Record producer Phil Wainman (The Sweet, Boomtown Rats, XTC) brings his audience Q&A, The Rock ‘n’ Roll Hitmakers to Edinburgh Fringe.
“An excellent raconteur – he delves into his fascinating past as a highly successful record producer and musician, working with industry legends of the 60s, 70s and 80s.
The show will be full of rare insights into life in the heart of the music industry – a highly entertaining and educational afternoon is guaranteed, full of funny and poignant music stories.”
Where: Le Monde – Shanghai
When: 2-11 Aug
Ticket link: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/rock-n-roll-hitmakers
What are you looking forward to the most at Fringe?
Scottish hospitality, I hear that Edinburgh has the most wonderful atmosphere for the festival and I am looking forward to participating in this unique event.
Also, most of the talent I have worked with over the years have been from Scotland or had a Scottish connection.
Even when I was a drummer in the many bands I played in, there was always a Scot playing something.
The Q&A that comprises your show sounds fascinating. As you’ve worked with many of the most talented and/or controversial figures in music, how do you decide who or what to include or leave out?
With my show nothing will be left out. If the questions are asked they will be honestly answered.
The show is completely unscripted, and that’s what makes each day different, interesting, and special. No show will be the same.
You’ve worked as producer, songwriter and musician. Looking back, which career has given you the most satisfaction?
There is nothing better than starting with a note pad and a piano, a title an idea for a lyric and a tempo.
I really enjoy working with another writer as you have someone to bounce your ideas off.
Then it’s off to demo! This is now done at home, but back in my day, we used a small studio. Those demos sometimes became masters and some of those became hits.
I really enjoyed climbing the invisible ladder. It didn’t just happen overnight.
You just pass from one phase to another, and you learn so much on the way by remembering those experiencies when you need to call on them.
Without giving anything away, what might audiences expect when they come to see you and your guests?
I have not booked any guests as the budget would not stretch to that, but I expect there to be a few faces in the audience that may oblige.
That could be a handicap, as the one hour show would have to be about them and their experience with me, and I want questions across all the artists I have worked with.
What made you want to bring your career stories to the stage, and why do you think the musical figures of the 60s-80s period are still revered and recalled with affection?
I have sponsors in Steve Heliczer at QED and Mike Leigh. Mike suggested the idea of Edinburgh and Steve has helped me with the show, how could I say no!
I didn’t realise just how many people love to discuss those times and the music that I made with those artists would still be so popular after so long
Now, I can share the small contribution I made to their lives and to the music industry.