Star Q&A: Chris Hawkins for Mucky Weekender

Zoe Gater

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Star Q&A

BBC Radio 6 Music presenter Chris Hawkins reflects on a lifetime spent discovering new music, the artists he’s backed before they broke big, and why Mucky Weekender remains one of Britain’s most unique festivals.

Q. What’s your first memory of music?

I was obsessed with Radio 1 and Top of the Pops from when I was very young. I had a ghetto blaster and used to tape songs off the radio and made hundreds of mix tapes. I spent my first-ever pocket money on 7” singles and still love going through them now. I can remember where I bought every one of them.

Q. You’ve spent decades introducing listeners to new music. Is there still a thrill in discovering a new artist that nobody else seems to know about yet?

It’s definitely a buzz. I have a new music night called Awesome Friends and it’s fantastic seeing the new bands go on to great things. Lottery Winners did a night of mine a few years ago and now they’re huge. More recently I’ve had The Ks and Tom A Smith play the night and they’re flying.

Q. Who were your musical heroes as a teenager – and who inspires you today?

David Bowie, for sure. First for the intrigue and then the fascination with his music. Everything about him seemed so different. In my teens I was big into The Stone Roses and later, Oasis. I also loved dance music, from the tail end of Acid House through the amazing indie sleaze scene. I love guitar music as much as I love acts like The xx, Disclosure and Peggy Gou.

Q. Why do you love Mucky Weekender and who are you most looking forward to seeing this year?

Mucky’s got the most incredible spirit about it. I think the mixing of artists and festival-goers on site is key to that. The line-up is always brilliant. It might seem obvious, but I absolutely love seeing Dub Pistols on stage. They’re the ultimate festival band.

Q. Mucky has built a reputation for being more than just a festival. What gives it such a unique atmosphere?

It does what it says on the tin! It’s brilliantly eclectic, welcoming and unpretentious. People come for the music, but they stay for the atmosphere – and of course Barry Ashworth and Dub Pistols. There’s a real sense of community, it’s small enough to bump into all your friends and the headliners, and that’s what also makes it so great.

Q. You’ve interviewed some of the biggest names in music. Who has surprised you most over the years?

Maybe Calvin Harris because when I first interviewed him he was very much an artist releasing great pop music. He’s now one of the biggest DJs on the planet, so seeing him make that transition is incredible.

Q. Who is the most underrated artist people should have on their playlists right now?

I think The Guest List have the potential to go huge. They’re a great band from Manchester. Seb Lowe is a big talent. There’s a band from Leeds called The North who have big potential, and also STRATA. I think they could all go very big.

Q. What makes 6 Music such a special home for music lovers?

In short, 6 Music is an amazing home for anyone who loves music beyond the mainstream. We all love the music we play and I think you can sense the passion. It’s also got the best listeners, who are a fundamental part of the station sound.

Q. Did you enjoy school – and why?

I didn’t love school in the UK, but I spent a year at an American high school, which was absolutely incredible. It was in Baton Rouge. I was in class with James Taylor and Carly Simon’s son, Ben Taylor – an artist in his own right. I later went to college in the States and was friends with Bill Withers’ son, Todd. Both of those American experiences were unbelievable. The best.

Q. What’s been your most memorable moment behind the microphone?

Genuinely, I love every moment on the radio. I consider it such a privilege. I loved getting behind Sam Fender early doors. I did exclusive first plays of his first three releases, so seeing him win the Mercury Prize felt very special. Interviewing artists I love is always memorable – people like Calvin Harris, Sam Fender and also Jack White, Dave Grohl, Fatboy Slim, Tim Burgess, Lana Del Rey, Moby, Johnny Marr, Brett Anderson, Shirley Manson, Skin and so many more. All icons and all lovely too!

Q. If you could curate your dream Mucky Weekender line-up – living or dead – who would be on the bill?

Three artists I think would have been great, and that I never got to see: Lee Scratch Perry, Andrew Weatherall and The Specials.

Q. Desert island choices: one album, one song and one luxury item?

Talking Heads – Stop Making Sense, Once in a Lifetime. Suncream.

Q. Best gig you’ve ever been to – and why?

Stone Roses at Heaton Park in Manchester – the comeback show with Primal Scream supporting. A dream night.

Q. What song guarantees a packed dancefloor at your ultimate party?

I play indie bangers when I DJ, so Arctic Monkeys’ I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor is always fantastic. But Gala’s Freed From Desire is always a winner too. I played Dexys’ Come On Eileen at the end of a festival set the other night and it went wild.

Q. What’s the one record everyone should listen to from start to finish at least once in their life?

John Lennon and the Plastic Ono Band. It’s a masterpiece.

Chris Hawkins will be appearing at Mucky Weekender Festival from 10–12 September at Vicarage Farm, Winchester. The festival line-up includes Goldie Live, David Rodigan, Gentleman’s Dub Club, Roni Size, Pop Will Eat Itself, Goldie Lookin Chain, Children of Zeus, Norman Jay, Darren Emerson, Don Letts, Utah Saints, The Sabres of Paradise, DJ Yoda, X-Press 2, Mr Scruff, Greg Wilson and many more. https://mucky-weekender.co.uk/

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Star Q&A: Blur’s Alex James

Zoe Gater

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Star Q&A

Liz Nicholls chats with musician Alex James ahead of Big Feastival on his Cotswolds farm, 28th to 30th August.

Big Feastival celebrates its 15th anniversary this summer, bringing together chart-topping music, award-winning chefs and family fun on Alex James’ Cotswolds farm. Ahead of the festival, Liz Nicholls caught up with the Blur bassist to talk food, music and how the event has grown into one of the UK’s favourite weekends.

Q. Hi Alex! Big Feastival is in its 15th year… did you ever imagine it would become this big?

Alex James: “Hiya! I always loved doing it, but I don’t think I imagined quite how it would grow. It’s helped that we started it at a time when British food was really coming back. When my wife Claire and I bought the farm 20 years ago, farming was in a tough place… foot and mouth, BSE; you’d only ever see farmers on telly having a terrible time. Now it’s so different. There’s been this huge food renaissance, especially in the Cotswolds. It’s become a real foodie mecca.”

Q. What makes Big Feastival different from other festivals?

Alex James: “It’s that mix of food, music and family. Food is universal – it’s something everyone can enjoy together. We’ve made it really accessible for families, with everything from kids’ cookery schools and mud kitchens to fire pit sessions and chef demos. Hopefully there’s something for everyone and you can learn something in the day, then have a few drinks and forget it all in the evening.”

Q. The line-up’s banging!

Alex James: “I’ve been trying to book Bastille for years – my kids are thrilled. The Streets will be brilliant. On the food side, we’ve got Simon Rogan, Rachel Allen, and lots of Bake Off and MasterChef talent. We started with three stages, now it’s about 30, including comedy, which has really taken off.”

Q. How has the food scene changed?

Alex James: “When we started, it was molecular gastronomy, chefs in lab coats, food from the future stuff. Now it’s gone the other way – back to basics! Fire, simple ingredients, cooking outdoors. Much more instinctive, and actually much easier to do in a field!”

Q. Food clearly plays a huge role in your life – what’s your signature dish and guilty pleasure?!

Alex James: “We’ve been making pizzas every weekend for about 20 years – from scratch, growing the wheat, tomatoes, making the mozzarella. Simple things done well are best. Great cheese on toast is as good as anything if the ingredients are right. As for guilty pleasures, I still love Primula in a tube. You never grow out of the food of your childhood.”

Q. What’s your earliest music memory?

Alex James: “Wanting the Laurel and Hardy record Trail of the Lonesome Pine. As a teenager, New Order – Blue Monday made me want to be in a band.”

Q. How do you see the music industry now compared to the early days of Blur, back in the ’90s?

Alex James: “It’s much harder for new artists. You’re either huge or nothing. It used to be possible to make a living playing small gigs, building up. It’s tough. But at least that independent spirit has moved into food instead.”

Big Feastival takes place from 28th to 30th August at Alex James’ Farm in Kingham. Find out more and book tickets at thebigfeastival.com.

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Star Q&A: Madness icon, Suggs

Zoe Gater

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Star Q&A

Ahead of Windsor Live, Madness frontman Suggs reflects on childhood memories of his jazz-singer mother, sneaking into Who concerts, losing his luggage in David Bowie’s driveway, the changing face of London’s music scene, and why Madness still attracts new generations of fans…

Hello Suggs! What’s your earliest memory of music, please?

“My mum used to sing in pubs. She was a jazz singer and back then loads of pubs had pianos. Someone would start playing and Mum would sing for hours. It’s great, looking back. But as a kid, it was deeply embarrassing and you knew you weren’t getting home any time soon.”

Who were your musical heroes growing up?

“The Who were massive for me. I bunked into a gig at Charlton football ground and years later I actually paid Roger Daltrey the two quid I owed him. He was all right about it. They had laser beams and all this incredible stuff going on. Hearing Baba O’Riley live was unbelievable. My favourite was Cockney Rebel; I loved Make Me Smile. You’d carry albums around school like badges, to look cool: Bowie, Bob Marley, Roxy Music. Pre-mobile phones this, and what you wore, showed people who you were.”

Have you ever been starstruck?

“David Bowie would be right up there. He came backstage once in New York, in the early 1980s – that was a bit of a shocker. He invited us to stay with him in Switzerland once. We drove up this mountain road to this amazing house cut into the hillside and there was Bowie himself waving us into a sort of Bond villain lair. But we forgot the suitcases were strapped to the roof of the car. All our T-shirts and underwear went flying down his driveway. Not very cool.”

What can we all expect from you at Windsor Live?

“Outdoor gigs are always brilliant if the weather’s good. The sun’s shining, everyone’s having a great time. Bringing a bit of joy. We’ve got festivals pretty much every weekend through summer now. We still really enjoy it.”

Do you miss the London Madness started out in?

“You’ve got to be careful of the grumpy old man thing, ‘shut up, Dad!’ But yes: London’s changed massively. Young people just can’t afford it now. Back then you could move there with nothing and somehow survive. There used to be railway arches, squats, empty buildings, pubs everywhere. Especially Camden. You could rehearse so cheaply and there were loads of little venues to play. Most of those are gone now and that’s a real tragedy for young bands.”

How do Madness keep going after all these years?

“We’re like a dysfunctional family. Of course we argue. But arguing’s healthy. I’ve seen bands who never argue and then suddenly hate each other. It’s remarkable we’re still alive really, given what we put ourselves through over the years, haha! We were meant to have a quieter year but people keep asking us back. I don’t know why.”

Do younger audiences still connect with Madness?

“That’s the amazing thing. We still get loads of young people coming to gigs. I think we appeal to young people because we’re all pretty stupid. But people still dig this stuff. It’s a miracle really and it’s a real privilege.”

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Star Q&A: Racing legend, Nigel Mansell

Zoe Gater

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Star Q&A

We share a chat with racing legend Nigel Mansell who is staying at The Pop-Up Hotel which has returned to Silverstone in time for summer.

Hi Nigel! What’s your favourite corner at Silverstone?

Becketts is pretty awesome, but then so is Stowe. The old Stowe – the new Stowe is not as challenging.

And your favourite Silverstone memory?

Winning… oh no, there’s a few of them! 1992, when I won the championship.

What are you doing here at the Pop-up?

The hotel is bringing something genuinely different to Silverstone, and I’m looking forward to staying. To have that level of comfort and hospitality right inside the circuit, with great food, a relaxed atmosphere and everything taken care of across a race weekend allows you to enjoy the event in a different way.

Apart from the British event, what Grand Prix is your top race to attend?

Difficult one. Without even thinking about it, I do have a soft spot for Hungary. I always used to have my birthday there, and I won the Grand Prix and finished the World Championship there.

What would you change about the Monaco track to make it better from a fan’s perspective?

I wouldn’t change too much. You’ve got what you’ve got at Monaco. They’ve made it much safer. You could possibly – somehow, I’m not sure – make it a bit wider in places for more overtaking opportunities, because there’s hardly any. But Monaco is all about qualifying, and everybody knows that. If you do a great job in qualifying and your car is reliable, then you should be able to win.

What country that doesn’t have an F1 race do you think would be great?

New Zealand’s too small… Thailand would be good. Singapore has a fantastic race. Probably a few others.

Does Lewis Hamilton have one more championship in him?

Well, yes – no question.

What would be on your playlist if you could listen to music while driving an F1 car, what would be on your playlist?

Queen.

Do you drive an electric car?

No – I don’t think fully electric is sensible. Hybrid is totally different – half and half is fantastic, recharging energy as you go along. Hybrid is smart.

Who’s your favourite person from your F1 career?

There’s only one – my dear wife.

If you could have your career again, would you race now, in your era, or another era?

That’s a difficult one. But to have twice the capability of doing the job you love, for twice the number of years and not getting injuries – now is a special time to race.

If you could make one wish for the world, what would it be?

Peace, tranquillity… try to think the best of people and get rid of disharmony. Just get rid of conflict. I don’t understand why we have to repeat history.

We don’t have to have conflicts – negotiate before there’s any conflict at all. But peace and harmony.

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Star Q&A: Double Michelin-starred chef, Raymond Blanc

Zoe Gater

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Star Q&A

Liz Nicholls chats food, festivals & more with Raymond Blanc OBE who stars at Blenheim Palace Food Festival in May…

Bonjour! What’s your first festival memory?

A beautiful festival du vin in the Jura in France. It was about community, no excess, no ego, just people enjoying food, culture and each other. Festivals are about people coming together. At Blenheim and Pub In the Park, I’ll demonstrate simple food – beautiful, tasty, delicious, with heart!

Who are your favourite musicians?

Jacques Belle was my first love, Francis Cabrera, Carla Bruni… French music from the soul! I also love British music, blues and rock. I love Amy Winehouse, such a beautiful soul.

You’ve said being ‘exiled’ here in England in the 1970s was awful, with terrible food! Any Brit food faves you’ve grown to love?

Brown sauce! I used to hate it but I fell in love with it on a fishing trip… HP even awarded me a silver bottle as I do so much to promote it, haha!

Anything you don’t eat..? Andouillette perhaps?

I’m a Frenchman, Liz, I eat everything! When we grew up you ate or went straight to bed! British food is much better nowadays but overcooked food is the worst. And sliced white bread?! Dis-gus-TING! It’s nutritionally rubbish, do not eat it!

Le Manoir reopens next year – what can we all expect?

Magic! Modernity, creativity and memorable experiences

Hospitality is a high-stress industry. How do you look after your mental health?

As a young man, I faced setbacks – losing my job, being in a foreign country. But I never let that break my pursuit of excellence. I wanted to be part of a team that created a positive, creative kitchen environment.

Later on, during my battle with Covid, I spent a month and a half in hospital on the brink of death. I focused on survival, meditation and positive thinking.

Despite being surrounded by suffering, people dying, I concentrated on breathing, light and gratitude.

The experience taught me surrender and the importance of mental and physical care. I exercise every morning, breathing, stretching, and swimming once or twice a week.

Mental health requires personal work and support from trusted people, friends, mentors, and parents. Speaking out is the first step. I have created a safe, kind space for my team.

If you had a magic wand what would you wish for?

For France to win the World Cup! Also, that we can learn from the past, enjoy more empathy, and grow a world that’s more harmonious. I’m a romantic dreamer.

Are we going to have a great summer?

My grandfather taught me to read the signs in nature… And the red berries on the holly tree show that the weather will be extraordinary.

Book at blenheimpalace.com

Images © Poppy Thorpe

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Star Q&A: Horticulturist and author, David Domoney

Liz Nicholls

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Star Q&A

Liz Nicholls

Liz Nicholls chats to gardener and author David Domoney, who will star at the Ideal Home Show from Friday 10 to Sunday 19 April 2026 at London’s Olympia.

Hi David, how are you?

Good, thanks, Liz! Sun’s out, the days are getting longer, birds are singing… Hold on tight, we’re nearly there!

You’re at the Ideal Home Show, as well as Martin Lewis, Annie Sloan, George Clarke and more stars, aren’t you?

Yes, the show is so feel-good, I love it! Our gardens are where we relax. But horticulture isn’t just about gardens. Plants are part of everyday life: the air we breathe, the food we eat. We only get old on the outside – we’re all young on the inside!

Think of using a dandelion as a child to tell the time. Plants connect us to memory and emotion. Mint can make us feel cold, chillies hot. This will be a fun celebration of plants’ superpowers! On the cookery stage, I’ll look at plants to keep us feeling younger and healthier

Your RHS Chelsea Ace of Diamonds Garden was a real bobby dazzler!

Yes, at Chelsea I try to stretch people’s imaginations; we had £20 million worth of diamonds for that one! The Ace of Spades had a tattoo artist on the side. But your real perfect garden is your own taste, gnomes, whatever!

I love your social media channels, no wonder they’re so popular! What’s a good food to grow as a newbie like me?

Start with cress; it’s the fastest crop from seed to eating. Growing seeds activates positive neurotransmitters in the brain.

When you spot those tiny green shoots, you’ve created life! Cress has more calcium than milk, more vitamin C than broccoli, more folate than a banana. Herbs are easy too – you can even grow potatoes in a bin!

I’m also a fan of your fantastic bestselling book, My Houseplant Changed My Life! Are you proud of it?

Yes, it came after Chelsea in 2021 when we were very fortunate to win gold. House plants look good, pump out fresh oxygen and clean the air… love ‘em!

What’s your favourite plant?

Lemon-scented verbena. You can add your Pimm’s and flavour the ice cream with it. It smells of happiness.

You’re clearly enjoying your 40+ year career in gardening, David. What’s next!?

I love to engage more people with plants and use technology that’s taking us away from nature to reintroduce us to it.

I’ve got a million followers now on my YouTube channel, and I love to offer free step-by-step guides to share the magic. Look out for more ideas!

The Ideal Home Show returns to London’s Olympia for its 118th year, unveiling new and evolved features including The Bark Yard, The Edible Garden, DIY Live, The Smart Home, The BBQ Academy & The Design Studio.

Tickets from £14pp.

For more information or to book, visit idealhomeshow.co.uk.

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Star Q&A: Gardeners’ World star, Adam Frost

Liz Nicholls

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Star Q&A

Liz Nicholls

Round & About Editor, Liz Nicholls, chats to Gardeners’ World star Adam Frost about pets, plants and passions ahead of his extended spring speaking tour.

Q. Hello Adam! You and I always seem to chat in gloomy winter: how are you this time around?

“Good, thank you! We’re just back from Thailand and Vietnam, which was incredible. It was really special spending time with the family – proper time.”

Q. Your UK speaking tour has been extended – that must feel good?

“It does. I honestly wasn’t expecting it, but I love getting out there, meeting people, hearing their stories.”

Q. Life at home sounds busy – how many pets are we on now?

“We’ve added another dog! My daughter got another Labrador, Buster, so we now have Raven and Buster… plus cats. Ash the cat is still very much in charge, though. He keeps the others in line with the occasional whack, to remind them who owns the place.”

Q. You’ve always said you’re a cat man as well as a dog lover…

“I love them all, honestly. Animals bring so much joy and grounding, don’t they? Ash the cat especially has impeccable timing – if there’s a camera around, he knows exactly how to find it.”

Q. Your book, ‘For the Love of Plants’, celebrates joy over perfection. Is that where gardening is heading?

“I really think so. I don’t like talking about ‘trends’, but what’s gaining traction is the idea of backing off a bit. Leaving seed heads, not tidying everything away – it’s better for nature.

“Gardens don’t need to be perfect to be beautiful… I mean, having said that, it’s still an ongoing conversation in this house because, unlike me, Mrs Frost is a bit of a control freak, you know. So we just work our way to find a balance as every couple does.”

Q. You describe yourself as an ‘old romantic fool’. What does romance look like in a garden?

“It’s about how a space feels. Gardens are deeply personal. They’re for family, cooking, for sitting, being. It’s not just how something looks – it’s the atmosphere, the emotion.”

Q. You even link parts of the garden to music, including Louis Armstrong, Mumford & Sons and more…

“Music captures moments. A lyric, a mood, a feeling – and suddenly that becomes a planting idea. Bruce Springsteen’s song Secret Garden says it all really.”

Q. You’ve gardened all over the world – Japan in a monsoon must have been the hardest?

“It’s fascinating rather than challenging. Plants are plants, wherever you are – it’s the people that make it special. Working alongside local growers and teams is always the richest part.”

Q. What advice would you give to beginner gardeners feeling overwhelmed?

“Gardening is for everyone. Start small. Grow herbs in a pot. Test your soil and watch where the sun goes to help you start, and have a go. Once you nurture your first plant, you’re hooked.”

Q. What would improve life the most?

“A switch to slow time down. Time speeds up far too quickly as you get older. We all need to stop, breathe… and smell the roses.”

For more information or to book tickets, visit fane.co.uk/adam-frost

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Chesney Hawkes touring star Q&A  

Round & About

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Round & About

Liz Nicholls chats to musician & dad Chesney Hawkes who is touring the UK in March with his new album Living Arrows 

Q. You’re a devoted dad. Let’s start with your musical family! “My favourite subject: my kids! My three are all in their early 20s and late teens now. My youngest is 19 and he’s actually my lead guitar player. He’s on the road with me, which is one of my favourite things in life. My daughter is 22 and she’s just graduated from St Andrews in animal behaviour. I’m very proud — I feel like I’ve almost completed parenthood!” 

Q. You grew up around guitars and rock-and-roll. What has parenthood taught you? “I grew up in a very rock-and-roll household, very liberal, crazy, things that would make your hair curl. We didn’t have many rules, put it that way! My wife comes from a more strict background, so we meet in the middle. It works for us.” 

Q. You’re back from LA to Blighty, how’s that? “It’s really good to be back. My life in LA involved a lot of travelling, long-haul flights, being away from my wife. I got fed up with that. Now we’re all together in the UK and I couldn’t be happier. I’m pretty close to where I did my paper round in Surrey when I was a kid. So full circle.” 

Q. You went to school in Sunningdale; did it nurture your music talent? “Not really. I had one teacher who taught me a few chords early on, but the school didn’t run a music course because not enough people wanted to do it. So everything I learned came from my dad, his musician friends, and me locking myself away in the studio.” 

Q. Do you think schools should do more for creative kids? “Definitely. I don’t think the arts are taken seriously enough. Creativity moulds your personality and it’s therapeutic. Politicians don’t realise how important it is. If you don’t let a child be creative, it’s a huge missed opportunity, whether it’s music, art, or whatever, you have to have that, I think, it’s so, so important.” 

Q. Your new album Living Arrows sounds incredibly personal… “This album has been a labour of love. I produced it with my friend Jake Gosling; he discovered Ed Sheeran and has worked with One Direction, Sam Smith, Paloma Faith, loads of big artists. He created a safe space for me to bring songs I’d written that were very cathartic and therapeutic. You get to a certain age and think, ‘I need to write about that.’ Songwriting helped me through those things. Living Arrows comes from a Kahlil Gibran poem, On Children, about pulling your bow back and letting your children go. I’m definitely at that stage. But it also applies to songs; you put your life into them, then you let them go and find their own emotional connections.” 

Q. Has Big Brother brought you a new audience? “Definitely. I’ve had a lot of younger people coming to gigs since Big Brother. The range now is amazing, from 18-year-olds to 80-year-olds. It’s very eclectic.” 

Q. What’s the strangest fan request you’ve ever had? “I’ve signed a lot of body parts over the years! Plenty of odd requests — it’s just part of that world.” 

Q. What’s the most rewarding message you’ve ever received from a fan? “It’s usually about the songs. My latest single Loud is about loss; I lost my best friend this year. It was tough, and releasing a record about loss at that moment was… interesting. When it started doing well on the Radio 2 playlist, I got messages from people all over the country saying the song helped them with their grief. It felt like a collective hug. It helped me in my grief, made me realise we’re not alone. That’s the power of music; those emotional connections.” 

Q. What’s your first memory of music? “Growing up in that musical household. My dad’s friends were all musicians. They’d have jam parties. My dad would take me to gigs and I’d peek through the wings watching him in his leather trousers with knickers being thrown at him! I never wanted to do anything else. My dad always says I came out singing – there was never a backup plan.” 

Q. Do you remember the first album you loved? “The Beatles. My dad’s collection was about 70% Beatles. I remember locking myself in the lounge, putting on The White Album, and falling in love. That’s when I knew what I wanted to do.” 

Q. Who were your musical heroes? “John Lennon and Paul McCartney. Later on, Prince, Stevie Wonder, Elvis Costello, Fleetwood Mac, Nik Kershaw… there are so many. I’m a real music consumer – I connect with music in the same way people connect with my songs.” 

Q. What format do you listen to music on now? “I love vinyl. I’ve got a big collection and I’ve got my kids into it. We’ve got a record player in the kitchen. I’m always telling them off for not putting the Prince albums back in their sleeves!” 

Q. If you had a magic wand, what invention would improve your life? “Teleportation. I wouldn’t want to be the guinea pig, but it would be amazing. Touring means you’re away in far-flung places and can’t get home. To teleport home for breakfast with the kids? Perfect.” 

Q. If you could perform with any musician, living or dead, who would it be? “Prince. Not sure he’d let me onstage, but that would be the pinnacle.” 

Q. Are you tired of people asking about The One and Only? “I’m not. If you’d asked me in the mid-90s, the answer might’ve been different, but these days we’re friends – me and the song. As soon as that intro starts, the crowd’s energy lifts. I’m proud of it. It’s a great record and it’s stood the test of time. I like playing it! We’re friends with benefits now!” 

Q. Do you celebrate Valentine’s Day? “Krissy and I carve out our own dates because we’re both so busy. If we’re together on Valentine’s Day we’ll go out, but it’s just another day really. We celebrate our love in our own way.” 

Listen & buy music & book your gig tickets at chesneyhawkes.com 

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Maddy Prior star Q&A  

Round & About

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Star Q&A

Round & About

Steeleye Span star in Farnham, Wantage & more in November & December. We chat to folk music superstar Maddy Prior 

Few bands can boast a career as enduring and influential as Steeleye Span. Together for an astonishing 56 years, the group transformed the face of folk music, taking it from village halls into the realms of gold discs, international tours, and mainstream recognition. Now, the legendary outfit are back with Conflict – their first full studio album in over five years – and a major UK tour to celebrate. 

The tour will feature the current line-up, led as ever by the inimitable Maddy Prior, alongside Andrew Sinclair, Roger Carey, Liam Genockey, Julian Littman, and recent recruit Athena Octavia. A member of indie folk band Iris & Steel and a classically trained violinist, Athena brings both youthful energy and technical brilliance to the ensemble. Fans can expect a rich setlist that journeys through Steeleye’s vast back catalogue, mixing classics and fan favourites with brand new songs from Conflict. 

Liz Nicholls chats to Maddy Prior… 

Hello Maddy! What can audiences expect from this tour? “We’ll be performing from our new album Conflict, but we always revisit our back catalogue which is vast. We mix it up with songs people might not have heard for a while – it keeps life interesting.” 

Q: Conflict is a very apt title. Can you tell us more about the album? 
Maddy: When we first thought of it, it became more relevant as time went on. Some songs are about war, some about our conflict with the planet and our place in it. We’re distracted by war from what might be the more important issue. Although, the world has always been “coming to an end” — let’s hope it’s just another story of that and not the real thing! 

Q. You often explore darker themes in your songs. Why do you think that is? “I think of the songs as meditations. We all have dark corners in our minds. They usually stay there, thankfully, though sometimes they burst out into the world, which can be confusing. Singing about these reduces stigma, shines sunlight into those corners and removes the shame.” 

Q. What’s your first memory of music? “Singing My Bow-legged Chicken, aged about eight or nine, in a Saturday matinee. The audience cheered for me – so I kept singing!” 

Q. Have you ever been starstruck? “Quite a few times. We worked with David Bowie once, when he came to play saxophone in the studio. He arrived with a small entourage, was utterly gracious and did exactly what was needed. He didn’t disappoint at all – he was delightful.” 

Q. Which artists influenced you when you were young? “Joan Baez, Bob Dylan – though I almost missed him! The first time I heard Dylan was in a record shop on a rainy day. At first, we thought ‘oh no, this guy…’ but then A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall came on, and we were floored. If it hadn’t been raining, we might have walked out and I’d have passed him by.” 

Q. What’s your favourite of own albums? “Probably Parcel of Rogues. By then we’d begun to establish what we were; that ’70s line-up became the blueprint for everything since. Of course, we always try to push boundaries too.” 

Q: Do you prefer working solo or as part of a band? 
Maddy: Always as part of a team. I’ve been lucky to work with brilliant musicians, making music I find really interesting. What’s not to like? 

Q. What music do you listen to? “I really admire The Dixie Chicks; their comeback after being cancelled for criticising President Bush was very brave. And Tom Waits – he brings an entire world with him. I also love Lady Gaga.” 

Q. What advice do you have for young musicians today? “Do what you love. Find people with the same level of commitment, whether that’s 24/7, once a week, or once a month. Don’t try to engineer it. Enjoy it.” 

Q. What’s on your rider? “Just a good glass of red wine. Luckily, our tour manager used to work for a wine merchant, so he always finds us something lovely.” 

Q. What would be your wish for the world? “Tolerance. It’s in short supply. We need to understand most people are doing their best, even if we don’t always perceive it that way.” 

Q: And finally — can anyone learn to sing? 
Maddy: “Yes. The only real problem is if someone can’t listen, because singing is about listening. But most people can. The worst thing is being told you can’t sing – it becomes your story, and then your children believe it too. Everyone remembers exactly when and who told them they couldn’t sing. It’s such a shame, because everyone can. 

Visit steeleyespan.org.uk for tour tickets. For the Wantage Beacon show on 29th November, doors open at 7:30 pm, and tickets are priced at £32pp; call 01235 763456 or email beacon.wantage@whitehorsedc.gov.uk  

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Ellie Sax the saxophone star on playing in Ibiza

Round & About

Posted on

Star Q&A

Liz Nicholls chats to Ellie Meredith, AKA Ellie Sax who will headline Summertime Live Windsor with Ministry of Sound Ibiza Anthems on 16th August, and star at Henley Festival on Wednesday, 9th July

Q. Hi Ellie! Mauritius, the Monaco Grand Prix… you play at some jaw-droppingly beautiful places! Do you have a favourite? 

“I’d pick Ibiza every time because the whole vibe of the whole place is amazing, especially at sunset. And we did a gig last week right on Heron Porth Beach down in Cornwall during sunset that was so special. And when we played a gig in New York in the PlayStation Theatre and when we’d finished and we just walked straight out to Times Square and I was like, I’d like this to be my life. This is cool.”

Q. I love your sparkly dopamine outfits! You and your husband Harry, AKA DJ Laser Boy Wonder, perform so much – do you go out a lot when you’re not working?

“No! I’m such a homebody. I’m literally the most boring human when I’m not working. I absolutely love my job, and travelling, but it’s definitely good to have breaks from it and then come back to it. It means you don’t burn out, you know, and you can appreciate both aspects of your life. When I’m not working, I’m mostly at home except for walking the dogs Mabel and Pippin.”

Where it started

Ellie Sax Saxophone

Q. How did you get into the saxophone?

“I was really lucky. My parents both love music so used to listen to lots of music around the house and lots of different types. My earliest love, and it’s really really nerdy to say, was Pavarotti. I used to love listening to opera and still do! My dad used to also listen to Dave Brubeck and that’s what got me into the saxophone, along with Lisa Simpson, if I’m honest! When we moved my elder sister, younger sister and younger brother and I all started on piano, which I’m really bad at – I have no natural ability! And then my piano teacher noticed I could sing. So I did classical singing and then picked up sax when I was about 11 – they’re quite heavy so you have to be quite big.”

Q. And when did you start to get into electronic and dance music then? Was that while you were at the Royal Northern College?

“Yeah so while I was at music college I used to sneak off and do Tiger Tiger at the weekend – my sax teacher was not happy with me! I’m really glad I have the classical training because it’s a really good musical foundation. But when I started doing dance music, I was like, oh, this is a bit more me!”

Q. Do you just have the one saxophone?

“I have a few, but I only have one that I use for professional performing now. I’m a Yamaha artist, so I’ve got a Yamaha 82Z custom which is absolutely beautiful and I love it. I’ve also got another Yamaha that I’m currently rebuilding. That’s the one my parents got me as my second saxophone. So I’m giving it a bit of TLC and trying to learn how to rebuild a saxophone, which is interesting. I’ve got an old vintage one and I’m just about to get a new baritone saxophone from Yamaha, which is a big bass saxophone, which I’m very excited about.”

Where to see Ellie Sax this summer

Q. Are you excited about playing at Henley Festival?

“Yes. My husband Harry’s DJing for me, so we’re doing the after party on the Wednesday and Thursday. I think that’s after Diana Ross and McFly – I would love to meet Diana Ross, so I’ll be hanging around in my dressing room area just in case I can say hi, but I’m hoping I can catch their sets before we start ours, at least.”

Q. Tell us about the show you’re bringing to Windsor!

“The Ministry of Sound, Ibiza Anthems show, as the name suggests, is full of Ibiza anthems from the 1990s onwards, all those iconic tunes that you might know as like Ibiza classics, and then some you’ll be, you’ll kind of have forgotten existed… But when you re-hear them you’re like oh yeah, I love that tune!”

Q. You’ve worked with so many amazing artists. Who would be your dream collab?

“There are a few. So I would love to make a track with Fred again, because I think he’s so clever in his kind of music creation, and I think it could be something really creative. And then also I’m really, really into Sammy Virji at the moment, so I feel like a garage sax track would work well.”

Q. What’s on your rider?

“So I have water, fruit, and some cashew nuts sometimes to give me a bit of energy. Harry has Haribo, Manuka honey and ginger beer but I’ve told him he’s getting a bit big for his boots with that! In countries like Spain and Greece, ginger beer is really hard to get hold of so I try to tell them not to bother in case some poor person’s been searching the supermarkets all day in search of ginger beer.”

“The nerds are the ones who end up doing the really cool jobs!”

Q. What are your favourite classical pieces?

“I generally like big romantic choral works, like big Handel or a big Bach choral work. I love Vaughan Williams, Prokofiev, Romeo & Juliet. It also has a saxophone in the orchestra, so that’s probably why I’m a bit biased!”

Q. Who are your up-and-coming musicians to watch out for?

“We’ve been supporting this amazing DJ, Taylor Shipley who produces her own tracks and I definitely feel like she’s got a future in music. She’s a lovely person, her parents are lovely and she’s got her head screwed on. For a 16-year-old that’s pretty amazing so yeah I’m really excited to see how she does with her career because I’ll be watching it every step of the way.”

Q. What would you say to any young girl, perhaps at school right now, who wants to play an instrument?

“I think sometimes music turns into a sort of a privileged hobby. I was really lucky that my parents decided to prioritise it for me, and for my sisters as well. It can be a really expensive hobby: lessons and sometimes the instrument.

What I’d say is you can always hire instruments from a lot of the shops, like Dawkes music. You know, I started out on piano and if I’d have continued just doing piano, I wouldn’t have ended up doing music. So I think once you find your instrument, then my main tip would be to play the music that you love, because then you’ll learn in a way what you are passionate about it. And number two, it’s OK a bit uncool in the first stages of learning! So at school I was massive nerd, really not cool at all ’cause I was practising all the time. I was in lots of bands; my life was music.

I’m really lucky that my really core group of friends still are from school and they all loved that sort of thing… And they’re all nerds as well. And you know what? The nerds are the ones who end up doing the really cool jobs! So be authentic to you and what you enjoy, because that’s what will come round to be, to serve you best in life.”

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