Chris Difford

Shows

Episodes

  1. I Never Thought It Would Happen - Mark Knopfler

    06/05/2024

    I Never Thought It Would Happen - Mark Knopfler

    Joining Chris is Mark Knopfler, the revered singer-songwriter and a masterful guitar player, with a totally distinctive sound and style. Always fascinated with music, Mark worked as a junior reporter and studied English before finally realising his long held dream of finding the right band. That band was Dire Straits, whose ascent was remarkable with their 5th studio album 'Brothers In Arms' becoming a global juggernaut eventually selling over 30 million copies. But after several gruelling world tours and the almost impossible task of topping their best loved album the band splintered. But since 1995, Mark's kept busy with a steady stream of solo albums, soundtrack work and collaborations with like-minded artists like Bob Dylan, Emmylou Harris and Chet Atkins.

    43 min
  2. I Never Thought It Would Happen - Sting

    08/09/2021

    I Never Thought It Would Happen - Sting

    Joining Chris in this first episode is Sting, the superstar songwriter, singer, band leader, actor and, of course, frontman for The Police. Chris has known Sting since the last Seventies, when they shared the same manager, Miles Copeland (brother of The Police drummer Stewart Copeland), and often the same stages, motels and station wagon to tour in. In this wide-ranging chat, they discuss Sting's childhood in Newcastle, how he became a musician, the background to The Police and why a musician should always give their all on stage... even if you're playing to just 3 people.

    44 min
  3. I Never Thought It Would Happen - Nick Lowe

    06/09/2022

    I Never Thought It Would Happen - Nick Lowe

    With Chris for another illuminating insight into the fine art of songwriting is Nick Lowe. Nick is an artist with an incredible decade-spanning career, and in this episode he recounts his start with the much maligned (but influential) Brinsley Schwarz, his time as the in-house producer for Stiff Records, his work with Elvis Costello, the short lived supergroup Little Village with Ry Cooder. And, of course, there's his own fantastic solo career.

    54 min
  4. I Never Thought It Would Happen - Henry Rollins

    05/01/2023

    I Never Thought It Would Happen - Henry Rollins

    Chris’ guest in this episode is the polymath Henry Rollins. Punk records and live shows in Washington DC galvanised Henry to head out on the road and forge a hugely diverse career. He sang with punk legends Black Flag - plus his own group, Rollins Band - but has also done acting, voice-over work, spoken word shows, journalism, presented documentaries and has had a long running radio show.  In this wide-ranging conversation, Henry talks about his remarkable career and his passion for music, something which stemmed from his difficult upbringing where music was an escape for him. But perhaps the most surprising thing to come out of this conversation is Henry’s appreciation of the classic musicals. As you’ll hear, there’s much more to the man than just his punk rock roots.

    50 min
  5. I Never Thought It Would Happen - Midge Ure

    09/27/2021

    I Never Thought It Would Happen - Midge Ure

    Midge Ure is the musician joining Chris in this episode, to discuss his long and highly eclectic career. From his inauspicious start in a teen pop band to work alongside Sex Pistol Glenn Matlock, through a stint with Thin Lizzy and onto groundbreaking work with Ultravox and Visage, the world changing Live Aid and a diverse solo career. All of this, from the highs to the lows, is considered with lots of humour, self deprecation and keen insight.

    52 min
  6. INTIWH - James Morrison

    09/01/2025

    INTIWH - James Morrison

    “That’s what I’ve always tried to lean into is playing live, writing the songs and playing them live, is mainly why I’m still doing it, you know? I never get tired of playing live. I never get tired of making stuff up and seeing where I can go with it” - James Morrison Chris is joined by singer-songwriter James Morrison to talk about the fine art of music making and the highs and lows that an artist experiences. James was inspired from a very early age by his parent's record collection, and soon he was learning guitar and other people's songs. By his late teens he was fitting carpets by day and playing open mics at night before finally signing a deal and releasing his first album 'Undiscovered' in 2006. And James' debut was an instant success making him the biggest selling male solo artist in the UK that year. James has since recorded 3 more albums, and his 5th, 'Fight Another Day', is due out in early October 2025.

    30 min
  7. I Never Thought It Would Happen - Robbie Williams

    08/16/2021

    I Never Thought It Would Happen - Robbie Williams

    In this episode, Chris is joined by Robbie Williams for a very funny and frank conversation. They cover everything from Robbie's childhood in a pub to the origins of Take That, how the songwriter within him was developed and the dark side of fame. And Robbie reveals how Ian Dury and the Britpop bands spurred him on to begin his extraordinary solo career, and elaborates on the pleasures and perils of being a totally committed showman.

    49 min
  8. INTIWH - Amy MacDonald

    06/09/2025

    INTIWH - Amy MacDonald

    "We all take music for granted, really. But it's kind of with us through every memorable part of our lives. And to just have it as such a meaningful occupation, but to not properly support the people that make it seems absolutely crazy" - Amy MacDonald Joining Chris for this episode is singer-songwriter Amy MacDonald, who's fate was sealed when she saw fellow Scots Travis live for the first time - she quickly realised that this was what she wanted to do with her life! The start to her career was remarkable: she was signed off the back of a demo she sent out, aged just 18 and then when she released her debut album, 'This Is The Life', it quickly sold 3 million copies. Since then she's toured with Paul Weller, worked with Ray Davies of The Kinks and performed alongside Rod Stewart. And she's soon to release her 6th album, 'Is This What You've Been Waiting For?'.

    37 min
  9. INTIWH - Gary Kemp

    05/12/2025

    INTIWH - Gary Kemp

    "Back when I was a kid, I didn't want to know what Bryan Ferry's kitchen looked like, you know? I couldn't even imagine him having one... People don't want that now. Why don't they want mystique?" - Gary Kemp In conversation with Chris for this episode is Gary Kemp, now a solo artist and a member of Nick Mason's Saucerful Of Secrets. It was Gary's sharp songwriting that brought him to prominence and fame in the Eighties with his band Spandau Ballet, and such huge hits as 'True' and 'Gold'. In this wonderful chat, you can hear about why bands aren't necessarily a bunch of best friends, the pleasure of acting on stage, how the long-lost guitar Gary played at Live Aid was finally returned to him and how and why he wrote the songs that became his latest album 'This Destination'. Find out more about Gary Kemp here: https://www.garykemp.com/ Discover more about the amazing work of Help Musicians here: https://www.helpmusicians.org.uk/ 'I Never Thought It Would Happen' is produced by Ian Callaghan and Ben Jones for Gimme Sugar Productions. www.gimmesugar.co.uk

    45 min
  10. I Never Thought It Would Happen - Christopher Guest

    05/12/2022

    I Never Thought It Would Happen - Christopher Guest

    Actor, comedian and musician Christopher Guest joins Chris Difford in this episode. Best known for playing the lead guitarist Nigel Tufnel in This Is Spinal Tap, Christopher shines a light on the creation of the iconic and much loved film, and the surreal but satisfying life the spoof band has enjoyed since the release nearly 40 years ago. He also discusses his earlier career writing satirical songs and his teenage years discovering  and devouring music.

    51 min
  11. I Never Thought It Would Happen - Bryan Adams

    04/14/2025

    I Never Thought It Would Happen - Bryan Adams

    "I mean, you're either a creative or you're a burglar" - Bryan Adams. Joining Chris for the first episode of his 5th series is rock superstar, and man of many talents Bryan Adams. As well as having huge global hit singles, multi-million selling albums, a number of remarkable duets and a worldwide fanbase, Bryan is also an acclaimed photographer. In this conversation you'll hear about Bryan's songwriting start with his first musical partner Jim Vallance, their work on the 'Pretty Woman' musical, the amazing story about his long lost, but recently returned, first guitar and duetting with Pavarotti. Plus there's also a fascinating diversion into photography.  Find out more about Bryan's upcoming album and tour here: https://www.bryanadams.com/ Discover more about the amazing work of Help Musicians here: https://www.helpmusicians.org.uk/ 'I Never Thought It Would Happen' is produced by Ian Callaghan and Ben Jones for Gimme Sugar Productions.  www.gimmesugar.co.uk

    37 min
  12. I Never Thought It Would Happen - Eddi Reader

    05/13/2024

    I Never Thought It Would Happen - Eddi Reader

    Chris is joined by Scottish vocalist Eddi Reader for this episode, to chat about her fascinating career in music. From busking around Europe, to singing backing vocals for artists as diverse as Gang of Four, Eurythmics and Alison Moyet to finding fame - and having a number one single - with Fairground Attraction. But the band's success was fleeting and they splintered after just one album. But Fairground Attraction have reformed to pick up from where they left off in 1989, and the two discuss the advantages a musician has being older and wiser. The conversation also covers Bob Dylan, appearing on Top Of The Pops and the artists Eddi cites as inspiring.

    40 min
  13. I Never Thought It Would Happen - Richard Thompson

    06/23/2022

    I Never Thought It Would Happen - Richard Thompson

    Ace singer, songwriter and guitarist Richard Thompson is alongside Chris this episode to discuss the fine art of songwriting and making music. From his first album in 1968, aged 19, with Fairport Convention, then through 6 decades of a solo career, Richard's music making has always been fascinating, adventurous and critically acclaimed. From the first record he owned to playing festivals to the locations that inspire him to write, this is an insightful, inspiring episode.

    42 min
  14. I Never Thought It Would Happen - Mike Rutherford

    03/24/2022

    I Never Thought It Would Happen - Mike Rutherford

    In the very first episode of the second series of I Never Thought It Would Happen, Chris Difford welcomes Mike Rutherford of Genesis to the podcast. Mike has been an ever-present in the band since they formed in 1967. But those 55 years in Genesis are almost over with the band set to perform their final ever shows at the London O2 Arena.  In this chat Mike looks back at his band's formation, early influences and being such a key part of the prog rock revolution. He also discusses the band's first tour of the USA, Peter Gabriel's departure, Phil Collins move from the back of the stage to the front and the global exposure MTV brought to the band.

    45 min
  15. I Never Thought It Would Happen - Dan Smith, Bastille

    03/31/2022

    I Never Thought It Would Happen - Dan Smith, Bastille

    Hooking up with Chris in this episode is Dan Smith, the founder and main-man in Bastille the highly prolific British band who've had a brace of huge hits and critically acclaimed albums worldwide.  In this interview, Dan discusses growing up in a nurturing household full of music, stage-fright and his difficult transition from bedroom writer/producer to fronting his own band on stage and the power of vulnerability in music.

    42 min
  16. I Never Thought It Would Happen - Kelly Jones

    04/10/2023

    I Never Thought It Would Happen - Kelly Jones

    To kick off series three of I Never Thought It Would Happen, Chris Difford is joined by Kelly Jones, singer, songwriter and guitarist for Welsh stadium rockers Stereophonics. The band released their debut album in 1997 and experienced a meteoric rise to fame, subsequently enjoying 8 back to back number one albums in the UK, putting them in the same league as Oasis, REM and Taylor Swift. In this conversation Chris and Kelly cover the highs and lows of life in a band; from growing up in a musical household, appearing on Top Of The Pops to the tragic early death of drummer Stuart Cable, a childhood friend of Kelly's and a founding member of Stereophonics. And bringing things up to date, the pair talk enthusiastically about Kelly's new side project, Far From Saints.

    40 min
  17. I Never Thought It Would Happen - Ron Sexsmith

    04/01/2024

    I Never Thought It Would Happen - Ron Sexsmith

    On this episode of his podcast, Chris welcomes the Canadian singer-songwriter Ron Sexsmith to talk about the fine art of music making. Starting his music career in a band that couldn't really play, then screaming his head off in a hard rock band, Ron finally found his voice making music more influenced by his Canadian forebears like Neil Young, Joni Mitchell and Gordon Lightfoot. His songs have been covered by Feist, kd Lang, Katie Melua, Rod Stewart, Emmylou Harris, Rod Stewart and Nick Lowe. He's collaborated with Chris Martin and Leonard Cohen, whilst Elvis Costello and Paul McCartney are both fans of his work. And he and Chris share a great story about meeting Macca.

    51 min
  18. I Never Thought It Would Happen - Joan Armatrading

    04/17/2023

    I Never Thought It Would Happen - Joan Armatrading

    Joining Chris in this podcast is one of Britain’s greatest and most unique singer-songwriters, Joan Armatrading, who’s also a skilled guitarist with a spine-tingling voice. She released her first album in 1972 and since then she’s proven to be a fearless pioneer and pursued her musical muse with a single-minded determination, retaining total control of her music from writing to recording to performing. In this episode Joan discusses her parents' curious relationship with musical instruments, her determined desire to learn how to play and record music and whether song-writing can be a form of therapy.

    37 min
  19. INTIWH - ALT BLK ERA

    05/19/2025

    INTIWH - ALT BLK ERA

    “Because we write in so many genres, it’s always exciting to song write. Because today it’s like, we can write a D+B song and tomorrow we can write an Emo song. So it doesn’t get boring, because there’s always a new genre that you haven’t written in” - ALT BLK ERA In this episode Chris is joined by not one, but two guests - sisters Nyrobi and Chaya who front ALT BLK ERA, one of the most eclectic and electric acts you'll hear; a band so diverse that they've won a MOBO and are also signed to the legendary Metal label Earache, who are based in the band's hometown of Nottingham. The band came together during the downtime that COVID brought, and when restrictions were lifted their mum suggested they forget school and concentrate on their music instead. And in a few short years they've supported Tom Morello, released their thrilling debut album 'Rave Immortal' and played both Glastonbury and Download. Find out more about ALT BLK ERA here: https://www.altblkera.com/ Discover more about the amazing work of Help Musicians here: https://www.helpmusicians.org.uk/ 'I Never Thought It Would Happen' is produced by Ian Callaghan and Ben Jones for Gimme Sugar Productions. www.gimmesugar.co.uk

    39 min
  20. INTIWH - Theodore Shapiro

    05/26/2025

    INTIWH - Theodore Shapiro

    "I have a very vivid memory of seeing 'Raiders Of The Lost Ark' when I was nine and that was a very profound experience for me, because I loved the movie. I was very aware of what that music was doing to my experience..." - Theodore Shapiro In this episode Chris explores a whole new world of music making in the company of composer Theodore Shapiro. Theodore has written music for a whole host of film and TV productions, but his incredible work on the mind-bending Apple TV series 'Severance' has brought him huge acclaim, attention and an Emmy Award. Theodore gained his Master Of Fine Arts in music composition at the world famous Juilliard School, and began his career in the early Nineties with the MTV comedy series 'The State'. He's since composed the music for many films including 'The Devil Wears Prada' and 'Along Came Polly' and regularly collaborates with Ben Stiller, with their latest work together being 'Severance'.

    36 min
Chris Difford on Apple