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Founder of the Birmingham based reggae pop group, Ali Campbell's UB40 recently celebrated their 40th anniversary. In this BEAT podcast we talk with Ali about their early beginnings including their splitting up and taking the first record he ever owned all the way to the top of the charts some 20 years after the original did the same. A podcast you won't want to miss! (Recorded in August 2024)

Drumming for one of the most successful bands in the world, John Coghlan's world has rarely been delved into. Until now that is... In his local Cotswolds pub, the Quo man chats about how he first got interested in music as well as the highs and lows of his time with the band. He also reveals why they broke up when they did as well as his personal life outside performing. Also in the podcast, his wife Gillie is a guest speaker). His recent autobiography simply called 'Spud' (by Steve Myatt) is out now. Available from [email protected] SERIES 6 - EPISODE 6

The glam rock band from Wolverhampton were hardly out of the pop charts during the 70s. Now 50 years on from their last top ten of that golden era, founder Slade member Dave Hill is still keeping those memories alive. In this podcast, Dave explains how they evolved from their skinhead past to become one of pop's most popular and successful acts. Although Noddy has officially called it a day, Dave is still on the road, keeping those memories alive. (recorded in 2023) SERIES 6 : EPISODE 5

It’s been just over 40 years since the Birmingham reggae group’s last chart success. Today, a grown-up Dennis Seaton knows his way around the business and has set his sights on going one better in the Grammys since his young group lost out to Culture Club. Despite being only 13 years old , Seaton replaced the lead singer of Musical Youth and qnd surprised many when they topped the UK charts in 1982 with 'Pass The Dutchie'. In this podcast recorded in 2024, Dennis reveals what effect that success had on him at such a young age and how the band evolved in the ever-changing world of pop. Series 6, Episode 4

Marking 20 years since the immortal Amsterdam hit ‘DoesThis Train Stop On Merseyside?’, Ian Prowse celebrates with a special re-release out 7th March and an anniversary tour around the UK. In this podcast, Ian reflects on how it started for him in Liverpool and the influences that changed his musical direction down the years. Even John Peel was moved by his song writing!

The St.Albans favourites, the Zombies, were behind classics like “Time of the Season” and “She’s Not There” and are led by lead singer Colin Blunstone. In this podcast, Blunstone takes time out to talk all things Zombies. With 60 years in the music business, he gives sensible advice on keeping your voice in tip-top condition as well as his respect for fellow Zombie Rod Argent and working with Alan Parsons. Now the band have their original masters back, lots of things are planned which will keep their fans happy including a hint of a planned solo tour in 2025. (Interview recorded in 2024.) Series 6: Episode 2

In 2020, we caught up with the multi-talented Mike Batt on the eve of the release of his latest album, The Penultimate Collection. The singer-songwriter, musician, arranger, record producer, director, conductor and former deputy chairman of the British Phonographic Industry has many strings to his bow as you are about to discover. From his early roots as the youngest A&R plugger to eventually working with Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd-Webber, Batt has always been in demand. As you'll hear in our interview, his love and passion for creating music has never waned. His new autobiography, 'Closest Thing To Crazy,' has just been released, and you can bet he's got an incredible story to tell. Series 6 : Episode 1

Merrill Osmond is the lead singer for the world-famous Osmond family and an established solo artist. In this podcast, Merrill discusses his family, career, faith, and why his British fans have meant so much to him over the years. Recorded in 2023.

These days, you're more likely to see him on the small screen but the Happy Mondays poet and singer Shaun Ryder has certainly lived an interesting life... Currently undertaking a UK book tour (which he admits he didn't know he was doing), we put the awkward questions to him about his life and career to date. It's one podcast you don't want to miss! (Promo image courtesy of Paul Husband)

The first pop group from the South of England to top the UK charts in the Beat boom days, the Tremeloes were also the chosen band above the Beatles by Decca. In this podcast, former lead singer Brian Poole looks back at the early Tremeloes days, and his choice to go solo at the height of their career. It's an episode you won't want to miss. This is part 1 of 2.

As doo-wop vocal groups go, Darts dominated the 1970s and always performed on the edge with their stage antics. Whilst most groups of the time had one lead singer, Darts had four. Rita Ray, Den Hegarty, Bob Fish and Griff Fender all shared that responsibility, and whilst (excuse the pun) they never succeeded in getting double top, they came close to it in 1978 when they got to no.2 with "Come Back My Love" and "The Boy From New York City". The following year, "It's Raining" stalled just off the top of the charts. In this podcast, we talk with Griff Fender about his band and share some of the secrets of their antics on and off the stage.

As long as there is Woody, the Bay City Rollers tartan flag will forever fly at full mast… As the original guitarist of the Bay City Rollers, 66-year-old Stuart ‘Woody’ Wood is now the only original member of the pin-up 1970s boy band to tour. Edinburgh-born Stuart was 17 when he joined the Bay City Rollers, including brothers Alan and Derek Longmuir, Eric Faulkner, and singer Les McKeown. Selling over 300 million albums worldwide, the Bay City Rollers attracted fans of all ages and a phenomenon known as Rollermania swept across the globe. In this podcast, Woody talks about his early life, ‘Rollermania’, the band’s reunion, and the loss of lead singer Les McKeown. This is one interview any roller fan won’t want to miss.

Mauritian actress, model, and Producer Françoise Pascal has been in the business for 50 years and has worked with some of the biggest names in film and TV. Now, in a new play, 'My Wife Fell in Love with a Life Size Cardboard Cut-out of Ronan Keating' (yes, really!) written by PT Rose, actress and music lover Françoise Pascal is treading the boards again. In this podcast, we talk with her about working with some of those great names like Peter Sellers. A career that might never have happened as a near-death experience jumping from a house fire, it could have all turned out so differently. A true survivor who has lived to tell the tale and go on to become a much sought-after actress. A podcast you won't want to miss. Karen Struel-White and Pascal Productions present 'My Wife Fell in Love with a Life Size Cardboard Cut-Out of Ronan Keating' by PT Rose at the Drayton Arms Theatre, November 5th - 9th, 2024. Tickets on sale now from www.thedraytonarmstheatre.co.uk/ronan-keating   SERIES 5; EPISODE 6

It's been an incredible 50 years for the leather-cladded singer and musician since she topped the UK charts with 'Devil Gate Drive'. In her 60th year in the business, Suzi Q still feels as fresh as the first time she walked on stage. She talks about the glam rock period, her respect for Mary Weiss and writing music with KT Tunstall. Part 1 of 2. An intimate podcast you won't want to miss. (Recorded in February 2024) SERIES 5: Episode 5

Steve Ellis has always been outspoken about his views, and the former Love Affair frontman has plenty to say. Released on his birthday, this podcast pulls no punches as we ask him what makes him the man he is today. Friends like Zoot Money, Keith Moon, and Paul Weller all get a mention, as well as the reason why he left the band when he did. A mod and soul lover at heart, this is one podcast you won't want to miss. (Recorded in 2022 after the release of his album 'Boom, Bang, Twang' and published in the 2022 November issue of the Beat magazine) Series 5: Episode 4