Chris Difford

Podcasts

Episódios

  1. I Never Thought It Would Happen - Henry Rollins

    01/05/2023

    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.

    50min
  2. Chris Difford

    10/02/2021

    Chris Difford

    This week Jools and Jim take a ride with lyricist, musician and Squeeze frontman Chris Difford.   The Grammy-nominated and twice Ivor Novello winning songwriter recalls Jim calling bingo for Squeeze at the Royal Albert Hall, and Jools thinks back to a rather novel ashtray in Chris’ teenage bedroom.   Friends for close to half a century, Chris and Jools look back on their start in the music industry, sharing anecdotes about hats, Chris’ hotline to Audi, and the three revel in their shared passion for cars. Plus, a revelation about the conception of Up The Junction… A Dig! Studios / Warner Music Entertainment podcast. Produced by Molly Stewart. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    28min
  3. INTIWH - James Morrison

    01/09/2025

    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.

    30min
  4. I Never Thought It Would Happen - Bryan Adams

    14/04/2025

    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

    37min
  5. I Never Thought It Would Happen - Mike Rutherford

    24/03/2022

    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.

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

    12/05/2022

    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.

    51min
  7. I Never Thought It Would Happen - Mark Knopfler

    05/06/2024

    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.

    43min
  8. INTIWH - Gary Kemp

    12/05/2025

    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

    45min
  9. I Never Thought It Would Happen - Graham Gouldman

    21/04/2022

    I Never Thought It Would Happen - Graham Gouldman

    Joining Chris Difford for this episode is singer and songwriter Graham Gouldman, one quarter of the legendary, much loved British pop band 10cc. Growing up in Manchester, Graham quickly found his true calling with music, and he was still in his teens when he found his songs covered by bands like The Yardbirds and The Hollies. And then in forming 10cc with friends he would achieve his own hits - and lots of them. In this chat he talks about how his dad helped shape his early songs, 10cc's collaborative creative process, touring with Ringo Starr and working with Gary Barlow and McFly.

    49min
  10. I Never Thought It Would Happen - Sting

    09/08/2021

    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.

    44min
  11. I Never Thought It Would Happen - Wolfgang Van Halen

    29/04/2024

    I Never Thought It Would Happen - Wolfgang Van Halen

    In this episode, Chris welcomes rapidly rising rock star Wolfgang Van Halen. Now fronting his own band, Mammoth, Wolfie made his stage debut at 16 playing bass alongside his dad Eddie and uncle Alec in the legendary rock band Van Halen.  Like his dad, Wolfie started his musical journey playing drums, before also picking up the guitar and bass. For his two albums with Mammoth, Wolfie is not only the songwriter, but also sings and plays everything you hear. He's not only an outrageously talented musician but a very nice bloke to boot - a couple of things he's taken from his main inspiration, Dave Grohl.

    37min
  12. I Never Thought It Would Happen - Yungblud

    20/09/2021

    I Never Thought It Would Happen - Yungblud

    Joining Chris for this episode is Doncaster born actor and genre hopping musician, Dominic Harrison - who's better known as Yungblud. In a funny, profound and sometimes profane conversation the duo cover everything from music as a close companion in childhood, seeing The Who live at 9 years old, eating pink tacos with Slash, to how fans can empower an artist (and vice-versa) and being in a co-dependent relationship with 5 million people.

    43min
  13. I Never Thought It Would Happen - Alfie Boe

    04/10/2021

    I Never Thought It Would Happen - Alfie Boe

    In this episode Chris is joined by a lad from Fleetwood in Lancashire, who was discovered by Baz Luhrmann and is now recognised as one of the most gifted  and popular British classical singers. In this extensive and revealing conversation, Alfie discusses growing up in a musical family, the youngest of 9 children, and how a job in a car workshop kick-started his career (a story straight out of Hollywood).  He also talks about being fired for falling asleep on the job, studying at the Royal College Of Music, his love of songwriting and the huge successful collaboration with Michael Ball.

    47min
  14. I Never Thought It Would Happen - Nick Lowe

    09/06/2022

    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.

    54min
  15. I Never Thought It Would Happen - Nile Rodgers

    08/11/2021

    I Never Thought It Would Happen - Nile Rodgers

    Joining Chris to talk about the up and downs of his career and life, is legendary producer, guitarist, song-writer, band leader, owner of a white Fender Strat called "The Hit Maker" and founder of Chic. In this fascinating episode, among many other things, Nile covers his remarkably unorthodox childhood which shaped his future endeavours, from school music lessons and films to a chance encounter with some hippies and how The Doors altered Nile's perception. This is a frank and fascinating conversation.

    53min
  16. I Never Thought It Would Happen - Pauline Black

    05/06/2023

    I Never Thought It Would Happen - Pauline Black

    Alongside Chris this time is musical pioneer and stye icon, Pauline Black of the 2-Tone legends The Selecter. The Coventry ska band not only influenced many UK post-punk bands, but would also later help shape Trip-hop and the American punk scene in the 1990s. There's much to enjoy in this warm and open conversation, including why a chance meeting at a folk club set Pauline on her musical path, how Jimi Hendrix and Angela Davis helped her find her style and why a Bob Marley gig proved to be so critical to future of The Selecter.

    43min
  17. I Never Thought It Would Happen - Ron Sexsmith

    01/04/2024

    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.

    51min
  18. INTIWH - Theodore Shapiro

    26/05/2025

    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'.

    36min
  19. I Never Thought It Would Happen - Chris Robertson

    03/07/2023

    I Never Thought It Would Happen - Chris Robertson

    Alongside Chris for a candid conversation about the fine art of music-making is Chris Robertson, lead singer and guitarist for Kentucky hard rockers Black Stone Cherry. The band formed in 2001 in their teens, and this bunch of musical brothers quickly went from being hometown heroes to getting signed and then on to touring the world with key influences like Lynyrd Skynyrd, Whitesnake and Bad Company.  In between recording vocal takes for their new album, "Screamin' At The Sky" (out September) Chris talks to Chris about his mental health battles, the influence his late dad had on his career, the night he met Jeff Beck and the joy of getting to headline the Royal Albert Hall, where so many of his heroes had played over the decades.

    37min
  20. I Never Thought It Would Happen - Midge Ure

    27/09/2021

    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.

    52min
Chris Difford na Apple