We join Si at Corbières Wine Bar on Manchester Day! The boys used to visit the bar daily thanks to a juke box that played all their favourite tunes! In 3-piece garage-rock outfit, The Weeds, with friend and ‘hairdresser to the stars’, Andrew Berry, Si and the band performed there […]
Month: March 2020
How To Keep Your Car Safe And Ready To Drive
As we’re sure you’ll be aware, to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 the government has asked everyone to stay home for all but essential travel. That means using your car only for the most essential journeys like shopping for basic necessities, attending to medical needs or, if you cannot […]
S01 E07: Terry Hall’s The Colourfield
After turning down The Smiths, Si went to a few auditions: ABC, Prefab Sprout, then a band called The Colourfield. The band was fronted by Terry Hall (The Specials & Fun Boy Three). Terry hired Si to do a live TV show in Newcastle for The Tube. However, rehearsals in […]
S01 E06: Turning Down The Smiths
Beehive Mill, a Grade II listed former cotton mill, is located on Jersey Street in Ancoats, Manchester. It was the building where The Smiths recorded their first professional studio session, at Decibelle Studios. Johnny Marr called Si to say he had a new band called The Smiths and asked him […]
S01 E05: Meeting Johnny Marr
As teenagers, Simon Wolstencroft, John Squire and Ian Brown used to come to The Vine Pub in Sale, planning world domination for The Patrol. A guy called Dave called by to tell Si about an amazing guitarist called Johnny Marr. He was looking for a drummer for his band and […]
S01 E04: The Clash Recording Bankrobber
In late 70’s, The Clash were playing at the Manchester Apollo. They had a spare night off before being booked in to record their next single. The recording studio, Pluto on Granby Row in Manchester, is up the road from Rafters Club, so they played a gig there. Pluto Studios […]
S01 E03: The Mighty Manchester Apollo
Manchester Apollo brings back memories. Aged 16, Simon and John Squire used to come to the backstage area to help push the boxes in for The Clash. The Apollo backstage is next to the Apsley Cottage. Si recalls actor Ray Winstone, in his unmistakable Cockney voice, dragging him off for […]
S01 E02: Dunham Massey Village Hall
The Patrol was an early incarnation of the Stone Roses. Back in the summer of 1980, the band performed several live shows including at Dunham Massey Village Hall, in Cheshire. A very diverse venue! On one side, the Women’s Institute meetings, weaving wicker baskets and jam-making. On the other, […]
S01 E01: Altrincham Grammar
Simon’s drumming career begins at Altrincham Grammar. Meet Simon Wolstencroft. Over the next 19 episodes, you will see how his career started and what fun he had on the way. There’s a little bit of everything in it, from Abbey Road and Wembley with The Stone Roses, to bumping into […]
UK property market could grind to a halt as latest advice puts 300k transactions at risk
The latest advice from Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick is that “homebuyers and renters should, where possible, delay moving to a new house while measures are in place to fight coronavirus.” The news has already caused some lenders, such as Virgin Money to suspended all new mortgage applications until the […]