouTube⁠www.popthehistorymakers.com⁠⁠Buy Me A Coffee - Support this podcast⁠www.buymeacoffee.com/popthehistorymakers⁠Harding's expertise in mixing and production played a significant role in shaping the sound of mainstream pop during this era, characterized by catchy melodies, electronic beats, and polished production. Beyond his work with SAW, Harding has collaborated with various artists across genres, continuously influencing the pop and dance music scenes with his technical prowess and creative vision.

Carl Magnus Palm on the facts you may not know behind ABBA'S most streamed songsWatch on YouTube⁠www.popthehistorymakers.com⁠⁠Buy Me A Coffee - Support this podcast⁠www.buymeacoffee.com/popthehistorymakers⁠Swedish author and historian, Carl Magnus Palm, is best known for his extensive research on the iconic pop group ABBA. He is considered one of the foremost authorities on the band, having written numerous books that delve into their music, history, and cultural impact. Palm's work includes detailed biographies, such as Bright Lights, Dark Shadows, which provides an in-depth look at ABBA's rise to global stardom, their personal struggles, and their lasting influence on the music industry, and is released in Paperback on October 17th.If you are interested in a signed copy go to;https://bookshop.se/signed-abba-bio

Martin McAloon remains a key figure in the legacy of Prefab Sprout, continuing his tour of acoustic versions of his brother Paddy's songs. He maintains he was only a bass player, but we all know he's been much more than that. ⁠⁠Watch on YouTube⁠www.popthehistorymakers.com⁠⁠Buy Me A Coffee - Support this podcast⁠www.buymeacoffee.com/popthehistorymakers⁠⁠Martin McAloon is a British musician best known as the bassist and founding member of the band Prefab Sprout, formed in 1978 alongside his brother, singer-songwriter Paddy McAloon. While Paddy took on the primary role of writing and vocals, Martin's bass playing became an integral part of the band's distinctive sound, which blends pop, rock, and sophisticated arrangements. Prefab Sprout gained recognition in the 1980s with critically acclaimed albums like Steve McQueen (1985) and From Langley Park to Memphis (1988), with hits such as "When Love Breaks Down" and "Cars and Girls." Martin McAloon is known for his understated yet foundational contributions to the band's music, supporting the lush, melodic structures for which they are celebrated.⁠⁠Tour Dates; https://www.martinmcaloon.com/