I Never Thought It Would Happen

Alongside Chris this time is musical pioneer and stye icon, Pauline Black of the 2-Tone legends The Selecter. The Coventry ska band not only influenced many UK post-punk bands, but would also later help shape Trip-hop and the American punk scene in the 1990s.

There's much to enjoy in this warm and open conversation, including why a chance meeting at a folk club set Pauline on her musical path, how Jimi Hendrix and Angela Davis helped her find her style and why a Bob Marley gig proved to be so critical to future of The Selecter.

Joining Chris this time is Gavin Rossdale, best known as frontman for the rock band Bush, a British group that managed to rack up millions of album sales in the American dominated grunge scene. He was later a tabloid fixture due to his marriage to Gwen Stefani.

In Chris' company Gavin discusses why he's gone "super-heavy" 30 years into his career, how he collaborates with other musicians (including pianist Mike Garson and Amy from Evanescence), why he enjoys acting and how writing music is a "traumatic experience". 

On this episode of his podcast Chris welcomes back singer-songwriter KT Tunstall. When Chris last spoke with KT two years ago, her future as a musician looked bleak, given she was suffering from severe hearing loss.

But KT returns with a hugely positive story - cutting edge technology has allowed her to regain her hearing, and with that the ability to perform and record to her very best. Along with this remarkable update, the conversation also touches upon KT's delight at working collaboratively within musical theatre, her love of humorist Ivor Cutler and the delightful Japanese art of Kintsugi.

For this episode Chris is joined by Kevin Rowland, frontman for Dexy's Midnight Runners, one of Britain's most distinctive bands. Having emerged out of the post-punk scene, Dexy's created a unique blend of soul and Irish folk music, and in doing scored a huge global hit single with "Come On Eileen" in 1982.

In this revealing chat, Kevin talks about his journey into music making, the remarkable story behind the "My Beauty" album, overcoming addiction and the forthcoming Dexy's album "The Feminine Divine" and the theatrical concept planned for the tour in support of the new album.

Joining Chris for the latest episode of the Help Musicians podcast is Skin, front woman for the British alternative band Skunk Anansie, and also a solo artist and globally renowned DJ. When Skunk Anansie arrived on the UK music scene in 1994 they were like a bolt from the blue; culturally diverse, exciting, eclectic, electric and politically charged. In April 2001, the band split, but returned in 2009 and are still recording and touring.

In this episode, Skin discusses the excitement of growing up in Brixton, why making music can be a form of therapy, the joy of having a home studio and how being a musician today entails so much more than simply writing and performing.

Chris’ guest in this episode is the polymath Henry Rollins. Punk records and live shows in Washington DC galvanised Henry to head out on the road and forge a hugely diverse career. He sang with punk legends Black Flag - plus his own group, Rollins Band - but has also done acting, voice-over work, spoken word shows, journalism, presented documentaries and has had a long running radio show. 

In this wide-ranging conversation, Henry talks about his remarkable career and his passion for music, something which stemmed from his difficult upbringing where music was an escape for him. But perhaps the most surprising thing to come out of this conversation is Henry’s appreciation of the classic musicals. As you’ll hear, there’s much more to the man than just his punk rock roots.

In this episode, Chris talks to the singer-songwriter Lemar who was first introduced to music fans via the BBC television show Fame Academy. Following his successful appearance there came a string of hit singles, awards and millions of record sales. Apart from a covers album back in 2015, he’s been keeping a low profile of late. But after a wait of 11 years, he’s returned with "Page In My Heart", a new album of original material.

In Chris' company, Lemar discusses the music he heard at home growing up and how losing his mother inspired him to pursue a musical career, why touring means so much to him and how hard it is for an artist to maintain mystique in the social media age.

Joining Chris in this podcast is one of Britain’s greatest and most unique singer-songwriters, Joan Armatrading, who’s also a skilled guitarist with a spine-tingling voice. She released her first album in 1972 and since then she’s proven to be a fearless pioneer and pursued her musical muse with a single-minded determination, retaining total control of her music from writing to recording to performing.

In this episode Joan discusses her parents' curious relationship with musical instruments, her determined desire to learn how to play and record music and whether song-writing can be a form of therapy.

To kick off series three of I Never Thought It Would Happen, Chris Difford is joined by Kelly Jones, singer, songwriter and guitarist for Welsh stadium rockers Stereophonics. The band released their debut album in 1997 and experienced a meteoric rise to fame, subsequently enjoying 8 back to back number one albums in the UK, putting them in the same league as Oasis, REM and Taylor Swift.

In this conversation Chris and Kelly cover the highs and lows of life in a band; from growing up in a musical household, appearing on Top Of The Pops to the tragic early death of drummer Stuart Cable, a childhood friend of Kelly's and a founding member of Stereophonics. And bringing things up to date, the pair talk enthusiastically about Kelly's new side project, Far From Saints.

Standby as series 3 of I Never Thought It Would Happen with Chris Difford and Help Musicians returns soon with a fantastic lineup of guests. Series 3 returns April 11th with Kelly Jones 

Alongside Chris this week for a chat about the fine art of song writing and music making is the legendary Don McLean. Having learned guitar as a boy, inspired as much by The Weavers as The Beatles, he honed his craft in the burgeoning New York folk clubs. In 1970 he released his debut album, "Tapestry", but it was his surprise hit single "American Pie" a year later that has ensured Don's place in music history and has underpinned his 50+ years of music making.

For this episode, Chris welcomes Sir Tim Rice for a chat. With his musical partner, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Tim changed musical theatre for ever, writing a clutch of timeless, hit shows, including Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, Chess and The Lion King. He's also collaborated with Freddie Mercury, Elton John plus Benny and Bjorn of Abba. Tim Rice is also one of a select number of people who are EGOTs - those that have won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony award. Amazing.

Alongside Chris in this episode is the fast-rising singer-songwriter Lola Young. Hailing from South London, she started writing songs aged 11 and was attending open-mic nights from 13 and has been working on her craft since then. Lola chats about being taught philosophy at primary school, attending the famous Brit School and how that nurtured her artistic gifts, how her music tastes have evolved as she's grown older and what album she'd take to the moon.

Ace singer, songwriter and guitarist Richard Thompson is alongside Chris this episode to discuss the fine art of songwriting and making music. From his first album in 1968, aged 19, with Fairport Convention, then through 6 decades of a solo career, Richard's music making has always been fascinating, adventurous and critically acclaimed. From the first record he owned to playing festivals to the locations that inspire him to write, this is an insightful, inspiring episode.

Joining Chris for a chat this time is the new, fast rising London act Kawala, formed around the long-standing friendship of Jim and Daniel who met at University and who've recently released their debut album. Much loved by a fervent fanbase, radio - and even Sam Smith - theirs is a positive, inspiring story for any budding musician.

With Chris for another illuminating insight into the fine art of songwriting is Nick Lowe. Nick is an artist with an incredible decade-spanning career, and in this episode he recounts his start with the much maligned (but influential) Brinsley Schwarz, his time as the in-house producer for Stiff Records, his work with Elvis Costello, the short lived supergroup Little Village with Ry Cooder. And, of course, there's his own fantastic solo career. 

Joining Chris for this episode is the very charming English/Italian singer-songwriter Jack Savoretti. In this thoughtful, insightful conversation Jack talks about catching Bob Dylan live, the impact of the Forrest Gump soundtrack and his experiences working with both Kyle Minogue and Nile Rodgers.

Chris welcomes aboard the band Blossoms to his podcast. In this chat Tom, Joe and Charlie talk about the influence the Manchester music scene had on the fledgling band, particularly Oasis. They also reveal where the band's name came from, the influence of producer James Skelly and why a scaffolding yard was so important to the band.

With Chris for a chat in this episode is young blues artist Elles Bailey, who's quickly carved out a place in the blues scene. With 3 albums to her name, each gaining more fans, and a clutch of awards, she's an exciting, forward thinking artist. 

During the conversation Elles discusses growing up listening to Chess Records, Janis Joplin as well as musical theatre, the importance of an artist using their voice to convey a message and the demanding life of being a touring musician whilst being a new mum and a record label boss.

Actor, comedian and musician Christopher Guest joins Chris Difford in this episode. Best known for playing the lead guitarist Nigel Tufnel in This Is Spinal Tap, Christopher shines a light on the creation of the iconic and much loved film, and the surreal but satisfying life the spoof band has enjoyed since the release nearly 40 years ago. He also discusses his earlier career writing satirical songs and his teenage years discovering  and devouring music.

The latest musician joining Chris for a chat about the fine art of music making is Dan Gillespie Sells, frontman for the award-winning pop-rock band The Feeling. Topics covered in the expansive interview include forming The Feeling with his school pals, growing up as an indie kid, his part in the runaway success that is Everybody's Talking About Jamie and music as an escape from life's troubles.

This episode sees Chris being joined by Sharon Corr for an enlivening and enlightening chat. Sharon is one of the 4 siblings who took their brand of poppy Irish folk music from a house full of music to the world's stages, selling millions of albums and becoming one of the biggest bands of the Nineties.

When the Corrs went on hiatus in 2006, Sharon began work on her first solo album, "Dream Of You" finally released in 2010. Since then she's released 2 more solo albums, the most recent being 2021's "The Fool And The Scorpion". In this conversation she details her childhood musical heroes, particularly Joni Mitchell, working with Jeff Beck and how inspiration can strike at any time.

Joining Chris Difford for this episode is singer and songwriter Graham Gouldman, one quarter of the legendary, much loved British pop band 10cc. Growing up in Manchester, Graham quickly found his true calling with music, and he was still in his teens when he found his songs covered by bands like The Yardbirds and The Hollies. And then in forming 10cc with friends he would achieve his own hits - and lots of them.

In this chat he talks about how his dad helped shape his early songs, 10cc's collaborative creative process, touring with Ringo Starr and working with Gary Barlow and McFly.

Singer, songwriter and radio presenter Guy Garvey is the guest in this episode of Chris Difford's podcast. In this wonderfully warm conversation, the Elbow frontman recounts many stories from his career, including his early dabbling with rap, how the band was almost over before it even began, the time he met Beyonce and Jay Z (but didn't know it) and the fortuitous backstory behind the Elbow's biggest hit "One Day Like This".

Chris welcomes singer-songwriter Kathryn Williams to his podcast. Kathryn is a Mercury prize nominated musician who's collaborated with John Martyn, Thea Gilmore and Ed Harcourt among many others. She's also a published novelist.

In this conversation we hear about Kathryn's terrifying early gigs, her love of poetry and her collaboration with the poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy, surprising gigs (both good and bad) and family secrets. There's also a very funny story about the impact Showaddywaddy had on her teenage self.

Hooking up with Chris in this episode is Dan Smith, the founder and main-man in Bastille the highly prolific British band who've had a brace of huge hits and critically acclaimed albums worldwide. 

In this interview, Dan discusses growing up in a nurturing household full of music, stage-fright and his difficult transition from bedroom writer/producer to fronting his own band on stage and the power of vulnerability in music.

In the very first episode of the second series of I Never Thought It Would Happen, Chris Difford welcomes Mike Rutherford of Genesis to the podcast. Mike has been an ever-present in the band since they formed in 1967. But those 55 years in Genesis are almost over with the band set to perform their final ever shows at the London O2 Arena. 

In this chat Mike looks back at his band's formation, early influences and being such a key part of the prog rock revolution. He also discusses the band's first tour of the USA, Peter Gabriel's departure, Phil Collins move from the back of the stage to the front and the global exposure MTV brought to the band. 

Chris Difford is back for series 2 of I Never Thought It Would Happen - with Help Musicians. Episode 1 features a special chat with Mike Rutherford from Genesis ahead of the band's final ever UK dates. Back on 24th March on all podcast platforms. www.helpmusicians.org.uk

Joining Chris to talk about the up and downs of his career and life, is legendary producer, guitarist, song-writer, band leader, owner of a white Fender Strat called "The Hit Maker" and founder of Chic. In this fascinating episode, among many other things, Nile covers his remarkably unorthodox childhood which shaped his future endeavours, from school music lessons and films to a chance encounter with some hippies and how The Doors altered Nile's perception. This is a frank and fascinating conversation.

In this episode Chris enjoys a compelling and candid conversation with singer-songwriter KT Tunstall. From her upbringing in the countryside around St Andrews in Scotland, to busking around Europe to her present home in LA, the interview covers a lot of territory.  From the lows of grief and loss (both family and hearing) to the highs of hit albums and awards. And KT has a couple of amazing stories about her idols Chrissie Hynde and Stevie Nicks.

In this episode, Chris invites singer-songwriter Tom Odell to discuss the highs and the lows of the fine art of songwriting. The pair also discuss their shared history which goes back to Tom's time as a music student in Brighton. The conversation also takes in the brilliance of Elton John, how it's hard to practice piano quietly and the dark side of Los Angeles.

In this episode Chris is joined by Tim Burgess, the frontman for The Charlatans, a man who's now a household name for his Twitter Listening Party, which has featured everyone from Art Of Noise to The Zutons and most famously, Paul McCartney. In this chat with Chris Tim talks not only about bringing the nation together under lockdown, but also recalls his record collection as a teenager, the excitement of being in a recording studio for the first time and how DJ-ing and writing have replaced drink and drugs.

Joining Chris in this episode is Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter Amy Wadge. Amy was gripped by music from a very early age and was writing her own songs on the family piano at 9 years old, and by 11 had switched to guitar having been hugely inspired by Tracy Chapman's debut album. Soon thereafter, she and a friend were gigging regularly around her hometown of Bristol and signed their first record contract aged just 14 and released their first single at 16. There then followed a run of solo EPs and albums, but it was a meeting with another young singer-songwriter that would change Amy's life. That musician was Ed Sheeran, and their first collaboration was Ed's 2010 EP, "Songs I Wrote With Amy". From that point onwards they've become regular collaborators, with their co-written "Thinking Out Loud" landing the duo a Grammy. Amy is now an in demand songwriter for hire, spending much of her time in Nashville and has worked with artists from James Blunt, John Legend and Keith Urban to Kylie Minogue, Alicia Keys and Deltra Goodrem.

Midge Ure is the musician joining Chris in this episode, to discuss his long and highly eclectic career. From his inauspicious start in a teen pop band to work alongside Sex Pistol Glenn Matlock, through a stint with Thin Lizzy and onto groundbreaking work with Ultravox and Visage, the world changing Live Aid and a diverse solo career. All of this, from the highs to the lows, is considered with lots of humour, self deprecation and keen insight.

Joining Chris for this episode is Doncaster born actor and genre hopping musician, Dominic Harrison - who's better known as Yungblud. In a funny, profound and sometimes profane conversation the duo cover everything from music as a close companion in childhood, seeing The Who live at 9 years old, eating pink tacos with Slash, to how fans can empower an artist (and vice-versa) and being in a co-dependent relationship with 5 million people.

Joining Chris in this episode is the world's foremost solo percussionist, Dame Evelyn Glennie. Topics covered in the conversation include her idyllic childhood in the spacious rural countryside of Aberdeenshire followed by the move to noisy, crowded London to study at the Royal Academy Of Music. The duo also touch upon the difficulties of touring the world with a selection of her 2000+ percussion instruments, the glass harp and Evelyn's admiration for Ed Sheeran.

Joining Chris on this episode is Billy Bragg, singer-songwriter, activist, "one-man Clash" and skiffle aficionado. Across the conversation Billy discusses his first musical loves, how hr came to pick up the guitar and his eye-opening trip to the United States, on tour with Echo And The Bunnymen. They also touch upon Kirsty MacColl, empathy in music, the art of writing books and the pros and cons of life in the army.

In this episode of Chris' podcast, he's joined by the composer, multi-instrumentalist and multi-award winning Nitin Sawhney. Raised in Kent in a musical family, the young Nitin would pore over his dad's eclectic record collection and try his hand at any  instruments that took his fancy. Later he would study law and dabble with comedy and accountancy, before deciding to follow his true calling - music. And given he's since worked with Paul McCartney, Sinead O'Connor, Jeff Beck, Brian Eno and Ellie Goulding, it's proven to have been a smart choice. Nitin has also composed for TV, gaming and theatre, as well as forging a much acclaimed solo career.

Joining Chris in this episode is the vocal legend Ruby Turner. Born in Jamaica before moving to Birmingham in the Seventies, Ruby was brought up surrounded by music. In Chris' company, Ruby reveals that seeing the Jackson 5 live was a pivotal moment in her life, as was a live performance by Joan Armatrading. And so Ruby began her musical odyssey, working first with Culture Club, before she embarked on a solo career, now 20 albums deep. She's also worked with Bryan Ferry, UB40, Mick Jagger and has been a long time regular in Jools Holland's band. And she has an amazing story about her father and Johnny Cash.

In this episode, Chris is joined by Robbie Williams for a very funny and frank conversation. They cover everything from Robbie's childhood in a pub to the origins of Take That, how the songwriter within him was developed and the dark side of fame. And Robbie reveals how Ian Dury and the Britpop bands spurred him on to begin his extraordinary solo career, and elaborates on the pleasures and perils of being a totally committed showman.

Joining Chris in this first episode is Sting, the superstar songwriter, singer, band leader, actor and, of course, frontman for The Police. Chris has known Sting since the last Seventies, when they shared the same manager, Miles Copeland (brother of The Police drummer Stewart Copeland), and often the same stages, motels and station wagon to tour in. In this wide-ranging chat, they discuss Sting's childhood in Newcastle, how he became a musician, the background to The Police and why a musician should always give their all on stage... even if you're playing to just 3 people.

Episode 1 is out on Monday August 9th - subscribe now