Hit That Perfect Beat: The London Records Story

London Records have started a Podcast - Hit That Perfect Beat is described as The London Records Story, charting the seminal record labels history and sonic lineage. This particular episode covers 'The Reality of 90s Pop Stardom', with an opening section on East 17, who talk about their Christmas Number 1 'Stay Another Day', which was penned alongside the legendary Dom Hawken, aka Mr Wiggly. The podcast is presented by Siân Pattenden, and you'll find more details here: 

00:00 - Prologue: The Reality of 90s Pop Stardom 00:55 - East 17: Redefining the Boy Band Blueprint 12:33 - Fragile Alliances: The Breaking Point for The Communards & FYC 22:03 - The Indie Gold Rush: Speculative Budgets and Corporate Excess 35:00 - Radical Transgressions: The Uncompromising Art of Goldie & Flowered Up 47:56 - Sacked by the Manager:

The End of East 17 By the mid-90s, London Records is flying high, but success comes at a price. In this episode, journalist Siân Pattenden dives into the intoxicating, and sometimes destructive world of pop stardom. At the heart of it all is East 17. Their rise is meteoric, culminating in a Christmas number one but behind the scenes, cracks are already forming. Frontman Tony Mortimer reveals the reality of sudden fame: pressure, scrutiny, and a life turned upside down overnight.

Across the label, stories of burnout and breakdown emerge. The Communards split as tensions grow. Fine Young Cannibals implode under the strain of success. But the money keeps flowing. This is the era of the indie gold rush, with huge advances, extravagant spending, and a culture of excess. Bands like Menswear recall signing deals worth fortunes, and burning through them just as quickly. Industry insiders describe wild expense accounts, endless parties, and a sense that it might never end. Of course, it does. From costly creative risks to hedonistic lifestyles, the consequences begin to catch up.

Acts like Flowered Up illustrate how quickly things can fall apart. And then comes the ultimate question: is it worth it? Through candid reflections, artists and insiders confront the reality of fame: the highs, the lows, and the toll it takes. Episode 4 is a raw, unfiltered look at the price of living the pop dream. Written and presented by Siân Pattenden. Produced by Robin Leeburn. A Podmasters production for London Records.

Guests featured in this episode: Siobhan Fahey (Shakespears Sister / Bananarama), Sara Dallin (Bananarama), Tony Mortimer (East 17), Hillary Shaw, Colin Bell, Sean Rowley, Neil Arthur (Blancmange), Richard Coles (The Communards), Roland Gift (Fine Young Cannibals), Marcella Detroit (Shakespears Sister), Simon Bartholomew (The Brand New Heavies), Andrew Levy (The Brand New Heavies).

More from London Records

All the podcast links are here: https://londonrecords.lnk.to/podcastID

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