From Punk to Powerhouse: Nigel Carr’s Wild Ride in Music and Media! The Andrew Eborn Show 11 08 25

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In a riveting episode of The Andrew Eborn Show, host Andrew Eborn sits down with Nigel Carr, a music industry titan whose life is a soundtrack of punk, passion, and groundbreaking ventures. From co-owning Louder Than War to launching a 24/7 radio station and co-producing the Joy Division-inspired play New Dawn Fades, Carr’s journey is anything but ordinary. This interview is a treasure trove of music history, insider anecdotes, and life lessons that will leave you inspired.

"Beach Boys to Sex Pistols: The Song That Started It All!"

Carr’s earliest music memory is singing The Beach Boys’ Sloop John B in 1966, a spark that ignited a lifelong love affair with music. By his teens, punk rock took over, with the Sex Pistols’ explosive 1976 performance on Tony Wilson’s So It Goes sealing the deal. “I was smitten,” Carr confesses, recounting his obsession with punk, Joy Division, and post-punk bands like Wire. His passion led to two unforgettable interviews with John Lydon, where the punk legend dished on everything from Sid Vicious’ bass-playing struggles to meeting Alice Cooper and Lemmy. “Sid couldn’t play anything,” Carr reveals, sharing Lydon’s candid tales of sending Sid to Lemmy for lessons, only to be told he was hopeless.

"John Lydon’s Shocking Confession: Booze, Cigarettes, and Karaoke Controversies!"

Carr’s recent chat with Lydon in Warrington was a highlight, with the punk icon slugging Coronas despite claiming he’d quit drinking. Lydon’s unfiltered nature shone through as he called the Sex Pistols’ reunion with Frank Carter “karaoke” and a “puppet show.” Carr dives into the fallout, sparked by Steve Jones’ book and the Pistol series, which Lydon felt lacked his blessing. “Those lyrics are personal,” Carr explains, highlighting Lydon’s emotional connection to songs like Death Disco, written about his aunt’s passing. These revelations offer a raw glimpse into the punk legend’s heart and mind.

"From Shoe Buyer to Music Mogul: Nigel Carr’s Unlikely Journey!"

Before music took over, Carr spent a decade as a shoe buyer for Barrett Shoes, sourcing Ben Sherman footwear from Vietnam to Italy. “I followed whatever I wanted to do,” he says, crediting his punk-inspired ethos for his diverse career. A chance gig with photographer David Glebe led to writing for Louder Than War, covering bands from Placebo to Morrissey. Carr’s business savvy helped stabilize the magazine, now boasting 50 writers worldwide and a thriving T-shirt line. His advice? “Paddle your own canoe.”

"Louder Than War Live: The Festival That’s Shaking Up Manchester!"

Set for March 14, 2026, Louder Than War Live promises to be a game-changer. Featuring Sea Power, Evil Blizzard, and more, this one-day, three-venue festival at Manchester’s Academy embodies the magazine’s alternative, punk spirit. Partnered with Bristol’s Ghostwriter events, Carr and John Robb aim to make it a staple, with plans already brewing for 2027. “It’s credible, from a respected organization,” Carr says, urging fans to grab tickets fast.

"Radio Revelations: How Nigel Carr Built a 24/7 Music Empire!"

In 2023, Carr launched Louder Than War Radio, a 24/7 station now run by New York’s Audrey Golden. After a fallout with local station Radio Alty (they gave “the shoe salesman the boot” over political disagreements), Carr poured his nerdy music knowledge into a John Peel-inspired show. From obscure tracks to interviews with Billy Bragg and Self Esteem, the station is a haven for music lovers. “It’s about sharing new tracks people haven’t heard,” Carr says, citing his five-hour prep sessions to deliver rich band backstories.

"New Dawn Fades: The Joy Division Play Taking the UK by Storm!"

Carr’s proudest venture is co-producing New Dawn Fades, a Joy Division play hitting 23 UK dates, including London’s Bloomsbury Festival and Cheltenham’s Everyman. “It’s the ultimate in following your dream,” he says, blending his business skills with a love for Joy Division’s iconic sound. This West End-bound production is a testament to Carr’s fearless approach to life and art.

"The One Secret Nigel Carr Never Shared—Until Now!"

Inspired by Stan Lee’s advice to pursue your passion, Carr’s secret to success is simple: “Do what you love with the passion it deserves.” From shoe buyer to West End producer, he’s lived by this mantra, embracing mistakes as learning opportunities. His biggest lesson? Avoid locking into bad business deals—a hard-won insight from a failed retail partnership. Carr’s advice to his younger self? “Accept you’ll make mistakes and use them.”

This interview is a must-read for music fans, packed with juicy stories, punk history, and Carr’s infectious zest for life. Catch New Dawn Fades and Louder Than War Live to see his vision in action!