I Never Thought It Would Happen

Chris Difford returns with Series 5 of his hit podcast 'I Never Thought It Would Happen' - coming soon! Made in collaboration with Help Musicians, Chris is celebrating his 50th anniversary in the business, so in addition to talking to some brilliant artists he will also be answering your questions about songwriting, performing, a life on the road and much more...so send your questions to Chris@helpmusicians.org.uk and find our more about the work of the charity at www.helpmusicians.org.uk Join us for Series 5 coming soon on all podcast channels. 

For a bonus episode of his podcast, Chris welcomes Travis frontman Fran Healy. Emerging from Glasgow in the mid 90s, and now in their fourth decade together, Travis were inspirational to a number of like-minded British guitar bands like Coldplay, Snow Patrol and Keane. Travis 2nd album, 1999's 'The Man Who', was a became a huge hit globally, fuelled by the unstoppable single 'Why Does It Always Rain On Me?'. And when the heavens opened as the band launched into that track at Glastonbury in 1999 the band found themselves plastered across newspapers and news reports, which then pushed the album to the top of the charts. But the band have also had their setbacks, not least when drummer Neil Primrose broke his neck in a freak accident... and yet, he was back behind his drum kit within 5 months.  It's a great story, and a great listen.

Joining Chris is Mark Knopfler, the revered singer-songwriter and a masterful guitar player, with a totally distinctive sound and style. Always fascinated with music, Mark worked as a junior reporter and studied English before finally realising his long held dream of finding the right band. That band was Dire Straits, whose ascent was remarkable with their 5th studio album 'Brothers In Arms' becoming a global juggernaut eventually selling over 30 million copies. But after several gruelling world tours and the almost impossible task of topping their best loved album the band splintered. But since 1995, Mark's kept busy with a steady stream of solo albums, soundtrack work and collaborations with like-minded artists like Bob Dylan, Emmylou Harris and Chet Atkins.

Joining Chris for this episode is legendary PR man Alan Edwards. During his 45 years working in the music industry he's worked with the likes of David Bowie, The Rolling Stones, The Spice Girls, Michael Jackson, The Stranglers, Blondie, Paul McCartney and Amy Winehouse. Alan began his career under the tutelage of another music PR legend, Keith Altham, whose clients included Jimi Hendrix, The Who, The Beach Boys and Marc Bolan. As such, Edwards has so many amazing stories to share and is seriously great company. He's also just released his autobiography which is a must-read for any music fan.

Chris is joined by Scottish vocalist Eddi Reader for this episode, to chat about her fascinating career in music. From busking around Europe, to singing backing vocals for artists as diverse as Gang of Four, Eurythmics and Alison Moyet to finding fame - and having a number one single - with Fairground Attraction. But the band's success was fleeting and they splintered after just one album. But Fairground Attraction have reformed to pick up from where they left off in 1989, and the two discuss the advantages a musician has being older and wiser. The conversation also covers Bob Dylan, appearing on Top Of The Pops and the artists Eddi cites as inspiring.

Chris' guest in this episode is Leeds born singer songwriter Corinne Bailey Rae. Though Corinne appeared to have success straight away with her first single, 'Like A Star', she'd already been through the painful process of having her first band fall apart - the punky 3 piece Helen she'd formed with friends.  But a change in musical direction - partly inspired by work at a jazz club - yielded immediate success from 2005 onwards. And Corinne's enjoyed a remarkable career including a string of hit singles and albums, Grammy and Mobo awards, a tour with John Legend and a performance with Herbie Hancock at The White House.

In this episode, Chris welcomes rapidly rising rock star Wolfgang Van Halen. Now fronting his own band, Mammoth, Wolfie made his stage debut at 16 playing bass alongside his dad Eddie and uncle Alec in the legendary rock band Van Halen.  Like his dad, Wolfie started his musical journey playing drums, before also picking up the guitar and bass. For his two albums with Mammoth, Wolfie is not only the songwriter, but also sings and plays everything you hear. He's not only an outrageously talented musician but a very nice bloke to boot - a couple of things he's taken from his main inspiration, Dave Grohl.

Chris Difford is joined in this episode by Sharleen Spiteri, the lead singer of the Glasgow band Texas, who've blended pop, rock and soul with huge success since their breakout single 'I Don't Want A Lover' back in 1989. The band have since enjoyed an incredible run of hit singles and number one albums, but have also overcome an 8 year hiatus and the shocking brain aneurysm of guitarist Ally McErlaine. But with a triumphant Glastonbury appearance in 2023, and a new album recorded at the legendary Muscle Shoals studio, Texas are still very much a force to be reckoned with.

With Chris Difford for another episode of his podcast is Jack Cochrane, frontman for the  West Lothian four-piece, The Snuts, a guitar driven act citing The Arctic Monkeys and The Libertines as influences.  The band formed at school in 2015, with a single 'Glasgow' appearing in 2016, and since then, Jack and his band have enjoyed a remarkable and rapid ride to success with their 2021 debut album 'W.L.' hitting the number one slot in 2021. Over the last 8 years they've proven a hard working and prolific act, with an ever expanding and devoted fanbase. Their latest album 'Millennials' has received rave reviews - something that's all the sweeter as The Snuts walked away from their major label record deal and released it on their own record label instead. 

Singer-songwriter Gabrielle joins Chris to discuss her career as a music maker. The London born singer was a huge music fan growing up, loving the music she heard on the radio and TV from acts like Wham, Haircut 100, Duran Duran and Adam And The Ants. And she was also exposed to the records of Barry White, Motown, Michael Jackson and Bobby Womack which her mum played. This broad love of music would make Gabrielle an artist who could touch a diverse audience, something that became evident when her very first single, 1991's 'Dreams', went to number one in the UK. Since then she's proven to be a distinctive musician with an incredible string of hit singles and albums, has toured with Al Green and even got a co-write with Bob Dylan.

On this episode of his podcast, Chris welcomes the Canadian singer-songwriter Ron Sexsmith to talk about the fine art of music making. Starting his music career in a band that couldn't really play, then screaming his head off in a hard rock band, Ron finally found his voice making music more influenced by his Canadian forebears like Neil Young, Joni Mitchell and Gordon Lightfoot. His songs have been covered by Feist, kd Lang, Katie Melua, Rod Stewart, Emmylou Harris, Rod Stewart and Nick Lowe. He's collaborated with Chris Martin and Leonard Cohen, whilst Elvis Costello and Paul McCartney are both fans of his work. And he and Chris share a great story about meeting Macca.

Joining Chris for a chat about the fine art of music making is the amazing Norah Jones, who's released a string of albums that have constantly surprised and delighted, and which have covered a lot of ground musically; from jazz, blues and country to folk, pop and even punk. Norah burst onto the scene in 2002 with the hit single, 'Don't Know Why', from the album 'Come Away With Me', which has now sold 27 million copies worldwide. Since then she's won 9 Grammys and worked with a dazzling array of musicians, including Ray Charles, Billie Joe Armstrong, Danger Mouse, Keith Richards, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton and Herbie Hancock... to name just a few.

Chris Difford is back with his charming and insightful podcast series, 'I Never Thought It Would Happen'. In this first episode in the new series, Chris chats to the ever-excellent James Blunt.  James is a hugely talented and highly respected artist who has sold over 20 million records. His self-aware, self-effacing character is just part of his charm. His current album 'Who We Used To Be' is another deeply personal album and his book 'Loosely Based On A Made-Up Story' is typical of James. It's funny, moving and refreshingly honest. It's a pleasure to welcome James Blunt to the podcast - brought to you by our friends at the charity 'Help Musicians'.

Series 4 of the hit podcast 'I Never Thought It Would Happen' with Chris Difford is back on March 19th. We return with a joyous and eclectic guest list from James Blunt to Wolfgang Van Halen. From Norah Jones to Ron Sexsmith and all in aid of the wonderful charity Help Musicians. Find out more at www.HelpMusicians.org.uk

Alongside Chris for a candid conversation about the fine art of music-making is Chris Robertson, lead singer and guitarist for Kentucky hard rockers Black Stone Cherry. The band formed in 2001 in their teens, and this bunch of musical brothers quickly went from being hometown heroes to getting signed and then on to touring the world with key influences like Lynyrd Skynyrd, Whitesnake and Bad Company.  In between recording vocal takes for their new album, "Screamin' At The Sky" (out September) Chris talks to Chris about his mental health battles, the influence his late dad had on his career, the night he met Jeff Beck and the joy of getting to headline the Royal Albert Hall, where so many of his heroes had played over the decades.

Chris' guest on this episode is Lauren Mayberry, the vocalist of the critically acclaimed Scottish synth-pop act Chvrches. Ten years into their career, the band have already enjoyed an amazing ride so far, from hit singles to playing the Royal Albert Hall and recording at Berlin's legendary Hansa studios. In a fascinating chat, Lauren discusses her musical journey so far, including her move from Glasgow to Los Angeles, how lockdown changed her writing style for the better and the pleasure of touring with Coldplay.

On this episode of his podcast Chris welcomes the exciting young singer Olivia Dean, an artist who is hugely influenced by Carol King, Paul Simon and Amy Winehouse. Olivia was raised in a house where her parents played a lot of different music, and which was proved to be hugely influential on her future career. And then when she attended the famous BRIT school she not only found her song-writing chops but also her band. During this insightful chat with Chris, Olivia discusses her approach to lyric writing, the wonder that is the Glastonbury festival and how she'd already achieved her 3 career goals by the time her debut album "Messy" was finished.

For this episode of "I Never Thought It Would Happen" Chris is joined by musical theatre pioneer Andrew Lloyd Webber, a man The New York times called "the most commercially successful composer in history". Andrew inarguably changed musical theatre forever with a an incredible run of musicals including Joseph And The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, Cats, Starlight Express and The Phantom of The Opera, to name but a few. In this conversation we learn how Joseph And The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat was first performed at a school, that Jesus Christ Superstar was an album before it became a play and Andrew also gives away the secret to writing a hit musical.

Alongside Chris this time is musical pioneer and stye icon, Pauline Black of the 2-Tone legends The Selecter. The Coventry ska band not only influenced many UK post-punk bands, but would also later help shape Trip-hop and the American punk scene in the 1990s. There's much to enjoy in this warm and open conversation, including why a chance meeting at a folk club set Pauline on her musical path, how Jimi Hendrix and Angela Davis helped her find her style and why a Bob Marley gig proved to be so critical to future of The Selecter.

Joining Chris this time is Gavin Rossdale, best known as frontman for the rock band Bush, a British group that managed to rack up millions of album sales in the American dominated grunge scene. He was later a tabloid fixture due to his marriage to Gwen Stefani. In Chris' company Gavin discusses why he's gone "super-heavy" 30 years into his career, how he collaborates with other musicians (including pianist Mike Garson and Amy from Evanescence), why he enjoys acting and how writing music is a "traumatic experience". 

On this episode of his podcast Chris welcomes back singer-songwriter KT Tunstall. When Chris last spoke with KT two years ago, her future as a musician looked bleak, given she was suffering from severe hearing loss. But KT returns with a hugely positive story - cutting edge technology has allowed her to regain her hearing, and with that the ability to perform and record to her very best. Along with this remarkable update, the conversation also touches upon KT's delight at working collaboratively within musical theatre, her love of humorist Ivor Cutler and the delightful Japanese art of Kintsugi.

For this episode Chris is joined by Kevin Rowland, frontman for Dexy's Midnight Runners, one of Britain's most distinctive bands. Having emerged out of the post-punk scene, Dexy's created a unique blend of soul and Irish folk music, and in doing scored a huge global hit single with "Come On Eileen" in 1982. In this revealing chat, Kevin talks about his journey into music making, the remarkable story behind the "My Beauty" album, overcoming addiction and the forthcoming Dexy's album "The Feminine Divine" and the theatrical concept planned for the tour in support of the new album.

Joining Chris for the latest episode of the Help Musicians podcast is Skin, front woman for the British alternative band Skunk Anansie, and also a solo artist and globally renowned DJ. When Skunk Anansie arrived on the UK music scene in 1994 they were like a bolt from the blue; culturally diverse, exciting, eclectic, electric and politically charged. In April 2001, the band split, but returned in 2009 and are still recording and touring. In this episode, Skin discusses the excitement of growing up in Brixton, why making music can be a form of therapy, the joy of having a home studio and how being a musician today entails so much more than simply writing and performing.

Chris' guest in this episode is the polymath Henry Rollins. Punk records and live shows in Washington DC galvanised Henry to head out on the road and forge a hugely diverse career. He sang with punk legends Black Flag - plus his own group, Rollins Band - but has also done acting, voice-over work, spoken word shows, journalism, presented documentaries and has had a long running radio show.  In this wide-ranging conversation, Henry talks about his remarkable career and his passion for music, something which stemmed from his difficult upbringing where music was an escape for him. But perhaps the most surprising thing to come out of this conversation is Henry's appreciation of the classic musicals. As you'll hear, there's much more to the man than just his punk rock roots.

In this episode, Chris talks to the singer-songwriter Lemar who was first introduced to music fans via the BBC television show Fame Academy. Following his successful appearance there came a string of hit singles, awards and millions of record sales. Apart from a covers album back in 2015, he's been keeping a low profile of late. But after a wait of 11 years, he's returned with "Page In My Heart", a new album of original material. In Chris' company, Lemar discusses the music he heard at home growing up and how losing his mother inspired him to pursue a musical career, why touring means so much to him and how hard it is for an artist to maintain mystique in the social media age.

Joining Chris in this podcast is one of Britain's greatest and most unique singer-songwriters, Joan Armatrading, who's also a skilled guitarist with a spine-tingling voice. She released her first album in 1972 and since then she's proven to be a fearless pioneer and pursued her musical muse with a single-minded determination, retaining total control of her music from writing to recording to performing. In this episode Joan discusses her parents' curious relationship with musical instruments, her determined desire to learn how to play and record music and whether song-writing can be a form of therapy.

To kick off series three of I Never Thought It Would Happen, Chris Difford is joined by Kelly Jones, singer, songwriter and guitarist for Welsh stadium rockers Stereophonics. The band released their debut album in 1997 and experienced a meteoric rise to fame, subsequently enjoying 8 back to back number one albums in the UK, putting them in the same league as Oasis, REM and Taylor Swift. In this conversation Chris and Kelly cover the highs and lows of life in a band; from growing up in a musical household, appearing on Top Of The Pops to the tragic early death of drummer Stuart Cable, a childhood friend of Kelly's and a founding member of Stereophonics. And bringing things up to date, the pair talk enthusiastically about Kelly's new side project, Far From Saints.

Standby as series 3 of I Never Thought It Would Happen with Chris Difford and Help Musicians returns soon with a fantastic lineup of guests. 

Alongside Chris this week for a chat about the fine art of song writing and music making is the legendary Don McLean. Having learned guitar as a boy, inspired as much by The Weavers as The Beatles, he honed his craft in the burgeoning New York folk clubs. In 1970 he released his debut album, "Tapestry", but it was his surprise hit single "American Pie" a year later that has ensured Don's place in music history and has underpinned his 50+ years of music making.

For this episode, Chris welcomes Sir Tim Rice for a chat. With his musical partner, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Tim changed musical theatre for ever, writing a clutch of timeless, hit shows, including Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, Chess and The Lion King. He's also collaborated with Freddie Mercury, Elton John plus Benny and Bjorn of Abba. Tim Rice is also one of a select number of people who are EGOTs - those that have won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony award. Amazing.

Alongside Chris in this episode is the fast-rising singer-songwriter Lola Young. Hailing from South London, she started writing songs aged 11 and was attending open-mic nights from 13 and has been working on her craft since then. Lola chats about being taught philosophy at primary school, attending the famous Brit School and how that nurtured her artistic gifts, how her music tastes have evolved as she's grown older and what album she'd take to the moon.

Ace singer, songwriter and guitarist Richard Thompson is alongside Chris this episode to discuss the fine art of songwriting and making music. From his first album in 1968, aged 19, with Fairport Convention, then through 6 decades of a solo career, Richard's music making has always been fascinating, adventurous and critically acclaimed. From the first record he owned to playing festivals to the locations that inspire him to write, this is an insightful, inspiring episode.

Joining Chris for a chat this time is the new, fast rising London act Kawala, formed around the long-standing friendship of Jim and Daniel who met at University and who've recently released their debut album. Much loved by a fervent fanbase, radio - and even Sam Smith - theirs is a positive, inspiring story for any budding musician.

With Chris for another illuminating insight into the fine art of songwriting is Nick Lowe. Nick is an artist with an incredible decade-spanning career, and in this episode he recounts his start with the much maligned (but influential) Brinsley Schwarz, his time as the in-house producer for Stiff Records, his work with Elvis Costello, the short lived supergroup Little Village with Ry Cooder. And, of course, there's his own fantastic solo career. 

Joining Chris for this episode is the very charming English/Italian singer-songwriter Jack Savoretti. In this thoughtful, insightful conversation Jack talks about catching Bob Dylan live, the impact of the Forrest Gump soundtrack and his experiences working with both Kyle Minogue and Nile Rodgers.

Chris welcomes aboard the band Blossoms to his podcast. In this chat Tom, Joe and Charlie talk about the influence the Manchester music scene had on the fledgling band, particularly Oasis. They also reveal where the band's name came from, the influence of producer James Skelly and why a scaffolding yard was so important to the band.

With Chris for a chat in this episode is young blues artist Elles Bailey, who's quickly carved out a place in the blues scene. With 3 albums to her name, each gaining more fans, and a clutch of awards, she's an exciting, forward thinking artist.  During the conversation Elles discusses growing up listening to Chess Records, Janis Joplin as well as musical theatre, the importance of an artist using their voice to convey a message and the demanding life of being a touring musician whilst being a new mum and a record label boss.

Actor, comedian and musician Christopher Guest joins Chris Difford in this episode. Best known for playing the lead guitarist Nigel Tufnel in This Is Spinal Tap, Christopher shines a light on the creation of the iconic and much loved film, and the surreal but satisfying life the spoof band has enjoyed since the release nearly 40 years ago. He also discusses his earlier career writing satirical songs and his teenage years discovering  and devouring music.

The latest musician joining Chris for a chat about the fine art of music making is Dan Gillespie Sells, frontman for the award-winning pop-rock band The Feeling. Topics covered in the expansive interview include forming The Feeling with his school pals, growing up as an indie kid, his part in the runaway success that is Everybody's Talking About Jamie and music as an escape from life's troubles.

This episode sees Chris being joined by Sharon Corr for an enlivening and enlightening chat. Sharon is one of the 4 siblings who took their brand of poppy Irish folk music from a house full of music to the world's stages, selling millions of albums and becoming one of the biggest bands of the Nineties. When the Corrs went on hiatus in 2006, Sharon began work on her first solo album, "Dream Of You" finally released in 2010. Since then she's released 2 more solo albums, the most recent being 2021's "The Fool And The Scorpion". In this conversation she details her childhood musical heroes, particularly Joni Mitchell, working with Jeff Beck and how inspiration can strike at any time.

Joining Chris Difford for this episode is singer and songwriter Graham Gouldman, one quarter of the legendary, much loved British pop band 10cc. Growing up in Manchester, Graham quickly found his true calling with music, and he was still in his teens when he found his songs covered by bands like The Yardbirds and The Hollies. And then in forming 10cc with friends he would achieve his own hits - and lots of them. In this chat he talks about how his dad helped shape his early songs, 10cc's collaborative creative process, touring with Ringo Starr and working with Gary Barlow and McFly.

Singer, songwriter and radio presenter Guy Garvey is the guest in this episode of Chris Difford's podcast. In this wonderfully warm conversation, the Elbow frontman recounts many stories from his career, including his early dabbling with rap, how the band was almost over before it even began, the time he met Beyonce and Jay Z (but didn't know it) and the fortuitous backstory behind the Elbow's biggest hit "One Day Like This".

Chris welcomes singer-songwriter Kathryn Williams to his podcast. Kathryn is a Mercury prize nominated musician who's collaborated with John Martyn, Thea Gilmore and Ed Harcourt among many others. She's also a published novelist. In this conversation we hear about Kathryn's terrifying early gigs, her love of poetry and her collaboration with the poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy, surprising gigs (both good and bad) and family secrets. There's also a very funny story about the impact Showaddywaddy had on her teenage self.

Hooking up with Chris in this episode is Dan Smith, the founder and main-man in Bastille the highly prolific British band who've had a brace of huge hits and critically acclaimed albums worldwide.  In this interview, Dan discusses growing up in a nurturing household full of music, stage-fright and his difficult transition from bedroom writer/producer to fronting his own band on stage and the power of vulnerability in music.

In the very first episode of the second series of I Never Thought It Would Happen, Chris Difford welcomes Mike Rutherford of Genesis to the podcast. Mike has been an ever-present in the band since they formed in 1967. But those 55 years in Genesis are almost over with the band set to perform their final ever shows at the London O2 Arena.  In this chat Mike looks back at his band's formation, early influences and being such a key part of the prog rock revolution. He also discusses the band's first tour of the USA, Peter Gabriel's departure, Phil Collins move from the back of the stage to the front and the global exposure MTV brought to the band. 

Chris Difford is back for series 2 of I Never Thought It Would Happen - with Help Musicians. Episode 1 features a special chat with Mike Rutherford from Genesis ahead of the band's final ever UK dates. Back on 24th March on all podcast platforms. www.helpmusicians.org.uk

Joining Chris to talk about the up and downs of his career and life, is legendary producer, guitarist, song-writer, band leader, owner of a white Fender Strat called "The Hit Maker" and founder of Chic. In this fascinating episode, among many other things, Nile covers his remarkably unorthodox childhood which shaped his future endeavours, from school music lessons and films to a chance encounter with some hippies and how The Doors altered Nile's perception. This is a frank and fascinating conversation.

In this episode Chris enjoys a compelling and candid conversation with singer-songwriter KT Tunstall. From her upbringing in the countryside around St Andrews in Scotland, to busking around Europe to her present home in LA, the interview covers a lot of territory.  From the lows of grief and loss (both family and hearing) to the highs of hit albums and awards. And KT has a couple of amazing stories about her idols Chrissie Hynde and Stevie Nicks.

In this episode Chris is joined by Tim Burgess, the frontman for The Charlatans, a man who's now a household name for his Twitter Listening Party, which has featured everyone from Art Of Noise to The Zutons and most famously, Paul McCartney. In this chat with Chris Tim talks not only about bringing the nation together under lockdown, but also recalls his record collection as a teenager, the excitement of being in a recording studio for the first time and how DJ-ing and writing have replaced drink and drugs.

Joining Chris in this episode is Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter Amy Wadge. Amy was gripped by music from a very early age and was writing her own songs on the family piano at 9 years old, and by 11 had switched to guitar having been hugely inspired by Tracy Chapman's debut album. Soon thereafter, she and a friend were gigging regularly around her hometown of Bristol and signed their first record contract aged just 14 and released their first single at 16. There then followed a run of solo EPs and albums, but it was a meeting with another young singer-songwriter that would change Amy's life. That musician was Ed Sheeran, and their first collaboration was Ed's 2010 EP, "Songs I Wrote With Amy". From that point onwards they've become regular collaborators, with their co-written "Thinking Out Loud" landing the duo a Grammy. Amy is now an in demand songwriter for hire, spending much of her time in Nashville and has worked with artists from James Blunt, John Legend and Keith Urban to Kylie Minogue, Alicia Keys and Deltra Goodrem.