Let me go back a bit. Regular listeners / readers will be aware (you were aware weren't you?) that the Varmints write a regular column on musical archaeology for British Archaeology, THE trade mag for trowel-bothers across the country. But of course. Who else could do such an important subject justice?
Now, to be absolutely acurate, the column is the brain-child of John Varmint, with Bob Varmint also contributing. This makes sense, as they are actual archaeologists - and the rest of us aren't - indeed, Oz Varmint has been known to mistake a trowel for a barbie tool ... but I digress.
Anyway, this month's column has been lovingly crafted by John Varmint. In it, he and his colleague Paul Graves-Brown excavate the Sex Pistols old flat at 6 Denmark St and examine the graffiti left there by the band (esp. Johnny Rotten). In a nutshell, they postulate that these remains have the same cultural importance (for some - and this is a significant caveat) as the cave paintings at Lascaux.
In the 24 hours or so since the article went live it seems to have developed as a story in it's own right. Firstly, the article was picked up by the Mail Online - it was chewed around a bit by online commentards - and then it seems to have exploded .... coverage in the leader column of today's Times, plus articles in the Independent, Telegraph, Guardian Online, USA Today and on the BBC website - as well as appearances by John on the 6 'O' Clock news and more booked for 5Live and the News @ 10 this evening , with articles in the Sun & the Guardian tommorrow.
Good to see a 10radio alumnus winding so many people up - and he always looks so innocent! Reader comment of the day so far - "Dr Schofield you are a twit!"
Anyway, have a read of the column & see what you think - oh and expect this weeks Varmint Show to have an archaeological / heritage / punk vibe - we are hoping to get John V live on the phone to explain himself (well, he's done every other media outlet of note in the last 24 hs).
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Click on the above thumbnails for larger images.
As an additional treat, John Varmint's colleague, Paul Graves-Brown, has produced a video to accompany his cover of the Pistols Submission.
Oh and, add in Radio 4 "The World Tonight", New York Times, ARTInfo, Newstrack India, Irish Independent & the Yorkshire Post
Last Updated ( Tuesday, 22 November 2011 23:44 )
A Few Photos from Hebden Bridge
Written by Matt
Tuesday, 06 September 2011 22:22
Just a few more photos (live this time) from the wonderful Hebden Bridge Blues Festival, featuring Lance Lopez & the Jon Amor Blues Group - now, where did I put the 100s of Bex Marshall - stay tuned, they're round here somewhere ...
Last Updated ( Wednesday, 09 November 2011 20:04 )
The Varmints in a Playground with the Jon Amor Blues Group
Well, after the Hebden Bridge features with Chantel McGregor and the first ever UK interview with Lance Lopez, you'd be forgiven for presuming that was that, as far as material from the festival was concerned. But you'd be wrong ... very, very wrong!
This Sunday, on the award-nominated Rock and Blues Circus, we are really pleased to welcome Jon Amor and Dave Doherty, from the Jon Amor Blues Group.
We met up with Jon and Dave and, as time was a little short, took them over the canal to a children's playground (but of course) to conduct the interview.
So join us this Sunday (Sept 4th) on the Rock & Blues Circus (between 18.00 and 20.00) for "The Varmints in a Playground with the Jon Amor Blues Group", featuring not only chat with Jon and Dave, but also an exclusive chance to hear tracks from their eagerly anticipated (eponymous) debut album - it is an absolute belter!
TO LISTEN: Either mouse-over the "Listen LIVE" Menu above & click on your favourite media player from the options that appear, or click HERE to go to 10radio's Listen page.
Oh and, if you think that this really is the last of the material from the magnificent Hebden Bridge Blues Festival, can I suggest you take a look at the images above ... there's one more interview to come .....
And, for a sneak preview of a track from the debut album, click below for a fantastic video from the studio sessions
Last Updated ( Tuesday, 22 November 2011 22:03 )
The Varmints at Hebden Bridge with Lance Lopez
Written by Matt
Wednesday, 24 August 2011 22:27
The Varmints had a busy time at the recent Hebden Bridge Blues Festival. Following hot on the heels of our recent fab chat with Chantel McGegor, we are now chuffed to be able to bring you an hour in the company of the magnificent Lance Lopez.
We caught Lance on fine form the day after his first UK jam at the Trades Club (sharing the stage with Jon Amor & the Paddy McGuire All Stars) and before his first ever UK gig at the Hebden Bridge Picture House - this is his first ever UK broadcast interview.
So join us as we find out more about this hugely talented rising star during a full hour of humour, insight and really choice music - quite simply, you'd be mad to miss it.
Note: The interview airs this coming SUNDAY, between 18.00 & 20.00 GMT on 10radio's other gem, The Rock & Blues Circus.
Click the thumbnail for a full size poster
Last Updated ( Tuesday, 30 August 2011 22:50 )
The Varmints in a Tunnel with Matt Schofield
Written by Matt
Saturday, 09 April 2011 20:34
Ah, now ...
This Sunday, the Varmints are very proud to be able to announce the airing of our interview with the British Blues Awards' Guitarist of the Year, Matt Schofield.
Recorded once again at the Tunnels in Bristol (we do like the Tunnels), during a break in the heavy snow, the interview features a fascinating insight into one of the finest guitarists this country has produced.
We held the interview over from last year, as we didn't want it to get lost in the maelstrom of Christmas and are now airing it to honour the coming to an end of Matt's year as Guitarist of the Year.
It is a particular pleasure to present this feature since, as some of you may recall, the Varmint Show was the sponsor of the Guitarist of the Year category at the British Blues Awards - nice to get our money's worth (I jest).
Please note: the feature will air this Sunday (10th April 2011) between 18.00 & 20.00 on the Rock & Blues Circus (come to think of it, we have an interesting bit of news there too - tune in to find out what THAT is!)
Click the thumbnail above for a full poster
Last Updated ( Sunday, 21 August 2011 23:00 )
The Varmints do Hebden Bridge Blues with Chantel McGregor
Written by Matt
Friday, 12 August 2011 11:14
Well! The Varmint Show website sometimes feels like a massive nuclear submarine (no, stick with me on this one ...), in so far as it has the ability to slip quietly beneath the waves and maintain a cheerful isolation from the rest of the world for long periods at a time.
Well, I am delighted to announce that we have now re-surfaced and are going ashore for a bit of well deserved R & R!
And what better way to celebrate than with a full hour in the company of the incomparable Chantel McGregor. Recorded at this year's Hebden Bridge Blues Festival, the interview sees Chantel in full flow, discussing her debut album, food, fruit beer & the travails of dental surgery.
Chantel's a charming interviewee with a hugly infectious sense of humour as well as being a stellar musician so DO tune in tonight, Friday 12th August between 22.00 and Midnight and have some fun!
UPDATE:
We are now proud to be able to make this interview available as a listen again. Just click the player below & away you go!
Ever happy to offer advice, to accompany the interview we'd suggest a Belgian plum beer with, perhaps, a schnapps chaser.
Click the thumbnail above for a full poster
Last Updated ( Wednesday, 24 August 2011 22:27 )
The Varmints in Conversation with Sandi Thom
Written by Matt
Monday, 21 March 2011 23:51
The Varmints are really chuffed to announce that this Friday, we're In Conversation with .... Sandi Thom!
Many of you will remember Sandi from her 2005/6 single "I Wish I Was a Punk Rocker", one of the most successful singles of this current century - indeed, after such a stellar start, some of you may be forgiven for wondering whatever happened to her?
Well, ever happy to help, the Varmints have the answer. As the youngest ever entrant to Sir Paul McCartney's Liverpool Institute of the Performing Arts, Sandi has had a switch-back ride over the last five years or so.
We caught up with her last week to talk about her current album and her emergence as one of the most powerful voices in British Blues.
Charting recently at No:1 in both the iTunes Blues Album Charts with her splendid new album "Merchants & Thieves" and the iTunes Blues Singles Chart with an astonishing version of "House of the Rising Sun" (better than the Animals version, no really .... no REALLY), Sandi is now clearly doing what she loves.
So, tune in, sit back and let the music wash over you as the Varmints quiz Sandi about THAT single, the freedom that comes from having your own label, the new album, photography and her partner's kilt!
