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 […]

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, […]