Pop: The History Makers with Steve Blame

Steve Blame
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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

    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

  2. 5d ago

    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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. Oct 2

    Chris Difford: Squeeze

    My guest today is Chris Difford — songwriter, musician and co-founder of Squeeze, one of Britain’s most distinctive and enduring bands. Together with Glenn Tilbrook, Chris created songs that turned everyday life into sharply observed pop: “Cool for Cats,” “Up the Junction,” “Tempted,” “Labelled with Love” and so many more. His lyrics are filled with characters, conversations and small domestic details. They can be funny, uncomfortable, romantic and heartbreaking — sometimes within the same song. But Chris’s story goes far beyond the hits. It is also about friendship, ambition, addiction, recovery, fatherhood and the complicated reality of keeping a creative partnership alive across more than five decades. He has written for other artists, pursued a solo career, published his memoir and helped new songwriters find their own voices. Chris Difford has never been afraid to examine the less polished parts of life — or himself. So today, I want to discover the stories behind those remarkable songs, the experiences that shaped the man who wrote them, and what he has learned from a lifetime spent turning real life into music. If you enjoyed this interview please support me by buying me a coffee here; buymeacoffee.com/popthehistorymakers Squeeze UK tour dates 2026 The following British dates are part of the Tried, Tested and Trixies Tour, with special guest Billy Bragg: 12 November — OVO Hydro, Glasgow 13 November — Opera House, Blackpool 14 November — Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham 16 November — O2 City Hall, Newcastle 17 November — The Globe, Stockton 19 November — Connexin Live, Hull 20 November — First Direct Arena, Leeds 21 November — M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool2 3 November — O2 Apollo, Manchester 26 November — The O2, London 27 November — Cardiff Arena, Cardiff 28 November — Utilita Arena, Birmingham 30 November — Swansea Arena, Swansea 1 December — Plymouth Pavilions, Plymouth 4 December — BIC, Bournemouth 5 December — Brighton Centre, Brighton Tickets; https://www.squeezeofficial.com/home/ #ChrisDifford #Squeeze #GlennTilbrook #Trixies #UpTheJunction #CoolForCats #Tempted #PullingMussels #LabelledWithLove #BlackCoffeeInBed #TakeMeImYours #AnotherNailInMyHeart #Songwriting #BritishSongwriters #BritishMusic #NewWave #MusicInterview #MusicHistory #BehindTheSongs #PopTheHistoryMakers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Chris Difford: Squeeze

  6. Sep 29

    Gene’s Martin Rossiter

    After a 21-year hiatus, Gene returned last year to perform three sold-out comeback shows, including a triumphant night performing to 5300 fans at the Eventim Apollo in Hammersmith, where the band’s classic line-up of Martin Rossiter (vocals), Matt James (drums), Steve Mason (guitars) and Kevin Miles (bass) delivered one of the stand-out performances of their career. That performance was captured on the live album, ‘Apollo’, which upon its release in April this year reached Number 1 on the Official Record Store Chart, Number 2 on the Independent Albums Chart, and Number 8 on the Physical Albums Chart. Gene return to London to play two shows at the Roundhouse in Camden on Friday 9th and Saturday 10th October, where they will perform a different set each night, before playing their first North American tour in 24 years in November. Tickets for all shows are on sale now, available from https://www.geneofficial.com/live/ Gene is the one of the most distinctive British bands to emerge during the 1990s. And Martin Rossiter is the singer, lyricist and unmistakable voice of Gene. Gene’s first single, “For the Dead,” originally reached No. 86 in 1994—but when it was rereleased two years later, it climbed to No. 14, becoming the band’s highest-charting UK single. It formed part of an impressive run that included “Sleep Well Tonight,” “Olympian,” “Fighting Fit,” “We Could Be Kings” and “Where Are They Now?” As Martin says of Gene’s extraordinary trajectory: “We took off like Concorde and landed like the Wright Brothers.” If you enjoy these independent interviews, you can support me here; buymeacoffee.com/popthehistorymakers And check out more at www.popthehistorymakers.com In this revealing and frequently funny conversation, Martin talks about the formation of Gene, the speed of their success and the pressures that followed. He discusses the stories behind the songs, the comparisons with Morrissey, the hostility and mockery he encountered during the Britpop years, and why the band eventually came to an end. He also speaks candidly about sexuality, depression, fatherhood, becoming a teacher and the very different life he built after Gene. Now, with the band back onstage, Martin reflects on what those songs—and the people who created them—mean to him today. This is Martin Rossiter: honest, provocative, self-deprecating and still entirely himself. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Gene’s Martin Rossiter

  7. Sep 25

    Miles Hunt

    Miles Hunt has never been interested in fitting neatly into anyone else’s idea of who he should be. As the singer, songwriter and frontman of The Wonder Stuff, he became one of the most distinctive voices in British alternative music. Formed in Stourbridge in 1986, the band broke through with an unmistakable combination of guitars, sharp pop instincts and lyrics filled with humour, frustration and brutally honest observation. Songs including “Unbearable,” “Give, Give, Give Me More, More, More,” “A Wish Away,” “Don’t Let Me Down, Gently,” “The Size of a Cow” and “Welcome to the Cheap Seats” captured the intelligence, irreverence and restless energy that made The Wonder Stuff stand apart. Their collaboration with comedian Vic Reeves on “Dizzy” took them to number one in the UK. Miles brought the same qualities to interviews that he brought to his songwriting: honesty, directness and a refusal to hide behind carefully rehearsed answers. He could be provocative and cutting, but also self-deprecating, unexpectedly vulnerable and very funny. Behind the confidence was someone determined to question success, the music business and his own choices rather than simply repeat the accepted version of events. In this interview, Miles talks about growing up in Stourbridge, the impact of punk, finding his voice and learning to trust his instincts. He reflects on ambition, friendship, loss, creativity, getting older and the courage it takes to remain yourself in an industry that constantly tries to tell you who to be. An open, funny and thoughtful conversation with an artist who has spent four decades choosing authenticity over expectation—and who still has plenty to say. Check out all the interviews at www.popthehistorymakers.com If you enjoy these independent interviews, you can support me here; buymeacoffee.com/popthehistorymakers #MilesHunt #TheWonderStuff #Stourbridge #AlternativeRock #IndieMusic #BritishMusic #MusicInterview #PopTheHistoryMakers The Wonder Stuff & Inspiral Carpets — UK Tour 2026 1 October — Newcastle, O2 City Hall 2 October — Manchester, O2 Victoria Warehouse 3 October — Sheffield, The Octagon Centre 8 October — Brighton, Brighton Dome 9 October — Bournemouth, O2 Academy 10 October — Margate, Dreamland (Hall by the Sea) 14 October — Glasgow, Barrowland 15 October — Cardiff, Great Hall 16 October — Leeds, O2 Academy 17 October — Leicester, O2 Academy 22 October — Scarborough, Scarborough Spa 23 October - Bristol O2 Academy 24 October — Norwich, University of East Anglia 29 October — Lincoln, Engine Shed 30 October — Wolverhampton, Civic Hall 31 October — Liverpool, Olympia 8 December — London, O2 Academy Brixton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Miles Hunt

  8. Sep 22

    Trevor Horn

    Trevor Horn is one of the architects of modern pop music—a musician, songwriter and producer who transformed the recording studio into an instrument in its own right. After achieving international success with the Buggles and “Video Killed the Radio Star,” Trevor briefly became the lead singer of Yes before establishing himself as one of the most innovative producers of his generation. Through records by ABC, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Grace Jones, the Art of Noise, Pet Shop Boys and Seal, he combined emerging technology with meticulous musicianship to create music that sounded bigger, stranger and more dramatic than almost anything else on the radio. In this interview, Trevor talks about the instincts, accidents and extraordinary encounters behind those records—including the moment he first heard Seal’s voice and thought it was the best he had ever heard. He also discusses ambition, perfectionism, collaboration and what it takes to recognise something exceptional before the rest of the world hears it. This is the story of the man who didn’t simply produce hit records—he helped invent the sound of the future. Check out all the interviews at; www.popthehistorymakers.com If you enjoy these independent interviews, you can support me here; buymeacoffee.com/popthehistorymakers Trevor Horn and His Band 3 December — Leamington Spa Assembly 4 December — Independent, Sunderland 5 December — Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh 9 December — O2 Academy Leeds 10 December — O2 Academy Liverpool 11 December — O2 Academy Bristol 15 December — Tramshed, Cardiff 16 December — O2 Institute Birmingham 17 December — O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, London 19 December — O2 Ritz, Manchester Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Trevor Horn
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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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