Show Notes
In 2015 the Pop Group - one of the greatest and most influential of late 70s UK post punk bands - reformed to tour a new album. I spoke with singer Mark Stewart ahead of their Australian tour. I had seen them a few months previously in Edinburgh, playing to a crowd containing the cream of that city's post punk identities. (By that I mean people from Josef K and the Fire Engines). They had never been to Australia and their tour would prove that people didn't know how to deal with them. Their sound was singular, The rhythm section and the thin, spindly, ultra processed guitar sounds. And Mark towering over everybody with his mad wailing, delayed and reverbed and phased and echoed and eq'd by a master mixer in Adrian Sherwood. Deep, dub , roots reggae styling. Australians didn't know how to place it. There were no flannel shirts or distortion pedals. They were brilliant! His passing in April 2023 really shook me. The guy was so tall and physically imposing. His voice was so strong and wild. One of the few music groups whose sound will never date. I mean the Pop Group, Rip Rig and Panic. Neneh Cherry, Mark Stewart and the Maffia and all who sailed in and with them. Perhaps them, the Stooges, Suicide and ..... a few others.
Further writing and appropriate links at my Substack https://open.substack.com/pub/davegraney/p/mark-stewart-the-pop-group-archival
More from Players Please
I have been thinking about Melbourne and I was joined on the radio show I present by Melbourne identity, presence and long term INFLUENCER Johnny Topper, who of course presents the show New and Groovy on Wednesdays 2-4pm on RRRFM in Melbourne. I read from the late Peter Lillies epic poem Monarto in regard to the early to mid 70s band he had with Topper, The Pelaco Brothers. Talk of very many niche Melbourne and Sydney characters and eateries. But mainly Johnny Topper.
Dave Graney talking with fellow traveller Hugo Race about his 2026 album with the Fatalists (as opposed to solo work or The True Spirit) , I Made It All Up For You.
Marcel Borrack talking with Dave Graney in regard to his 2026 instrumental album. Sun Dust. "Several years ago, I came across the documentary Music of Satyajit Ray and was completely captivated. His creative process, and the music itself resonates deeply with the natural world. Sonically the productions are bold, inventive, and full of character. They use space masterfully to create mood and drama, and they strive for individuality over blandness, or at least that’s what I hear. Sun Dust is a collection of instrumental music inspired by Ray’s work.
Australian author, playwrite and actor Barry Dickins passed away and Dave Graney invited actor and director Greg Carroll on to the BLB radio show on 3RRR to talk about him. Dave Graney read from one of Barrys novels and one of his poems.
Interview with Andy Jans Brown, songwriter and performer working out of Byron Bay in NSW. A new album in 2026 , Airport Departure Lounge. "Andy Jans-Brown is a multidisciplinary artist whose work spans music, film, theatre, and poetry. For over three decades, he has carved a distinctive path through Australia’s creative landscape, weaving raw honesty with dark humour, compassion, and hope."