Misadventures in Music with Ian Prowse & Mick Ord

Urbanista Magazine

Dive into the heart of music's most compelling narratives with "Misadventures in Music," a podcast where the untold stories of the music industry come to light. Hosted by Merseyside's own Ian Prowse, frontman of Amsterdam and the erstwhile spearhead of Pele, alongside Mick Ord, former head of BBC Merseyside

Ian and Mick, with their rich backgrounds in music and journalism, embark on a quest to explore music history.

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20 episodes
Updated July 20

Episodes20

Newest first

July 20 · 1 hr 1 min
Michael Weston King - My Darling Clementine
Nothing Can Hurt Me Any More' is the recently released - and critically acclaimed - album by Michael Weston King, singer-songwriter and one half of the country duo, My Darling Clementine, along with his wife Lou Dalglish. Two years ago their lives were rent asunder following the death of their 6 year old granddaughter Bebe King - the youngest of three children murdered in the attack at a dance class in Southport. Eight other children and two adults were seriously wounded in the incident which received worldwide coverage and was followed by riots on the streets of Southport. Michael's album, released on Bebe's birthday on April 4th, has been highly praised by Elvis Costello who's described it "a beautiful, complex piece of work". It's an uplifting and hopeful collection which reflects pain, anger and love, as Michael explained to Misadventures in Music.
June 13 · 1 hr 4 min
Noel Burke - Echo & the Bunnymen. St. Vitus Dance
In this episode of Misadventures in Music, Ian Prowse and Mick Ord are joined by singer songwriter Noel Burke, best known for stepping into one of the most challenging roles in British music history when he became the frontman of Echo & The Bunnymen following the departure of Ian McCulloch.Noel reflects on joining the legendary Liverpool band during a period of immense change, working alongside Will Sergeant and Les Pattinson, and the challenge of performing songs that had already become part of British music folklore. He shares candid memories of touring with the band, winning over audiences, and finding his place in a group with such a devoted following.The conversation also explores Noel's early musical influences, his time with acclaimed Irish band St Vitus Dance, the realities of the music industry, songwriting, creativity, and the lasting impact of Liverpool's remarkable music scene.Along the way, there are stories about the post-punk era, life on the road, the pressures of following a celebrated frontman, and the friendships and musicians that shaped Noel's career. The discussion also touches on the late Pete de Freitas, drummer Damon Reece, and the often-overlooked chapter of Echo & The Bunnymen's history that Noel helped write.Thoughtful, honest and often very funny, this is a fascinating conversation with a musician who found himself at the centre of one of the most talked-about transitions in British rock.If you're interested in Liverpool music, post-punk, songwriting, music history, or the untold stories behind iconic bands, this is an episode you won't want to miss.
May 10 · 1 hr 4 min
Ian McNabb of The Icicle Works
In this episode of Misadventures in Music, Ian Prowse and Mick Ord sit down with legendary Liverpool songwriter and Ian McNabb for a fascinating, wide-ranging conversation about music, creativity, and a career that has spanned decades. From the early days of The Icicle Works through to his solo work and latest projects, Ian shares insights that only someone with his experience could provide. Ian reflects on the rise of The Icicle Works, explaining how the band’s unique sound emerged during the 1980s alternative music explosion. He dives into the story behind the band’s unforgettable name, revealing the quirky, unexpected origins that many fans might not know. He also discusses the songwriting approaches that helped make classic tracks like Love Is a Wonderful Colour and Birds Fly (Whisper to a Scream) resonate with audiences, combining melodic sensibility with storytelling and emotional depth. The conversation then moves to Ian’s brand new album 65, offering listeners a glimpse into his current creative process. He talks in detail about his cover of So. Central Rain (I'm Sorry), explaining what it meant to reinterpret such an iconic track and how collaborating with Peter Buck influenced the recording and arrangement. Ian also reflects on his broader approach to music production, maintaining artistic integrity, and how he balances homage to his influences with forging a sound that is unmistakably his own. Throughout the episode, Ian shares candid stories about Liverpool’s vibrant music scene, performing live across the UK and Ireland, life on the road, and the challenges and rewards of sustaining a long career in music. He offers personal anecdotes that range from humorous to deeply insightful, including the experiences that shaped his artistry, the pivotal moments that defined The Icicle Works, and how early influences continue to inspire his work today. Whether you are a longtime fan of The Icicle Works, a music enthusiast interested in songwriting and production, or someone who loves hearing behind-the-scenes stories from Liverpool’s iconic music scene, this episode is full of rich, engaging content. It’s an honest, funny, and thoughtful conversation that captures both the legacy of Ian McNabb and the ongoing evolution of his music.
April 16 · 1 hr 1 min
Tommy Scott - Space
Tommy Scott, the main songwriter and guitarist, from the iconic Liverpool band "Space" is our highly entertaining guest in episode 42 of the Misadventures in Music podcast. The band scored 8 UK Top 40 singles and had great success with their albums 'Spiders' and 'Tin Planet' in the 1990's and they're still going strong today. Space' has a new album out later this year - "Ten Neurotic Fairytales" - and a UK tour. Tommy's imagination and enthusiasm sparkles in this podcast and his wild tales of playing live in China, boozing with Tom Jones and throwing stones at the Prime Minister - when a self-confessed scouse "urchin"- provide genuinely laugh-out-loud moments in the podcast.
March 13 · 56 min
Penny Kiley Author & Music Journalist
It's 1977 and punk has just hit Liverpool. The legendary Eric's club is home to the city's rebels and posers - many became pop stars. Penny Kiley became a music journalist. Atypical Girl - Punk rock, Liverpool and trying to be normal' is Penny's homage to the city's re-emergence as a musical force which had lain dormant since the Beatles upped sticks and left in the 60's. The book is also the highly personalised tale of an autistic woman in the male-dominated world of music journalism - working for Melody Maker, Smash Hits and the Liverpool Echo, reviewing gigs by Echo and the Bunnymen and Dead or Alive, and interviewing Jonathan Richman and the rest. "If anyone can paint a true picture of those glorious days, Penny can." - says Will Seargent.
February 21 · 1 hr
Mike Badger - The La's
In this we hear from Mike Badger - one of the founder members of the legendary Liverpool band The La's and an established artist in his own right. Mike recently released 'Devils, Ghosts & Firearms', his first studio album in 5 years. Mike's continues to have a successful career as a film-maker (cult folk-horror movie,"The Vaden") and as an acclaimed sculptor whose current exhibition with Jeff Young at the Kirkby Gallery has received rave reviews. You can hear Mike's and artistic passion in every word he speaks.
January 8 · 53 min
2025 Highlights
The latest episode of the 'Misadventures in Music' podcast (number 39) with Ian Prowse and Mick Ord features some of the highlights from the last 12 months including revealing and controversial comments from some of their top guests including Mike McCartney, "Nasher" from Frankie Goes to Hollywood and the brilliant Merseyside-born singer Beryl Marsden who's been wowing audiences since the early 60's when she supported the Beatles on tour and played in Hamburg aged just 16. The guys also discuss Ian's own musical highlights from past year and reveal some of the exciting plans they have for the podcast in 2026, with a few meaty teasers thrown in about his forthcoming album due for release in the summer.
Nov 23, 2025 · 1 hr
James Campion
James Campion is the author of a new fascinating and revealing book about Prince - one of the greatest songwriters and musicians of his era who passed away much too soon in 2016 aged 57. His new book 'Revolution - Prince, the band, the era" focuses on his prolific and ground-breaking music from the 80's when he and his band took the music world by storm. James makes a really strong case that Prince should be considered one of our greatest ever pop artists - in the same league as Bowie and The Beatles ; crucially, he emphasizes the huge influence that the other members of the band, The Revolution, had on the music.It's a warts and all portrait of an enigmatic, hugely gifted individual who drove himself and his musical family to the limits and beyond. Prince and the Revolution's is a tale worth savouring, told by a master storyteller. Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6UQLDLxQBRnal3O8hq8r0V?si=ce35dc720aea440cBook: https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/revolution-9781493080847/
Oct 16, 2025 · 1 hr 11 min
Beryl Marsden - Liverpool’s Unsung Soul Queen
In this episode of Misadventures in Music, we sit down with the incredible Beryl Marsden who is one of the original voices of the Merseybeat era and a true powerhouse of British R&B and soul. From blowing away Cavern Club crowds at just 14 to touring with The Beatles (yep, those Beatles), Beryl’s story is packed with music history, friendships with legends, and a voice that could shake the rafters. John Lennon famously dubbed her “the mighty mite”—and you’ll quickly hear why. We talk about: Her early rise in the Liverpool sceneTouring the UK with The Beatles in ’65Singing alongside Rod Stewart and Mick Fleetwood in Shotgun ExpressWhy she’s considered one of the best voices of her generationThe highs, lows, and wild tales of a six-decade careerStill performing today and finally getting the recognition she deserves, Beryl brings heart, humour, and soul to everything she does, including this brilliant chat. Listen to Beryls playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2Ij9hJGY0Mf7vWK2TEY9BQ?si=e5d5b72b046a4e4e&nd=1&dlsi=ed514660d105442c
Sep 20, 2025 · 1 hr 12 min
Mike McCartney
He had a raft of big hit singles in the 1960’s and 70’s and many of his acclaimed photographs are held the National Portrait Gallery. In the Misadventures in Music podcast episode 36, Mike talks to Ian and Mick lovingly about life in the McCartney family home and about some of the larger than life characters he encountered over the years including Keith Moon, Burton and Taylor and of course, the Beatles. Indeed, his band The Scaffold made their own unique contribution to our pop culture – so much so that Cherry Red Records have released a 5 CD/DVD Box Set of their recordings, including many unreleased tracks. If you enjoy listening to REAL stories from a genuine participant and eye witness to the golden era of pop music this episode is for you. Enjoy."
Aug 18, 2025 · 59 min
George Sephton
As the football season gets underway, there's an air of excitement among fans as they look forward to their team's prospects for the next 9 months. At Liverpool's world-famous Anfield, there've been big changes ON the pitch, but it's fair to say that none have been as significant as those OFF the field - because for the first time in more than 50 years, a familiar voice will NOT be heard announcing the team changes or playing record dedications before the match. George Sephton is known as "The Voice of Anfield " and last season he hung up his microphone for the final time, having started as announcer in 1971. But he is much more than a familiar voice to Reds' fans - he was a champion of Merseyside music that generations of music fans got to know and love over the years. George also has some fantastic stories to tell from his time at Anfield, as Ian Prowse and Mick Ord discovered in this latest episode of the Misadventures in Music podcast. As the saying goes, "They don't make 'em like George nowadays" - more's the pity.Enjoy." Find George's Book - https://atlantic-books.co.uk/book/the-voice-of-anfield/ Here's George's playlist - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1wNxAIUyypPZOWKlMPKIND?si=25baf89d4c184856
Jul 24, 2025 · 1 hr 14 min
Frank Collins and Sweet Soul Music
It's difficult to imagine now but back in the early sixties, soul was 'underground' music in the UK - rarely played on the radio, and only appreciated by a small number of aficionados. Within a few years, records by artists on the Tamla Motown label would sell in their millions but in the very early 60s, very few people had heard of it. Among a small cult of fans was a Liverpool teenager Frank Collins who went on to form a blue-eyed soul band The Excels who later played at the Cavern Club, not singing rock n roll or Merseybeat, but soul music with intricate harmonies. Frank's 60-year career would take him onto the singles chart with the band Arrival then the British soul/funk pioneers Kokomo and later working with Bob Dylan, Bryan Ferry, Tom Robinson and many more. He's still writing and performing regularly today. We're delighted to have Frank as our special guest on this month's Misadventures in Music with Ian Prowse and Mick Ord 'Bill Harry's Sixties Snapshots - on Arrival/Kokomo' - https://sixtiescity.net/Mbeat/mbfilms191.htm BBC Four soul documentary- 'When Motown Came to Britain'. Urbanista Music Podcasts Playlist : Money - Barrett Strong Be My Baby - The Ronettes Friends - Arrival I Will Survive - Arrival A Little Bit Further Away - Kokomo Romance in Durango -Bob Dylan Swansong - Kokomo
Jul 17, 2025 · 1 hr 24 min
John Lingan
In 1969 they sold more records in America than any other band including the Beatles and the Stones but within a few years Creedence Clearwater Revival had split up with a bitterness rarely matched, even in the topsy-turvy world of rock music. Fast forward 50 years, and former leader and main songwriter John Fogarty is back on tour, including the UK and Ireland, so now seems as good a time as any to look back on his former group's unique musical legacy and discover what made them one of the biggest bands in the world....and what destroyed them. In 1993 Bruce Springsteen said that CCR were "not the hippest band in the world, but the best". Writer John Lingan has written a critically-acclaimed biography of the band - 'A Song for Everyone - the Story of Creedence Clearwater Revival.' It's an engrossing tale. John's our special guest in this month's episode of Misadventures in Music, with Ian Prowse and Mick Ord."
Jul 14, 2025 · 1 hr 21 min
Jeff Young on Wild Twin
Our guest in the new Misadventures in Music podcast with Ian Prowse and Mick Ord is the writer Jeff Young, whose critically-acclaimed 'Wild Twin' has been nominated for the TLS Ackerley Award for the best biography of 2025. Set in Liverpool and Amsterdam in the late 70's and early 80's, the book centres on Jeff's wild experiences as a would-be bohemian writer - a sort of 'Portrait of the Artist as a Young Scally'.His adventures as "a down and nearly out in Amsterdam" are infused with wit, squalor and some fantastic portraits of his friends and housemates as they attempt to scrape a living by fair means and foul - not necessarily in that order. The music of that period was, and remains, a huge inspiration to Jeff - so much so that a friend compiled a playlist of music referenced in the book, and it’s over twelve hours long! Enjoy the ride. You can listen to the music discussed in this podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6eHTvfZB8vDCaTHB45SB22?si=WfxQRoK7QP2O5sB9piKq5Q
Jul 2, 2025 · 1 hr 44 min
MIM S02 -EP01 - Post Punk with Russell Craig Richardson
In the new season of Misadventures in Music' (episode 13) Ian Prowse and Mick Ord take a deep dive into the UK's Post-Punk music scene (1978-1982) with New Jersey-based writer and filmmaker Russell Craig Richardson who has been working on a documentary film about the genre, having lived among many of the musicians in the UK at the time. He talks about some of the leading characters, including those he interviewed such as Jah Wobble from Public Image Ltd. and Paul and Steve Hanley from The Fall. Russell's a great storyteller and his musical choice contains more than a few surprises as well as post-punk classics. Watch the trailer for the documentary on the website here
Jun 17, 2025 · 1 hr 32 min
Zoe Howe
Our guest on the Misadventures in Music podcast is the acclaimed music writer, broadcaster and self-styled ROCK N ROLL WITCH Zoe Howe. She's written or co-written biographies of some of the most influential musicians of the 70's and 80's - Wilko Jonson, The Slits, Poly Styrene, Jesus and Mary Chain, and Stevie Nicks. Zoe tells some wonderful tales about working with such luminaries, and her fascinating study of the Sons and Daughters of Rock Royalty - including Plant, Lennon, McCartney, Zappa, and Jagger. As if that isn't enough, she also talks about her life as a bona fide witch. Misadventures in Music with Ian Prowse and Mick Ord - subscribe now! Zoe's website - https://zoejhowe.wixsite.com/ Zoe's Playlist -Falco - Rock Me Amadeus- The Who - Let’s See Action- Pride (In The Name Of Love) - U2- Heard It Through The Grapevine - Slits- Cracking Up - Jesus and Mary Chain- Brother Doctor, Sister Nurse - Mickey Jupp- Number 9 Dream - John Lennon Listen on Spotify:
May 16, 2025 · 1 hr 17 min
MIM Episode 10 - David Fishel
Episode 10 of Misadventures in Music was recorded at SVARA Radio based in Liverpool's Baltic Triangle. The boys are joined by David Fishel who is musician from Liverpool and has produced the JazzScene radio show broadcasting in several countries between 1992 - 2002. David Fishel has worked with Malcolm McLaren, Patti Boulaye, Steve Levine and 'discovered' Anabella from Bow Wow Wow. He spent 21 years in Norway as a producer/presenter for NRK, Norwegian national radio where he interviewed some of his jazz heroes. David's love for music started when he was introduced to Liverpool R & B band, Derry Wilkie and the Pressmen, who played in Hamburg before the Beatles in 1960. To say that he knows how to tell a story is the understatement of the year. He's now in the middle of writing his autobiography - he's given Misadventures in Music a sneak preview. You have been warned! - podcast contains swearing and sexual references Track Listing Derry Wilkie and the Pressmen - Hallelujah I Love Her So Charlie Parker - They Can't Take That Away from Me Bow Wow Wow - Go Wild in the Country Brecker Bros - Skunk Funk
May 16, 2025 · 58 min
MiM Episode 8 - Songs of War and Peace in Times of Trouble
Many political and military observers are calling the current war in Ukraine the most serious conflict that Europe has faced since World War Two, without for one moment demeaning the impact of other conflicts such as the wars in the former state of Yugoslavia 30 years ago. In episode 8 of Misadventures in Music Ian Prowse and Mick Ord discuss how different songwriters have viewed some of the other conflicts that have plagued the world over the years, from the Spanish Civil War in the Thirties, through to Vietnam and the Falklands War, taking in a range of differing perspectives such as Nina Simone, Bruce Springsteen and Christy Moore. Episode Notes .https://www.countryjoe.com/war.htm
May 16, 2025 · 1 hr 17 min
MIM Episode 7 - Malik al Nasir
When 18 year old Mark Watson met the American jazz musician and poet Gil Scott-Heron after a gig in Liverpool in 1984 little did he realise that the star was going to play such an important role in his life. Mark had just been released from 9 years in the care system and could barely read or write. Nevertheless he WAS streetwise and blagged his way into the backstage area of the Royal Court theatre in the hope of shaking Gil's hand and praising him for his performance. Something about Mark's character affected Gil and he invited him to become a roadie with the band and over the years their relationship blossomed and Gil became his friend and mentor. Fast forward to 2022 and Malik al Nasir ( Mark changed his name when converting to Islam 30 years ago) is doing a PhD at Cambridge University and has just released a book - Letters to Gil - describing the impact Gil had on his life and telling HIS story about how the musician saved him where the care system in the UK had failed. Malik is this month's guest in the Misadventures in Music podcast with Ian Prowse and Mick Ord - both huge Gil fans. It's a genuinely astounding story about generosity of spirit and the power of music." Track Listing "Cane" from the album "Secrets" based on a novel called "Cane" by Gene Toomer about post slavery segregation in the rural south where he grew up. It aligns with my fathers experience in the cane fields of Demerara in Guyana. The song is adapted from the characters in the book and poems about them. "Karintha" and "Becky". "Washington DC" from the album "Moving Target" This was the song that first introduced me to Gils work and caused me to go to that fateful meeting at the Royal Court Theatre in 1984 which forever altered the course of my life. "On from a broken home" from the last album "I'm New Here". I was with Gil when he wrote this poem in 1988 whilst we were on tour in the US with Ritchi Havens. I'd been telling Gil about my issues and he said "you're not the only one with issues" and proceeded to read me what he'd just written. That was 88 but it didn't get released until 2010. "Immigrants - Free at Last" by Malik & The O.G's (Song features Gils drummer Rod Youngs & Gils percussionist Larry McDonald). It was my response to the xenophobia that we faced growing up by people always telling us to "go back to where you came from". After working with Gil I attained the knowledge to answer that trope.
May 16, 2025 · 53 min
Misadventures in Music - Shane MacGowan
Welcome to the second episode of Misadventures in Music with Ian Prowse and Mick Ord. In the second episode of the Misadventures In Music Podcast - Presenters Ian Prowse and Mick Ord look back on the work of Pogues frontman Shane McGowan. The conversation looks back on MacGowans English upbringing and his identity as an Irishman, discussing how his accent developed from when he was cockney teenager to his now evident Irish twang. The guys also discuss the current state of MacGowans health and attitude after interviewing a producer of Shanes' documentary, Siobhán McAndrew. The documentary that was also produced by julien Temple and Johnny Depp is called Crock Of Gold - A few rounds with Shane MacGowan. You can listen to the interview with Siobhán in the bonus Material available on the MIM channel. Ian also talks about his band Pele touring with the Pogues and his experience of the man, and his aura around the venues they played. There's no doubt that everyone who has contributed to this episode has huge respect for the man, poet and musician. But Shane is most certainly a complex man. Read More about the interviews and podcast on Urbanista Music Magazine

Misadventures in Music with Ian Prowse &amp; Mick Ord

Misadventures in Music with Ian Prowse & Mick Ord