Shaun Keaveny is to host a new show on BBC Radio 6 Music Indie Forever with Johnny Marr as his first guest.
Indie Icons Only will air on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 12pm on BBC Radio 6 Music Indie Forever, the station’s extension for BBC Sounds, with the first of eight two-hour episodes beginning tomorrow, Saturday 3 October.
The series will see Shaun in conversation with Johnny Marr, who has spent more than four decades making music since co-founding The Smiths and has also worked with artists including Hans Zimmer, Noel Gallagher and The Pretenders.
Across the eight episodes, Johnny will reflect on his career, songwriting and musical influences, as well as his collaborations with other musicians throughout his time in the industry.
Shaun said: “It was a total no-brainer agreeing to do this show for Indie Forever and 6 Music. Getting the chance to unpick a favourite musician’s influences, craft and career over the course of multiple episodes, IN A PUB, was a proposition I could not turn down.”
The programme marks Shaun’s return to the 6 Music family, with Johnny welcoming the opportunity to speak with the presenter again about music and culture.
Johnny said: “It’s always interesting and fun to talk music and culture with Shaun Keaveny. Great to have him back on 6 Music.”
Samantha Moy, Head of BBC Radio 6 Music, said the return of Shaun alongside Johnny Marr would be “such a treat for music fans” and described the programmes as a celebration of Johnny’s contribution to British music.
She added: “I know the programmes will be funny, joyful and insightful – a true celebration of an icon who has made such an important contribution to the story of British music.”
Highlights from each episode will also be made available on the BBC Radio 6 Music YouTube channel every Saturday at 10am, giving listeners another way to hear some of the conversations.
6 Music Indie Forever launched on BBC Sounds in July as a dedicated service focused on indie pop, rock and classics that have featured in listeners’ musical memories.
The 24-hour stream features indie music from the 1980s through to the 2010s and beyond, with UK artists accounting for 70% of its playlist.
The new series gives Shaun the opportunity to explore Johnny Marr’s music and career across eight programmes, with the conversations taking place in a pub setting.
Photo: Shaun Keaveny and Johnny Marr – Credit: BBC Radio 6 Music Indie Forever