The Force Is Too Strong in Lockdown for Club Star Wars!
Although known locally by most as a singer and guitarist over the past 20 years, Paddy O’Hare has also tried his hand at a few other things.
Back in 2009, he was a producing and co-host on 106.1 Rock Radio, Manchester’s Classic Rock Station with broadcasting legends Mike Sweeney and Steve Berry. Then after a break from radio he produced and presented his own show on Fab Radio International called ‘Anything That Rocks’ with over 80 episodes. Across this period he met and/or interviewed such musical luminaries such as Pete Townshend, Queen, Supergrass, as well as actors from a galaxy far far away…
It’s probably no secret to most that Paddy is a life long Star Wars fan, having met many of the actors from the movies whilst attending conventions over the years. In 2017 he was asked by an acquaintance to put together and present a Star Wars video podcast. So he then approached Live Leak’s Hayden Hewitt who produced and directed ‘Force Talk’ for BVTV in Manchester, which unfortunately only ran for 7 episodes.
Fast forward to 2019 and Paddy’s old college friend and fellow Star Wars fan Matthew Whalley returned to the UK after living in New Zealand for over a decade. A keen gamer, Matt had created a group on X-Box called ‘Club Star Wars’ which has since grown into the biggest one there, with over 100,000 members.
Matt had the idea of extending the brand into a video podcast for YouTube. Paddy agreed that sounded like fun so they set to work. Paddy’s friend who had produced music and credits for Force Talk joined the team and created great animations, logos, and incredible music for the new show. Since last year they have produced nearly 40 episodes which including interviews with Star Wars actors and contributors such as; Spencer Wilding, Andy Herd, Ken Colley, Simon J Williamson, Hugh Quarshie, Nick Maley, and more.
Like everyone, the lockdown has required them to adapt, the lads used to get together in one house with a mic each and record the show there, but that would no longer be possible. So they switched to a new platform which meant they could carry on from their separate homes in real-time. With more Star Wars actors interviews in the pipeline and Season 5 which began on 8th September, Club Star Wars shows no signs of letting up.
Interaction with the show is what it’s all about, so if you are a Star Wars fan then make sure you tune in 8 pm Weds nights via www.clubstarwars.com broadcasting to YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter.
If you have any suggestions email hellothere@clubstarwars.com or join the Facebook group for a giggle.
May The Force Be With You.
