NSTS episode 53 is part two of my chat with former Melody Maker journalist Chris Charlesworth. Chris has so many personal stories about rock stars like David Bowie that I just sit back and let him lay them all out.

Chris talks about Bowie’s death and what it was like to be his press officer, which ABBA member had stage fright, how the bass player is the secret weapon of most bands, and the celebrity he found himself sitting behind at Wembley during a Stone Roses show.
 

Charlesworth’s playlist:

David Bowie – Heroes

ABBA – One Of Us

REM – Perfect Circle

Stone Roses – Ten Storey Love Song

Gillian Welch – Elvis Presley Blues

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If you want to hear some absolutely fascinating stories about Elvis, John Lennon, and the guys from Led Zeppelin and The Who, listen to this episode. Legendary Melody Maker journalist and former Omnibus Press managing editor Chris Charlesworth is someone who occupied the inner circles of many a rock star in the 60s and 70s, including those named above along with several others.

Over the phone from the UK, Chris provides some highly-detailed insights regarding his relationships with Pete Townshend and The Who, what it was like to FLY LED ZEPPELIN’S PLANE (!), and his experiences with John Lennon, including John’s phone call to Chris saying it was ‘Johnny Beatle’ calling.

Incredibly entertaining personal stories about rock’s largest legends, from an equally legendary rock writer. Do not miss this.
 

Charlesworth’s playlist:

Elvis Presley – Mystery Train

The Who – Substitute

The Kinks – Waterloo Sunset

The Beatles – Don’t Let Me Down

Led Zeppelin – Rock and Roll

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Former Spoons and Honeymoon Suite keyboardist Rob Preuss may be a New Yorker now, but he’s still a true blue Canadian at heart. And he makes his return to the No Sleep ’til Sudbury podcast with a fun Canuck twist!

Rob brings in five songs that make his skin vibrate that were hits in Canada but nowhere else in the world (with the exception of maybe one of them). He’s always been hilarious and super knowledgeable during our musical chats, and this conversation is no exception. We talk about the importance of musical democracy, The Wrecking Crew, theremins, Miss Saigon, Gilligan’s last name, and the myth behind the piano track on “Takin’ Care of Business”. Great, great fun.

Preuss’ playlist:

Sweet Blindness – National Poddy

BTO – Takin’ Care of Business

Rufus Wainwright – Foolish Love

Ray Materick – Linda Put The Coffee On

The Kings – This Beat Goes On/Switchin To Glide

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We made it to 50! Joining me to celebrate are legendary Toronto on-air personality Lee Eckley and rising stars Cody J.R. Bowles and Kevin Comeau of Crown Lands.

We figured we’d do something a little different for the 50th episode. The Crown Lands boys showed up with some gear, and while talking about the songs that make our skin vibrate, we jammed out a greasy Queen cover with Eckley on drums, Kev on bass, Cody singing and playing bongos, and me on guitar. I thank my guests for their patience with my mediocre guitar playing, and I appreciate them letting me in on the fun. Like the jam, the production of this episode is loose and raw, just as I like my rock & roll to be.
 

The 50th episode playlist:

Led Zeppelin – Heartbreaker

Bob Dylan – Time Out Of Mind (album)

Genesis – Watcher of the Skies

Queen – The Show Must Go On

AC/DC – Sin City

Queen – Dragon Attack (jam)

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