Mark Hoyle - front man of the legendary Dub Sex - has just released his biography Swerve and to promote it, he’s in the beautiful Rossendale arts centre Horse And Bamboo with a strong supporting cast; Martin Coogan from The Mock Turtles is spinning some classics in the bar before we take our seats in the splendidly decorated auditorium to hear Mark superbly interviewed by another Manc legend; singer, songwriter, actress and writer Stella Grundy.
Stella and Mark first met in a recording studio nearly forty years ago and the conversation flows between the two. Stella never forgot their first meeting when she was fifteen as Mark had offered her advice and support as she started her career.
Through the course of the interview, we learn about Mark’s close relationship with his mother and how her death when he was young impacted on his childhood, his life in care homes and the love and kindness offered to him by the Coogan family. Growing up with the Coogans led to Martin and Mark forming a band and Mark recalls an hilarious gig they played in a prison where Mark had consumed magic mushrooms before hand.
Both Stella and Mark spoke fondly of their times at the Hacienda and Hume - the sprawling Manchester housing estate where many creatives found inspiration: building recording studios, partying after the Hacienda and forming bands. Mark’s residence had no washing machine so every two weeks, he’d visit charity shops, stock up on clothes, then return them again for a fresh batch.
Stella and Mark shared stories of their varied musical careers, how proud they are that their children are musicians, and Mark told us about his experience of working with producer Martin Hannet, his love and admiration of engineer Chris Nagle and of meeting John Peel. Dub Sex recorded four sessions for his BBC Radio show where Mark got to work with one of his childhood heroes Dale Griffin, formerly of Mott The Hoople and then the Peel Session producer. We are then treated to Mark’s tribute to Marcel King. Mark’s vocals are powerful and emotive as he performs at the piano.
Stella Grundy excelled as host; her knowledge and enthusiasm evident to all in the room. Further events with Stella and Later At are in the pipeline.
Mark’s book Swerve. Dub Sex & Other Stories is available from the excellent Route publishers here.
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