BBC Radio 6 Music will be celebrating the unique relationship between music and literature with a live outside broadcast of Guy Garvey’s weekly show from Manchester Central Library on Sunday 6 September, from 2-4pm.
From The Doors to Of Mice And Men, literature has always had an important influence on the music we all listen to and 6 Music will be exploring this connection in this special edition of Guy Garvey’s Finest Hour.
Guy will be joined on the programme by Radiohead’s Phil Selway and New Order’s Stephen Morris to discuss the literary influences that have impacted on their work.
There will also be an interview with the singer and songwriter Jim James from My Morning Jacket and a live acoustic performance by the American rock band Heartless Bastards, while Guy will receive a lesson in the art of drumming from Phil and Stephen.
A special commemorative presentation will also be held to mark the three year anniversary since the tragic passing of Radiohead’s Doncaster-born drum technician, Scott Johnson, who died when a section of rigging collapsed at one of the band’s concerts in Toronto. Scott’s family and the Radiohead management team have marked his passing by giving drum kits to young people across the world so they can enjoy playing.
During Guy’s show, Manchester Central Library will receive a special drum kit to mark Scott’s passing that will go on permanent display at the recently refurbished venue.
Phil Selway explains: “6 Music Celebrates Libraries. It’s all in the title. A celebration of literature and music hitching up together. It is also, most importantly for me, a moment to reflect on the passing of my friend Scott Johnson who was such a valued member of the Radiohead touring family. He loved music and the presentation we will carry out on the day is a heartfelt tribute to his life. I can think of no better way to spend a Sunday afternoon: listening to some great tunes, hearing some great tales and commemorating a great man who tragically lost his life doing the thing he loved most – working in music.
“For me, libraries can be to books what good venues are to music; they provide a great setting that heightens the experience of reading. So, I’m really looking forward to being in Manchester Central Library. Literature and music have a similar impact on me. They both allow me to immerse myself in other worlds which can then alter my perception and understanding of people and places around me.”
Julie Cullen, Editor for 6 Music, says: “Following the success of last year’s 6 Music Celebrates Libraries on the network, we wanted to explore further the fascinating relationship between literature and the art of song-writing. With Guy Garvey receiving the commemorative drum kit on behalf of the Manchester Central Library, this felt like a fitting moment to honour Scott and celebrate this theme.”
As part of the programme, listeners will be encouraged to tweet their recommended read along with a supporting soundtrack to #6MusicCelebratesLibraries, giving listeners the opportunity to join in the day’s discussions and provide their thoughts on the works of music and literature that have influenced their own lives.
Manchester Central Library will be hosting a variety of family-friendly activities from midday until 4pm including Minecraft Mask Making, story and song time for under 5s, and an opportunity to ‘start your own band’ by trying the guitars, drums and other musical instruments available to library visitors.
