Music + Culture. Words upon a time: Dazed, Guardian, whynow, NME, Variety, Telegraph, AnOther, Ticketmaster & ors. Spurs ST holder. Lawyer at Gov. Costs Law.
Proud to make my debut for The Guardian today.
Legendary photographer Henry Diltz talked me through some of his unseen photos of Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Crosby, Stills and Nash, and others.
Thanks to Graham Nash for talking to me too.
Finally, musicians are saying en masse what they should have said months ago. Idles making the message loud and clear tonight. Hats off to them for doing so.
Got to say, Roger Waters’ show last night in London was nothing short of stunning. A jaw-dropping amalgam of sound and vision. And substance too. I’m still reeling.
🚨 World Exclusive 🚨 I’m proud to present the world’s first print interview with Liam Gallagher and John Squire.
Read on for the inside track on their collaboration, Liam on Oasis’s split, Squire on Stone Roses’s end, what drew him back to music, + more.
Lucy Harris, Brexit Party MEP, appearing on Sky News with Femi Oluwole was atrocious. Patronising and rude. Not on top of the facts either. Debating like a teenager in a strop.
What should audiences expect for Series 3 of the rather fan-bloody-tastic
@TheLastKingdom
(
#Netflix
from Mon)?
1st of a 2-part interview here.
First up? Alexander Dreymon, Emily Cox, Harry McEntire and Toby Regbo.
‘It’s an extreme world’..
Absolutely blown away by Damon Albarn at Union Chapel this evening. New solo album sounds absolutely wonderful live. It was a privilege to witness that. Damon really is the master of beautiful melancholy. A piano Beetlebum even featured in a Blur-focused 2nd half. Stunning.
Matt Bellamy, Graham Coxon, Nic Cester et al (aka The Jaded Hearts Club) ushered in 2023 in style at a tiny London venue last night. Worth the hangover today!
My eyes were misty, I won’t lie. Farewell to a master.
The sound of silence though? How ironic. Paul Simon’s sweet sounds somehow survived the loutish, cat-calling conversation-loving Neanderthals that pepper Hyde Park like a rotten disease for these ernomo-gigs every year
#BST
5 months ago, my best friend died very suddenly. One of his favourite songs was Columbia by Oasis. On the night he died we (his friends) played it in his honour. To see Liam Gallagher play that song today in front of me meant an awful lot. Life is fleeting; music is valuable.
I’ve interviewed a lot of people in my time. Cast’s
@johnpowerla
was, unquestionably, one of the most engaging.
These are his gig memories. Feat. a Danish commune, supporting Oasis at Knebworth, TV’s White Room, + playing with U2 in a flash flood.
It’s not every day an icon suggests a second interview. But that’s what happened when I interviewed Stevie Nicks. For
@Dazed
, round two features her David Bowie regret, Dave Grohl, and Christine McVie’s struggles mastering Dreams.
While the BRITs was inducing narcolepsy and disbelief in almost equal measure,
@Reverend_Makers
were in another part of town proving why it would be churlish to write them off. My review.
Discussing memories of making The Double Life of Vèronique and Three Colours: Red with the delightful Irène Jacob was a truly wonderful way to spend an afternoon. I am fortunate to experience such moments.
#Venezia77
It was incredible to sit down with
@TheWho
’s PETE TOWNSHEND to discuss his dystopian sci fi epic, Life House, finally realised as a mind-bending graphic novel.
I cannot express what a pleasure - and honour - it was to interview
@StevieNicks
for
@NME
.
Erudite. Warm. Honest. She’s everything you’d hope she’d be. We talked Fleetwood Mac, Trump, Show Them The Way, solo career,
#MeToo
and more.
Official line from Tottenham: ‘’There are no problems in the dressing room. Everything has settled down now the European window has shut.’’
Everyone else:
@justsimplyhales
I know what you mean. Save for a few exceptions (and I can imagine IDLES could be one of them, so I appreciate your point), there’s been a reluctance from many artists to engage with this particular issue until now. I’ve heard multiple acts making the ceasefire point today.
@ManiLazic
@guardian
Brilliant article. Plus, a ‘perfect storm’ arises when you factor in dwindling attention spans and the precariousness of online journalism — the latter long ago resulting in an editorial trend that prioritises speed and presence over critical analysis/quality (broadly speaking).
Saw Moonage Daydream last night. I’m still under its spell this morning. A Bowie compilation that captures all 360 degrees of his artistry. It’s a mind-bending trip for the ears, eyes and mind. Just like the man himself. Loved it! Inspiring too.
Bruce Springsteen giving Badly Drawn Boy a big, warm hug outside the London venue prior to a screening of Western Stars this morning was a sight I wasn’t expecting to see.
James Norton and Uberto Pasolini in deep conversation this morning. James is an extremely friendly and thoughtful chap.
#NowhereSpecial
has been one of the true standouts of
#Venezia77
. Mature and heart-wrenching.
Great to celebrate 50 years of hip hop at The House of Koko last night, followed by Nas and Wu-Tang Clan in the Koko Theatre for a late night ‘after party’ set post-O2 performance.
Stevie Nicks read her poetry down the phone to me this morning. Still can’t quite believe it. Quite the privilege. So, yeah, not really a normal day. Pinching myself.
@LyndonRosser
I’m not commenting on anything outside of the context in which it was delivered. All I’m going to say to you is that the show itself promoted an agenda of peace and wasn’t antisemitic in the slightest.
When you’re Spurs but West Ham’s parade passes by your street (whilst also knackering your gig-going plans). They may be one of our bitterest enemies, but seeing the community come out like this can only warm your heart.
Three years ago today my best pal and musical soulmate passed away. Abrupt, premature, his departure still leaves a huge hole. Miss you mate. Time doesn’t necessarily make things easier. Hope you’re laying down some funky, melodic bass lines wherever you are.
I love all forms of art, I do, but when you see up close the effect music has on a person with dementia, you are left in no doubt that it is the most special type of magic dust that we have.
My inner teenager is having a moment. Just heard through the grapevine that PJ Harvey ‘loved’ my piece for the NME. This has made this soul very happy indeed!
I must say: upcoming film Love Sonia, about two sisters and the sex trafficking trade, contains one helluva central performance from Mrunal Thakur: her anguish palpable and love for her sister heart-wrenchingly tangible.
I’m interviewing the one and only Werner Herzog over the phone next week. Instinct tells me that hearing *that* voice coming down the line will somehow feel more intimidating than meeting him face-to-face!
Back in Feb, I had the privilege of sitting down with Cate Blanchett and Dominic West to talk about Stateless for
@NME
.
On the subject of refugees, Blanchett warned, ‘Language is the first point of disconnection.’
I interviewed Mike Leigh this morning. I’m now at the press night of a new stage production of Abigail’s Party. The two are unrelated. It feels like a Leigh-shaped universe rn and I have no complaints.
To pursue a career in journalism is like doorstepping with your wares and having the door slammed in your face repeatedly. A perpetual struggle. The truth is that too many of us want to write, there’s too little money in the game and too many publications are folding.
As the album hits the shelves today, I thought I’d reshare my Guardian interview with Liam Gallagher and John Squire on the collaboration, broken wrists, LG’s initial post-Oasis hell, the end of the Stone Roses’ reunion, etc.
🚨 World Exclusive 🚨 I’m proud to present the world’s first print interview with Liam Gallagher and John Squire.
Read on for the inside track on their collaboration, Liam on Oasis’s split, Squire on Stone Roses’s end, what drew him back to music, + more.
I loved the new Mission: Impossible - Fallout. It’s bonkers, daft and smart (yes, contradiction alert).
Apt that the interviews have equally been a gambolling romp. Vanessa Kirby and Rebecca Ferguson are a delight.
Not sure I want to open this sinister looking box though.
The 100 Club shoved a load of punk legends into one room this eve. Sex Pistol’s Glen Matlock. Blondie’s Clem Burke. Buzzcock’s Steve Diggle. Generation X’s Tony James. All swapping war stories from punk’s frontline.
It’ll be a huge gig on 1st July in Crystal Palace.
The fact that ‘Tory Scum’ is trending when a 69-yr-old man has been brutally murdered tells you all you need to about a huge chunk of people. ‘Scum’, as far as I understand it, is someone who stabs a defenceless, unsuspecting person multiple times. In fact, make that ‘evil scum’.
Forgive the self-indulgence, but I have reflected on the last twelve months professionally and I’m so grateful for the highs that I’ve been lucky to experience across my two jobs. Any success in life is a blessing - something to be counted, and with gratitude expressed.
I’m fortunate to have plenty of inspirational women in my life. From my sisters and mum, to the unquantifiable talent and beauty of my girlfriend, and my wonderful female friends.Thank you all for showing me that rationale, care and compassion are the best tools for life.
#IWD2019
I spoke with Werner Herzog for
@LWLies
. He set me straight on the West’s relationship with Russia, the rise of fake news and ‘Meeting Gorbachev’. It was fiery. It was an honour.
Forgive the lack of composure and excitement but I INTERVIEWED
@shakira
FOR NME! She was a delight and gave a thoughtful and revealing interview too.
Shakira on dark days, angry poetry and bounceback for the El Dorado Tour via
@po_st
John Motson. I can’t think of many voices that soundtracked as many memories of my youth. As synonymous with football coverage during the growth of televised sport as Murray Walker was to F1. He was, quite simply, inimitable. RIP Motty.
@sharkiegirloldl
If it were as you’ve just said, I’d wholeheartedly agree, but I’m guessing you’re not familiar with the 1979 album, The Wall? It’s from the narrative of that album. It’s satire, and a damning indictment of such evil. Plus, Waters lost his own father to the Nazis.
Compartment No. 6 is finally in UK cinemas. Here's my
@BFI
interview with director Juho Kuosmanen and lead actor Seidi Haarla for a closer look at the Cannes' Grand Prix prize-winner.
@chrissalmon
Thanks Chris. John is pretty tight lipped about it all. Seemed to confirm that relations are better this time around than in ‘96. Agree about having him back. Album is really good, too.
Chants of ‘Turn it up’ ringing out across Victoria Park in between songs in the Strokes set at All Points East. Muffled, quiet sound marring matters hugely. Disappointing for all attending. Doing the band and the audience no favours.
#APE2019
I know I mentioned it before, but Love Sonia (in cinemas now) is a powerful look at the sex trafficking trade. I interviewed
@mrunal0801
@RichaChadha
and dir. Tabrez Noorani (who previously participated in brothel raids himself) about this harrowing issue
Norman Cook aka Fatboy Slim has just joined Paul Heaton onstage at Glastonbury for a partial reunion of The Housemartins and a rendition of ‘Happy Hour’.
Jess Glynne took to Amy Winehouse’s old haunt, Camden’s Hawley Arms, this eve to celebrate her new single Friend of Mine. This was a pretty special, stripped back and intimate performance. Third album is definitely on the horizon now.
Park Theatre has built a reputation for high standards. Its theatrical resume is only enhanced with
#NapoliBrooklyn
. Supreme writing, transcendental performances and a brilliant centrepiece meal. Excellent. I do want pasta now though. Cheers for that.
“I put everything that I have into ‘Bardo,’” said Iñárritu at today’s LFF Screen Talk. “I have nothing more to give at this moment. I gave everything: in terms of heart, in terms of soul, in terms of attention.” Proud to share my report for
@Variety
:
A few weeks ago, I sat down with Sophia Lillis. She revealed that It’s success was a huge surprise. Plus, to say she is excited about Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is an understatement...
Last week, Kate Winslet held an intimate Q&A for the powerful Channel 4 drama, I Am Ruth. She discussed the ‘shame’ parents can feel in raising children, and more. Honoured to have reported for Variety:
Today would’ve been my best friend and musical partner-in-crime’s birthday had he not succumbed to a diabetic coma in Jan. Whether I speak out loud, think of him, or write this here tweet, it’s all a call into the void. I do it anyway.
I won’t pretend that I’ve listened to this back yet. All I can tell you is that Imelda May just smashed it at a celebration for
#Decca90
. I hope it comes across. Happy 90th Decca Records. A label with a rich past, a vibrant present and a proper, proper future. More please.
Feel I should flag that The Princess is utterly riveting. A doc told exclusively through archive footage that surveys Princess Diana’s journey from doe-eyed ingenue to box office royalty and, ultimately, to her untimely death. Executed with a wonderful cohesion.
#sundancelondon
What a privilege it was to interview THE DOORS for
@Telegraph
! The last two standing: Krieger and Densmore. They were brilliant. They were really in the mood to open up about Jim too. Revelations abound.
There is irony in people taking to social media to express sorrow for Caroline Flack. The same medium that helped push her into the depths. She was vulnerable. And she had done wrong. But the toxic, hysterical anger of internet culture is beyond reason and decency. Enough.
I can’t believe that there is even any kind of discussion to be had about easing the lockdown right now. Of course there won’t be. How stupid are people?
In a refreshingly open conversation,
@BenFolds
spoke to me of the anxieties he’s faced as a 50-something artist in the music industry. Retirement had been a serious consideration. Thankfully, he’s changed his mind.
Don’t know what to say. Just gutted. 63 is no age. Last saw The Specials last summer in Margate and they were as life-affirming and thrilling as ever. Terry Hall was always key to their unique chemistry and unceasing allure. This one particularly hurts. RIP Terry.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing, following a brief illness, of Terry, our beautiful friend, brother and one of the most brilliant singers, songwriters and lyricists this country has ever produced. (1/4)
@mazymixer
Thanks Simon! I’m glad that was adequately conveyed. It’s hard when there is so much good material and you have to juggle word count! The album is great. I think those who might have been disappointed by JAR (which I would argue is a grower anyway) will be pleasantly surprised!
Festivals are expensive playgrounds. As Glastonbury closes I must say what a privilege it is to get paid to write on bands (or films or theatre). Esp in this climate. It’s something I don’t take for granted. Massively grateful to anyone who has ever commissioned me. Thank you.
I was blessed to interview the very personable Liv Ullmann about seven years ago. Remains a highlight of my professional life. To see her in conversation and introduce Persona last night, and Q+A Autumn Sonata today has been a privilege. An exceptional actor and a special person.
#MissionImossibleFallout
is out today. The posters are garlanded with more stars than a planetarium... and for good reason.
The delightful Rebecca Ferguson had a chat about her return to the franchise right here.
I was blessed to interview Debbie Harry exclusively for Dazed a couple of years back, and she was great company. Following Blondie delivering the hits on the Pyramid Stage, I thought it might be a good time to share it again.
Behold, the Life of Brian.
Thoroughly enjoyed Long Promised Road and its discursive wander through the mind (and story) of one of American music’s true greats. Poignant too.
#BrianWilsonDoc
I guess it was inevitable that the cloak of invincibility would one day slip from the Rolling Stones. Charlie Watts: the legend who made sure that rock also rolled. RIP.
Such a pleasure to sit down with one of Britain's greatest filmmakers - In this extended interview
@GregWetherall
talks to Mike Leigh about his process, his films and the humanity at the core of every one.
Take a look here:
The screams greeting Brad Pitt on the red carpet at Venice right now is like Beatlemania all over again. Wowzers. Can’t help but recall the time he was drunk and almost fell into me in the film tent at Glasto two years ago, the hot mess. Stayed in his caravan. Which was weird.
FEMME is one of my films of the year.
Proud therefore that my debut for AnOther is a conversation with George MacKay, Nathan Stewart-Jarratt, and directors Ping Ng Choon and Sam H. Freeman all about the film, and drag and masculinity in general.
@Gp2Joey
Liam definitely felt a responsibility toward the others, not just himself. He genuinely cares: about Oasis, doing the right thing, and about all the music he makes. That definitely came through during our chat. Glad you liked the article!
@PearlJam
@mercedeslynz
Of course Ed would, it’s a ukulele. Someone could strum ‘the sun has got his hat on’ and he’d dribble all over his front.
On a serious note, this is genuinely brilliant and great that it’s gone viral.