Humans of XS Manchester

As a Manchester-based brand, we are proud to be part of a city which is so rich in culture, heritage, music and fashion. If you are yet of hear, Humans of XS Manchester is a podcast hosted by DJ, radio presenter and musician, Clint Boon, which focuses on the spirit of the city and the people within it.

Formerly the keyboardist and occasional vocalist for the Inspiral Carpets, Clint was part of the late 1980s and early 1990s Madchester movement along with the likes of The Stone Roses, Happy Mondays and James. After the split of the band in 1995, he went on to release two albums under The Clint Boon Experience: The Compact Guide to Pop Music and Space Travel and Life in Transition.

More recently known for his work as both a radio presenter and club DJ across the UK and internationally, Clint has hosted shows for Liverpool’s Crash FM, The Revolution and XFM/Radio X before moving onto his current position at XS Manchester.

Throughout his career in the music industry Clint has shown a genuine passion for Manchester, the music from the city and the people within it. During the Humans of XS Manchester podcasts, he interviews figureheads such as Bonehead, Liam Gallagher, Johnny Marr, Rowetta and Dr. John Cooper Clark, who tell incredible stories about music, their personal lives and the city of Manchester. The podcast also reaches further than those who were born in the city, featuring the likes of Alan McGee, Graeme Park and George Craig who discuss their reasons for moving to Manchester and what it has brought to their lives. 

The podcast has just rounded up its third series, so there are over 20 great shows to listen to whilst we await a fourth sequence. If you're unsure where to start, take a look at our top 5 podcasts from the series' below.

Our Top 5 Humans of XS Manchester Podcasts

Johnny Marr
During the fifth episode of Series 2, legendary guitarist and founding member of The Smiths - Johnny Marr - is interviewed. Johnny chats about growing up in Ardwick surrounded by his Irish family; his huge appreciation for Manchester, and his obsession with music from a young age. He chats about how the punk movement inspired him to follow his dreams, along with the magical moment he first met Morrissey; playing at the Hacienda, and his momentous decision to leave The Smiths. He also touches on his current lifestyle, the reasons behind his clean living and how he looks after his physical and mental health.



Charlie Lightening
For a special edition during Series 2 Clint chats to Film Director and creator of Liam Gallagher’s ‘As It Was’ film, Charlie Lightening. They chat about Charlie’s childhood in Sale and how Oasis impacted his life as a teenager, before reminiscing about the treasured moment he met the Gallagher brothers and his time working with both of them. They also look back on some of his career highlights, including going on tour with Kasabian and visiting The White House with Paul McCartney, President Barack Obama and Stevie Wonder.



George Craig
Musician and owner of Jimmy’s in the Northern Quarter, George Craig, features on the fourth episode of Series 3. George talks about how he grew up in Yorkshire; forming his band One Night Only, and his first memory of Manchester - when his band played the Roadhouse with The Wombats and The Courteeners. He also talks about taking the leap and moving to Manchester when he didn’t know much about the city, before building Jimmy’s bar in both Manchester and Liverpool with his brother.



George Simms
In the 11th episode of Series 3, Clint chats to 95-year-old George Simms, one of the last living survivors of the D Day in Normandy. Born in Ardwick, he speaks about his childhood and growing up in the aftermath of the First World War during the 1920s. He joined the Royal Marines at the age of 18 and talks about his experiences as a Royal Marine Commando and D Day Veteran in the Second World War, along with his time serving in the Stockport Fire Service for 30 years. He also talks about why he’s still so proud to be a Mancunian.



Liam Gallagher
Our final podcast is the seventh episode of Series 3 with Liam Gallagher. Liam talks about growing up in Burnage, working for British Gas and being a roadie for the Inspiral Carpets with his brother. It goes without saying that he discusses the iconic rise and fall of Oasis, along with the process of creating his film ‘As It Was’. With the release of his second album ‘Why Me? Why Not.’ Liam also talks about his solo career so far, touching on Beady Eye and the differences between his first and second solo albums. Finally, he talks about his favourite Mancunians and how he thinks Manchester is the “centre of the Universe”.