Today, we join Simon outside India House on Whitworth Street in Manchester. This beautiful Edwardian Baroque building, designed by Harry S. Fairhurst (who was also responsible for Bridgewater House opposite),  was originally a packing and shipping warehouse. It was converted to flats and Si moved in for a fun-filled couple […]

Simon Wolstencroft | The X Generation | S01 E11: Ballet at Sadler’s Wells The Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London is the backdrop for today’s episode. Back in 1988, The Fall had recorded 11th studio album: I Am Kurious Oranj which combines studio recordings with tracks recorded live during performances in […]

Simon talks about The Woodthorpe Pub in Prestwich. This was one of Mark E Smith’s most favoured watering holes! Memories of surly landlords and shooting the music video for ‘There’s a Ghost in My House’. Season One of The X Generation brings you key moments in Simon Wolstencroft’s musical career […]

After Simon had done a few gigs with The Weeds, he ended up getting spotted by Mark E Smith from The Fall. Also on tour, Mark spotted Simon’s amazing drum work at a gig in Bristol. So, that night at the gig in Bristol, just after Simon had supported The […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]