Pop: The History Makers with Steve Blame

Dieter Meier from YELLO talks about how YELLO came about, his long-term partner in the band - Boris Blank, the departure of Carlos Peron, the hits, about his love of Billy Mackensie's voice, and of course their Rhythm Divine track with Shirley Bassey. And he talks about the role co-incidence has played in his life, the highs and the lows, his art, his ranch in Argentina, and his latest venture - chocolate.⁠The interview took place a in 2021 and coincided with the release of the limited vinyl run of all six YELLO albums from the 80s. Every album comes with a bonus 12’‘ including rare live recordings and extended versions. ⁠And if you like this interview, check out others from Wolfgang Flür from Kraftwerk, or Man Parrish - a wild ride through New York of the 1980s.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/pop-the-history-makers-with-steve-blame/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ulf Ekberg, one of the founding members of Ace of Base along with Jonas, Jenny, and Malin or Linn Berggren, co-wrote most of the tracks on their debut album Happy Nation which included the hits All That She Wants and Wheel of Fortune, and which subsequently gave the band worldwide success.At the height of their success in 1993, stories appeared in the Swedish press revealing his past as part of a neo-nazi band when he was between the ages of 13 and 16. He subsequently expressed his regret as to that involvement and has said many times that he does not agree with any extremist views.In 1994, The Sign became the best-selling single in America. One morning that year back in Sweden, Jenny woke up at her parent’s home with a stalker holding a knife to her neck and she and her mother suffered a shocking attack. This is Ulf’s story, his regret for his past, the effect on the whole of the band of that knife attack, and, of course, the story of the 3rd best-selling act to come out of Sweden - Ace of Base.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/pop-the-history-makers-with-steve-blame/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Following the break-up of The Bodysnatchers, Jennie Matthias got her big break in the 80’s all girl group The Belle Stars, later signed to Stiff Records, and hit the charts in 1982 with Iko Iko, a song which was to later again feature significantly in Jennie’s life, after it was used in the Dustin Hoffman, Tom Cruise film Rain Man. Full Interview on YouTube here:In the UK, The Belle Stars released a further 7 singles after 'Iko Iko', scoring their biggest hit with ‘Sign of The Times’.This is Jennie’s story, which is deeper and more moving that the two paragraphs above could do justice to.She witnessed her mother kill her sister in front of her.She spent time in a children’s homeShe was sent back to live with her mother, and again physically abused.She became a pop star in The Belle Stars almost by accidentShe became a heroin addictShe was in the States, trying to get off Heroin, when Iko Iko became a hit after bring used in the film Rain Man.Her boyfriend of 7 years committed suicide. A moment that changed her life.Today she works with disadvantaged children. And she uses her poetry to raise awareness of drug issues.Devised a system of help for people who have been through similar issues in their livesAuthored a book about her journey and the process of help; Surviving the Storm; How to embrace your pain and grow through adversityThis is Jennie’s story, powerful, uplifting, and moving.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/pop-the-history-makers-with-steve-blame/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

British singer songwriter Dee C. Lee rose to prominence as a session musician for Wham! and the Style Council. She had risen through the ranks of the Brit Funk movement of the late 70s, early 80s singing sessions for bands like Central Line. Full length Interview on YouTube - Please subscribe if you watch it therehttps://youtu.be/H6F9nM6HK80Working with George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley raised her profile, and at one point, she had started singing with the Style Council when she became the first ever person to sing in two bands during the recording of one episode of Top of the Pops. At first her solo career with CBS stumbled, but in 1985 she released See the Day, a song she had written at 18 years of age, and it became a massive hit in the UK. She remained with the Style Council for many years, and her relationship with Paul Weller became official, and they have two children together. Long separated, and after a period away from the spotlight she has returned to the music scene with a double A side single - Don’t Forget about Love & Be There in the Morning, and a forthcoming album.More information on her website;https://www.deeclee.com/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/pop-the-history-makers-with-steve-blame/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Norman Washington Giscombe, otherwise known as Junior who gained fame with his hit single "Mama Used to Say" in the early 80s.⁠⁠If you want to watch this episode on YouTube - SUBSCRIBE to POP the history makers::⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5S9xw1B-ppDXVkAuvRRQtg?sub_confirmation=1⁠⁠When the album Ji was released, he was compared to Stevie Wonder.⁠He wrote Too Late about domestic violence⁠He was the first British singer to appear on Soul Train since David Bowie⁠Michael Jackson stole a couple of his dance moves⁠He recorded tracks with Phil Lynott (Thin Lizzy) - and the record company didn’t even release the material.⁠Suffered from Racist attitudes at the time. On British TV when performing his duet with Kim Wilde he was introduced as Kym Wilde & friend! Not even mentioning his name.⁠Suffered terrible personal loss - his wife Nardia and daughter Jenique both died from Multiple Sclerosis.⁠But despite the successes, the trials and the loss, Junior’s interview is an uplifting interview about the power of music to heal.⁠For more information on Junior go to https://juniorgiscombe.co.uk/⁠For news of a new single titled “Sweet Tender Love” - out soon, and also tour dates.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/pop-the-history-makers-with-steve-blame/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Singer. Actor and Author, Dana Gillespie has a career that has spanned over 50 years. Her first foray into music was folk and pop, but later, and she has appeared on more than 70 albums, she’s concentrated on the Blues. Her family and private life has been a constant source of fascination for many people. - Her father had breakfast with Hitler.- She slept with Bowie, the beginning of a long friendship, when she was 15 and he, 17- She was a backing singer on It Ain’t Easy, a track on Ziggy Stardust.- He gave her the track Andy Warhol to record.- She became close to Angie Bowie, with whom she’s in contact with today.- She was managed by his then manager Tony DeFries- She met Bob Dylan at 16- She’s friends with Jimmy Page- She’s the original Mary Magdalene in the London stage production of Jesus Christ Superstar.- She’s just recorded an album with Marc Almond, planned for release next year.Dana Gillespie - Weren't Born a Manhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1G6LzYM1DekDana Gillespie - Andy Warholhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b11Jw8ddigI&t=70sDonna Donnahttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=av-lPIvbVQIDavid Bowie - It Ain’t Easy - Dana on backing vocalshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnI_ko3_r_cDana GillespieMove your body Close to mehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gyMPclV2pADana Gillespie Book - Weren't Born a Manhttps://www.amazon.com/Dana-Gillespie-Werent-Born-Man/dp/1838099050#danagillespie #davidbowie #andywarhol #bobdylan #jeffbeckSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/pop-the-history-makers-with-steve-blame/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Peter Straker - the man who was close friends with Freddie Mercury. ⁠⁠When Peter Straker first recorded music he was the given the moniker of the Black Bowie. He was fresh from a career defining role as Hud in Hair - the musical that redefined the musical, outrageous, brave and trailblazing. His career as an actor, found him choosing roles which were audacious and bold - playing what we'd term today as a non-binary role in Girl/Boy - a film way ahead of its time. He was the narrator in the original Tommy musical, and much later in 2017 played the role that Tina Turner took in the film, the Acid Queen. His roles in the west end are numerous and has had a stellar career, his voice captivating.⁠⁠Born in 1943 in Jamaica, Peter's recording career started in the late 1970s. He had just met Freddie Mercury with whom he was to become firm friends. Mercury helped him getting a recording deal with EMI and even co-produced with Roy Thomas Baker (who produced the first three Queen albums) This One's For Me, Straker's first album on the label.⁠⁠His career as a recording artist stuttered and he reconsidered what was he doing. In the end he continued as a stage actor in countless musicals, and even in classical roles in the Bristol Old Vic and the National Theatre in London.⁠⁠His close friendship with the legendary Queen frontman, Freddie Mercury, shines a light on the private side of Freddie - and gives an insight in that era, what Freddie's interests were, and humanises a person we often just see as an icon or idol - I found his insights fascinating.⁠Today Peter Straker has a 3-track digital single on Cherry Red Records, Just Spend the Night with Me - a 2023 mix of his original single.⁠⁠Here are some links to hear the new material⁠⁠https://sendeyo.com/en/e8da47ddfc ⁠Lyric Video here: https://youtu.be/rX01DLn4Jew⁠⁠Order Digital Single link: https://cherryred.co/PeterStraker2023⁠Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/pop-the-history-makers-with-steve-blame/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Scarlet Fantastic singer, Maggie K de Monde, reached the charts in the UK with her musical partner of the time - Rick P. Jones as Scarlet Fantastic. Well known for her sultry vocals and avant-garde fashion sense, they pushed musical boundaries and achieved success with 'No Memory', a track which was resurrected in the club scene of the 1990s.Both Maggie and Rick were former members of Swans Way who had a hit in 1984 with Soul Train featuring the vocals of Robert Shaw.In 2016, Maggie De Monde brought back Scarlet Fantastic and released Reverie, and later with John L. Walters of Landscape released the Beyond Pluto EP. In 2021, Scarlet Fantastic released the singles "Better Day and "Make Way For Love" which was produced by HiFi Sean Dickson formerly of The Soup Dragons (his interview is available on the channel) as tasters for a new album to be released in 2024.Maggie's story is of success, disappointment, loss, standing up and starting again. She remains a positive uplighting person, and continues to make music today.Website www.scarlet-fantastic.co.uk for latest news and full discographyFacebook Music Pages under Swans Way, Scarlet Fantastic and Maggie K de Monde Follow Scarlet Fantastic Maggie K de Monde on Instagram@maggie_k_de_mondeSoul Train Swans way 1984 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1bUyLs6OJc from Fugitive Kind albumNo Memory Scarlet Fantastic 1987 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0nOb5h0JU8 From Scarlet Fantastic 24 Hrs AlbumShow Me No Mercy Kahal & Kahal 1992 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9MPgCNZWAJM&t=9s from Show Me No Mercy albumMighty K Club Silencio 2006 https://music.apple.com/gb/artist/mighty-k/130039234Night of a Thousand Stars Maggie & Martin 2013 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpDed9r8Yxs from Union albumSo Many Goodbyes Maggie & Martin https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUht4_KsDhw from Maggie & Martin album Union Take Me Away Scarlet Fantastic 2016 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50nZNyCoyKY from Reverie album Beyond Pluto Scarlet Fantastic 2016 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHIlk7RfJ9k from Reverie albumTo Hell Scarlet Fantastic 2019 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJL09s8Ck5sMake Way for Love Scarlet Fantastic 2021 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKurRKLzZyABetter Day Scarlet Fantastic 2021 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgIB1oS7WGYSurrender Kill the Hero feat Maggie K de Monde 2014 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GehnuWggZ48Scarlet Fantastic film on theTubehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arP5ar7gNhAThe photo books that will be released next year with the work of Maggie's brother Paul Edmond, 3 Editions! “Duran Duran En Scène Music- Fashion-Club-Street (Birmingham 1979-82) “Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/pop-the-history-makers-with-steve-blame/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

First Lady of House Music; this was the moniker Kym Mazelle received when she signed to EMI in London as their first House Music artist. Born on August 10, 1960, in Gary, Indiana, just two doors down to where the Jackson's would first record. If you want to see this interview on YouTube - go here:https://youtu.be/or2f-T9yRQg?si=-Y8bJABZhj5jJSp0And Subscribe!Her dynamic vocals and stage presence is what Kym became known for, and gained widespread recognition - one of our friends at MTV Europe during the late 1980s with her breakthrough single, "Useless (I Don't Need You Now)," which not only showcased her impressive vocal range but furhter established her as a prominent figure in the emerging house music scene, after her first Marshall Jefferson produced single 'Taste my Love' in 1987.Later Kym worked with Soul II Soul and Robert Howard of The Blow Monkeys. Kym's unwavering passion for music continue to inspire new generations of artists, and she remains one of the greatest icons of the house music scene.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/pop-the-history-makers-with-steve-blame/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Artist Mark Wardel on David Bowie and Cracked Actor: The Fly in the Milk - a new book!Mark Wardel has been a fan of David Bowie since Ziggy Stardust. He won the Art prize at school for his1974 painting of Bowie, and in 1979 he received a Berlin Air Mail letter from the man himself thanking him for a piece of Cracked Actor inspired fan art he had made.For Mark, creating the hand-painted artworks for this book really was just a natural extension of all of that. The Fly in the Milk is the story of the making, broadcast and influence of Alan Yentob’s groundbreaking 1975 BBC documentary. Including interviews with many of those involved and access to internal BBC files from the time – this book is a celebration of Bowie captured during this crucial period.The book features artwork by renowned British artist and longtime Bowie fan Mark Wardel, previously unseen live ‘74 shots of Bowie by David Stratford and words by Susan Compo and Mark Wardel.The book is printed in colour on art-quality paper and will be available on its own or in a limited-edition box including a copy of the life mask shown being taken in Cracked Actor. Bowie/Isolar purchased two of Mark’s masks for inclusion in the official Bowie archive.To buy the book.https://redplanetmusicbooks.com/products/david-bowie-and-cracked-actor-the-fly-in-the-milk-1To listen to Mark's in-depth first interview:https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/mark-wardel-artist/id1571131713?i=1000610947704To watch this interview on YouTube:https://youtu.be/4T4U3MRfFF8?si=DK3XyZJZZxJIjDecPlease Subscribe to the YouTube channelSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/pop-the-history-makers-with-steve-blame/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.