Rosebud with Gyles Brandreth

Gary Kemp is the lead guitarist of the legendary 80s band Spandau Ballet, and the author of all of their greatest hits, including True, Gold, Through The Barricades and To Cut a Long Story Short. He is also a successful movie star, in films as diverse as The Bodyguard and The Krays. In this brilliant and wide-ranging conversation with Gyles, Gary talks about his working class boyhood in Islington, north London, sharing an outside toilet with two other families. He talks about getting his first guitar and impressing his dad with his songwriting skills. He talks about the importance of mentors, and the key roles Bishop Trevor Huddleston and the drama teacher Anna Scher played in his life. He talks about the beginnings of Spandau Ballet, the Blitz club and still living at home well into his twenties. Gary talks about the court case between him and the rest of the band, and he talks about Live Aid and meeting David Bowie. And he talks about his unbreakable bond with his brother, Martin, and the deaths of their parents within four days of each other. This is a really in-depth, sensitive and humane discussion which will impress you, inform you and inspire you. Gary's book, 1967, is out now and tells the story of Brian Epstein's final address book - it is a fascinating cultural history of Britain in the sixties. It's available here . Our heartfelt thanks to Gary for this brilliant chat. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Another classic episode of Gyles's diaries for you today. Gyles has been keeping a daily diary since he was ten years old, and in these episodes (released on alternate Tuesdays), he reads selected extracts aloud to Harriet, the Rosebud producer, and they chat about them. We've now reached 1981. If you want to go back to the very beginning, the episodes are in chronological order in our back catalogue. Today's edition opens with Gyles and Harriet chatting about leaf blowers, and then we play in a really very special, and exclusive, voice note from one of our celebrity listeners... you won't believe who it is - make sure you listen, as it will surprise and delight you. And transport you back to your childhood days. Then we read out some of the autobiographical poetry we were sent by listeners, inspired by our conversation with the great Larry Lamb. Thank you Zoe Grace Couzens and Liam Dugan for your excellent poetical contributions to Rosebud. Gyles's 1981 diaries feature Liberace, Christopher Biggins, John Schlesinger, Kenneth Williams, Bonnie Langford and Melvyn Bragg. Yes, all human life is here! (Well particularly if they're famous...) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bill Wyman, who is 90 years old this week, and was for 31 years the bass player of the The Rolling Stones, is our guest today. Bill talks to Gyles about his wartime childhood in south-east London, and some of the really visceral experiences he had during the war of bombing and evacuation. He talks about his grandmother - who taught him to read, got him started on piano lessons, and made delicious bread pudding; and his dad, who was a tough disciplinarian who didn't like the airs and graces that Bill picked up at grammar school. Bill talks about the early days of the Rolling Stones, when Mick, Keith and Brian Jones lived in a squalid flat in Chelsea and could barely afford to feed themselves. He talks about his close friendship with Charlie Watts and their reputation as the best rhythm section in rock and roll. He talks about the instrumental role the Beatles played in the Stones being discovered. And he talks about leaving the group and finding success - and happiness - in collaboration with other musicians and artists later in his career. This is a fascinating chat with the "oldest living rocker" on the planet, who was there at the heart of it all. Bill has a number of releases coming up to mark his 90th birthday, including The Best of Bill Wyman, available here , and Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings, Ultimate Collection, available here . Our heartfelt thanks to Bill for this conversation, and a very, very happy birthday from all of us at Rosebud! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dylan Jones was for 22 years the editor of the UK edition of GQ Magazine, and turned that men's style glossy into essential reading for those interested in the culture, fashion and cool of the 00s. Prior to that he worked on i-D Magazine and Arena. At GQ, Dylan also turned the GQ Man of the Year Awards into one of the big events of the London social calendar, and after GQ Jones went on to edit the Evening Standard. Dylan and Gyles talk about all this in today's fascinating conversation. And they also talk about Dylan's childhood. Born into a military family - Dylan's dad was in the RAF - Dylan moved around a great deal and was subject to his father's physical violence on a regular basis. He describes living in this "chaos" and talks about the lasting impact this difficult childhood has had on his character. This is a really important, powerful and intimate conversation, which doesn't wallow in difficulty or pain, but discusses it openly, calmly, and with real candour. (This episode does contain discussion of serious sexual assault and domestic violence). Dylan's new book, Table Hopping: The Secret History of London's Restaurants, from Langan's Brasserie to The Wolseley is highly recommended. It's available here . Our deep thanks to Dylan for being our guest, and for sharing his wisdom, wit, and brilliant conversation with us on Rosebud. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of our best-loved children's authors, Dame Jacqueline Wilson, is our guest today. Jacqueline has changed the lives of many young readers by introducing them to characters and subjects which reflect the complicated lives of real children. And in this conversation with Gyles, Jacqueline talks about her own childhood, which has informed a lot of her later writing. She grew up with two parents who didn't really get along - a mother who was a narcissist, and a father who was often angry and distant - and who had violent rows with each other, but gave Jacqueline rich material for her books. Jacqueline tells Gyles about being a bookish schoolgirl who liked to daydream, about a disastrous encounter with some orange hair dye, and about writing her first novel for a school teacher. Gyles and Jacqueline talk about her first job, at DC Thompson, and about her marriage and the birth of her daughter when she was only 21. They talk about writing, and about Jacqueline's relationship now, and new-found status as a gay icon. Our heartfelt thanks to Jacqueline Wilson for her delightful company, wonderful stories and wisdom. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We start this episode of Gyles's diaries by talking about all the postcards we've received after we asked listeners to revive the art of sending the - sometimes saucy - postcard. We got so many, so this is a proper, old-fashioned "mailbag" edition of Rosebud. Our huge thanks to everyone who sent us something - we so appreciate it. We have wonderful listeners. And we reveal our prize-winning postcards. They come from: James Sainsbury, in Auckland, New Zealand; Alastair Crieff (sp), who set us a black and white photo he'd found in Dieppe, and the Reverend Jane Parry, who sent us a Donald McGill classic. Please get in touch with us at hello@rosebudpodcast.com if this is you! Then we have another enjoyable and absorbing edition of Gyles's 1980 diary, in which he has a sad lunch with a diminished Sir Michael Redgrave; manages to stay awake through Wagner's Ring Cycle; has a disconcerting invitation to get into a hot tub with Jimmy Edwards, and has a close shave with Frankie Howerd. Enjoy this, diary aficionadi! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're honoured to have Sir Ian Rankin, one of the most successful authors in the world, as our guest today. If you love to read, you'll almost certainly have read one of Ian's novels - and in John Rebus, he created one of the most enduring, complicated and loved central characters in modern fiction. In this really absorbing conversation, Ian describes his childhood in a working class home in Fife, where his parents taught him the value of "thrawn" - resilience and determination against the odds. Ian was a quiet and bookish child, who spent hours at his desk in his tiny bedroom making up stories and imaginary pop groups who would compete each other in an invented top ten. He became a punk, started to be interested in girls, and realised that he didn't want to be an accountant - but instead wanted to defy his family and study English at university. He went to Edinburgh, met his wife, and discovered a world beyond his home town which has captivated and inspired him ever since. Ian also talks to Gyles about his son, Kit, who has a chromosomal defect and is severely disabled. He talks about his writing process and philanthropy. And finally he talks about his new novel, The Heights , which is out now. Ian's book, The Heights , is available here . It is Ian's first standalone thriller in two decades, and tells the story of the dark underbelly of a luxury apartment block in London. It is highly recommended. Our thanks to Sir Ian for his time, energy and charming conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last Sunday - the day before he died - Jeffrey Archer was on stage at the Leicester Square Theatre in London celebrating the publication of his fiftieth book - his final novel, Adam and Eve - and talking with Gyles about his remarkable roller-coaster life. Jeffrey was in great form, telling stories even Gyles hadn’t heard before. This isn’t a regular Rosebud, but it was such a fun show, we wanted to share it with you. It’s poignant, too, because, as you will hear (and can see if you watch our interview episodes on the Rosebud Podcast channel on YouTube), at the end of the performance Jeffrey recites Puck’s farewell speech from A Midsummer Night’s Dream: ’So goodnight unto you all …' Jeffrey Archer, Lord Archer of Weston-super-Mare. Born 15 April 1940. Died 5 October 2026. Author, politician, MP, member of the House of Lords, served two years in prison for perjury, 2001-2003. Married to Mary Archer since 1966. Both Jeffrey Archer and Dame Mary Archer have featured in regular episodes of Rosebud, now available in the Rosebud archive. The recording of this special episode has been made possible by Harper-Collins, publishers of Jeffrey Archer’s final novel, Adam and Eve, which was published yesterday . Our thanks to Elizabeth Dawson and the Harper-Collins team for all their help. Our thanks, too, to the Leicester Square Theatre where the recording was made on Sunday 4 October 2026. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Don Black, the legendary lyricist, brings his gorgeous and sunny energy onto Rosebud today. He and Gyles talk about Don's life and work, beginning with his extremely happy, but humble, childhood in Hackney, going with his starstruck mother to the Empire to watch Max Miller and other big names of the day. He talks about his father, who worked as an Underpresser, ironing clothes for the local elite. Don then takes Gyles to Denmark Street, or Tinpan Alley as it was known, the heart of London's music scene, where Don began to get work as a promoter and then as a lyricist. There he meets Matt Monro, and Don writes the song for Monro which changes his life, "Walk Away". Five James Bond themes, "Born Free", Michael Jackson's "Ben" and numerous other hits and hit musicals follow. Don is multi-award-winning and has met everyone from Quincy Jones to Henry Mancini, but remains delightfully modest, down to earth and funny. He says he was grounded by his long and extremely happy marriage to Shirley, who never let them get carried away with fame and fortune - and this episode contains many stories and lessons about love. This is a really charming conversation which will make you smile and remind you of what really matters in life. Don's show From the Heart is on at the Garrick Theatre, London, from October 8. Tickets are available here . Our thanks to Don Black for his delightful company. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dame Zandra Rhodes, the iconic British fashion and textiles designer, is our guest today. In this brilliant conversation, recorded at Zandra's beautiful penthouse apartment in Bermondsey, Zandra tells Gyles about her childhood, which was hugely influenced by her "exotic" and extremely stylish mother, who was always well dressed and was ambitious for her daughter. She talks about her father, who was a lorry driver who adored his wife but whose childhood was marred by tragedy. Zandra talks about her early love of dressing up, and about her memories of the war, and of going out blackberrying in the Kent countryside. She talks about starting out, about her fierce work ethic and the people who gave her breaks early on in the Swinging Sixties. Zandra tells Gyles about meeting Diana Vreeland in New York, about dressing Princess Diana and Freddy Mercury. This is a charming hour with one of the most distinctive visionaries of British style. Our huge thanks to Zandra for having us at her place that day, and for her warmth, talent and wonderful stories. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gyles's guest today is Francis Rossi: the lead singer, guitarist and one of the founder members of the legendary British rock band Status Quo. Francis tells Gyles about his childhood in Forest Hill and Balham, South London, where his family ran ice cream stalls and sweet shops. He talks about his Italian heritage, and his love for the language and culture. Francis talks about his parents' complicated marriage, and his mum's increasingly fervent Catholic faith. He talks about secondary school, where he hid behind a jack-the-lad persona, and made friends with Alan Lancaster while playing trumpet in the school orchestra. They started playing music together, and eventually went on to be called Status Quo. Francis also talks about his friendship and musical chemistry with Rick Parfitt, and about Live Aid, and about marriage and children. This is a fascinating conversation with one of the UK's most enduring rockers. We hope you enjoy it. And our deep thanks to Francis for sharing his wit, wisdom and stories. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton is a writer, former soldier and SAS man, erstwhile equerry to Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, and former Personal Private Secretary to Princes William and Harry when they were young men in their twenties. In this wide-ranging conversation, Jamie tells Gyles about his childhood, spent in the marshes of East Suffolk, playing out until late with friends and dreaming of being a soldier when he grew up. He talks about his parents - his inspirational mother and depressive father. He talks about being plucked from the Irish Guards to work as equerry to the Queen Mother, and gives Gyles some touching and amusing stories about her and his time with her. He talks about the SAS and what defines them, and then he talks what he tried to do for Prince Wililam and Prince Harry to prepare them for public life. This is a fascinating conversation, full of insight, humanity and wisdom. Our heartfelt thanks to Jamie for sharing his energy and history with us. Jamie's novel, set in WWII, and called 'Beyond the Edge of Light', is available here and is highly recommended. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's 1980, a momentous beginning to a momentous decade, and Gyles is here to guide you through his own personal - yet universal - 80s experience as he reads selected extracts from the genuine diaries he kept at the time. He's now in his thirties, father of three, owner of two houses, businessman, and all-round powerhouse. In this episode we hear about Sooty and Sweep, pumpkins, Margaret Thatcher and golden moments. Enjoy this, diary fans! Don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube here . Join The Rosebud Family here . And visit our website here . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of Britain's best-loved and most talented actors for you today: Simon Callow. In this gem of a conversation, Gyles hears about Simon's childhood in Streatham, where he was dazzled by his theatrical grandmother but had a more complicated relationship with his "odd" mother. His father left when he was small. Gyles hears about formative teachers, an early love of theatre and literature, and music. Simon also talks about university in Belfast, Michael Mac Liammoir, drama school and how writing to Laurence Olivier landed him a job at the National Theatre. This is a fabulous episode, one of the best. We know you'll enjoy it - and our deep gratitude to Simon Callow for taking the time and trouble to record with us. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Larry Lamb joins Gyles for a really unique episode of Rosebud. For the past few years, Larry has been telling the story of his life in poetry, and that's what you'll hear in this edition, interwoven with a Rosebud conversation about his early memories and upbringing. Larry's poetry is original, powerful and has a rhythmic punch which takes you right into the turbulence of his childhood: he was born into a loveless marriage and spent years watching his parents argue, and when he was only nine years old his mother left the family home never to return. This trauma left a lasting mark on Larry, and through poetry he has begun to make sense of the legacy of his past. This is a fabulous episode which we hope will move and inspire you. It was recorded at the Fleet Festival of Words earlier this year. Larry is appearing at the Queen's Reading Room Festival at Chatsworth this weekend. Our thanks and admiration to Larry Lamb for this tour de force. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our guest today is Al Murray, aka the Pub Landlord and the host of We Have Ways of Making You Talk , a podcast all about the Second World War which is one of the UK's most successful history podcasts. In this conversation, Al talks to Gyles about his family history, which is steeped in war stories and tales of derring do, espionage and also some tragedy. He is also descended from the great Victorian writer, William Makepeace Thackeray, satirist and author of Vanity Fair . From this rich history emerges young Al, who tells Gyles about his unhappiness at prep school, his love of drama, and his hatred of games. He talks about going to university, and starting out as a comic on the scene in 90s London. The We Have Ways Festival takes places this weekend, in Buckinghamshire. Tickets available here . The Pub Landlord is on tour, tickets available here . Don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube here . Join The Rosebud Family here . And visit our website here . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The year is 1979. Yes, it's another fun episode of Gyles's diaries, including a truly brilllant listener email from Darran Lingley, discussion of Winston Churchill's love of languishing at the dinner table, tales of Gyles and Michele's new boxing sessions and speculation about squirrel blood transfusions. Enjoy this. If you'd like to join the Rosebud Family, for more episodes and a wonderful community of Rosebud-loving listeners, go to www. patreon.com/rosebud . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We have a really wonderful Rosebud for you today, with the great actress, Patricia Hodge. In this conversation, Patricia talks to Gyles about her childhood, spent in the biggest hotel in Grimsby, observing the comings and goings of the guests, the local dockers and fishermen, and the occasional glimpses of glamour and celebrity that passed through the town. She talks about the bold and inventive move which led to her being noticed as a performer at school, and got her started in school plays. She talks about training as an actor at LAMDA, about what she looks for in a co-star, and about her love of Julie Andrews. She talks about friendship, and her long marriage. Patricia is one of the best, most talented, and most stylish actors working in Britain today and we think you'll agree that this conversation encapsulates some of her real class, intelligence and wisdom. Our huge thanks to Patricia Hodge for her company, energy and time. Enjoy this. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1 September 2026 is Rosebud's THIRD birthday! And to celebrate, we are giving you the chance to listen again to one of our best ever episodes: with the late Queen Elizabeth II's groom, Terry Pendry. Terry worked with Queen Elizabeth II for over 28 years, as her Stud Groom and Manager at Windsor Castle. Terry's relationship with the Queen was unique, because he rode with her every morning when she was at Windsor. This is when the Queen was able to relax, and talk about her passions - for horses, dogs, animals and the countryside. And so, this interview with Terry - which we recorded in the Royal Mews at Windsor - gives an unusual level of insight into what it was like to spend time with the Queen, and tells us all about her love and knowledge of horses. And we meet her favourite pony, Emma, who she rode for the last few years of her life. Our thanks to Terry for this wonderful conversation, for introducing us to Noble and Emma, and to Sue Pendry for her hospitality and cake. We won't need to remind you that we're also coming up to the fourth anniversary of the death of Queen Elizabeth II, on 8th September 2026. Which gives us another very fitting reason to replay this episode today. Thank you so much to all of you - our listeners. Whether you've been here since the start, or have only discovered us recently - we love having you here. We couldn't do this without you. So happy birthday to Rosebud, happy birthday to us, and happy birthday to all of you. Sit down with a slice of cake, a cup of tea, or maybe just snuggle up under the duvet and enjoy this. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Geoffrey Rush: the only Australian actor to win a Tony, a Primetime Emmy and an Oscar, is our Rosebud guest today. Geoffrey tells Gyles about his childhood growing up in Toowoomba, Queensland, the son of a broken marriage, brought up by his mum and grandparents. He talks about his early memories of rural Australia - of gardens, flower festivals and fireworks - and then he tells Gyles about moving to Brisbane, and discovering his talent for performance. He talks about his work with the Queensland Theatre Company, about meeting his wife, Jane, about Shakespeare and training with Lecoq in Paris. He then tells Gyles about his big break in the Oscar-winning Shine , about winning the Oscar, and about Shakespeare in Love. He discusses his case against the Sydney Daily Telegraph, from whom he won damages in 2020. Our heartfelt thanks to Geoffrey Rush for this fascinating conversation. Don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube here . Join The Rosebud Family here . And visit our website here . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.