A Little Life. . . .
I hail from the UK, as you’ve probably guessed, though sometimes people go “Australia,” or even “South Africa.” Nah. Newcastle, me man. Famous for United, coal and Brown Ale. Oh, and Sting. And the Animals. But I did ship out to LA as a young chap (a long story), lived there for a very long time doing things, rubbing shoulders, cultivating a George Hamilton tan. Stuff and nonsense amongst the stars, you might say. And then, one day, a life change came over me, and just like Odysseus, I washed up in Ithaca.
Why Radio?
Who doesn’t love radio? It’s cool, it’s free, and you don’t need a heap of technology to listen. And the presenters become like mates, don’t they? My all time fave is probably the late, great John Peel. He had a down-to-earth quality that was just magic, but he also loved new music and he introduced bands like Joy Division, The Smiths and The Jam to the listening public. He raised the bar and set the frame of reference. It was radio with a mission – defining different as very cool, indeed.
Favorite artists?
Louis Prima through Lou Reed. And then some. If it’s good I’m on board.
Best Concert?
Crikey, so many. Beck. Elvis Costello. The Jesus and Mary Chain. But the most special was Kris Kristofferson. I saw him in a tiny club in LA, and I must’ve been about three feet away. Brilliant stuff. A life written on the face, right there.
Surprises About Me...
Keep it quiet, but I have a Ph.D in English. I also have a movie on YouTube. I think I’m the only actor-doctor-deejay I know.
Favorite Telly or Film? Honestly, I don’t watch it. I just do Netflix. I like to sit down with an entire season and burn all the way through. That’s a very guilty pleasure. Check out “Life on Mars,” the British version. Or “Cracker.” Or even “Alan Partridge.” Steve Coogan is brilliant. As for films, “Let the right One In.” You won’t be sorry.
Most Embarrassing Moment?
I was in a London café, I reached for the ketchup bottle and gave it a good shake. The top popped off and the sauce flew across my face and all up the window. It looked like a gangland killing.
A Little Life. . . .
