

Pop: The History Makers with Steve Blame
Steve Blame
Each Week - Pop: The History Makers presents a new one-hour interview with an icon of popular culture.If you prefer watching the interviews - go to my YouTube podcast channel -https://www.youtube.com/@popthehistorymakersOnline - Per Martinsen - Norwegian's Electronic Godfather!UPDATE and DEEP DIVE interviews include:Raz Lindvall (formerly Rob 'n' Raz), Louis C. Oberländer (Jeremy Days), Justin Currie (Del Amitri), Fish (Update interview) Phillip Boa, Toyah, Anne Clark (the poet who continually reinvents herself), Belouis Some (80s hitmaker back in the dance charts), Papa Dee (Swedish Rapper/Toaster/Pop musician) Carl Magnus Palm (ABBA historian), Suzi Quatro (70s Rocker who broke the glass ceiling for female musicians)DEEP DIVE interviews include:Larry Flick (Legendary music journalist), Alanas Chosnau (Lithuanian singer), Elizabeth Thomson (Author of Joan Baez - The Last Leaf), Sleaford Mods (electronic punk poets), BISHI (Electro Sitarist), Mike Evans - author - of the Who - Much Too Much, Tony Swain (80s hit producer), Lanah P (LGBT pioneer), David McAlmont (Vocalist, Essayist, Historian).Previous Series include:Radiohead - Life in a Glasshouse by John Aizlewood. The Velvet Underground by Chris Roberts. Sex Pistols - I Wanna Be Me by Dave Simpson. Joy Division + New Order by John Aizlewood. Lady Gaga - Applause by Annie Zaleski. ABBA at 50 - by Carl Magnus Palm. Previous Series include; P.P. Arnold, Marcella Detroit, Steve Lipson, Chris Huelsbeck, Kevin Hegge, Dieter Meier, Sue Tilley, Stefan Holm Mardo, Rusty Egan, Suzi Quatro, Hifi Sean, Man Parrish, D:Ream, Dave Dorrell (M/A/R/R/S), Papa Dee, Madeline Bell (Blue Mink), Simon Napier-Bell (documentary maker & former Wham! manager), Steve Kilbey (The Church), Jonas Åkerlund, Steve Barron, Jimmy Helms (Londonbeat), Belouis Some, Mousse T., Wolfgang Flür, Billie Ray Martin, Belouis Some, Mark Reeder, Marcus Vere (Living in a Box), Raz (of Rob n Raz), Ulf (Ace of Base), Marian Gold (Alphaville), Louis Oberlander, Dr. Alban, and Youth (Killing Joke). Fish (ex-Marillion), Leee John (Imagination), Durga McBroom (Blue Pearl), Martyn Ware (Heaven 17), Kevin Godley (10cc, Godley & Creme), Michael Münzing (Snap!), Alexander Bard (Army of Lovers), Sam Brown, John Watts, Anne Clark, Right Said Fred, Justin Currie (Del Amitri), WestBam.Mini-Memories. Short personal interview memories of; Whitney Houston, Madonna, Kurt Cobain, Al Green, Elton John, Milli Vanilli, Dave Gahan, Stevie Wonder, Lenny Kravitz, Kylie Minogue ... (ongoing) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 22, 2025 • 54min
Limahl
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.

May 15, 2025 • 1h 5min
Swing Out Sister
Swing Out Sister: From ‘Breakout’ to Timeless – The Evolution of Style and SoundCertain Shades Of Limelight — an 8CD box set celebrating a dazzling decade of Swing Out Sister’s sophisticated pop brilliance is out on June 27th 2025.Spanning 1994 to 2004, this beautifully curated collection captures the creative evolution of one of Britain’s most stylish and soulful bands. From smooth jazz-infused grooves to cinematic pop masterpieces, Certain Shades Of Limelight is a tribute to Swing Out Sister’s unique artistry and enduring appeal.Formed in 1985, the trio — Corinne Drewery (vocals), Andy Connell (keyboards), and original drummer Martin Jackson — shot to fame with the timeless hit Breakout. Their refined blend of pop, jazz, and retro soul set them apart from the start, earning both critical praise and a loyal global following.Following the success of Cherry Pop’s Blue Mood, Breakout & Beyond, this essential companion set collects five of the band’s most sought-after mid-career albums, many unavailable for years:The Living Return (1994)Shapes and Patterns (1997)Filth and Dreams (1999)Somewhere Deep in the Night (2001)Where Our Love Grows (2004)Each album is newly remastered for enhanced clarity and warmth, sounding better than ever. But the surprises don’t stop there — three bonus discs round out the set:The Big Elsewhere, a soundtrack-style mini-album featuring alternate versions of the Japanese TV theme Now You’re Not HereA treasure trove of B-sides, 7” mixes, rare edits, instrumentals, and alternate takesLovingly compiled with input from Corinne and Andy, Certain Shades Of Limelight is the definitive portrait of Swing Out Sister’s second chapter. The lavish booklet features insightful sleeve notes by Classic Pop’s John Earls, personal reflections from the band, and exclusive CD wallet illustrations by Corinne herself.With a brand-new big band album currently in the works, now is the perfect time to rediscover — or be swept away for the first time by — the lush, cinematic world of Swing Out Sister. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 20, 2025 • 53min
Alan G. Parker on John Lennon
Director Alan G. Parker on Borrowed Time; The Truth Behind John Lennon's Final Years REVEALED!Alan G. Parker, director of Hello Quo Love Kills: The Story of Sid and the Pistols and It Was Fifty Years Ago Today... Sgt Pepper and Beyond, BORROWED TIME: LENNON'S LAST DECADE explores the final decade of Lennon's life in extraordinary detail.Alan G. Parker is a British documentary filmmaker renowned for his in-depth explorations of iconic music figures, such as Sid Vicious, Monty Python, and The Beatles. His latest project, Borrowed Time: Lennon's Last Decade, is a visionary documentary that delves into the final ten years of John Lennon's life. The film chronicles Lennon's evolution beyond The Beatles, highlighting his solo musical endeavors, activism at the forefront of anti-war protests, and personal growth during the 1970s. It covers his activism and the associated naivety, delves into new information, and to some extent explodes some of the myths about Lennon, which lead to a greater understanding of the man. To me, tt feels like an honest portrayal, particularly around his murder, sometimes with people who haven't talked before. Utilizing rare archival footage, interviews with close associates, and never-before-seen materials, Parker offers an intimate portrait of Lennon as he navigated fame, artistic reinvention, and his enduring influence as a pop culture icon. Borrowed Time: Lennon's Last Decade is scheduled for release in UK cinemas on May 2, 2025, with an exclusive Director's Cut available on the Icon Film Channel the same day. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 16, 2025 • 48min
Chris Bostock of JoBoxers
Chris Bostock; JoBoxers, Style Council and Dave Stewart; The life of a Bass Guitar PlayerChris Bostock is an English musician, songwriter, and music producer, best known as the bassist for the 1980s new wave band JoBoxers. Born in Bristol in 1962, Bostock began his musical journey with classical piano at age six before transitioning to guitar and bass. He was a founding member of The Stingrays and later joined The X-Certs, both integral to Bristol's vibrant punk and new wave scenes in the late 1970s.In 1980, Bostock became part of the second incarnation of Subway Sect, managed by Bernard Rhodes (The Clash manager). This collaboration led to the formation of JoBoxers, whose blend of funk, soul, and ska produced hits like "Boxerbeat" and "Just Got Lucky," the latter reaching No. 7 on the UK charts and No. 31 in the US. Bostock co-wrote several of the band's tracks, contributing significantly to their distinctive sound.Beyond JoBoxers, Bostock's career includes work with The Style Council, Spear of Destiny, and forming The Spiritual Cowboys with Dave Stewart of Eurythmics fame. His versatile musicianship and collaborative spirit have made him a respected figure in the music industry.Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts on Madonna’s influence in thecomments 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/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 10, 2025 • 1h 1min
Lee Swillingham
Lee Swillingham; Inside The FACE Magazine; a style Revolution That Changed British Culture!To watch the interview go here;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmZAmkcJC4kLee Swillingham, former Art Director of The Face magazine and co-curator of The Face; Culture Shirt Exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery in London, is a distinguished British art director renowned for his influential contributions to fashion and culture publications. After studying Graphic Design at Central Saint Martins, he became the art director of The Face magazine in 1992, where his innovative designs significantly boosted its circulation and acclaim. In 2000, Swillingham co-founded Pop magazine, further cementing his impact on the industry. Alongside Stuart Spalding, he established Suburbia, a creative agency that has been shaping visual culture for over two decades. In 2025, the National Portrait Gallery in London hosted "The Face Magazine: Culture Shift," an exhibition celebrating the iconic imagery from The Face. The exhibition featured over 200 prints by more than 80 photographers, showcasing the magazine's profound influence on fashion, music, and youth culture from the 1980s onward. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 2, 2025 • 1h 4min
Dig Wayne
Dig Wayne (JoBoxers) Interview, Just Got Lucky, Boxer Beat, 80s Icon Status.Best known as the charismatic frontman of JoBoxers, the British new wave and soul-influenced pop band that made a splash in the early 1980s, DIg Wayne was born and raised in the United States, Dig first gained recognition as part of the rockabilly revival scene with his band Buzz and the Flyers before moving to the UK, where he joined JoBoxers in 1982. With his distinctive blend of soul, punk energy, and sharp fashion sense, Dig became the driving force behind JoBoxers’ signature sound — a mix of Northern soul, pop, and punk influences.The band quickly rose to prominence with their debut single "Boxer Beat" in 1983, which became a UK Top 5 hit. They followed it up with the equally successful "Just Got Lucky," which not only charted in the UK but also found success in the US, becoming a staple of 1980s pop culture. Dig’s soulful vocals and magnetic stage presence helped define JoBoxers’ image, making them one of the most distinctive acts of the era.After JoBoxers disbanded in the mid-1980s, Dig Wayne explored a solo career and acting roles, but his work with JoBoxers remains a defining moment in 1980s music history. His ability to fuse American soul and rockabilly roots with British pop and punk energy left a lasting impact on the music scene. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 26, 2025 • 1h
Gaz Whelan
Best known as the drummer and co-founder of the iconic Manchester band Happy Mondays, Gaz Whelan was diagnosed at 11 years of age with a phobia of faults. His distinctive drumming style helped shape the band's signature blend of indie rock and dance music. To watch this interview go here;https://youtu.be/fo-ZxR5R1i8Today Gaz, as the founding member of Yogi G and the Family Tree, has crafted an album - Show me the Truth - rich in confession and regret - Gaz has had a few, but this album, with his steadfast guitar and moving lyrics, is maybe his greatest accomplishment to date.Featured on the album; Gary Whelan. Lee 'Latch' Parker, Paul Ryder, Rowetta, Jon Lord, Johnny Evans, Wayne Edwards, Queen Vee, Chris Barton, Gilly Genesis, Iain Buckinghamshire, Mike Downing, Mike Bee, Neil Atherton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 19, 2025 • 42min
Lucy O'Brien
Author Lucy O'Brien reveals the real story of Karen Carpenter in her book; Lead Sister. All the interviews at http://www.popthehistorymakers.comKaren Carpenter was one half of the sibling duo The Carpenters, who rose to fame in the 1970s with hits like Close to You and We've Only Just Begun. Known for her rich, melancholic voice and exceptional drumming skills, Karen helped define the Carpenters' distinctive sound. Despite their success, Karen struggled with anorexia nervosa, which tragically led to her death in 1983 at the age of 32.In 2023, British author and journalist Lucy O'Brien published Lead Sister: The Story of Karen Carpenter, a biography that explores Karen's life and legacy beyond the often-simplified narrative of her as a victim. O'Brien, who began her career in music journalism in the 1980s with NME and The Guardian, is known for her work on women in music, including She Bop: The Definitive History of Women in Rock, Pop, and Soul (1995) and biographies of Dusty Springfield, Annie Lennox, and Madonna. Lead Sister draws on fresh interviews with friends and collaborators, highlighting Karen’s influence as a singer, drummer, and producer. The book was named a Times Book of the Year and has been praised for its insightful and compassionate portrayal of Karen Carpenter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 13, 2025 • 1h 5min
Precious Wilson
Precious Wilson; Eruption's One Way Ticket & I Can't Stand the Rain The Disco & Soul Diva's Journey.Precious Wilson is a British soul and disco singer who gained prominence in the late 1970s as the lead vocalist of the group Eruption. Born in Jamaica, she moved to the United Kingdom, where she joined Eruption and contributed to their international success with hits like "I Can't Stand the Rain" and "One Way Ticket." These tracks were produced by Frank Farian, known for his work with Boney M. and later Milli Vanilli. In 1979, Precious Wilson embarked on a solo career under Farian's guidance, releasing several albums and singles that showcased her dynamic vocals and stage presence. Her influence continues to resonate with fans of classic disco and soul music, and she remains active in the music industry, performing and recording new material. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 6, 2025 • 1h 28min
Wolfgang Flür & Peter Duggal
With Peter Duggal & collaborators U96, Boris Blank, Thomas Vangarde, Juan Atkins, Anthony Rother, Emil Schult, Peter Hook! More interviews at http://www.popthehistorymakers.comWolfgang Flür, former member of Kraftwerk, who has worked with collaborator Peter Duggal since 2015, is set to release his new album, Times, on March 28, 2025, and a new single with Juan Atkins - the Detroit godfather of Techno, on Tuesday 11th March.If you want to watch this on YouTube go here;Wolfgang Flür drops TIMES. Massive electronic names work with ex-Kraftwerk drummerhttps://youtu.be/uXetTet3kJUTrack Listing;POSH (featuring Juan Atkins) Released Tuesday 11th MarchPLANET IN FEVER (featuring U96 & Emil Schult)CINEMA (featuring Fabrice Lig)FAR AWAYFUTURE ONE (featuring NEWMEN)ÜBER_ALL (featuring Peter Hook & Thomas Vangarde)MAGAZINE (Imppu Rework)PROPERTY (featuring Anthony Rother)TIMESGLOBAL YOUTH (featuring Boris Blank & Emil Schult)SEXERSIZER (featuring U96)HILDEBRANDLIED (featuring U96)MONDAY TO THE MOON (featuring Peter Hook & Thomas Vangarde)Times reflects Flür's evolution, blending his electronic roots with contemporary influences. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.