AS IT WAS, AS IT IS

I blame the parents. My mum bought me ‘Led Zeppelin II’, ‘Back Sabbath’ and ‘Deep Purple In Rock’ for Christmas. I went to Wigan Casino and Blackpool Mecca, bought records by people I’d never heard of. Went to London, fought in the punk wars. Was in a band. Had a record label or two. Wrote for magazines; compiled compilations, made tapes for people, then CDs – still doing it. It’s not like having a proper job…

MAKES NO SENSE AT ALL

I’m a newsagent at heart – if I could stock this magazine I’d be happy/confused (delete as appropriate)

Click on the cover to read all about it.

THE ELSIE MAGAZINE INTERVIEW (2001?)

Big rave up for that Dave Henderson in Sounds circa 1980, thank you Alan Howard (the wanking tapper) [no relation]

Another glove in a different pocket – ©2025 – click on the cover to see the full armoury

Return of the Spice Girls-inspiring frock I made for Jordan. Click on the picture to find out more.

The Burbage Shit Singles Club, not really celebrating music, more berating the ugly and insensitive.

Much more music – click on the link to get the tracklist and download some of the sounds that blew my mind in 2025.

Those crazy guys at Cassette Culture went on eBay and bought the first edition of Wild Planet in Sounds. And they’ve done an unboxing thing (as seen in this video)

Canadian magazine asked for the Wild Planet story for their third issue (early 2026), click on the starter page for the full story…

Click on the image for the original Wild Planet feature in Sounds from way back in 1983

One of the Cramps’ compilations from their much-loved oddball music collection re-issued in April to celebrate 50 years since they formed. Click on the sleeve to find out more.

Two tales of, well, marriage and divorce, from the king of desperate country balladeering on the Righteous Bandcamp page.

Steve Pyke continues to clean out his attic. That’s Gordon from The Twilight Zoners (left) with Johnny from 23 Skidoo and me attempting to insert a guitar somewhere, while Fritz (centre) and Sam (right) from Skidoo look on with Tim from The Mysterons too.

Early Skidoo with bassist Patrick (left), Johnny, Fritz and Sam.

And here’s a family tree of oddness from No Parlez magazine issue 25, with me nestling close to Jeremy Deller, Bill Drummond, TG and Husker Du – the place to be.

I was always good at shading. Spelling – so/so.