steven deary: Hello, my name is Stephen Deary. I'm the drummer from Smaller and I'm here today on Time for Heroes podcast.
Martin Morel: Stephen Deary, ⁓ many thanks for coming on the podcast. I've been chasing you for a good couple of months now since I've you back on Instagram and it of perked my imagination. can remember you way back in the 90s when I first got into music, to see you pop up again man it's just...
steven deary: Not a problem, Mars. Get off.
Martin Morel: It was just one of the nostalgia hits. So aye, we're going to talk about your career. Obviously you're back, you've been playing gigs and stuff like that. I think there's talk of recording the album as well. But what we're going to do before that, let's get right back to the start. What was life like for a young Steven growing up as a kid? Growing up? ⁓ gosh.
steven deary: Ha ha. Mm-hmm. Growing up, ⁓ gosh, well I come from a musical family, big musical family. Mum was a singer, my grandad was a drummer, my uncle was a guitarist, my brother was also a singer, Tixie, and my cousins are the band called The Real People, who you may have heard of. So music kept me there all the time, know, singing, playing, and so...
Martin Morel: Also a singer, Tixie. And my cousins are the band called The Real People, who you may have heard of. music everywhere, all the time, singing, playing. And so, yeah, it was always inevitable that I was gonna go down that path. And I didn't wanna be a guitarist. There too many guitarists in our family. I'm the only drummer.
steven deary: Yeah, it was always inevitable that I was going to go down that path. And I didn't want to be a guitarist. There too many guitarists in our family. I played drums, I'm the only drummer. There's one, two, I think there's about ten family members all playing at a decent level. Michael is a bass player. I'd Chris and Tony from The Real People. Jamie is singer. And then it just goes out and out and out.
Martin Morel: There's one or two, think it's about ten family members all playing at a decent level. Michael is a bass player, I Chris and Tony from The Real People, Jamie is a singer, and then it just goes out and out out. Growing up it was just music everywhere. Obviously, like you say, all these family members, like yourselves and The Real People, growing up then, were you close?
steven deary: Growing up was just music everywhere. Yeah. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, definitely, definitely. So there's Tony from the Deal People and my brother, they were in a a roadshow sort of thing together. They had around about the same age, a couple of years, I think six years up, a bit older. But they were in the roadshow from the age of 12, 14 and they'd go around doing gigs and stuff. So...
Martin Morel: in age and kind of growing up together? Yeah, definitely, there's Tony from the real people and my brother. They were in a road show sort of thing together. had around about the same age, a couple of years, I 30 years old.
steven deary: They were very close. Then we had me and Arkadish. Again, I'm slightly older than Arkadish. We would start hang out together, play in little bands together at the age of, again, 14 or whatever. So yeah, and we're all very close, even to this day.
Martin Morel: So with all this kind of musical family around about you, what was the When you were young and you were getting into music, what sort of music were you listening to? was kind of the main influences of the time? Well, it wasn't really influences, it was just music around all the time. mean, you know, my mom loved Patti Klein, know, the Game Spots, the Beatles, even Steely Darnan and so on. And then my older brother, my older brother, that is, not that he wasn't into like, stylistics.
steven deary: Well, it wasn't really influences, there was just music around all the time. mean, you know, my mum, you Patti Klein, know, the Inkspots, the Beatles, even Steely Dan and so on. And then my older brother, my elder brother, that is, Tixie, he was into like the stylistics and glad as night in the pips. So there's just this weird sort of stuff going on. And I don't think it was until, because pieces...
Martin Morel: ⁓ Yeah ⁓
steven deary: He's about seven years older than me and that's a big difference when you're know, it's 17 and 10, do you know what I mean? But he was in, by this time he was in a band called Coup de Boux. Very well known around Liverpool, then they got signed. They had a number one round Europe, they appeared in a film and stuff and they were touring everywhere with massive bands in excess, Joan Armatradon.
Martin Morel: and they were touring everywhere with massive bands in excess, German Armored Trading, Men at Work, everything, know, all of this business. But there was one band that stood out for me and that was the Donateur with the undertones. Right. And I think I was...
steven deary: where I have done all of this business. But there was one band that stood out for me and that was the Donnett Show with the undertones. And I think I was, I can't remember how old I was, I was youngish but that was the one that I went wow, yeah, that was a massive influence on me. So don't think Joan Armatradon was.
Martin Morel: And like, round about that time then in Liverpool, specifically your hometown, what was the music scene like back then? Because obviously, I mean there been various different scenes in Liverpool for the Mersey Beatles right through to... Obviously I was talking about interviewing the Sway and Jamie Webster, but there is so much that come. So what was it like when yous were about? ⁓
steven deary: Then, yeah, there's always a music scene, a vibrant live music scene always. Now, you know, they're going right back. You know, so at the time there was like the Bunnymen, Tearjops, Wah, Pale Fountains, there was just loads and loads and loads and loads and loads and it's just never stopped. It's just a conveyor belt of, you know, of talent coming right through, back from, you know, back from, as you just said, know, it's like the 60s, it's just... There's always been a dead, vibrant music scene in Liverpool. It's become the norm almost. just sort of... I don't know, you hear people and they say these amazing stories, or just come back from a tour in America or something like that. But I've heard it that much, or I've had a number one, or... It just becomes a bit normal because it happens all the time in Liverpool, if that makes any sense.
Martin Morel: Yeah, yeah, totally. mean, like, I was away seeing Dave McCabe, last month, and I'm quite parley with him, obviously, I had him on the podcast, I've texted him back and forth, and when you hanky a guy like that...
steven deary: Yeah. Yeah, yeah, yeah, sorry, sorry.
Martin Morel: I mean he's freaking famous all over the world, he's wrote songs for, he's wrote one of the biggest songs ever. But the work that he's done with other people as well, that mean a lot of people maybe know no more. It's all around the world and that's the case. I mean you look at Jamie Webster coming up now and he's only going to get bigger and bigger and bigger, it's just constant.
steven deary: Isn't he? Isn't he? I'll got ya. Yes he is, yeah. He is.
Martin Morel: When did you decide that you were, obviously Dantsey's already uncooked about, so when did you decide you were going to form your own band?
steven deary: Well, you just sort of fall into it really, you know, so I think I started having drum lessons from the age of 12 I think and then and then you get a junket So my mum's been watching me so I started off pots and pans literally literally pots and pans so me mum and dad to go out to the club on a Saturday night I'd be in in the house and I put an undertones album on or whatever
Martin Morel: Really, you know, so I think I started having drum lessons in the age of 12, I think. then you get a drum kit. So my mum's been watching me. So I started off potting pans, literally potting pans. So my mum and dad had to go out to the club on a Saturday night. I'd in the house.
steven deary: and I'd have the couch, remember them plastic couches? So that was boss for the hire, that's dead noisy. And they had these pans. And that's how sort of, learnt. And then from there on in, my mum was like, that's beating too hard, kids. And she said, well, he seems into it, you know, shall I get him a kit? So she said, yeah, and I got a kit. And then I've now got a junk kit and now people in the area do play.
Martin Morel: Mm-hmm And then from there on in, my mum was like that speaking to our kids and she said, he seems into it, shall I get him a kit? So she said, yeah, and I got a kit. And then I've now got a junk kit and now people in the area who play, bit of guitar, a bit of whatever, you know, in the local community centre.
steven deary: bit of guitar, a bit of whatever, in the local community centre or whatever, where you hang out. So you started going down there and you're in these little bandy things, they're not a band, you didn't do anything, you didn't do gigs, just, whatever. And then, it wasn't until was about 18 that I sort of started playing clubs and pubs and social clubs and doing an apprenticeship if you like. So that's when it started.
Martin Morel: Mm-hmm So that's when it started. Smaller became a band really because Peter had finished for Coup de Bouche and the band that I was in.
steven deary: Smaller became a band really because Peter had finished recouping the books and the band that I was in more or less would come into an end, was very fizzling out and my mum got us together so she sort of said to him, know Stephen's looking for the singer and then pull me to one side, Peter's looking for a band so and then she sort of so it was my mum daily who got Smaller together
Martin Morel: more or less coming to an end, was very fizzling out. ⁓ And my mum got us together. So she sort of said to him, ⁓ Stephen's for the singer and then pull me to one side, Peter's looking for the band. So, and then she sort of, it's always been one daily, we've some more to get.
steven deary: And then we started rehearsing together and it worked. It worked from the first rehearsal so was like, oh my god, sounds boss. And it's been that way for years.
Martin Morel: So obviously the album came out in 1996, so how long were you going, how long were you digging before? We got together about 1993 and we made quite an impact straight away. Funny enough someone just sent me a demo, not a demo. You when you go to the Red Rehocopny, ask it to come to London and...
steven deary: We got together about 93 and it was you know made quite an impact straight away. Funny enough just someone just sent me a demo not a demo you know when you go to the Red Rejo company ask you to come to London and play their studio and I found one from 93 from Ireland Records but anyway yeah there was what we there was a lot of interest straight away.
Martin Morel: played there studio in a farm from 1993, from Ireland Records. But anyway, yeah, there was a lot of interest straight away. ⁓ We wanted to keep it low and we didn't want to be this, you know, we just wanted to do supports or play little gigs and whatever. We weren't this super serious and manic and we just enjoyed what we were were having a laugh. It the 90s. It was great. The time was brilliant.
steven deary: We wanted to keep it low and we didn't want to be this... We just wanted to do supports or play little gigs in Liverpool and whatever. We weren't this taking it all super serious and management and no, no, no. We just enjoyed what we doing. We having a laugh. It was the 90s. It was great. Time was brilliant. Bands everywhere, especially Liverpool. Real people, rain, space, cast, people, they just finished. But there was loads. All meets.
Martin Morel: bands everywhere, especially Liverpool, know, real people, rain, bass, cast, glass, know, they just finished. But there was loads, all mates, we were all hanging out with each other, all go to venue, know, clubs and music venues and all of that. So was a good vibe as well. So when we started, there was a really good local interest as well as national, that's coming for us.
steven deary: We'd all hang out with each other, we'd all go to venue, know, clubs and music venues and all of that. So it was a good vibe as well. So when we started, there was a really good local interest as well as national, that's coming for us. We were going to sign, we got offered to deal with Polydor. But by this time we'd met Noel and Liam and Tim Abbey. So Tim Abbey was...
Martin Morel: We were gonna sign, we got offered a deal with Polydor. By this time we'd met Noel and Liam. And Tim Abbe. So Tim Abbe was acting as a mom and he was acting as director with a creation of course.
steven deary: acting as Managing Director with a creation records and Tim eventually became our manager stroke record company if you like so we were gone science polydor and he said well don't science polydor I'm setting up a new label called better records and it was a total independent gives you all the freedom that you want and blah blah blah and we saw and that's what we did we signed to better records within
Martin Morel: Tim eventually became our manager stroke company if you like. So we were going to Science Polydor and he said, well, Science Polydor, I'm setting up a new label called Better Records. And it's really totally independent, give you all a feeling that you want and blah, And that's what we did, we signed to Better Records. Within a year or so, we'd add all three singles out and then we'd be called Badly Badly.
steven deary: a year or so we'd have all three singles out and then we'd record a Badly Badly with Mark Coyle, Oasis producer. So we had it. sort of, it doesn't sound quick but it did, it just moved quite quick, you know, because we were playing all the time.
Martin Morel: ⁓ And the thing is obviously having the relationship with Tam Abbott because like if you know somebody like that, mean, Tam Abbott's again world famous, everybody knows him through the Oasis connections, but to have somebody like that that you know is
steven deary: Yeah. Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Martin Morel: passionate about you and your music. It's a no-brainer to go with somebody like that than another record company where you might just be another notch in the bedpost or whatever.
steven deary: Yeah, but that's the exact reason. I mean, we did have our eye on other bands who were signing to them ages and stuff. you know, it was that sort of, we'll bring out a single, we'll see how that goes. And then, you know, might bring another one of that and then you get dropped or you don't get to do your album. With this, it was a case of, you're doing an album, full stop. That's the definite. The songs that he heard and fell in love with.
Martin Morel: and stuff and you know it's that sort of ⁓ we'll bring out a single we'll see how that goes and and then you know might bring another one and then you get dropped or you don't get to do your album with with this it was a case of no you you're doing an album that's that's the definite the songs that he hears and fell in love with he wanted them at that house which became badly badly
steven deary: He wanted them at that house, which became badly badly. That was definitely happening. So we weren't getting promises like that. It was all like that. We'll see how it goes. So to think it wasn't like that, this is what's happening. yeah, that's why we say we still, you know, I'm still meeting with him. I speak to him once a week still. Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Martin Morel: ⁓ Well next time you speak to him tell him to get his arse on the podcast I think I've had a couple of dealings with him and kind of messages back and forth but we've never actually managed to nail a date so if you can help with that that'd be ideal
steven deary: Yeah, not a problem. Not a problem. He's just someone I've just seen him doing a podcast. I don't know who is where, he keeps popping up on my Instagram.
Martin Morel: Yeah I mean he's done all sorts I mean I think at some point he was he managing Robbie Williams as well at some point so I
steven deary: Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. So yeah, that was part of our story, the Robbie Williams thing. So because we had the famous, we'd done a gig in the Roadhouse, because Robbie started hanging around with smaller, and coming to our gigs and this, that and the other. So we played the Roadhouse in Manchester, and we had Liam there, we had Robbie there.
Martin Morel: Right? Mm-hmm We had Liam there, we had Robbie there, so people just like didn't know when we were on stage playing.
steven deary: So people just like to know when we're on stage playing, half the audience are looking at him. was like, hang on, this way, come see us.
Martin Morel: So obviously, we're talking a bit smaller, the Elephant Room has the Oasis connection, we should talk about that. So how did that go from a meeting for the first time and the relationship you had with the band in early years?
steven deary: Yeah, yeah. Well, basically what happened was... The real people being my cousins right and this was just so basically David and so with Dean spiral carpets and I think they were in Birmingham, Birmingham hummingbirds so Arctis or oh no and I was meeting with Sean and I said what are you doing? He went we're playing here tonight you want to come in? Jump in the van? So I went to see them.
Martin Morel: So basically David also with the Inspired and Cowapas.
steven deary: And I said, what are the band like? Spiral Carpets, he said, they're alright, you know what I mean? He the road is deaf funny. said, the monitor man, he's deaf funny. Noel and Mark Hoyle. So, anyway, I meet them. And I meet Noel, and he said, I don't just do this, I'm in the band. I said, I'm in the band. He said, I'm in the band with my brother. He said, I'm in the band with my brother. He said, my brother's a knobhead. I said, my brother's a knobhead. So, we hit it off straight away.
Martin Morel: Anyway, I meet him and I meet Noel and he said, I don't just do this, I'm in a band. I said, I'm in a band. He said, I'm in a band with my brother. He said, I'm in a band with my brother. He said, my brother's a nobbit. I said, my brother's a nobbit. So he entered off-space. So he said, you're coming to Manchester tomorrow? Manchester the Academy it was. I said, yeah. Yeah, it's out.
steven deary: So we said, you coming to Manchester tomorrow? Manchester Academy it was. I said yeah. Yeah, come down. I gave him a tape, I had the tape in the van, demo, know like one of our first demo's that we'd just done in the rehearsal or whatever. And I give it to him. So the next night, when I turned up, he'd come, make a beeline for me. Make me your fucking band boss, brilliant. Love them, love yous and all that. ⁓ So.
Martin Morel: I give him a tape, I have the tape in the vinyl demo, know like one of our first demo's that we'd just done it over the years with him or whatever. And I give it to him. So the next night, when it turns up, come and make a beeline for me. and all that. he said, and then I think, I'm not so sure if our kids come, introduced to our kids and all or whatever. So that's how we'd all come about. It through the real people when they were the ODs and that was that. So then we made a pact to, know, when they play Manchester, we'll support them in Manchester. And when we play Liverpool, they support us in Liverpool.
steven deary: He said, and then I think, I'm not so sure if our kid come, introduced our kids and all or whatever. So that's how it all come about. It was through the real people when they were oldies and that was that. So then we made a pact to, know, when they play Manchester, we'll support them in Manchester. And when we play Liverpool, they support us in Liverpool, which happens, which this is what we do and stuff. ⁓
Martin Morel: Which happens, this is what we do and stuff. Within that time, the real people were given Oasis recording time in their own... They had the studio on the dark road there. they were... And we used to go there every Saturday. Whatever. Just used go down there. Just around Gouff. So it would look like... What we'd go, we'd basically go to clubs in town. And then go back there for the jam all night.
steven deary: But within that time, the real people were given Oasis recording time in their own... They had a studio on the Dock Road there, and they were... So... And we used to go there every Saturday, you know, whatever, you know, we just used to go down there, just rang out. So we'd look like... What we'd go, we'd basically go to clubs in town, and then go back there for the jam all night and, you know, have a session there.
Martin Morel: Yeah But then Oasis would record me so what we'd do would go down there and go out with them for a bit and then we go to town and carry on recording it and then we back up two o'clock in the morning, they're looking happy on. So that was how all of that sort of got together with the real people and giving them studio time and stuff and helping them with the career.
steven deary: But then Oasis were recording there, so what we'd do was go down there, hang out with them for a bit, and then we'd go to town with Kelly on recording it, and then we'd come back about two o'clock in the morning, three o'clock, and party on. So that was how all of that sort of got together with the real people and giving them studio time and stuff and helping them with the career. The Tixies Dinner King came as a part of, journey's two o'clock, three o'clock in the morning. sessions everyone would a jam and they jump on all different instruments and stuff and that's what it was there, basically, I like saying this, I kid farted
Martin Morel: what it was there, that's basically, I don't like saying this, I get farted.
steven deary: and all went, ⁓ it stinks da, what did I feel you say? And he went lasagne. So, there it is. So he went home, stays in his head, digsie, lasagne. Didn't put him on the bar far, funny enough, it was made for the better song actually. But yeah, so that was da.
Martin Morel: That moment in that studio is kind of immortalised in time forever in that song.
steven deary: It is! Do you know something? It's a funny thing, And I'll tell you this.
Martin Morel: Sixies, been a songwriter and an amazing singer since he was 40. Younger.
steven deary: Dixie's been a songwriter and an amazing singer since he was 40, younger, whatever. ⁓ He's had number one in yordle, he didn't write it until he sang, whatever. But basically, he's still badly badly, is an acclaimed album, he's still some amazing songs, he's had some songwriters, Richard Hawley, Paul Weller, no... like four and a no, my god what a singer, what a songwriter, da da da. And yet he's most known for farting in a studio and having a song named after him. You know what I mean? It's quite sad really because he is very, very, very well known but it's like he went to see Oasis in Heaton Park and the return takes his dinner and he's standing there with a pint Santa after car to just stand there pointing at a lamp.
Martin Morel: Yet he's the most known for farming in studio. know what I mean? It's quite sad really. He is very, very, very well known. it's like, he went to see Oasis.
steven deary: It's not for me.
Martin Morel: But it's that thing where because Oasis Goat is so massive and obviously that song, I can mind seeing the articles in the papers who has digs there. There is that part where it gets people interested and it's another way of drawing people to the band. Once you hear the album, I badly badly, I put it obviously in the Liverpool bands, get the Lars album, you get Shaq.
steven deary: Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. It is!
Martin Morel: It sounds like all of that, it sounds like all the big massive albums for your city, so ⁓ it's up there with everything. So if that helps drag people into that that might not have heard it then...
steven deary: Yes. Whoops, not that bit. Yeah, it does. I know what saying, it's like sort of good advertising, free advertising if you like, whatever. It became bigger than the band. It did. It really did. ⁓ yeah, it was. It's funny really because, as I say, he is known for the songwriting and the singing, but he's more well known for Dixie, from Dixie's Dinner.
Martin Morel: Yeah, it was. ⁓ It's funny really because, as I say, he is known for the songwriting and the singing, but he's more well known for Tixie, from Tixie's Dinner. It doesn't matter where you are in the world. If I said, of Smaller? No. Have of Tixie's Dinner? Yeah. You know what mean? You get that. Well, do know what? I'm not a bad king.
steven deary: It doesn't matter where you are in the world. If I said, have you had a smaller? No. Have you had a tigzy dinner? Yeah. You know what I mean? You get that. But you know what? It's not a bad thing. It's not a bad thing.
Martin Morel: Yeah, but I mean again, it all depends who's listening because if I spoke to my pal at work and said, right, this is who I'm speaking to on the podcast today, he wouldn't know because he's not into music. And the minute I said, digs his dinner, he would know. Whereas I've got other pals that are big into music, ages with me, that are well into the same sort of stuff as yourself, and they would know right away who's smaller.
steven deary: Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Martin Morel: So you get two types of people. So, I mean, so like the album, obviously the other connection, well, the other connections are obviously Mark Coyle produced the album ⁓ and Noel plays on it as well on one of the songs, If. So how did that come about? Did that all come about organically and who decided you don't Mark Coyle as producer?
steven deary: Yeah Yeah?
Martin Morel: was that just fist?
steven deary: ⁓ god, yeah I mean I was talking earlier with them guards of being the roadies and then Noel being a roadie and blah blah blah excuse me but when we signed the deal with Better Records Noel had obviously done Definitely Maybe and he was more of our mate, he really was and he still is because again he was part of the Oasis crew
Martin Morel: maybe and he was he was more of our meat he really was he was just and he still is because we were again we were out part he was part of the oasis crew that were coming down to Liverpool and we were part in anyway so we were all we had that connection anyway we really were love being out each other was good life and especially with him what he doing it was there was no brainer he was always trying to be doing it always and him and our kids he was equipped like anything
steven deary: that were coming down to Liverpool and we were partying anyway. So we all, had that connection anyway. We really were, loved being out of each other, it was a good laugh. And especially with him, he was doing, was a no brainer, he was always going to be doing it. Always, him and our kids, they click like anything. know, they just read each other musically, amazingly. So we had that, and I think with regards to his, I can't even remember how that come across, I just only, It wasn't like this pre-planned thing. think was just... I think we might have been recording in London and he was hanging around, you know, do want to do that sort of thing. It wasn't like sort of, and we wrote this song for him. It was not like that because the song was radical years. But funny enough, it's not just one, he appears on another track as well. Not many people know that, but it's a track called...
Martin Morel: Right. I was listening to that this morning actually so I'll need to get back and with my listening ears on and
steven deary: aimless and it's on our on the Japanese ⁓ album, we've brought an album out in Japan and he appears on that but he just says one word and that's it just one word
Martin Morel: I was listening to that this morning, I've been... badly badly has been...
steven deary: Which one? The Japanese album? Okay. Well he says, what did it, he says, erm, I our kids sing, how many times have I heard these words before? And you'd hear plenty. And it's like his Dull Monk accent.
Martin Morel: What the heck? I mean, like the Manchester Liverpool thing as well, there ever, I mean it doesn't sound like there was, but was there ever any friction obviously? There's always that perceived rivalry, but ⁓ I kind of see the same kind of like-minded people, Mancunians and Liverpoolians.
steven deary: Yeah, but you know, it's Glasgow, Newcastle, Manchester I but especially these, mean, had loads in common, loads in common, you we're all in the band with our brothers, or brother, you know, we're playing similar sounds and music with similar influences, know, all, along with the real people, we're all sort of bouncing off each ⁓ other. yeah, there was no friction between. us in Oasis at all whatsoever. If anything I haven't seen them for years. speak to Paul a bit but I haven't seen them in all for years or spoke to them. I speak to Coilly. I spoke to him last week actually.
Martin Morel: So, I mean, from that kind of relationship came, when Oasis went on their arena tour, you were support, you supported at Irvine Beach along with The Verve. So, I mean, absolutely massive gig up here in Scotland, everybody still talks about it, it's up there, Oasis gigs along with the Barrowlands and Loch Lomond, but Irvine Beach is still...
steven deary: Yeah, that's right, D'aviv!
Martin Morel: High on the radar, yeah, Mega talked about.
steven deary: Is it? You know something, Tim Abbott's got some footage ⁓ of Irvine Beach. When I say some footage, mean hours. Basically, because all he used do was walk around with a camera, so he's got all the backstage footage. So you'll have like, know, me and Liam standing there having a conversation with her, and then Richard's her off to be walking past, and then you'll have like, I think Cast will do in the next night, or no she calls it, I can't remember.
Martin Morel: stage footage. So you'll have like me and Liam standing there having a conversation with her and then Richie's there asking her to be walking past and then you'll have like I think Cast will do the next night or those who close it, can't remember. See them playing footy and I'll dissolve boss boss footage. I need to get that off the trim of it. It's a must. But yeah, and the shows were big. As far as I remember.
steven deary: see them playing footy and I'll dissolve boss boss footage I need to get that off a trim of it it's it's a must but yeah and the shows were big as far as I remember at the time it was I think it was the biggest tent in the world I think so I think it was the biggest tent in the world for yeah so it was something I can't remember because I think it held about 10,000 people something like that
Martin Morel: time it was the biggest tent in the world i think so i think was the biggest tent in the world pretty sure i've heard that yeah yeah
steven deary: nine to ten thousand people that was there or but yeah so yeah we we ended up too we we started off we done the first sort of tour that they did you know like the you know the what's they called them the smaller venues you know the 300s whatever the toilets and then we progressed then to go on to do the the biggest the biggest shows the arenas then and stuff like that
Martin Morel: the toilet circuit
steven deary: Erm, we, yeah, as I say, we'd done some big, big shows like with them. ⁓ Erm, and it was, ⁓ we had a ball, absolute ball.
Martin Morel: We had a ball, an absolute ball. So, for the A-tour, another thing that you did, obviously you touched on the Japanese EP, you did a sell-out tour of Japan as well, so how did...
steven deary: Yes. What's next?
Martin Morel: the Japan thing come about obviously. mean throughout the years the Japanese have always been big into the British music. So how did they take to use over there? We done amazing over there. We didn't even know. As part of the whole company's job is to get distribution deals and get you out there and sell you records, blah blah blah. And somebody just said, listen...
steven deary: Yeah We, we done amazing over there. We done amazing. We didn't even know, it's cause as part of the record company's job is to get distribution deals, you know, and get you out there and sell your records, blah, blah, And so they just said, listen, they brought out an album, which was, I think it was like, was like B-Sides or whatever. And it's done amazing over there. It's like the third best album, selling album over there behind, it's Cooler Shaker and...
Martin Morel: I can't type these signs.
steven deary: Oasis at the time so we went over there, they said you're going over to Japan and we went, ⁓ sounds and then they said and you're doing a tour and then as it went on as I was getting closer to the going and it's sold out and it's this and it's that so we were like so what's going on here and so when we went when we flew over there
Martin Morel: And then as it went on, as I was getting closer to it, we're going, and it's sold out, and it's this and it's that. So we were like, so what's going on here? And so when we went, when we flew over there, we had the proper Beatles singing and screaming people at the airport and people waiting for us. And then we got, you've got putting the...
steven deary: We had the proper Beatles thing, know, the screaming people at the airports and you know, people waiting for us and then we got, know, people carrying it and then we got up the hotel, get to the hotel, people waiting for us there, there were fans and everything. What's going on here? So yeah, it was brilliant. was weird, I it was weird. The gigs, some of the gigs were at five o'clock.
Martin Morel: So yeah, it was brilliant. It was it sounds weird. The gigs, some of the gigs we got spanked for. So people would go to work and then they'd go straight to the gig. And so we're playing and standing there with the office clubbing and like shooting, shooting tires and stuff like that. And then at the end, there's a gap and we're like that and gone. And then they start clapping and then they're not like.
steven deary: So people would go to work and then they'd go straight to a gig. And so we're playing and standing there with their office clubbing on. Shirt and ties and stuff like that. And then at the end, a little bit of a gap and we're like that going on. And then they start clapping then and all. But then it got a bit madder as the tour went on and up. But it was brilliant. Yeah, really, really good. Really good.
Martin Morel: But then it got a bit massive as the smaller went on and on. But it was billions of people. It really, really goes. Really goes. Yeah. I'm a fan of the Japanese, obviously. I'm wearing myself to the day for the football. So obviously our team has been a touchy Japan for the last seven or eight years. So I'm big into them and they're the best kind of people.
steven deary: Yeah. It is all the grace. Grace.
Martin Morel: So, I mean for that, EP coming out, I mean it's a long EP, like as the EP's go these days, there are like 4 to 6 tracks. I mean that's basically like a set and album that, obviously there was a set and album due to come out. Was that again working with Mark Coyle?
steven deary: Yes, yeah. It is! It is, sir! Yes it was, so we went to a residential studio in Lincolnshire called the Church, Chapel Church, Chapel, can't remember, because we recorded in Dave Stewart's one in London and that was called the Church or the Chapel, sorry I've got them mixed up. But anyway, and we went there, we recorded about 12 to 14 songs.
Martin Morel: or a chapel, so I can't forget them and stuff. and we went there, did...
steven deary: And then basically what happened was within all of this there was an issue with the record company and Robbie Williams. I don't know, I don't even know what. I couldn't say to you this happened because I don't, even to this day I don't. But whatever happened, we finished, we more or less finished the album if you like to the mixing stage or to the monitor mixers and then
Martin Morel: The album didn't get paid for, so it stayed in the studio for years.
steven deary: But the album didn't get paid for, so it stayed in the studio for years. And that was more or less the end of Smaller. So we recorded the second album. We couldn't really do anything. couldn't, know, the record company were having a few problems for whatever reason, I don't know. So we couldn't really talk. We couldn't promote our album. So it was more or less the end.
Martin Morel: So about three years later my coil goes back to the same studio with some other bands and the owner of the studio said...
steven deary: About three years later, Mark Hoyle goes back to the same studio with some other bands and the owner of the studio said, what's happened to Smoller? What an album, that album's brilliant. So he just said, you know, he said, whatever. then at the end of the session, the studio manager giving the masters back. And so we got the album back. So everything's all finished, all the license sessions all done now. So I've now got the masters.
Martin Morel: Right
steven deary: So we're just currently, we're looking, we're speaking to a few different producers at the moment about getting it remixed and mastered and getting it out. So hopefully this year we'll finally get it out after what? 20 odd years, you know.
Martin Morel: Yeah, we're talking probably about 30 years, we're talking about Yeah, we're talking about 1997, we?
steven deary: Is he? I don't see that man, forget him. I still think I'm 21. Yeah, of course, yeah, yeah.
Martin Morel: So that's what mean, that's year of the 27th, 30 years and that's the high. I spoke to, I've had a few bands on the podcast, I had the Mardos who were, they were at the same time as the Lebertines and their album never came out. I think that was, I think they were on Pop Tones with McGee and that never came out. They just released that last year, it was like 20 years and then I spoke to a
steven deary: Yeah, can see it. Home again, yeah?
Martin Morel: A band from Manchester, Joanna, and their album was due in 1989 and they just brought it out last year. So that was like 38 years or something. So it seems to be the trend. And that's the thing, your audience that was there 20 years ago, 30 years ago, they're still interested in you. They're just waiting on...
steven deary: ⁓ yeah, there's them, yeah. I'll be honest with you, 20, 30 years ago there was no social media, there was none. So, I if I knew I have fans in Japan, the bands, get, know, when we went to London, the record company would go, oh, and is it, know, it, know, fan mail and that's how it was, type of thing. But since we've got back together and set it all up again, mean, jaws at the floor.
Martin Morel: Mm-hmm New York.
steven deary: There's fans all over the world. They know the stuff, even I don't know. Really, really passionate about the band. So we've been doing t-shirts, I've been sending them off to everywhere. Australia, America, Austria, Spain, everywhere. I'm like, oh my God. I just thought it was like we were known in Liverpool and a little bit there. It's really, give me a shock of how I...
Martin Morel: so we've been doing t-shirts I've been sending them off to everywhere Australia, Austria, Spain everywhere and my god, I just thought it was like a known in Liverpool and there's snow, it's really, know, give me a shock and I'd like
steven deary: Not saying that big, we weren't big, but you know what I mean? It's how well-liked we were. There was a massive respect for us and that's great. That's really good.
Martin Morel: Yeah, yeah. ⁓ Yeah, as I say, obviously I'm speaking to this way at some point. Met to speak to them the morning of the night, but they're cancelled because of the football, I think. But they are constantly talking about you, they hold you in high regard. you're really well received, probably more than you think. Now, on that second album that's coming out at some point, Richard Hawley appears on it, is that correct?
steven deary: Yeah. Nope. Richard's all he's on it yet, Richard. So how that came about was I went to see the Longpigs in the Lomax in Liverpool and they brilliant and we were doing Reading that year and they were on the same stage as us and I just happened to go there, didn't go, I'll be honest, never did, never never at the time and I was like, wow, these are boss. Went to meet them afterwards in the bar.
Martin Morel: Mm-hmm.
steven deary: I we're doing reading with yous and then when he said, I said, we were, he went, yous, oh my god, yous are boss of A to U, I know yous, all that. So we became friends from there on in. yeah, and Richard, think Richard even played with us live somewhere, I can't remember. But yeah, he's a good mate, he is a good mate. He's a very good mate with our kids. Again, them two are very close.
Martin Morel: you said who we were. went, yous all, my god, yous a boss of A.D. So we became friends from there on in. So what's the plans? Do you you'll get the album this year or next year?
steven deary: Hopefully, hopefully that's the idea. mean got a bit of mind the album's done. It's recorded. We don't need to go and record as so when you're doing an album, it's You know the recording is the long process. Alls we need is get this mixed and get it out So that's I say we're just in the middle of speaking to a couple of different producers And hopefully it'll be out, you know by September
Martin Morel: you know, So, did like the ending a smaller at the time? Like, did it end abruptly or did it just kind of fizzle out?
steven deary: I was fizzled, it fizzled, so you know, basically as I said to you earlier, we couldn't talk, there was no budget, there was no this, no that, so I think we'd done the odd Liverpool gig sort of thing, we might have done a London gig, I can't remember, and then it fizzled, and then we sort of, me and our kids stayed together, and we just had, we had a studio, and we just had our mates coming down, you know, So we had about 20 different mato just coming down and having a few little... But it was done, it was well done. So the official line up of smaller, I come to an end in 98, something like that. And then as I say, after that, that was it, it was done. We tried to carry it on but wasn't worth it and we didn't. So that was that, so we've come to an end in 98 smaller. But then...
Martin Morel: then as I say, it's after that, that was it, it was done. We tried to carry it on, it wasn't working. So that was that. So we've come to an end in 98 tomorrow. But then we got back together in 2017. It was quite sad actually because was our mate, our roadie, our travel the world.
steven deary: We got back together in 2017, it was quite sad actually because it was our mate, our roadie Arthur, who's travelled the world with us, done everything with us, everything. He's even on a B-side, we even, you know, we love him that much, we gave him a B-side, he can't even sing or play, so he's on one of songs called C'mon, he was the roadie, went to the iron iron, so that was that. So, Arthur had a stroke and he lost his eyesight, just like that.
Martin Morel: He's even on a B-side. We love him that much, we gave him B-side, can't even sing or play. So he's on one of his songs called Cobbon.
steven deary: So, my brother got in touch and said, have you heard about Heart? I said, no, you've got to do something. So we got back together, not the original line up, but just me and our kids ⁓ and Jason. And we got someone else in. And was only to do, we'd just done a couple of gigs and a charity show for Arthur. And then that was that. And then this year, well, sorry, was last year.
Martin Morel: Not the original line up, just me and our kids. then this year, well, last year, a promoter got in touch with me and it was all to do with the Oasis 25 Tour. So basically, we got off gigs in America. And the idea was Oasis would be playing a stadium and we'd be playing after the show in a local club. daddy got flied and they go, well, as they're coming, I'm going, well, take me.
steven deary: A promoter got in touch with me and it was all to do with the Oasis 25 Tour. And so basically we got off gigs in America and Argentina. And basically the idea was Oasis would be playing a stadium and we'd be playing after the show in a local club. so daddy would get flying and go well, as they're coming on, we've got Dixie from Dixie's dinner from Smaller, blah, blah, blah. We weren't known in America at that point. So it was a good... So we were supposed to be doing that. But we hadn't... I hadn't spoke to our kids for seven years, never mind. I hadn't played. So we had like about a month to get a band together. Get tight and get over it. It was too... It didn't happen. So we went... We got back together. Started the airson.
Martin Morel: Mm. We had like a month to get a band together, get tight and get over there and it was too, it didn't happen, so we went, we got back together. It was going great, loving it. We booked a sold out within like two days. like that. Done the gig, brilliant, all loved it. Let's do another one.
steven deary: It was going great, loving it. We booked a sold out within like two days, you know, just like that. Done the gig, brilliant, all loved it. Let's do another one. So, just done another one this time, you know, that twice as big and so, so it's just getting bigger and bigger and bigger. We're not doing, we're not committing. Do know what? We're not committing, we're not going, let's do an album, let's do this, we're just doing it. as we're going along. So we like this, yeah, it's a good laugh. And when we stop enjoying it, we'll stop, simple as that.
Martin Morel: Yeah, so that's that's I mean so what I've got then you and 2017 I've got that you split a shine on as well. Did you do that? It's obviously cuz I mean that's that's
steven deary: Oh god, yet! I don't know why I'm laughing.
Martin Morel: That festival is right up your street as well because again it's the Brownsback or the older fans.
steven deary: Well, there's a story about that. So basically, when we were the airsome for the Arthur gig, when people found out that we were back together, I got bombarded with, what do call it, Stingy old Tours, and then Blip Pop Tours, and this and that and then there and there there. There was just loads and loads and loads. And there wasn't the idea that we weren't getting back together. It was just to do a charity show, that was it. And then...
Martin Morel: Mm-hmm
steven deary: We got offered to on and that storm went, yeah, you know what, I'll do that. Fancy that. As you say, vital bastardies. Like mines and bans, you know, all that. So that was that. But the assholes weren't going good as such with me and our kids. We're brothers. And the fighting was bad, Bad. So...
Martin Morel: the assholes weren't going good with such a mean arcade.
steven deary: I just went, I am not bad, I'm not doing that. So I just went, I'll end up doing them in before they get off to taking on the M62, honest to God. So I just, I bailed and got another drumming in to do it. But as I said, it doesn't matter what's happening, I'm doing the charity gig. That's close to me arse massively. So that was that. I don't know, I think it's online, I think it's on YouTube, so you might see it, but it's not me. It's not as good looking as me neither.
Martin Morel: So I'll end up doing them before they get off to do them on the M62. I bailed and got another jump in into it. Right. Whatever I said, doesn't matter what's happening, I'm doing the charity game. That's close to me eyes massively. So that was that. I think it's online, I think it's on YouTube, so you might see it, but it's not me. Yeah, because my big mate, he goes to it every year and now he's pals with the guy James that runs it. So now, I think the last two or three years he's DJ'd at it now. My big mate, Stevie Moffat he's called. ⁓
steven deary: Yeah. Yeah yeah yeah change that. Yeah, there's some in Syria. Well, we were supposed to do it here. We were supposed to do it. We got offered it again. November. Oh no, wasn't March, the one in Lincolnshire. But we were supposed to be doing it. We were on the main stage with the enemy in the twang. And then we got, it got pulled. We got pulled in any, and then we couldn't do it. No, was a bit of a mess. So I don't know. Yeah. As I say, we'll just see how goes. See how goes.
Martin Morel: Mm-hmm. Uh-huh. Yeah, yeah, so I mean, look, the pace that you're going at now, obviously you did that one, the end of the year archive, ⁓ then obviously Camping Furnace just passed there and announced, I think, your plane archive again this December. So I mean that
steven deary: Yeah. Yeah. Yeah we are, there's a great venue, it's our local venue, it's our mates place and it's know what it's brilliant it really is good. So we could have played some, we may, we don't know, we may be doing two nights. So we've just got one booked in at the moment and we're gonna keep our eye and see if we want to do the next you know two nights there, I don't know we'll just see but yeah there's just one booked in at the moment.
Martin Morel: Maybe in two nights. Yeah, I mean that sounds amazing and you can tell obviously playing their hometown shows and seeing kind of the love that you get for the fan base as you say you don't know that you had them all the years ago but aye they're still there. ⁓
steven deary: Yeah! Yeah, well do you know something, I tell you what was one of the amazing things for me was, excuse me, was my kids came and they'd never seen me play before because they weren't born, you know what mean, so my daughter, I've got two daughters, one's 22 and one's 15 and you know they'd never seen me play in the band so they were standing there right at the front and I'm playing and just looking at them, that was brilliant, that was highlight.
Martin Morel: Mm-hmm
steven deary: for me as well as the and the reaction the crowd reaction and we had people do you know what we had people coming from all over the country we had louise coming down from i think edinburgh we had this crew from derby we had people coming up from over from dublin ⁓ coventy london freaking hell it's just nearly sort of going makes you go that thing again about i just didn't realize how appreciated we were as a band and stuff so
Martin Morel: It's just really sort of made you go, I think again about, I just didn't realise how appreciated we were. I mean, so we've got this gig coming up in December, hopefully the album will be released. So, all the best with what comes in the future. The last part of the podcast, I don't think I told you this while we were negotiating. About the last part of podcast, obviously it's time for heroes. I asked my guest to pick four heroes to come for dinner. Why are they your heroes and what would you cook for them? These people can be whatever walkie-like you want. can be... you going to be heroes? Whatever you hold in regard as somebody that's been an influence.
steven deary: Have they got to be heroes? Alright, I'll tell you what to do. Jürgen's coming. Jürgen Klopp's coming. Kenny's coming. Kenny's address is coming.
Martin Morel: I can definitely go with Kenny Dalglish, yeah I can
steven deary: Badly, badly mate. And then... And did you say I've got to tell them what am I making them?
Martin Morel: I, I, what are you cooking them Israel? Just to see how you're good jamming the kitchen.
steven deary: I would make. Kenny, right, a fillet steak, right, right, and I'd get a bit of, I know what's on the side there, haggis, I'd get a bit haggis, make him like feel at home, right, with a bit of rocke and like little bit of smarces. Jürgen, on the other hand, same fillet steak, medium, sauerkraut, bit of sauerkraut, again make him feel at home, bit of rocke.
Martin Morel: ⁓ lovely.
steven deary: them little baby plum tomatoes. The other two, the other two are sitting there like that, right?
Martin Morel: Lovely.
steven deary: Donald Trump Netanyahu No day getting for dinner. It'll sign I tab the... There you go you blitz. Like that. I know I just sit there and I just like go... ⁓ them yergs. Like that, and you hear them like that. I love you. I'm talking for the year. But certainly not heroes mate, certainly not heroes. Them two are.
Martin Morel: Perfect man ⁓ Yes. That's brilliant. Yeah, I can get behind the two and I can get behind the other two as well for what you're doing them either. That's brilliant. Kenny Dalglish obviously for what he's done for for Baef clubs.
steven deary: Well do you know what? Do you know, my birthday is the 3rd of March, his is the 4th of March. So when he signed in 77 for 440,000, I knew straight away when his birthday was. So I was, I think I was nine, 1977. And I've carried that all the way, all through my life. So people go, happy birthday, and I go to Kenny Dodgers, he's tomorrow.
Martin Morel: Mm-hmm. Yeah.
steven deary: I've said that for like 40, 50 years or whatever it is. So yeah, it means a lot to me.
Martin Morel: Yeah, means a lot to me. Yeah, absolute hero of mine as well. It's been an absolute pleasure speaking to you today. And you, Mark, please make sure you... As I said, all the best for everyone coming up, for... I'll be waiting for this album.
steven deary: I'm Hugh Marr, it's been great mate. Yeah well listen, look I mean things are going well and we're enjoying it. We may be coming up to Scotland, you know let's meet up and that if you see us playing or I'll let you know anyway, I'll give you the heads up on it. But there's a lot of interest about us going up and as I say the idea of sitting in a van with our kids for five hours.
Martin Morel: Yeah, totally man. Yeah
steven deary: me off a bit late but nah he's all right you know.
Martin Morel: Yeah, but but it's worth it and then it's worth it once you go on stage and you see you see that
steven deary: Absolutely, absolutely you're right mate. Well thanks for that, I've enjoyed it's been great.
Martin Morel: Yeah, it's been an absolute pleasure man, all the best man. Cheers man.
steven deary: Well, cheers, Matt!
Martin Morel: Stephen Deary, ⁓ many thanks for coming on the podcast. I've been chasing you for a good couple of months now since I've you back on Instagram and it of perked my imagination. can remember you way back in the 90s when I first got into music, to see you pop up again man it's just...
steven deary: Not a problem, Mars. Get off.
Martin Morel: It was just one of the nostalgia hits. So aye, we're going to talk about your career. Obviously you're back, you've been playing gigs and stuff like that. I think there's talk of recording the album as well. But what we're going to do before that, let's get right back to the start. What was life like for a young Steven growing up as a kid? Growing up? ⁓ gosh.
steven deary: Ha ha. Mm-hmm. Growing up, ⁓ gosh, well I come from a musical family, big musical family. Mum was a singer, my grandad was a drummer, my uncle was a guitarist, my brother was also a singer, Tixie, and my cousins are the band called The Real People, who you may have heard of. So music kept me there all the time, know, singing, playing, and so...
Martin Morel: Also a singer, Tixie. And my cousins are the band called The Real People, who you may have heard of. music everywhere, all the time, singing, playing. And so, yeah, it was always inevitable that I was gonna go down that path. And I didn't wanna be a guitarist. There too many guitarists in our family. I'm the only drummer.
steven deary: Yeah, it was always inevitable that I was going to go down that path. And I didn't want to be a guitarist. There too many guitarists in our family. I played drums, I'm the only drummer. There's one, two, I think there's about ten family members all playing at a decent level. Michael is a bass player. I'd Chris and Tony from The Real People. Jamie is singer. And then it just goes out and out and out.
Martin Morel: There's one or two, think it's about ten family members all playing at a decent level. Michael is a bass player, I Chris and Tony from The Real People, Jamie is a singer, and then it just goes out and out out. Growing up it was just music everywhere. Obviously, like you say, all these family members, like yourselves and The Real People, growing up then, were you close?
steven deary: Growing up was just music everywhere. Yeah. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, definitely, definitely. So there's Tony from the Deal People and my brother, they were in a a roadshow sort of thing together. They had around about the same age, a couple of years, I think six years up, a bit older. But they were in the roadshow from the age of 12, 14 and they'd go around doing gigs and stuff. So...
Martin Morel: in age and kind of growing up together? Yeah, definitely, there's Tony from the real people and my brother. They were in a road show sort of thing together. had around about the same age, a couple of years, I 30 years old.
steven deary: They were very close. Then we had me and Arkadish. Again, I'm slightly older than Arkadish. We would start hang out together, play in little bands together at the age of, again, 14 or whatever. So yeah, and we're all very close, even to this day.
Martin Morel: So with all this kind of musical family around about you, what was the When you were young and you were getting into music, what sort of music were you listening to? was kind of the main influences of the time? Well, it wasn't really influences, it was just music around all the time. mean, you know, my mom loved Patti Klein, know, the Game Spots, the Beatles, even Steely Darnan and so on. And then my older brother, my older brother, that is, not that he wasn't into like, stylistics.
steven deary: Well, it wasn't really influences, there was just music around all the time. mean, you know, my mum, you Patti Klein, know, the Inkspots, the Beatles, even Steely Dan and so on. And then my older brother, my elder brother, that is, Tixie, he was into like the stylistics and glad as night in the pips. So there's just this weird sort of stuff going on. And I don't think it was until, because pieces...
Martin Morel: ⁓ Yeah ⁓
steven deary: He's about seven years older than me and that's a big difference when you're know, it's 17 and 10, do you know what I mean? But he was in, by this time he was in a band called Coup de Boux. Very well known around Liverpool, then they got signed. They had a number one round Europe, they appeared in a film and stuff and they were touring everywhere with massive bands in excess, Joan Armatradon.
Martin Morel: and they were touring everywhere with massive bands in excess, German Armored Trading, Men at Work, everything, know, all of this business. But there was one band that stood out for me and that was the Donateur with the undertones. Right. And I think I was...
steven deary: where I have done all of this business. But there was one band that stood out for me and that was the Donnett Show with the undertones. And I think I was, I can't remember how old I was, I was youngish but that was the one that I went wow, yeah, that was a massive influence on me. So don't think Joan Armatradon was.
Martin Morel: And like, round about that time then in Liverpool, specifically your hometown, what was the music scene like back then? Because obviously, I mean there been various different scenes in Liverpool for the Mersey Beatles right through to... Obviously I was talking about interviewing the Sway and Jamie Webster, but there is so much that come. So what was it like when yous were about? ⁓
steven deary: Then, yeah, there's always a music scene, a vibrant live music scene always. Now, you know, they're going right back. You know, so at the time there was like the Bunnymen, Tearjops, Wah, Pale Fountains, there was just loads and loads and loads and loads and loads and it's just never stopped. It's just a conveyor belt of, you know, of talent coming right through, back from, you know, back from, as you just said, know, it's like the 60s, it's just... There's always been a dead, vibrant music scene in Liverpool. It's become the norm almost. just sort of... I don't know, you hear people and they say these amazing stories, or just come back from a tour in America or something like that. But I've heard it that much, or I've had a number one, or... It just becomes a bit normal because it happens all the time in Liverpool, if that makes any sense.
Martin Morel: Yeah, yeah, totally. mean, like, I was away seeing Dave McCabe, last month, and I'm quite parley with him, obviously, I had him on the podcast, I've texted him back and forth, and when you hanky a guy like that...
steven deary: Yeah. Yeah, yeah, yeah, sorry, sorry.
Martin Morel: I mean he's freaking famous all over the world, he's wrote songs for, he's wrote one of the biggest songs ever. But the work that he's done with other people as well, that mean a lot of people maybe know no more. It's all around the world and that's the case. I mean you look at Jamie Webster coming up now and he's only going to get bigger and bigger and bigger, it's just constant.
steven deary: Isn't he? Isn't he? I'll got ya. Yes he is, yeah. He is.
Martin Morel: When did you decide that you were, obviously Dantsey's already uncooked about, so when did you decide you were going to form your own band?
steven deary: Well, you just sort of fall into it really, you know, so I think I started having drum lessons from the age of 12 I think and then and then you get a junket So my mum's been watching me so I started off pots and pans literally literally pots and pans so me mum and dad to go out to the club on a Saturday night I'd be in in the house and I put an undertones album on or whatever
Martin Morel: Really, you know, so I think I started having drum lessons in the age of 12, I think. then you get a drum kit. So my mum's been watching me. So I started off potting pans, literally potting pans. So my mum and dad had to go out to the club on a Saturday night. I'd in the house.
steven deary: and I'd have the couch, remember them plastic couches? So that was boss for the hire, that's dead noisy. And they had these pans. And that's how sort of, learnt. And then from there on in, my mum was like, that's beating too hard, kids. And she said, well, he seems into it, you know, shall I get him a kit? So she said, yeah, and I got a kit. And then I've now got a junk kit and now people in the area do play.
Martin Morel: Mm-hmm And then from there on in, my mum was like that speaking to our kids and she said, he seems into it, shall I get him a kit? So she said, yeah, and I got a kit. And then I've now got a junk kit and now people in the area who play, bit of guitar, a bit of whatever, you know, in the local community centre.
steven deary: bit of guitar, a bit of whatever, in the local community centre or whatever, where you hang out. So you started going down there and you're in these little bandy things, they're not a band, you didn't do anything, you didn't do gigs, just, whatever. And then, it wasn't until was about 18 that I sort of started playing clubs and pubs and social clubs and doing an apprenticeship if you like. So that's when it started.
Martin Morel: Mm-hmm So that's when it started. Smaller became a band really because Peter had finished for Coup de Bouche and the band that I was in.
steven deary: Smaller became a band really because Peter had finished recouping the books and the band that I was in more or less would come into an end, was very fizzling out and my mum got us together so she sort of said to him, know Stephen's looking for the singer and then pull me to one side, Peter's looking for a band so and then she sort of so it was my mum daily who got Smaller together
Martin Morel: more or less coming to an end, was very fizzling out. ⁓ And my mum got us together. So she sort of said to him, ⁓ Stephen's for the singer and then pull me to one side, Peter's looking for the band. So, and then she sort of, it's always been one daily, we've some more to get.
steven deary: And then we started rehearsing together and it worked. It worked from the first rehearsal so was like, oh my god, sounds boss. And it's been that way for years.
Martin Morel: So obviously the album came out in 1996, so how long were you going, how long were you digging before? We got together about 1993 and we made quite an impact straight away. Funny enough someone just sent me a demo, not a demo. You when you go to the Red Rehocopny, ask it to come to London and...
steven deary: We got together about 93 and it was you know made quite an impact straight away. Funny enough just someone just sent me a demo not a demo you know when you go to the Red Rejo company ask you to come to London and play their studio and I found one from 93 from Ireland Records but anyway yeah there was what we there was a lot of interest straight away.
Martin Morel: played there studio in a farm from 1993, from Ireland Records. But anyway, yeah, there was a lot of interest straight away. ⁓ We wanted to keep it low and we didn't want to be this, you know, we just wanted to do supports or play little gigs and whatever. We weren't this super serious and manic and we just enjoyed what we were were having a laugh. It the 90s. It was great. The time was brilliant.
steven deary: We wanted to keep it low and we didn't want to be this... We just wanted to do supports or play little gigs in Liverpool and whatever. We weren't this taking it all super serious and management and no, no, no. We just enjoyed what we doing. We having a laugh. It was the 90s. It was great. Time was brilliant. Bands everywhere, especially Liverpool. Real people, rain, space, cast, people, they just finished. But there was loads. All meets.
Martin Morel: bands everywhere, especially Liverpool, know, real people, rain, bass, cast, glass, know, they just finished. But there was loads, all mates, we were all hanging out with each other, all go to venue, know, clubs and music venues and all of that. So was a good vibe as well. So when we started, there was a really good local interest as well as national, that's coming for us.
steven deary: We'd all hang out with each other, we'd all go to venue, know, clubs and music venues and all of that. So it was a good vibe as well. So when we started, there was a really good local interest as well as national, that's coming for us. We were going to sign, we got offered to deal with Polydor. But by this time we'd met Noel and Liam and Tim Abbey. So Tim Abbey was...
Martin Morel: We were gonna sign, we got offered a deal with Polydor. By this time we'd met Noel and Liam. And Tim Abbe. So Tim Abbe was acting as a mom and he was acting as director with a creation of course.
steven deary: acting as Managing Director with a creation records and Tim eventually became our manager stroke record company if you like so we were gone science polydor and he said well don't science polydor I'm setting up a new label called better records and it was a total independent gives you all the freedom that you want and blah blah blah and we saw and that's what we did we signed to better records within
Martin Morel: Tim eventually became our manager stroke company if you like. So we were going to Science Polydor and he said, well, Science Polydor, I'm setting up a new label called Better Records. And it's really totally independent, give you all a feeling that you want and blah, And that's what we did, we signed to Better Records. Within a year or so, we'd add all three singles out and then we'd be called Badly Badly.
steven deary: a year or so we'd have all three singles out and then we'd record a Badly Badly with Mark Coyle, Oasis producer. So we had it. sort of, it doesn't sound quick but it did, it just moved quite quick, you know, because we were playing all the time.
Martin Morel: ⁓ And the thing is obviously having the relationship with Tam Abbott because like if you know somebody like that, mean, Tam Abbott's again world famous, everybody knows him through the Oasis connections, but to have somebody like that that you know is
steven deary: Yeah. Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Martin Morel: passionate about you and your music. It's a no-brainer to go with somebody like that than another record company where you might just be another notch in the bedpost or whatever.
steven deary: Yeah, but that's the exact reason. I mean, we did have our eye on other bands who were signing to them ages and stuff. you know, it was that sort of, we'll bring out a single, we'll see how that goes. And then, you know, might bring another one of that and then you get dropped or you don't get to do your album. With this, it was a case of, you're doing an album, full stop. That's the definite. The songs that he heard and fell in love with.
Martin Morel: and stuff and you know it's that sort of ⁓ we'll bring out a single we'll see how that goes and and then you know might bring another one and then you get dropped or you don't get to do your album with with this it was a case of no you you're doing an album that's that's the definite the songs that he hears and fell in love with he wanted them at that house which became badly badly
steven deary: He wanted them at that house, which became badly badly. That was definitely happening. So we weren't getting promises like that. It was all like that. We'll see how it goes. So to think it wasn't like that, this is what's happening. yeah, that's why we say we still, you know, I'm still meeting with him. I speak to him once a week still. Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Martin Morel: ⁓ Well next time you speak to him tell him to get his arse on the podcast I think I've had a couple of dealings with him and kind of messages back and forth but we've never actually managed to nail a date so if you can help with that that'd be ideal
steven deary: Yeah, not a problem. Not a problem. He's just someone I've just seen him doing a podcast. I don't know who is where, he keeps popping up on my Instagram.
Martin Morel: Yeah I mean he's done all sorts I mean I think at some point he was he managing Robbie Williams as well at some point so I
steven deary: Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. So yeah, that was part of our story, the Robbie Williams thing. So because we had the famous, we'd done a gig in the Roadhouse, because Robbie started hanging around with smaller, and coming to our gigs and this, that and the other. So we played the Roadhouse in Manchester, and we had Liam there, we had Robbie there.
Martin Morel: Right? Mm-hmm We had Liam there, we had Robbie there, so people just like didn't know when we were on stage playing.
steven deary: So people just like to know when we're on stage playing, half the audience are looking at him. was like, hang on, this way, come see us.
Martin Morel: So obviously, we're talking a bit smaller, the Elephant Room has the Oasis connection, we should talk about that. So how did that go from a meeting for the first time and the relationship you had with the band in early years?
steven deary: Yeah, yeah. Well, basically what happened was... The real people being my cousins right and this was just so basically David and so with Dean spiral carpets and I think they were in Birmingham, Birmingham hummingbirds so Arctis or oh no and I was meeting with Sean and I said what are you doing? He went we're playing here tonight you want to come in? Jump in the van? So I went to see them.
Martin Morel: So basically David also with the Inspired and Cowapas.
steven deary: And I said, what are the band like? Spiral Carpets, he said, they're alright, you know what I mean? He the road is deaf funny. said, the monitor man, he's deaf funny. Noel and Mark Hoyle. So, anyway, I meet them. And I meet Noel, and he said, I don't just do this, I'm in the band. I said, I'm in the band. He said, I'm in the band with my brother. He said, I'm in the band with my brother. He said, my brother's a knobhead. I said, my brother's a knobhead. So, we hit it off straight away.
Martin Morel: Anyway, I meet him and I meet Noel and he said, I don't just do this, I'm in a band. I said, I'm in a band. He said, I'm in a band with my brother. He said, I'm in a band with my brother. He said, my brother's a nobbit. I said, my brother's a nobbit. So he entered off-space. So he said, you're coming to Manchester tomorrow? Manchester the Academy it was. I said, yeah. Yeah, it's out.
steven deary: So we said, you coming to Manchester tomorrow? Manchester Academy it was. I said yeah. Yeah, come down. I gave him a tape, I had the tape in the van, demo, know like one of our first demo's that we'd just done in the rehearsal or whatever. And I give it to him. So the next night, when I turned up, he'd come, make a beeline for me. Make me your fucking band boss, brilliant. Love them, love yous and all that. ⁓ So.
Martin Morel: I give him a tape, I have the tape in the vinyl demo, know like one of our first demo's that we'd just done it over the years with him or whatever. And I give it to him. So the next night, when it turns up, come and make a beeline for me. and all that. he said, and then I think, I'm not so sure if our kids come, introduced to our kids and all or whatever. So that's how we'd all come about. It through the real people when they were the ODs and that was that. So then we made a pact to, know, when they play Manchester, we'll support them in Manchester. And when we play Liverpool, they support us in Liverpool.
steven deary: He said, and then I think, I'm not so sure if our kid come, introduced our kids and all or whatever. So that's how it all come about. It was through the real people when they were oldies and that was that. So then we made a pact to, know, when they play Manchester, we'll support them in Manchester. And when we play Liverpool, they support us in Liverpool, which happens, which this is what we do and stuff. ⁓
Martin Morel: Which happens, this is what we do and stuff. Within that time, the real people were given Oasis recording time in their own... They had the studio on the dark road there. they were... And we used to go there every Saturday. Whatever. Just used go down there. Just around Gouff. So it would look like... What we'd go, we'd basically go to clubs in town. And then go back there for the jam all night.
steven deary: But within that time, the real people were given Oasis recording time in their own... They had a studio on the Dock Road there, and they were... So... And we used to go there every Saturday, you know, whatever, you know, we just used to go down there, just rang out. So we'd look like... What we'd go, we'd basically go to clubs in town, and then go back there for the jam all night and, you know, have a session there.
Martin Morel: Yeah But then Oasis would record me so what we'd do would go down there and go out with them for a bit and then we go to town and carry on recording it and then we back up two o'clock in the morning, they're looking happy on. So that was how all of that sort of got together with the real people and giving them studio time and stuff and helping them with the career.
steven deary: But then Oasis were recording there, so what we'd do was go down there, hang out with them for a bit, and then we'd go to town with Kelly on recording it, and then we'd come back about two o'clock in the morning, three o'clock, and party on. So that was how all of that sort of got together with the real people and giving them studio time and stuff and helping them with the career. The Tixies Dinner King came as a part of, journey's two o'clock, three o'clock in the morning. sessions everyone would a jam and they jump on all different instruments and stuff and that's what it was there, basically, I like saying this, I kid farted
Martin Morel: what it was there, that's basically, I don't like saying this, I get farted.
steven deary: and all went, ⁓ it stinks da, what did I feel you say? And he went lasagne. So, there it is. So he went home, stays in his head, digsie, lasagne. Didn't put him on the bar far, funny enough, it was made for the better song actually. But yeah, so that was da.
Martin Morel: That moment in that studio is kind of immortalised in time forever in that song.
steven deary: It is! Do you know something? It's a funny thing, And I'll tell you this.
Martin Morel: Sixies, been a songwriter and an amazing singer since he was 40. Younger.
steven deary: Dixie's been a songwriter and an amazing singer since he was 40, younger, whatever. ⁓ He's had number one in yordle, he didn't write it until he sang, whatever. But basically, he's still badly badly, is an acclaimed album, he's still some amazing songs, he's had some songwriters, Richard Hawley, Paul Weller, no... like four and a no, my god what a singer, what a songwriter, da da da. And yet he's most known for farting in a studio and having a song named after him. You know what I mean? It's quite sad really because he is very, very, very well known but it's like he went to see Oasis in Heaton Park and the return takes his dinner and he's standing there with a pint Santa after car to just stand there pointing at a lamp.
Martin Morel: Yet he's the most known for farming in studio. know what I mean? It's quite sad really. He is very, very, very well known. it's like, he went to see Oasis.
steven deary: It's not for me.
Martin Morel: But it's that thing where because Oasis Goat is so massive and obviously that song, I can mind seeing the articles in the papers who has digs there. There is that part where it gets people interested and it's another way of drawing people to the band. Once you hear the album, I badly badly, I put it obviously in the Liverpool bands, get the Lars album, you get Shaq.
steven deary: Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. It is!
Martin Morel: It sounds like all of that, it sounds like all the big massive albums for your city, so ⁓ it's up there with everything. So if that helps drag people into that that might not have heard it then...
steven deary: Yes. Whoops, not that bit. Yeah, it does. I know what saying, it's like sort of good advertising, free advertising if you like, whatever. It became bigger than the band. It did. It really did. ⁓ yeah, it was. It's funny really because, as I say, he is known for the songwriting and the singing, but he's more well known for Dixie, from Dixie's Dinner.
Martin Morel: Yeah, it was. ⁓ It's funny really because, as I say, he is known for the songwriting and the singing, but he's more well known for Tixie, from Tixie's Dinner. It doesn't matter where you are in the world. If I said, of Smaller? No. Have of Tixie's Dinner? Yeah. You know what mean? You get that. Well, do know what? I'm not a bad king.
steven deary: It doesn't matter where you are in the world. If I said, have you had a smaller? No. Have you had a tigzy dinner? Yeah. You know what I mean? You get that. But you know what? It's not a bad thing. It's not a bad thing.
Martin Morel: Yeah, but I mean again, it all depends who's listening because if I spoke to my pal at work and said, right, this is who I'm speaking to on the podcast today, he wouldn't know because he's not into music. And the minute I said, digs his dinner, he would know. Whereas I've got other pals that are big into music, ages with me, that are well into the same sort of stuff as yourself, and they would know right away who's smaller.
steven deary: Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Martin Morel: So you get two types of people. So, I mean, so like the album, obviously the other connection, well, the other connections are obviously Mark Coyle produced the album ⁓ and Noel plays on it as well on one of the songs, If. So how did that come about? Did that all come about organically and who decided you don't Mark Coyle as producer?
steven deary: Yeah Yeah?
Martin Morel: was that just fist?
steven deary: ⁓ god, yeah I mean I was talking earlier with them guards of being the roadies and then Noel being a roadie and blah blah blah excuse me but when we signed the deal with Better Records Noel had obviously done Definitely Maybe and he was more of our mate, he really was and he still is because again he was part of the Oasis crew
Martin Morel: maybe and he was he was more of our meat he really was he was just and he still is because we were again we were out part he was part of the oasis crew that were coming down to Liverpool and we were part in anyway so we were all we had that connection anyway we really were love being out each other was good life and especially with him what he doing it was there was no brainer he was always trying to be doing it always and him and our kids he was equipped like anything
steven deary: that were coming down to Liverpool and we were partying anyway. So we all, had that connection anyway. We really were, loved being out of each other, it was a good laugh. And especially with him, he was doing, was a no brainer, he was always going to be doing it. Always, him and our kids, they click like anything. know, they just read each other musically, amazingly. So we had that, and I think with regards to his, I can't even remember how that come across, I just only, It wasn't like this pre-planned thing. think was just... I think we might have been recording in London and he was hanging around, you know, do want to do that sort of thing. It wasn't like sort of, and we wrote this song for him. It was not like that because the song was radical years. But funny enough, it's not just one, he appears on another track as well. Not many people know that, but it's a track called...
Martin Morel: Right. I was listening to that this morning actually so I'll need to get back and with my listening ears on and
steven deary: aimless and it's on our on the Japanese ⁓ album, we've brought an album out in Japan and he appears on that but he just says one word and that's it just one word
Martin Morel: I was listening to that this morning, I've been... badly badly has been...
steven deary: Which one? The Japanese album? Okay. Well he says, what did it, he says, erm, I our kids sing, how many times have I heard these words before? And you'd hear plenty. And it's like his Dull Monk accent.
Martin Morel: What the heck? I mean, like the Manchester Liverpool thing as well, there ever, I mean it doesn't sound like there was, but was there ever any friction obviously? There's always that perceived rivalry, but ⁓ I kind of see the same kind of like-minded people, Mancunians and Liverpoolians.
steven deary: Yeah, but you know, it's Glasgow, Newcastle, Manchester I but especially these, mean, had loads in common, loads in common, you we're all in the band with our brothers, or brother, you know, we're playing similar sounds and music with similar influences, know, all, along with the real people, we're all sort of bouncing off each ⁓ other. yeah, there was no friction between. us in Oasis at all whatsoever. If anything I haven't seen them for years. speak to Paul a bit but I haven't seen them in all for years or spoke to them. I speak to Coilly. I spoke to him last week actually.
Martin Morel: So, I mean, from that kind of relationship came, when Oasis went on their arena tour, you were support, you supported at Irvine Beach along with The Verve. So, I mean, absolutely massive gig up here in Scotland, everybody still talks about it, it's up there, Oasis gigs along with the Barrowlands and Loch Lomond, but Irvine Beach is still...
steven deary: Yeah, that's right, D'aviv!
Martin Morel: High on the radar, yeah, Mega talked about.
steven deary: Is it? You know something, Tim Abbott's got some footage ⁓ of Irvine Beach. When I say some footage, mean hours. Basically, because all he used do was walk around with a camera, so he's got all the backstage footage. So you'll have like, know, me and Liam standing there having a conversation with her, and then Richard's her off to be walking past, and then you'll have like, I think Cast will do in the next night, or no she calls it, I can't remember.
Martin Morel: stage footage. So you'll have like me and Liam standing there having a conversation with her and then Richie's there asking her to be walking past and then you'll have like I think Cast will do the next night or those who close it, can't remember. See them playing footy and I'll dissolve boss boss footage. I need to get that off the trim of it. It's a must. But yeah, and the shows were big. As far as I remember.
steven deary: see them playing footy and I'll dissolve boss boss footage I need to get that off a trim of it it's it's a must but yeah and the shows were big as far as I remember at the time it was I think it was the biggest tent in the world I think so I think it was the biggest tent in the world for yeah so it was something I can't remember because I think it held about 10,000 people something like that
Martin Morel: time it was the biggest tent in the world i think so i think was the biggest tent in the world pretty sure i've heard that yeah yeah
steven deary: nine to ten thousand people that was there or but yeah so yeah we we ended up too we we started off we done the first sort of tour that they did you know like the you know the what's they called them the smaller venues you know the 300s whatever the toilets and then we progressed then to go on to do the the biggest the biggest shows the arenas then and stuff like that
Martin Morel: the toilet circuit
steven deary: Erm, we, yeah, as I say, we'd done some big, big shows like with them. ⁓ Erm, and it was, ⁓ we had a ball, absolute ball.
Martin Morel: We had a ball, an absolute ball. So, for the A-tour, another thing that you did, obviously you touched on the Japanese EP, you did a sell-out tour of Japan as well, so how did...
steven deary: Yes. What's next?
Martin Morel: the Japan thing come about obviously. mean throughout the years the Japanese have always been big into the British music. So how did they take to use over there? We done amazing over there. We didn't even know. As part of the whole company's job is to get distribution deals and get you out there and sell you records, blah blah blah. And somebody just said, listen...
steven deary: Yeah We, we done amazing over there. We done amazing. We didn't even know, it's cause as part of the record company's job is to get distribution deals, you know, and get you out there and sell your records, blah, blah, And so they just said, listen, they brought out an album, which was, I think it was like, was like B-Sides or whatever. And it's done amazing over there. It's like the third best album, selling album over there behind, it's Cooler Shaker and...
Martin Morel: I can't type these signs.
steven deary: Oasis at the time so we went over there, they said you're going over to Japan and we went, ⁓ sounds and then they said and you're doing a tour and then as it went on as I was getting closer to the going and it's sold out and it's this and it's that so we were like so what's going on here and so when we went when we flew over there
Martin Morel: And then as it went on, as I was getting closer to it, we're going, and it's sold out, and it's this and it's that. So we were like, so what's going on here? And so when we went, when we flew over there, we had the proper Beatles singing and screaming people at the airport and people waiting for us. And then we got, you've got putting the...
steven deary: We had the proper Beatles thing, know, the screaming people at the airports and you know, people waiting for us and then we got, know, people carrying it and then we got up the hotel, get to the hotel, people waiting for us there, there were fans and everything. What's going on here? So yeah, it was brilliant. was weird, I it was weird. The gigs, some of the gigs were at five o'clock.
Martin Morel: So yeah, it was brilliant. It was it sounds weird. The gigs, some of the gigs we got spanked for. So people would go to work and then they'd go straight to the gig. And so we're playing and standing there with the office clubbing and like shooting, shooting tires and stuff like that. And then at the end, there's a gap and we're like that and gone. And then they start clapping and then they're not like.
steven deary: So people would go to work and then they'd go straight to a gig. And so we're playing and standing there with their office clubbing on. Shirt and ties and stuff like that. And then at the end, a little bit of a gap and we're like that going on. And then they start clapping then and all. But then it got a bit madder as the tour went on and up. But it was brilliant. Yeah, really, really good. Really good.
Martin Morel: But then it got a bit massive as the smaller went on and on. But it was billions of people. It really, really goes. Really goes. Yeah. I'm a fan of the Japanese, obviously. I'm wearing myself to the day for the football. So obviously our team has been a touchy Japan for the last seven or eight years. So I'm big into them and they're the best kind of people.
steven deary: Yeah. It is all the grace. Grace.
Martin Morel: So, I mean for that, EP coming out, I mean it's a long EP, like as the EP's go these days, there are like 4 to 6 tracks. I mean that's basically like a set and album that, obviously there was a set and album due to come out. Was that again working with Mark Coyle?
steven deary: Yes, yeah. It is! It is, sir! Yes it was, so we went to a residential studio in Lincolnshire called the Church, Chapel Church, Chapel, can't remember, because we recorded in Dave Stewart's one in London and that was called the Church or the Chapel, sorry I've got them mixed up. But anyway, and we went there, we recorded about 12 to 14 songs.
Martin Morel: or a chapel, so I can't forget them and stuff. and we went there, did...
steven deary: And then basically what happened was within all of this there was an issue with the record company and Robbie Williams. I don't know, I don't even know what. I couldn't say to you this happened because I don't, even to this day I don't. But whatever happened, we finished, we more or less finished the album if you like to the mixing stage or to the monitor mixers and then
Martin Morel: The album didn't get paid for, so it stayed in the studio for years.
steven deary: But the album didn't get paid for, so it stayed in the studio for years. And that was more or less the end of Smaller. So we recorded the second album. We couldn't really do anything. couldn't, know, the record company were having a few problems for whatever reason, I don't know. So we couldn't really talk. We couldn't promote our album. So it was more or less the end.
Martin Morel: So about three years later my coil goes back to the same studio with some other bands and the owner of the studio said...
steven deary: About three years later, Mark Hoyle goes back to the same studio with some other bands and the owner of the studio said, what's happened to Smoller? What an album, that album's brilliant. So he just said, you know, he said, whatever. then at the end of the session, the studio manager giving the masters back. And so we got the album back. So everything's all finished, all the license sessions all done now. So I've now got the masters.
Martin Morel: Right
steven deary: So we're just currently, we're looking, we're speaking to a few different producers at the moment about getting it remixed and mastered and getting it out. So hopefully this year we'll finally get it out after what? 20 odd years, you know.
Martin Morel: Yeah, we're talking probably about 30 years, we're talking about Yeah, we're talking about 1997, we?
steven deary: Is he? I don't see that man, forget him. I still think I'm 21. Yeah, of course, yeah, yeah.
Martin Morel: So that's what mean, that's year of the 27th, 30 years and that's the high. I spoke to, I've had a few bands on the podcast, I had the Mardos who were, they were at the same time as the Lebertines and their album never came out. I think that was, I think they were on Pop Tones with McGee and that never came out. They just released that last year, it was like 20 years and then I spoke to a
steven deary: Yeah, can see it. Home again, yeah?
Martin Morel: A band from Manchester, Joanna, and their album was due in 1989 and they just brought it out last year. So that was like 38 years or something. So it seems to be the trend. And that's the thing, your audience that was there 20 years ago, 30 years ago, they're still interested in you. They're just waiting on...
steven deary: ⁓ yeah, there's them, yeah. I'll be honest with you, 20, 30 years ago there was no social media, there was none. So, I if I knew I have fans in Japan, the bands, get, know, when we went to London, the record company would go, oh, and is it, know, it, know, fan mail and that's how it was, type of thing. But since we've got back together and set it all up again, mean, jaws at the floor.
Martin Morel: Mm-hmm New York.
steven deary: There's fans all over the world. They know the stuff, even I don't know. Really, really passionate about the band. So we've been doing t-shirts, I've been sending them off to everywhere. Australia, America, Austria, Spain, everywhere. I'm like, oh my God. I just thought it was like we were known in Liverpool and a little bit there. It's really, give me a shock of how I...
Martin Morel: so we've been doing t-shirts I've been sending them off to everywhere Australia, Austria, Spain everywhere and my god, I just thought it was like a known in Liverpool and there's snow, it's really, know, give me a shock and I'd like
steven deary: Not saying that big, we weren't big, but you know what I mean? It's how well-liked we were. There was a massive respect for us and that's great. That's really good.
Martin Morel: Yeah, yeah. ⁓ Yeah, as I say, obviously I'm speaking to this way at some point. Met to speak to them the morning of the night, but they're cancelled because of the football, I think. But they are constantly talking about you, they hold you in high regard. you're really well received, probably more than you think. Now, on that second album that's coming out at some point, Richard Hawley appears on it, is that correct?
steven deary: Yeah. Nope. Richard's all he's on it yet, Richard. So how that came about was I went to see the Longpigs in the Lomax in Liverpool and they brilliant and we were doing Reading that year and they were on the same stage as us and I just happened to go there, didn't go, I'll be honest, never did, never never at the time and I was like, wow, these are boss. Went to meet them afterwards in the bar.
Martin Morel: Mm-hmm.
steven deary: I we're doing reading with yous and then when he said, I said, we were, he went, yous, oh my god, yous are boss of A to U, I know yous, all that. So we became friends from there on in. yeah, and Richard, think Richard even played with us live somewhere, I can't remember. But yeah, he's a good mate, he is a good mate. He's a very good mate with our kids. Again, them two are very close.
Martin Morel: you said who we were. went, yous all, my god, yous a boss of A.D. So we became friends from there on in. So what's the plans? Do you you'll get the album this year or next year?
steven deary: Hopefully, hopefully that's the idea. mean got a bit of mind the album's done. It's recorded. We don't need to go and record as so when you're doing an album, it's You know the recording is the long process. Alls we need is get this mixed and get it out So that's I say we're just in the middle of speaking to a couple of different producers And hopefully it'll be out, you know by September
Martin Morel: you know, So, did like the ending a smaller at the time? Like, did it end abruptly or did it just kind of fizzle out?
steven deary: I was fizzled, it fizzled, so you know, basically as I said to you earlier, we couldn't talk, there was no budget, there was no this, no that, so I think we'd done the odd Liverpool gig sort of thing, we might have done a London gig, I can't remember, and then it fizzled, and then we sort of, me and our kids stayed together, and we just had, we had a studio, and we just had our mates coming down, you know, So we had about 20 different mato just coming down and having a few little... But it was done, it was well done. So the official line up of smaller, I come to an end in 98, something like that. And then as I say, after that, that was it, it was done. We tried to carry it on but wasn't worth it and we didn't. So that was that, so we've come to an end in 98 smaller. But then...
Martin Morel: then as I say, it's after that, that was it, it was done. We tried to carry it on, it wasn't working. So that was that. So we've come to an end in 98 tomorrow. But then we got back together in 2017. It was quite sad actually because was our mate, our roadie, our travel the world.
steven deary: We got back together in 2017, it was quite sad actually because it was our mate, our roadie Arthur, who's travelled the world with us, done everything with us, everything. He's even on a B-side, we even, you know, we love him that much, we gave him a B-side, he can't even sing or play, so he's on one of songs called C'mon, he was the roadie, went to the iron iron, so that was that. So, Arthur had a stroke and he lost his eyesight, just like that.
Martin Morel: He's even on a B-side. We love him that much, we gave him B-side, can't even sing or play. So he's on one of his songs called Cobbon.
steven deary: So, my brother got in touch and said, have you heard about Heart? I said, no, you've got to do something. So we got back together, not the original line up, but just me and our kids ⁓ and Jason. And we got someone else in. And was only to do, we'd just done a couple of gigs and a charity show for Arthur. And then that was that. And then this year, well, sorry, was last year.
Martin Morel: Not the original line up, just me and our kids. then this year, well, last year, a promoter got in touch with me and it was all to do with the Oasis 25 Tour. So basically, we got off gigs in America. And the idea was Oasis would be playing a stadium and we'd be playing after the show in a local club. daddy got flied and they go, well, as they're coming, I'm going, well, take me.
steven deary: A promoter got in touch with me and it was all to do with the Oasis 25 Tour. And so basically we got off gigs in America and Argentina. And basically the idea was Oasis would be playing a stadium and we'd be playing after the show in a local club. so daddy would get flying and go well, as they're coming on, we've got Dixie from Dixie's dinner from Smaller, blah, blah, blah. We weren't known in America at that point. So it was a good... So we were supposed to be doing that. But we hadn't... I hadn't spoke to our kids for seven years, never mind. I hadn't played. So we had like about a month to get a band together. Get tight and get over it. It was too... It didn't happen. So we went... We got back together. Started the airson.
Martin Morel: Mm. We had like a month to get a band together, get tight and get over there and it was too, it didn't happen, so we went, we got back together. It was going great, loving it. We booked a sold out within like two days. like that. Done the gig, brilliant, all loved it. Let's do another one.
steven deary: It was going great, loving it. We booked a sold out within like two days, you know, just like that. Done the gig, brilliant, all loved it. Let's do another one. So, just done another one this time, you know, that twice as big and so, so it's just getting bigger and bigger and bigger. We're not doing, we're not committing. Do know what? We're not committing, we're not going, let's do an album, let's do this, we're just doing it. as we're going along. So we like this, yeah, it's a good laugh. And when we stop enjoying it, we'll stop, simple as that.
Martin Morel: Yeah, so that's that's I mean so what I've got then you and 2017 I've got that you split a shine on as well. Did you do that? It's obviously cuz I mean that's that's
steven deary: Oh god, yet! I don't know why I'm laughing.
Martin Morel: That festival is right up your street as well because again it's the Brownsback or the older fans.
steven deary: Well, there's a story about that. So basically, when we were the airsome for the Arthur gig, when people found out that we were back together, I got bombarded with, what do call it, Stingy old Tours, and then Blip Pop Tours, and this and that and then there and there there. There was just loads and loads and loads. And there wasn't the idea that we weren't getting back together. It was just to do a charity show, that was it. And then...
Martin Morel: Mm-hmm
steven deary: We got offered to on and that storm went, yeah, you know what, I'll do that. Fancy that. As you say, vital bastardies. Like mines and bans, you know, all that. So that was that. But the assholes weren't going good as such with me and our kids. We're brothers. And the fighting was bad, Bad. So...
Martin Morel: the assholes weren't going good with such a mean arcade.
steven deary: I just went, I am not bad, I'm not doing that. So I just went, I'll end up doing them in before they get off to taking on the M62, honest to God. So I just, I bailed and got another drumming in to do it. But as I said, it doesn't matter what's happening, I'm doing the charity gig. That's close to me arse massively. So that was that. I don't know, I think it's online, I think it's on YouTube, so you might see it, but it's not me. It's not as good looking as me neither.
Martin Morel: So I'll end up doing them before they get off to do them on the M62. I bailed and got another jump in into it. Right. Whatever I said, doesn't matter what's happening, I'm doing the charity game. That's close to me eyes massively. So that was that. I think it's online, I think it's on YouTube, so you might see it, but it's not me. Yeah, because my big mate, he goes to it every year and now he's pals with the guy James that runs it. So now, I think the last two or three years he's DJ'd at it now. My big mate, Stevie Moffat he's called. ⁓
steven deary: Yeah. Yeah yeah yeah change that. Yeah, there's some in Syria. Well, we were supposed to do it here. We were supposed to do it. We got offered it again. November. Oh no, wasn't March, the one in Lincolnshire. But we were supposed to be doing it. We were on the main stage with the enemy in the twang. And then we got, it got pulled. We got pulled in any, and then we couldn't do it. No, was a bit of a mess. So I don't know. Yeah. As I say, we'll just see how goes. See how goes.
Martin Morel: Mm-hmm. Uh-huh. Yeah, yeah, so I mean, look, the pace that you're going at now, obviously you did that one, the end of the year archive, ⁓ then obviously Camping Furnace just passed there and announced, I think, your plane archive again this December. So I mean that
steven deary: Yeah. Yeah. Yeah we are, there's a great venue, it's our local venue, it's our mates place and it's know what it's brilliant it really is good. So we could have played some, we may, we don't know, we may be doing two nights. So we've just got one booked in at the moment and we're gonna keep our eye and see if we want to do the next you know two nights there, I don't know we'll just see but yeah there's just one booked in at the moment.
Martin Morel: Maybe in two nights. Yeah, I mean that sounds amazing and you can tell obviously playing their hometown shows and seeing kind of the love that you get for the fan base as you say you don't know that you had them all the years ago but aye they're still there. ⁓
steven deary: Yeah! Yeah, well do you know something, I tell you what was one of the amazing things for me was, excuse me, was my kids came and they'd never seen me play before because they weren't born, you know what mean, so my daughter, I've got two daughters, one's 22 and one's 15 and you know they'd never seen me play in the band so they were standing there right at the front and I'm playing and just looking at them, that was brilliant, that was highlight.
Martin Morel: Mm-hmm
steven deary: for me as well as the and the reaction the crowd reaction and we had people do you know what we had people coming from all over the country we had louise coming down from i think edinburgh we had this crew from derby we had people coming up from over from dublin ⁓ coventy london freaking hell it's just nearly sort of going makes you go that thing again about i just didn't realize how appreciated we were as a band and stuff so
Martin Morel: It's just really sort of made you go, I think again about, I just didn't realise how appreciated we were. I mean, so we've got this gig coming up in December, hopefully the album will be released. So, all the best with what comes in the future. The last part of the podcast, I don't think I told you this while we were negotiating. About the last part of podcast, obviously it's time for heroes. I asked my guest to pick four heroes to come for dinner. Why are they your heroes and what would you cook for them? These people can be whatever walkie-like you want. can be... you going to be heroes? Whatever you hold in regard as somebody that's been an influence.
steven deary: Have they got to be heroes? Alright, I'll tell you what to do. Jürgen's coming. Jürgen Klopp's coming. Kenny's coming. Kenny's address is coming.
Martin Morel: I can definitely go with Kenny Dalglish, yeah I can
steven deary: Badly, badly mate. And then... And did you say I've got to tell them what am I making them?
Martin Morel: I, I, what are you cooking them Israel? Just to see how you're good jamming the kitchen.
steven deary: I would make. Kenny, right, a fillet steak, right, right, and I'd get a bit of, I know what's on the side there, haggis, I'd get a bit haggis, make him like feel at home, right, with a bit of rocke and like little bit of smarces. Jürgen, on the other hand, same fillet steak, medium, sauerkraut, bit of sauerkraut, again make him feel at home, bit of rocke.
Martin Morel: ⁓ lovely.
steven deary: them little baby plum tomatoes. The other two, the other two are sitting there like that, right?
Martin Morel: Lovely.
steven deary: Donald Trump Netanyahu No day getting for dinner. It'll sign I tab the... There you go you blitz. Like that. I know I just sit there and I just like go... ⁓ them yergs. Like that, and you hear them like that. I love you. I'm talking for the year. But certainly not heroes mate, certainly not heroes. Them two are.
Martin Morel: Perfect man ⁓ Yes. That's brilliant. Yeah, I can get behind the two and I can get behind the other two as well for what you're doing them either. That's brilliant. Kenny Dalglish obviously for what he's done for for Baef clubs.
steven deary: Well do you know what? Do you know, my birthday is the 3rd of March, his is the 4th of March. So when he signed in 77 for 440,000, I knew straight away when his birthday was. So I was, I think I was nine, 1977. And I've carried that all the way, all through my life. So people go, happy birthday, and I go to Kenny Dodgers, he's tomorrow.
Martin Morel: Mm-hmm. Yeah.
steven deary: I've said that for like 40, 50 years or whatever it is. So yeah, it means a lot to me.
Martin Morel: Yeah, means a lot to me. Yeah, absolute hero of mine as well. It's been an absolute pleasure speaking to you today. And you, Mark, please make sure you... As I said, all the best for everyone coming up, for... I'll be waiting for this album.
steven deary: I'm Hugh Marr, it's been great mate. Yeah well listen, look I mean things are going well and we're enjoying it. We may be coming up to Scotland, you know let's meet up and that if you see us playing or I'll let you know anyway, I'll give you the heads up on it. But there's a lot of interest about us going up and as I say the idea of sitting in a van with our kids for five hours.
Martin Morel: Yeah, totally man. Yeah
steven deary: me off a bit late but nah he's all right you know.
Martin Morel: Yeah, but but it's worth it and then it's worth it once you go on stage and you see you see that
steven deary: Absolutely, absolutely you're right mate. Well thanks for that, I've enjoyed it's been great.
Martin Morel: Yeah, it's been an absolute pleasure man, all the best man. Cheers man.
steven deary: Well, cheers, Matt!
