The Grumpy Cyclist Talks Music

Often described as the backbone of any band, and the drummer Marc from RJ Archer and The Painful Memories is certainly no exception!My conversation with Marc was as interesting as it was fascinating. Hearing how his musical journey evolved from first seeing a set of drums during a school music lesson, to discovering Northern Soul, reggae (Bob Marley and Curtis Mayfield), and then hip hop during the MTV era of the 90s, was a real joy.Influenced by some of the great drummers, including Dave Grohl from Nirvana, Marc eventually found himself playing in a band alongside his long-time friends Roger and Richard.His love of performing live and spending time in the recording studio is clearly one of his biggest passions. So much so that he’s keen to expand his involvement with the band and get out playing across the UK.There’s nothing better than talking to someone who simply, genuinely and wholeheartedly LOVES MUSIC!

🎙️ THIS EPISODE IS RATHER SPECIAL TO ME… BUT WHY, YOU ASK? 🤔Well, it’s all about Roger, the bassist with RJ Archer and The Painful Memories! 🎸“Who are they?” I hear you ask!Well, a friend of mine called Skid, who has joined me for a couple of podcasts, recommended an album by the band for our sister podcast, You Made Me Listen To This?The album is called INFERNOW… and trust me, you’d be a fool not to give it a listen! 🤘🎶Anyway, to cut a long story short, that recommendation led to contact with the band, and I was delighted when Roger agreed to join me over the phone for a chat.We talked about what music means to him, his musical influences, and the enjoyment of being part of RJ Archer and The Painful Memories.It was a fascinating insight into Roger’s musical journey and life in the band, and I came away with even more musical knowledge to digest!Another conversation, another musical journey, and another reminder of why I love doing this podcast. ❤️🎶So, why not have a listen and discover Roger’s story for yourself?🎧 The Grumpy Cyclist Talks Music — real people, real stories, and what music means to them.

HelloooooHope all is good with you…many thanks for doing the podcast the other day..hope it wasn’t to bad for you 🙏🏻I’ve called the episode“ Ben in the Sky with Music”Ref The Beatles ‘Lucy in the Sky with diamonds’And write up below 👇 Hope it’s ok..any changes..do let me know 🙃Ben… is someone I’ve known since the day he was born! But how much did I really know about his music choices and what music means to him? 🤔Well, that’s what this podcast is all about, and this episode was just as intriguing for me as any other!Ben’s interest in music came later in life, but his enthusiasm for exploring it is brilliant to see.He started by listening to The Beatles… well, why wouldn’t you? 🤷‍♂️🎸I loved hearing Ben talk about how he recognises the band’s evolution, from their early two-minute pop songs to the more mature, experimental music they went on to create. Their album Revolver is a particular favourite of his.Growing up surrounded by his parents’ music, including ABBA and Robbie Williams, meant music was never too far away. But his friends, who he now lives with, have encouraged him to explore even more.Ben is also learning to play the guitar, and artists such as Jimi Hendrix and Dire Straits are helping inspire him and develop his appreciation for great musicianship.But then came a real eye-opener for me! 👀Ben gave me access to his playlist, opening up a whole new world of American hip-hop. It was a completely different musical journey for me, and an absolute pleasure to discover something new.Seeing a young man exploring different genres, discovering new sounds and developing his own musical identity was a real treat.And the best bit? I came away feeling that I know Ben better than I ever did before.

Well…what an episode this was with Andrew Van Blerk! 🎶At the end of our conversation, Andrew and I found ourselves at opposite ends of the spectrum when it came to whether musicians should use their platform to promote political views and raise awareness of what’s happening in society today.And do you know what?It was brilliant.A proper adult conversation, two completely different opinions, but absolutely no bitterness or nastiness. Just listening to another point of view and understanding why someone feels differently.And that, for me, is what these conversations are all about. ❤️But there was SO much more!Andrew and I were at the same boarding school for many years, and it was fascinating how similar so many of our musical memories from that time were.Although Andrew had an older brother who introduced him to what was, at the time, some pretty ‘alternative’ music…The Smiths, The Cure, The Pixies, The Housemartins and more.I mean…WHO at the age of 10 thinks The Queen Is Dead by The Smiths is brilliant?! 😂We also talked about Andrew’s journey into becoming a DJ — from the days of vinyl through to USB — and just how much the whole process has changed.Music was very much part of Andrew’s family life too, with Fleetwood Mac, The Eagles and plenty more being played at home. His dad played guitar, Andrew followed suit for a while, and he even learned to play the trumpet at boarding school! 🎺Then came the live music debate…BLUR are better live than OASIS. 😳😂We discussed the first two Pet Shop Boys albums and why they are absolute classics.And why songs by Dexys Midnight Runners, ABBA, Grease and The Communards will probably still be getting people onto dance floors long after you and I have left this planet! 😂And honestly…that’s only scratching the surface.This was a conversation with someone I hadn’t spoken to for nearly 40 YEARS.So many memories. So many musical connections. So many differences.An absolute education.Fascinating, funny, nostalgic, occasionally controversial…and exactly the reason I love doing The Grumpy Cyclist Talks Music.

This episode is with Skid… again! 😂Episode 68 was when we first got together, and I discovered Skid’s fascinating journey through heavy rock music. But there was one big part of his story we didn’t even touch on…How he became a DJ and ended up with his own show — Skid’s House of Sound! 🎧🤘Well… all is revealed in this episode!Skid talks about why and how he became a DJ, the music he plays, and how his show is helping to shine a light on some fantastic, lesser-known heavy rock bands from Wales and Scandinavia.One of his biggest enjoyments is receiving brand-new music from artists, listening to it and then giving those artists a platform by playing and promoting them on the radio. 🎶And then there’s the incredible story of how he got the chance to see private photographs of David Bowie being “normal”, thanks to Tom Visconti — Bowie’s session musician, producer and close friend.We also chat about:🤘 Why Skid isn’t a huge fan of rap or the shouting/growling style of music🎤 Why he’s seen Coldplay numerous times🎸 Why smaller rock bands can be just as good as the big names but often struggle to reach the next level💷 The impact of finances, time and… sometimes, all you really need is a little bit of good luck!

This episode is with Anna, a friend and work colleague of Michael Angell, my joint host on “You Made Me Listen To This.”What a brilliant insight into what music means to Anna — and believe me, it means a LOT! 🎶Anna talks about growing up singing around the piano with her parents. Her dad was a huge jazz fan, while her mum leaned more towards the commercial side of popular music. Those early musical influences clearly stayed with her.As a teenager, Anna enjoyed going to see and listen to bands such as Blur and the likes of the bands at Knebworth (yes… that Knebworth! 😉), but her musical tastes were much broader than that. Her love of Van Morrison, jazz, Elkie Brooks, Barbra Streisand and, perhaps most importantly, dance music — especially Donna Summer — became a huge part of her musical journey.Then there are the artists she didn’t enjoy… The Police, Sting and The Smiths. 😂 The reasons why genuinely made me laugh — although, strangely enough, I completely understood where she was coming from!What really came across during our conversation was Anna’s love of lyrics and the emotional connection she has with particular songs and artists. Sam Fender is a great example, with his music bringing her comfort, but also stirring up a little sadness and memories of family.There were some lovely similarities between us too. We both went to boarding school for several years, and we both experienced how much our friends and the music they were listening to could influence our own musical journeys.But more than anything, Anna became an inspiration to me as our chat went on.Her passion for music, the memories it creates, the emotions it brings back and the comfort it can provide really reminded me why I love doing “The Grumpy Cyclist Talks Music.”Music is so, so important to Anna.And maybe, just maybe… it should be that important to all of us. ❤️🎶

Have you ever had one of those moments in life where you see something for the very first time…and it changes everything?Well, Skid had that very moment in 1978 while watching the iconic Top of the Pops. The band? AC/DC. From that day on, he was hooked…not just a fan, but a passionate follower of heavy metal and rock music.In this episode, Skid talks about seeing AC/DC with Bon Scott on lead vocals, witnessing Motörhead in their heyday, catching Guns N’ Roses at The Marquee in London back in 1986, and, of course, experiencing Monsters of Rock.Yes…he was there at Donington 1988, where the tragic deaths of two fans made him rethink his enjoyment of large commercial music festivals.As a huge Iron Maiden fan myself, we also dive into the band’s incredible catalogue, discussing albums, line-ups and how the band evolved over the years.This is a fascinating conversation with someone whose love of heavy metal and rock comes from decades of collecting records, attending unforgettable gigs and living the music.Oh…and that’s not all!Skid’s wife recently took him to see ABBA Voyage in London…and you might be very surprised by what he thought of it. Trust me…you’ll want to hear his verdict!Did I mention Skid is also the DJ behind the House of Sound radio show?

Ever dreamed of performing in front of an audience… especially at a world-famous venue?In this latest episode of The Grumpy Cyclist Talks Music, I sit down with someone I’ve known for many years through the world of karting – Lianne.Lianne has experienced what many musicians only dream of… performing at the legendary Ronnie Scott’s in London. Naturally, I had to find out how it happened and what the experience was really like.A talented singer, Lianne performs jazz, blues, ballads and opera. Whether busking, entertaining in clubs and retirement homes, or fronting local bands in pubs, music has always been a huge part of her life.We chat about why she’s such a perfectionist and often her own toughest critic after a performance. We also explore her love of goth rock, the fascinating connection between goth and opera, and why songs such as This Corrosion by The Sisters of Mercy perfectly demonstrate that link.Our conversation also turns to today’s music industry and whether image, fashion and appearance too often take priority over genuine talent.

This episode is a chat with Dan Hunt, an ex-military man who now resides on the Isle of Wight.These days Dan is enjoying life behind the decks as a DJ, one of his greatest passions. He tells me how hearing The Prodigy’s “Charly” back in 1991 – inspired by the famous 1970s health and safety advert featuring “Charly Says” – set him on a path of becoming a lifelong fan of the band.We discuss their music, the albums that influenced him, and why seeing them live, even after all this time and despite the loss of the late, great Keith Flint, still delivers a thunderous assault on the senses.Dan also talks about his admiration for DJs such as Carl Cox and Fatboy Slim; performers who engage their audiences through personality, spectacular light shows, and the art of remixing classic tracks with a healthy dose of techno energy.We delve into his time in the RAF, serving in the Balkans alongside American soldiers, and how the differing musical tastes and cultures of two countries opened his ears to new sounds. It’s a fascinating conversation about his route into the world of DJing and much, much more.And to be honest, that’s only the tip of the iceberg…

Well, you have the political show Question Time where the general public question politicians…well, I had Michael Angel hammering me with questions about my life in music.What snack would I take to Glastonbury Festival?Do I use Shazam?What name would I call Duran Duran instead of their actual name?Should mobile phones be banned at concerts?What do I play when I’m cycling?Those were just a few of the random, thoughtful, inquisitive and rather humorous questions I was bombarded with…all revealed in a really fun chat you can listen to by clicking on any of the links below…enjoy ☺️