Woolleys Beat

"Then when the flap went down the noise was just incredible"...

The former Spandau Ballet lead singer recalls the surreal moment after being pranked on BBC's Michael McIntyre's Big Show.

Off the back of that prime-time BBC show recently watched by millions of viewers, the tickets for his upcoming tour have been selling like hotcakes.

In this podcast ahead of his new Big Swing Tour, Tony reveals the time that he met crooning legend Tony Bennett backstage, which crooner he took his mum to see and having to turn down an offer to attend a big Hollywood movie star's party.

A podcast you won't want to miss!

It's now 50 years since they topped the UK charts with their first No.1 'I'd Like To Teach The World To Sing' which everybody remembers as that Coca-Cola song. Selling millions of records worldwide, the New Seekers was never out of the charts in the first half of the 1970's...

In this episode, we talk with former member Lyn Paul about the band's Eurovision fan worship, touring with Liza Minelli, the Boy George Taboo connection, and her successful transition to actress in the 1997 stage production of Willy Russell's Blood Brothers.

We chat with the former lead singer of the 60's Welsh rock group Amen Corner - Andy Fairweather Low...

In this episode, Andy talks about his long career with the chart-topping band before having a successful solo career of his own in the 70s and working with all the big names in the music business.

Taking time out on his tour with the Low Riders, Andy talks about being influenced by the Rolling Stones including the loss of his brother-in-law and band member Neil Jones. He also talks about his admiration for his friend Georgie Fame and working with Roger Waters and Eric Clapton.

(Recorded in 2019)

Journalist and TV producer Suzan has woven her love for Elvis and The Beatles into two hilarious stories that also draw on her own dating disasters - before she met her musician husband - former Slade frontman Noddy Holder!

Speaking with Suzan Holder, it's clear that this independently strong woman has carved her own way in a male-dominated world of music. Long before she ever met the Slade frontman of one of Glam rock's most successful bands, her life experience was worth being put into print.

Her latest novel is set in (where else?) Liverpool and features a Beatles-obsessed fifty-something mother of three who gets into trouble when she goes looking for love on a dating website. Can ‘Beatles Bev’ ever find a man to love as much as she loves Paul McCartney? It’s not looking good when her antics become a talking point on a daytime TV talk show! Also discussed is her trip to Elvis's birthplace in the US which gave her inspiration for her other novel Rock 'n' Rose.

Both Shake it Up, Beverley and Rock 'n' Rose (published by One More Chapter, HarperCollins) are available from all good bookstores.

Series 4, Episode 3.

Want to hear more podcasts from music authors?

Selling over 30 million albums, 11 top ten hits with 3 chart toppers, 10cc’s success and musical innovation is never in dispute.

With 50 years in the business, Graham Gouldman talks about his early years, the success of their Strawberry Studios in Stockport and the songwriting that has made him work with some of the greatest names in the pop business.

(Recorded in 2021 to celebrate 10cc's 50 years in the music industry)

Season 4 Episode 4

Want to listen to podcasts from other 70's artists?

In the second part of the interview talking with Sweet's guitarist, Andy Scott talks about Blockbuster! and beyond...

Competing with the other Glam rockers of the 70s, Sweet up their game and show more maturity in their songwriting. Andy opens up candidly about the loss of fellow band members Steve Priest and Mick Tucker. 

In 2007, Sam inexplicably lost her original singing voice and thinking her career may be over, started her own ukulele school. Now she's back with a new voice and sound that will please her fans...

In this podcast, we talk with Sam about her career since she entered the pop charts with the haunting 80s ballad "Stop". Sam also reveals how her talented parents helped her during her early years and working with the likes of the Small Faces' Steve Marriott and Pink Floyd as well as how she coped with losing her voice. This an intimate podcast you won't want to miss.

Former Stranglers' frontman Hugh Cornwell is literally coming out of the wilderness... 

As the man regularly described as the poet laureate of the punk era, you can bet his latest album Moments of Madness will ease his fans coming out of Covid. In this podcast, Hugh talks about working on his latest video with award-winning US animator Jesse Bond, his early years after leaving the Stranglers, and his recent tour before Christmas. This a podcast you won't want to miss!!!

NOTE: This interview was recorded before the recent death of musician Jet Black.

On the latest II Divo tour, Steven Labrie joins the trio after the sad loss of Carlos Marín. With a new tour underway and a new album, we caught up with one of its members Sébastien Izambard on the eve of their upcoming Christmas tour...

Talking candidly on hearing the sad news that Carlos had died, Seb was not in a good place at that time. We also talk about his love of Motown, the Christmas tour, and his new solo record From Seb With Love.

This a special Christmas-themed podcast you won't want to miss.

Judie Tzuke is currently on her third Woman To Woman UK tour with Beverley Craven, Julia Fordham, and Rumer and is the songwriter of their latest charity single Humankind supporting Greenpeace and Wildlife Aid UK...

Not many kids can come home from school to witness Andrew Lloyd-Webber tinkling the ivories on their piano. To a young Judie Tzuke, this was her induction into the world of music. In this revealing interview ahead of the tour, Judie talks about her love of music, and her own personal battle to overcome stage fright. 

Back in the 1970s, Sweet was one of the most successful pop groups to come out of the glam rock musical era. Now fifty years on, guitarist Andy Scott is the only surviving original member of the band.

In this interview with Andy from his country home in Wiltshire, he reveals how the group came to be formed and how a chance encounter in Germany with T. Rex's Marc Bolan made them up their 'glam' game. He also talks about the time they almost walked off the set of Top Of The Pops.  Along with other revealing insights into their rock philosophy including the time that Brian Connolly suffered serious throat injuries after being involved in a fight - an experience that plunged their lead singer into a spiraling world of alcoholism.

Currently, on tour in Germany, they have released a brand new album called Isolation Boulevard, this is one podcast you won't want to miss.

Former Ikette is a true Soul survivor. Now with a new autobiography of the same name just published, London's First Lady of Soul has had a very interesting life to tell. 

After experiencing racism and sexual exploitation throughout her early career and in her personal life, P.P. decided to turn her back on her American life to move to join the 'Swinging 60's' jet set life in London after supporting the Rolling Stones on a UK tour. A decision that she never looked back on. 

In this podcast, P.P. talks about her friendship with Mick Jagger and Steve Marriott of the Small Faces - the latter of which she describes as her true soul brother. 

Pat also talks candidly of her collaboration with Bee Gee Barry Gibb which was frowned upon by Robert Stigwood.

In this podcast, the former singing milkman retraces his musical roots on his beloved home on the Isle Of White...

Young Terence Perkins was spotted in a talent show and was touted as the next Perry Como. After finding fame went on to have a No.1 with a Sam Cooke song. 

In this interview, Craig talks about the time when he topped the bill in Liverpool and was supported by four young local boys...THE BEATLES!

Craig also talks about his personal life and why he never married. Now after 67 years of living away from his beloved island off the coast of England, he has returned to spend his twilight years. A candid interview with a singing legend who rarely gets interviewed.

Series 3 Episode 8

Want to listen to more 60's related podcasts?

One of the 80's true survivors, the lead singer of Then Jerico knows how it is to give his fans his all. Shattering his feet during one such performance is a testament to that...

As a little boy, he always wanted to be a stuntman but decided it was safer to be a musician. Boy was he wrong! 

In this revealing interview, Mark talks candidly about his musical career and how he came to learn with his disability to still perform to this day. Now playing acoustic gigs at intimate venues around Britain, he's taking his fans down memory lane by playing his hits - some of which haven't been performed in over 30 years. 

In our first part of talking with Leo, we look back at his early career. Dressing up as a clown wasn't easy. Leo also talks about life in Australia and his new album Northern Songs which covers many Beatles classics. He also shares some funny anecdotes about meeting the fab four (Leo was a big fan) and reveals which one gave him advice about his hair!

A revealing insight into the 70's legend as he embarks on his world tour later this year.

Season 3 Episode 5

Want to listen to podcasts from other 70's artists?

As a paperboy, Don McLean remembers very well that fateful morning when he saw the news about the death of Buddy Holly. Now 62 years on, that resulting song American Pie has been voted one of the best songs of the Century...

Now on tour celebrating its 50th anniversary, Don opens up candidly about those songs and how early swimming lessons taught him how to keep his voice in tip-top condition to this day. He also talks about those other artists' interpretations of his hits. With Madonna and George Michael having covered his material, McLean also reveals whom he would most like to hear cover one of his songs. This is one podcast you won't want to miss.

Kimberley Rew & Lee Cave-Berry are obviously upbeat about the extensive airplay these guys have been having lately...

Kimberley is no stranger to success. He wrote Katrina & the Waves' biggest hits. In 1985, ‘Walking On Sunshine’ gave them a top ten hit and she followed this with the UK’s last Eurovision winner ‘Love Shine A Light’ which done even better commercially. 

The Bangles covered another of his songs, ‘Going Down To Liverpool’ and ‘That’s Just The Woman In Me’ was covered by Celine Dion.

He played with both The Soft Boys, alongside Robyn Hitchcock, and Katrina & The Waves, before embarking on a twenty-year plus solo career with his musical and life partner, Lee Cave-Berry. 

Lee is a bassist and songwriter and takes the lead vocals on the deceptively simple yet acoustically intricate ‘Growing Up Song’. Now they are currently riding high with a new album Purple Kittens and single You Can Rely On Me. 

He was the superstar who topped the UK and US single charts in the 70s with songs of endearing tunefulness, unabashed sentiment and existentialist musings...

Today, Irish singer-songwriter Gilbert O’Sullivan continues to be regarded with tremendous affection and his songs remain well-loved around the world. Gilbert O'Sullivan set out to be a guitarist. This all changed when the Beatles came along but one thing has never changed for Gilbert...his ability to create beautiful songs.

In this podcast, he talks candidly about his long career and why Alone Again (Naturally) will never be tinkered with as rapper Biz Markie found out to his cost. He also reveals who he'd like to cover one of his own songs!

A podcast not to be missed!

Season 3 Episode 2

Want to listen to podcasts from other 70's artists?

Rod Clements has been there from the early days of his folk roots...

Lindisfarne is one of the biggest bands to come out of the North East and the recent BBC4 Documentary presented by Sam Fender pushes the legendary band back once more into the spotlight. 

Rod talks about the early days, guesting on a chart-topping record and eating sickly sausage rolls with Gazza! Hear why Lindisfarne are flying the Geordie musical flag for cleverly crafted songs woven about harsh life in the North East. Alan Hull's untimely death at 50, cheated us of his talent. Thankfully his rich back catalogue of timeless songs is still brought to life with the present band with Rod at the helm. 

Fog on the Tyne is still theirs!

Season 3 Episode 1

Want to listen to podcasts from other 70's artists?

A star of the screen and stage, the most famous fox in the World (sorry Michael J.), Basil Brush takes time out to chat about his long career...

Currently starring in panto at the Theatre Royal in Windsor in Jack & The Beanstalk, Basil reveals why he still looks so young since he burst onto our screens back in 1962. He reveals who he'd like to work with and now he's got a new Charity record out to raise funds for Shooting Star's Children's Hospices, the fun he had recording it. A potential Christmas No.1 this year? We'll have to wait and see but this podcast will please fans of the friendly fox both young and old.

Celebrated Scottish singer and actress Barbara Dickson OBE talks about her incredible career from the folk circuit to treading the boards...

Recorded in late 2020. Barbara gives an insight into her faith and personal life from working the Scottish folk circuit working alongside the likes of the Humblebums with Billy Connolly and Gerry Rafferty who became good friends in the early days. Appearing in the Willy Russell stage production of  ‘John Paul George Ringo...and Bert’, after he had spotted her singing in a folk club in Liverpool, this was to be the start of many successful musicals including Willy Russell’s ‘Blood Brothers’ (starring as the original Mrs. Johnstone) and playing the infamous Pools winner Viv Nicholson in ‘Spend Spend Spend'. 

Barbara Dickson has sold more albums worldwide than any other Scottish female to date. A podcast with a Christmas message to see us through these pandemic times. 

The self-proclaimed Rock & Roll's Greatest Failure's defining moment came in an improvised 1977 Old Grey Whistle Test live performance that made him an overnight sensation. 

This English singer-songwriter has built up a cult following down the years through extensive touring, a surreal sense of humour and a self-deprecating underdog persona. In this episode, we talk about that plus working with Wild Willie Barrett and recording at Epstein's house in Montserrat. John also reveals the deep depression he was in when he decided to write his autobiography. 

With his 5,000th gig planned for next year (April 2nd, 2022) at the Shepherds Bush Empire, this is a quirky podcast you won't want to miss.

From his early days in the Q Tips, Paul Young's soulful voice has taken him all around the World...

In this podcast, we chat with him about his early life and career before his recognition as one of the most recognisable voices of the 1980's. He reveals which of the many prestigious musical concerts down the years hold special memories for him. Now helping him heal after the sad loss of his wife back in 2018, he sings with his TexMex band of friends in Los Pacaminos as well as his solo stuff.

A revealing podcast which you won't want to miss!

Series 2: Episode: 35

A man who reached dizzy heights, Mark Wynter has been up there with the best of them...literally

Playing the lead role in Barnum, Wynter has done it all. Appearing on the small screen as well as treading the boards, this episode focuses on his musical career. After a brief encounter with Lionel Bart, his rise to fame quickly followed with numerous chart hits in the '60s. (part 1 of 2)

Series 2: Episode: 34

Singer Tony Christie has been around the block a bit - Amarillo and Las Vegas to name a few...

With the recent release of his autobiography 'The Song Interpreter', we thought it time we caught up with Tony to talk about his incredible career. Songs like 'Is This The Way To Amarillo', `I Did What I Did For Maria', Avenues & Alleyways' in the 1970s have all achieved critical acclaim and sound as fresh today as they were then. Tony's albums have achieved several Gold and Platinum discs and he was the only singer in 2005 to have a single release and album simultaneously at Number 1. We also chat about that telephone call from comedian Peter Kay which resulted in his big hit being used for the Comic Relief record and in him appearing in the video with Peter's jacket!

A podcast you won't want to miss.

SERIES: 2 EPISODE 32

Like to listen to more 70's singer's podcasts?

To celebrate the new release the 50th Anniversary Box Set of Rory’s eponymous 1971 debut album will be released on September 3rd, we chat with his long-time guitarist Gerry McAvoy about working with arguably the greatest rock guitarist this planet has ever seen...

In this podcast, Gerry talks about the early days when he joined Taste through to playing on Rory's last three albums before his untimely death some 26 years ago at the young age of only 47 years old.

Rory's debut album released in 1971 has been lovingly reissued into a unique box set for his fans new and old. 

American singer-songwriter Dean Friedman talks about his latest studio masterpiece American Lullaby and his career to date.

After bursting on the scene with the catchy Ariel, Dean failed to make an impression on the American public when a certain song about a famous restaurant chain hampered (or should that be hamburgered!) his blossoming career. Across the rest of the world though, Dean's clever songwriting has garnered him many fans down the years, and in this podcast, we talk about getting close to his virtual fans, why his new 9th studio album is so poignant in 2021 plus his dog Lola...the smallest dog in the World!

Does he like hamburgers? Listen and find out.

From the moment he was born, blues played a big part in Jimmy Thomas’s life growing up in Osceola in Arkansas. Raised by his aunt and uncle, it was their family friend Albert King who nicknamed him ‘Popeye’ and would go on to influence him throughout his life and play a very important part in his career.

In this podcast, we talk about Jimmy's early roots and being such a focal point of Ike Turner's band The Rhythm Kings before moving to England and launching his own record label. He talks about his friendship with Albert King and working with Tina and Ike from their early days to Worldwide prominence. Later he became a big hit in his own right on the Northern Soul circuit.

Now with a new single out, The Weak End Is Mine, and a forthcoming album, 'Popeye' is truly doing what he loves best!

With the release of her autobiography Faith Of A Child, this year will see the 50th anniversary year of Patti’s West End debut in the musical Hair. An incredible 50 years that spans the incredible life of Patti Boulaye OBE.

From escaping the dreadful civil war of Nigeria, a young wide-eyed Patti arrives in England and by chance a trip to see the sights of London would change her life in a way she could never imagine. From getting a coveted part in Hair, she would eventually blossom into a talented singer through her appearance on the New Faces TV talent show.

Her deep Christian faith has kept her grounded throughout her incredible career and now with her new must-see one-woman show Aretha & Me and the release of her autobiography, the future is bright for Patti.

From the age of only 16, Anita Harris set out on a path that would take her on an incredible journey in show business. 

Ice skater, dancer, singer and actress she has done it all. In this podcast we go right back to her roots starting out in a dancing troupe in Las Vegas, before her incredible long career to performing at the Palladium.

Series 2: Episode: 28

Morecambe-based poet and author Chris Gregory talks about his latest book that celebrates one of the most influential musicians of all time.....Bob Dylan...

As Dylan turns 80, we chat with Chris about the last few decades of the songwriting re-invention of his music which has been put into a new book Determined To Stand (The Re-Invention Of Bob Dylan).

Series 2: Episode: 27

Guitarist, singer and songwriter Joey Molland, founder member of Badfinger who were one time touted as the next Beatles...

The story of Badfinger is one of rock’s saddest and most tragic tales. But one thing is for certain: the group that practically invented “power pop” was abundantly filled with talent. To have three great songwriters in one band was reminiscent of the group’s original label founders, the Beatles. Badfinger’s singles are still regarded as pop gems some 50 years later: “Come and Get It,” “No Matter What,” “Day After Day,” and “Baby Blue.”

Perhaps the most unheralded of the three in Badfinger was Liverpudlian guitarist Joey Molland. His songwriting talent started to blossom with the group’s finest album, 1971’s Straight Up. Molland contributed five songs to the group’s fourth platter including “I’d Die Babe,” “Sweet Tuesday Morning” and “Suitcase.” Joey continued to play and write as Badfinger motored through the ’70s recording and touring. But great albums like 1974’s Wish You Were Here were met with the record company and personal mismanagement. And in 1975, the group’s leader, Pete Ham, tragically passed away.

Molland eventually left the group, returned, and left again to launch his own solo career. He’s played in various groups and under the name Joey Molland’s Badfinger since 1983. His several solo albums won critical acclaim but nothing could have prepared us for his latest album.

In this podcast, Joy talks about his life and career, plus working with the likes of Julian Lennon and ex-Monkees Micky Dolenz on his latest album - Be True to Yourself.

Series 2 Episode 25

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Now with the 35th anniversary of My Favourite Waste Of Time, Scotland's Owen Paul's new forthcoming album is already creating a stir over the airwaves...

At 15 years of age, from the basement of his house came the sound of a single which was going to greatly influence him for the rest of his life. Little did he know that one of the musicians on that song would play on one of his. We chat about his early days when he was scouted and signed to one of the great British football clubs which he turned down to pursue his love in the music business. A chance hearing of one of Bette Midler's songs and a memorable appearance on BBC's Pebble Mill that would change his destiny forever.

We also talk about producing an album for the popular Japanese 80's band Buck-Tick, his chance meeting with Boy George to hire his venue to stage Taboo and being invited to work and tour with Mike Rutherford and Mike & The Mechanics. Now with new material for his new 2021 album Overblown Superstar and a country remake of his big hit My Favourite Waste Of Time, he's back in the charts once more.

Series:2 Episode: 24

As one-half of Yell, actor and singer Daniel James knows a thing or so about working a crowd. He started out as a cheerleader on Top of the Pops!

With a failed attempt to represent the UK in the Eurovision, he came to the attention of Simon Cowell who paired him up with Paul Varney under the name of Yell! Despite having initial success worldwide, the duo split up and went their separate ways which resulted in Daniel going back to his career as an actor. With varied roles on TV and film, his cameo appearance in Eastenders just before the lockdown was short-lived. 

In our podcast, he tells of how pounding the streets of London gave him the inspiration to start writing songs again after becoming disillusioned with the breakup of his band. The result is his new single 'Set Your Spirit Free' which has unsurprisingly received a lot of airplay with it's uplifting lyrics and melody. 

Series 2: Episode:23

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Over the past forty years, Gordon Giltrap MBE has graced the music business with his dedication to his craft and his affection for his audience. As one of the UK's most respected guitarists, he has consistently proved the adage that respect cannot be bought, it must be earned. Now with yet another new album coming out, this 73-year-old shows no sign of slowing down his creative juices...

Over the years, Giltrap has worked with an amazingly broad range of artists, from rock musicians such as Brian May, Rick Wakeman and Midge Ure to the jazz virtuoso Martin Taylor, classical guitarist Raymond Burley and the London Symphony Orchestra. In 1996, Gordon realised a dream of playing guitar alongside Cliff Richard, on stage in Cliff's West End musical Heathcliff. 

In this podcast, we talk with Gordon about what in his wife's words is "maintaining the standard". Through his early life, family tragedy and health scares that made him revalue his career, now Gordon is back with his latest musical masterpiece.

Series 2: Episode:22

One of life's true survivors, Hazel O'Connor has come a long way since feeling like a square peg in a round hole...

In this podcast recorded from her French retreat, Hazel looks back on her troubled years growing up which resulted in her rebelling against the system. Escaping to Amsterdam, Paris, Japan and Beirut before returning to England, she recalls that memorable Buzzcocks gig that set her on her musical path. She intimately chats about her big break starring alongside Jim Broadbent, Phil Daniels and Jonathan Pryce in Breaking Glass through to her admiration for David Bowie. She also reveals some great anecdotes, her dream of singing with Ed Sheeran and appearing on Strictly if she was ever asked.

Whether it's performing with her band members Sarah Fisher and Claire Hirst in her Breaking Glass - 40 years on - Hallelujah! tour or being reunited with Toyah for their long-awaited Electric Ladies of the 80's tour, she is back doing what she loves best. 

(Series 2: Episode 21)

In the week that The Wanderer, a musical based on Dion’s life world premiers at the Tony Award-winning Paper Mill Playhouse on April 8th, 2021 and tells a story of transformation end personal redemption. we catch up with the man himself to talk about his latest album Blues With Friends and career to date...

Emerging from the Bronx in the fifties, Dion di Mucci talks candidly about how the death of his friend Frankie Lymon in 1968 turned his life around. Now 52 years later, Dion has collaborated with some of the biggest names in the music business to pay homage to his love of Blues. Artists like Jeff Beck, Bruce Springsteen, Paul Simon, Van Morrison, Joe Bonamassa, Samantha Fish, Stevie van Zandt, Brian Setzer - the list goes on. 

Dion also talks about as he calls it the 'British Infusion', when music from the early blues artists like Muddy Waters in America catapaulted these artists to Worldwide recognition. He also talks about his admiration for Sam Cooke which resulted in him writing Abraham, Martin and John.

Whether you are a lover of rock and roll, doo-wop or blues - then this podcast with one of the true original pioneers in music is a must!

SERIES 2 - EPISODE 18

In this podcast, we chat with Lee Wylding about his latest creation with Andie Packer called The Far North...

Following on from the success of their debut single This House Is Ours and second single ‘Runaway’ from their debut album ‘Songs For Gentle Souls’, the UK-based Americana duo The Far North will release their third single 'Branches' out on March 26th, 2021.

Formed in 2019 and evolving from the ashes of The Fireflys, whose grungey Americana won them many friends in the UK, solidified by a run of acclaimed albums. Following the band’s dissolution, and having spent some time in Canada and been influenced by acts such as City And Colour, Lee was keen to head in a more pared-down, acoustic direction, and began working with noted UK producer Nigel Stonier (famed for his work with such luminaries as Joan Baez, Lindisfarne, Robert Plant and Martha Wainwright). the result was Songs For Gentle Souls which has been going down a storm both sides of the Atlantic.

For all lovers of Americana, folk, and alternative country coming out of the UK in 2021, The Far North are leading the way.

Eddy Grant has seen and done it all...from breaking new ground with his 60's multi-racial band The Equals to nurturing his love for Guyana and Caribbean music, including soca to ringbang.

In our first podcast of two, Eddy goes back to his roots when his band broke into the pop charts with Baby Come Back and talks intimately about those scary health traumas in his life which resulted in him having to quit the band. After the seven years of bad luck he broke the mould by becoming the first black musician to own his own studios. He also chats about his love and respect for his recently departed friends Toots Hibbert and Bunny Lee.

With his latest album Plaisance riding high in many charts, Eddy talks about what the singer-songwriter Carole King meant to him growing up as a kid in Guyana which resulted in writing Is Carole King Here, now released in its own right as a single.  .

Series 2 - Episode 17 (part 1 of a 2 part podcast)

As all fans of the 1980's will remember, Tony Hadley was the frontman of that decade's most successful bands...Spandau Ballet.

In this podcast, Tony talks about the early days of Spandau when sceptics said they would be one-hit wonders in the pop world. From Live Aid and his time in the jungle on I'm A Celebrity, he has done it all. Even singing at Joyce and Monty's wedding in the hit comedy Benidorm! Talking of Live Aid, Tony reveals an item of clothing he has found from that performance which he plans to auction off for his chosen charity soon.

With his latest single Obvious getting lots of radio airplay with it's upbeat and catchy vibe and a new single to be released shortly, his fans will be eagerly waiting for an upcoming tour by the 'Gold' man as lots of students have named him. 

TONY HADLEY PODCAST Series 2 Episode 16

Judge Smith, Songwriter, Composer and Performer, has been making innovative, unusual and entertaining music since the late ’60s, when he co-founded the influential band Van der Graaf Generator...

Judge Smith co-founded the influential rock band Van der Graaf Generator in 1967 with singer-songwriter Peter Hammill, and since then has continued to be involved in numerous musical projects as writer, composer or performer.

During the ’70s and ’80s, he wrote several stage musicals in collaboration with composer Max Hutchinson: The Kibbo Kift was produced at the Traverse Theatre for the Edinburgh Festival of 1976 and at the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield the following year. The Ascent of Wilberforce III was produced at the Traverse Theatre in 1981. Their musical Geraldo’s Navy was commissioned and accepted by Michael Rudman and David Aukin of the Hampstead Theatre Club, but not staged. The Ascent of Wilberforce III received a second production at the Lyric Theatre, Hammersmith in 1982.

Later the same year, the Lyric also presented Mata Hari, a music-theatre piece he co-wrote with (and which starred) singer Lene Lovich.

As a librettist, his works include the text for classical composer Joseph Horovitz’s oratorio Samson, premiered in a radio broadcast from the Albert Hall in 1977, short texts for works commissioned from the same composer by The Kings Singers, and the libretto for composer Michael Brand’s cantata Pioneer 10, performed at Birmingham Symphony Hall, 1992. Following a twenty-year collaboration with composer Peter Hammill, their opera The Fall of the House of Usher was finally completed, recorded and released in 1992, and in 1999, a revised and re-mastered recording was re-released on Fie! Records. More recently he wrote the lyrics and libretto for Twinkle a large scale children’s piece by David Jackson, and contributed lyrics to another of that composer’s works for children, The House That Cried.

His chamber opera The Book of Hours was directed by Mel Smith at the Young Vic Theatre, London in 1978. His short film The Brass Band, which he wrote and directed in 1974, has won several international awards.

His songs have been recorded by Peter Hammill and Lene Lovich and featured on the early ’80s TV comedy show Not the Nine O’Clock News. He has released eleven CDs, plus a DVD, which can be obtained from our on-line Shop. A list of his albums can be found on the Musicography page of this web site.

Prominent among these are the three albums written in the ‘Songstory’ format which he has developed as a new form of narrative rock music: Curly’s Airships (2000), The Climber (2009), and Orfeas (2011). His Requiem Mass for Rock band, Choir and Brass was written and published in 1975, but was not recorded until 2016.

In 2013 Judge published his first book, ‘The Universe Next Door’, and a further book on spirituality and the paranormal was published in 2014.

Series 2 Episode 15

One of Radio's longest working broadcasters, David 'Diddy' Hamilton talks about his varied and successful career who at the age of 82 is about to embark on a new daily radio show...