Clang: The Podcast

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In this high-energy episode, Smiley and Pete are joined by the legendary Owen Paul, the voice behind the 80s smash hit “My Favourite Waste of Time.” Owen shares a treasure trove of anecdotes from his remarkable journey in the music world, from rubbing shoulders with music royalty to handling the rollercoaster of fame. 

Guest Spotlight: Owen Paul
Owen Paul is a name that instantly brings to mind one of the most iconic songs of the 80s: “My Favourite Waste of Time.” But there’s far more to his story than a single massive hit. With a career spanning decades, Owen’s journey has taken him from humble beginnings in Glasgow to the top of the charts, from working behind the scenes in the music industry to rediscovering the thrill of live performance in front of thousands.

In this episode, Owen invites listeners into his world, sharing hilarious, heartfelt, and sometimes surprising anecdotes about life as a musician. From performing at festivals with legends like Nick Kershaw, Tony Hadley, and Alison Moyet, to his early days as a researcher for Radio 1’s Peter Powell, Owen has always been deeply immersed in the music scene.

While many know him for his unforgettable chart-topping track, Owen’s versatility as a performer, producer, and even X Factor consultant showcases his diverse talents. Whether he’s fronting a band, crafting a setlist, or coaching artists on how to own a stage, Owen’s stories reflect his genuine love for music and his respect for the craft.

And let’s not forget his uncanny ability to work a crowd. As festival organizers and fans alike attest, Owen has the rare charisma to hold the attention of thousands, proving time and again why he’s one of the most beloved artists of his era. Beyond the music, he shares the ups and downs of fame, from dodging fans hiding in the bushes during his mum’s birthday party to finding ways to reinvent himself after stepping out of the limelight.

Whether you’re a fan of his music or simply love a good behind-the-scenes story, Owen Paul’s blend of humor, humility, and unfiltered honesty makes this episode one you don’t want to miss.

Highlights from the Show:

• The Birth of a Hit: Owen takes us behind the scenes of creating “My Favourite Waste of Time,” and how it skyrocketed him to international fame.
• The Power of Collaboration: Hear about Owen's encounters with music legends like Joe Strummer, Mick Jones, and Pete Wiley—and how he once became a "roadie" for The Clash!
• Rewind Festivals & 80s Nostalgia: From opening major festivals to owning the crowd, Owen reflects on his experiences performing for thousands and why he’s still rocking the stage today.
• The X Factor Connection: Discover how Owen consulted for The X Factor, the advice he gave Leona Lewis, and why understanding a song's meaning is crucial for performers.
• Behind the Fame: Owen opens up about the challenges of fame, including the hilarious (and slightly terrifying) Watchdog cameo that reignited his live career.
• Lessons from the Legends: Why Joe Strummer’s relentless authenticity on stage remains a benchmark for performers everywhere. 

#OwenPaul #MyFavouriteWasteOfTime #80sMusic #MusicLegends #RewindFestival #FrontmanStories #LiveMusic #MusicPodcast #JoeStrummer #TheClash #80sRock #PopIcons #BehindTheScenes #MusicIndustry #PodcastLife

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From Glastonbury crutches to legendary jams, bassist Dale Davis takes us on a wild ride through his storied career alongside Amy Winehouse, Paul Young, and Freak Power. Football antics, almost-Bond themes, and the mystery of the Achilles snap—this one's a bass lover's dream.  

In this episode of Clang the Podcast, Smiley and Pete welcome Dale Davis, legendary bassist and musical director best known for his work with Amy Winehouse. The trio dives into Dale’s fascinating career, from jamming with Paul Young and Norman Cook (Fatboy Slim) to near-misses like a Bond theme and a Kylie track. Hear stories of his serendipitous career breaks, hilarious onstage football-watching antics, and what it’s like to perform on crutches at Glastonbury. Dale also shares his deep love for football, his encounters with icons like Bruce Willis and Pino Palladino, and what makes truly great bassists stand out.

Whether you're a bass enthusiast or just love great stories from the music world, this episode strikes all the right notes!

#ClangThePodcast #DaleDavis #BassPlayer #AmyWinehouse #MusicLegends #MusicianLife #Glastonbury #BassStories #PodcastEpisode #MusicalDirector #MusicIndustry #PodcastLife #BassLegends #ClangPodcast #MusicHistory #BehindTheMusic #BassPlayersUnite #MusicStories #LegendaryBassist #MusicianLife #GlastonburyStories #AmyWinehouseBand #BassLineLovers #MusicIndustryTales #PodcastHighlights #IconicMusicMoments #BassPlayerLife #LiveMusicMemories #MTVAwardsStories #FamousEncounters #bass #freakpower #paulyoung #pinopalladino #kylie

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This episode was recorded at the end of August 2024!

In this week's episode of Clang: The Podcast, hosts Smiley and Pete sit down with the multi-talented Billy Reeves. Known for co-founding The Audience with Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Billy's career has spanned music, radio production, and football commentary—often mixing the worlds of pop and pitchside chat with his unique humor.

Join the trio as they dive into Billy's life, starting with his undying loyalty to Brentford FC, the club he’s followed from local obscurity to Premier League pride. Billy reminisces about the honour of commentating for Brentford, even sharing behind-the-scenes tales like the time he raced back from a “comfort break” only to miss a legendary Rudiger goal at Stamford Bridge.

Of course, no podcast with Billy would be complete without music talk. Hear how a chance meeting with Sophie Ellis-Bextor in a DJ booth sparked the birth of The Audience, leading to mad gigs, brushes with fame (and a close call with Kylie Minogue), and the ups and downs of band life in the ’90s. From producing for Gary Crowley at BBC Radio London to interviewing icons like Amy Winehouse and sharing memories of Barbara Windsor, Billy’s tales from behind the mic are as lively as they are legendary.

The episode ends with a hilarious game of “who’s in your contacts?” with names like Thomas Frank, Dale Winton, and, surprisingly, Prince Edward.

Don’t miss out on this rollicking conversation that balances the glamour of the music world with Billy’s love for the beautiful game and the quirkiness of his celebrity encounters. 

#ClangPodcast #BillyReeves #TheAudience #SophieEllisBextor #BrentfordFC #FootballCommentary #MusicMemories #BehindTheScenes #RadioLondon #PodcastLife #RockAndRollStories #CelebrityEncounters #BritishMusic #GaryCrowley #BBCMusic #FootballFanatics #BrentfordBees #IndieMusic #90sMusic #FootballAndMusic #PodcastInterview #Storytime #MusicProducer #BritishPop #RadioPersonality #FamousFriends #InsideTheIndustry #ThomasFrank #BritishPodcasts #PodcastRecommendation #RetroMusic #CelebrityStories #MusicLegends #PremierLeague #IndieBand #UKMusicScene #FootballCulture #BrentfordLoyalty #MusicAndMemories

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NEW VERSION UPLOADED... Previous version cut off at 40 mins

In this engaging episode of Clang: The Podcast, Steve Norman, the legendary saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist from Spandau Ballet, takes us on a vivid journey through the defining moments of his career. From the raw energy of the punk scene to the glamorous rise of the New Romantic movement, Steve reflects on the band’s evolution and their infamous rivalry with Duran Duran. Along the way, he shares fascinating anecdotes, including an unforgettable meeting with the iconic Frank Zappa and a humorous moment of regret for not striking up a conversation with Bryan Ferry at a star-studded party.

Steve’s down-to-earth wisdom shines through as he discusses the importance of humility, looking others in the eye, and treating everyone as equals—a philosophy that has grounded him throughout his career.

Listeners will be treated to nostalgic tales from Spandau Ballet’s early days, including the making of their debut albums and the electric atmosphere of performing on "Top of the Pops." Steve also opens up about the shifts in the music industry, the trials musicians face today, and the decline of traditional music platforms.

The episode takes an inspiring turn as Steve recounts his involvement in one of the most iconic moments in musical history: Band Aid. With candid, behind-the-scenes stories, he reveals the magic and chaos of recording the legendary charity single, reflecting on its lasting impact.

In the final segment, Steve transports us back to two of the most unforgettable live events of all time—Live Aid and Live 8. He shares thrilling stories about the unpredictable nature of those epic performances, giving listeners a glimpse into the pressure and excitement of playing on the world’s biggest stages. Passionate about percussion, Steve also dives into the unique dynamic he shares with his bandmates during live performances, showcasing his deep love for music.

As the episode wraps up, Steve teases some exciting upcoming gigs and expresses heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to share his story. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to his music, this episode offers a fascinating and deeply personal look at the life of a true musical icon.

For all Steve’s Ucoming Tour Dates, Visit  https://stevenorman-official.com/

#SpandauBallet #SteveNorman #NewRomantic #80sMusic #BandAid #LiveAid #MusicLegends #DuranDuranRivalry #TopOfThePops #IconicMoments #MusicHistory #ClassicHits #PunkToNewRomantic #BehindTheMusic #RockNostalgia #MusicIndustryStories #Bandmates #LivePerformance #LegendaryConcerts #80sBands #PodcastInterview #MusicPodcast #Storytime #RockStories #MusicTalk #PodcastLife #SubscribeNow #InspiringConversations

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In this episode, Smiley and Pete talk to The Magic Mod, aka Ben Taylor, a modern-day magician and friend of the stars. They discuss Ben's connections to famous musicians like Paul Weller, Liam Gallagher, and The Libertines as well as his experiences meeting them. Ben shares stories of performing magic tricks for Liam and teaching Paul Weller's son magic. 

The conversation highlights the down-to-earth nature of these famous musicians and the impact they have had on Ben's career. The conversation continues with Magic Mod  sharing his experiences meeting famous musicians, including Suggs from Madness and Liam Gallagher. He recounts a memorable moment when he and his son were invited backstage at a Madness concert and got to interact with the band. 

He also talks about his collection of signed memorabilia and his encounters with other musicians like Paul Weller and Brian Jonestown Massacre. In this final part of the conversation, he shares some funny and memorable moments from his performances, including encounters with famous musicians and handling hecklers. He also discusses his decision to quit drinking and how it has positively impacted his career. The conversation ends with Magic Mod performing a magic trick for Pete and Smiley.

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In this highlights package of Season One of Clang, hosts Smiley and Pete reflect on their favorite moments and guests from the podcast. They discuss the memorable stories shared by guests like Gaz Top, Ian McNabb, Dylan White, Shelley Blonde, Mark Butcher, James Stevenson, Griff Griffiths, Steve Lillywhite, Baz Warne, Ryan Hamilton, and Jamie Taylor. The conversation highlights the humour, humility, and unique experiences of each guest, showcasing the diverse range of personalities that have graced the podcast. As they look forward to Season Two, they express gratitude to their audience and the guests for their contributions to the show.

Clang podcast, season one highlights, memorable guests, Gaz Top, Ian McNabb, Dylan White, Shelley Blonde, Mark Butcher, James Stevenson, Griff Griffiiths, Steve Lillywhite, Baz Warne, Ryan Hamilton, Jamie Taylor

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In this episode of Clang the Podcast, Smiley and Pete are joined by superstar DJ Jamie Taylor. They discuss Jamie's experiences DJing at the Rewind festivals, his approach to reading the crowd and playing the right songs, and his love for music from the Britpop and alternative eras. They also share surreal moments from their own DJing experiences and the importance of giving the audience what they want. 

The conversation highlights the nostalgia and credibility of bands at festivals like Rewind, where both popular and left-field acts receive a great response. In this part of the conversation, Jamie Taylor shares some of his experiences as a DJ, including tailoring his sets to different audiences and the times he got it wrong. 

They also discuss embarrassing moments when interacting with celebrities. In this final part of the conversation, Jamie Taylor shares two more entertaining stories. The first story involves meeting Joe Strummer and feeling awkward while trying to make conversation. The second story takes place at a corporate gig where Jamie encounters a bird in a gym and has to pretend it's alive. The conversation ends with Jamie recalling a memorable encounter with David Beckham at an Oasis concert.

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In this episode of Clang: the Podcast, host Smiley Barnard interviews singer songwriter, radio presenter and podcaster Ryan Hamilton, who discusses his experiences in the music industry and his transition to podcasting and DJing. He shares stories about his connection with Little Steven and Bruce Springsteen, as well as his radio show where he plays lesser-known bands from the UK and the US. Ryan also talks about his project of discovering and sharing old demo cassettes, including Bernard Butler's demos. The conversation covers various anecdotes and experiences of meeting celebrities, including encounters with Owen Wilson, Woody Harrelson and Bob Geldof. The hosts share their own stories of missed opportunities to meet famous people. Ryan Hamilton talks about his YouTube channel, Vintage Alternative.

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In this episode of Clang: the Podcast, host Smiley Barnard interviews Baz Warne lead singer with The Stranglers. They discuss Baz's experience joining the band, filling in for the injured drummer, and rehearsing for their tour. They also talk about the band's performance at the Royal Albert Hall and their interactions with other musicians, such as Adam Clayton from U2 and Jim McCarthy from The Yardbirds. 

The conversation touches on the band's history, their fan base, and their love for music. Overall, it's a fun and casual discussion between two musicians. The conversation covers various topics including football, music, and embarrassing encounters with famous people. Baz and Smiley discuss their love for both football and music, with Baz sharing stories of meeting famous footballers and musicians. 

The conversation transitions to embarrassing encounters, with Baz sharing a story of an awkward interaction with Mark Knopfler. They also discuss their love for whiskey and the importance of friendship in the music industry.

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In this episode of Clang the Podcast, hosts Smiley and Pete interview legendary music producer Steve Lillywhite. They discuss Steve's early experiences in the music industry, his approach to producing, and his work with iconic artists such as U2, The Rolling Stones, and Talking Heads. Steve shares insights into his creative process, the importance of enthusiasm and encouragement, and the evolution of music production. The conversation also touches on the concept of structure in songwriting and the impact of technology on the industry. In this conversation, 

Steve Lillywhite discusses his experiences working with various artists and his approach to music production. He talks about his early days in the industry, his preference for using his ears over technology, and his collaborations with artists – some of which didn’t end as well as you might expect! Steve also shares his admiration for David Bowie and his love for prog rock. Overall, the conversation provides insights into Steve's career and his passion for creating great music and some great stories about the music legends he’s work with over the years.

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