Graeme Thomson - Kate Bush, John Martyn, Simple Minds & More

For the latest podcast Ali caught up with previous podcast guest Graeme Thomson to talk about Under The Ivy, his biography of Kate Bush which has been updated as part of Omnibus Press' Remastered Series.
Graeme explains the challenges in writing about such a well-loved, and private, person, the reaction of those interviewed, the formative years of her seemingly idyllic childhood, the questionable press coverage of the artist and her career, and the renewed interest in her career due to Netflix' Stranger Things.
The two then discuss Small Hours, Graeme's book about the enigmatic, and problematic, John Martyn, and you could hardly get a more different subject from Bush than Martyn. Graeme discusses the difficulties in writing about controversy, the levels of research required, needing to admire your subject, and keeping the music to the fore.
The conversation also touches upon the differing approaches to writing biographies, the importance of being respectful, how the procedure varies depending on the subject, and his hopes for future projects. Graeme also talks about the warm reception to Themes for Great Cities: A New History of Simple Minds which is now available in paperback, and which was the subject of our previous SWH! podcast with Graeme.
One of the finest music journalists and writers around, Graeme Thomson is always a pleasure to talk to as he offers further insight into his books and their subjects, and we hope you enjoy listening as much as we did recording it.
For full details, and all the ways to listen, head to www.scotswhayhae.com

[@rk41gator]

Celebrating 'being silly' and having the 'courage to look daft' is important but vastly overlooked. Kate Bush has a wonderful, if quirky, sense of humor. All the better artists seem to have that streak. She was so good at keeping her focus and controlling her music and videos. I am glad for her renewed fame with more exposure to her music. Now I may need to read her biography! She seems very bright and perceptive on many levels. Such a precocious and creative person with a determined vision. Wouldn't it be nice to sit down with her "for a long chat"? This mad recluse. LOL
The only way I know John Martyn is through Phil Collins. He mentioned John's singing and songwriting in his interview with Howard Stern. I find his music soulful and creative. Why was he so self-destructive? A vast insecurity? An emperor with no clothes? It seems he never grew up (oh, you just said that!). He envied the gangster, which you say he was not, at heart. Conflicted. His early life seems the opposite of Kate's. Your discussion reveals an alcoholic personality with all the chaos and probable enablers in his life. A sad story of a brilliant yet self-destructive mind.
Now I will need to reacquaint myself with the band 'Simple Minds'.
But my next question would be who would you write about next. It seems you prefer people with ties to Scotland, so Phil Collins would not be on your list....perhaps with him there is not enough for which to write a biography? He certainly dared to look daft and had the fortitude to make fun of himself. Or Peter Gabriel, would he be a fine candidate?
Thanks for the fine conversation.