Kate Mossman's book 'Men of a Certain Age' explores her interviews with iconic rock stars, revealing personal and emotional ties to her father.
The discussion highlights the transition of Kate's career from The Word magazine to The New Statesman, showcasing her growth as a music journalist.
Adam and Kate reflect on the power of music to strengthen familial bonds, demonstrating how it enhances emotional connections within relationships.
Deep dives
Adam and Rosie: A Unique Bond
The episode opens with Adam Buxton sharing his experiences with his beloved dog Rosie, who recently underwent a radical grooming. He describes the initial discomfort of seeing her new look but emphasizes the beauty he now sees as she adjusts to her sleek appearance. This playful banter highlights the deep bond between Adam and Rosie, as he affectionately addresses her throughout the narrative. Their companionship serves as a light-hearted backdrop for the episode, setting a warm tone for listeners.
Kate Mossman: Journalist and Author
A significant discussion in the episode centers around Adam's conversation with journalist and author Kate Mossman, exploring her career in music writing. Adam recalls first encountering her work in the 2000s through her contributions to The Word magazine, where she stood out for her thoughtful and positive approach to music journalism. He highlights her transition to The New Statesman as the arts editor, where she interviewed numerous notable artists. This segment showcases Kate's journey through the music industry and her growing prominence as a profile writer.
Exploring 'Men of a Certain Age'
The conversation progresses to Kate's first book, 'Men of a Certain Age,' which features interviews with iconic rock musicians. Adam points out that the title emerged as a response to the phrase 'women of a certain age,' giving it an interesting twist. The interviews included music legends such as Brian May and Roger Taylor, revealing the complex dynamics between Kate and these older rock stars. This exploration allows listeners to reflect on the themes of admiration, nostalgia, and the personal connections that form through music.
The Dynamics of Musical Obsession
Kate shares her journey as a music journalist and the unconscious bias that drew her towards interviewing older male rock stars. She articulates her evolving awareness of how the fame and persona of these musicians intersect with personal, often familial, dynamics in her life. Particularly, she delves into her relationship with her father and how it influences her feelings toward older male musicians, demonstrating the intricate emotional connections behind the interviews. The segment importantly underscores how personal experiences shape professional encounters in the music industry.
Reflections on Music and Family
Towards the end of the episode, Kate and Adam discuss the complexities of familial relationships and how music serves as a conduit for emotional expression between them. Kate reflects on her father's emotional connection to music, highlighting shared interests that anchor their relationship. This conversation resonates with the theme of familial bonds reinforced through musical affection, emphasizing how music not only entertains but also facilitates deeper connections. It reveals a profound exploration of identity, nostalgia, and the role of music as an emotional touchstone in their lives.
Adam talks with British journalist and author Kate Mossman about her book Men Of A Certain Age, in which she details encounters with elder statesmen of Rock. Kate tells Adam about meeting Kiss, Ray Davies and Kevin Ayers, her deep-level Queen issues, and the extent to which the relationship between father and daughter informs her feelings about some of her older male musical idols. And Adam recounts a recent encounter with a musical hero that was so nearly a dream come true… but ended in abject humiliation.
Conversation recordedface-to-face in London on March 11th, 2025
Thanks to Séamus Murphy-Mitchell for production support and conversation editing.
