The Way After

Mani looks at me, puts his pint down, raises his fists in the air and bellows (and I mean BELLOWS): "YESSS! GET IN THERE YOU FUCKING LEGEND! THANK YOU!"
20 seconds, 20 years ago and I still buzz when I think about it.

Rest in peace, and thank you for changing my life, you fucking legend. (3/3)

So the very next day I'm walking home from work, and who do I see outside a pub in Primrose Hill? Mani!
He was with mates, and I didnt want to intrude, but it just had to be done didn't it? I went up to him and said "Hi Mani, I just wanted to say that your album changed my life."
(2/3)

So then, my Mani story:
In 2004, The Observer voted 'The Stone Roses' the best British album ever. They quoted Mani saying something like: "Not a day goes by without someone coming up to me saying how much the album changed their life."
(1/3)

Wow, what a first gig to go to. I never need an excuse to listen to the Roses, but listening to them today has been very bittersweet.

Mani from the Stone Roses performing with a custom-painted Rickenbacker bass. RIP.

I got to see them in 1995, but not the classic line-up. I did see the Scream in 2000, but never expected to see the Roses again - and then I got to see them 4 times!

I was toying with going to see the spoken word tour, I definitely didn’t see this coming. So sad, but what a legacy

Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield, the Stone Roses and Primal Scream bassist, dies aged 63 Ian Brown and Tim Burgess were among those to pay tribute to Mani, whose death was announced by his brother and nephew

They say never meet your heroes, but "they" never met Mani. I saw him outside a pub in Primrose Hill, and he was grand. So, so sad that he's gone:
www.theguardian.com/music/2025/n...

So after years of trying to indoctrinate her into what she calls "Dad's Music" it turns out my 9-year old LOVES Supergrass, and especially loves singing along to 'Strange Ones'. The possibility it has a swear word in it only adds to the appeal...

There must be a reason why 'Uptown Top Ranking' is playing around the musical trinket box that is my head, but I'm not complaining.

A little peek behind the wizard's sleeve at Dave's new drum studio; The eagle-eyed amongst you will spot some pics of previous incarnations of the band...

Why thank you! 😀

Album cover for 'Still To Breathe' by The Way After

A reminder: ​Our album, Still To Breathe, explores themes of memory and perception: how the past influences your experience of the present.
​It's mainly acoustic, but with a strong melodic sensibility. If you rate The Beatles, Elliott Smith, or REM then the link in bio is for you, now or later:
​

Mural of Black Sabbath on Navigation Street, Birmingham

Mural of Black Sabbath in Navigation Street, Birmingham

In Birmingham for the day, so paid my respects to Ozzy:

YouTube video by The Way After 'Ghosts In The Hallway' by The Way After

Happy Halloween! If you want to get in the mood, then check out our spooky seance-themed video to 'Ghosts In The Hallway' - don't have nightmares! youtu.be/TfpSpotLDYw

The car featured in the 'Ghost Town' video by The Specials: An exhibit in Coventry Music Museum.

My daughter playing a novelty saxophone in Coventry Music Museum

My daughter posing in front of exhibits at Coventry Music Museum

My daughter in 2-Tone themed hat and glasses, playing a ukelele at Coventry Music Museum

Took this little Rude Girl to visit Coventry Music Museum... we had a lot of fun!

I asked Grok if Grokpedia's entry on George Floyd was neutral:

Birthday card featuring Oasis

Happy birthday to me:

Small flight case containing recording equipment

UPDATE: Found the recording equipment! There's pretty much an entire studio in this little case:

Still To Breathe, by The Way After 6 track album

... and yes there are other platforms -
Bandcamp: thewayafter.bandcamp.com/album/still-...
Apple: music.apple.com/gb/album/sti...
Amazon: www.amazon.co.uk/Still-Breath...
Soundcloud: on.soundcloud.com/6sPT3d7ZWfNO...

That'll do for now! Have a lovely weekend!

Still To Breathe

Hello and "thank you!" to people in the UK, Germany, US, Brazil, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Mexico, France, Australia, Canada, Netherlands, Poland and Portugal where the album has been streamed since it launched. Wish to join our international community?
open.spotify.com/album/17saWJ...

Pile of CDs in envelopes

Here is said batch of CDs. I got a horrible shock trying to send one to the US though... might need to adjust the postage cost on Bandcamp. I wouldn't mind, but I didn't even vote for Trump! 😬

Still To Breathe, by The Way After 6 track album

Just about to head to send out the next batch of CDs. If you would like one of your own then please go to our Bandcamp: thewayafter.bandcamp.com/album/still-...

Ps. GoFundMe donors: drop me a line with your current address, so I can make sure you all get a copy this side of Christmas!

I made a playlist of songs I was listening to while recording the album - including songs by R.E.M, Elliott Smith, GHOSTWOMAN, Django Django, Rain Parade, The Stone Roses, Galaxie 500, Terry Reid, Neil Young, The La's, Shack... and The Way After. 🎶

Check it out!
open.spotify.com/playlist/1ua...

Cambridge Radio Radio and Podcasts for Cambridge and South Cambs

Tune into Cambridge Radio this evening (7-9pm GMT) for new music by independent artists from the local, national and international folk scenes, including 'It's The Right Time But The Right Time Only' by The Way After on Les Ray's 'Strummers & Dreamers' show:

www.google.com/url?q=https:...

Screenshot of Spotify listening stats for The Way After

I like a nice round number, but I'd also like more listeners; People who aren't me have said the album is: "immersive, hypnotic... stellar songwriting", "timeless", "exceptional", "exquisite", and "haunting... draws you in effortlessly" so why not hear for yourself?
open.spotify.com/album/17saWJ...

"Nestled in exquisite beauty between jangly indie folk reminiscent of Strange Pilgrim and the ethereal sound of John Grant from the 2000s, “Love Seeks No Easy Way Out” showcases the stunning EP Still To Breathe"
Much gratitude to the kind folks at @janglepophub.bsky.social for this lovely write-up:

Still To Breathe, by The Way After 6 track album

#bandcampfriday hoorah! Your support would mean a huge amount to us, especially as we prep the next album. Please have a listen, and buy if you can 🙂🎶 thewayafter.bandcamp.com/album/still-...

Still To Breathe, by The Way After 6 track album

#BandcampFriday this week which means that all monies blah blah blah... never mind that! Yes, it would be great if you bought our album, but you can also just listen to it and that won't cost you a bean on any day of the month. Here's the link: thewayafter.bandcamp.com/album/still-...

Apologies, I had to pull out of tomorrow's gig at the Empire due to a chest infection, but I'm hoping they'll let me reschedule when I feel better 🤞

Saturday's gig went alright! It was nice to try out the new songs in front of some nice people. Hopefully there'll be some friendly faces at the HMV Empire this Saturday too! 😀👍🎶

Poster for Castlefest at The Castle Grounds in Coventry, 20/9/25

Music all day at The Castle Grounds in aid of Coventry Music Museum. Free entry, and I'm on at 4.15pm playing a solo acoustic set - so if you're in or near Cov town centre, I recommend you come check it out 🙂👍🎶