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/@popthehistorymakers Online - 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.

  1. 1d ago

    Evan Dando

    Evan Dando: The Lemonheads, Addiction, Touring & Finding Salvation in Music An artist who never seemed entirely comfortable with being a rock star. When The Lemonheads emerged from the American alternative scene in the late 1980s, Evan Dando quickly became one of its most recognisable faces. Albums such as It's a Shame About Ray and Come On Feel the Lemonheads combined irresistible melodies with deeply personal songwriting, while songs including My Drug Buddy, It's About Time and Into Your Arms revealed an artist capable of turning vulnerability into something quietly universal. But fame never really suited Evan Dando. If you like this interview please support me; buymeacoffee.com/popthehistorymakers Link to video; https://youtu.be/SGvzXxe1Vyw Over the years, the music became only part of the story. There were struggles with addiction, long disappearances from the spotlight, endless touring, and a reputation for saying exactly what was on his mind—whether he was talking about music, Situationism, America, creativity or simply admitting, "I'm a really weird person." Perhaps that's what makes him so fascinating. Because beneath the cult status and the mythology is someone who has always resisted easy labels, preferring to follow his own instincts rather than anyone else's expectations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Evan Dando

  2. Nov 2

    Thomas Dolby

    Thomas Dolby is one of the great innovators of electronic music — a producer, composer, technologist and futurist whose work helped redefine the relationship between music and technology during the 1980s and beyond. Share Link; https://youtu.be/LpDubbNYqoQ?si=hG7gYTL3B-Y3IgOb In this conversation, Thomas Dolby reflects on the evolution of synth-pop, MTV culture, fame and reinvention. From collaborating with artists such as Stevie Wonder, Joni Mitchell, and Prefab Sprout, to pioneering digital audio technology, Dolby’s story moves far beyond conventional pop stardom. If you liked this interview please consider buying me a coffee; buymeacoffee.com/popthehistorymakers THOMAS DOLBY — SELECTED ALBUM RELEASES • The Golden Age of Wireless (1982)• The Flat Earth (1984)• Aliens Ate My Buick (1988)• Astronauts & Heretics (1992)• A Map of the Floating City (2011) CURRENT TOUR:Thomas Dolby – Iconic 80s Recollections Tour UK TOUR DATES 2026:• Manchester — 15 May• Bournemouth — 16 May• Bristol — 17 May• Nottingham — 19 May• Birmingham — 20 May• London — 21 May• Stroud — 22 May• Leeds — 24 May• Newcastle — 25 May• Edinburgh — 27 May• Dublin — 29 May Official Website: ThomasDolby.com Instagram: @thomasdolbyofficial Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2Uz58cSxlJgefDaSikxYQ7?utm_source=chatgpt.com The current tour information is listed on his official website. HASHTAGS:#ThomasDolby, #SheBlindedMeWithScience, #SynthPop, #ElectronicMusic, #MTV, #80sMusic, #PrefabSprout, #SiliconValley, #TheFlatEarth, #Synthesizers, #MusicTechnology, #NewWave, #MusicInterview, #Podcast, #SteveBlame KEY PHRASES:Thomas Dolby interview, Thomas Dolby podcast, She Blinded Me With Science, Thomas Dolby MTV, synth-pop pioneers, electronic music history, 1980s music culture, Thomas Dolby technology, Beatnik audio, Thomas Dolby live, The Flat Earth album, synth music documentary, Thomas Dolby tour 2026, music technology pioneers, Thomas Dolby storytelling Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Thomas Dolby

  3. Oct 30

    Nick Heyward

    An inspiring and candid conversation with Nick Heyward — legendary English singer-songwriter, guitarist, and one of the true architects of 1980s pop! From his breakthrough as the frontman of Haircut One Hundred (“Favourite Shirts (Boy Meets Girl)”, “Love Plus One” and more) to his celebrated solo career, Nick shares stories, reflections and insights from over four decades in music. ✨ What We Cover in This Interview: • Nick’s early days with Haircut One Hundred and the platinum success of Pelican West • His evolution as a solo artist with albums like North of a Miracle, From Monday to Sunday, Woodland Echoes and beyond • Behind-the-scenes stories from live tours, creative collaborations, and more If you liked this interview, please consider buying me a coffee here; buymeacoffee.com/popthehistorymakers Nick is currently working on exciting new material, both solo and with Haircut One Hundred — including fresh releases planned for 2026. Stay tuned for exclusive details dropped in this interview! 📅 Tour Highlights Catch Nick live in concert — with shows across the UK and festival appearances lined up for 2026. 👉 Official Website: https://nickheyward.com 🎟 Tour & Tickets: https://link.nickheyward.com/tour 📌 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more artist interviews, music history, and exclusive insights! #NickHeyward #HaircutOneHundred #PelicanWest #LovePlusOne #FavouriteShirts #80sPop #80sMusic #NewWave #BritishPop #UKMusic #SingerSongwriter #MusicInterview #BehindTheMusic #TourDates #ConcertTour #PopTheHistoryMakers #Interview #MusicLegends #PopMusic Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Nick Heyward

  4. Oct 23

    Clark Datchler

    Clark Datchler is best known as the lead singer, songwriter and co-founder of Johnny Hates Jazz, one of the most distinctive British pop bands to emerge from the 1980s. Their 1987 debut album Turn Back the Clock became an international success, producing “Shattered Dreams,” “I Don’t Want to Be a Hero,” “Turn Back the Clock” and “Heart of Gold.” “Shattered Dreams” became particularly significant in America, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. Yet just as Johnny Hates Jazz had achieved the kind of international breakthrough most musicians spend their lives pursuing, Clark Datchler left the band. In this episode of Pop: The History Makers, Clark talks about growing up surrounded by music, becoming a songwriter, the creation of Johnny Hates Jazz and the extraordinary speed with which success arrived. He discusses the writing of “Shattered Dreams,” his decision to walk away from the band, his solo career, environmental concerns and the different path his life subsequently took. We also talk about his eventual reunion with Johnny Hates Jazz, returning to songs written by a much younger version of himself, and how his understanding of success has changed with age. It is a conversation about ambition, instinct, regret, purpose and ultimately coming back to something you once left behind. Johnny Hates Jazz and Jaki Graham join forces for “Soul Believer,” a celebration of soul music featuring the titles of more than 27 classic tracks, alongside a new 12-part Soul Believers podcast exploring the music, artists, stories and changing technology behind soul. Looking ahead to 2027, Johnny Hates Jazz will celebrate the 40th anniversary of “Shattered Dreams” with a new double album and Shattered Dreams – The Tour, featuring Jaki Graham as special guest. Clark Datchler — Johnny Hates Jazz — on Pop: The History Makers. If you enjoyed this interview please consider buying me a coffee here; buymeacoffee.com/popthehistorymakers Keywords: Clark Datchler, Johnny Hates Jazz, Clark Datchler interview, Johnny Hates Jazz interview, Shattered Dreams, Shattered Dreams Johnny Hates Jazz, Turn Back the Clock, I Don't Want to Be a Hero, Heart of Gold, Johnny Hates Jazz songs, Johnny Hates Jazz history, Clark Datchler songwriter, Clark Datchler Shattered Dreams, 1980s pop music, 80s British pop, eighties music, British pop bands, classic pop, music interviews, songwriter interview, songwriting, leaving Johnny Hates Jazz, Johnny Hates Jazz reunion, Soul Believer, Jaki Graham, Clark Datchler 2026, Johnny Hates Jazz 2026, Pop The History Makers, Steve Blame, MTV Europe, music history, behind the music, 80s music documentary Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Clark Datchler

  5. Oct 20

    Sathnam Sanghera on George Michael

    George Michael was one of the greatest singer-songwriters of his generation, but who was the man behind the music? In this conversation, bestselling author Sathnam Sanghera discusses his remarkable new book, Tonight the Music Seems So Loud: The Meaning of George Michael, exploring George's extraordinary journey from pop prodigy to global icon. Together, we look beyond the headlines to examine his artistry, his struggles with fame, sexuality, identity, grief, generosity and the search for authenticity. Rather than simply telling George Michael's life story, Sathnam asks a deeper question: what did George Michael mean—not only to music, but to all of us? How did his songs reflect the world we were living in, and why do they continue to resonate so powerfully today? Join us as we explore the legacy of an artist whose music transcended pop to become part of people's lives. In case you're wondering, the sax solo in Careless Whisper was actually played by Raphael Ravenscroft not Courtney Pine as Sathnam says in the interview. If you liked this interview please consider supporting me by buying me a coffee buymeacoffee.com/popthehistorymakers If you enjoy thoughtful conversations about music, culture and the artists who shaped our lives, please like, subscribe and share this interview. #GeorgeMichael #SathnamSanghera #Wham #Faith #Older #MusicBooks #MusicHistory #PopCulture #Legacy #SteveBlame Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Sathnam Sanghera on George Michael

  6. Oct 16

    Hugh Cornwell

    Nearly fifty years after Rattus Norvegicus, Hugh Cornwell is still writing new songs—and still asking what a song can become when he takes it onstage. He’s preparing Succubus, revisiting a lifetime of music on All the Fun of the Fair, and calling his forthcoming solo acoustic tour Never Say Goodbye. So what is he saying goodbye to, and what is he moving towards? Hugh declined to appear on camera for this interview, so this time, listen in as we talk about the music he made with The Stranglers, his solo work, and the songs he has yet to write. He also discusses the possibility of Stranglers-only shows for the fiftieth anniversary of Rattus Norvegicus, and a film about his life that he says is being made. Tour dates and tickets: https://www.hughcornwell.com/live/ If you’d like to support this podcast, please buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/popthehistorymakers. Every contribution helps keep these interviews going. Discover more interviews: https://popthehistorymakers.com/ Subscribe to Pop: The History Makers for revealing conversations with the artists who created popular music history. #HughCornwell #TheStranglers #SteveBlame #MusicInterview #PopTheHistoryMakers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Hugh Cornwell

  7. Oct 12

    Graham Gouldman

    Before 10cc, Graham Gouldman had already written some of the defining songs of the 1960s—including “For Your Love,” “Heart Full of Soul,” “Bus Stop,” “Look Through Any Window” and “No Milk Today.” He then helped form one of Britain’s most inventive bands, creating classics including “I’m Not in Love,” “The Things We Do for Love” and “Dreadlock Holiday.” Become a channel member for access to Beneath the Applause, where I explore the lives behind the music, and Essential Stories, featuring memorable moments from my interviews. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5S9xw1B-ppDXVkAuvRRQtg/join In this extensive career interview, Graham talks bout discovering songwriting, the extraordinary chemistry of 10cc, working with Eric Stewart, Kevin Godley and Lol Creme, and the circumstances that changed the band. He also discusses Wax and his creative partnership with Andrew Gold, producing the Ramones and the craft of writing songs that continue to connect with audiences across generations. Graham Gouldman and his semi-acoustic band Heart Full of Songs will tour the UK in October 2026, performing material from across his remarkable career. Tickets are available from the venues and at www.grahamgouldman.info. HEART FULL OF SONGS 2026 TOUR 8 October — Corn Exchange Theatre, Stamford 9 October — The Stoller Hall, Manchester 10 October — Playhouse, Whitley Bay 11 October — Memorial Hall, Sheffield 13 October — The Stables, Wavendon 14 October — The Gate, Cardiff 15 October — The Hafren, Newtown 17 October — Lowther Pavilion, Lytham St Annes 18 October — Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry 19 October — City Varieties Music Hall, Leeds 20 October — Drill Hall, Lincoln 22 October — Saint Luke’s, Glasgow 23 October — Pleasance Theatre, Edinburgh 24 October — Epstein Theatre, Liverpool 26 October — Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury 27 October — St George’s, Bristol 28 October — The Apex, Bury St Edmunds 29 October — Cadogan Hall, London Subscribe to Pop: The History Makers for more candid, in-depth conversations with the artists, songwriters and producers who changed popular culture. If you enjoy these independent interviews, you can support the channel using the Super Thanks button beneath the video. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Graham Gouldman

  8. Oct 6

    Haddaway

    Haddaway created one of the most instantly recognisable songs in pop history. Released in 1993, “What Is Love” became an international phenomenon and one of the defining records of the Eurodance era. But Haddaway’s story is far more complicated than a single worldwide hit. Born in Trinidad, raised in the United States and launched to fame from Germany, Haddaway’s life has crossed countries, cultures and musical traditions. Before success arrived, he studied political science and history, played American football, worked in fashion and made music at night. In this candid interview, Haddaway explains how he fought to retain control of his identity, voice and work—and why he refused an early offer for “What Is Love.” He discusses his creative relationship with producers Tony Hendrik and Karin Hartmann, the intervention of legendary record executive Clive Davis and the personal heartbreak that gave “What Is Love” its emotional power. He also reflects on the extraordinary success of “Life,” “I Miss You” and “Rock My Heart”; the importance of MTV Europe; the sacrifices demanded by international fame; and the unexpected afterlife of “What Is Love” through Saturday Night Live, A Night at the Roxbury, Eminem and Lil Wayne’s “No Love,” and David Guetta’s “Baby Don’t Hurt Me.” More than three decades after first asking the question, Haddaway explains what love means to him now: respect, communication, understanding and space. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 00:59 Life beside Lake Garda 01:35 Trinidad, identity and finding somewhere to belong 02:58 Learning music through the trumpet 03:50 Studying political science and history 05:44 Why Haddaway left America for Germany 06:44 American football, fashion and surviving in Cologne 07:12 The Haddaway name and protecting his identity 08:23 Fighting for control of “What Is Love” 09:21 Tony Hendrik, creative differences and learning to share 10:24 Refusing to imitate Joe Cocker and meeting Clive Davis 11:30 The heartbreak inside “What Is Love” 12:30 Meeting the woman who inspired the song again 13:05 The voice and performance that defined the record 14:16 When “What Is Love” became a cultural phenomenon 15:13 How worldwide fame changed his life 16:19 MTV Europe’s role in Haddaway’s success 17:09 Controlling his image, name and rights 18:29 What fame gave him—and what it took away 19:37 “Life,” “I Miss You” and the Ayrton Senna connection 20:39 Escaping the Eurodance label 21:02 The early Haddaway song that represents him best 21:55 What singing dance music really requires 22:45 Saturday Night Live and A Night at the Roxbury 24:11 Eminem and Lil Wayne’s “No Love” 24:54 David Guetta’s “Baby Don’t Hurt Me” 25:38 Being placed in the one-hit-wonder box 27:00 “The Sun” and taking complete creative responsibility 28:31 Optimism, responsibility and music with meaning 30:18 “Lift Your Head Up” 30:49 What if “What Is Love” had never succeeded? 31:34 The story behind his first name, Nestor 32:30 Why “What Is Love” remains a gift 33:13 Haddaway answers the question today 34:10 Closing thoughts Discover more interviews at: https://popthehistorymakers.com If you liked this interview please consider supporting me by buying me a coffee buymeacoffee.com/popthehistorymakers #Haddaway #WhatIsLove #Eurodance #90sMusic #MTVEurope #ANightAtTheRoxbury #MusicHistory #PopTheHistoryMakers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Haddaway
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

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/@popthehistorymakers Online - 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.

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