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. Series 3 returns April 11th with Kelly Jones 

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.