Bruce Woolley: From Video Killed the Radio Star to Music, Innovation and the Theremin

May 22, 2025

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This episode features music pioneer Bruce Woolley, best known for co-writing the groundbreaking hit Video Killed the Radio Star. But as this conversation reveals, that’s just one highlight in a storied and continually evolving career. From his roots in Leicestershire and his early inspiration from Led Zeppelin to forming The Camera Club with a young Thomas Dolby, Bruce shares his journey through innovation, collaboration, and sonic experimentation.

You’ll hear the story behind iconic songs, his adventures in synth pop, working with Grace Jones on Slave to the Rhythm, and his passion project, the Radio Science Orchestra, which brings the theremin to the forefront of 21st-century audiovisual performance.

Bruce also gives an honest and insightful perspective on how AI and new technologies are reshaping the music industry, and reflects on what it means to be a true artist in the age of digital creation.

🎼 Highlights:

The story behind Video Killed the Radio Star and its surprising sci-fi roots
Forming The Camera Club and working with Thomas Dolby
Writing and producing Slave to the Rhythm for Grace Jones
Thoughts on AI, virtual pop stars, and the future of music creation
The mystique and magic of the theremin
The legacy of The Radio Science Orchestra and immersive audio-visual shows
Bruce’s latest release: Bruce Woolley & The Camera Club – The Definitive Anthology (1977–1981)

🔗 Resources & Links:

💿 Bruce Woolley & The Camera Club: The Definitive Anthology (via Cherry Red Records)
🌐 Bruce’s website: brucewoolleyhq.com
📀 Radio Science Orchestra: https://www.radioscienceorchestra.com/

💬 Memorable Quotes:

“The rock guitarist plays three chords in front of 3,000 people; the jazz guitarist plays 3,000 chords in front of three.”
— Bruce Woolley

“Sometimes I think there's a supernatural quality within music and songwriting... the future leaks through.”
— Bruce Woolley

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