Writer, podcast guru and 2x ARIA Gold Award winning Exec Producer. Literary Agent @MWHamilton. One half of Ronnie & Clyde: ronnieandclyde.co.uk
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Articles by Rob Fitzpatrick
This sublime Marvin Gaye prom could never be ruined by wildfire alerts
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Paul Heaton: 'I've sold tons of records, but I don't get any respect'
Paul Heaton sits opposite me outside the Metropolitan pub in West Didsbury, staring into his pint of Timothy Taylor's Landlord. He sighs quietly. “I'm one album away from a failure,” he says. “I've always felt that way.” Despite what he says, Heaton has released successful records across five decades, ever since he first appeared in the mid-1980s as the frontman of the “fourth best band in Hull”, the Housemartins.
Johnny Depp has zero rock-star charisma
The original idea for Hollywood Vampires was a good one: shock-rock legend Alice Cooper drafts in famous pals – Johnny Depp, Aerosmith’s Joe Perry (a real rock star) and Cooper’s guitarist and co-writer Tommy Henriksen – to pay tribute in song to his dead rock-star comrades. Simple, clean, understandable. Yet the reality is rotten. Vampires is a very fitting name for a variety-act victory lap where fans pay to watch superstars feed noisily on others’ entrails.
Why rock stars are running scared of 'blue dot fever'
Rob Fitzpatrick In late May 2024, the Grammy-winning blues-rock duo the Black Keys suddenly cancelled their entire 31-date International Players tour after Ticketmaster's seat maps – where blue dots mark out the real-time information on unsold tickets – appeared to reveal swathes of leftover inventory.
Why rock stars are running scared of 'blue dot fever'
In late May 2024, the Grammy-winning blues-rock duo the Black Keys suddenly cancelled their entire 31-date International Players tour after Ticketmaster's seat maps – where blue dots mark out the real-time information on unsold tickets – appeared to reveal swathes of leftover inventory.
Luke Combs’s packed Wembley show proves the UK is embracing country
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Luke Combs’s packed Wembley show proves the UK is embracing country
The country star played the first of three shows at Wembley Stadium on Friday night - David Bergman At the first of Luke Combs’s three nights at Wembley Stadium on Friday, that creaky old canard “overwhelming ticket demand” had been wheeled out, but one only needs to observe the many thousands dressed in trucker hats, boots and cap-sleeve shirts to accept that, this time at least, it appeared to be true.
Burnham might be backing music venues, but don’t let him on the aux
In the spring of 2022, when he was still mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham sat down with leading music website The Quietus to discuss the albums that marked the most significant moments in his life. Of the 13 records mentioned, eight (the Beatles, the Smiths, Doves, the Strokes, Radiohead, The La’s, the Wedding Present and the Stone Roses) came exclusively from some-blokes-in-a-band territory.
System of a Down's shrieking return was utterly brilliant – and howlingly awful
At their first UK show in nine years, avant-garde heavy metal band System of a Down filled the vast 65,000-capacity Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to its shiny rafters. The Armenian-American band have a huge cult following, but if you're not in that cult, they can be cosmically aggravating – the textbook definition of the sort of shrieking, growling, roaring great racket you'd play to punish your parents for daring to have you.
Sweet Caroline vs Wonderwall – there's only one winner
Rob Fitzpatrick I received a WhatsApp message after England's victory over the DR Congo: “We won because Tuchel's using a possession back-three that morphs to a back-four defensively. Rice screening as a true six, Stones stepping into midfield, Kane dropping to drag defenders and open half-spaces for Bellingham's runs. He's saving legs – pragmatic and coherent.” My reply: “Nope.
Johnny Marr showed he’s the perfect rock star at his homecoming show
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Johnny Marr showed he’s the perfect rock star at his homecoming show
Johnny Marr’s Castlefield Bowl set was split evenly between Marr’s own solo material and Smiths classics - Alexander Cropper/Getty Images On a sweltering night that felt more Seville than Salford, Johnny Marr filled Manchester’s Castlefield Bowl to capacity with his droll charisma and a crowd hungry for sing-alongs.
The story from A–Z: The forgotten history of the Spice Girls' Wannabe
There were a few important UK music stories in the summer of 1996. The Lightning Seeds teamed up with comedians David Baddiel and Frank Skinner for the chart-conquering football anthem Three Lions . The fiery Welsh iconoclasts Manic Street Preachers were celebrating a new £1m publishing deal – the biggest of the year – after Sony/ATV won a hard-fought battle against BMG, EMI and PolyGram.
Metallica is everything America should be
On the eve of America's 250th birthday, Metallica presented a picture of what that nation should look like: ambitious, pluralistic and unexpectedly joyful. Since 1981, this excitable band of German, Irish, Mexican, Filipino, English, Danish and Native American extraction has made something no-one had ever been crazy enough to make before – thrash metal – and have had huge success with variations of it ever since.
Foreigner's desperate, misguided quest to become cool
Rock bands want two things: to make a lot of money and be cool. Some, such as Led Zeppelin , manage both; some only manage one. Foreigner made – make, in fact, since they currently have nearly 21 million listeners a month on Spotify and are back on tour in the UK and Europe – a lot of money. But were they ever cool? No. Did that bug them? Very much. The question, then, is what might a band be willing to do to appear cool?
Guns N' Roses have become an embarrassing cabaret act
Guns N' Roses were once the most dangerous rock 'n' roll band in the world: a group of excitable maniacs whose songs tore through the ozone layer of late Eighties pop and planted a ragged, bourbon-soaked flag in the dirt. But on Saturday night, as Download Festival headliners, every trace of that visceral danger was absent. In its place, we witnessed a well-drilled, super-professional cabaret outfit who sashayed through the hits and smiled sweetly as they did it.
This Boyzone reunion was breathtaking in its awfulness
A band needs an awful lot of charisma to pull off a summer-weekend stadium show, and last night, in north London, Boyzone's distinct lack of it felt as huge and untraversable as the Mariana Trench. Billed as a one-off reunion show, the first since 2019, and a tribute to their late bandmate Stephen Gateley, the stakes were already high at the Emirates Stadium. But a less thrilling outcome would be hard to imagine.
This Boyzone reunion was breathtaking in its awfulness
Keith Duffy, Ronan Keating and Shane Lynch of Boyzone reuniting for the first time since 2019 - Redferns Rob Fitzpatrick Sat, June 6, 2026 at 10:41 AM UTC 2 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. A band needs an awful lot of charisma to pull off a summer-weekend stadium show, and on Friday, in north London, Boyzone’s distinct lack of it felt as huge and untraversable as the Mariana Trench.
This Boyzone reunion was breathtaking in its awfulness
Sat, June 6, 2026 at 10:41 AM UTC Keith Duffy, Ronan Keating and Shane Lynch of Boyzone reuniting for the first time since 2019 - Redferns A band needs an awful lot of charisma to pull off a summer-weekend stadium show, and on Friday, in north London, Boyzone's distinct lack of it felt as huge and untraversable as the Mariana Trench. Billed as a one-off reunion show, the first since 2019, and a tribute to their late bandmate Stephen Gateley, the stakes were already high at the Emirates Stadium.
This Boyzone reunion was breathtaking in its awfulness
A band needs an awful lot of charisma to pull off a summer-weekend stadium show, and last night, in north London, Boyzone's distinct lack of it felt as huge and untraversable as the Mariana Trench. Billed as a one-off reunion show, the first since 2019, and a tribute to their late bandmate Stephen Gateley, the stakes were already high at the Emirates Stadium. But a less thrilling outcome would be hard to imagine.
People will be talking about this Paul Simon gig for years
Rob Fitzpatrick During the solemnYour Forgiveness, the question bubbles up: “Who else would have the nerve to do this?” The packed arena is waiting for hits and singalongs, the odd heckle goes up, but Simon – in the quietest way imaginable – demands peace. He won't be rushed towards anything.
Paul Simon proves experimental and unafraid at 84
Rob Fitzpatrick During the solemn Your Forgiveness, the question bubbles up: “Who else would have the nerve to do this?” The packed arena is waiting for hits and sing-alongs, the odd heckle goes up, but Simon – in the quietest way imaginable – demands peace. He won't be rushed towards anything.
Paul Simon proves experimental and unafraid at 84
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People will be talking about this Paul Simon gig for years
; ; ; Continue reading More for You
People will be talking about this Paul Simon gig for years
; ; ; ; Continue reading More for You ; ; ; Continue reading More for You
Paul Simon proves experimental and unafraid at 84
Simon delivers a ‘hushed and inward-looking’ performance that stares directly at life and death - Jake Edwards It’s nearly 70 years since 16-year-old Paul Simon (and friend Art Garfunkel) had a hit with Hey, Schoolgirl and more than 60 since he first played in Liverpool, so it’s fair to say we were in the presence of history tonight. And what history it was.
Seeing Jethro Tull in 2026 feels like watching a pretend band
Rob Fitzpatrick The venue felt appropriate for what turned out to be a decidedly theatrical affair; there was even an interval. An evening with Jethro Tull – or more accurately, an evening with Ian Anderson, the only founder member still in the line-up after nearly 59 years – is at times a frustrating affair. You wish they'd let go a little, allow the noise to build and the power to shake the room a bit. But the vibe was more “gentle freak-out”.
Seeing Jethro Tull in 2026 feels like watching a pretend band
Jethro Tull perform their Curiosity tour at an earlier performance in Edinburgh in April - Jason Gilchrist The last time Jethro Tull were cool, Ted Heath was prime minister, but like Canadian rockers Rush – or Morris dancing – that very uncoolness is the band’s superpower. Their fans are truly devoted; those who love them, really love them.
Why May 1966 was the most electrifying month in rock history
May 1966 is rock’s ultimate rabbit hole. It began with the biggest band in history (unknowingly) playing their final scheduled UK show; by May 31, whole new technologies had entered the fray, new sounds were everywhere and bands who would shape and influence every major rock scene for the next 60 years emerged into the light. In 744 hours, the already fairly new mop-top ’n’ folk-pop era did not just fade away, it was gleefully shredded by some of the very people who created it.
The Prodigy have no time for fluffy nostalgia in their riotously intense Wembley show
The Prodigy frontman Maxim at Wembley Arena - Simone Joyner/Getty On Friday night at Wembley OVO Arena, The Prodigy – 36 years into a career devoted to pushing everything just that bit further than anyone else dares – were in no mood to mess about. From their opening song, 2009’s Omen, to their final encore, 1992’s crossover hit Out Of Space, Liam Howlett’s band were a brutally effective unit, a riotously intense noise machine that’s part metallic grind and part electronic howl.
How the Eagles’ unwanted album ruined rock forever
The Eagles (Don Felder, Don Henley, Joe Walsh, Glenn Frey and Randy Meisner) in 1976 - Redferns Fifty years ago, the Eagles broke the music industry, and we are all still living in the wreckage. On February 17 1976, Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Bernie Leadon, Randy Meisner and Don Felder released Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975 (TGH). But it would be more accurate to say that it was Asylum Records that released it, as the band themselves had no say in either its appearance or its track listing.
Synergistic Effects of Lime-Organic Amendment Interactions in Acidic Soils
Data Availability Statement The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request. Supporting Information Filename Description ejss70276-sup-0001-supinfoS1.docxWord 2007 document , 104.7 KB Supplementary Material S1: Methods used for analysing the properties of organic amendments and the acidic soil in this study.
Inside Spotify’s billion streams club Original
Rob Fitzpatrick Wed 19 November 2025 at 1:02 pm UTC 9 min read If you want to know what the majority of the world is listening to, search for the Billions Club on Spotify, then click the Date Added button so the newest entrants come right to the top.
Gary Numan: Telekonesis
Dr Peter Zinovieff is responsible for the first British synthesiser, the VCS3. Now in his 80s, he remains as interested in the future as ever. And he’s invited us to lunch, to discuss Kraftwerk, Robert Moog, Delia Derbyshire, a couple of Beatles, hard drives costing £4,000 and a computer powered by a windmill
The Mom Test: How to talk to customers & learn if your business is a good idea when everyone is lying to you eBook : Fitzpatrick, Rob: Kindle Store
"Read this short book! We believe this is the best and most accessible book for entrepreneus who are seeking product market fit. -- Simon Murdoch. Partner Episode1 Ventures Recommended by world-class investors"[The Mom Test] book is awesome. We've been recommending it to all YC founders since last batch." -- Eric Migicovsky, Partner, Y Combinator "If you aren't sure about how to ask the "right" questions to ascertain whether there is real customer pain, the best book on the subject is The Mom Test.
The Evolving Classification of Acid Sulfate Soils
The strength of current acid sulfate (AS) soil classification systems has been: International dialogue, which has led toward a growing similarity among the major soil classification systems in addressing definitions and criteria for AS soils. The relative simplicity of the structure with inclusion of “sulfidic” (materials) and “sulfuric” (horizon and/or materials; corresponding to thionic) with robust definitions.
Soil pH: Techniques, challenges and insights from a global dataset
Review of soil pH including its distribution, measurement and importance. Key global soil pH influences were carbonate, rainfall, evaporation, clay & organic carbon content. Care needs to be taken in choosing appropriate pH measurement techniques. Improved field pH measurement technology would be beneficial for accurate soil management. 1 INTRODUCTION Soil pH is a fundamental parameter influencing a wide range of soil properties and processes.
Audiobooks for entrepreneurs: Insights from Newark’s tech leaders
Entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart. It takes grit, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to problem-solving—qualities that the trailblazers of Newark's thriving tech ecosystem know all too well. In Audible's global headquarters city, we’re dedicated to growing Newark's innovation community through a range of initiatives, including our Business Attraction Program that brings promising startups to the area.
Sorption retards remediation of clayey sulfuric soils with straw‐derived dissolved organic matter
Efficacy of dissolved organic matter for remediation of clayey sulfuric soils is yet unresolved. Clay-rich sulfuric soils were submerged and incubated with wheat straw-derived dissolved organic matter. Sorption to reactive minerals selectively decreases degradable dissolved organic matter. In consequence, this retards reduction processes and pH increase.
‘Like brushing my teeth’: how Michiru Aoyama writes, records and releases an album every day
When you’re interviewing a musician, it’s considered a good idea to have digested a decent amount of their art. Having said that, Michiru Aoyama, a Ryuichi Sakamoto fan and resident of Kyoto, has released a new album every single day since at least 31 December 2021 – so despite a fortnight of almost non-stop listening, I’ve barely scratched the surface. I say at least because Aoyama has so many releases that if you scroll down on his Spotify page, the system basically groans and gives up.
New York State Department American Legion Baseball
The New York State American Legion Baseball Senior Division Championship Tournament is set to take place from July 25-27 at Mirabito Stadium, the home of the New York Mets Double A (AA) team the Binghamton Rumble Ponies in Binghamton, New York. In addition to a new location the Tournament also has a new format. Six teams will compete this season with each team playing two pool play games before the top 4 teams qualify for the single elimination playoffs.
How to Become a Strong Writer, 5 Easy Ways
By: Janice Wald | June 2, 2021 | Tags: best article writer, effective writing strategies, how to improve copywriting skills, strong writer, what makes a great writer Image source Do you want to be a strong writer like Stephen King? Throughout his 54-year career, the famous horror and suspense author Stephen King has written over 60 full-length fiction novels and more than a hundred short stories. One can only wonder how he pulled off such a feat.
Replay Podcast Interview: Stephanie Chandler 02/24/2021 - Top 5 Book Marketing Strategies for 2021 Book Sales Success
Event Date: February 24, 2021 | Time: 10AM PT / 1PM ET Join us as Stephanie Chandler speaks on the topic: Top 5 Book Marketing Strategies for 2021 Book Sales Success. About Stephanie Chandler Stephanie Chandler is the founder of the Nonfiction Authors Associationand Nonfiction Writers Conference, and author of several books including The Nonfiction Book Publishing Plan and The Nonfiction Book Marketing Plan.
Roddy Doyle interview
You can learn an awful lot about a place if a kindly local decides to give you a tour. Right now, we’re out by Dublin Bay, just over the wooden bridge at Dollymount, walking up the long, thin road that bisects Bull Island. Up there somewhere lies the 128-year-old Royal Dublin Golf Club and beyond that a Victorian segregated swimming area.
The Rolling Stones: the case for and against
Love ’em By Rob Fitzpatrick In 1972, as the Rolling Stones rumbled across America for eight months playing to 750,000 people for $3 or $4 a time, Life magazine took a look at this odd English band, already a decade old, and decided, ‘with The Beatles disintegrated and Bob Dylan not appearing in public any more, the Stones are the only deities visible on Olympus’. Four decades later, the once mighty Life is now merely a photo channel on Time.com, but The Rolling Stones are still Olympian gods. Why?
Lean startup circle Boston - April 28, 2011
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