After disbanding Adam and the Ants at the height of the band's success, Adam Ant went solo. Working with Marco Pirroni, his first solo single, Goody Two Shoes went straight to number one in the UK and Australia which allowed him to pursue a career in acting both on stage and screen. As with the first part of his career with The Ants, Adam's solo career has had many ups and downs over the years - both in terms of critical and chart success as well as with his own personal battles with his mental health. But, each time he bounces back stronger than before and more confident. In the last couple of decades he seems to more balanced than he ever has. This appears to have been helped by setting up his own record label which has allowed him to work at his own pace and take time off when he needs it. He has also become an advocate for people admitting they need help with their mental health and finding the correct help for it. His has been a rollercoaster of a life so far and he is far from stopping with festival appearances lined up for the summer of 2021 and scheduling a tour for the beginning of 2022. Long live Adam Ant! Contact Twitter: @BannedBiogs Facebook: @BannedBiographies Instagram: @bannedbiographies E-mail: bannedbiographies@gmail.com

There have been some really wonderful bits of feedback from the interview episodes with Louise Aubrie and Rick McMurray with people checking out Louise’s music which I’m really happy about. The second single off Louise’s album 'Antonio' is out on Wednesday 23rd June (two days from this episode going live). Called 'Ours', it's a slightly darker song in tone from 'Last', but is another masterfully arranged song with killer vocal hooks. Make sure you go and give it a listen and let Louise know what you think of it. The Ash livestream was really good fun, there were a lot of the fans tweeting along with the action, but I still have an issue with livestream gigs. There’s just not the atmosphere in your living room that there is at a live gig in a room full of people. I’ve appeared on the first of a planned four-part podcast from the Permanent Record Podcast, hosted by Brian and Sarah. Usually they look at albums by synth-based bands, but because I deal with predominantly guitar-based punk, new wave and post punk bands (for the time being at least) we decided we should look at one of the most iconic albums by an iconic rock band that none of us have any deep knowledge of; The Joshua Tree by U2. Go an subscribe to Permanent Record Podcast on whatever podcast platform you use and go and follow them on Twitter @PermRecordPod or find them on Facebook or at their own website www.permanentrecordpodcast.com. While you're waiting for the next episode to drop on Friday 25th June 2021, why not go and leave a rating and review on iTunes, they really do help and you'll get a special shout out on these review episodes.  I hope you enjoy the next episode and that you're taking good care of yourself and others as well as staying safe. Contact Twitter: @BannedBiogs Facebook: @BannedBiographies Instagram: @bannedbiographies E-mail: bannedbiographies@gmail.com

On this extra-special episode of Banned Biographies I was very lucky to chat over Zoom with Rick McMurray, the drummer from Ash. Ash's first full-length album, 1977, was release 25 years ago and went straight to number one on the UK album chart. To commemorate that, Ash is playing the album in its entirety on the 5th June 2021 which you can sign up to watch through the band’s website https://ash-official.com/. There are various bundles available, from the concert only right up to getting unlimited 30-day access to the show, a behind the scenes documentary, a bonus performance, a limited 1977 frisbee and a limited edition 1977 t-shirt. All tiers are well worth the money. During our chat, Rick was candid about the highs and lows of Ash’s career as well as talking about the band's unfinished indie horror film, Slashed, having a meal with Joe Strummer and why they didn't join him on stage to play I Fought The Law, getting Mickey Bradley and Damien O’Neil from The Undertones on the last Ash album and so much more. I’m so honoured and thankful to Rick for giving up part of his morning to talk to me and I hope you get some great insights into the man himself, the life of a professional musician and how that job has changed over the last three decades. He's a totally down to earth guy and I really hope you enjoy this interview as much as I did talking to him. Contact Twitter: @BannedBiogs Facebook: @BannedBiographies Instagram: @bannedbiographies E-mail: bannedbiographies@gmail.com

On this episode of the Banned Biographies podcast I sat down over Zoom to interview punk and indie inspired solo artist Louise Aubrie. Louise is from London, where she began writing and recording music, playing in venues like the 100 Club and the O2 Centre. Since then she has lived in New York City where she continued to hone her craft becoming a regular in venues like The Bitter End and The Bowery Electric.  During her career, Louise has recorded at the legendary Abbey Road Studios and has worked with Boz Boorer (musical director and co-writer for Morrissey), Andy Woodard (drummer for Adam Ant, New Model Army), Tom Edwards (guitarist for Adam Ant, Edwyn Collins), Roger Joseph Manning Jr (keyboards for The Killers, Beck, Morrissey), David Ruffy (drummer for The Ruts, The Waterboys), James Knight (producer for The Kooks, Kirsty MacColl), Ken Sluiter (mixer/engineer for Morrissey, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Sum 41, Marc Almond), Cam Blackwood (producer/engineer for George Ezra, Jack Savoretti) and Dave Collins (mastering for Jane’s Addiction, No Doubt, Weezer). Louise’s fifth album, ‘Antonio’, will be released later in 2021. But, it's first single, 'Last', is out today, so make sure you go and buy it from wherever you get your music from. Louise Aubrie is an incredible songwriter and, more than that, a warm and funny person and I think that’s captured in this chat which I hope you enjoy listening to as much as I did having it. Find Louise on: https://louiseaubrie.com/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/louiseaubriemusic Twitter: https://twitter.com/louise_aubrie?lang=en Bandcamp: https://louiseaubrie.bandcamp.com/ Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/louiseaubrie YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMGHDHYAiAB8GVYyjVA7W1Q  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7p7Vqfnte6hZbTIQxrZMmx?si=6UyRspE8RrG6W8XtxCgNHg Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/gb/artist/louise-aubrie/392116952?ign-gact=3&ls=1 Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/en/artist/806959?autoplay=true   Contact Twitter: @BannedBiogs Facebook: @BannedBiographies Instagram: @bannedbiographies E-mail: bannedbiographies@gmail.com

One month on from the release of the first episode of the Banned Biographies podcast that covers the early days of Adam Ant's career in Adam and the Ants, I'm back to cover some of the reaction to the episode and to let you know what the next episode will be about. Additionally, I give you a run down of some of the great music that's been released in the last month including singles from Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes featuring Joe Talbot from IDLES, Dropkick Murphys, Pendulum, Frank Turner, and Royal Blood. While you're waiting for the next episode to drop on Friday 28th May 2021, why not go and leave a rating and review on iTunes, they really do help and you'll get a special shout out on these review episodes. You'll also get a shout out if you comment on or share the main episode each month, who doesn't want to hear their name read out on their favourite podcast?! Joking aside, I hope you enjoy the next episode and I hope you're taking good care of yourself and others and staying safe. Contact Twitter: @BannedBiogs Facebook: @BannedBiographies Instagram: @bannedbiographies E-mail: bannedbiographies@gmail.com

Adam and the Ants was formed in 1977, after Adam Ant witnessed the birth of punk at the Sex Pistols' first ever gig. Beginning as a punk band that sang about fetishism and Nazis while wearing leather and S&M gear, Adam and the Ants found it difficult to achieve credibility both in punk circles or in the mainstream. To rectify this, Ant went to Malcolm McLaren for advice and it was during this time that the band perfected its unique 'Burundi beat' style with a two drummer line-up and began writing enduring songs such as Antmusic, Kings of the Wild Frontier, Prince Charming and Stand and Deliver. Although, not before McLaren had stolen his entire band and left Ant to pick up the pieces. Along with the new line up and sound, Adam and the Ants also adopted a new look that spawned the New Romantic movement, despite not acknowledging being a part of the movement itself. Despite having number one singles and albums, Ant disbanded Adam and the Ants at the peak of the their fame and embarked on a solo career. But, that's a story for another time.  For now, enjoy the ups and downs and multiple line up changes of Adam and the Ants, and be sure to subscribe to get part two soon which focusses on Adam Ant's solo career. Contact: Twitter: @BannedBiogs Facebook: @BannedBiographies Instagram: @bannedbiographies E-mail: bannedbiographies@gmail.com

I'm back to let you know what's been happening here at Banned Biographies in the last month and to introduce the subject of the next documentary episode. Yes, I'm returning to the documentary format for the next episode! As well as reaction the the Stepney Sisters interview, it also happens to be the podcast's first birthday and I've had a lot of messages from listeners to congratulate and celebrate with me. Had I realised before the last couple of weeks that this next episode was going to be the one released on the anniversary of the podcast first being published I'd have made more noise about it last month. So, if you want to reach out then please do, I always appreciate a message. I hope you all are taking care and staying safe, and more than anything that you enjoy the next episode of Banned Biographies that will be released on Friday 30th April. Contact Twitter: @BannedBiogs Facebook: @BannedBiographies Instagram: @bannedbiographies E-mail: bannedbiographies@gmail.com

On this episode of Banned Biographies, I sat down over Zoom to interview Caroline and Benni from The Stepney Sisters. Theirs is a brilliant story of university friends who joined a soul band as singers in the early 1970s, moved into squats London, met some like-minded women involved in the women’s liberation movement and decided to start an all-female band so they could have complete control over the content of their songs and which gigs they played. The Steppos, as I found out they called themselves, broke up less than two years later as their lives were taking them in different directions. They all carried on playing in various bands over the years and in 2010 they got back together to play a couple of gigs. In 2020 the band signed to indie label, Alcopop!, and released a double single in early 2021. Since the interview they’ve released a full album called Stepney Sisters on 12th March 2021. It was an honour to sit down with Caroline and Benni and I hope you enjoy listening to our conversation just as much as I enjoyed talking to them. Contact: Twitter: @BannedBiogs Facebook: @BannedBiographies Instagram: @bannedbiographies E-mail: bannedbiographies@gmail.com

I’ve had some great feedback on the Paul Brightman interview over the last month. I even got a comment from the drummer in Paul’s band, Swampstomper, who was surprised by a couple of details in the interview despite having known Paul for years. That’s great to hear from an interviewer’s point of view because it means I was asking the right questions. Speaking of which, I did a massive shoutout to other podcasts last month but completely forgot to say that I was going to be guesting on one. In February I appeared on All The Best Lines Podcast to talk about the Cary Grant film His Girl Friday. Do go and find the episode and let the hosts Smokey and Adam know that I sent you. I’ll also be telling you about some of the new music I’ve been listening to recently and, of course, will let you know the subject of the next episode that will be out on Friday 26th March. I really enjoyed speaking with Paul on the last episode of Banned Biographies and learned a hell of a lot from him. As I’ve said before, I’m looking to do a few more interview episodes in the future and am in conversation with a few musicians right now about appearing. If there’s anyone you’d like me to chat to, why not get in touch and let me know, maybe even @ them in on social media as well. If you happen to know anyone of note, please do get in touch. While you're waiting for the next episode to drop on Friday 26th February 2021, why not go and leave a rating and review on iTunes, they really do help and you get a special shout out on these review episodes. But most of all, I hope you enjoy the next episode. Take care and stay safe. Contact Twitter: @BannedBiogs Facebook: @BannedBiographies Instagram: @bannedbiographies E-mail: bannedbiographies@gmail.com

This is the second Banned Biographies Interview episode with Paul Brightman of Sham 69, Swampstomer and (almost) Chelsea. During the episode, Paul talks about his introductions to music and playing in bands, juvenile delinquency, politics – both in bands as well as in the wider world – the pros and cons of touring and his hopes for the future both with his own project, Swampstomper, and with Sham 69. A quick warning, the first few minutes are spent discussing the affect that COVID-19 has had on him including his own brush with the virus and, very sadly, losing close members of his family. We don’t dwell on this issue very long, but if you don’t want to listen to that part of the conversation then skip ahead about 5 minutes. You can find Sham 69  at www.officialsham69.com, officialsham69 on Twitter and Instagram, and at SHAM 69 – Tim V on Facebook. You can find Swampstomper on Facebook by searching for Swampstomper or typing in facebook.com/SwampStomping as well as on reverbnation.com/swampstomper. There were some technical issues with this interview. Paul’s microphone settings were wrong before we started recording and then, once sorted , I couldn’t hear him through my desk for a reason I couldn’t figure out, so we ended up both using onboard microphones, which is never ideal, but I’ve managed to get it sounding fine. Then, about 20 minutes in he lost internet connection and his computer automatically updated! I’m more than happy with the final interview, and I thank Paul for sticking with it. I hope you enjoy listening to our conversation just as much as I enjoyed talking to him. Contact: Twitter: @BannedBiogs Facebook: @BannedBiographies Instagram: @bannedbiographies E-mail: bannedbiographies@gmail.com

I'm back to catch up with what's been happening since last month's episode about The Slits went out , give some shout outs to new followers as well as those that have been interacting, as well as highlight some other podcasts - both music-based and not - that I'm listening to and you might also like, and tell you what the subject of the next episode will be . While you're waiting for the next episode to drop on Friday 26th February 2021, why not go and leave a rating and review on iTunes, they really do help and you get a special shout out on these review episodes. But most of all, I hope you enjoy the next episode. Take care and stay safe. Contact Twitter: @BannedBiogs Facebook: @BannedBiographies Instagram: @bannedbiographies E-mail: bannedbiographies@gmail.com

The Slits are one of the most significant female punk bands of the late 1970s. Not only did they bravely (or foolishly) leap into the fray with little, if any, musical ability, but through sheer emotion and desire created some great music, setting the stage for a future generation of Riot Grrrls. Their success seems on a par with a band like The Velvet Underground’s in the 1960s. Neither bands sold huge amounts of records at the time but their influence has been huge and ongoing.  Though much derided in their short existence, what the Slits achieved and what they meant to succeeding generations of young female rockers and pop stars cannot be underestimated. Join me on an episode that charts the highs and lows of the lives and careers of some of punks least typical girls. Contact: Twitter: @BannedBiogs Facebook: @BannedBiographies Instagram: @bannedbiographies E-mail: bannedbiographies@gmail.com

I'm back to catch up with what's been happening since the Christmas Day episode went out where I interviewed the guys from the Pete Shelley Memorial Campaign, give some shout outs and tell you what band will be the subject of the next episode, which will be a return to the regular documentary format. As ever, I hope you're doing well. 2020 was a hell of a year and 2021 has started off in much the same way. I've found solace in producing this podcast for you all and hearing your reactions to it and having chats with a whole load of you, so thank you for that and I intend and look forward to keeping on with that. Please do reach out on social media or via email and please do spread the word about the show, but most of all enjoy! Contact Twitter: @BannedBiogs Facebook: @BannedBiographies Instagram: @bannedbiographies E-mail: bannedbiographies@gmail.com

In a change to our regular programming, instead of a documentary about an iconic band this month, I bring you the first in what I hope will be a regular feature of the podcast peppered between the documentaries. In this episode I sat down over Zoom to chat with Paul Lally, Paul Banks and Ellie Porter from the Pete Shelley Memorial Campaign. Lally set the group up two years ago after Shelley passed away in order to commemorate the singer with a blue plaque on his childhood home. £12,000 and a lot of fundraising activities later, the plaque was unveiled on 4th December 2020 by Malcolm Garrett, the artist who was recently awarded an MBE and designed early Buzzcocks album and single covers. The Campaign isn't stopping there though, in this interview you'll find out what other plans they have for the years ahead as well as some personal stories including how they each discovered the music of Pete Shelley, Buzzcocks and punk in general. Visit their site to find out how you can help out either financially or as a volunteer: peteshelleymemorial.com   Contact: Twitter: @BannedBiogs Facebook: @BannedBiographies Instagram: @bannedbiographies E-mail: bannedbiographies@gmail.com

Welcome back to Banned Biographies, I'm back to cover some of the reaction to the Teenage Kicks: The Story of The Undertones episode, give some shout-outs and to let you know that the next episode will be a very different affair. Instead of a documentary episode I've conducted my first interview for the show. You may remember during the Love Bites: The Story of Buzzcocks episode that I mentioned the Pete Shelley Memorial Campaign. They recently unveiled a blue plaque at Pete Shelley's childhood home in the first of many initiatives to memorialise him. It will be out on Friday, 25th December 2020 as a present to all of you who have listened over the last eight months, or even if you've just started listening, but it's especially for those who may be spending the season alone because of lockdowns or protecting their family members. 2020 has been a bit crap, here's to a better 2021. As a present to me, why not tell your friends to subscribe and listen. Also, don't forget to leave a rating and review, it only takes a few seconds and really makes a difference. But most of all; enjoy! Contact Twitter: @BannedBiogs Facebook: @BannedBiographies Instagram: @bannedbiographies E-mail: bannedbiographies@gmail.com

It all started on a two-week camping trip in County Donegal, Northern Ireland in August 1974. Friends Michael Bradley, Billy Doherty and brothers Vince and John O’Neill decided they wanted to start a band. The group had existed as an idea for about six months in the minds of John, Vince and Billy. For a while, the unnamed group hade no instruments with which to practice, so there were no songs either. But it didn't stop them discussing the future of the band, who would play what instrument, and what kind of songs they were going to make.  There was one more obvious problem that needed to be overcome: They didn't have a singer. Doherty invited local Irish Dancing legend and choir boy, Feargal Sharkey to join as singer and soon The Undertones were born, playing scout halls, school halls and social clubs before their big break. This unlikely group of lads from Derry, a town which was in the midst of getting over the Bloody Sunday shootings of 1972, made a point of rebelling against the fervent political and sectarian turmoil of their surroundings by making some of the most innocent, pop-influenced music of all the 1970s punk bands, a couple of which have stood the test of time and feature on compilations to this day. Teenage dreams really are hard to beat. Contact: Twitter: @BannedBiogs Facebook: @BannedBiographies Instagram: @bannedbiographies E-mail: bannedbiographies@gmail.com

Welcome back to Banned Biographies, I'm back to cover some of the reaction to London Calling: The History of The Clash episode, give some shout outs, announce the winners of the Joe Strummer badge giveaway with Pin Icons and to let you know that the next episode will be about Northern Ireland's originators of pop punk, The Undertones! I seem to have lost a week somewhere this month, hence this episode coming out on Thursday rather than Monday. I have a fair amount of editing to do on The Undertones episode, but not a staggering amount, so I'm hoping that I may even get it out on time on the 27th November, but if not I'm confident it won't be more than a week late. In the meantime, why not go and leave a rating and review on iTunes, call it an early Christmas present from you to me! Enjoy.

The Clash are so much more than simply a punk band, they infused elements of reggae, dub and later R&B and rap which marked them out as unique in a sea of Sex Pistols soundalikes that were springing up in Britain in the late 1970s. They were also the most genuinely political bands of the original wave of UK punk. While the Sex Pistols’ debut gig at Manchester’s Lesser Free Trade Hall has been acknowledged as the starting point of that city’s punk and new wave scene, The Clash’s first gig at Eric’s, supported by The Specials on the 5th May 1977, was a similar watershed moment for Liverpool. The gig was witnessed by people who would later form Big In Japan, The Teardrop Explodes, Wah!, Dead or Alive, The KLF, Frankie Goes To Hollywood fame and Echo & The Bunnymen. The Clash's influence can still be heard in American political punk bands such as Rancid, Anti-Flag, Bad Religion, NOFX, Green Day, and Rise Against! as well as in the political hard rock of early Manic Street Preachers. Outside of rock music, Chuck D has credited the Clash as an inspiration for Public Enemy, in particular for the way their use of socially and politically conscious lyrics gained attention from the music press. Join me on the deepest of dives Banned Biographies has taken so far into the lives and careers of the members of probably THE greatest UK punk band ever.

So, there wasn't a main episode last month, but that doesn't mean I wasn't busy. In this short preview episode I tell you a little about what's gone on this month including getting on two UK radio stations, figuring out that there have been more iTunes reviews than I realised, and the chance for three lucky listeners to win a limited edition Joe Strummer enamel pin badge from Pin Icons (@PinIcons on twitter). The Clash episode will be out on Friday, 30th October 2020 and is the longest episode yet. Make sure you check the social media channels and that you're subscribed to the podcast on the podcast platform of your choice so you get the episode as soon as it drops. In fact, why not tell your friends to do the same, and don't forget to leave a rating and review, it only takes a few seconds and really makes a difference. But most of all; enjoy! Contact Twitter: @BannedBiogs Facebook: @BannedBiographies Instagram: @bannedbiographies E-mail: bannedbiographies@gmail.com

Welcome back to Banned Biographies, I'm back to cover some of the reaction to the Love Bites: The Story of Buzzcocks episode, give some shout-outs and to let you know that the next episode will be about my favourite of all the original UK punk bands, The Clash! It should be out on Friday, 25th September 2020. But, i's easily going to be the longest episode to date and I'm not far into the editing. It could happen, but as ever, make sure you check the social media channels and that you're subscribed to the podcast on the podcast platform of your choice so you get the episode as soon as it drops. In fact, why not tell your friends to do the same, and don't forget to leave a rating and review, it only takes a few seconds and really makes a difference. But most of all; enjoy! Contact Twitter: @BannedBiogs Facebook: @BannedBiographies Instagram: @bannedbiographies E-mail: bannedbiographies@gmail.com

One day in 1975 Howard Trafford placed a notice on the Bolton Institute of Technology's noticeboard saying he was looking for musicians that shared a liking for The Velvet Underground song "Sister Ray". Peter McNeish, a fellow student at the Institute, responded to the notice. The pair travelled to London to see the Sex Pistols play and were so impressed and excited by what they'd seen they invited the Pistols to play in Manchester at the Lesser Free Trade Hall, a gig that has gone down in history as the birth of punk, new wave and independent music that remains a large part of Manchester's musical identity to this day. McNeish became Pete Shelley and Trafford became Howard Devoto, the pair formed the Buzzcocks and produced the UK's first independently recorded and distributed records, the Spiral Scratch E.P. Devoto then quit to form Magazine leaving Shelley to continue on his own bringing his idiosyncratic views on love to the punk song, fusing pop and punk in a genre that continues to thrive to this day. The story of Buzzcocks is one of sudden ups and downs, join me on this rollercoaster ride that doesn't look like it's going to stop any time soon! Contact: Twitter: @BannedBiogs Facebook: @BannedBiographies Instagram: @bannedbiographies E-mail: bannedbiographies@gmail.com

Welcome back to Banned Biographies, I'm back again cover some of the reaction to The Scream: The Spellbinding Siouxsie and the Banshees episode, give some shout-outs and to let you know that the next episode will be about the first non-London band; Buzzcocks!   I can't wait for you to hear it and, as it stands right now, it'll be out on Friday, 28th August 2020. But, life is slowly returning to normal so be sure to keep your eyes glued to the social channels just in case I need to push it back a few days. Make sure you're subscribed to the podcast on the podcast platform of your choice so you get the episode as soon as it drops. In fact, why not tell your friends to do the same, and don't forget to leave a rating and review, it only takes a few seconds and really makes a difference. But most of all; enjoy!   Contact Twitter: @BannedBiogs Facebook: @BannedBiographies Instagram: @bannedbiographies E-mail: bannedbiographies@gmail.com

It was Malcolm McLaren who provided Susan Ballion and Steven Bailey the opportunity to form a band when he asked if they knew any bands who might want to support the Sex Pistols at the 100 Club at his Punk Festival on 16 September 1976 as an act had pulled out at the last minute. "To say no would have been impossible".   Ballion had already renamed herself Siouxsie Sioux by this time and Bailey (though known as Steve Spunker at that first gig) soon chose the stage name of Steven Severin. The early Banshees played an improvised 24 minute rendition of The Lord's Prayer at the 100 Club, playing with Marco Pirroni on guitar and Sid Vicious on drums, because they didn't have the time to learn any songs... or even their instruments.   The Pistols may have been punk's ground zero; but the most overlooked thing about Siouxsie is that she arrived quite independently, and fully-formed into that maelstrom year of 1976. Before anyone even uttered the words punk rock, in 1975 she was already strutting off on the bus to the Roxy dressed outrageously, and drawing threatening stares. She was one of the handful who'd been waiting for punk to happen, and who became one of its crucial catalysts.   She was at the epicentre of the scene, the so-called Bromley Contingent who discovered the Sex Pistols and who added the fanbase glamour that the band needed. She was the one who arrived topless at their shows, shocking even the Pistols' entourage. She was the one whose snarky tongue sparked the famous Bill Grundy incident on national TV when she wound the presenter up by saying, "I always wanted to meet you," sparking the exchange which ended in Steve Jones calling Grundy a "dirty fucker" - creating the moment which thrust the Pistols, and Siouxsie, into the national consciousness.   But arguably Siouxsie's influence runs much deeper than punk. It was her band, The Banshees, that provided the impetus for Robert Smith to reinvent The Cure and when the goth scene arrived in the early 1980s, Siouxsie was right at its centre.   However, despite Siouxsie and the Banshees' prolific output in the 20 years they were together, they never quite fit the mainstream. Their modal melodies and spacious textures may have passed a baton to a generation of bands like U2, and their lush, darkly expressionistic lyrics may have laid the groundwork for Goth, but the Banshees' work never sat happily alongside that of their back-to-basics punk contemporaries. they have always remained more influential than successful. Even today you don’t hear their music as much as you do The Clash, Sex Pistols or The Cure. But, in a way that feels exactly how it should be.   Join me on a deep dive into the lives and careers of Siouxsie, Steven, Budgie and an array of guitarists and drummers, in this tale of highs, lows, addiction, obsession and rebirth.

Welcome back to Banned Biographies, I'm back to quickly cover some of the reaction to the Rebel Yell: The History of Generation X and Billy Idol episode, give some shout-outs and to let you know that the next episode will be about Siouxsie and the Banshees!   I can't wait for you to hear it, however, it may not be with you this coming Friday, 31st July 2020 as things have been a bit hectic these last few weeks and I really want to deliver the best possible content to you. So, it could be another week or more, but either way, keep your eyes peeled to the social channels and make sure you're subscribed to the podcast so you get the episode as soon as it drops. In fact, why not tell your friends to do the same, and don't forget to leave a rating and review, but most of all; enjoy!   Contact   Twitter: @BannedBiogs Facebook: @BannedBiographies Instagram: @bannedbiographies E-mail: bannedbiographies@gmail.com

In late 1976, William Broad, a 21 year old university drop-out, and his friend John Towe, a shop assistant and drummer, replied to an advert to form a new band. In this band (Chelsea) they began working with Tony James and Gene October. However, James and Broad - now known as Billy Idol - soon outgrew Chelsea and formed their own band, Generation X. Just days later, the pair, along with Towe and young guitarist Bob (Derwood) Andrews, took to the stage as headliners at The Roxy club, Covent Garden. It wasn't all plain sailing though, and four years later Idol struck out on his own to seek fame and fortune in the US. Forty years on, Billy Idol remains a giant star in the rock firmament... and the other members of Generation X didn't do too badly over the years either, as you'll find out in this episode. Contact: Twitter: @BannedBiogs Facebook: @BannedBiographies Instagram: @bannedbiographies E-mail: bannedbiographies@gmail.com