In this episode, we’re honoured to welcome 80s pop icon Nik Kershaw, whose four-decade career spans chart-topping hits like “Wouldn’t It Be Good” and the massive number-one single “The One And Only” which he wrote for Chesney Hawkes.

We explore Nik’s upbringing in a musically rich family, channeling teenage angst into dramatic lyrics, and journeying through prog-fusion and jazz bands before launching his solo career with agent Micky Modern.

Nik reflects on his whirlwind rise to fame, culminating in his iconic Live Aid performance alongside legends like Queen and David Bowie, sharing the nerves, out-of-body moments and the one artist who left him starstruck…

But fame wasn’t the end of Nik’s story! Beyond the 80’s spotlight, we discuss his pivot into a sought-after songwriter for icons like Elton John, writing tracks for commercials, TV and Film, and how imposter syndrome and creative hunger still fuels him today.

Chapters
00:00 Intro
02:27 Nik’s musical background
09:09 Early songwriting
19:53 Joining bands
24:32 Becoming a solo artist
33:00 Performing at Live Aid
40:50 Writing ‘The One and Only’ for Chesney Hawkes
50:41 Writing music for Film, TV and Adverts
57:09 Collaborating with Elton John
1:04:19 What’s next for Nik?

#nikkershaw #80spop #80smusic #liveaid #eltonjohn #chesneyhawkes #composer #songwriting