🎙 This week’s episode is with Josh — someone I’d never met before, who kindly reached out wanting to be part of the podcast.
Living ‘up north’, his musical influences are very much Manchester-based — and his love for Oasis still burns bright to this day (to say he’s a fan is putting it mildly!).
We chat about what on earth Cher’s “Believe” has to do with football, and Josh shares a thoughtful take on Lewis Capaldi returning to music and touring after the tough times he’s been through.
A fascinating, honest conversation (recorded over the phone) that could have gone on and on — an absolute joy to record.
Dirty Dicks… Rise to the Occasion!”
Yes, you read that right — that was the name of the mobile disco that first sparked Ian’s love for DJ’ing!
In this episode, Ian returns to share how his DJ journey began: from those early disco days and building the confidence to speak on the mic, to choosing the right tracks to suit the mood and keep the crowd buzzing.
We also chat about his views on cassettes vs CDs, and hear about his eye-opening trip to Gambia, where he discovered and brought home some truly wonderful music.
It’s a brilliant, warm, and musical episode with a very charming and knowledgeable gentleman. One not to miss!
This episode features a chat with a regular friend of the podcast — the ever-entertaining Ian!
We dive into his love of dancing and his unforgettable nights out at a nightclub in Oxford during the late seventies. Ian also shares memories of his time in Bournemouth, where he saw The Ramones, Dexys Midnight Runners, and even The Clash performing in an underground car park!
He reminisces about the first Christmas present his wife-to-be ever bought him — a vinyl record, of course — and his bargain-hunting adventures at the legendary record shop Armadillos.
Ian’s passion and knowledge for those original classics — like Tainted Love — really shine through in this conversation.
And who knows… this episode just might plant the seeds for what we chat about in the next one — DJing! 🎧
This episode was the second time Val & Chris joined me to chat about their musical journeys…
One of the most fascinating parts was hearing Chris talk about his hands-on involvement with Judas Priest — incredible stuff!
And then there’s Val, sharing her love of going to live gigs (but definitely not a fan of girl bands like Girls Aloud or Sugababes!).
I’ll admit, I said “why” quite a lot during this episode — but with a couple of glasses of wine flowing, it turned into such a relaxed, fun, and genuinely enjoyable conversation that I just wanted to keep digging deeper! 🍷🎶
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This episode was a real treat… a wonderful chat with Val and Chris, a couple I’ve known for many years. Married for decades, they have such an incredible mix of stories, emotions, history, and knowledge when it comes to music.
The dynamic between them was fantastic—I laughed, I learnt, I was in awe. From their love of Fleetwood Mac and Eric Clapton, to their early days of dancing together at the village hall… the stories just kept coming.
There was so much to talk about that we couldn’t fit it all into one conversation—so yes, we’ll be doing another podcast together!
This episode is with Ian Lindley, someone I hadn’t spoken to since the early 90s when we worked together in a restaurant. Back then we became good friends through our shared love of music.
In our chat, Ian talks about his passion for Heavy Metal and why it means so much to him. He then shares how his appreciation for classical music began when he was very young, playing in a school band.
He also (half-jokingly!) “blames” me for introducing him to U2 and Simple Minds, which we talk about—along with plenty more musical memories and reflections.
🎙️ In this episode, I’m joined once again by tour promoter John, sharing his journey, knowledge, views, and love of MUSIC.
We dive into his take on bands that made massive comebacks — sometimes even bigger than their “heyday” — and I ask the tricky question: should politics and music mix? His answer might surprise you.
Plus, plenty more chat along the way… and I was especially pleased to hear his thoughts on John Grant (someone I quite like too!).
Definitely one worth a listen 👂🎶
We first knew each other back in 1986 when we were both living in Cyprus… nearly 40 years later, in early 2025, Beth and I finally reconnected!
This episode turned into a real trip down memory lane, with Beth sharing some brilliant stories from her music adventures. From choosing to see 5 Star instead of The Cult, to discovering the Goth scene, to why she never misses a Darkness gig with her son – the rebel inside her definitely shines through.
It’s nostalgic, funny, and packed with music memories… you won’t want to miss it!
This time I’m joined by my old neighbour and workmate from 20 years ago – Lou (RK).
We dive into:
• Our shared love of The Doors 🕶️
• Whether AI really is the next step in the music industry 🤖🎵
• Lou’s take on bands as brands
• Her recent experiences seeing Ocean Colour Scene and Kula Shaker live – still sounding as fresh as they did “back in the day” ✨
…and plenty more! A relaxed, nostalgic, and thought-provoking chat. Absolute bliss! 🙌
This episode is with John who I did a podcast with and appeared on ( episode 25 ‘about that small gathering in Somerset’)
John just had the time of his life — and he’s still buzzing! He was there, live, for the second night of OASIS’s 25 LIVE world tour, and in this episode, we dive deep into his glowing report of one of the most anticipated comebacks in music history.
We talk all things OASIS:
✨ The atmosphere
🎸 The performance
🎤 The crowd
🔥 And the emotional weight of seeing an iconic band back on stage after all these years.
But we don’t stop there. John shares his insider thoughts on the wider phenomenon of band reunions and musical comebacks. Are they all worth it? Who does it best, and who should maybe have left the legacy untouched?
Expect honest takes, nostalgic moments, and a few hot opinions on what makes a comeback truly needed — and when it’s just a nostalgia cash-in.
This episode features someone I haven’t spoken to since 1988 — Nick Carter.
We were both at the same boarding school in Suffolk, and reconnecting after all these years made for a truly surreal and heartwarming conversation.
As we caught up, we discovered just how much we still had in common — especially when it came to music. Talking with Nick brought back a flood of memories: school days, teenage years, and the soundtrack that shaped them.
Remember the Thompson Twins? Or how about RIO — one of Nick’s all-time favourite albums? We dove into the music that defined our youth, the moments it framed, and the stories it still holds.
This episode of ‘The Grumpy Cyclist Talks Music’..well..it’s ME talking about my favourite band (which you may or not know are those legends from Birmingham 🤪called DURAN DURAN) their albums they have released.
It’s just my personal view on them…you may agree/disagree or not at all bothered BUT it might lightened you up on what goes through my mind at times!!! 😂
Have a listen…you may be converted!!!
#thegrumpycyclisttalksmusic
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In this second part of my chat with Ian, we dive deep into his passion, love, and incredible knowledge of music. He shares unforgettable memories—like seeing Mott the Hoople live, with a then-unknown band called Queen as the support act.
Ian reflects on why the years between 1977 and 1981 were such a golden era for discovering new music, offers fascinating insights into the unexpected connection between The Rezillos and The Human League, and makes the case for why early Ultravox with John Foxx outshines the later incarnation.
It’s a rich and thoughtful conversation, full of musical stories, opinions, and discoveries. Absolutely fascinating.
This episode is a real treat. I’m sitting down with Ian—a passionate runner (who actually coached my daughter!) and an equally passionate music lover. We’ve known each other for years, but this chat really opened my eyes to the depth of his musical journey.
It’s going to be at least a two-parter—because when someone lives and breathes music like Ian does, one episode just isn’t enough.
In Part 1, Ian shares:
Plus, many more heartfelt, funny, and fascinating stories about what music has meant to him over the years.
It’s a reminder of how music weaves through our lives, shaping memories, friendships, and even the paths we walk (or in Ian’s case, run!).
John’s a music promoter, a manager, and once ran an independent record label—so yeah, he’s seen it all. We dive into his love for the punk era, including stories of seeing The Clash (multiple times!) and other iconic bands at the height of their powers.
He also shares a surprising recent experience seeing The Sex Pistols at the legendary 100 Club, and his passionate thoughts on The Cult-one of his favourite bands-who he believes should have been far bigger than they were.
Also, it was lovely to hear his thoughts on the youth of today who have mental, depression issues on how music is a big thing for them…
Plus, tales from a small but mighty festival in cider country… 🍎🎸
This conversation is just the tip of the iceberg—fascinating, insightful, and honestly, just plain glorious.
In this third and final part of our ongoing series, Michael continues to confront me with questions about my thoughts, opinions, and experiences with various music artists—this time covering bands and musicians with names starting from A, B, C, D, and so on. The twist? The artists were chosen randomly (with a little help from AI), and to my own surprise, I wasn’t familiar with some of them!
That led to some great discoveries—and a growing playlist. I’ve made a note to go back, listen more closely to the ones I missed, and we’ll revisit those in future conversations.
It’s been an unexpectedly insightful and entertaining topic—one that both Michael and I have thoroughly enjoyed diving into.
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🎙️ This episode features Nick Watts, a seasoned TV producer and documentary maker whose work spans across major networks like Channel 4 and the BBC. But beyond his impressive career in television, it’s Nick’s deep passion for music that truly shines in this conversation.
From growing up with Madness, his admiration for Paul Weller, and catching The Smashing Pumpkins live, to his take on Oasis possibly touring again — Nick shares some brilliant stories and opinions. He even recounts being at that Glastonbury when Jarvis Cocker jumped on stage for a karaoke moment with Keith Allen.
It’s all here — and it all makes sense when you listen.
Here is Part 2 of 3 of Michael talking to and asking my thoughts and questions of my live and views on what ‘music means to me’…an insight on what’s ticking over in my head..
I was even surprised by some of the thoughts and responses I gave.
My views on the Eurovision Song Contest and the spirit of Christmas songs amongst other things that were discussed, might divide opinions.
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In this episode, I sit down with Craig, someone I’ve known for several years. Having grown up in the Poole, Parkstone area during the ’90s, I was curious to hear his reflections on what it was like back then—especially the music that shaped his youth. We dive into memories of growing up during the Britpop era, a time that really takes me back to that ‘golden age’ of New Labour and everything that came with it. It was a thoroughly enjoyable chat—nostalgic, insightful, and a great listen for anyone who remembers those days fondly.
This episode is a bit of a turnaround for me… Instead of me doing the asking, interfering, and being my usual nosey self about what music means to others, the tables were turned!
A good friend of mine put me on the spot and kicked things off with:
“Rich, what does music mean to you?”
Well… I had a lot to say!
This is Part 1 of a 3-part series where I reflect on my own journey and deep love for music. It was honestly wonderful to pause and look back at what it’s meant to me over the years.
Tune in and join me on this personal ride — I’d love to hear what music means to you too!
