I recently caught up with a very interesting man, Geoff Higginbottom in Manchester, England. He has a very unusual song with an even more unusual story that reflected his local culture so much I just had to share it with you.

Interview:
Jacqueline Jax: What is the history in connection with your song “Stand Up Proud”?

Geoff Higginbottom: I wrote Stand Up Proud as part of suite of songs which collectively tell the story of the Peterloo Massacre in Manchester on August16h.1819. Put briefly, political reformers had organized a pic nic/meeting on St. Peters Fields Manchester. 60,000 cotton workers from all over the north west of England gathered for the meeting. The authorities thought the revolution had started and ordered the part time Manchester yeomanry to disperse the crowd. 15 people died and hundreds were injured by gunshot ,sabre and the trampling of horses hooves. Many of the victims were women and children.
The album. Peterloo tells the full story and can be found in full on reverbnation. Stand Up Proud was the last song on the album and is designed as a reminder to us all of the sacrifices made by our forefathers

Listen:

Jacqueline Jax: What’s the music scene like in your town? Places to go? Tell me about one fun thing you like to do?

Geoff Higginbottom: The music scene in Manchester is a little mixed at the moment. There are still many venues that are   unwilling to try something new or expect people to perform for next to nothing for the privilege of playing. When I’m not writing songs or performing I spend a lot of time on a small piece of land I rent where I grow my own fruit and vegetables. I find it very rewarding as well as good exercise. In the summer I  still play a little cricket despite my advancing years.

Jacqueline Jax: How do you handle conflict in your life? Think of a conflicting occurrence and describe how you coped or resolved it or how you couldn’t.

Jacqueline Jax: What is your personal definition of success?