Entertainment For Lively Minds
Word Podcast 196: from the Doctors Of Madness to Harry Potter - what a long, strange trip it's been for Richard Strange
This week we welcome to the pod Renaissance Man, art rock avatar, club pioneer, movie actor and very tall man Richard Strange. As Kid Strange he fronted the 70s rock band the Doctors of Madness (above, middle), who were supported by everyone from the Sex Pistols to Joy Division, went on to start Cabaret Futura, which had huge stars to be like Depeche Mode on the stage and huge stars to be like Boy George in the audience, branched out into movies via Robin Hood, Prince Of Thieves, Mona Lisa and Batman (with Jack Nicholson, above right), became a face in the art world and now advises young musicians on what they should do in the unlikely event of their first album not going platinum.
Unsurprisingly, he's got a tale or two to tell: including, the one about Clive Davis's chair, the one about £12 and the Sex Pistols and the one about Richard Branson and choice of cars. These and many more are gathered in his memoirs, Punks and Drunks and Flicks and Kicks, which you can order here.
To my shame, I must admit to having never heard
of Mr. Strange, or his Doctors Of Madness, but this was a deeply entertaining podcast. I've seen him on screen, of course, but now I know what a witty, erudite and interesting chap he is.
The twelve quid story is, er, priceless.
Yes same goes for me
In fact I think Mr Strange could probably be awarded the first "I managed to keep Ellen and Hepworth silent for longer than anyone else" award.
Bryan Morrison
The "cigar-chompin', Jewish, east end wide boy" described in the podcast was also an early manager of the band Free.
He was immortalised on the B-Side of their 1969 single I'll Be Creeping with the instrumental Sugar For Mr Morrison.
And what a wonderfully entertaining raconteur Mr Strange is. He did possibly the most authentic Australian accent I've ever heard from a non-Aussie, too.
I'm a subscriber
and get my podcast through Itunes. I got the last few full length ones no problem. Itunes is now telling me 'Word Podcast does not seem to be a valid podcast URL' and it won't download. Anyone else getting this?
It's working OK for me
Drop me a line with your details and I'll look into it.
Doctors
I saw the Doctors of Madness in 79 supporting Be Bop Deluxe. Very odd. I think they were OK tho the visual thing put me off - bass player with skull face etc. I didn't feel a burning drive to go and buy any of their albums anyway.
Most entertaining bloke though. Very funny stories.
Doctors Of Madness/Richard Strange
Need to show my ignorance too, heard of them both but haven't heard a note of music by either. Sounds right up my street too.
Excellent podcast, with ME sounding even more enthusiastic than usual, if that's humanly possible.
Just Brilliant
One of my faves of all time...Mainlines(Part 2)
I may be the only one...
But listening to the story of how the father of a 5-6 year old boy looses his job because he drinks too much is not really entertaining.
Rock'n'roll eh?
That's probably only the tip of the ice berg. If we didn't talk about rock'n'roll history because children may have suffered it would cut most of it out.
If you're that easily offended then maybe the knitting weekly podcast would be a better place.
I am not naive
I know there are plenty of celebrity children with less than ideal upbringings. Just like there are children of IT consultants and carpenters with horrible childhoods.
There was however something about the easy jump between the story of Richard Bransons boat and the record store gig that sort of jarred me.
I seem to remember the reactions from the panel to the Ron Wood and Keith Richards books being slightly different when they had similar stories being different.
Sorry Kjell
Drinks were had last evening and I thought of Brian Wilson when his kids apparently used to walk over him in the kitchen to get ready for school. It seemed to make the Richard Strange incident insignificant. No offence meant.
Possibly a bit harsh?
Strange did admit to drink and drugs issues but it doesn't necessarily mean he was cruel to his young son. He seems to have done alright for himself financially in the long run too.
Sounds like he spent time with his son when he was young, at least.
There's a fair few higher profile "good guy" rock and film stars who didn't/don't spend time with their young children through choice. John Lennon, for example, immediately springs to mind.
Really enjoyable stuff...
I'd never heard of Richard Strange either, but yet again The Word podcast proves that an interesting guest is an interesting guest.
Who vs The Word mash up
Who would of thought it - was it on Eel pie island Mr Ellen?
Really enjoyed Mr Strange I didn't know of the pre eighties history how has it been un documented for so long?
That was great
Just shows you don't need to interview the obvious big names to get the good stories - in fact it's probably better with these intriguing bit part characters. No offence I should say, cos he's actually achieved a great deal in an interesting life - in fact I admire and am a bit in awe of how someone can live this way, on their wits as it were.
Apparently I'm the only one...
...who thought he was a bit of a knob. Pretty entertaining, but also pretty fond of himself. I guess that's showbusiness, but to listen to him you'd think he was a cross between Richard Hell and Al Pacino.
an erudite also-ran
- and a helluva ham.
Unfamiliar with his oeuvre (Batman excepted)
But found this podcast most amusing. Especially the part where Mr Strange didn't know the name of the Harry Potter movie he appeared in.
"It was called Harry Potter, alright?"
I laughed.
Loved this podcast. Thanks.
I've listened to every podcast and have yet to say thanks. So "Thanks". It's been wonderful.
Turning to this particular podcast, I'd say you could do with getting Richard back for a second bite of the cherry as my only complaint was that it was such a whistle-stop tour through Richard's career, and he clearly has so many more entertaining stories and opinions to impart.
I thought his description of the exact moment when the younger generation had taken over from his generation was superb.
Let's get him back for a second helping. And another dose of Danny Baker would be very welcome too.
Keep up the great work.
a suggestion
Many of us Wordites , a reasonably informed crew, are unfamiliar with the guest's music.
Perhaps some interludes of music might make the already entertasining podcast even more informative.
Could apply to all interviews of a musical bent