The Grumpy Cyclist Talks Music

This episode is with Ian Lindley, someone I hadn’t spoken to since the early 90s when we worked together in a restaurant. Back then we became good friends through our shared love of music.

In our chat, Ian talks about his passion for Heavy Metal and why it means so much to him. He then shares how his appreciation for classical music began when he was very young, playing in a school band.

He also (half-jokingly!) “blames” me for introducing him to U2 and Simple Minds, which we talk about—along with plenty more musical memories and reflections.

🎙️ In this episode, I’m joined once again by tour promoter John, sharing his journey, knowledge, views, and love of MUSIC.

We dive into his take on bands that made massive comebacks — sometimes even bigger than their “heyday” — and I ask the tricky question: should politics and music mix? His answer might surprise you.

Plus, plenty more chat along the way… and I was especially pleased to hear his thoughts on John Grant (someone I quite like too!).

Definitely one worth a listen 👂🎶

We first knew each other back in 1986 when we were both living in Cyprus… nearly 40 years later, in early 2025, Beth and I finally reconnected!

This episode turned into a real trip down memory lane, with Beth sharing some brilliant stories from her music adventures. From choosing to see 5 Star instead of The Cult, to discovering the Goth scene, to why she never misses a Darkness gig with her son – the rebel inside her definitely shines through.

It’s nostalgic, funny, and packed with music memories… you won’t want to miss it!

This time I’m joined by my old neighbour and workmate from 20 years ago – Lou (RK).

We dive into:

• Our shared love of The Doors 🕶️

• Whether AI really is the next step in the music industry 🤖🎵

• Lou’s take on bands as brands

• Her recent experiences seeing Ocean Colour Scene and Kula Shaker live – still sounding as fresh as they did “back in the day” ✨

…and plenty more! A relaxed, nostalgic, and thought-provoking chat. Absolute bliss! 🙌

This episode is with John who I did a podcast with and appeared on ( episode 25 ‘about that small gathering in Somerset’)

John just had the time of his life — and he’s still buzzing! He was there, live, for the second night of OASIS’s 25 LIVE world tour, and in this episode, we dive deep into his glowing report of one of the most anticipated comebacks in music history.

We talk all things OASIS:

✨ The atmosphere

🎸 The performance

🎤 The crowd

🔥 And the emotional weight of seeing an iconic band back on stage after all these years.

But we don’t stop there. John shares his insider thoughts on the wider phenomenon of band reunions and musical comebacks. Are they all worth it? Who does it best, and who should maybe have left the legacy untouched?

Expect honest takes, nostalgic moments, and a few hot opinions on what makes a comeback truly needed — and when it’s just a nostalgia cash-in.

This episode features someone I haven’t spoken to since 1988 — Nick Carter.

We were both at the same boarding school in Suffolk, and reconnecting after all these years made for a truly surreal and heartwarming conversation.

As we caught up, we discovered just how much we still had in common — especially when it came to music. Talking with Nick brought back a flood of memories: school days, teenage years, and the soundtrack that shaped them.

Remember the Thompson Twins? Or how about RIO — one of Nick’s all-time favourite albums? We dove into the music that defined our youth, the moments it framed, and the stories it still holds.

This episode of ‘The Grumpy Cyclist Talks Music’..well..it’s ME talking about my favourite band (which you may or not know are those legends from Birmingham 🤪called DURAN DURAN) their albums they have released.

It’s just my personal view on them…you may agree/disagree or not at all bothered BUT it might lightened you up on what goes through my mind at times!!! 😂

Have a listen…you may be converted!!!

#thegrumpycyclisttalksmusic

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In this second part of my chat with Ian, we dive deep into his passion, love, and incredible knowledge of music. He shares unforgettable memories—like seeing Mott the Hoople live, with a then-unknown band called Queen as the support act.

Ian reflects on why the years between 1977 and 1981 were such a golden era for discovering new music, offers fascinating insights into the unexpected connection between The Rezillos and The Human League, and makes the case for why early Ultravox with John Foxx outshines the later incarnation.

It’s a rich and thoughtful conversation, full of musical stories, opinions, and discoveries. Absolutely fascinating.

This episode is a real treat. I’m sitting down with Ian—a passionate runner (who actually coached my daughter!) and an equally passionate music lover. We’ve known each other for years, but this chat really opened my eyes to the depth of his musical journey.

It’s going to be at least a two-parter—because when someone lives and breathes music like Ian does, one episode just isn’t enough.

In Part 1, Ian shares:

• ​ How he got the members of The Rolling Stones to sign his Sticky Fingers vinyl (yep, really!)
• ​ His lifelong love for Mott the Hoople
• ​ The thrill of saving up to buy a vinyl a week back in the day
• ​ And the bittersweet regret of never learning to play guitar until in his 50’s

Plus, many more heartfelt, funny, and fascinating stories about what music has meant to him over the years.

It’s a reminder of how music weaves through our lives, shaping memories, friendships, and even the paths we walk (or in Ian’s case, run!).

John’s a music promoter, a manager, and once ran an independent record label—so yeah, he’s seen it all. We dive into his love for the punk era, including stories of seeing The Clash (multiple times!) and other iconic bands at the height of their powers.

He also shares a surprising recent experience seeing The Sex Pistols at the legendary 100 Club, and his passionate thoughts on The Cult-one of his favourite bands-who he believes should have been far bigger than they were.

Also, it was lovely to hear his thoughts on the youth of today who have mental, depression issues on how music is a big thing for them…

Plus, tales from a small but mighty festival in cider country… 🍎🎸

This conversation is just the tip of the iceberg—fascinating, insightful, and honestly, just plain glorious.