Pop: The History Makers with Steve Blame

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.To watch this go here;www.popthehistorymakers.comGlen 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. To watch on YouTube go here;www.popthehistorymakers.comHarding'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 all the videos at;www.popthehistorymakers.comSwedish 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. ⁠⁠To watch these interviews on YouTube go here;www.popthehistorymakers.com⁠Martin 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/

British musician, songwriter, and music video director, Kevin Godley was born on October 7, 1945, in Prestwich, England.Best known as a founding member of the progressive rock band 10cc, which achieved commercial success in the 1970s with hits like "I'm Not in Love" and "Dreadlock Holiday." Godley played a crucial role in shaping the band's sound with his distinctive vocals, his contribution to the songwriting. and the experimentation which he and Lol Creme brought to the band.In addition to his work with 10cc, he collaborated with bandmate Lol Creme on the innovative side project "Godley & Creme." Beyond his musical career, Kevin Godley gained recognition as a music video director, directing iconic videos for artists such as The Police ("Every Breath You Take") and U2 ("Sunday Bloody Sunday"). His multifaceted contributions to the music industry have established him as a versatile and influential figure in both music and visual storytelling.To watch the interview on YouTube go here:www.popthehistorymakers.com

Pauline Henry is a renowned British-Jamaican singer, best known as the powerful lead vocalist of the 1990s band The Chimes. ⁠⁠Watch the interview at; ⁠https://youtu.be/w-wB7rBJVf0⁠With her soulful voice and dynamic stage presence, she helped catapult the band to international fame, particularly with their hit cover of U2's "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For," which showcased her unique ability to blend pop, soul, and dance music. After her success with The Chimes, Pauline embarked on a solo career, continuing to captivate audiences with her distinctive voice and genre-defying musical style. Her contributions have left a lasting imprint on the British soul and dance music scenes.⁠⁠Join Pauline at Pizza Express Live in association with Shades of Soul on 17th October for an unforgettable night that will leave you longing for more! 🤩⁠⁠She’ll be singing all the classics, ‘I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For’, ‘Feel Like Making Love’ and ‘Heaven’ and much more, so don’t miss this unique opportunity to hear me live.⁠⁠Tickets are £36 and the show starts at 8 pm - Pauline can't wait to see you! 😉⁠⁠https://www.pizzaexpresslive.com/whats-on/pauline-henry-the-chimes⁠-⁠#PaulineHenry #TheChimes #LiveShow #PaulineHenryTheChimes #PizzaExpressHolborn #PizzaExpressEvents⁠

Veronica Swift is a highly acclaimed jazz vocalist known for her extraordinary technique, versatility, and captivating stage presence. Born into a musical family—her father is jazz pianist Hod O'Brien, and her mother is singer Stephanie Nakasian—Swift grew up immersed in the world of jazz, performing at an early age. She gained significant recognition after placing second in the 2015 Thelonious Monk Jazz Competition, and became one of the most sought-after jazz singers of her generation. Join the YouTube channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5S9xw1B-ppDXVkAuvRRQtg/joinTo watch this on video go to my website:www.popthehistorymakers.comBut Swift's versatility has allowed to cross over genres and styles - something she calls Transgenre, allowing her vocal prowess to shine in both traditional jazz standards with more modern interpretations, performing rock classics and originals and blending technical brilliance with emotional depth. Her ability to infuse each performance with creativity and passion has made her a standout performer who will undoubtedly shine brightly in the coming years.Here's some links to Veronica's music:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F21f3FnoNAA(The Show Must Go On)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7aSnlkCigz4(Do nothing til you hear from me=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPLjmn22nzA(I get a kick out of you)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LypRBXNdoO0(This Bitter Earth)