Des Tong: Sad Café Then and Now

John Steel of The Animals on House of the Rising Sun, Newcastle & Beatlemania

In this episode of The Liner Notes Club, Phil sits down with John Steel for a fascinating deep dive into the birth of one of Britain’s most influential bands.   John traces his journey from teenage jazz fan in industrial Newcastle to founding member of The Animals, recalling the early days with Eric Burdon, discovering American blues records brought over by merchant seamen, and witnessing the explosion of rock ’n’ roll in 1950s Britain.   The conversation explores the working-class roots of British rhythm & blues, the legendary Club A Go-Go scene, encounters with figures like Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley and The Rolling Stones, and the whirlwind rise that followed the release of House of the Rising Sun — recorded live in a single take.   John also reflects on the enduring power of songs like We Gotta Get Out of This Place and It’s My Life, the band’s influence on artists such as Bruce Springsteen, and why the music of The Animals still resonates more than sixty years later.   A rich, funny and deeply human conversation about blues, class consciousness, chance encounters, and the moment British music changed forever.

Bev Bevan: From The Move to ELO, Birmingham, Black Sabbath & Quill

n this episode of The Liner Notes Club, Phil sits down with legendary drummer Bev Bevan and Joy Strachan-Brain for a fascinating journey through one of British rock’s most remarkable careers.   Bev reflects on his early days growing up in Birmingham, teaching himself to play drums, opening for The Beatles and The Rolling Stones with Denny Laine and the Diplomats, and the formation of The Move—including unforgettable tours alongside Jimi Hendrix and Pink Floyd. He shares the story of how Electric Light Orchestra was born with Roy Wood and Jeff Lynne, the explosive success of the Out of the Blue era, and the arena tours that defined ELO’s golden years.   The conversation also covers Bev’s time with Black Sabbath alongside Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Ian Gillan, including memories of touring and the emotional farewell to Ozzy Osbourne at Villa Park. Bev also reflects on Birmingham’s rich musical legacy and why working-class cities produced so many iconic bands.   Finally, Joy tells the story of Quill—from its beginnings in the early 1970s to the vibrant live band it remains today. Together, Bev and Joy discuss the enduring spirit of Quill, the Midlands music scene, and why they still love bringing great live music to intimate venues like Barnoldswick Music & Arts Centre.   A brilliant conversation filled with stories from the golden age of British rock—and proof that the beat really does go on.

TV Smith: Songs, Survival & The Spirit of Punk

In this episode of The Liner Notes Club, Phil sits down with legendary songwriter and punk pioneer TV Smith — the unmistakable voice behind The Adverts and one of the most enduring figures to emerge from the original British punk movement. From growing up with The Beatles and discovering the power of words through poetry, to forming his first bands in Torquay and eventually moving to London at the birth of punk, TV reflects on the journey that shaped his songwriting and career. He shares vivid memories of the early days of The Adverts, landing gigs at the iconic The Roxy, and finding himself at the centre of the cultural explosion that would define a generation. They also dive into the story behind Gary Gilmore’s Eyes, discussing the dark real-life inspiration behind one of punk’s most iconic singles and how the song served as both satire and social commentary on media sensationalism. TV also opens up about his relationship with mainstream platforms like Top of the Pops, balancing punk credibility with the opportunity to reach a wider audience. The conversation moves into the present day, exploring why intimate live venues still matter, why audiences are craving genuine connection more than ever, and how music remains a powerful force for unity and resistance. TV reflects on writing through lockdown, surviving COVID, and channeling that uncertainty into new work, as well as the social and political themes that continue to drive his songs today. With new material on the horizon, Australian tour dates planned, and the same fierce independence that has defined his career for nearly five decades, TV Smith proves that punk was never just a moment — it was always a mindset.

Des Tong: Sad Café Then and Now

In this episode of The Liner Notes Club, Phil sits down with Des Tong — bassist, musical director, songwriter, author, and longtime driving force behind Sad Café. Des takes us right back to his earliest musical beginnings in Manchester, from learning double bass as a schoolboy under the influence of his pianist father, to cutting his teeth in soul bands, backing legendary American artists like The Four Tops, Fontella Bass, and The Jacksons, and working across the UK and Europe as a young musical director. He shares the story of how a late-night studio session with Paul Young unexpectedly led to him joining Sad Café during the recording of the Olé album in 1981 — transforming him from a busy session musician into a full-time member of one of Manchester’s most respected bands. We talk about the golden era of club circuits, touring life, the reality of surviving the punk era as highly skilled musicians, and the fiercely loyal Sad Café fanbase that still follows the band today. Des also reflects on carrying the legacy forward after the loss of key members, and why the current lineup is focused not just on celebrating the past, but writing brand new material for the future. Alongside music, Des discusses his unexpected second career as an author, writing his Pete Peterson Tapes series inspired by decades of life on the road, club culture, and the untold stories of Britain’s music scene. A brilliant conversation full of humour, honesty, and real insight into one of Britain’s great working musicians.

Bobby Elliott on The Hollies, Abbey Road and Life Between Two Worlds

In this episode of The Liner Notes Club, Phil sits down with Bobby Elliott of The Hollies — American Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Ivor Novello Award winner, and one of the most influential drummers of his generation. Drawing on stories from his memoir It Ain’t Heavy, It’s My Story, Bobby reflects on his early years growing up in Burnley, discovering jazz on shortwave radio, building a drum kit out of biscuit tins, and finding his way into the thriving Lancashire music scene that helped shape him. From there, the conversation moves through his first professional breaks, joining The Hollies, the frantic early recording sessions at Abbey Road, and the remarkable pace of life as the band rose through the 1960s. Bobby shares memories of touring America during the height of the British Invasion, rubbing shoulders with figures such as Jimi Hendrix, Keith Moon, Jimmy Page, Elton John and Joni Mitchell, while still remaining deeply grounded. It’s a warm, funny and deeply human conversation about music, memory, craft, fame, and the strange balance between extraordinary success and ordinary roots.