Mark and Me Podcast Episode 391: Jeff Wayne
Oct 19, 2024
Jeff Wayne, a renowned American composer known for his musical adaptation of The War of the Worlds, shares captivating insights into his creative journey. He discusses his rich musical upbringing, the emotional ties to live performances, and the challenges of carving out an original voice. The evolution of live shows, including advanced staging techniques, is explored as well. Wayne celebrates the vinyl resurgence, highlighting the nostalgic feel of new album releases. He also reflects on a personally significant song that connects him to cherished family memories.
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Growing Up Inside Show Business
- Jeff Wayne grew up around music and theatre because his father was a successful pop star and Broadway performer.
- Those childhood experiences, plus seeing his father's friends, seeded his love for music and performance.
Securing Rights And Following Wells' Lead
- Wayne described winning rights to H.G. Wells' novel after meeting Wells' descendant and pitching a faithful period musical interpretation.
- He followed Wells' chapters closely and used the book itself as a compositional roadmap.
Anchor Big Projects In A Clear Starting Point
- Start big ideas from a clear anchor in the source material to avoid being overwhelmed by a blank page.
- Use specific book elements (e.g., a chapter titled 'The Eve of the War') as musical or structural starting points.
