On this episode of the podcast, I am joined by Brian Protheroe , the man behind the 1974 original of 'Pinball' - Paul Weller's latest single from the upcoming covers album Find El Dorado.
When Paul Weller chose to cover Brian Protheroe’s 1974 debut single 'Pinball' for his latest single and upcoming album Find El Dorado, it wasn’t just a nod to nostalgia - it was an artist recognising a song that had quietly endured for half a century. For Brian, who has straddled a dual career in acting and music, Pinball was never meant to be a pop hit. It was a stream-of-consciousness diary entry, capturing a moment of heartbreak, aimlessness, and Soho wanderings, all strung together without a chorus - just mood, melody, and raw honesty.
Written during a low point in his life - newly single, broke, and living in a flea-ridden Covent Garden flat - his vivid lyrical sketches ('fleas in the bedroom, flies in the bathroom') offered something different to the glam and gloss of the charts. That difference resonated: Pinball landed him on Top of the Pops, and repeated plays from Kenny Everett on his Capital radio show.
Now 81, Brian is still writing and recording, with a remastered vinyl reissue of his debut album Pinball due in August.
Find podcast show notes and sign up for regular information at PaulWellerFanPodcast.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Popular Podcasts
NFL Daily with Gregg Rosenthal
Gregg Rosenthal and a rotating crew of elite NFL Media co-hosts, including Patrick Claybon, Colleen Wolfe, Steve Wyche, Nick Shook and Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic get you caught up daily on all the NFL news and analysis you need to be smarter and funnier than your friends.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com