Simon Wolstencroft Part 2: Touring, Mark E. Smith, and Golden Gaze

In this exclusive Part 2 interview, Simon Wolstencroft shares captivating stories from his time with The Fall, his friendship with Ian Brown, and his experiences touring the world. Simon recounts the highs and lows of his 11 years with The Fall, starting with recording Bend Sinister at Abbey Road Studios in 1986, one of his favorite albums. He reveals anecdotes about Mark E. Smith, including his play Hey Luciani and the ballet I Am Kurious Oranj, performed at Saddler’s Wells and in front of the Queen of Holland.
Simon reminisces about the band’s global tours, including playing in Japan with screaming fans outside their hotel and encounters with notable admirers like Kurt Cobain and David Bowie. He shares hilarious and wild tales of Mark E. Smith, such as his reaction to insults in pubs and a dramatic encounter with a young drummer in Barcelona.
Moving on to his post-Fall career, Simon talks about his work with Ian Brown, including co-writing the iconic Golden Gaze and touring with his old schoolmate. He also reflects on his current band, House of All, featuring former The Fall members, who are now gearing up for a new tour and have released two albums.
Simon shares his admiration for The Clash, recalling the unforgettable gig at Manchester’s Rafters and his excitement at playing drums during a soundcheck. He also delves into his collaborative project at Denim Studios in Chorlton with Andy Rourke of The Smiths and Martin Duffy of Primal Scream.
From the indie credibility of The Fall to his latest projects, Simon’s journey is a testament to a life dedicated to music.
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#TheFall #SimonWolstencroft #MarkESmith #IanBrown #GoldenGaze #HouseOfAll #ManchesterMusic #IndieMusic #PunkRock #PostPunk #BendSinister #MusicLegends #TheClash #AndyRourke #GoldenGreats #MusicHistory

[@MarieKelly0161]

Fabulous interview again, Simon has lived alright, what amazing memories, fantastic

[@PaulBSceneStories]

Thanks Marie, he has so many cool stories 😎

[@mikemcloughlin883]

Brilliant interview....love the laid back style some great tales

[@PaulBSceneStories]

Thanks so much Mike 😀

[@soundhead6971]

Love this nations ,great album!

[@PaulBSceneStories]

Simon has played on some mega tracks 😎

[@soundhead6971]

@PaulBSceneStories love The Fall, sadly only saw them 3 times! But at least I did I suppose!

[@PaulBSceneStories]

I wish I would have seen them

[@soundhead6971]

@@PaulBSceneStories pity you didn't, but they have a great backcatolqe of material, wish MES was still here!!!!

[@deborahkeay1312]

Another amazing video Paul - I love watching these

[@PaulBSceneStories]

Thanks so much Deb x

[@royfletcher9635]

Part 2 is brilliant lovley man is Simon x

[@PaulBSceneStories]

Thanks so much Roy x

[@lancashirebomber9744]

just bought his book in town. great drummer, manchester legend.

[@PaulBSceneStories]

The book is brilliant 😎

[@arthurbrat]

Great work Paul. Lovely guy Simon. A true gentleman and talent. Keep it up. X

[@PaulBSceneStories]

@@arthurbrat thanks mate , totally agree , Simon is both a gent and a legend 😀

[@johngriffin2257]

Brilliant Banksy, grt interview, Simon comes across as a top down to earth guy with some fantastic memories.👍🤟

[@PaulBSceneStories]

Thanks mate, yeah Simon’s stories are brilliant and he is so easy to talk to 😀

[@nota8386]

Simon should be getting gigs as a DJ on 6 Music or something. Top stories.

[@PaulBSceneStories]

That would be brilliant wouldn’t it 😎

[@Alligator6002]

Absolutely wonderful Paul. Thanks mate. Amazing 🤩 happy Christmas and a lovely new year xxx

[@PaulBSceneStories]

Thanks so much , I hope you have a good Christmas and new year too x

[@MarkDryden-j9x]

Nice one Paul ❤

[@PaulBSceneStories]

Thanks Mark 😀

[@blahblahoink]

Loved both of these Paul. Found the sound a bit muddy though.

[@PaulBSceneStories]

I got some new Rode Microphones and used them for first time , I’ll have to experiment with them . I think it was ok on the Tom one I released week before though . Thanks for the feedback, it helps me learn 😀

[@zamiadams4343]

Love the channel, you should do an episode for Harri and Domonic, Sub Club longest running house music in the world. Glasgow.

[@PaulBSceneStories]

Thanks mate , I’m just focusing on Manchester for now as it’s what I know 😀

[@alastairwhitehead2262]

What a really interesting guy Si seems to be.
I went to see The Fall at the cathedral in Manchester on the dedication not medication tour what a band live.
Massively respected throughout the music industry and everywhere else.

[@PaulBSceneStories]

Thanks , yeah I could listen to his stories for hours. The Fall are one band I’ve never seen live, would have loved to have seen them , especially in their best years when Simon was in them 😀

[@alastairwhitehead2262]

@ I remember the crowd waiting for him to turn which eventually he did very late and pissed as well and i thought to myself i bet he has been sat in the woodthorpe and left at last orders…..I bet si could tell story after story about his times with the fall

[@PaulBSceneStories]

I might ask him to do some more 😀

[@alastairwhitehead2262]

@@PaulBSceneStories deffo mate

[@jonathanshaw1153]

like everyone in Manchester i know someone who was (very briefly) in the Fall (Kate Themen - top person) Me and my housemate at the time went watching Hey! Luciani at the Riverside Studios , after it had finished we were "well?" .."Not a clue.."

[@PaulBSceneStories]

Yeah everyone knows someone in the Fall ha ha 😀

[@user-yh9sn1ye1j]

hope house of all come to aberdeen
some great musicians there
saw the imperial wax line up at the falls last aberdeen gig
amazing rhythm section

[@PaulBSceneStories]

House of All are now on my list of bands to see 😀