The residents of Bury and beyond were treated to a wonderfully intimate evening of post punk history curtesy of musician Mark Hoyle. The Dub Sex founder and frontman has recently released his autobiography ‘Swerve’ to numerous rave reviews, and this evening we were privy to Hoyle talking us through the anecdotes and reading passages in person.
The interview was conducted by Mancunian Poet Tony Walsh, also know to many as Longfella. Walsh has been the subject of many interviews, but the role of interviewer gave him the chance to display his knowledge of all things punk and ask the questions, a wonderful role-reversal. Walsh was an outstanding host, sensitively touching upon more delicate subject areas which Hoyle answered articulately and provided a huge insight into his early years and what made him take the path into performing.
The interview was flawless, and quite honestly, having attended numerous book launches, this one was one I did not want to end. Hoyle and Walsh had immaculate chemistry, and at times it felt like you were eavesdropping on two pals down the pub. There was no ego here, just brutal (and at times it was hard to listen to) and open, but with an underlying warmth that made the audience emotional.
Hoyle’s journey was certainly not smooth, and he spoke at length about how much reading and literature encouraged by his late mother, paved the way for his songwriting prowess with Dub Sex. The emotional journey and stories were teased out by Walsh, displaying his own impressive knowledge of the 70’s and 80’s Manchester music scene.
There was of course humour, some of it a little dark, but proper Northern Humour that at times was welcomed as a bit of light relief from the heavier memories of Ian Curtis, and Hoyle’s own struggles and the grittiness amongst the glamour of living in the infamous Hulme Crescent. On a screen behind Hoyle were photographs of his former residence, some taken by photographer Richard Davis who was in the audience too, and also a former resident of the flats.
The evening ended with a slightly briefer discussion on the success of Dub Sex, with Hoyle fondly reminiscing of the John Peel days before taking a few insightful questions from the audience. I learnt a lot last night, as someone a little too young to remember those days, I find the whole movement fascinating and strongly urge anyone who was present, or has a passion for the history of Manchester music to attend one of Hoyle’s talks.
Mark’s book is available by Route Publishing, who can be found below! Route have published some outstanding work from a range of well known Mancunian musicians.
YOU CAN FOLLOW MARK AND KEEP UP TO DATE WITH FURTHER APPEARANCES HERE – FACEBOOK
CHECK OUT ROUTE PUBLISHING HERE – FACEBOOK/X/INSTAGRAM
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