No, not a new podcast . . .
. . . Just an historic summit, last Tuesday, photographed using what I believe is called a mobile phone by our friend Jim in the reception of 6 Music/Radio 2. (Obviously, it's easier to recognise the pair of us if I stand on the left, and he on the right.) It was nice to have this mini-reunion - which happily involved beer in a old man's pub, the fleeting presence of Steve Lamacq, at least one drunken fan of Stuart's and a Goan curry - and for it to be recorded, photographically, for posterity. People often ask me if I see much of Stuart, and the truth is, I don't (I live in London, he lives in Birmingham and works four nights a week in Manchester), but when we do cross paths, it's like we've never been away!As you were.
PS: For nostalgia, here's the two of us (flanked by Mark Goodier and Nick Heyward) in a photo taken at the Sony Awards 13 years ago!
posted by Andrew Collins @ 11:10 PM
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28 Comments:
You're looking younger with age AC!
The recent pic is a great snap of the two old friends together.
It amuses me that SM always seems to be taken slightly by surprise in all the pics I've seen of him.
He's doing a good job running Radio 2 these days though isn't he; his handover from the coolest man in the world, the great Johnnie Walker, was super this morning.
Collins and Maconie Together Again!
For some amongst us, this is more exciting than The Beatles getting back together or the scenes in Heat with Pacino and De Niro.
And I am not ashamed to say I'm one.
I should probably mention that Stuart's bestselling Pies & Prejudice is out now in more-affordably-priced paperback. Not that he needs any extra publicity from me. I have just delivered the exclusive "extra chapter" to my publishers for the next publication of That's Me In The Corner, due out in July. And I do need the extra publicity.
It's funny, when you began your media career as one half of a double act, and then you go your separate ways, you can't help but treat your subsequent careers as a race. It's not, and Stuart and I wish each other well in our individual endeavours, but there's an underlying sense of being neck and neck, or else he's pulling ahead of me, or I'm pulling ahead of him. It's not actually competitive, but I'm always happiest when we're both sort of doing alright! (It's very difficult to admit that. I can sense it between Richard Herring and Stewart Lee too. It's unavoidable. I expect Mike and Bernie Winters had it too.)
Andrew, in a blatent plug, here is a review of the Banter recording on Monday night.
Was a great laugh, hope this series is a big sucess for you!
Any memories of Nick Heyward from '95, Andrew? Aside from being something of an unsung English pop maestro, from time I met him while working as a local journo in Sussex, I found him to be one of the most warm, likeable, self-effacing and funny 'celebs' I've ever had the pleasure to meet...top fella!
Brighton Charlie
Thanks for the kind comments in your review, Alex. I'm enjoying this series of Banter even more than the last one. (Perhaps it was the year-long break forced upon us by Radio 4.) By the way, the reason I have to keep dragging the panellists back to the quiz is that a) it's a quiz, and Radio 4 like it to behave like one among the flights of fancy, and b) we do have a time limit. Even though the recordings go on and on, and most people don't seem to mind that, our producer does have to edit it down and we don't have the Drill Hall booked indefinitely! There are technicians and staff who want to go home. (I hope I don't actually spoil the panellists' fun, but the job of the chairperson is, to an extent, to ruin their evening!)
Nick Heyward is indeed nice and pie. I don't have any vivid memories of him from that night, as we met him only when mounting the stage to collect our award from him, but I have met him once since, and everybody else says he's one of the good guys.
I just wrote "nice and pie" about Nick Heyward. You know what I actually meant to write, but what came out was somehow suitable.
Look at Stuart's fringe in the old photo!;)
Andrew I do understand, it must be a difficult line to walk.
I guess it's almost as though there are two different events going on at the same time. A fun evening of comedy and a radio show being recorded. And of course it's easy to forget while you're sitting there that there is a higher purpose.
Without those bits of you dragging them back there wouldn't be a radio quiz, which would presumably would mean I wouldn't have got the free tickets! So I do appreciate it really.
I'm off to see Stuart in Keswick next week talk about his book, should be good. Doesn't he have to write another book to catch up with you Andrew?
Stuart's fringe was iconic. I still find it weird to see him without it, even though he must have jettisoned that look about ten years ago!
No, Sean, to catch up with me, Stuart has to write another book and two sitcoms. Ha ha. (But the joke's on me, as I have to present three programmes on BBC4, and he's working on his next book already. I'm exhausted just thinking about it.)
(Hey, Alex, I didn't mean to sound defensive. You make a valid point! Being the chair on a radio comedy show is mainly about being the butt of the joke and the boring one who has to get back onto the quiz - within that rubrick, I have an awful lot of fun and I am really flattered to be asked to do it.)
I find it very sad when double acts split up. I think it would be lovely if Stewart Lee were to team up with Marc 'Lard' Riley because it seems a shame that they aren't paired off, seeing as you've pinched Richard Keith Herrin and Stuart has professionally copped off with Mark Radcliffe.
I once interviewed Nick Heyward while he was in the bath. Might I add, it was a phoner.
I love Stuart Maconie. I heard a bit of him this morning standing in for Ken Bruce, and I'm always pleased when he's sitting in for Chris Evans. He's so avuncular and his music's marvellous.
Can't you get yourself a nice stand-in gig on Radio 2, Andrew? The music would be great.
Brilliant point about Lard and Lee, Graham - it had never crossed my mind!
F-C, I don't think a stand-in gig at Radio 2 is on the cards for me. I don't seem to be in favour at all. I once sat in for Radcliffe for a week, and one night only for Richard Allinson when he was ill, but both were a looooong time ago now, and even though 6 Music occasionally offer me "deps", my departure from that network was hardly ceremonial. Things could always change, but I don't think I'm flavour of the month any more. It happens. At least Radio 4 like me. I'm on Front Row tonight, in fact.
If the diabolical state of 6 is anything to go by, I think you're best off out of it Andrew - Stuart's Sunday show is about the only show managing to dodge the grenades. I've been listening to tons more R4 recently and it's nice to hear you there instead!
I'd imagine relations between you and Stuart (as with any double act) are exactly the same as sibling rivalry. Very deep down you want the other to be happy and successful, but deep down you don't as it would make you feel failure in some way, and on a surface level you want them to be successful so you can be successful together. It is made worse if you are in a similar line of business.
I can't imagine you taking delight in people recognising you as the famous Stuart Maconie's old sidekick (in fact I have detected occasional tetchiness on your blog), and I dare say Stuart would feel the same if you went on to do something higher profile than him.
Roger
Andrew, I think the reason the new series of Banter is better than the last is the venue. It's much more relaxed in the Drill Hall than in that last place (even if the seats were very comfy!). Personally I prefer it to the refurbed BBC Radio Theatre which also has comfy seats. The riverside where the 1st series was recorded was good as well. I wonder if it has anything to do with there being a proper bar a few feet away as well! (note for next recording - glower at anyone that knocks over an empty glass!)
AC: I know you are not being competitive but I see Richard Herring has had all his nick nacks photographed in the Guardian today. " ah yes this is my favourite Carter USM tshirt.... " ;)
The once mighty 6Music isn't what it once was. And I'm not entirely sure that the comments made by Lesley Douglas in The Guardian this week did much to boost optimism. It seems to have moved too far away from the original remit. Mind you, I still miss GLR.
I don't know about tetchiness, Roger (I hope not, anyway), as a Radio 2 DJ who's on as much as Stuart, who also has a TV profile thanks to thinks like Pop On Trial is always going to get recognised more than a former 6 Music DJ whose TV profile is limited to talking-head shows and News 24. It actually amuses me when I am erroneously recognised as Stuart, since we don't actually look alike. (This happened, as you may recall, at the Carter gig before Christmas.) For people of a certain age and preference, Stuart and I will always go together, which I think it sweet, and if it means that they get us mixed up, it's for no bad reason.
The best outcome is for Stuart and I to do well in different fields, clearly. Or at least on different networks!
He means an awful lot to me, as we embarked upon our accidental radio/TV careers together, which is why I wrote so much about him in That's Me In The Corner. I hope I'm pretty upfront about it. No matter how our paths separate, we do tend to end up in the same place, such as 6 Music for five years, and now at Radio Times, albeit in separate paddocks. The downside is that we rarely actually see each other, except occasionally in passing, which is why it was so nice to be able to print this photograph.
JW, I also prefer the Drill Hall. It amazes me how few people hang around for a drink afterwards though, especially when it's in handy Central London. We usually emerge from the dressing room at around 9-9.15 and the bar is almost empty!
Andrew.
the 'chron' as ever have been reading your blog and recycling it as 3/4 page news story.
http://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/news/Sarah-Brown-is-39most-attractive.3785844.jp
how lazy are they? i bet they never interviewed you or spoke to you..?
I was in the audience for 'banter' this week and should have brought you a copy - If i'd known the setup at the Drill Hall i'd have done so (proximity to 'the stars' etc).
Would have stayed afterwards to catch up / for a drink too but "london midland" are as bad as "silverlink" ever were.
Centre block - to your right, 4 rows from front. But i think you clocked me anyway - there seemed a puzzled semi-recognition in your face. Myabe it's coz I've got 'budgie' fake blonde hair now. (bring back the 80s i say!)
Getting tickets for next episode so maybe catch up next time?
[James / Northampton / Nene / RWH / Camberwell / Thomas's thing / web design / etc... if you're having difficulty putting name to face]
i really am NOT stalking you believe it or not - a buddy got the tickets!
I remember those early contributions to Mark Goodier's Radio 1 breakfast Show vividly. "It's worth a thought"...
Yes, Jades, say hello next time, although I appreciate the urgency to get back to Euston for the last train home. (It's good of you to travel so far for radio fun. Clare, who sometimes posts on here, comes down from Luton, which is equally impressive.)
They did phone me for a quote for the Chronicle & Echo piece actually, so don't write off the local new journalist just yet!
Actually, I'm quite shocked at the tabloidy style of the piece about my trip to Downing Street! To save you reading it, the piece is headlined:
"Sarah Brown is 'most attractive PM's wife ever'"
Northampton-born broadcaster and writer Andrew Collins has described Sarah Brown as the most attractive Prime Minister's wife in history. The DJ and author of a series of best-selling autobiographies was speaking after being invited by Mrs Brown to a charity bash at 10 Downing Street on Thursday. Following the celebrity event, where other guests included Big Brother host Davina McCall and comedian Ronnie Corbett, Mr Collins praised the Prime Minister's wife in his on-line blog. He said: "Sarah Brown looked relaxed and very attractive in red. I'd say the most attractive Prime Minister's wife ever."
Factually true, in that I did write that in my "on-line blog", but spun somewhat!
I came from Luton and I wasn't feeling well!!!!
I enjoyed the show though. Laughter definitely is the best medicine, as you said. Although I'm waning again today!
John and I may stay at the next one - although it's a school night, so it depends.
Tonight on Front Row we talk to Andrew Collins who has been reviewing Living TV's new risque show Prime Minister's wives.
Kind of unrelated to your actual blog, but I was at the recording of Banter, along with a group of friends (we were the teenage girls at the front, the ones near that bloke Richard Herring called a paedo). We had a great time, although I'm guessing most of the funniest stuff won't make the broadcast! Namely, the constant references to bumming and Richard being a shepherd..!
We would've waited around in the bar if we'd realised you could. As it was, I had to head home anyway. If we come to another recording, we'll definitely say hello afterwards.
x
My favourite Collins and Maconie-ism: "It's petrol, Sandra! They mean to poison us!"
As a late-comer, I only know Stuart Maconie from his show with Mark Radcliffe. I've always liked your and Mark's shows, so I'd love to hear what you did with Stuart before.
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