Now Spinning Magazine — Music Interviews, Reviews & Commentary

I’ve been an Ian Gillan and Deep Purple fan since 1972, when I first heard “Never Before” from Machine Head. Their music has been part of my life ever since.
Following Ian’s announcement that the rest of Deep Purple’s European and UK tour is postponed on medical advice, I wanted to share a few personal thoughts about what he means to us, the demands of touring and why news like this affects so many fans so deeply.
Above all, this is a message of affection and support. Ian has given us so much, and I hope he can take all the time he needs to rest and recover, knowing how much he is appreciated.
My thoughts are with Ian, his family, the band and everyone affected by the postponements.
You have nothing left to prove, Ian. Thank you for the music.
Please share your good wishes and what Ian’s music means to you in the comments.
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine


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Steven Wilson returns to the Now Spinning Magazine podcast to explore Requiem for a Village — an album he describes as “54 minutes of cinema for the ears”.
Living in a small rural village in Cornwall, I felt an immediate connection to its atmosphere: the old ways overlapping with the new, familiar places holding strange stories, and the sense that time might have stood still.
In this conversation, Steven explains why guitarist Randy McStine was told to play the guitar as he found it, even if it had drifted out of tune, and why resisting the temptation to correct things became one of the album’s biggest challenges.
We also discuss:
Building the village’s mythology with XTC’s Andy Partridge.
David Tennant’s narration and the unexpected connection to Ivor Cutler.
Katherine Priddy, “Murmuration” and traditional murder ballads.
Bringing together heavy guitars, folk, electronic music and drum and bass.
AI, human fingerprints and rediscovering the freedom of a beginner.
The possibility of returning to the village in a future album.
Before this, Hand. Cannot. Erase. was my favourite Steven Wilson album. During this interview, I explain why Requiem for a Village has taken its place.
Requiem for a Village is released on 6 November 2026 through Fiction Records.
Official Steven Wilson website: https://stevenwilsonhq.com/
Now Spinning Magazine: https://nowspinning.co.uk/
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Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
Music is the healer and the doctor.



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We’ve Risked Everything on This Album” – Cats in Space’s Greg HartIs Suit of Armour the finest album Cats in Space have made? For me, it is—and in my second interview with Greg Hart, we explore every track and the extraordinary stories behind the music.Greg joins me, Phil Aston, for an in-depth Now Spinning Magazine conversation about an album filled with huge harmonies, spectacular twin guitars and deeply personal songwriting.We discuss the guitar-driven opening of Miracle, how We Breathe in Stereo almost became a bonus track, the emotional power of White Knight, and the experiences behind Mister Showbiz and the title song.Greg also reveals Steevi Bacon's growing contribution as a lyricist, the story behind his vocal on Analogue Kid, the years of work that shaped The Bloodsucker Waltz, and the brass arrangement that makes Twenty-Seven so moving.Along the way, we explore Chris Childs and Sam Wood's arrival, Damien Edwards's remarkable vocals, Julie Maguire's backing vocals, Ian Caple's work on the sound, and a production that includes around 120 vocal tracks on one song.This is a conversation about music, creative commitment, vulnerability and hope. Suit of Armour is released on 6 November 2026 through Esoteric Antenna / Cherry Red Records, on CD and vinyl. The CD includes the bonus tracks Cathedral and From Time to Time.Album launch shows:• 5 November 2026 – hmv Empire, Coventry• 6 November 2026 – The Corn Exchange, NewportDiscover the band, explore the music and find live dates:https://www.catsinspace.co.uk/Official merchandise and webstore:https://webstore.catsinspace.co.uk/Now Spinning Magazine:https://nowspinning.co.uk/If you enjoy the interview, please share it with someone who might love this band. Buying an album, picking up merchandise or attending a show helps support the people making the music.Please subscribe to Now Spinning Magazine for more interviews, reviews and conversations celebrating music in all its physical forms.Music is the healer and the doctor.Phil Aston | Now Spinning MagazineJoin this channel to get early access to videos, exclusive content and more:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnZSsMr4k8ZVlrJ8MUYR4GA/join


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Ritchie Blackmore Interview: In His Own Words – Parts 6–8Family Favourites, Breaking the Rules and Learning to Love the Acoustic Guitar.Three questions. Three very different sides of Ritchie Blackmore.In this extended instalment of my exclusive Ritchie Blackmore Interview : In His Own Words interview series, I bring together Parts 6, 7 and 8.We talk about the music Ritchie’s family actually listens to — and which Deep Purple songs have found their way through to the next generation.Then we move into guitar playing: does Ritchie really think about harmonic minor scales when he improvises, or does instinct take over?Finally, Ritchie talks about the transition from electric to acoustic guitar, why playing without distortion and sustain was such a challenge, and why it took him around 20 years to feel completely comfortable.This original interview was recorded exclusively for Now Spinning Magazine.A huge thank you to Ritchie Blackmore and Candice Night for making the series possible.Please subscribe for the remaining instalments of Ritchie Blackmore: In His Own Words.🎵 JOIN OUR MUSIC COMMUNITYLove physical music and friendly, knowledgeable music conversation? Join the Now Spinning community on Patreon for early ad-free videos, private Facebook and WhatsApp groups, exclusive content and invitations to our twice-monthly virtual meet-ups at The Now Spinning Arms.Your support helps keep Now Spinning Magazine independent.Join us here:https://www.patreon.com/nowspinningWebsite: https://nowspinning.co.ukCD & Vinyl Store: https://burningshed.com/store/now-spinning-magazinePhil AstonNow Spinning Magazinehttps://nowspinning.co.uk


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Dave Hill Slade Interview Part 3 In the final part of our Now Spinning Magazine interview, Dave Hill talks about making his solo album, Dirty Foot Lane, and the personal stories within its songs.Dave explains how Noddy Holder suggested working with his son Django, and how that collaboration helped bring space, warmth and fresh ideas to the recordings. We discuss the rock energy of “Fast Train,” the bluesy humour of “Dust My Axe,” and the reflective side of the album.There are also stories about John Lennon, Noddy’s voice, Slade Alive! and the enduring connection between Slade and their audience. Dave speaks openly about his own experiences of depression, the support that helped him and why sharing his story matters.Dirty Foot Lane is released on 30 October 2026. The Sister Ray-hosted London launch takes place at All Is Joy, Soho, on 4 November at 7pm.

Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine


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