Word In Your Ear
Music
About
Mark Ellen and David Hepworth have been talking about and writing about music together and individually for a collective eighty years in magazines like Smash Hits, Mojo and The Word and on radio and TV programmes like "Rock On", "Whistle Test" and VH-1.Over thirteen years ago, when working on the late magazine The Word, they began producing podcasts. Some listeners have been kind enough to say these have been very special to them. When the magazine folded in 2012 they kept the spirit of those podcasts alive in regular Word In Your Ear evenings in which they spoke to musicians an...
Episodes
- Pleasure Gardens, cabaret, nightclubs, rave & 350 years of the Big Night Out
This episode of Word In Your Ear explores the evolution of commercial nightlife, tracing its history from Japanese Pleasure Gardens in 1657 through to modern rave culture. The discussion covers various eras and styles of going out, includi…
- Andy Earl’s memories of photographing Prince, Madonna and Johnny Cash
Andy Earl, a photographer known for his work in the 80s pop video era, shares his memories of photographing music icons like Prince, Madonna, and Johnny Cash. He also discusses the transition from analogue to digital photography and his ne…
- Talk Talk, a deep-dive tale of mystery and imagination
This episode of Word In Your Ear delves into the enigmatic band Talk Talk, examining their unique recording processes and the mystery surrounding Mark Hollis's later career. Graeme Thomson discusses the band's history, their studio extrava…
- The Clash, the Cramps and Penny Kiley’s teenage punk diaries
Penny Kiley, author of Atypical Girl, reflects on her teenage years in Liverpool during the punk rock era, her time as a correspondent for Melody Maker, and the cultural shifts of the late 70s and 80s. She shares insights into the music sc…
- Van Morrison’s agent writes crime fiction as the music business sleeps
Paul Charles, a music agent who has worked with artists like Van Morrison and Tom Waits, shares insights from his career in the music business and talks about his crime fiction writing, including his latest novel, "Hi Love, You Just Droppe…
- Can the Michael movie reboot Jacko? & how social media changed festivals
This episode of Word In Your Ear discusses the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic and its potential issues. It also explores how music festivals have changed over time, focusing on the influence of spectacle, social media, and audience behavi…
- Andy Kershaw & Dylan’s jar of jam plus the things people do to get gigs
This episode of Word In Your Ear covers a range of musical discussions including anecdotes about Andy Kershaw, Morrissey, Jay Leno, and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The hosts also touch upon artists such as Elvis Costello, Focus, 10cc, De…
- The story of Wild Thing and whatever happened to World Cup songs?
This episode of Word In Your Ear explores the history of "Wild Thing" and the trend of World Cup songs. It also touches on topics like special guest appearances in music, cultural phenomena, and diverse musical artists.
- No Sex Pistols in Manchester? ‘No Smiths, Nirvana, indie rock.’ Discuss!
David Nolan joins Word In Your Ear to discuss his book, "I Swear I Was There," which examines the Sex Pistols' 1976 Manchester gig. He explores its impact on music history, Manchester's cultural development, and the inaccuracies surroundin…
- The Keith Moon story is a movie in waiting, both a comedy and a tragedy
This episode of Word In Your Ear explores the life of Keith Moon, drawing from Tony Fletcher's book 'Dear Boy'. It covers several aspects of Moon's life, including his pranks, personal relationships, and incidents, as well as the challenge…
- The shameless age of Britpop in ‘the wildest year of the 90s’
Dominic Mohan, from The Sun newspaper, shares memories of Britpop from 1996, described as "the wildest year." He discusses topics such as Euro 96, Cool Britannia, and the music scene of the decade.
- Who hasn’t had ‘work done’, how to spot AI and the stupidest thing we ever did
This episode of Word In Your Ear covers topics such as
- How Tony Visconti keeps the Bowie flag flying
Tony Visconti, producer and musician, shares stories from his career, including his collaborations with David Bowie, The Move, and Marc Bolan. He also talks about Holy Holy, his band that performs David Bowie's music.
- Matt Johnson & the unique story of The The plus George Michael and the sunbed
Matt Johnson, founder of The The, talks about his life story in a conversation that traces his trajectory from the East End to his comeback and beloved albums. He shares musical memories and anecdotes, including advice from George Michael.
- At home with Nick Drake, Sandy Denny & John Martyn in the golden year of 1970
Brian Cullman, author of ‘How To Prepare for the Past: Travels in Music and Time,’ shares his experiences covering the London music scene in 1970. He discusses his close encounters with artists like Sandy Denny, Nick Drake, and John Martyn…
- The Jarrett movie, Macca’s secret & when did standing at gigs start?
This episode of Word In Your Ear discusses the Keith Jarrett movie, a secret on Paul McCartney's new album, and the origins of standing at gigs. It also touches on Google eavesdropping, biopics, and abandoned band names.
- The Clash story mapped by the places they lived, played, evolved … and shot pigeons
Paul Gorman, author, discusses his new map of London, detailing the places The Clash lived, played, and evolved. He covers their early influences, connections to other artists, and key moments in their career.
- Mustn’t grumble! Songs with the essence of Englishness
This episode of Word In Your Ear discusses songs with a sense of Englishness, featuring artists like The Kinks, ELO, The Jam, and The Arctic Monkeys. It also explores various music-related anecdotes and connections.
- Neil Tennant revisits songs he’s written since the age of nine
In this episode, Neil Tennant from Pet Shop Boys discusses his songwriting journey, from childhood to his work with Pet Shop Boys. He shares insights into the background and creation of his songs, covering various aspects of his career and…
- Steve Nieve looks back at Costello, Stiff tours and the magical sound of pianos
Steve Nieve, known for his work with Elvis Costello & The Attractions, shares insights into his extensive career. He talks about touring, recording experiences, and his upcoming performances, as well as various anecdotes related to pianos…
- Scores McCartney still wants to settle, Country Joe and the rise of ‘destination gigs’
This episode of Word In Your Ear explores topics such as Paul McCartney, Country Joe McDonald, protest songs, the phenomenon of "destination gigs," and unconventional crowd chants. It also touches on album titles, improv theatre, and the l…
- Shaun & Bez and other Odd Couples we love
This episode of Word In Your Ear covers a range of topics, from bands that energize stadiums and the impact of news speed, to football singles and experimental album sequels. The hosts also celebrate inseparable duos and memorable album ti…
- The Kinks’ chaotic ascent mapped out day-by-day is ‘a nirvana for any fan’
In this episode, Andrew Sandoval discusses his book, "The Kinks: All Day and All of the Night, the Day By Day Story Part 1: 1940 – 1971." He shares details about the band's history, including their hits, management, setbacks, and various h…
- How A Hard Day’s Night ripped up the pop movie rulebook
Author and broadcaster Samira Ahmed discusses the film "A Hard Day’s Night," its production, and its lasting impact on pop culture and cinema. She highlights the film's unique approach to filmmaking and its influence on subsequent works.
- Bob Dylan and the Beatles, a tale of envy, affection and intense rivalry
Jim Windolf joins the podcast to discuss his book "Where The Music Had To Go," which explores the relationship between Bob Dylan and The Beatles, including their influences on each other and their personal interactions. He covers various a…
- Mark Lewisohn and why writing the real Beatles story just got harder
Mark Lewisohn, author of a Beatles trilogy, discusses the difficulties of researching and writing the band's history, including overcoming misinformation and the influence of AI. He shares insights into the Beatles' early career, key momen…
- Albums we bought because we liked the title
This episode of Word In Your Ear explores albums purchased due to their titles. The discussion also covers various music-related topics such as national treasures in music, the evolution of pop music, and collaborations involving Neil Seda…
- How Glenn Tilbrook transformed the life of Squeeze
Glenn Tilbrook discusses his role in transforming Squeeze, his songwriting partnership with Chris Difford, and their recently recorded album. He also reflects on his career, early musical experiences, and current influences.
- The Skids, Big Country and the unsettling story of Stuart Adamson
Scott Rowley discusses the life and career of Stuart Adamson, co-founder of The Skids and Big Country. The conversation covers Adamson's journey from Dunfermline to Nashville, his personal struggles, and insights from Rowley's memoir, "Sta…
- There are only three Rock National Treasures – and we name them!
This episode explores the concept of "Rock National Treasures," discusses re-using old protest songs, and touches on topics such as Jim Steinman's home, Madness performing at Buck House, and the Ramones in London. It also features a quiz o…
- Keith & Chuck, Bowie & Tina, Frank & Elvis and what we learnt from rock’s joint ventures
Matt Thorne explores the collaborations of 14 musicians, detailing their shared stages, records, films, and love affairs. His book, "Famous: Ego, Envy and Ambition in Pop, Rock and Hip-Hop," delves into these interactions and the discoveri…
- Boston, Def Leppard, bad hair & the golden age of rock radio
Paul Rees discusses his book about AOR music, "Raised On Radio: Power Ballads, Cocaine & Payola – the AOR Glory Years 1976-1986." He explores the origins and impact of AOR, featuring bands such as Boston and Def Leppard, and the culture su…
- Was Bad Bunny at the Superbowl the greatest show ever staged?
This episode discusses Bad Bunny's Superbowl performance, examines unusual musical pairings, and touches on rock and roll encyclopedias. It also covers various pop culture topics like biopics and TV theme songs.
- Andy Bown remembers the Herd, Judas Jump and 47 years in Status Quo
Andy Bown discusses his career, including his time with The Herd, Judas Jump, and 47 years in Status Quo. He also talks about his new release, "Out There: A Deep-Space Love Story," which he wrote with sci-fi author Russell Hoban.
- How the album survived and why it satisfies the soul!
Keith Jopling explores the resilience of the album format in his book "Body Of Work," discussing its continued importance in the music industry despite competition from other platforms. He examines how albums have remained a vital way to e…
- Racy pulp paperbacks, teenage Joni and the BRIT School versus the age of the amateurs
This episode of Word In Your Ear covers the rock and roll underworld, discussing topics such as celebrity kids' names, the BRIT School's impact on professional musicians, Joni Mitchell's early life, American bands that didn't succeed in Br…
- David Bowie and the triumph, mystery and struggle of his third act
This episode of Word In Your Ear examines David Bowie's career from the early 1990s until his death in 2016, drawing on Alexander Larman's book "Lazarus: The Second Coming Of David Bowie." It discusses Bowie's artistic decisions, collabora…
- Days with Bowie, Prince, the Stones, Hendrix & the Clash by David Sinclair
In this episode of Word In Your Ear, rock critic David Sinclair shares his experiences interviewing and seeing legendary artists such as David Bowie, Prince, The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, and The Clash. He reflects on notable moments f…
- The genius of Sly Dunbar & Catherine O’Hara plus Springsteen’s anthem and old New York
This episode of Word In Your Ear covers various topics including musicians Sly Dunbar and Bruce Springsteen, and actress Catherine O’Hara. The hosts also discuss the romance of 1970s New York and fan culture surrounding musical artists and…
- Adele Bertei, New York’s art-rock explosion and Eno’s shopping list
Adele Bertei shares insights from her memoir 'No New York,' covering the 1977 New York art-rock scene, her time with The Contortions, and the rise of iconic bands such as Blondie and Talking Heads, alongside her rivalry with Madonna. She a…
- Steve Lillywhite produced the Stones, U2, Siouxsie, XTC - ‘the last leg of the relay’
Producer Steve Lillywhite shares his experiences from a career spanning over 500 records, including working with U2, The Rolling Stones, and Siouxsie. He discusses his approach to production, memorable studio moments, and changes in the mu…
- Who’d be a nepo baby? plus the mystery album that outsold the Beatles
This episode of Word In Your Ear covers topics such as nepo babies, Bruce Springsteen's political silence, the profitability of UK music venues, and foreign editions of A Hard Day's Night. It also delves into the Latin Playboys and a mid-6…
- Simon Nicol of Fairport Convention, back in the van with a bag of toffees
Simon Nicol of Fairport Convention looks back at nearly six decades with the band, including their early days, touring experiences, and the evolution of Fairport Convention. He also discusses the upcoming 50th Cropredy Convention and futur…
- Miles Hunt of the Wonder Stuff - ‘I’d rather make people laugh than applaud’
Miles Hunt looks back at his 40 years on stage, discussing various experiences from touring, musical observations, and memorable moments. He also shares insights into books and why he won't perform certain songs.
- Kenney Jones remembers the Small Faces’ masterpiece
Kenney Jones and Rob Caiger discuss the reissue of Small Faces' 1968 album, "Ogden’s Nut Gone Flake," including unheard outtakes and the chaotic construction of the masterpiece. Jones shares his mission to "carry on the legacy" of the band.
- The fabulous Bob Weir and how the Grateful Dead invented the internet
This episode of Word In Your Ear explores Bob Weir and The Grateful Dead, including their music and how they became a high-tech band. Other topics covered include various rock and roll anecdotes and artists.
- Steve Cradock on Ocean Colour Scene, Mod hair & the ghost of Ronnie Lane
Steve Cradock talks about his tours with Ocean Colour Scene and his show Travellers Tunes. He shares memories from his early musical career, such as seeing UB40 and performing in working men's clubs, and his appreciation for various bands…
- Mary Coughlan, onstage from the age of five - ‘Applause and lemonade!’
Mary Coughlan, known for her distinctive voice, shares stories from her music career, beginning with her first performance at age five. She recounts various milestones, including seeing Rory Gallagher and Donovan, meeting Mike Stoller, and…
- Pet Shop Boys at 40, missing folk star found! & rock stars’ childhood bedrooms
This episode of Word In Your Ear covers various topics including the Pet Shop Boys at 40, the rediscovery of a missing Incredible String Band member, and insights into rock stars’ childhood bedrooms. It also delves into the imperial age of…
- From Dylan to Chappell Roan, pop’s 60-year obsession with Brigitte Bardot
This episode of Word In Your Ear delves into the 60-year obsession with Brigitte Bardot in pop music, referencing artists from Bob Dylan to Chappell Roan. It also covers topics such as rock knighthoods, pop stars in pantomime, and musical…