The Grumpy Cyclist Talks Music

This episode features Rob, a barber I previously recorded a podcast with back in November 2025.We dive into his love of music, exploring his passion, knowledge, and why artists like the Pet Shop Boys and U2 hold such an important place in his life.Rob is also a huge film fan, so naturally the conversation turns to iconic movie soundtracks. We chat about classics like Pulp Fiction, Grease, and the legendary 90s soundtrack from Trainspotting—just a glimpse of the many topics we covered.Rob’s infectious enthusiasm for music and his depth of knowledge made this a real joy to record.

This episode sees me having a great chat with the wonderful Alastair — partner of Jill Mitchell, who you may remember from a previous episode.We dive into Alastair’s musical journey, starting from his childhood, where music was always around him thanks to his parents. His father had fairly conservative tastes, which makes his own evolution in music all the more interesting — from learning piano to eventually picking up the guitar.Alastair shares his love for what he calls “proper” music, with influences including UFO, Genesis, and, perhaps most passionately, the Canadian rock legends Rush.We also chat about his time as a DJ back in the day — spinning vinyl on the decks, the way it was meant to be done — and the unique connection that came with that era of music.Another fascinating part of our conversation touches on tribute and replica lead singers in bands, with Queen being a great example, and how audiences connect with those performances.This really was an incredible, relaxed conversation. And with Alastair heading to Canada later in 2026 to see Rush live, I’ve already got him pencilled in for a follow-up episode — I can’t wait to hear his review!

This episode of The Grumpy Cyclist Talks Music features Jason “Jay” Hayward — someone I’d only actually met once before on a mutual friend’s stag do a few years ago.Being roughly the same age, it turns out we share a lot of the same memories and opinions when it comes to music and growing up.Jay talks about his love of 80s funk legends Level 42, wishing he’d been just a bit older to experience the early days of The Blitz nightclub scene, and how he and a friend watched Live Aid from start to finish on that scorching day in July 1985.We also chat about how special it is going to gigs with your children — and Jay’s first concerts: Showaddywaddy and Gary Numan, both within a few years of each other!!All that and plenty more in this nostalgic trip through music and memories.

This episode of The Grumpy Cyclist Talks Music is a little different from usual. I’ll be diving into my (rather small!) vinyl collection, picking out some of my absolute favourites and having a short chat about why they mean so much to me.In this episode, I’m talking about Prince’s Sign ‘O’ The Times. For me, it’s his true masterpiece. Every track has something special about it – the songwriting, the emotion, the variety, the sheer creativity. In my eyes and ears, there isn’t a bad song on this 1987 classic.

The Royal College of Music is where Daniel Mullin spent his time learning the craftsmanship of the violin and piano.This episode is a continuous story of how Daniel went on to work for the BBC (among many other achievements) as part of the BBC Orchestra.Have you ever wondered what life was really like at the college?What it was like being involved in the filming of the movie Shine?His nan’s first impressions of London?The friendships, the classes, the challenges and the experiences that shape a young musician at one of the world’s most famous colleges.A fascinating and honest insight into the life of a wonderfully talented person.

Duran Duran, Depeche Mode, Bon Jovi, Bagpipes… and Captain Sensible!!!Just some of the gems Joolz and I chat about in this latest episode — a pure reflection on Julie’s (Joolz’s) time at St George’s boarding school… where we just happened to be in the same year.From her admiration of Dave Gahan’s vocals, to the all-important Desert Island Album choice (clue: four chaps from Ireland… 👀), we dive into the music that shaped the 80’s.Fingerless gloves. Snoods. Leg warmers. Industrial levels of hairspray.If you grew up in that era — or just love the music — this one will take you straight back.

“Can bands be just as successful without their original lead singer?” 🤔🎤That’s just one of the big musical debates I got stuck into with returning guest Mike Kearney — yes, the very same Mike who’s braved a podcast with me before and still came back for more 😄We covered loads in this episode — from the (very sad) loss of Bob Weir, to the mind-bending Sphere in Las Vegas, and plenty of twists and turns along the musical journey. It turns out Mike and I share quite a few of the same thoughts when it comes to how artists and bands evolve over time… great minds and all that 😉One moment that really stood out for me was Mike talking about seeing Peter Green with the Splinter Band in Bournemouth — what a memory to have! And his stories and thoughts about Eric Clapton were a brilliant listen too, especially for me as my dad’s a big fan. Proper full-circle music chat

This episode of The Grumpy Cyclist Talks Music is a special one.I’m chatting with Jill — a lifelong friend, and really more like part of the Morris family — who I’ve known for nearly 50 years. Our connection goes way back, with both of our dads serving in the army, and music playing a huge part in the soundtrack of our lives growing up.Jill takes us right back to her childhood, with the warm, easy sounds of John Denver and The Eagles, and memories of listening to BFBS (British Forces Broadcasting Service) — the station that brought music from home to families wherever they were posted.We relive our boarding school days (yes, we went to the same one!), where bedroom walls were covered in posters and Sunday evenings meant one thing: recording the Top 40 and hoping your finger was quick enough on the pause button. The excitement of new releases from Duran Duran, Culture Club, Wham!, Spandau Ballet and more — rushing out to get that latest 7” single — was unbeatable.From those cassette-tape days to now, Jill’s musical taste has grown and evolved into a love of jazz and classical music, while still happily buying tracks on Apple like the rest of us modern music lovers.And the passion for live music is still alive and well — she and her partner Alistair are already looking forward to seeing RUSH live in autumn 2026!It’s an episode full of nostalgia, laughter, shared memories, and proof that the music we grow up with never really leaves us.

Another episode of me chatting with Daniel about his life in classical music – the hard work, the journeys, the excitement, the experiences… and what life is really like inside an orchestra.With my complete lack of knowledge of the classical world, I asked Daniel to explain how an orchestra actually works, what goes on behind the scenes, and what a conductor really does.A genuinely fascinating insight into the world of a professional classical musician.

In this episode of The Grumpy Cyclist Talks Music, I’m joined by Daniel Mullin, violinist with the BBC Concert Orchestra, where he has been a full-time member for almost 20 years.This episode marks the beginning of a special multi-part project that Daniel and I have discussed, exploring his life’s work and experiences within the classical music industry. Across several episodes, Daniel reflects on the journey that shaped his remarkable career – starting with his earliest musical experiences and building towards the pivotal moments that set him on a professional path.Born in Manchester in May 1974, Daniel began playing the piano at the age of 5, before taking up the violin at 11. By just 15 years old, he had achieved Grade 8 distinctions in piano, violin and music theory, all within six months of each other, including an exceptional 100/100 Grade 8 theory result, earning a Certificate of Commendation.Despite attending an ordinary comprehensive school – Peel Moat Comprehensive in Stockport – Daniel’s talent and determination led to a life-changing moment: receiving the letter offering him a place at the Royal College of Music in London in 1992. He went on to study there until 1997, completing both a Bachelor of Music and a postgraduate diploma.Daniel began professional engagements in 1996 and has now spent 30 years working as a violinist, performing with many of the UK’s leading orchestras. His career has included time with the Hallé Orchestra, BBC Philharmonic, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Philharmonia, English National Opera Orchestra, before taking up a full-time post with the BBC Concert Orchestra in February 2006.He has since played in 29 consecutive Proms seasons at the Royal Albert Hall, the last 20 with the BBC.This first episode is a fascinating and inspiring starting point to a wonderful career – and the opening chapter of a deeper exploration into life at the highest level of classical music.

This episode is with Mike Kearney — a man truly passionate about music, with a particular love for The Grateful Dead (among many others).Mike talks about his life as a vocalist, including being part of a major event involving Mel & Sue, Clive Anderson, Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie and other well-known faces… oh, and it was directed by Sam Mendes!He also shares stories of travelling to Japan and Uganda as part of an a cappella group, his deep love of blues music, and the joy of taking his daughter to gigs — experiences that have helped shape her appreciation of different musical styles.This, and a whole lot more.

This episode is a Christmas edition… and yes, it’s that time of year again.Wherever you go, Christmas songs are absolutely everywhere — at home, on the radio in the car, in supermarkets, people humming them under their breath, at church… just EVERYWHERE!!So, being me, I thought I’d take a little wander and chat to some completely random people, asking them a very important festive question:👉 What’s your favourite Christmas song… and which one do you absolutely cannot stand — and why?The responses were honest, funny, sometimes passionate (bordering on rage in a couple of cases 😳😂), and genuinely interesting.And what surprised me most was that there seemed to be a clear theme running through nearly all of the answers…Grab a brew, stick your feet up, and have a listen — this one might just get you thinking differently about those festive “classics” 🎄🎶

This week’s episode is Part 3 of me — with a bit of quality control from my son Jordan — going through the questions I put out to YOU about your favourite gigs, the loudest, the ones you’ve seen the most, the absolute worst… all of it!It was an absolute blast going through every single answer.And I’ll be honest… it even opened Jordan’s eyes quite a bit — he hadn’t even heard of half the bands and artists you lot mentioned!

If you use Spotify, you’ll know it’s that time of year when they kindly remind you just how many HOURS you spent listening to the same songs over and over… your most played artists, albums, minutes, moods — the whole lot!Jordan (my son) and I had a really interesting chat about our 2025 listening habits. There’s a fair old age gap between us and our music tastes are miles apart, but that actually made the conversation even better. Amazing how two completely different worlds of music can still connect.We even ended up chatting about Coldplay at Wembley — anyone else go? What a night that must’ve been!

Nik Kershaw… yes, the musician, songwriter, entertainer and all-round nice chap!I went to see him on his ‘Music & Lyrics’ chat tour at The Tivoli in Wimborne, Dorset — and it was absolutely brilliant.I even recorded a little conversation with a couple of lovely people who were there, and I share my own thoughts on why I’ve always liked Nik and his music.

Cliff Richard v’s Elvis Presley?That was the debate Rob brought up — apparently our mums had a full-on rivalry back in the day over who was better! And that little comment is exactly what led into this week’s episode…I had a brilliant chat with Rob, who genuinely believes (like MANY do!) that 1990/91 was the moment the UK musical landscape changed for the better — the dance explosion, the rise of the Manchester scene, the birth of grunge, and then of course the Britpop era.Rob looks back on those years of his “youth” with real fondness.Hearing him talk about seeing his favourite band Oasis in LA earlier this year was fantastic… and listening to him gush about the artists he loves — Radiohead, Michael Jackson, Phil Collins, Paul McCartney, Kylie Minogue (yes, you read that right!) — was a real treat.A fascinating insight into Rob’s musical journey, full of memories, surprises and proper passion for music.

This episode is Part 2 of me diving into all the brilliant answers you sent in when I asked for your thoughts on CONCERTS — the best, the worst, the loudest, the most unforgettable… all of it!I thoroughly enjoyed going through every single response and sharing my own grumpy (but lovable!) views along the way.Have a listen — you might just feel the same 🙏🏻🎧

🎧 Episode 40 is here! (Yes… the 40th one already!!)This episode’s a little different from the usual format. A while back, I put out a Q&A on social media with ten questions — things like your favourite, loudest, most-seen, worst, and dream concerts.The responses were brilliant! So in this episode, I’m chatting through your answers — sharing my views, opinions, a few laughs, and even some astonished reactions along the way.I thoroughly enjoyed recording this one… and I think you’ll have just as much fun listening!

🎙 This week’s episode is with Josh — someone I’d never met before, who kindly reached out wanting to be part of the podcast.Living ‘up north’, his musical influences are very much Manchester-based — and his love for Oasis still burns bright to this day (to say he’s a fan is putting it mildly!).We chat about what on earth Cher’s “Believe” has to do with football, and Josh shares a thoughtful take on Lewis Capaldi returning to music and touring after the tough times he’s been through.A fascinating, honest conversation (recorded over the phone) that could have gone on and on — an absolute joy to record.

Dirty Dicks… Rise to the Occasion!”Yes, you read that right — that was the name of the mobile disco that first sparked Ian’s love for DJ’ing!In this episode, Ian returns to share how his DJ journey began: from those early disco days and building the confidence to speak on the mic, to choosing the right tracks to suit the mood and keep the crowd buzzing.We also chat about his views on cassettes vs CDs, and hear about his eye-opening trip to Gambia, where he discovered and brought home some truly wonderful music.It’s a brilliant, warm, and musical episode with a very charming and knowledgeable gentleman. One not to miss!