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The Wonderful and Frightening World of the Fall

Mary Anne Hobbs to ex-Fall members Brix Smith-Start, Steve Hanley and Marc Riley about their time in the band.

What is it like being in the Fall? Is it as chaotic and wild as imagined? What is Mark E Smith really like?

These questions - and much more - answered for you in this breakfast show themed around the group. Exactly 30 years since the release of album 'The Wonderful and Frightening World Of The Fall', Mary Anne has invited three ex-members to share their memories of their time in the band. There are 66 ex-members of the Fall in total but we thought getting three of them was a decent effort ...

Brix Smith Start was in the Fall between 1983 and '89, and 1995 and '96. She also had the pleasure of marrying Mark E Smith (they divorced in 1989).

Steve Hanley holds the distinction of being the longest-serving member of the Fall, after frontman Mark E Smith. Between 1979 and 1998 he was on bass guitar. He is described by critic Dave Simpson as "one of British music's greatest bassists". Hanley co-wrote over 100 songs on more than a dozen albums. His book about time in the Fall ('The Big Midweek') is out now, published by Route.

Marc Riley was in the Fall between 1978 and 1983. Originally a fan of the band, he worked as a roadie before joining the line-up on bass. He switched to guitar and keyboards in 1979. In 1983 Mark E Smith sacked him by telephone. Marc is currently one of the best DJs in the game, broadcasting for 6 Music of course! He hasn't done too badly for himself ...

The fascinating insights shared by this Fall trio are a must-listen for any fan of the band.

Also expect to hear Fall classics, Fall archive session tracks, Fall covers, and songs by bands inspired by Mark and co.

3 hours

Last on

Sat 11 Oct 2014 07:00
大象传媒 Radio 6 Music

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Clips

See all clips from The Wonderful and Frightening World of the Fall (2)

Music Played

  • The Fall

    Hey! Luciani

    • Beggars Banquet.

  • King Creosote

    Something To Believe In

    • From Scotland With Love.
    • Domino.
    • 001.

  • Sharon Van Etten

    I Love You But I'm Lost (6 Music Session, 5th June 2014)

  • Kendrick Lamar

    I

    • Polydor.

  • Boards of Canada

    Roygbiv

    • Music Has The Right To Children.
    • Warp.
    • 10.

  • Dexys Midnight Runners

    Geno

    • Mercury.

  • Sunriser

    • Future Brown

      Wanna Party (Remix)

      • Warp.

  • Kwes.

    Bashful (6 Music Session)

    • White.

  • Jackson Sisters

    I Believe In Miracles

    • 100% Pure Groove (Various Artists).
    • Telstar.

  • Kasabian

    Stevie

    • 48:13.
    • Columbia.
    • 004.

  • Connan Mockasin

    I'm The Man That Will Find You (Riley Session 4.12.13)

  • Anna Calvi

    Cry

    • One Breath.
    • Domino.
    • 001.

  • Bobby 鈥淏oris鈥� Pickett

    Monster Mash

    • Decca.

  • The Skatalites

    Ball O'Fire

    • Universal.

  • Mogwai

    Teenage Exorcist

    • Rock Action Records.

  • Daft Punk

    Digital Love

    • Virgin.

  • Jack White

    That Black Bat Liquorice

    • Lazaretto.
    • XL Recordings.
    • 002.

  • Dean Blunt

    50 Cent

  • Richard Thompson

    I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight (6 Music Session 18/07/2014)

  • Cate Le Bon

    Duke (6 Music session 11.8.14)

  • Marc Riley's Favourite Fall Track

    • The Fall

      Rowche Rumble

      • Sanctuary Records.

  • Thurston Moore

    The Best Day

    • Matador Records.

  • The Charlatans

    Talking In Tones

    • The Quietus Phonographic Company.

  • Robert Parker

    Barefootin'

    • Telstar.

  • These New Puritans

    Fragment Two - Riley Sessions 101013

  • 3 Minute Epiphany

    Steve Hanley: Life In The Fall

  • The Fall

    Bill Is Dead

  • Hookworms

    On Leaving

    • The Hum.
    • Weird World.
    • 001.

  • Belle and Sebastian

    Dog On Wheels

    • Jeepster Recordings.

  • Real Estate

    Had To Hear

    • Atlas.
    • Domino.
    • 001.

  • Franz Ferdinand

    Right Action

    • Domino Record Co. Ltd.

  • Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks

    Lariat (6 Music Session)

    • White.

  • 3 Minute Epiphany

    Brix Smith Start: Life In The Fall

  • The Fall

    Hotel Bloedel

  • The O鈥橨ays

    Back Stabbers

    • The Ultimate Sound Of Philadelphia.
    • Columbia.

  • Lamb

    We Fall In Love

    • Strata/Butler Records.

  • Grimes

    Genesis

    • 4 A.D..

  • Kele Okereke

    Doubt

    • Trick.
    • Lilac Records.
    • 001.

  • Marika Hackman

    Deep Green - 6 Music Session 10/03/2014

  • Perfume Genius

    Queen (6 Music Session)

    • White.

  • The Barr Brothers

    Love Ain't Enough

    • SLeeping Operator.
    • Secret City Records.
    • 001.

  • Augustus Pablo

    A Good Hearted Melody

    • Jamaican Recordings.

  • Song for Huey

    • Toddla T Meets Suns Of Dub

      奥补濒办颈苍鈥�

      • Kensal Road EP.
      • Girls Music.

Broadcast

  • Sat 11 Oct 2014 07:00
    大象传媒 Radio 6 Music