Music Maps - The Rock n Roll Book Club Podcast

Join us for a live episode of Music Maps Podcast with John Robb recorded live at the Walthamstow Trades Hall. 

We are also joined this week by James from The Oasis Podcast & Sam Shiner to discuss the return of Oasis last week in Cardiff & the 2025 tour. 

John takes us through the highlights from his new book Live Forever: The Rise, Fall and Resurrection of Oasis we start back in the 70s with the Gallagher brother’s childhood in Manchester. 

Eventually settling in Burnage, Noel Gallagher finds a guitar lying around the h...

Stuart Maconie is well known as the host of The Freak Zone on BBC Radio, he has written for NME, The Times, The Guardian & many more.

His books have been widely published & include Long Road From Jarrow, The Nanny State Made Me, Cider With Roadies & Pies & Prejudice. 

His new book is published by HarperNorth - With a Little Help From Their Friends - The Beatles Changed the World. but Who Changed Theirs?

We discuss a number of people who have an impact on the Beatles lives & career, from the more o...

Part 2 of our deep dive into the New York music scene of the 2000's with Lizzy Goodman - we pick the story back up with the Anti-Folk scene with gives us the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Interpol & Regina Spektor.

We find out how the Yeah Yeah Yeahs came to be & the connections between Detroit & New York around this time. The Strokes were the first band to break big & they helped through others that came in their wake including Regina Spektor, Kings of Leon & The Killers.

Was the perceived privilege of The Strokes more in...

We welcome Lizzy Goodman as we travel to New York City to discuss her seminal oral history of the NY scene Meet Me In The Bathroom - the Rebirth and Rock in Roll in New York City 2011 - 2011. 

Lizzy met Strokes guitarist Nick Valensi a couple of years before the band broke but it’s actually Jonathan Fire*Eater who are the first band to break, signing to DreamWorks. Their success is short lived & the subsequent album flops. 

9/11 becomes a catalyst for what follows as Is This It is released a couple of week...

Join us & legendary photographer Glen E. Friedman to talk through his beginnings photographing skateboarding before transitioning into the world of punk rock & hardcore photographing Black Flag, Minor Threat & Bad Brains. 

Glen also talks us through the creation of his influential fanzine 'My Rules' & his eventual transition more into hip hop photography with the likes of Run DMC, Beastie Boys, LL Cool J & Public Enemy. 

A few iconic photos from Glen’s archive include the cover of Check Your Head by the Beastie Boys, another iconic cover - It Takes a Nation of Millions by P...

Join us & legendary promoter and agent John Giddings to discuss the Isle of Wight Festival, its history, and the challenges of managing such a significant event and the evolving dynamics between the festival and the local community.

We hear about some of John's most memorable experiences at the festival over the years from biblical rain in 2012 to David Bowie's final UK performance in 2004.

From the festival's inception in 1968 to its revival in 2002, we cover some of the iconic performances from Bob Dylan & Jimi Hendrix in the 60s to David Bowie & the Paul McCartney...

This week we welcome David Browne, a senior writer at Rolling Stone, to talk about his book Talkin' Greenwich Village & to explore the musical history of Greenwich Village from its heyday in the 50s & early 1960s through to it's decline in the 80s.

Many of the areas venues were originally jazz venues hosting the likes of Billie Holiday, John Coltrane & Charles Mingus & many legendary venues appear in Greenwich Village at the dawn of the 60s including the Village Vanguard, Gerde's Folk City, The Folklore Centre,

We touch on the likes of Peter, Paul...

In this episode of Music Maps we finally talk about The Beatles as we welcome writer Ian Leslie to discuss his new book on Faber: 'John & Paul: A Love Story In Songs'.

We focus on their early years from meeting at Woolton Village Fete in July 1957, with Paul McCartney joining the Quarrymen shortly after.

The dynamic in the Quarrymen changed after Paul joined with John Lennon no longer the total leader as before - the pair bonded over their shared love of imported rock & roll from America. Before long they were writing songs...

In this episode we welcome back Mudhoney guitarist Steve Turner & pick things up with the formation of Mudhoney - first Mark Arm joins Steve’s band The Thrown Ups & they meet drummer Dan Peters soon after. 

Matt Lukin joins soon after to complete the lineup & Mudhoney come into being on New Years Day of 1988. Their first gig follows in April 1988 & SubPop Records forms soon after. 

Touch Me I’m Sick comes out in August of 1988 & a split single with Sonic Youth follows & then the now iconic Superfuzz Bigmuff EP follows on SubPop in Octobe...

This week we welcome Ali Smith, a New York photographer, musician, and writer of the memoir 'The Ballad of Speedball Baby.' 

The conversation explores Ali's formative musical influences growing up in New York, her experiences in the punk scene, particularly at the iconic CBGBs, and the evolution of her band Speedball Baby. 

We discuss the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated music industry, the impact of signing with a major label (the band end up on MCA) & what happens when that doesn’t necessarily go to plan. 

Punk...

In this episode of Music Maps, we welcome back Simon Wolstencroft, the former drummer of The Fall. His book You Can Drum But You Can't Hide is out now on Route Publishing.

Funky Si joined The Fall in 1986 after his previous band The Weeds had opened for them. Following a meeting at Mark E. Smith's house in Prestwich it became official.

'Hey Luciani' becomes the first Fall track he works on with producer Ian Broudie in Amazon Studios in Liverpool & his first gig follows at Folkestone Leas Cliff Hall in June 1986.

This week we are joined by legendary photographer Gered Mankowitz to discuss his time with the Rolling Stones, focusing on 1965 to 1967. 

Gered shares how he entered the world of music photography via a meeting with Peter Sellers, later opening his own studio in Central London, aged 17. 

A photograph of Marianne Faithfull led to a meeting with Andrew Loog Oldham which in turn led to meeting the Rolling Stones. 

Gered’s first session with the Rolling Stones takes place in Masons Yard close to his London studio, a picture from this sessi...

In this episode of Music Maps we are joined by Penderyn Prize winning writer Michael Cragg to dig into the history and impact of the Spice Girls.

We explore their formation in 1994 via an audition process & their early days sharing a house in Maidenhead. Originally they are known as Touch & original member Michelle Stephenson leaves after 3 months & Emma Bunton completes the lineup.

They part company with original handlers Chris & Bob Herbert (also known for Bros, 5ive, Bewitched & Hearsay) & bring in Simon Fuller.

The Spice Girls sign to Virgin Records in 1996...

In this episode of Music Maps, hosts Mark Hart and Simon Cardwell welcome back Lesley-Ann Jones to discuss her latest book on Christine McVie from Fleetwood Mac.

The conversation explores McVie's early life, her musical influences, and her journey through the music industry, including her early career with Chicken Shack and her later success with Fleetwood Mac. The hosts delve into the dynamics within the band, the making of the iconic Rumours album, and the personal struggles faced by McVie and her bandmates.

We touch on her early time with Fleetwood Mac when...

This week we are joined by legendary music PR Alan Edwards - we discuss Alan's journey from the early days of punk in London, seeing the Sex Pistols at the Nashville, The Stranglers & their infamous Battersea Park gig, promoting Blondie in Britain, visiting Prince at Paisley Park, playing football with Bob Marley & an early PR gig with The Who,

Alan went on to work extensively with The Rolling Stones, starting in the 70s and David Bowie in the early 80s for over 30 years - from the huge commercial success of the Let's Dance years, being presented...

This week we welcome Steve Diggle, original founder member of Buzzcocks, to discuss his memoir 'Autonomy: My Life as a Buzzcock'. The conversation explores Steve's early life in Manchester - growing up in the suburb of Bradford, the influence of music in the 60s, and the formation of Buzzcocks amidst the early UK punk scene.

Steve shares personal anecdotes about his childhood, the impact of hearing bands like The Beatles, The Kinks and The Rolling Stones, and the magic of performing live for the first time at the Lesser Free Trade Hall in Manchester.

Angela Jaeger is our guest to discuss her unique Punk Diaries 1977-1981 book documenting her experiences in the punk rock scene in New York & London. Angela shares her journey growing up in the East Village, her encounters with the likes of Lydia Lunch, Joe Strummer, Viv Albertine & John Belushi.

She was right in the thick of the vibrant New York punk scene & became a regular visitor to CBGB's & Max's Kansas City. Angela later moved to London & befriended the Clash, visited Kings Road & even stayed on X-Ray Spex couch.

Back in New York, Angela...

We welcome back Steve Wynn from the Dream Syndicate for Part 2 of our conversation, delving into the band's experiences touring with U2, the departure of band member Kendra, and the challenges of recording their follow-up album with A&M Records.

We discuss the bands extensive touring with R.E.M. as well as their dramatic rise, the conscious shift in sound during tours, the indie rock movement's collective rise, and the importance of authenticity in music, the dynamics within bands, and the motivations behind reunions.

It takes anything from 5 to 40 hours to prepare...

We welcome Don Letts to discuss his experiences with The Clash - from directing every music video the band made to joining them on the pivotal White Riot tour in 1977, his initial impressions on meeting the band, the key gig with the Sex Pistols at the Nashville with Joe Strummer’s 101ers. 

Don shares anecdotes about filming the band, trips to America and his interactions with legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese. 

Years later Don made the legendary documentary Westway to the World: the legacy of The Clash for which he won a Grammy Award. We d...

This week we welcome Joel Gion of the Brian Jonestown Massacre, to discuss his memoir In The Jingle Jangle Jungle and the vibrant music scene of San Francisco in the 90s.

We explore Joel's early experiences in the city, his journey to becoming a musician, the early Shoegaze scene in San Francisco including seeing Lush, Ride & The Jesus & Mary Chain at local venues.

We go through the evolution of the Brian Jonestown Massacre and the influences that defined their sound during the 90s. We highlight Joel's unique approach to percussion, meeting the Dandy...

Michael Hann is our guest to explore the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, focusing on its origins, key figures, and the cultural impact of the movement. The conversation delves into the role of Neil Kay in promoting heavy metal, the emergence of local bands, the DIY aesthetic of self-released records, and the significance of venues and radio in shaping the scene.

We also highlight the rise of record labels and the signing of influential bands, providing a comprehensive overview of this moment in music history. We focus on key bands like Def Leppard and Iron...

Join us for a live episode of Music Maps recorded at the legendary Walthamstow Trades Hall with John Doran in conversation with artist, writer and musician Cosey Fanni Tutti about her life, her new book 'Re-Sisters', and her connections to influential figures like Delia Derbyshire and Margery Kempe.

The discussion features the impact of the Radiophonic Workshop, the historical significance of Margery Kempe's life and work, the intersections of music, art, and personal experience, providing insights into the creative processes of these remarkable women.

It takes anything from 5 to 40 hours...

David Nolan takes us on a tour of Granadaland - including Tony Wilson & his various TV programmes such as So It Goes & The Other Side of Midnight, the Beatles TV debut in October 1962, the Sex Pistols TV debut followed in 1976.

Muddy Waters and Sister Rosetta Tharpe also performed on Granada TV in 1964 & the network also produced key music recordings & documentaries including The Rolling Stones at Hyde Park, T rex, The Bay City Rollers, Johnny Cash at San Quentin & much more.

Granada TV was founded by Sidney Bernstein in 1954 & also created Coronation Street, World...

Don Letts shares his rich musical journey, starting from his childhood in Brixton, where he experienced a blend of Jamaican and British music. He reflects on the cultural impact of radio and television on music consumption, the profound influence of The Beatles, and his personal connection with Bob Marley. Letts also discusses the rise of reggae in the UK, the intersection of punk and reggae, and a memorable concert - seeing The Who at the Old Vic Theatre.

Don also tells us how he ended up on stage with Patti Smith at the...

Yvonne Innes joins us to explore the life and legacy of Neil Innes, touching on his early days in Soho, his experiences with the Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band, and his connections with Monty Python and The Beatles. Yvonne shares personal anecdotes about their life together, the creative process behind Neil's music, and his impact on children's television. The discussion also details the formation of The Grimms, the success of 'How Sweet to Be an Idiot', and the cultural significance of the Rutles.

It takes anything from 5 to 40 hours to prepare each episode of...

In this episode we delve into the life and music of Arthur Russell, exploring his eclectic style, early influences, and the New York Lower East Side music scene that shaped his career. Richard shares insights from his book 'Travels Over Feeling: Arthur Russell', discussing Arthur's unique approach to music, his connections with notable figures, and the cultural context of his work. The conversation highlights Arthur's impact on the music world and the enduring legacy of his artistry.

It takes anything from 5 to 40 hours to prepare each episode of Music Maps - if you’d...

It takes anything from 5 to 40 hours to prepare each episode of Music Maps - if you’d like to make a contribution to help us cover the costs & time of producing these episodes for you, you can do so at this link: ko-fi.com/musicmaps

It is hugely important for us to get positive reviews & star ratings - if you have enjoyed Music Maps & can spare the time to do either we would hugely appreciate it. 

In this conversation, Nick Banks from Pulp discusses the creation and imp...

In this episode of Music Maps, Johnny Hopkins, former head of press and publicist for Oasis at Creation Records, shares his journey into the music industry, his early obsession with music, and the pivotal moments that led to Oasis's rise.

It takes anything from 5 to 40 hours to prepare each episode of Music Maps - if you’d like to make a contribution to help us cover the costs & time of producing these episodes for you, you can do so at this link: ko-fi.com/musicmaps

It is hu...

On May 31st 1993 Alan McGee walked into King Tut's War War Hut in Glasgow & stumbled upon Oasis - immediately after the gig he rang Creation Records Press Officer Johnny Hopkins to enthuse about his new discovery - the calls were repeated every hour throughout the night. Johnny joins us this week for the first part of our conversation about the beginnings of Oasis & the making of their debut album Definitely Maybe.

It takes anything from 5 to 40 hours to prepare each episode of Music Maps - if you’d like to make a contribution to...

It takes anything from 5 to 40 hours to prepare each episode of Music Maps - if you’d like to make a contribution to help us cover the costs & time of producing these episodes for you, you can do so at this link: ko-fi.com/musicmaps

Join us to discuss the music book of 2024 & one of the best music books of all time - Street Level Superstar - A Year With Lawrence has swept the board in the end of 2024 charts. Sunday Times writer Will Hodgkinson spends a year with Lawrence from Felt.

Tiffany Murray grew up at Rockfield Studios after her Mum was appointed chef - she tells us about meeting Black Sabbath & Ozzy Osbourne, David Bowie, Queen, Iggy Pop, Motorhead, Simple Minds, The Teardrop Explodes, Echo & The Bunnymen, Adam & The Ants, Siouxsie Sioux, Lemmy's parents, Showaddywaddy, Rush & Bauhaus.

It takes anything from 5 to 40 hours to prepare each episode of Music Maps - if you’d like to make a contribution to help us cover the costs & time of producing these episodes for you, you can do so at this link: ko-fi.com/musicmaps

Join us on our first trip to Seattle for part 1 of our conversation with Steve Turner from Mudhoney - Steve's book Mudride is out now on Omnibus Press.

It takes anything from 5 to 40 hours to prepare each episode of Music Maps - if you’d like to make a contribution to help us cover the costs & time of producing these episodes for you, you can do so at this link: ko-fi.com/musicmaps

It is hugely important for us to get positive reviews & star ratings - if you have enjoyed Mu...

This week we are joined by ex The Fall drummer Simon Wolstencroft AKA Funky Si - after meeting Ian Brown & John Squire at Altrincham Grammar School he & John follow The Clash around the UK travelling to gigs as far away as Bristol & London. In addition to a huge interest in The Sex Pistols & The Clash, other bands they follows as teens included The Slits, The Ramones, Siouxsie & The Banshees & the 2 Tone movement. 

Simon, Ian Brown & John Squire along with Pete Garner & Andy Couzens they form punk band The Patrol while attending South Trafford College.

Introducing DETOURS - occasionally we come across something which does not fit directly into our Music Map but we think our listeners will like anyway - this week we are joined by James Brown, founder of Loaded Magazine, NME features editor (at age 22), fanzine creator & originator of the GQ Man of The Year.

Changing the landscape of the publishing world with Loaded - the magazine achieved instant stratospheric success & at its peak counted among its contributors Irvine Welsh, Vic Reeves & Howard Marks.

We talk about the 90s & adventures with Oasis, the Beastie Boys...

Jakko Jakszyk joins us to take us on a tour through his wide ranging career encompassing his current role as singer of King Crimson, stints in The Lodge, Level 42, solo albums on Stiff Records & Chiswick Records, working with Tom Robinson, remix work for the likes of Emerson Lake & Palmer, Jethro Tull & Yes. Briefly being a member of The Kinks, a sideline in comedy, a brief interaction with Michael Jackson, Robert Fripp's dealings with Kanye West, initially joining The 21st Century Schizoid Band & then ultimately King Crimson themselves & more.

It takes anything from 5 to 40 hours to prepare...

Join us on a trip to Zanzibar by way of India & Feltham as we trace the early years of Freddie Mercury.

It takes anything from 5 to 40 hours to prepare each episode of Music Maps - if you’d like to make a contribution to help us cover the costs & time of producing these episodes for you, you can do so at this link: ko-fi.com/musicmaps

It is hugely important for us to get positive reviews & star ratings - if you have enjoyed Music Maps & can spare the time to do...

Kathy Valentine joins us to talk about her career, her new book, her time with The Go-Go's, her induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame & more.

It takes anything from 5 to 40 hours to prepare each episode of Music Maps - if you’d like to make a contribution to help us cover the costs & time of producing these episodes for you, you can do so at this link: ko-fi.com/musicmaps

It is hugely important for us to get positive reviews & star ratings - if you have enjoyed Music Ma...

Join us as we present our first live episode - recorded at one of our live events here in Walthamstow, East London - talking all things Britpop & the 90's with Miranda Sawyer & Sian Pattenden.

Including Suede, Blur, Elastica, Sleeper, Pulp, Oasis, The Verve, Robbie Williams, Tricky, Glastonbury & a lot more.

It takes anything from 5 to 40 hours to prepare each episode of Music Maps - if you’d like to make a contribution to help us cover the costs & time of producing these episodes for you, you can do so at th...

The 1989 album is 10 years old on October 27th 2014 - so we thought we'd take a deep dive into the story behind this iconic record.

It takes anything from 5 to 40 hours to prepare each episode of Music Maps - if you’d like to make a contribution to help us cover the costs & time of producing these episodes for you, you can do so at this link: ko-fi.com/musicmaps

It is extremely important for us to get positive reviews & star ratings - if you have enjoyed Music Ma...

Bella Union label founder Simon Raymonde joins us this week to talk us through his time with the Cocteau Twins.

It takes anything from 5 to 40 hours to prepare each episode of Music Maps - if you’d like to make a contribution to help us cover the costs & time of producing these episodes for you, you can do so at this link: ko-fi.com/musicmaps

It is hugely important for us to get positive reviews & star ratings - if you have enjoyed Music Maps & can spare the ti...