Dave Simpson
@davesimps0n.bsky.social
Guardian music critic. https://www.theguardian.com/profile/davesimpson Author of The Fallen - Life In And Out Of Britain's Most Insane Group and The Last Champions. Yorkshire.
MBV in MCR: a full on assault and caress of all the senses, complete with rattling ribcage and gusts of sonic wind flapping at my clothes. www.theguardian.com/music/2025/n...
My Bloody Valentine review – shoegaze pioneers find prettiness in pulverising noise
Earplugs safely distributed, the band proceed to rattle ribcages with a two-hour show that showcases their unique ability to mesh the dreamlike with the apocalyptic
www.theguardian.com
November 25, 2025 at 5:35 PM
MBV in MCR: a full on assault and caress of all the senses, complete with rattling ribcage and gusts of sonic wind flapping at my clothes. www.theguardian.com/music/2025/n...
Reposted by Dave Simpson
‘The Ziggy Stardust suit sparked my adolescent awakening’: Moby, Goldie, Natalie Merchant and more delve inside Bowie’s archives
‘The Ziggy Stardust suit sparked my adolescent awakening’: Moby, Goldie, Natalie Merchant and more delve inside Bowie’s archives
As a huge new public collection opens this weekend, famous fans pick out their touchstones – from the game-changing wardrobe that gave birth to glam to the synthesiser that drove his Berlin years
www.theguardian.com
September 14, 2025 at 12:47 PM
‘The Ziggy Stardust suit sparked my adolescent awakening’: Moby, Goldie, Natalie Merchant and more delve inside Bowie’s archives
Reposted by Dave Simpson
Anyone going to @deershed.bsky.social at the weekend? I'll be in conversation with the great @davesimps0n.bsky.social on Sunday at 1.10pm in the Buckendz stage, talking about my new book Maybe I'm Amazed, music, neurodivergence & more
July 23, 2025 at 7:29 PM
Anyone going to @deershed.bsky.social at the weekend? I'll be in conversation with the great @davesimps0n.bsky.social on Sunday at 1.10pm in the Buckendz stage, talking about my new book Maybe I'm Amazed, music, neurodivergence & more
I put Guardian readers' questions to the inspirational Peggy Seeger, who is on the road at 90! www.theguardian.com/music/2025/m...
‘Climate change is going to cull us as a species’: folk hero Peggy Seeger on Bob Dylan, the ultimate love song and touring at 90
The musician and activist answers your questions about her marriage to Ewan MacColl, being the inspiration for The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, and her mother’s legacy
www.theguardian.com
May 17, 2025 at 6:42 AM
I put Guardian readers' questions to the inspirational Peggy Seeger, who is on the road at 90! www.theguardian.com/music/2025/m...
I saw Broooooooooooooce @springsteen turn rage against events in America into an unforgettable arena-sized protest music masterclass. www.uncut.co.uk/reviews/bruc...
Bruce Springsteen And The E Street Band, Co-Op Live, Manchester, May 14, 2025
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band reviewed in concert at the Co-Op Live in Manchester on May 14, 2025
www.uncut.co.uk
May 15, 2025 at 12:56 PM
I saw Broooooooooooooce @springsteen turn rage against events in America into an unforgettable arena-sized protest music masterclass. www.uncut.co.uk/reviews/bruc...
In tribute to Pere Ubu's great and now sadly late David Thomas, a true one-off. www.theguardian.com/music/2025/a...
Harnessing chaos and charm, Pere Ubu’s David Thomas rewrote rock’n’roll
The bandleader, who has died aged 71, created a vast body of work that influenced everyone from Ramones to REM, thanks to his absurdist energy
www.theguardian.com
April 25, 2025 at 6:21 AM
In tribute to Pere Ubu's great and now sadly late David Thomas, a true one-off. www.theguardian.com/music/2025/a...
Meta are using three of my books to train AI, without permission/recompense. I support the
@societyofauthors.bsky.social
protest today and demand that Meta #DoTheWriteThing and compensate authors for the work they stole. #MakeItFair #MetaBookThieves
@societyofauthors.bsky.social
protest today and demand that Meta #DoTheWriteThing and compensate authors for the work they stole. #MakeItFair #MetaBookThieves
April 3, 2025 at 12:18 PM
Meta are using three of my books to train AI, without permission/recompense. I support the
@societyofauthors.bsky.social
protest today and demand that Meta #DoTheWriteThing and compensate authors for the work they stole. #MakeItFair #MetaBookThieves
@societyofauthors.bsky.social
protest today and demand that Meta #DoTheWriteThing and compensate authors for the work they stole. #MakeItFair #MetaBookThieves
I really enjoyed meeting Barry Hyde: Futurehead, publican, music teacher, musical social historian and top chap. www.theguardian.com/music/2025/m...
‘They’re still under there, they never got out’: the Futureheads’ Barry Hyde commemorates his mining heritage
The musician was commissioned to create an album inspired by the north-east’s mining history – and then discovered his ancestors died in a local disaster
www.theguardian.com
March 25, 2025 at 8:00 AM
I really enjoyed meeting Barry Hyde: Futurehead, publican, music teacher, musical social historian and top chap. www.theguardian.com/music/2025/m...
I had a fascinating and at times very amusing chat with the great @stevereich.bsky.social www.theguardian.com/music/2025/m...
Steve Reich: ‘We all wish art could counter the direction of US politics. But it can’t’
Now 88, the minimalist composer has reissued his life’s work. He answers your questions about Bowie, the Grateful Dead, spirituality – and his complicated friendship with Philip Glass
www.theguardian.com
March 21, 2025 at 9:54 AM
I had a fascinating and at times very amusing chat with the great @stevereich.bsky.social www.theguardian.com/music/2025/m...
The great Steel Pulse spoke to me about punk, Bob Marley, wearing KKK hoods onstage and how it all started with drumming on the sofa :-) www.theguardian.com/music/2025/m...
UK reggae pioneers Steel Pulse: ‘We told punk fans – you can pogo, but please don’t spit at us’
They won a Grammy, risked being shot in the US and were adored by Bob Marley. As they go on tour, the band look back on half a century of being a voice for the voiceless
www.theguardian.com
March 12, 2025 at 7:58 AM
The great Steel Pulse spoke to me about punk, Bob Marley, wearing KKK hoods onstage and how it all started with drumming on the sofa :-) www.theguardian.com/music/2025/m...
I spoke to #rickwakeman @bonnieraitt.bsky.social @grahamnashreal12.bsky.social and #elkiebrooks about touring in their late 70s and beyond. Respect! www.theguardian.com/music/2025/m...
‘We joke about who’s getting their knees done’: the rock veterans still touring into their late 70s
Yoga and ice baths have replaced all-nighters, but musicians such as Graham Nash, Bonnie Raitt, Rick Wakeman and Elkie Brooks aren’t planning to retire any time soon
www.theguardian.com
March 8, 2025 at 1:47 PM
I spoke to #rickwakeman @bonnieraitt.bsky.social @grahamnashreal12.bsky.social and #elkiebrooks about touring in their late 70s and beyond. Respect! www.theguardian.com/music/2025/m...
"Suddenly New Rose was 'the first British punk single. Everything happened very quickly after that." RIP the great Brian James. www.theguardian.com/music/2018/m....
The Damned: how we made New Rose
‘Audiences hated us, motorcycle gangs chased us’ … fuelled by amphetamine and cider, this bunch of former toilet-cleaners and gravediggers made Britain’s first punk single
www.theguardian.com
March 7, 2025 at 8:20 AM
"Suddenly New Rose was 'the first British punk single. Everything happened very quickly after that." RIP the great Brian James. www.theguardian.com/music/2018/m....
I spoke to the legendary (and lovely) Leeds-based photographer, Peter Mitchell. www.theguardian.com/artanddesign...
Dear Nasa, please send me to Mars! The photographer who showed Britain – and space – in colour
From ghost trains to backstreet weddings, from demolition sites to ‘alien’s eye views’ of Leeds, groundbreaking photographer Peter Mitchell captures our changing world with his trusty ‘Blad’ – and onc...
www.theguardian.com
February 26, 2025 at 2:08 PM
I spoke to the legendary (and lovely) Leeds-based photographer, Peter Mitchell. www.theguardian.com/artanddesign...
The Heep. Still 'umble. Still 'eavy. And a lot of fun live. www.theguardian.com/music/2025/f...
Uriah Heep review – after 56 years, progressive heavy rockers bid a blistering live farewell
They may not have created any true rock touchstones, but they still have the powerhouse vocals and guitar skills to get the audience on their feet
www.theguardian.com
February 20, 2025 at 7:15 PM
The Heep. Still 'umble. Still 'eavy. And a lot of fun live. www.theguardian.com/music/2025/f...
Had a very nice chat with @mickpuck.bsky.social of @waterboysmusic.bsky.social band www.theguardian.com/music/2025/f...
The Waterboys’ Mike Scott: ‘I love Prince’s version of The Whole of the Moon. And Graham Norton’s’
Ahead of his new Dennis-Hopper-themed album, Scott answers your questions on jamming with Dylan, the magic of Ireland and why he’s had more than 80 bandmates
www.theguardian.com
February 7, 2025 at 7:56 AM
Had a very nice chat with @mickpuck.bsky.social of @waterboysmusic.bsky.social band www.theguardian.com/music/2025/f...
An interview I did a few years back with Marianne Faithfull who, along with everything else, was an absolute hoot. www.theguardian.com/culture/2013...
Marianne Faithfull: 'I don't think I had any choice but to be decadent'
The star of pop and film talks to Dave Simpson about being cast as a sex kitten of the 60s, drugs, homelessness, and why she will never sell Mick Jagger's love letters
www.theguardian.com
January 30, 2025 at 7:10 PM
An interview I did a few years back with Marianne Faithfull who, along with everything else, was an absolute hoot. www.theguardian.com/culture/2013...
I had a cup of tea and a natter with Clive Langer, brilliantly storied producer of so many pop classics and now back with his fab band the Clang Group
www.theguardian.com/music/2025/j...
www.theguardian.com/music/2025/j...
‘My job was making hits’: Clive Langer on taking Bowie, Dexys and Madness to No 1 – and why he turned Madonna down
He skied with Bowie, boozed with Madness and recorded the Teardrop Explodes on acid. But does he regret blowing it with Dave Grohl? The great producer relives his smashes, parties and 11am vodkas
www.theguardian.com
January 30, 2025 at 6:25 AM
I had a cup of tea and a natter with Clive Langer, brilliantly storied producer of so many pop classics and now back with his fab band the Clang Group
www.theguardian.com/music/2025/j...
www.theguardian.com/music/2025/j...
Reposted by Dave Simpson
‘It was carnage – in the best way!’ Manic Street Preachers, Sleaford Mods, KT Tunstall and more pick their favourite small gig venues
‘It was carnage – in the best way!’ Manic Street Preachers, Sleaford Mods, KT Tunstall and more pick their favourite small gig venues
The drinks are thrown, the crowds are feral – and the bands are right in your face. On independent venue week, musicians talk about their most cherished concert sweatboxes
I love the bit in John Niven’s book O Brother where he goes back to where he saw…
www.theguardian.com
January 28, 2025 at 4:36 PM
‘It was carnage – in the best way!’ Manic Street Preachers, Sleaford Mods, KT Tunstall and more pick their favourite small gig venues
Something you've always wanted to ask @mickpuck.bsky.social? Now's your chance. www.theguardian.com/culture/2025...
Post your questions for Mike Scott of the Waterboys
The Scottish singer, songwriter and musician, who has remained the only constant member throughout the band’s 40-year career, is taking on your questions
www.theguardian.com
January 26, 2025 at 8:24 PM
Something you've always wanted to ask @mickpuck.bsky.social? Now's your chance. www.theguardian.com/culture/2025...
10cc/Strawberry Studios pop colossus Graham Gouldman told me about some of the most famous - and not so famous - moments of his much-storied career.
10cc’s Graham Gouldman: ‘Every West Indian person I’ve spoken to loves Dreadlock Holiday – but I wouldn’t write certain lines now’
10cc’s Graham Gouldman: ‘Every West Indian person I’ve spoken to loves Dreadlock Holiday – but I wouldn’t write certain lines now’
As the 78-year-old star tours his latest solo LP, he answers your questions on his Everton terrace anthem, the making of I’m Not in Love and hosting Joey Ramone in Stockport
Do 10cc deserve more recognition for their contribution to forward-thinking…
www.theguardian.com
January 23, 2025 at 7:24 PM
10cc/Strawberry Studios pop colossus Graham Gouldman told me about some of the most famous - and not so famous - moments of his much-storied career.
I caught up with the mighty Doves for the first time in far too long. www.theguardian.com/music/2024/d...
‘We’ve been through the wringer’: Doves on addiction, breakdowns – and touring without singer Jimi Goodwin
Their new album Constellations for the Lonely ranks among their best work. But as they prepare to go on the road, the Williams brothers talk about their momentous decision to play without Goodwin
www.theguardian.com
December 30, 2024 at 5:33 PM
I caught up with the mighty Doves for the first time in far too long. www.theguardian.com/music/2024/d...
Incredible near three hours with Macca, 82, who does it all again this evening. www.theguardian.com/music/2024/d...
Paul McCartney review – extraordinarily sublime and humblingly beautiful
Stretching an almost three-hour set from the Quarrymen through to the ‘final Beatles single’ this is like an arena-sized Last Night at the Proms, with Beatlemania
www.theguardian.com
December 15, 2024 at 5:49 PM
Incredible near three hours with Macca, 82, who does it all again this evening. www.theguardian.com/music/2024/d...