Steve Murray on Fast Cars, Punk Scene, and Inspiring The Happy Mondays

In this exclusive interview, Steve Murray from the iconic punk band Fast Cars shares fascinating stories from the punk scene in Manchester. We dive into how Fast Cars influenced The Happy Mondays, with Shaun Ryder calling Steve his hero and Paul Ryder crediting the band as a major inspiration.
Steve reflects on his early days in Swinton, being the first punk in his area, and hearing “Anarchy in the UK” by The Sex Pistols, a moment that changed his life. He talks about forming Fast Cars, rehearsing alongside The Buzzcocks, Joy Division, and Slaughter and the Dogs at TGM Studios, and eventually headlining shows with Joy Division.
Steve recounts performing with his earlier band, The Sirens, with members who would later join The Fall, and the journey of Fast Cars’ debut single, “The Kids Just Wanna Dance.” Despite a near-miss with Polydoor and A&M Records, the song became a cult hit, leading to sold-out shows in Japan decades later.
Steve also shares memories of playing The Russell Club, performing with reggae band Dillinger, and the camaraderie between punks and reggae fans, a crossover famously supported by The Clash. He also gives insights into his time at Strawberry Studios, where he hung out with Joy Division, sharing humorous anecdotes, including a moment with Peter Hook after Steve’s car battery was stolen.
This interview provides a nostalgic look at the vibrant punk scene of the late ’70s and the legacy of Fast Cars. Join us for an incredible journey through Manchester’s musical history.
#FastCars #PunkHistory #SteveMurray #ManchesterPunk #TheHappyMondays #JoyDivision #Buzzcocks #SlaughterAndTheDogs #TheFall #PunkInterview #ManchesterMusic #TheKidsJustWannaDance #SalfordPunk #Swinton #TGMStudios #GranadaTV #JapanTour #PunkScene #1970sMusic #AnarchyInTheUK #SexPistols #RussellClub #JohnPeel #BBC6Music #Dillinger #TheClash #WhiteManInHammersmithPalais

[@globalital]

Thank you Paul, another great podcast,thanks Steve, proper legends,these stories need telling, thank you

[@PaulBSceneStories]

Thanks so much, I loved this one, watched it a couple of times now :-)

[@DavidHodkinson-ps1cb]

Yes 100% they need telling a great part of British and music history ....... Ain't music brilliant ( in me best Yorkshire accent)

[@markkennedy4936]

Enjoying these..well done mate

[@PaulBSceneStories]

Thanks Mark 😀

[@davidlindsay3432]

Great to hear these stories. Good memory! 😂😂

[@PaulBSceneStories]

We can remember some stuff ha ha x

[@SoulDamnFunky]

Hey Paul. I hope you read this as I want to let you know I really love these videos. They really cheer me up, Im always looking for new ones. Also I just shared your channel with a friend.

[@PaulBSceneStories]

Thanks so much. I changed direction recently and just made my channel on Manchester music scenes history. Sharing helps me grow x

[@DavidHodkinson-ps1cb]

More great stories ....... I was a young punk would have been 12years old .... Remember going home with dyed blonde hair that didn't end well ..... Used to hang out with a band called blitzkrieg as they rehearsed and I remember them talking about slaughter and the dogs and many others ...... Top vids mate keep doing them ..........

[@PaulBSceneStories]

Thanks Dave , I’ve 2 more planned this week. I did one on Spin Inn records last night I can’t wait to share 😀

[@DavidHodkinson-ps1cb]

I'm sure I bought records there in the early 90's is that in Manchester .....

[@PaulBSceneStories]

@@DavidHodkinson-ps1cb yes, they brought House music to Manchester 😎

[@lusterwings]

I hope to meet you one day!!!

[@PaulBSceneStories]

Well I go out in Manchester more nowadays x

[@lusterwings]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@PaulBSceneStories]

Thanks for the love x

[@davekennedy6315]

That Sex Pistols concert at the Corn Exchange in Manchester started off SO MANY massive Manchester groups and Factory. It's mentioned that Joy Division, New Order, The Smiths, The Stone Roses, Oasis and more I believe? Punk introduced the idea of making music/starting a band to SO many artists!

[@PaulBSceneStories]

I think you mean the Free Trade Hall gig . I am hoping to do a video with a friend Denise who went to that gig at some point x