Ep.517 Encore Presentation of Episode 377 with Tom Bailey

·30 min·2 clips

Tom Bailey admits he secretly always enjoyed touring more than his bandmates did.

PF Wilson introduces this encore presentation of episode 377, originally recorded in August 2018. He explains he's taking a week off due to personal commitments and chose to replay an interview with synthpop pioneer Tom Bailey. PF shares a personal anecdote about channeling Ira Glass for these encores. He sets up the interview by mentioning Bailey's involvement in the Retro Futura Tour with Howard Jones. PF discusses the history of Thompson Twins, noting Alana Curry handled lyrics and band image while Joe Leeway focused on stage design. He lists his favorite bands, including Thompson Twins among others like OMD and The Beach Boys. The episode includes a 'Facebook, not Factbook' segment debunking a viral post about Donald Trump. The interview with Tom Bailey begins with PF recalling their last conversation 27 years prior. Bailey explains his return to pop music was influenced by a track with Mexican pop star Alex Fintech and encouragement from Howard Jones. He describes his time away from pop, working on dub projects, North Indian classical music, and film scores. Bailey talks about the discipline required in pop songwriting and his limited engagement with contemporary chart music. He discusses touring with the B-52s and Culture Club, noting time constraints affect setlists. Bailey contrasts his current enjoyment of touring with past pressures during Thompson Twins' arena days. He mentions maintaining contact with Alana Curry but rarely seeing Joe Leeway. Bailey details his all-female backing band, including new bassist Vicky Warwick and keyboardist Amanda Kramer. He reflects on technology's role in music democratization and the cyclical nature of keyboard popularity. Bailey shares anecdotes about varying song popularity between the US and Europe, like 'If You Were Here' not resonating in Quebec. The interview concludes with Bailey recording a liner for the podcast. PF closes by promoting Bailey's 2018 album 'Science Fiction' as the song of the week.

As heard by us

Tom Bailey turns synthpop history into a grounded look at how a legacy set gets built.

Tom Bailey's return to touring gives this Encore review a clean focus: a synthpop figure sorting through what it means to play live again. The episode moves through Howard Jones nudging him back toward the stage, the Retro Futura setting, and the squeeze of a 45-minute bill with…

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

Want to hear synthpop history through Tom Bailey's 45-minute setlist math?

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from PF’s Tape Recorder