Thanks so much to Nick Potter and Sean Bergin for the interview! I wrote some months ago about the brilliant Moss Poles on the blog and was lucky that Nick got in touch and that both him and Sean were up for answering all my questions! The Moss Poles released a few records in the 80s, mostly on the Idea label, leaving classic songs like “One Summer” or “Underground”. Sadly their 2nd album remains unreleased and I wish so much it sees the light of day in the near future! Now, time to rediscover them!
++ Let’s go back in time, let’s go in chronological order. What are your first music memories? Do you remember what was your first instrument? How did you learn to play it? What sort of music did you listen at home while growing up?
NICK: I grew up on punk with bands like The Clash and the Damned. I always wanted to play guitar, but was never particularly competent – still not. I still can’t get too far past a nice distorted guitar even if the song is marshmallow.
SEAN: punk band in Stafford Sensa Yuma lent me a bass then kicked me out after first gig /older brother raised me punk/mum and dad Ray Charles /Rretha and Beatles
++ I believe some of you were in the V8s before being in The Moss Poles, right? How did they sound? Were there any recordings?
NICK: The V8s were a very early version of the Moss Poles with Sean, Michael Kemp, myself and a drum machine. My recollection is that we just morphed into The Moss Poles when we got a drummer.
We kind of left Michael behind at the direction of MCA who first picked us up. Absolutely horrible situation – we were just friends having fun in a band, but effectively being offered a deal if we dropped the guitarist.
SEAN: Mick wanted to finish his degree
++ And aside from The V8s were you or any of the members involved in other bands before being in The Moss Poles?
NICK: I was in a punk band called The Wasted (for not too subtle reasons) with Jebs, Steve and Jamie. I think I have a really bad tape somewhere. The World is Full of Happy Little Oranges; Beyond the U, This is the End – songs that never got past the local village hall!
SEAN: one gig with Sensa Yuma then Moss Poles
++ Were you all originally from London?\
NICK: I am from London, but grew up in Bedford, then went back to London.
SEAN: Stafford
++ How was your city at the time? Were there any bands that you liked? What were the good record stores? Or what about the pubs or venues to go check out up and coming bands?
NICK: London was great for music and student life. Cheap beer, always something to do.
SEAN: lots of gigs and people who talked very nice
++ When and how did the band start? How did you all meet? How was the recruiting process?
NICK: Sean and I met whilst working over the summer at UCL. I had hardly ever written a song before, but we somehow just complemented each other. I think One Summer was one of the first songs we wrote together.
Michael was also working there behind the bar. We kinda all just got on.
I also met my wife – Allison – who was on a placement from Glasgow Catering College (or something like that). It’s fair to say that she is behind a few of the songs!
SEAN: nail on the head good times
++ You were in the University of London at the time, right? What year were you in in your studies? And what were you all studying when you started The Moss Poles?
NICK: I was studying Philosophy. Same year as Paul Breuer who was in a band called Kill Devil Hills and then went onto form another band who I believe were reasonably successful, but I can’t for the life of me remember their name.
SEAN: I was on placement like Allison but from Stafford sixth form my mate crutch had done it year before and met Nick told me someone who liked Gun Club at the time unknown
++ Were there any lineup changes?
NICK: We had about 8 drummers with Dave Kirk the main man playing on the album(s) and singles.
I guess the core of the group was always Sean and myself, with Michael there at the start. Sean and I split up after the third single was recorded, so Paul Breuer played bass on the second album – it wasn’t the same although there are so great songs on there that never got any exposure. What could have been if we’d stayed together – sigh…….
I recorded a third solo studio album, but by then it was really all over.
SEAN: Dave Bickley drummed on one summer his band The Big Boat are worth a look /and later The Skinny Millionaires did some cool stuff but Dave Kirk was the man really for the tour and album then Jim? seem bit Star Trek related
++ What’s the story behind the name The Moss Poles?
NICK: We couldn’t agree on a name, but sitting in the front room one day, Allison said ‘Moss Pole’ – it was the first name that we all didn’t hate, but I don’t think I would go there if I had my time again!
SEAN: shit name last of the V8s was far less catchy
++ How was the creative process for you? Where did you usually practice?
NICK: Usually drunk sitting around a four-track recorder just smashing things out. I remember it being very productive and creative even if a bit crude at times. Sean would write songs, I would write songs and sometimes we worked things out together. Michael also wrote some classics – Don’t Worry is one of my favourite songs ever!!
Sean has a gift for lyrics and songwriting. He is also a tremendous bass player. I remember thinking it, but not always saying it.
We usually hired a rehearsal studio when we could afford it. Looking back, I don’t know how we managed to pay for things – strings, petrol, cigarettes, studios – we were pretty much broke all the time.
SEAN: yeah get drunk spew it all out /pretty organic /finish each others songs /even crap sounded good when we were in the right mood
++ You were around in the late 80s and in the UK there was a great explosion of guitar pop bands, why do you think that was? Did you feel part of a scene?
NICK: I don’t honestly know. If anything I remember feeling that we were out of phase and had missed the wave. I don’t think we were what we were because of what was happening around us – I think we just played what we thought sounded good and that happened to be guitar-based, melodic love songs for the most part
SEAN:pop music with guitars is always great/never felt part of a scene
++ And who would you say were influences in the sound of the band?
NICK: I don’t think we consciously were influenced by a particular band, but were a blend. We were described as a mix between The Beatles and Jesus and Mary Chain. I like that, but it wasn’t deliberate.
SEAN: everything that went before us
++ Your records came out on Idea Records. Who were behind this label? How did you end up working with them and how was your relationship with the label?
NICK: We were first picked up by MCA, but after a failed attempt to record a demo of One Summer with them, somehow we got passed over to Jeff Chegwin who became our publisher. Geoff put us in touch with Harry Barter who became our Manager. Harry was well-known in the business and managed Johnnie Walker (Radio 1 DJ), Roger Cook and a few other big names that I now forget.
We got a recording deal with IDEA who were a development label owned by Warner Chappel. They had a studio near Marble Arch where we recorded the album and first two singles working with Andrew Fryer as producer.
We didn’t really know too much about how it all worked at the time, but were just blown away to be taken seriously.
We were signed to Mayking records for the third single (10,00 Miles) and second album, but they went belly-up so the tapes were seized and that was that.
SEAN: Jeff was a nice bloke don’t think there was a carreer plan to be honest
++ Your first 7″ was the brilliant “One Summer” that was released on both 7″ and 12″. This is a terrific song and I’ll ask you about it later. But something that always caught my eye about this release was the artwork, which is very different to the other two releases of yours. Who made it? And how important were the aesthetics and look of the band?
NICK: I remember the guy who designed it was called Paul – he was somebody known to Jeff Chegwin I think. I don’t remember too much about how / why we chose that particular design, but it seemed to fit the song.
In terms of overall aesthetic, I think Sean was the only one who looked good. I used to struggle not to look like ‘the Man from Millets’ as I was once labelled by a journalist!
SEAN: we had custard creams and tea from Mari Wilson /top eighties singer and her man husband was graphic designer for one summer based on me wanting it to be childlike pic thought he dd a great job
++ I want to ask the story behind at least one of them. So if it is not much to ask, in a few sentences, what inspired the fantastic “One Summer”?
NICK: Sean had written the song with a different verse. I had a verse that worked with his chorus – happened really quickly. They are Sean’s lyrics so he’d be best placed to explain what they are about.
SEAN: met Laurie at uni where the band all met she was visiting from America /spent one night chatting sharing souls blah blah wrote song /hope shes heard it
++ This first single and the next were released on 7″ and 12″. I always have the thought that if a label released a record in both formats it must mean they had big expectations in the band. Was that the case?
NICK: We were absolutely on a roll and were getting a lot of attention when we imploded. The songs were getting better and better, but we blew it. I know that the people around us – record label, etc. were pretty upset at events, but we weren’t the first and won’t be the last.
SEAN: I remember Jon Fat Beast not talking to me cos I left The Moss Poles. I didn’t know anyone cared that much. Sweet naive youth
++ This second single was the great song “Underground”. Would love to ask you again what is the story behind this song!
NICK: Another Sean song!
SEAN: Sean song arranged by Nick. I would still rather play or see a band in a small venue than a cavern, although Morrissey at a big place in Brum was excellent
++ This single and the album had for the artwork photos of you two. Who took those photos? Where were they taken? Are they from the same session?
NICK: They were taken by a neighbour – David somebody (who lived with Elissa, who’s name we stole for our first daughter). The only serious photo session we had at that time. There are hundreds of shots, but all pretty much the same – me and Sean looking moody with a white a background!
SEAN: I think the record company thought we were sorting out covers but come deadline we were asleep
++ Then came out the album “Shorn”. I always thought it was an original name for an album. On this record you got the help from Dave Kirk and Andrew Fryer. What did they bring on the table for the band?
NICK: Dave was our longest standing and best drummer. He played in another band as well – the Groovy Chainsaws.
Andrew was the house producer / engineer for Warner. He also played a few keyboards on some of the tracks. Top guy!
SEAN: top studio /top guy /top session /Andrew had recorded Bolthrowers debut the week before so I brought it after /in battle there is no law/ gave it to someone who appreciates such aural violence
++ And how different was recording the album compared to the singles?
NICK: Shorn and the first two singles were pretty much recorded at. The same time and in the same studio. 10,000 Miles was recorded somewhere in Wales. That was pure fun – a weekend away in the country with beer and amps!
SEAN: thought the album was Wales where damned recorded Black Album /bugger
++ I read that “10,000 Miles” should have been a 3rd single. What happened? Why wasn’t it released?
NICK: As per above – the record company went bust and the studio seized the mater tapes. Nightmare!!
SEAN: don’t remember
++ And what about the 2nd album? I believe it was fully recorded, right? What songs were in it? Where was it recorded? Why didn’t it come out?
NICK: The unreleased second album was recorded in the same studio in Wales as 10,000 Miles but with Paul Breuer on Bass. Corny, but true, the playing is tighter and Paul was a great bass player, but it was never the same as bashing out stuff with Sean.
++ As far as I know you only appeared on the compilation “The Idea Compendium”. Is that all or were there any other comp appearances by the band?
NICK: Not at the time, but Cherry Red released One Summer and 10,000 Miles on their C88 and C89 compilations over the last two years.
SEAN:.Nick just sent me copies /nicely done but one summer seems slow to me /could be my record player
++ Aside from the 3rd single and the 2nd album, both unreleased, are there any other songs that are still waiting to be released? Perhaps songs in demo form? Or other studio recordings?
NICK: There is the Soundcloud site where I’ve posted a few recently recorded songs – some of which are just rubbish but some of which I’m really happy with.
https://soundcloud.com/nicky-moss-pole
There are also a few Youtube videos.
SEAN: “Loop” should ve been second or third single /rehearsal with Mick on youtube /sad as shit
++ If you were to choose your favourite The Moss Poles’ song, which one would that be and why?
NICK: So hard – maybe “Don’t Worry” or “More and More”. I think they are both naïve, but honest. Great melody, corny lyrics, but pure emotion.
SEAN: “Take it or leave it”, “Little prince”, shit songs didn’t really make the cut
++ What about gigs? Did you play many? What was the farthest you played from London?
NICK: We played a lot around London – most weekends I remember. We had a national tour being driven around the country in a van as is the way. Can’t remember all the locations, but I think we went to Lancaster, Nottingham, Retford (the worst), Andover, Hull, Peterborough, Manchester (tough crowd) and maybe a few more.
SEAN: Sir George Robey with extreme noise terror (Mickey Harris from Napalm Death on drums) and Cud was a great gig Micks true love Janet told me off for shouting shake your tits to this song (“Little Prince”) I was on a massive learning curve /and the bassist said we were alright after taking the piss all night cos we had a manager
++ And what were the best gigs you remember? Any anecdotes you can share?
NICK: Hammersmith Palais in front of 3,000 teenagers. We got hired to play at some end of school party – or something like that. The main memory I have is of Allison tipping an ashtray over some 15 year-olds’ head to stop him groping some poor girl. There were huge amounts of hormones in the air that night – it was like Caligula. Even the bouncers were struggling to keep the lid on things and it was supposedly a no alcohol event!!
SEAN: see previous /the Palais night my wife poured beer over someone they were scum probably our current government
++ And were there any bad ones?
NICK: Retford stays in the memory, not because we played bad – actually I think we were pretty good that night. The problem was we were supporting 999 who still had a skinhead following. After we played we couldn’t get out of the club – I think they had shut the lift down or something. We had to spend an uncomfortable night dodging angry skinheads and a generally unpleasant bunch of people before we finally got out at something like 2 in the morning.
++ I read at some point Steve Lamacq followed you on a tour in his van. What year was it? Did he go with you to every single gig? How did that happen? What anecdotes do you remember from that time?
NICK: Yes – Steve Lamacq followed us around on tour in his Mini. He interviewed us along the way and recorded the gigs. He made up a tape and I think I have it somewhere. It’s embarrassing stuff though!
SEAN: the live tape (besides the interview ) is great and accompanies the album swell/ Retford was shit /Manchester Boardwalk same
++ When and why did The Moss Poles stop making music? You moved to Australia, right? Were you involved in any other bands afterwards?
NICK: Sean and I had a big row one night after playing at the Rock Garden in Covent Garden. Stupid waste really. We tried to pick up again, but when it’s stopped being fun, it’s really too hard to keep going.
I moved to Edinburgh for 10 years and then to Australia. I never really had an appetite to keep playing after the Moss Poles.
SEAN: don’t remember the row /but we met blossomed and died very quickly I think a natural thing /music is very personal but its gotta be fun
++ What about the rest of the band, had they been in other bands afterwards? I ready Sean was in a punk band?
NICK: Never really kept in touch so not sure about the various drummers. I haven’t played music for many years until maybe 2 years ago, but solo stuff using Pro Tools. I know Sean has kept busy though.
SEAN: always played but never Moss Poles stuff until recently some mates did “One Summer” it was horrendous. Flyboy and Painsville have stuff out there somewhere. With Nick I have three ex bandmates in Oz, I must be someone you’ve really gotta get away from
++ Has there ever been a reunion? Or talks of playing again together?
NICK: Never. We lost touch until maybe 2 months ago. I managed to get in touch with Sean to share the royalties from the C88 and C89 CD’s. I would love to, but it’s just not going to happen. What’s done is done.
SEAN: no we need a Moss Poles tribute band
++ Did you get much attention from the radio? or TV? Were there any promo videos?
NICK: We sure did. Plenty of exposure on Radio 1, a live session on Greater London Radio and a few other things.
We recorded a video for “Underground”, but gave away the only copy we had to a French TV Channel. It was pretty frickin cool though. I’d love to see it again.
The only other video footage is on Youtube – we were filmed at an early gig in Dingwalls by some people from France. At least it’s something.
SEAN: would love to see the “Undergound” promo
++ How did the Janice Long session come to be? How was that experience?
NICK: Janice Long is Jeff Chegwin’s sister so we had a bit of inside help to get that session. But, to be fair Janice was a big fan and genuinely liked the band. Again, we don’t even have a copy of the session – we couldn’t afford to pay the BBC for a copy.
I was in awe at being in Maida Vale Studios – overwhelming!
SEAN: don’t think ive heard the session since
++ What about the press? Did they give you any attention?
NICK: We had a lot of press after a while. Helen Meade from the NME gave us a page and a half and we had a lot of smaller articles in the Melody Maker, etc. I do have all of those tucked away in the cupboard. I think we were named on the cover next to Ziggy Marley and the Stone Roses!
There was also a story in the Daily Mirror about me being George Michael’s gardener – which was true. However, they were after his new address as he had just bought a house in Hampstead. They offered us a large piece if I told them where he lived. I didn’t do it, but they still ran a small piece which is 50% accurate, but mostly exaggerated nonsense.
SEAN: remember a page in one of the weeklies
++ What about from fanzines?
NICK: None that I can remember.
SEAN: I read Steve :amacq did a fanzine with the tape of the tour but I never saw it
++ Looking back in retrospective, what would you say was the biggest highlight for the band?
NICK: Without doubt for me, the first album and being so proud to have been able to record songs that I / we loved and to then get that buzz when we made the charts and started to get noticed. Being in a band was all I had ever wanted to do when I was growing up.
++ Aside from music, what other hobbies do you have?
NICK: NOTHING!
++ I’ve been to London many times, but it is always good to hear from a local for some recommendations! What are the sights one shouldn’t miss? Or the traditional food or drinks that you love that I should try?
NICK: I’ve not lived in the UK for 18 years so not sure I’m afraid
SEAN: my daughter lives in London now and it is so different from the 80s /which is as it should be /always find it out for yourself
++ Anything else you’d like to add?
NICK: It was what it was – I would change a few things if I could, but I can’t. I’m truly grateful for at least having done what we did.
SEAN: we were good I think and its not a bad album still
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Listen
The Moss Poles – One Summer
