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This week on The Mixtape, host Mark Phillips is joined by Jem Finer, founding member of The Pogues, ahead of the band’s Australian tour celebrating the 40th anniversary of Rum, Sodomy & the Lash.
Jem discusses how the anniversary shows go beyond the original album, drawing from EPs, B-sides and early Pogues material, and explains why the setlist isn’t performed front-to-back. He also shares his excitement about playing the Sydney Opera House for the very first time.
The conversation explores how the band has approached life and touring after Shane MacGowan, including the decision to feature multiple vocalists rather than attempting to replace an irreplaceable voice. Jem reflects on how this approach has reinvigorated the music and avoided the feeling of becoming a nostalgia act.
Jem also looks back on recording Rum, Sodomy & the Lash with Elvis Costello, discussing the difference between working with musician-producers versus traditional producers, and shares memories of collaborating with Steve Lillywhite, who produced the newly released Fairytale of New York Zoetrope 12”.
The episode closes with Jem creating his Mixtape playlist—revealing the songs that shaped him, from attention-grabbing openers and car-sing-along classics to rare cover versions, deep cuts, and a remarkable collaboration involving hurdy-gurdy, underground dance music, and Jimmy Cauty.
🎟 Tour info & tickets: Bluesfest Tours
📍 Perth show: Fremantle Prison – 25 March
A deep, thoughtful conversation about legacy, tradition, reinvention, and why great songs never stop evolving.
00:00 – Jem Finer (The Pogues) Intro
00:40 – Australian Tour & Rum, Sodomy & the Lash 40th Anniversary
02:15 – Setlist: Expanded Album, EPs & B-Sides
03:45 – Playing the Sydney Opera House for the First Time
05:05 – Life After Shane MacGowan & Why Multiple Vocalists Work
07:50 – Favourite Song to Play Live (“A Pair of Brown Eyes”)
09:20 – Avoiding the “Tribute Band” Feeling
10:45 – Recording Rum, Sodomy & the Lash: Did They Know Its Impact?
12:30 – Working with Elvis Costello as Producer
14:20 – Fairytale of New York Zoetrope 12” & Love of Vinyl
16:15 – First Ever Performance with Kirsty MacColl (Barrowlands)
17:35 – Mixtape Track 1: Attention Grabber (Blur – “Song 2”)
18:55 – Mixtape Track 2: Car & Shower Song (Johnny Allen – “Promised Land”)
20:25 – Mixtape Track 3: Cover Versions & Lost Records
22:20 – What Makes a Great Cover Version?
24:00 – Mixtape Track 4: Song for His 18-Year-Old Self (Lankum)
25:40 – Mixtape Track 5: Romance & Atmosphere (Alice Coltrane)
26:45 – Mixtape Track 6: Deep Cut, Hurdy Gurdy & Jimmy Cauty
27:35 – Tour Dates, Fremantle Prison & Farewell
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