Funky Si's A-Z of Manchester

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Drummer Simon Wolstencroft, dubbed 'Funky Si' by Johnny Marr has worked with Ian Brown, John Squire, Andy Rourke, Terry Hall, Jez Kerr, Neville Staple and Craig Gannon to name but a few. He was the drummer in The Fall for 11 years. Every week he brings you tales of his exploits from more than 40 years on the Manchester music scene and beyond. His memoir 'You Can Drum But You Can't Hide' was published to wide acclaim in 2014. He says the inspiration for the book came when a contestant on Mastermind correctly identified him as the original drummer of The Smiths.

Jackie O'Malley


    • Oct 14, 2022 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 38m AVG DURATION
    • 30 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Funky Si's A-Z of Manchester

    Bonus Episode 4 - Funky Si's Fashion Favourites

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2022 62:47


    It's bonus time again. This time Simon Wolstencroft talks about his fashion favourites including; his Man Utd bobble hat, his mum's sheepskin coat and the Hawkins Astronaut boots he bought off the cock of the school Gaz Smith. You can find this weeks playlist on Spotify here: https://cutt.ly/ZBRZZvY Produced and edited by Jackie O'Malley. Post production by Karl Svenson at Tadah Media Ltd. Artwork by Lee Dyer. Music by Colin McGrath, Joe Brown, Johnny Smale and Simon Wolstencroft. Find out more at https://funky-si-s-a-z-of-manchester.pinecast.co

    Bonus Episode 3 - Mark E Smith

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2022


    It's bonus episode time! Simon Wolstencroft looks back over his time in The Fall and his friendship with Mark E Smith in what would have been his 65th year. He talks about the tours, recording albums and just hanging out with Mark in the various pubs of Manchester and Salford. You can find this week's playlist on Spotify here: https://cutt.ly/UAjKUVf Produced and edited by Jackie O'Malley. Post production by Karl Svenson at Tadah Media Ltd. Artwork by Lee Dyer. Music by Colin McGrath, Joe Brown, Johnny Smale and Simon Wolstencroft. Find out more at https://funky-si-s-a-z-of-manchester.pinecast.co

    Bonus Episode 2 - Funky Si's Festive Fives

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 28, 2021 49:26


    It's bonus episode time again. Simon talks about his favourite films, the best cities he has visited and his definitive Fall line-up. You can find this week's playlist on Spotify here: https://cutt.ly/TUnciZ8 Produced and edited by Jackie O'Malley. Post production by Karl Svenson at Tadah Media Ltd. Artwork by Lee Dyer. Music by Colin McGrath, Joe Brown, Johnny Smale and Simon Wolstencroft. Find out more at https://funky-si-s-a-z-of-manchester.pinecast.co

    Bonus Episode 1 - Funky Si's Festive Fives

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2021


    It's bonus episode time. Simon talks about who he would have in his definitive Manchester band lineup, his favourite tv theme tunes and his favourite gigs attended as a punter. You can find this week's playlist on Spotify here: https://cutt.ly/iUtrQqA Produced and edited by Jackie O'Malley. Post production by Karl Svenson at Tadah Media Ltd. Artwork by Lee Dyer. Music by Colin McGrath, Joe Brown, Johnny Smale and Simon Wolstencroft. Find out more at https://funky-si-s-a-z-of-manchester.pinecast.co

    Episode 26 - Letter Z: From Zagreb to Zumbar

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2020 38:44


    It's week 26 so it's the letter Z. Simon talks about romance in Zagreb, his love of Zildjian cymbals (the only serious choice) and his favourite animals at Belle Vue Zoo. You can find this week's playlist on Spotify here: https://cutt.ly/hhISCjM Produced and edited Jackie O'Malley. Post Production Karl Svenson, Tadah Media Ltd. Artwork Lee Dyer. Music by Colin McGrath, Joe Brown, Johnny Smale and Simon Wolstencroft. Find out more at https://funky-si-s-a-z-of-manchester.pinecast.co Find out more at https://funky-si-s-a-z-of-manchester.pinecast.co

    Episode 25 - Letter Y: From Yargo to You Can Drum But You Can't Hide

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2020 37:34


    It's week 25 so it's the letter Y. Simon talks about yachts, his book You Can Drum But You Can't Hide and why he only lasted one night at the YMCA. You can find this week's playlist on Spotify here: https://cutt.ly/Ghb7Dzz Produced and edited Jackie O'Malley. Post Production Karl Svenson, Tadah Media Ltd. Artwork Lee Dyer. Music by Colin McGrath, Joe Brown, Johnny Smale and Simon Wolstencroft. Find out more at https://funky-si-s-a-z-of-manchester.pinecast.co Find out more at https://funky-si-s-a-z-of-manchester.pinecast.co

    Episode 24 - Letter X : From X Factor to Xmas With Simon

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 27, 2020 28:31


    It's week 24 so it's the letter X. Simon talks about X-rated films, being part of the X generation and The Fall song Xmas With Simon. You can find this week's playlist on Spotify here: https://cutt.ly/PhgvFNG Produced and edited Jackie O'Malley. Post Production Karl Svenson, Tadah Media Ltd. Artwork Lee Dyer. Music by Colin McGrath, Joe Brown, Johnny Smale and Simon Wolstencroft. Find out more at https://funky-si-s-a-z-of-manchester.pinecast.co Find out more at https://funky-si-s-a-z-of-manchester.pinecast.co

    Episode 23 - Letter W: From Winter Hill to Wythenshawe

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2020 47:55


    It's week 23 so it's the letter W. Simon talks about flying around Winter Hill, his love for Woolworths and what happened when he met Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall. You can find this week's playlist on Spotify here: https://cutt.ly/mheNsJO Produced and edited Jackie O'Malley. Post Production Karl Svenson, Tadah Media Ltd. Artwork Lee Dyer. Music by Colin McGrath, Joe Brown, Johnny Smale and Simon Wolstencroft. Find out more at https://funky-si-s-a-z-of-manchester.pinecast.co Find out more at https://funky-si-s-a-z-of-manchester.pinecast.co

    Episode 22 - Letter V: From Vimto to The Venue

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2020 43:00


    It's week 22 so it's the letter V. Simon talks about his Dad's Vauxhall Vectra, his love for the Vulcan Bomber and The Fall song Victoria. You can find this week's playlist on Spotify here: https://cutt.ly/pg0D9uF Produced and edited Jackie O'Malley. Post Production Karl Svenson, Tadah Media Ltd. Artwork Lee Dyer. Music by Colin McGrath, Joe Brown, Johnny Smale and Simon Wolstencroft. Find out more at https://funky-si-s-a-z-of-manchester.pinecast.co Find out more at https://funky-si-s-a-z-of-manchester.pinecast.co

    Episode 21 - Letter U: From UCP products to the Underground Market

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2020 45:22


    It's week 21 so it's the letter U. Simon talks about Man United winning the treble, his dad's love for tripe and his adventures in the Underground Market. You can find this week's playlist on Spotify here: https://cutt.ly/IgUHRUH Produced and edited Jackie O'Malley. Post Production Karl Svenson, Tadah Media Ltd. Artwork Lee Dyer. Music by Colin McGrath, Joe Brown, Johnny Smale and Simon Wolstencroft. Find out more at https://funky-si-s-a-z-of-manchester.pinecast.co Find out more at https://funky-si-s-a-z-of-manchester.pinecast.co

    Episode 20 - Letter T: From Timperley to Top Of The Pops

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2020 48:55


    It's week 20 so it's the letter T. Simon talks about the horror comedy Theatre of Blood, digging in a Victorian Tip and his appearances on Top of the Pops. You can find this week's playlist on Spotify here: https://cutt.ly/Sgv2vyl Produced and edited Jackie O'Malley. Post Production Karl Svenson, Tadah Media Ltd. Artwork Lee Dyer. Music by Colin McGrath, Joe Brown, Johnny Smale and Simon Wolstencroft. Find out more at https://funky-si-s-a-z-of-manchester.pinecast.co Find out more at https://funky-si-s-a-z-of-manchester.pinecast.co

    Episode 19 - Letter S: From Stanley Chow to Shift-Work

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2020 46:02


    It's week 19 so it's the letter S. Simon talks about working with graphic artist Stanley Chow, the TV presenter he was named after and working on The Fall's 13th album Shift-Work. You can find this week's playlist on Spotify here: https://cutt.ly/2ggOGbi Produced and edited Jackie O'Malley. Post Production Karl Svenson, Tadah Media Ltd. Artwork Lee Dyer. Music by Colin McGrath, Joe Brown, Johnny Smale and Simon Wolstencroft. Find out more at https://funky-si-s-a-z-of-manchester.pinecast.co Find out more at https://funky-si-s-a-z-of-manchester.pinecast.co

    Episode 18 - Letter R: From Rollerball to the Ryder Family

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2020 41:50


    It's week 18 so it's the letter R. Simon talks about recording Realm of Dusk with The Fall, his time as a roadie and his love for the sci-fi, cult classic, Rollerball. You can find this week's playlist on Spotify here: https://cutt.ly/NgtNszi Produced and edited Jackie O'Malley. Post Production Karl Svenson, Tadah Media Ltd. Artwork Lee Dyer. Music by Colin McGrath, Joe Brown, Johnny Smale and Simon Wolstencroft. Find out more at https://funky-si-s-a-z-of-manchester.pinecast.co Find out more at https://funky-si-s-a-z-of-manchester.pinecast.co

    Episode 17 - Letter Q: From Quadrophenia to Quincy Jones

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2020 35:01


    It's week 17 so it's the letter Q. Simon talks about his love for Quality Street chocolates, a holiday romance with the Queen of Hearts and the magic of Quincy Jones. You can find this week's playlist on Spotify here: https://cutt.ly/Df4Y6bq Produced and edited Jackie O'Malley. Post Production Karl Svenson, Tadah Media Ltd. Artwork Lee Dyer. Music by Colin McGrath, Joe Brown, Johnny Smale and Simon Wolstencroft. Find out more at https://funky-si-s-a-z-of-manchester.pinecast.co Find out more at https://funky-si-s-a-z-of-manchester.pinecast.co

    Episode 16 - Letter P: From Platt Fields to Prestwich

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2020 42:10


    It's week 16 so it's the letter P. Simon talks about his mum and dad, Pat and Peter, his travels up and down Palatine Road and his favourite song by a Manchester band. You can find this week's playlist on Spotify here: https://cutt.ly/rfNr2VS Produced and edited Jackie O'Malley. Post Production Karl Svenson, Tadah Media Ltd. Artwork Lee Dyer. Music by Colin McGrath, Joe Brown, Johnny Smale and Simon Wolstencroft. Find out more at https://funky-si-s-a-z-of-manchester.pinecast.co Find out more at https://funky-si-s-a-z-of-manchester.pinecast.co

    Episode 15 - Letter O: From Oasis to Old Trafford Cricket Ground

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2020 40:07


    It's week 15 so it's the letter O. Simon talks about The Big O, Roy Orbison, one of his favourite pubs in Altrincham, The Old Market Tavern and why fellow Fall bandmate Craig Scanlon called him The Oracle. You can find this week's playlist on Spotify here: https://cutt.ly/efGVX97 Produced and edited Jackie O'Malley. Post Production Karl Svenson, Tadah Media Ltd. Artwork Lee Dyer. Music by Colin McGrath, Joe Brown, Johnny Smale and Simon Wolstencroft. Find out more at https://funky-si-s-a-z-of-manchester.pinecast.co Find out more at https://funky-si-s-a-z-of-manchester.pinecast.co

    Episode 14 - Letter N: From New Order to the Northern Quarter

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2020 33:47


    It's week 14 so it's the letter N. Simon talks about New Order, a couple of famous Nigels and popping out to the Northern Quarter for sourdough bread. You can find this week's playlist on Spotify here: https://cutt.ly/OfUieou Produced and edited Jackie O'Malley. Post Production Karl Svenson, Tadah Media Ltd. Artwork Lee Dyer. Music by Colin McGrath, Joe Brown, Johnny Smale and Simon Wolstencroft. Find out more at https://funky-si-s-a-z-of-manchester.pinecast.co Find out more at https://funky-si-s-a-z-of-manchester.pinecast.co

    Episode 13 - Letter M: From Mastermind to Mike Joyce

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2020 36:32


    It's week 13 so it's the letter M. Simon talks about his love for Mark & Lard, why Mastermind is so important to him and how fast Mike Joyce can run. You can find this week's playlist on Spotify here: https://cutt.ly/1fbH1ZF Produced and edited Jackie O'Malley. Post Production Karl Svenson, Tadah Media Ltd. Artwork Lee Dyer. Music by Colin McGrath, Joe Brown, Johnny Smale and Simon Wolstencroft. Find out more at https://funky-si-s-a-z-of-manchester.pinecast.co Find out more at https://funky-si-s-a-z-of-manchester.pinecast.co

    Episode 12 - Letter L: From Liam Gallagher to Lost In Music

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2020 34:58


    It's week 12 so it's the letter L. Simon talks about Liam Gallagher, his love for the song Lost In Music and local Manchester legend Little Anthony. You can find this week's playlist on Spotify here: https://cutt.ly/DfgY7OP Produced and edited Jackie O'Malley. Post Production Karl Svenson, Tadah Media Ltd. Artwork Lee Dyer. Music by Colin McGrath, Joe Brown, Johnny Smale and Simon Wolstencroft. Find out more at https://funky-si-s-a-z-of-manchester.pinecast.co Find out more at https://funky-si-s-a-z-of-manchester.pinecast.co

    Episode 11 - Letter K: From King Street to Kurious Oranj

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2020 33:38


    It's week 11 so it's the letter K. Simon talks about Kurt Cobain, Fall drummer Karl Burns and why he loves King Street. You can find this week's playlist on Spotify here: https://cutt.ly/MfqxXVr Produced and edited Jackie O'Malley. Post Production Karl Svenson, Tadah Media Ltd. Artwork Lee Dyer. Music by Colin McGrath, Joe Brown, Johnny Smale and Simon Wolstencroft. Find out more at https://funky-si-s-a-z-of-manchester.pinecast.co Find out more at https://funky-si-s-a-z-of-manchester.pinecast.co

    Episode 10 - Letter J: From John Peel to Jabez Clegg

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2020 34:06


    It's week ten so it's the letter J. Simon talks about romance, John Peel sessions and early music lessons with John Squire. You can find this week's playlist on Spotify here: https://cutt.ly/Od8otzh Produced and edited Jackie O'Malley. Post Production Karl Svenson, Tadah Media Ltd. Artwork Lee Dyer. Music by Colin McGrath, Joe Brown, Johnny Smale and Simon Wolstencroft. Find out more at https://funky-si-s-a-z-of-manchester.pinecast.co Find out more at https://funky-si-s-a-z-of-manchester.pinecast.co

    Episode 9 - Letter I: From Inspiral Carpets to The Infotainment Scan

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2020 35:30


    It's week nine and so it's the letter I. Simon talks about his skills on the ice, his good friend Inder Goldfinger and The Fall album The Infotainment Scan. You can find this week's playlist on Spotify here: https://cutt.ly/YdLbWEM Produced and edited Jackie O'Malley. Post Production Karl Svenson, Tadah Media Ltd. Artwork Lee Dyer. Music by Colin McGrath, Joe Brown, Johnny Smale and Simon Wolstencroft. Find out more at https://funky-si-s-a-z-of-manchester.pinecast.co Find out more at https://funky-si-s-a-z-of-manchester.pinecast.co

    Episode 8 - Letter H: From the Hacienda to Hilda Baker

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2020 40:42


    It's week eight and so it's the letter H. Simon talks about his love for Hulme, his ex band mate Steve Hanley, treading the boards in Hey Luciani and why Mark E Smith loved Hilda Baker. You can find this week's playlist on Spotify here: https://cutt.ly/cdew5lX Produced and edited Jackie O'Malley. Post Production Karl Svenson, Tadah Media Ltd. Artwork Lee Dyer. Music by Colin McGrath, Joe Brown, Johnny Smale and Simon Wolstencroft. Find out more at https://funky-si-s-a-z-of-manchester.pinecast.co Find out more at https://funky-si-s-a-z-of-manchester.pinecast.co

    Episode 7 - Letter G: From Grandmaster Flash to Gio Goi

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2020 27:01


    It's week seven and so it's the letter G. Simon talks about rehearsing at The Greenhouse studios which led to him touring and writing with his old school friend Ian Brown, watching Grandmaster Flash at The Hacienda and what Mark E Smith said when faced with a shotgun in the middle of the night. You can find this week's playlist on Spotify here: https://cutt.ly/PsycO0S Produced and edited Jackie O'Malley. Post Production Karl Svenson, Tadah Media Ltd. Artwork Lee Dyer. Music by Colin McGrath, Joe Brown, Johnny Smale and Simon Wolstencroft. Find out more at https://funky-si-s-a-z-of-manchester.pinecast.co Find out more at https://funky-si-s-a-z-of-manchester.pinecast.co

    Episode 6 - Letter F: From 42nd Street to The Fall

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2020 41:58


    It's week six and so it's the letter F. This week Simon talks about playing at the Festival of The Tenth Summer, his fish filleting skills and his time with The Fall. You can find this week's playlist on Spotify here: https://https://cutt.ly/4ad4qv1 Produced and edited Jackie O'Malley. Post Production Karl Svenson, Tadah Media Ltd. Artwork Lee Dyer. Music by Colin McGrath, Joe Brown, Johnny Smale and Simon Wolstencroft. Find out more at https://funky-si-s-a-z-of-manchester.pinecast.co

    Episode 5 - Letter E: From Eurovision to Electronic

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2020 31:35


    It's week five and so it's the letter E. This week Simon talks about his biggest regret - walking out of a recording session for Electronic and how he and Mark E Smith thought about entering the Eurovision Song Contest. You can find this week's playlist on Spotify here: https://cutt.ly/7pdw034 Produced and edited Jackie O'Malley. Post Production Karl Svenson, Tadah Media Ltd. Artwork Lee Dyer. Music by Colin McGrath, Joe Brown, Johnny Smale and Simon Wolstencroft. Find out more at https://funky-si-s-a-z-of-manchester.pinecast.co Find out more at https://funky-si-s-a-z-of-manchester.pinecast.co

    Episode 4 - Letter D: From Dry Bar to Danger Mouse

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2020 30:45


    It's week four and so it's the letter D. This week Simon talks about his first Saturday job as a golf caddy with Ian Brown at Dunham Forest Golf Club, his run in with Mick Hucknall in Dry Bar and his very brief time working on the 80s cartoon Danger Mouse. You can find this week's playlist on Spotify here: https://cutt.ly/GocKxUL Produced and edited Jackie O'Malley. Post Production Karl Svenson, Tadah Media Ltd. Artwork Lee Dyer. Music by Colin McGrath, Joe Brown, Johnny Smale and Simon Wolstencroft. Find out more at https://funky-si-s-a-z-of-manchester.pinecast.co

    Episode 3 - Letter C: From County Hall to Cheetham Hill

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2020 36:43


    It's time for the letter C. Simon takes us from his time as a trainee chef at County Hall to his brief stint with Terry Hall's The Colourfield by way of Cheetham Hill. You can find this week's playlist on Spotify here: https://cutt.ly/6imnMIy Produced and edited Jackie O'Malley. Post Production Karl Svenson at Tadah Media Ltd. Artwork by Lee Dyer. Music by Colin McGrath, Joe Brown, Johnny Smale and Simon Wolstencroft. Find out more at https://funky-si-s-a-z-of-manchester.pinecast.co Find out more at https://funky-si-s-a-z-of-manchester.pinecast.co

    Episode 2 - Letter B: From the Boardwalk to Bend Sinister

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2020 24:42


    It's time for the letter B. This time Simon's stroll through his own fascinating musical journey takes us from The Boardwalk to his love of Barry White. He also talks about recording Bend Sinister with The Fall and the business opportunity he turned down with his friend Bez. You can find this week's playlist on Spotify here: https://cutt.ly/9uSSSs3 Produced and edited Jackie O'Malley. Post Production Karl Svenson at Tadah Media Ltd. Artwork by Lee Dyer. Music by Colin McGrath, Joe Brown, Johnny Smale and Simon Wolstencroft. Find out more at https://funky-si-s-a-z-of-manchester.pinecast.co

    Episode 1 - The Letter A: from Altrincham to Anytime Taxis

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2020 32:17


    In this episode Simon takes us through the As of his musical journey to date. He talks about his early years at school in Altrincham with Ian Brown and John Squire, his favourite Manchester venue the Apollo and recording at the famous Abbey Road studios with The Fall. You can find this week's playlist on Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1Y9iyW8zVAEWT9QQ7ZQVyz?si=4uArpdcpQPCgyoM5LMAv-Q Edited by Jackie O'Malley, produced by Karl Svenson at Tadah Media Ltd, artwork by Lee Dyer. The theme music is by Colin McGrath, Joe Brown, Johnny Smale and Simon Wolstencroft.

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