In Part 1 of this two-part series, I sit down with Simon Wolstencroft, legendary drummer for The Fall and a key figure in Manchester’s vibrant music scene. From his early days playing in bands with Ian Brown and John Squire (later of The Stone Roses) to his time in The Fall, Simon shares fascinating stories from his remarkable career.
We explore Simon’s journey, starting with his punk roots and his time in Patrol and Freak Party, the latter with Johnny Marr and Andy Rourke before they formed The Smiths. Simon reflects on his time with The Fall, including his favorite track, Mr. Pharmacist, and the glory years of the band, marked by their global reach and unforgettable performances.
Simon also opens up about his nickname, Funky Si, given by Rob Gretton, and shares his memories of the early days of the Hacienda, where he witnessed its transformation from an indie venue to the heart of the rave and dance music revolution.
Other highlights include:
• The day Simon turned down joining The Smiths because of Morrissey.
• His time in The Weeds, a band that played iconic venues like Corbières.
• How jazz-funk bands like Incognito shaped his drumming style.
• Memories of Mark E. Smith, including a hilarious story about his first contract written on a cigarette packet.
• Collaborating with Diane Charlemagne, who famously sang for Moby.
Simon reflects on Manchester’s cultural impact, from the punk and indie scenes to the rise of house music, and shares personal anecdotes about legendary figures like Morrissey, Sandy Shaw, and Tracey Donnelly.
Whether you’re a fan of The Fall, Manchester music history, or untold stories from the 80s and 90s, this interview offers a unique perspective from one of the city’s most iconic drummers. Stay tuned for Part 2, where Simon delves deeper into his incredible journey!
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