• 62 - The Fall with Funky Si
    May 3 2025

    In this episode of Music Maps, we welcome back Simon Wolstencroft, the former drummer of The Fall. His book You Can Drum But You Can't Hide is out now on Route Publishing.


    Funky Si joined The Fall in 1986 after his previous band The Weeds had opened for them. Following a meeting at Mark E. Smith's house in Prestwich it became official.


    'Hey Luciani' becomes the first Fall track he works on with producer Ian Broudie in Amazon Studios in Liverpool & his first gig follows at Folkestone Leas Cliff Hall in June 1986.


    Sessions for the Bend Sinister album follow with John Leckie at Abbey Road, followed by Simon's first US tour. A one off gig with U2 at Elland Road in Leeds follows & non-album single There’s a Ghost In My House becomes the highest charting Fall single to date shortly after.


    Hit The North follows close behind in October of 1987 & the next album is The Frenz Experiment in 1988, with I Am Kurious Oranj & Shift Work albums following.


    With their commercial peak in the view mirror, Simon's final gigs with The Fall take place in 1997 & he leaves the band shortly after.



    It takes anything from 5 to 40 hours to prepare each episode of Music Maps - if you’d like to make a contribution to help us cover the costs & time of producing these episodes for you, you can do so at this link: ko-fi.com/musicmaps



    It is hugely important for us to get positive reviews & star ratings - if you have enjoyed Music Maps & can spare the time to do either we would hugely appreciate it.



    You can see our upcoming live events here: https://rocknrollbookclub.co.uk/live/



    Instagram: @rocknrollbookclube17


    Blue Sky: @musicmaps.bsky.social


    X: @simonmusicmaps


    Facebook: E17rockbookclub



    Hosted by Mark Hart & Simon Cardwell

    Written & Produced by Simon Cardwell

    Edited, mixed & spruced up by Andy Maxwell



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    51 mins
  • 61 - The Rolling Stones with Gered Mankowitz
    Apr 26 2025

    This week we are joined by legendary photographer Gered Mankowitz to discuss his time with the Rolling Stones, focusing on 1965 to 1967.


    Gered shares how he entered the world of music photography via a meeting with Peter Sellers, later opening his own studio in Central London, aged 17.


    A photograph of Marianne Faithfull led to a meeting with Andrew Loog Oldham which in turn led to meeting the Rolling Stones.


    Gered’s first session with the Rolling Stones takes place in Masons Yard close to his London studio, a picture from this session becomes the front cover for the Out Of Our Heads album.


    He then became the bands photographer for the next 2 years - joining them on US tours, recording sessions, Ready Steady Go appearances & an infamous performance at the London Palladium.


    While on this US Tour, Gered spends a few days in Arizona riding horses with Keith Richards & in 1966 took photographs of each member of the band at home. Many of these photos went unpublished until Gered’s new book - The Stones - Rare & Unseen.


    We touch on the change in Brian Jones over the time Gered spent with the band leading to the classic cover photo for 1967’s Between The Buttons album taken on Primrose Hill - one of the iconic photos of 1960s London.



    It takes anything from 5 to 40 hours to prepare each episode of Music Maps - if you’d like to make a contribution to help us cover the costs & time of producing these episodes for you, you can do so at this link: ko-fi.com/musicmaps



    It is hugely important for us to get positive reviews & star ratings - if you have enjoyed Music Maps & can spare the time to do either we would hugely appreciate it.



    You can see our upcoming live events here: https://rocknrollbookclub.co.uk/live/



    Instagram: @rocknrollbookclube17


    Blue Sky: @musicmaps.bsky.social


    X: @simonmusicmaps


    Facebook: E17rockbookclub



    Hosted by Mark Hart & Simon Cardwell

    Written & Produced by Simon Cardwell

    Edited, mixed & spruced up by Andy Maxwell

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 12 mins
  • 60 - The Spice Girls with Michael Cragg (Maidenhead)
    Apr 19 2025

    In this episode of Music Maps we are joined by Penderyn Prize winning writer Michael Cragg to dig into the history and impact of the Spice Girls.


    We explore their formation in 1994 via an audition process & their early days sharing a house in Maidenhead. Originally they are known as Touch & original member Michelle Stephenson leaves after 3 months & Emma Bunton completes the lineup.


    They part company with original handlers Chris & Bob Herbert (also known for Bros, 5ive, Bewitched & Hearsay) & bring in Simon Fuller.


    The Spice Girls sign to Virgin Records in 1996 'Wannabe' becomes their debut single. The subsequent debut album quickly breaks 20 million in sales.


    We also touch on the concept of 'Girl Power', who came up with 'zig-a-zig-ah', the BRIT Awards appearance, the huge tours, their significant success in America, the Spice World movie, Geri Halliwell's departure, the struggles surrounding their final album 'Forever' & more.



    It takes anything from 5 to 40 hours to prepare each episode of Music Maps - if you’d like to make a contribution to help us cover the costs & time of producing these episodes for you, you can do so at this link: ko-fi.com/musicmaps



    It is hugely important for us to get positive reviews & star ratings - if you have enjoyed Music Maps & can spare the time to do either we would hugely appreciate it.



    You can see our upcoming live events here: https://rocknrollbookclub.co.uk/live/



    Instagram: @rocknrollbookclube17


    Blue Sky: @musicmaps.bsky.social


    X: @simonmusicmaps


    Facebook: E17rockbookclub



    Hosted by Mark Hart & Simon Cardwell

    Written & Produced by Simon Cardwell

    Edited, mixed & spruced up by Andy Maxwell


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    49 mins
  • 59 - Chrstine McVie & Fleetwood Mac with Lesley-Ann Jones (Smethwick)
    Apr 12 2025

    In this episode of Music Maps, hosts Mark Hart and Simon Cardwell welcome back Lesley-Ann Jones to discuss her latest book on Christine McVie from Fleetwood Mac.


    The conversation explores McVie's early life, her musical influences, and her journey through the music industry, including her early career with Chicken Shack and her later success with Fleetwood Mac. The hosts delve into the dynamics within the band, the making of the iconic Rumours album, and the personal struggles faced by McVie and her bandmates.


    We touch on her early time with Fleetwood Mac when they were a very different band to what they would become, how Lindsey Buckingham & Stevie Nicks come to join, the excess the band become known for, the later success of the Tango in the Night album, her decision to leave Fleetwood Mac, her later appearances with the band including the 1993 appearance at Bill Clinton's inauguration, the bands induction into the rock & roll hall of fame & her colossal success with Songbird, Everywhere, Little Lies & more.



    It takes anything from 5 to 40 hours to prepare each episode of Music Maps - if you’d like to make a contribution to help us cover the costs & time of producing these episodes for you, you can do so at this link: ko-fi.com/musicmaps



    It is hugely important for us to get positive reviews & star ratings - if you have enjoyed Music Maps & can spare the time to do either we would hugely appreciate it.



    You can see our upcoming live events here: https://rocknrollbookclub.co.uk/live/



    Instagram: @rocknrollbookclube17


    Blue Sky: @musicmaps.bsky.social


    X: @simonmusicmaps


    Facebook: E17rockbookclub



    Hosted by Mark Hart & Simon Cardwell

    Written & Produced by Simon Cardwell

    Edited, mixed & spruced up by Andy Maxwell

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    50 mins
  • 58 - David Bowie, The Rolling Stones, Bob Marley, Prince, The Spice Girls & more with legendary music PR Alan Edwards (Soho)
    Apr 5 2025

    This week we are joined by legendary music PR Alan Edwards - we discuss Alan's journey from the early days of punk in London, seeing the Sex Pistols at the Nashville, The Stranglers & their infamous Battersea Park gig, promoting Blondie in Britain, visiting Prince at Paisley Park, playing football with Bob Marley & an early PR gig with The Who,


    Alan went on to work extensively with The Rolling Stones, starting in the 70s and David Bowie in the early 80s for over 30 years - from the huge commercial success of the Let's Dance years, being presented a BRIT by Tony Blair, his 90s years playing smaller venues before his iconic comeback gig at Glastonbury in 2000 & his final surprise release The Next Day in 2013.


    We go into how Alan came to work with the Spice Girls & later Amy Winehouse as well as the unexpected connection between Jon Bon Jovi & Gordon Brown.



    It takes anything from 5 to 40 hours to prepare each episode of Music Maps - if you’d like to make a contribution to help us cover the costs & time of producing these episodes for you, you can do so at this link: ko-fi.com/musicmaps



    It is hugely important for us to get positive reviews & star ratings - if you have enjoyed Music Maps & can spare the time to do either we would hugely appreciate it.



    You can see our upcoming live events here: https://rocknrollbookclub.co.uk/live/



    Instagram: @rocknrollbookclube17


    Blue Sky: @musicmaps.bsky.social


    X: @simonmusicmaps


    Facebook: E17rockbookclub



    Hosted by Mark Hart & Simon Cardwell

    Written & Produced by Simon Cardwell

    Edited, mixed & spruced up by Andy Maxwell


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 11 mins
  • 57 - Buzzcocks with Steve Diggle (Manchester)
    Mar 29 2025

    This week we welcome Steve Diggle, original founder member of Buzzcocks, to discuss his memoir 'Autonomy: My Life as a Buzzcock'. The conversation explores Steve's early life in Manchester - growing up in the suburb of Bradford, the influence of music in the 60s, and the formation of Buzzcocks amidst the early UK punk scene.


    Steve shares personal anecdotes about his childhood, the impact of hearing bands like The Beatles, The Kinks and The Rolling Stones, and the magic of performing live for the first time at the Lesser Free Trade Hall in Manchester.


    We go into on the early days of the Buzzcocks with Pete Shelley, Howard Devoto & John Maher following their remarkable meeting at the first Sex Pistols gig at the Manchester Free Trade Hall. The recording of their iconic Spiral Scratch EP with Martin Hannett, the impact of Howard Devoto's departure from the band & Steve switching to guitar, the White Riot Tour with the Clash, the Slits & the Jam, the Screen on the Green gig in Islington with the Sex Pistols & signing to United Artists with the guidance of Andrew Lauder & more.



    It takes anything from 5 to 40 hours to prepare each episode of Music Maps - if you’d like to make a contribution to help us cover the costs & time of producing these episodes for you, you can do so at this link: ko-fi.com/musicmaps



    It is hugely important for us to get positive reviews & star ratings - if you have enjoyed Music Maps & can spare the time to do either we would hugely appreciate it.



    You can see our upcoming live events here: https://rocknrollbookclub.co.uk/live/



    Instagram: @rocknrollbookclube17


    Blue Sky: @musicmaps.bsky.social


    X: @simonmusicmaps


    Facebook: E17rockbookclub



    Hosted by Mark Hart & Simon Cardwell

    Written & Produced by Simon Cardwell

    Edited, mixed & spruced up by Andy Maxwell


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 7 mins
  • 56 - Punk Diaries - The Clash, The Slits, Sex Pistols, X-Ray Spex & more with Angela Jaeger
    Mar 22 2025

    Angela Jaeger is our guest to discuss her unique Punk Diaries 1977-1981 book documenting her experiences in the punk rock scene in New York & London. Angela shares her journey growing up in the East Village, her encounters with the likes of Lydia Lunch, Joe Strummer, Viv Albertine & John Belushi.


    She was right in the thick of the vibrant New York punk scene & became a regular visitor to CBGB's & Max's Kansas City. Angela later moved to London & befriended the Clash, visited Kings Road & even stayed on X-Ray Spex couch.


    Back in New York, Angela hosted a party for The Clash following their NYC debut at the Palladium & even ended up on stage with the band briefly. We also touch on the legendary Tier 3 nightclub - Angela's sister was the booker & helped to bring the likes of A Certain Ratio, the Raincoats, Pop Group, The Slits, and Young Marble Giants to the venue.



    It takes anything from 5 to 40 hours to prepare each episode of Music Maps - if you’d like to make a contribution to help us cover the costs & time of producing these episodes for you, you can do so at this link: ko-fi.com/musicmaps



    It is hugely important for us to get positive reviews & star ratings - if you have enjoyed Music Maps & can spare the time to do either we would hugely appreciate it.



    You can see our upcoming live events here: https://rocknrollbookclub.co.uk/live/



    Instagram: @rocknrollbookclube17


    Blue Sky: @musicmaps.bsky.social


    X: @simonmusicmaps


    Facebook: E17rockbookclub



    Hosted by Mark Hart & Simon Cardwell

    Written & Produced by Simon Cardwell

    Edited, mixed & spruced up by Andy Maxwell


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    51 mins
  • 55 - The Dream Syndicate, R.E.M, U2 & more with Steve Wynn
    Mar 15 2025

    We welcome back Steve Wynn from the Dream Syndicate for Part 2 of our conversation, delving into the band's experiences touring with U2, the departure of band member Kendra, and the challenges of recording their follow-up album with A&M Records.


    We discuss the bands extensive touring with R.E.M. as well as their dramatic rise, the conscious shift in sound during tours, the indie rock movement's collective rise, and the importance of authenticity in music, the dynamics within bands, and the motivations behind reunions.


    It takes anything from 5 to 40 hours to prepare each episode of Music Maps - if you’d like to make a contribution to help us cover the costs & time of producing these episodes for you, you can do so at this link: ko-fi.com/musicmaps



    It is hugely important for us to get positive reviews & star ratings - if you have enjoyed Music Maps & can spare the time to do either we would hugely appreciate it.



    You can see our upcoming live events here: https://rocknrollbookclub.co.uk/live/



    Instagram: @rocknrollbookclube17


    Blue Sky: @musicmaps.bsky.social


    X: @simonmusicmaps


    Facebook: E17rockbookclub



    Hosted by Mark Hart & Simon Cardwell

    Written & Produced by Simon Cardwell

    Edited, mixed & spruced up by Andy Maxwell


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    53 mins