Category: Simon Wolstencroft

Episode 9: Abbey Road Studios

After Simon had done a few gigs with The Weeds, he ended up getting spotted by Mark E Smith from The Fall. Also on tour, Mark signed Simon up at a gig in Bristol.

In this episode, we join Si outside the legendary Abbey Road Studios. This studio brings back many great memories for Si in The Fall. At a beautiful time of year, the band would be chauffeur driven to Abbey Road Studios from Swiss Cottage.

The Fall recorded several records with world famous producer, John Leckie (Lennon, Pink Floyd, The Stone Roses). Leckie actually began work at Abbey Road Studios on 15 February 1970 as a tape operator. He later graduated to balance engineer and record producer.

With the studio clock ticking and in true rock n roll fashion, Mark E Smith would often turn up hours late for each session! He would rubbish the work John Leckie and the band had made in his absence. He disliked modern recording techniques, often kicking mics away from drums, preferring the live sound over a U2-sounding rock track! There was always the energetic power of Studio Two and Mark obviously fought well to get his sound just as he wanted it.

The Bend Sinister album was the band’s ninth offering. It was a recording period that Smith would later describe as the band’s glory years. A period in which The Fall’s commercial success was matching the brilliance of their song writing. The music seemed to perfectly echo a certain mood of the time.

Credits: @VideoChain Digital Blanket
Producers: James Delargy John Steven Locke

Episode 8: The Weeds Play Corbières

We join Si at Corbières Wine Bar on Manchester Day! The boys used to visit the bar daily thanks to a juke box that played all their favourite tunes!

In 3-piece garage-rock outfit, The Weeds, with friend and ‘hairdresser to the stars’, Andrew Berry, Si and the band performed there with The Happy Mondays.

One legendary evening, Manchester music supremo, Anthony H Wilson, dropped in. He signed up The Mondays that very night. He also wanted to sign The Weeds, but Andrew said: “No thanks. We’ll only sign to EMI!”

Credits: @VideoChain Digital Blanket
Producers: James Delargy John Steven Locke

Episode 7: Terry Hall’s The Colourfield

After turning down The Smiths, Si went to a few auditions: ABC, Prefab Sprout, then a band called The Colourfield.

The band was fronted by Terry Hall (The Specials & Fun Boy Three). Terry hired Si to do a live TV show in Newcastle for The Tube. However, rehearsals in Coventry weren’t without a few car problems!

Credits: @VideoChain Digital Blanket
Producers: James Delargy John Steven Locke

Episode 6: Turning Down The Smiths

Beehive Mill, a Grade II listed former cotton mill, is located on Jersey Street in Ancoats, Manchester. It was the building where The Smiths recorded their first professional studio session, at Decibelle Studios.

Johnny Marr called Si to say he had a new band called The Smiths and asked him to attend the session. They went in to record the first two songs that Morrissey and Marr had written together: ‘The Hand that Rocks the Cradle’ and ‘Suffer Little Children’.

Morrissey turned up with a big carrier bag of lyrics and, after the session, he and Marr tried to convince Si to stay with the band. But Morrissey’s lack of eye contact and grim lyrics made Si say: “Thanks, but no thanks!”

Credits: @VideoChain Digital Blanket
Producers: James Delargy John Steven Locke

Episode 5: As teenagers, Simon Wolstrencroft, John Squire and Ian Brown used to come to The Vine pub in Sale, planning world domination for The Patrol.

A guy called Dave called by to tell Si about an amazing guitarist called Johnny Marr. He was looking for a drummer for his band and Dave suggested Si met up with him.

Johnny came by the next night, wearing a long trench coat with hair like Keith Richards!

Along with Andy Rourke on bass, Johnny and Si formed funk band Freak Party.

Credits: @VideoChain Digital Blanket
Producers: James Delargy John Steven Locke

Episode 4: In late 70’s, The Clash were playing at the Manchester Apollo.

They had a spare night off before being booked in to record their next single. The recording studio, Pluto on Granby Row in Manchester, is up the road from Rafters Club, so they played a gig there.

Pluto Studios was founded by Keith Hopkins and Derek ‘Lek’ Leckenby, both previously members of Herman’s Hermits.

At Pluto Studios: The Clash recorded ‘Bankrobber’, The Fall recorded ‘There’s a Ghost in my House’.

Credits: @VideoChain Digital Blanket
Producers: James Delargy John Steven Locke

Episode 3: Manchester Apollo brings back memories. Aged 16, Simon and John Squire used to come to the back stage area to help push the boxes in for The Clash. The pair ended up dropping out of college to follow The Clash around on tour! The ultimate rock ‘n’ roll education!

The Apollo back stage is next to the Apsley Cottage. Si recalls actor Ray Winston, in his unmistakable Cockney voice, dragging him off for a pint! Good times 🙂

Episode 2: The Patrol was an early incarnation of the Stone Roses. Back in the summer of 1980, the band performed several live shows including at Dunham Massey Village Hall, in Cheshire.

A very diverse venue! On one side, the Women’s Institute meetings, weaving wicker baskets and jam-making. On the other, classmates John Squire, Simon Wolstencroft, Ian Brown and friends – wreaking havoc in the picturesque village, as they learnt their musical ‘chops’!

Credits: Video Chain Digital Blanket
Producers: James Delargy John Steven Locke

Episode 1: Simon’s drumming career starts at Altrincham Grammar.

Season One of The X Generation brings you key moments in a musical career that has influenced some of the greatest Manchester bands of all time.

Credits: Digital Blanket Video Chain
Producers: James Delargy, John Steven Locke