Former Guardian Media Group editor and broadcast journalist.

What happened to music journalism? When did it all become so arse-kissingly sycophantic? Where’s the bile, the passion, the honesty? Listen, not every piece of music out there is a ‘banger.’ It’s impossible. Somebody, somewhere is making music that ought to be taken into the woods, smashed into a million pieces, set on fire and buried in a deep, deep hole, never to be mentioned again.

Speaking about the current state of the music press, Brett Anderson wrote, “Nowadays, despite a few noticeable exceptions, most publications seem too afraid of offending their demographic to have any worthwhile opinion.

“Any artist who enters into the arena of public assessment waives their right to be upset if someone doesn’t like their work.”

And he’s right.

I’ll always say what I think and that won’t please everyone, but as John Lennon once said, “Being honest may not get you a lot of friends, but it’ll always get you the right ones.”

I’m on Twitter (@LondonPeaky) Instagram (@londonpeaky) and Bluesky (@londonpeaky.bsky.social). Initial enquiries only via CONTACT page please. It’s up there at the top – far right hand side, you can’t miss it…

Thank you.

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“Mike, I have to salute your integrity.”

(Jim Jones, Sept 2023)

“Love the site by the way.”

(Keith Mullin, The Farm, Nov 2023)

“Brilliant Mike. Laffed til I pissed my pants.”

(Mal Hallett, ‘Transvision Vamp’ and ‘Rotten Hill Gang,’ December 2023)

“I appreciate your hard work in keeping traditional music journalism alive.”

(Beth, ‘Won’t Say Rabbit,’ Oct 2023)

“Every post by a writer like you is so much appreciated.”

(Nick, Beat Filter PR, Oct 2023)

“We’re not looking for sycophantic coverage, so you seem like the right person to write to.”

(Tim, ‘The Way After,’ Oct 2023)

“We really appreciate what you do.”

(Rafa Skam, ‘Yellow Melodies,’ Dec 2023)

“I like your writing style, flows and packs a punch.”

(Paul Bedford, Founder, ‘Kick Down The Doors’ Promotion & PR, Nov 2023)

“I really really appreciate the feature pal. You’ve made my day.”

(Kenny, ‘The Santos Connection,’ Dec 2023)

 “I love the fact you review honestly.” 

(Mark Heffernan, ‘Pocket Lint,’ Dec 2023)