Pop: The History Makers with Steve Blame

Iain McKell is a distinguished British photographer and filmmaker celebrated for his powerful portraits and social-documentary work, particularly his chronicling of British youth subcultures since the late 1970s.His prints will be exhibited in the upcoming show Blitz – The Club That Shaped the 80s, which opens on September 20th and runs until March 29th, 2026 at the Design Museum in Kensington, London.Alongside the exhibition, he's published a monograph titled New Romantics under the imprint Little Acorn Press, featuring portraits I made in 1980 at the age of 22.Every Tuesday, the Blitz Club played out its weekly scene, and he would attend with invitation cards in hand. He handed them to people who caught my eye, inviting them to a Thursday afternoon pop-up studio he set up at the Orangery in Holland Park. To his delight, many came, including Vivienne Westwood, Billy Idol, and George O’Dowd, to name just a few.The result is a rare and intimate documentation of a dynamic cultural movement as it was just beginning to emerge.Born in Weymouth, Dorset, in 1957, Iain began his photographic journey at 19 as a seaside portraitist while studying graphic design at Exeter, before moving to London in 1979 to devote himself fully to photography His early self‑published book, SUB CULTURE (1979), spotlighted the Mod and Skinhead revivals and led to opportunities photographing Blitz Kids in 1980s London, Madonna’s first magazine cover, and other influential editorial work in i‑D, The Face, and L'Uomo Vogue. McKell is perhaps best known for his decade‑long immersion in the world of New Age Travellers—documenting a modern nomadic subculture through his book The New Gypsies (2011) and exhibitions across London, Paris, Milan, and New York.His other notable books include Fashion Forever: 30 Years of Subculture (2004) and Beautiful Britain: Photographs from the 1970s to the Present (2012) McKell’s approach is both empathetic and unromanticized: he immerses himself in the lives of diverse communities to produce honest, poetic visual narratives that explore themes of rebellion, identity, and belonging Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Deniece Pearson—best known as the powerhouse lead singer of Five Star—was the voice behind some of the slickest pop-R&B hits of the 1980s. As frontwoman of Britain’s answer to the Jacksons, she helped the sibling group dominate the charts with platinum albums and a string of infectious singles like System Addict and Rain or Shine. With a Brit Award under her belt and a signature sound that defined an era, Deniece has since carved out a dynamic solo career, earning praise in the West End, on The Voice UK, and with her own soul-driven releases. Timeless, trailblazing, and still shining. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A veteran British broadcaster, music industry insider, and self-proclaimed "serial thrill-seeker", Steve Blacknell's life has zigzagged through some of pop culture's most iconic moments.Born in Peckham in 1952 and raised in Dartford, Blacknell rose from humble beginnings—working as a hospital cleaner—to becoming a dynamic force in radio, television, and music PR. He worked at major record labels like Decca, Chrysalis, and Jive, where he notably signed A Flock of Seagulls.In the early 1980s, he became a familiar face and voice on BBC Radio 1, BBC2’s Riverside, and later as a pioneering European video jockey on MTV USA’s London Calling, reaching an audience of over 20 million.In 1985, he flew on Concorde with Phil Collins to cover both the UK and US sides of Live Aid, cementing his place in music history.Blacknell also dated Kate Bush in the 1970s, and their romance has since become part of his rich tapestry of rock 'n' roll storytelling. In interviews and his writing, he speaks fondly of her artistry and the intimacy they once shared, offering rare insight into the reclusive star.In 2025, he published his memoir Tales from the Bedroom Wall: The Life & Times of a Serial Thrill Seeker, which charts the highs of stardom and the lows of personal collapse. To buy the book, go here;https://amzn.eu/d/gCDNm8KFor Steve, failure is not a shame—it's a vital part of learning. He believes falling down hard is often what creates the best stories, the most powerful comebacks, and the deepest empathy. His life is living proof of that philosophy.Like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring stories from the world of music. 🔗 Support Me Here☕Buy me a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/popthehistorymakers🔗 Stay Connected With Me.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steve.blame/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Steve Levine: The Hitmaker Behind Culture Club, The Beach Boys & More | Music Producer Legend #cultureclub #boygeorge #stevelevine #recordproducerHe’s the man behind the mixing desk who helped define the sound of a generation.My guest today is a Grammy Award-winning producer and one of the true architects of ‘80s pop. He shaped the global success of Culture Club, producing timeless hits like Karma Chameleon and Do You Really Want to Hurt Me, and played a key role in launching Boy George into superstardom.Steve’s discography as a playlist on Spotify here:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0WASlPyUQWAufcH1LnUAxe?si=1079ff5e819a478dBut Steve Levine’s story goes far beyond Culture Club. He’s worked with a staggering range of music legends — from The Beach Boys and Gary Moore to Lemmy — leaving his sonic signature on everything from polished pop to raw rock.A pioneer of studio innovation and a passionate advocate for new talent, Steve has never stopped pushing boundaries. Today, we’re diving deep into the music, the moments, and the mindset of a producer who helped shape the soundtrack of our lives.Full list of releases are herehttps://open.spotify.com/artist/1FZXNDQT6H3YSeMSgivXSQ?si=dnFW6HPxQRaYcI1WtFujIQLike, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring stories from the world of music.🔗 Support Me Here☕Buy me a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/popthehistorymakers🔗 Stay Connected With Me.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steve.blame/Website: http://www.popthehistorymakers.com/📩 For business inquiries: steve@popthehistorymakers.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gered Mankowitz; Photographing Kate Bush, The Rolling Stones, Billy Idol, Suzi Quatro, Jimi Hendrix#GeredMankowitz #photography #katebush #therollingstones #billyidol #Suziquatro #jimihendrix As someone who’s spent years speaking with some of the most fascinating figures in music and culture, few conversations have excited me as much as the one you’re about to see. Recently, I had the great pleasure of sitting down with Gered Mankowitz—a photographer whose work hasn’t just captured music history, but helped define how we see it.Note; All Images © Gered Mankowitz / Iconic ImagesFor more - visit www.iconicimagesgallery.com From the gritty edge of the Rolling Stones and the electric charisma of Jimi Hendrix, to the theatrical glam of Slade, Sweet, and Suzi Quatro, the intense gaze of Billy Idol, and the enigmatic beauty of Kate Bush, Gered’s images have become part of our collective cultural memory.In this interview, we talk about the man behind the camera—his background, how it shaped his creative vision, and the instinctive way he connects with his subjects. We also delve into his relationship with the Hasselblad camera, a tool that became an extension of his eye, and explore what it is that he brings out in the people he photographs—something deeper, more human, and often utterly timeless.As we talk, I’ll be sharing some of his most iconic photographs—images that not only reflect a moment in time but continue to resonate decades later.This is more than a conversation about photography—it’s a revealing journey through music, image, and identity, seen through the lens of one of the great visual storytellers of our time.Like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring stories from the world of music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As someone who has interviewed many influential artists over the years, Andrew Roachford stands out as a truly unique voice in British music. Rising to fame in the late 1980s with his band Roachford, he broke onto the charts with the unforgettable hit “Cuddly Toy”, a track that fused soul, rock, and funk in a way that felt completely fresh at the time. His debut album went platinum, and Roachford quickly established himself not just as a powerful vocalist, but also as a talented songwriter and performer.Over the decades, his work has continued to evolve. Whether through emotionally charged solo records like Feel or Twice in a Lifetime, or as co-lead vocalist for Mike + The Mechanics since 2010, Roachford has shown a remarkable ability to adapt while remaining true to his musical roots. His voice — raw, soulful, and unmistakably his own — has become one of the most enduring sounds in British soul-rock.In this interview, I explore Roachford’s creative journey, his musical influences, the challenges he’s faced, and the lessons learned across a career that spans more than 30 years. With an MBE awarded for his contribution to music in 2019, Roachford’s legacy continues to grow — and it was a real pleasure to speak with him.Roachford is currently on tour, supporting his album Then and Now, featuing his greatest hits alongisde some new tracks.More information about the tour and also the album at https://roachford.co.uk/And if you want more from me go to www.popthehistorymakers.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Designer Keanan Duffty; Fashion meets Music, David Bowie, Sex Pistols; The University of FailureI’m thrilled to introduce Keanan Duffty—this isn’t just an intro, it’s your VIP pass into the mind of a true blend of fashion, music, and education.Keanan is a British-born creative powerhouse (b. 1964, Doncaster) who's been rocking stages and runways since the late ’70s After cutting his teeth in punk and New Romantic bands like Sordid Details and Wonder Stories, he sharpened his artistic vision at Central Saint Martins before relocating to NYC in 1993 to pursue both fashion and music In fashion, he founded his own Soho-based label in 1999, leaning into rock‑inspired, subculture-driven style—selling to heavy hitters like Bergdorf Goodman, Harrods, and Bloomingdale’s . He’s styled legends like David Bowie and the Sex Pistols—and even co-created a David Bowie-inspired line for Target in 2007. Between designing for Gwen Stefani’s L.A.M.B., consulting with Ben Sherman, Reebok, Aveda, Dr. Martens, and launching a built‑in wardrobe show with DIY punk flair, his style ethos is nothing short of revolutionary On the music front, he’s frontman and vocalist for Slinky Vagabond—a glam‑punk supergroup that featured Sex Pistols' Glen Matlock, Blondie's Clem Burke, and Bowie/Lennon guitarist Earl Slick—tossing his voice into iconic events and venues since the 2000s. Today Slinky Vagabond is Keanan and Fabio Fabbri. Around academia, Keanan’s a true educator and mentor. He’s held leadership roles at Parsons, Academy of Art San Francisco, Polimoda in Florence, and now at USC’s Iovine & Young Academy—teaching fashion through the lens of innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurial storytelling He’s also a proud CFDA board member and advocate for Ukrainian designers, having orchestrated their platform at NYFW .What ties it all together? His signature “practical sustainability” ethos—upcycling vintage Levi’s and Lee jackets, launching eco-cotton collections in the '90s, and integrating tech like CLO‑3D to slash waste Get ready for an engaging, inspiring conversation—Keanan blends raw rock energy, design discipline, and an educator’s insight like no other. Let’s jump in!Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments below!✅ Important Links:👉 Website: https://www.popthehistorymakers.com/👉 Buy me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/popthehistorymakers✅Stay Connected With Me:👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steve.blame/📩 For business inquiries: steve@popthehistorymakers.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sue Clowes; Designer of Boy George/Culture Club's iconic clothes; She help Shape 80's Fashion LegacyPhoto; (c) Samuel GuerrierPioneering British textile and fashion designer, Sue Clowes, is renowned for her influential role in shaping 1980s pop and street fashion.⁠⁠It was her collaboration with Boy George and Culture Club in the early 1980s that brought her widespread recognition, with Clowes's designs characterized by vibrant prints and religious iconography, and which became synonymous with the band's eclectic style. ⁠⁠Subscribe here to learn when the Premiere starts⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5S9xw1B-ppDXVkAuvRRQtg?sub_confirmation=1⁠⁠After moving to Italy in 1987, Clowes, who at first threw herself into wearable technology clothes, eventually retreated from the fashion scene but in 2012 relaunched her brand with her daughter Marta Melani.⁠Today, after retrospectives which have seen her work shown at the Victoria and Albert museum, and also at the recent Outlaws: Fashion Renegades of 80s London at the Fashion and Textile Museum in London, her contribution to fashion and popular culture is finally being acknowledged.⁠ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Martin Green is a pioneering DJ, curator, and cultural archivist, best known as the founder of Smashing, the legendary 1990s Soho club that became a cornerstone of Britpop-era nightlife. He toured with Pulp and has DJ-ed for Blur, Suede, Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, and fashion houses like Chanel and Prada. A passionate collector, he compiled The Sound Gallery and over 30 albums of lounge, soundtracks, and musical curiosities.To see all the interviews - go here: www.popthehistorymakers.comIn 2010, Green co-founded Duovision Arts with James Lawler to spotlight overlooked artists, especially from the LGBTQ community. Duovision has exhibited work by Duggie Fields, Marc Almond, Pam Hogg, Jarvis Cocker, and others. In 2023, their Outlaws show at the Fashion and Textile Museum highlighted 1980s alternative designers linked to Leigh Bowery’s Taboo club. Their latest exhibition at the Museum of Liverpool celebrates Holly Johnson’s cultural legacy.Green’s work bridges club culture, visual art, and archival storytelling—championing the creative and the unconventional with style and substance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Limahl; From Kajagoogoo's Too Shy to Giorgio Moroder's Never Ending Story!Limahl (born Christopher Hamill) is a British pop singer best known as the lead vocalist of the 1980s band Kajagoogoo, whose global hit "Too Shy" topped charts in 1983. After going solo, he gained further success with the international hit "The NeverEnding Story", the theme song for the cult fantasy film of the same name.Full Interview to watch here;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWseLSeUd7QLimahl has continued to perform and release music over the years, often blending nostalgia with fresh material. His latest song, "Horse With No Name" (2024), is a modern reimagining of the classic track by the band America. With updated production and Limahl’s signature vocals, it pays homage to the original while giving it a contemporary synth-pop twist, showing his enduring versatility as an artist.=========================🔎 Related Phrases:Limahl, Kajagoogoo, Never Ending Story, Too Shy, 1980s pop, British singer, synthpop, new wave, Christopher Hamill, solo career, MTV, hair icon, Giorgio Moroder, Top of the Pops, pop culture, retro music, 80s fashion, comeback, nostalgia, music videos, chart hits.#Limahl, #Kajagoogoo, #NeverEndingStory, #TooShy, #80sMusic, #80sPop, #NewWave, #Synthpop, #RetroMusic, #MTVIcons, #GiorgioMoroder, #80sIcon, #PopLegend, #TopOfThePops, #80sNostalgia, #VintageVibes, #FlashbackFriday, #ThrowbackTunes, #ClassicPop, #musiclegends Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.