Talking About My Generation | Episode 13

Talking About My Generation

Monday, 15 September 2025 - 1 hour 2 minutes

Join Lee Scriven and Dell Bromham (from Stray) on Talking About My Generation as they host Colin Kempster, also of Stray. Colin shares highlights from Stray's recent Nene Valley Rock Festival gig at Grimsthorpe Castle, where their tent was packed, with fans dancing outside, enjoying a "great sound".

The discussion explores the evolution of **live sound technology**. Both Dell and Colin note improved venue and festival sound, crediting skilled engineers using iPads. Colin uses in-ear monitors, contrasting with Dell's "Berlin Wall" of amps. They recall Stray purchasing a formidable **Kelsey Morris 5000 watt American PA system from UFO** after a 1974/75 Roundhouse show, later renting it out. Ironically, in the early '70s, American bands like Poco and The Byrds sought British WHMP PA systems, while British bands coveted American gear. Colin experienced the "best live sound" at a festival in Sweden.

Colin's musical journey began with Thin Lizzy's "Dancing in the Moonlight," and T-Rex and AC/DC albums. His first gig was **Queen at Hyde Park in 1976**, promoting "A Night at the Opera," an "overwhelming" experience. A school friends' garage band, Saturn Probe, playing blues rock, inspired him to become a musician. International fans show staggering commitment, with some flying from Canada and Australia to see Stray play.

The episode delves into **music videos and iconic figures**. Michael Lindsay-Hogg's pioneering work is celebrated, including The Beatles' "Hey Jude" – praised for its natural, unscripted audience interaction. He also directed "Jumping Jack Flash," "Paperback Writer," "Rain," and "Rock and Roll Circus". **Keith Moon's drumming** for The Who is lauded as perfectly suited to the band's chemistry. Supertramp, who once opened for Stray, used an umbrella over their drum kit to contain sound. Producer Ken Scott is credited with saving Supertramp from being dropped. The rapid recording and release of The Rolling Stones' "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" within weeks in the '60s highlights the efficiency of old record labels. Stray even opened for **KISS in 1976** during their first English dates; ironically, Stray had previously faced criticism for using pyrotechnics.

The "Bass Players" segment covers Colin's admiration for **John Entwistle, Roger Waters, Geezer Butler, Lemmy (for attitude), and John Deacon**, whose playing "sits nicely in the mix". Dell praises Colin for playing "for the song," not to "showboat". They emphasize the crucial "unit" relationship between bass and drums. Stories include Carol Kaye learning bass on the spot for a session, and the "Wrecking Crew". Colin recounts re-recording a bassline for Stray's "Living the Dream" remotely due to COVID, highlighting the challenge of changing a core feel. Famous baselines discussed include "These Boots Are Made for Walking," "Another One Bites the Dust," "Walk on the Wild Side," and "Peaches". **Andy Fraser's unique contribution to Free** is highlighted. Colin and Dell recall **Norman Watt-Roy** improvising a bass solo when Wilko Johnson broke a string mid-song. Lee expresses disdain for **six-string basses**, calling them "absurdities," while Colin offers a more nuanced view.

The episode underscores Stray's camaraderie as "five mates who go out for a laugh". Dell shares a humorous anecdote about a bass player sabotaging a bingo machine at a working men's club gig.

Next week, they chat with Paul Rivers about running a small music venue.

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Talking About My Generation | Episode 13