Rock's Backpages
Barney Hoskyns, Jasper Murison-Bowie, William PikeTales from the world's largest archive of music journalism: entertaining interviews with luminaries such as Neil Tennant, Billy Bragg, Pamela Des Barres, Gary Kemp, Vashti Bunyan, Midge Ure, Nick Hornby and Robyn Hitchcock. Thoughtful and informative conversations about all aspects of popular music history, interspersed with clips from exclusive audio interviews that date back to the mid-'60s. The... more
| Publishes | Twice monthly | Episodes | 239 | Founded | 8 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | Music HistoryMusicMusic Interviews | |||
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Latest Episodes
For this episode Sid Griffin joins us to talk about the great Gram Parsons on the 80th anniversary of the alt.country forefather's birth.
After we hear our guest's thoughts on the "Blue Tsunami' of the Midterms in his distant homeland, he reflects o... more
In this episode we welcome the (more) brilliant Kodwo Eshun to west London and ask him about – among other things – his polemical 1998 book More Brilliant than the Sun.
In a wide-ranging conversation, we commence with our guest's memories of his nor... more
In this new episode we invite the splendid Tonya Pendleton to join us online from her adopted Philadelphia – in her own words "the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection".
The former Vibe scribe turned Philly radio host tells us about growing... more
For this episode we invite the legendary Nik Cohn to join us from upstate New York to discuss his extraordinary career and his brilliant new book Corner Boy. Also joining us — from New York City — is the book's editor Ben Ratliff, himself the author ... more
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Reviews
- Terrific
I miss the days of the music press but this fills the gap beautifully. It’s like having a seat at the table of the best pub conversation ever. I got hooked in circa episode 150 with Cliff Jones and Jim Farber among my favourites but every fortnight it’s another great contributor such as Lloyd Bradley or Simon Reynolds. I particularly enjoy hearing about the new books these writers have written - these guys are the oracle. Tune in!
Apple Podcasts5KenTune57
United Kingdom4 months ago - Good conversations and insight
Brilliant. Covers lots of genres and eras. Good guests, funny, insightful. I am working my way through these. Fantastic listening.
Apple Podcasts5AlbowlieUnited Kingdoma year ago I first started listening to these chaps to block out the sounds of moans, gasps, squeals, ect. while I was watching elbow fetish videos so that the neighbors would not think I'm a weirdo. Gradually, the words began to filter through the soundtracks of "Funny B*ner," "Roll Up Yer Sleevez!," "Elbow Grease," ect and I was transfixed! They may look like a pack of tossers, but I assure you their product is Top-Notch. I eagerly await each new show and, except for the times they spew a load of tommyro... more
Podchaser52 years agoSo, you want to be a stylite?- Rocks back pages with Barney Hoskins
Hi Barney- just love the podcast- right up my street -informative and funny in equal measures.
I especially like listening to stuff about artists that have not crossed my radar- I also like the healthy and at times heated disagreements about certain bands and records. Each podcast goes by effortlessly seeming to last about 15 minutes.
Recent highlights have included Joe Boyd, Chris Salewicz and Barbara Ellen. Shout out to Jasper MB for bringing the average age down considerably and at times bein... more
Apple Podcasts5Moby DafUnited Kingdom2 years ago - Auld white fellas talking to each about the Music Press
It’s like a less cranky, less reactionary version of the “Word in your Ear” podcast. S’good.
Apple Podcasts5Joe O’Donnell
Ireland2 years ago
Listeners Say
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Chart Rankings
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Apple Podcasts | #19 |  United States/Music/Music History |
Apple Podcasts | #223 | United States/Music |
Apple Podcasts | #3 | United Kingdom/Music/Music History |
Apple Podcasts | #26 |  Canada/Music/Music History |
Apple Podcasts | #56 | United Kingdom/Music |
Apple Podcasts | #15 |  Australia/Music/Music History |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Rock's Backpages
What is Rock's Backpages about and what kind of topics does it cover?
RBP presents thoughtful, interview-driven conversations with respected music journalists, writers, photographers, and industry insiders who helped shape the music press from the 1960s onward. Episodes center on archival insight, behind-the-scenes storytelling, and deep dives into specific artists, scenes, and eras, often augmented with audio clips from long-form interviews. The show stands out for its archival breadth, guest diversity (from critics to musicians), and a conversational tone that blends memory, analysis, and industry context. It's likely to appeal to listeners who love music history, journalism craft, and long-form storytelling, with a penchant for cross-continental scenes (UK and US) and a scholarly yet accessible approach to... more
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How many subscribers and views does Rock's Backpages have?
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Which podcasts are similar to Rock's Backpages?
These podcasts share a similar audience with Rock's Backpages:
1. Word In Your Ear
2. Rockonteurs with Gary Kemp and Guy Pratt
3. Sodajerker On Songwriting
4. Talk ’90s to me
5. The Vinyl Guide - Artist Interviews for Record Collectors and Music Nerds
How many episodes of Rock's Backpages are there?
Rock's Backpages launched 8 years ago and published 239 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
How do I contact Rock's Backpages?
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What guests have appeared on Rock's Backpages?
Recent guests on Rock's Backpages include:
1. Kodwo Eshun
2. Tonya Pendleton
3. Nick Cohn
4. Ben Ratliff
5. Tony Fletcher
6. Mitchell Cohen
7. Brian Cullman
8. Tim Page
To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.