Podcast appearances and mentions of Chris Difford

18 Years of a Music Summer School Today, I reflect on the lessons and observations from the last 18 years of running Bluescampuk. It has been a very special experience with campers going on to do amazing things, gigging, songwriting, starting bands, doing tours and even teaching. We have had great guests, including Chaz Hodges from Chaz and Dave, Chaz Jenkel from the Blockheads, and Chris Difford from Squeeze. This year will be the last in this format. I am not sure what will follow, but I think we have left a legacy of creativity and fun.   To support the podcast and get access to features about guitar playing and song writing visit https://www.patreon.com/vichyland and also news for all the creative music that we do at Bluescamp UK and France visit www.bluescampuk.co.uk   For details of the Ikaro music charity visit www.ikaromusic.com   Big thanks to Josh Ferrara for the music

Musician Chris Difford sits down with bereavement expert Jason Davidson. In this conversation, Chris talks about the death of his dad, Sidney, how songwriting has helped his grief and the importance (or unimportance) of visiting the graves of loved ones.On the Marie Curie Couch aims to open up conversations about death, break down the taboo and encourage people to share their end of life plans.This podcast is made by Marie Curie – the UK's leading end of life charity. For more information about the vital work we do, head to mariecurie.org.ukOn the Marie Curie Couch is produced and edited by Marie Curie, with support from Ultimate Content. The music featured is Time Lapse by PanOceanic. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. 

Two short interviews this time around with bands coming to town in September. Matt Pelsor talked with Brad Roberts of the Canadian band Crash Test Dummies about the way Canadian media seemed to abandon the group after their breakthrough record God Shuffled His Feet. Crash Test Dummies play Hendricks Live in Plainfield September 18th. Crystal McKenzie then talks with Chris Difford of Squeeze, who play Old National Centre on September 3rd. They talk about his famous next door neighbor, and recalls the 1981 English Mugs tour with Elvis Costello and the Attractions.

Chris Difford is having a very busy year. There's a new Squeeze album in the works, they are supporting Heart on their forthcoming arena tour, and there's also the matter of an enormous UK tour in hour of Squeeze's 50th anniversary. Chris also hosts the podcast “I Never Thought It Would Happen” which is currently on Season 4. Seems like a good time to have a chat, right? Instagram: @sendingsignalspodcastX: @signalspodcast

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.

Hello friends! Legendary singer-songwriter, artist, playwright, author, actress, and all-around bad-ass, Kimmie Rhodes returns to the show for episode 1374! Her latest album, the gorgeous, Hypnotized is available wherever you stream or download your jams. Kimmie will be on tour in the U.K. and Ireland in May, but you can see her in Austin this Monday 4/8 with our band, Happyland at The Saxon Pub. Go to kimmierhodes.com for tour dates, show info, music and much more. We have a great conversation about making Hypnotized with her son, Gabriel Rhodes playing and producing, how staying engaged as an artist keeps her inspired, her duet memoir with Joe Gracey "Radio Dreams", working with Willie, Waylon, and Chris Difford, she explains why Lubbock was such a fertile area for artists and creatives, our band Happyland, living in a world with no Tom Petty, and much more. I had a great time learning about Kimmies adventures. I'm sure you will too. Let's get Down! Get the chords and tabs for over 1 million songs at Ultimate Guitar!                                                                                               If you feel so inclined. Venmo: www.venmo.com/John-Goudie-1  Paypal: paypal.me/johnnygoudie

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

NEW EPISODE UP! What's your most loved and least favorite song on Squeeze's Sweets From A Stranger album?! Dan picked another non-obvious record by a band we all love for this episode. Whole lotta praise heaped on the masters of UK song styling and we get a surprise text guest ranking from our high school friend Dan Evans before fading back into hiatusland. Listen at WeWillRankYouPod.com, Apple, Spotify and your favorite black coffeehouse.  Follow us and weigh in with your favorites on Facebook, Instagram & Threads and Twitter @wewillrankyoupod . John Bentley, Black Coffee in Bed, Blur, Paul Carrack, Elvis Costello, Chris Difford, The Elephant Ride, Fountains of Wayne, Hall & Oates, His House Her Home, Robyn Hitchcock, Jools Holland, I Can't Hold On, I've Returned, Joe Jackson, Jellyfish, jigsaw, Gilson Lavis, Muppets, new wave, Onto the Dance Floor, Out of Touch, Points of View, the Proclaimers, Frank Sinatra, Don Snow, Squeeze, Stranger Than the Stranger on the Shore, Supergrass, Sweets From A Stranger, Glenn Tilbrook, Tongue Like a Knife, The Very First Dance, we are not new wave, When the Hangover Strikes, XTC, Paul Young, 1982.          US: http://www.WeWillRankYouPod.com wewillrankyoupod@gmail.comhttp://www.facebook.com/WeWillRankYouPodhttp://www.instagram.com/WeWillRankYouPodhttps://www.threads.net/@WeWillRankYouPodhttp://www.twitter.com/WeWillRankYouPo http://www.YourOlderBrother.com(Sam's music page) http://www.YerDoinGreat.com (Adam's music page)https://open.spotify.com/user/dancecarbuzz (Dan's playlists)

Ahead of their 50th anniversary tour, Squeeze members Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook chat to Colin Murray about their intense tour schedule, how they've improved their craft with time, their unlikely influences, the re-defining of ‘hit' tracks, and what they think of Brit Pop. The pair also get into their most surreal moments and biggest mistakes of the last 50 years, and their favourite acts to support on tour, including Bon Jovi, REM and U2, plus performing with Dave Grohl and Elton John.

Ed Blunt is a pianist and songwriter who has worked with Tom Odell, Niall Horan, Westlife, JP Cooper, Elles Bailey, Beth Nielsen Chapman and Hollie Rogers - amongst many others! Described as “brilliant” by Chris Difford of Squeeze, Ed released ‘Over The Moon', his first album as a songwriter in 2022. Ed is also the musical director for the amazing Camden Voices.   In this episode you will learn: Why learning drums can really enhance your keys playing Ed's approach to writing songs and generating lyrics How the piano can be such a useful tool when writing interesting arrangements for choir Ed's approach to transcribing songs for the piano… and lots, lots more! _ _ _

Singer, songwriter, novelist, and painter Kathryn Williams is proud to release her new album ‘Night Drives'. The collection explores a more filmic sound, with a larger ensemble of instrumentation, particular emphasis on the strings and production from Ed Harcourt. It's out via One Little Independent Records.   Journeying from leftfield contemporary pop to soft acoustics, Kathryn Williams uses her latest LP to explore a variety of fresh ideas driven, in part, by a host of collaborators. Kirsty Logan, Oystein Greni, Romeo Stodart, Matt Deighton, Simon Edwards, Yvette Williams, Neill Maccoll, Andy Bruce, Ida Wenoe, Joel Sarakula, Emily Barker and John Alder all have credits on various tracks across ‘Night Drives'. Kathryn explains “I've been releasing music for 24 years now. That fact blows me away, and things have changed so much over those years. The biggest change has been my love of co-writing and writing for other artists. This began when I first went on a writing retreat with Chris Difford forming close friendships and working relationships that are represented here”.   Her first official album since ‘Hypoxia' in 2015, ‘Night Drives' opens with some of Kathryn's most immediately electronic tracks to date, the nihilistic ‘Human', big ballad ‘Answer In The Dark' with all it's bold, layered production, and the dynamic, infectious ‘Radioactive'. Elsewhere on the likes of ‘Moon Karaoke', ‘Magnets' and ‘The Brightest', a more cinematic sound is explored; slowly unravelling stories backed by delicate acoustics and elated, emotive string pieces. ‘Put The Needle On The Record' and joint closers ‘Starry Heavens' and ‘I Am Rich In All That I've Lost' are relaxed and fall into the more traditional world of folk inspired melancholia. Kathryn's inimitable charm colours the whole album with emotion and affection – occasionally brooding, always likable.   Discussing some of the themes explored she says “Some of it is questioning who we are, realising that being human is about flaws, humility, and the consequences of how we react to others. It can be about the longevity of a long-term relationship, how to keep the fire burning and to celebrate that. So many love songs are about the first moments, but this is about enduring love. The simple things that fill a day and how our dreams and wants are so separate to the daily grind. The final track is a philosophical musing on loss and gain in life. How by living a long life we will lose so much, but that in itself is riches”.

Today John and Steve "babylon and on" about one of their favorite bands, as they shine the SPOTLIGHT ON SQUEEZE. They examine some of the best songs of the greatest decade by this very powerful pop group. Songs discussed are Up the Junction, Pulling Mussels, Some Fantastic Place, Walk a Straight Line, Cool for Cats, Another Nail in My Heart, Piccadilly, Love Circles, Tempted and others.On this one, John provides a lot of great insight and background on the band's history, songs and live shows. They both give Chris Difford a ton of praise, Gilson Lavis gets a few shout-outs, as well as Paul Carrack and some of the other members through the various line-ups.

And now for something completely different… friend of the podcast Dan Rivkin waxes philosophically (and with great humor) on the myriad touchpoints that are reflected by Glenn and his hair. While not altogether serious, it's a fascinating visual: whether as a teenager, in his 20s with Squeeze, as a solo artist roaming the world and into the 21st century, his altogether unique style and deportment when it concerns personal presentation - and this includes his fellow bandmates! - is one subject that Dan and myself felt needed at least, a podcast-length deep-dive discussion.Squeeze "Cool For Cats", Live at The Depot, Salt Lake City, 10/7/2016[At the 1:55 mark]

This week's episode of Moments That Rock features one of the UK's most prolific songwriters, a Mr Chris Difford formerly of Squeeze who enjoyed many years of success with songs like Cool for Cats, Up the Junction, Labelled with Love etc. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A look back at just some of the many famous faces to have appeared on The God Cast with Fr Alex Frost. You can find Fr Alex on on Twitter @adjfrost His church here, https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/11467/ His book here, https://www.whsmith.co.uk/products/our-daily-bread-one-priests-story-of-hope-and-a-communitys-resilience/alex-frost/hardback/9780008556525.html

Hello and welcome to episode 166 of the ACPG Podcast. This week Ben has 'the look of love' as he zooms with one of his musical idols, Martin Fry of ABC. Similar to Chris Difford a couple of week ago. ABC and Martin Fry hold a special place in Ben's musical life. No 'poison arrows' with this one, and we can definitely hear 'Smokey Sing', ok I'll stop dropping ABC songs in here. As you can imagine this was a great a thrill to talk about Martin's life in music and his new 40 year Lexicon of Love live album. Celebrating their most successful and well known work. Alongside the usual stuff we talk about fashion, identity, and Chanel guitars that got them in trouble. It's quite a ride, even if there was a few little audio gremlins. Thank you to Martin for his time, it was a real pleasure to talk music with you. Thank you to Sacha for setting up the inviting and her support as ever. See you next week for another band with a tonne of steal. Good Health Good Wealth. 

Hello and welcome to episode 166 of the ACPG Podcast. This week Ben has 'the look of love' as he zooms with one of his musical idols, Martin Fry of ABC. Similar to Chris Difford a couple of week ago. ABC and Martin Fry hold a special place in Ben's musical life. No 'poison arrows' with this one, and we can definitely hear 'Smokey Sing', ok I'll stop dropping ABC songs in here. As you can imagine this was a great a thrill to talk about Martin's life in music and his new 40 year Lexicon of Love live album. Celebrating their most successful and well known work. Alongside the usual stuff we talk about fashion, identity, and Chanel guitars that got them in trouble. It's quite a ride, even if there was a few little audio gremlins. Thank you to Martin for his time, it was a real pleasure to talk music with you. Thank you to Sacha for setting up the inviting and her support as ever. See you next week for another band with a tonne of steal. Good Health Good Wealth. 

Hello and welcome to episode 164 of the ACPG Podcast. This week Ben is zooming as James is holiday(ing). Not sure if that's a real word. Ben is on zoom this week with one of his favourite artists of all time. Chris Difford from the band Squeeze. This podcast has thrown up a few unreal scenarios but thankfully it's still fun and great to meet people that you've listened to for most of your life. Squeeze have been a soundtrack band for me, so it was amazing to talk to Chris about his life in music, songwriting, touring, and so much more. Thank you to Chris for talking to us. See you next week for Alex Lahey.

Hello and welcome to episode 164 of the ACPG Podcast. This week Ben is zooming as James is holiday(ing). Not sure if that's a real word. Ben is on zoom this week with one of his favourite artists of all time. Chris Difford from the band Squeeze. This podcast has thrown up a few unreal scenarios but thankfully it's still fun and great to meet people that you've listened to for most of your life. Squeeze have been a soundtrack band for me, so it was amazing to talk to Chris about his life in music, songwriting, touring, and so much more. Thank you to Chris for talking to us. See you next week for Alex Lahey.

f you are a fan of Squeeze, you know how hard it is to resist their catchy tunes and witty lyrics. But even more importantly - as we've learned - is how their music can give meaning to touch points throughout your life.Gary McKechnie is one of those people. And fortunate to have met Glenn Tilbrook in a hotel lobby in Daytona Beach, Florida. And also arranged Chris Difford's “Songs In The Key Of Sea.” A rather eclectic summary for this man and for his ability to speak to the ones who ‘get it.'Gary is also a speaker, award-winning author and motojournalist. And when he offered up the chance to join me in conversation about one of his favorite bands (and songwriters), how could I say no?More importantly, Gary is passionate, articulate and with his storytelling prowess, a person who can get to the deep heart of this particular subject at hand.I invite you in for that proverbial ‘Black Coffee' as you come aboard for an enlightening ride.http://www.garymckechnie.com/

Hello and welcome to episode 163 of the ACPG Podcast. This week Ben is back at the Cluny with Beans on Toast (AKA Jay). They talk pre gig, post sound check about his life in music, songwriting, touring, festivals, community, and making friends with friend of the show Frank Turner. Since 2005, Beans on Toast has written simple songs about complicated subjects. Tackling the big issues of the day but doing so with his feet firmly on the ground, he's become a people's champ of the modern folk scene and amassed a huge back catalogue of songs in the process. An unrepentant optimist whose songs celebrate all that is wonderful about the human spirit, his live shows are similarly uplifting and have taken him from SOLD OUT headline shows in the UK to the stages of major international festivals across the globe. Thank you to Jay and James and we hope you enjoyed this episode. See you next week with Chris Difford of Squeeze. Holy smokes, it's big one.

Hello and welcome to episode 163 of the ACPG Podcast. This week Ben is back at the Cluny with Beans on Toast (AKA Jay). They talk pre gig, post sound check about his life in music, songwriting, touring, festivals, community, and making friends with friend of the show Frank Turner. Since 2005, Beans on Toast has written simple songs about complicated subjects. Tackling the big issues of the day but doing so with his feet firmly on the ground, he's become a people's champ of the modern folk scene and amassed a huge back catalogue of songs in the process. An unrepentant optimist whose songs celebrate all that is wonderful about the human spirit, his live shows are similarly uplifting and have taken him from SOLD OUT headline shows in the UK to the stages of major international festivals across the globe. Thank you to Jay and James and we hope you enjoyed this episode. See you next week with Chris Difford of Squeeze. Holy smokes, it's big one.

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. 

Cousins Gibb, are Nick Endacott-Gibb and Debora McLane from the famous Gibb family and the hit recording group, The Bee Gees.Nick Endacott-Gibb is the newest member of the Gibb family. He was adopted at an early age, but in 2019, following a 10-year search to find his biological parents, Nick traced his birth mother and discovered that Bee Gee Maurice Gibb was his father.Music has always been Nick's passion, and over the years, he has written his own songs and produced and recorded other artists.Nick is also a proficient sound engineer, working at many of the UK's top festivals and events. As a musician, he has performed with and supported many top UK artists, including Dodgy and Chris Difford with his band, “The Speak“. The other member of Cousins Gibb is Debora McLaine. Blessed with an expressive and versatile voice, she has spent many years performing at tribute shows such as Tina Turner, Celine Dion, Barbara Streisand, Carol King, Karen Carpenter and many more.After Nick connected with his cousin Debora, they formed Cousins Gibb.They decided to work on the title, Tragedy and put a very different spin on the original. This version is almost unrecognisable from the upbeat original on the Bee Gees, fifteenth album, “Spirits Having Flown”, as the arrangement has heartfelt vocals, harmonies and lyrics that give it a unique and sympathetic twist.They are working on a full-length album of original material, scheduled for release later in the year.Cousins Gibb have an excellent understanding of the Bee Gees song “Tragedy”, and their voices blend to create a fusion of magical Harmonies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hurrah!  It's a brand new O3L, where we discuss our Top 5 EPs & Mini-Albums with singer/songwriter Paul Handyside.  We love the EP, or Extended Play, perched somewhere in between a traditional single and a full length album.  Sometimes they compile album tracks or previous singles, and other times they are conceived as complete works designed to stand up on their own.  Either way, they're short, they're fun, and leave you wanting more.  Other than beings short, sounds a lot like this podcast, eh?  ("Yes."  The correct answer is "Yes.")  Oh, and spoiler alert: We have the rare "triple crossover" in this episode.  Can you guess what it is? So join us for a rousing chorus of "Shubby Shubby Go!", won't you?   About Paul Handyside: Paul Handyside is a folk and roots singer/songwriter. His song writing style has been compared to artists as varied as Chris Difford, Billy Bragg, Robyn Hitchcock, Green Gartside, Elvis Costello, Jeff Buckley and Martin Carthy. He began his musical career with eighties indie darlings Hurrah! The jangle pop band had a run of classic singles (including Paul's "The Sun Shines Here", "Hip Hip", and "Sweet Sanity") and album releases on Kitchenware and Arista Records from 1982 to 1991, and toured extensively worldwide. During the nineties he toured and recorded with friend and Kitchenware labelmate Martin Stephenson. Handyside formed Bronze in 2001. Still embracing chiming, Rickenbacker driven pop, and increasingly alt country, they released two albums, The Statue in the Stone and A Common Prayer. His debut solo album Future's Dream, a combination of pop, country and modern day hymns was released in 2007 to great reviews. The second album Wayward Son followed in 2013 and further developed his own brand of folk-tinged americana. Tide, Timber & Grain was released in 2016 with elements of traditional British folk and sixties protest songs emerging in Handyside's now well established and diverse musical palette. The fourth album Loveless Town was released 21st of May 2021. As is evident in the title track he songs have an even stronger resonance with country and americana, the counterpoint to which is “Hartley Pit Catastrophe”, a true story from his native North East with its English folk sensibilities. Handyside is aided and abetted by long time cohorts Dave Porthouse on double bass and melodeon and by Rob Tickell, who also produced the album, on guitar and dobro.       

“Lived Through That” is the companion podcast to my book where I look at influential 90s musicians and where they are today. On this podcast, we'll delve deeper into a single pivotal moment in the lives of some of the artists I feature in the book, as well as other artists I love and admire. The stories they tell are open, honest, and inspiring. Squeeze is one of the most enduring bands of the 80s with timeless songs like “Black Coffee in Bed,” “Tempted,” “Cool for Cats,” “Up The Junction,” and so many others – all that still sound fresh today. In a little bit of a departure from other episodes, this one is structed more like an oral history of the band with Squeeze's singer-songwriter-guitarist Chris Difford, drummer Gilson Lavis, and bassist John Bentley. Plus John Faye from the 90s band The Caulfields. Musical credits: Calmion: Calmion by Blue Dot Sessions Theme song from Audiojungle. You can find out more about Squeeze here You can find out more about John Faye and his book here You can find out more about Gilson Lavis and his art here Be sure to look out for my book, "Lived Through That," where ever you buy your books! You can get 15% your copy of the book NOW by using the promo code PODCAST15 at this link. In addition, my book "80s Redux," is still available - pick up a copy here! You can find out more about my work and the 80s and 90s books at my website here.

Few journalists have been able to go deep when it comes to the back history of the songwriting partnership and longevity of Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook. In this episode, I spoke to Jim Drury, author of the 2004 book 'Squeeze: Song By Song.' In candid interviews with Chris & Glenn, Jim was able to get to the heart of their process, both as friends and partners in the realm of a collaborative, descriptive, and music-based biography. At that time, Squeeze was not in place functioning as a band. However, when presented with the prospect of delving into a rich and diverse project (even with an extremely tight deadline), Jim has supplied the Squeeze community with an insightful look into their songs, enriched through the unique dynamic lens known as Difford & Tilbrook. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Sign up to our newsletter and never miss a release! | Visit our website I was unbelievably lucky to have the chance to talk to Chris Difford of Squeeze. Chris formed Squeeze in 1974 by putting an advert in a shop window and Glenn Tilbrook was the only person to answer the ad. The partnership of Chris and Glenn was a collaboration with Chris writing the lyrics and Glenn writing the music. They had multiple chart-topping singles and albums and their ‘Singles' album went platinum. Listen to the podcast to hear how the band went from the pubs of Deptford to Madison Square Garden. Chris talks with great honesty about the highs and lows, the ins and outs and the joys and trials of that journey. He also talks about his song-writing retreats, mentoring, his autobiography and his “I Never Thought It Would Happen” podcast. Cool for Cats!! Related Links and reading Chris Difford's Website Listen to Squeeze Listen to Chris's own podcast: ‘I Never Thought It Would Happen'

To kick off Season 2, we're in discussion with my friend Brian Coombes from the band Rocking Horse Music Club. Brian has a long and bountiful history within the music industry. First as a musician and then as founder of Rocking Horse Studio, he has worked internationally with numerous creative artists. In this episode, we have many topics to discuss, chief among them his good fortune in working with Chris Difford… not once, but twice! We talk about that history and how Chris has a significant role in Brian's latest performing/collaborative creation ‘Circus Of Wire Dolls.' And we'll also dig deep into several musical genres, studio technology, and Brian's recording experience at the historical Abbey Road Studios. https://www.rockinghorsemusicclub.com/ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with Squeeze co-founder Glenn Tilbrook, who performs live at City Winery in Washington D.C. on Thursday night. They discuss his songwriting collaborations with Chris Difford to pen hits like "Tempted" and "Pulling Mussels (From the Shell)." (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion")

Francis Dunnery operates as a Multi-Media Artist. His work combines music, humor, video, literature, performance art, philosophy and blistering electric guitar. Francis first hit the public stage back in the eighties as lead vocalist and guitarist for the popular progressive rock band ‘It Bites' and enjoyed early chart success throughout Europe and Asia. He has since enjoyed a diverse musical career spanning thirty five years. During this time he has written, produced and performed music with some of the most successful artists of his time, artists such as Led Zeppelin's singer Robert Plant, guitar legend Carlos Santana, Squeeze's stalwart Chris Difford, Stone Roses' front man Ian Brown, R&B superstar Lauren Hill, Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett as well as guesting with a host of bands and artists such as Yes, Hootie and the Blowfish and played alongside musical legend Chris Squire in The Syn. Francis is also an accomplished Rock Icon in his own right, turning out more than ten engaging albums of original yet diverse compositions as well as international solo chart hits in various countries throughout the world.Francis is also extremely proud to be the president and founder of ‘The Charlie and Kathleen Dunnery Children's Fund', a charity he set up to honor his parents. The CKDCF is dedicated to children's health and wellness providing grants and donations that directly benefit the children of West Cumbria, England. Every October, Francis and his friends from around the world, gather in Cumbria for their legendary benefit concert and charity walk in support of the CKDCF. The CKDCF is widely supported throughout the world by some of the biggest names in Rock n Roll History. In truth, Francis Dunnery defies labeling. He's a musicians musician, an educator, a master songwriter, a mentor and a storyteller. In fact, the legendary Robert Plant once said, “Francis Dunnery should be a public service.” For more than thirty five years Francis has created original and consumable entertainment for his fans, and this won't stop anytime soon. From new CDs and Live Concerts to Astrology Readings, House Concerts, and the  Big Purple Castle Podcast (available on Patreon). Present day, Francis is more than ever committed to the personal freedom and individuality of himself and his audience.https://francisdunnery.com/

Squeeze enjoyed huge success in the UK from the end of the 70's and in North America from the 80s onwards. The songwriting team of Glenn Tilbrook and today's guest Chris Difford were labelled as heirs to Lennon and McCartney in the early days and have collaborated for decades on so many big hit singles and albums. They also played a set on the first ever MTV Unplugged too! Chris Difford joins me in a quick chat to talk about their early beginnings, their hits, and his time with Elvis Costello and Elton John among other things. Chris will be performing at the Cornbury Festival which is on between the 8th and 10th of July. For more information visit www.cornburyfestival.com

Introducing the Band:Your hosts Scot Bertram (@ScotBertram) and Jeff Blehar (@EsotericCD) are joined by guest Scott Immergut. Scott is the CEO of Ricochet.com and the Ricochet Audio Network. He is the long-time producer of the Ricochet Podcast and the GLoP Culture podcast with Jonah Goldberg, Rob Long, and John Podhoretz. He's also the Executive Producer of The Hoover Institution's Uncommon Knowledge with Peter Robinson andGood Fellows, with Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster, and John Cochrane. Scott's Music Pick: SqueezeThey might do it down on Camber Sands and at Waikiki, but in the mainland U.S., Squeeze was mostly a rumor for much of the band's career. Highest charting album? #32. Just two Top 40 singles. Squeeze, unfortunately, was destined to join the long list of very British bands that never quite crossed over to the States.If you know Squeeze at all, it might be because of the placement of “Tempted” on the soundtrack for Reality Bites. Or, perhaps a roommate at college had the Singles 45's and Under collection on CD, as most roommates seemed to in the 1990s. But there's a heck of a lot more to the story.This is, of course, where Political Beats steps in to solve the problem. Because the truth is you won't find music any better than what Squeeze produced, particularly at their peak from 1978-1982. The highly literate lyrics of Chris Difford, filled with sharp storytelling and British allusions, paired perfectly with the beautiful, melodic, and sometimes quite complicated music written by Glenn Tilbrook. Tilbrook's soulful tenor took most of the leads (except, famously, on perhaps the band's best-known song, “Tempted”) while Difford's deep croaking voice contributed backing vocals.The duo were called the heirs to the Lennon/McCartney songwriting throne, though the comparison never really fit and actually harmed the band's output, as we discuss on the show. But they were something special, producing some of the finest pop songs of the era, like “Another Nail In My Heart,” “Pulling Mussels,” “Up the Junction,” and “Is It Love”.The band broke up in 1982, making way for a pretty awful Tilbrook/Difford duo album that was a naked reach for the charts. Squeeze reunited in 1985, fell apart in 1999, got back together in 2007 and remain a recording and touring entity to this day. Pick up almost any album from their collection and you're going to hear at least a handful of well-crafted, melodic, memorable tunes.If nothing else, you'll learn about a whole bunch of British slang, like “argybargy,” “up the junction,” “that's not cricket,” and “slap and tickle.” But we're pretty sure you're going to love this music, as well. It's not just an East Side Story, it's one everyone can enjoy on Political Beats.

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.

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".

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

Good talk with Chris Difford on what inspired him through lockdown, his early days with Squeeze, his music writing process, being unabashedly British, producing new music and the chance to talk with other music legends on his podcast. Enjoy!

In this episode, David Blacker talks with guitarist, songwriter, educator, journalist and author Adam Levy.   Adam is a guitarist in high demand. His playing has been featured on recordings by major-label artists such as Norah Jones, Tracy Chapman, and Amos Lee. He has also played on records by acclaimed indie artists such as Ani DiFranco and Anayis Mitchell. He's performed live onstage with all of these musicians—as well as with Rosanne Cash, Lisa Loeb, Darol Anger, Regina Carter, and many others.In addition to his work as a guitarist, Adam has blossomed as a songwriter in recent years, with work appearing on releases by Norah Jones, Chris Difford (of Squeeze), Glen Phillips (of Toad the Wet Sprocket), Miles Zuniga (of Fastball), and Amber Rubarth. He writes mostly alone, but does a bit of co-writing as well. One of his recent co-writing collaborations was with singer/songwriter Jill Sobule. The song they wrote together, “Bound to Happen,” is featured in the documentary film If You Build It.Over the past decade or so, Adam has released a dozen of his own recordings—some song-oriented, some instrumental.We had a really awesome chat. We spoke about- His early influences & first gig experiences- His iconic solo on Tracy Chapman's Give Me One Reason- Moving to New York to follow his passion for jazz - Getting in the Norah Jones project and how it grew from playing local gigs to international recognition. - Stepping out on his own as a songwriter - What he strives for as a musician and performer- Some of the key lessons he's learned along the way- How he approaches remote sessionsThe guitar music between the podcast segments features Adam's playingYou can contact Adam about your project on his AirGigs profile:https://www.airgigs.com/user/adamlevymusicThe background intro and outro music is by Athens, Ga based artist Daniel Hardin.

Squeeze's Chris Difford shares stories behind some of the most enduring songs, released by one of the country's best-loved bands.

He’s written some of the greatest pop songs of all time. But at the height of his eighties fame he fell into addiction. Now 29 years sober, Chris Difford joins me to talk about his recovery, his songs, his shed and his dog. This is a public episode. Get access to private episodes at samdelaney.substack.com/subscribe

Podcast number four features my chat with singer, musician and songwriter Chris Difford. Recorded remotely in February 2021, across roughly 54 miles from Chris' luxury shed in Lewes, Sussex to the Atkin workshop in Canterbury, Kent. Obviously we talk about Squeeze but also Chris's solo career, his songwriting workshops and sheep, among other things. The song at the beginning of the podcast is 'Come on Down' from Chris's 2008 'Last Temptation of Chris' album. In fact I'm making a Spotify playlist of some of the songs we mention in the show, you can find that here Tuned Playlist. Huge thanks to the wonderful Jim Moray for letting us use his tune 'Lord Douglas' at the end of the podcast. Links The Chris Difford website Help Musicians UK website The Atkin Guitars website Jim Moray's website

Join Alister Atkin of Atkin Guitars in the UK as he chats to a few of the Music Industry people he's got to know over his 25 year career as a guitar maker. In the first season of this Podcast Alister talks to fellow guitar makers Andy Manson, Patrick Eggle and Steve "Nully" Nall from Collings Guitars, Film sound designer and programmer Toby Pitman, singer songwriters Boo Hewerdine, Ezio Lunedai and Olly Knights of Turin Brakes, folk royalty Simon Nicol, and rock legends Steve "Boltz" Bolton and Chris Difford.

This week Jools and Jim take a ride with lyricist, musician and Squeeze frontman Chris Difford. The Grammy-nominated and twice Ivor Novello winning songwriter recalls Jim calling bingo for Squeeze at the Royal Albert Hall, and Jools thinks back to a rather novel ashtray in Chris' teenage bedroom. Friends for close to half a century, Chris and Jools look back on their start in the music industry, sharing anecdotes about hats, Chris' hotline to Audi, and the three revel in their shared passion for cars. Plus, a revelation about the conception of Up The Junction…A Dig! Studios / Warner Music Entertainment podcast.Produced by Molly Stewart. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Rockonteurs is a podcast all about the real stories behind real music.Presented by Spandau Ballet's Gary Kemp, who wrote and performed megahits like ‘Gold' and ‘True', and Guy Pratt, a bass player who shaped songs for the likes of Madonna and Pink Floyd, you'll hear exclusive stories of life on the road, in the studio and what really happened behind the scenes from artists who wrote, performed and produced the some of the biggest classic rock and pop tracks of all time.Rockonteurs is a podcast all about the real stories behind real music. In episode 3 Gary Kemp and Guy Pratt speak to Chris Difford, lyricist and founding member of Squeeze. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Squeeze's powerhouse drummer Simon Hanson gives the lowdown on life in the industry, how joining Death in Vegas propelled him into the big time, and the way that personal tragedy at the age of 19 made him feel immortal. He also tells Jim Drury about his joy at working with Squeeze songwriting icons Glenn Tilbrook & Chris Difford. (Photo copyright - Clare Davis)

Chris Difford is half of one of British pop's most enduring - and endearing - songwriting double acts. Along with Glenn Tilbrook, Chris has formed the backbone of Squeeze for almost a half a century. He wrote the lyrics for classic hits like Cool for Cats, Up The Junction, and Tempted and continues to perform and record in Squeeze. He tells Jim Drury about his 43 years in the music business. CONTACT twitter.com/jimdruryE9