Feature: Steve Spithray – A Look Back On 2022

So… how was your 2022?
Lockdowns have changed something in me. I stayed in a lot more, wrote another book and had a nice time with friends and family.

What was your best moment?
Took a boat ride from Riva to Limone on Lake Garda. Life-affirming

And your worst moment?
COVID caught up with me at the worst possible time but what can you do?

Who was your favourite band/artist this year?
It’s been mint to watch the Benefits story develop 

Your favourite song of the year?
Sharks by Brockhoff or Lizzo’s 2 Be Loved (Am I Ready)

Recommended album?
A Glitter Year by EggS

Favourite TV show of the year?
Woodstock ‘99 and The English

Your favourite film?
The House 

Best book you read?
Ten Thousand Apologies. Adelle Stripe’s biography of sorts about Fat White Family. I also really enjoyed Phil Saunders’ This Club Could Be Your Life even though I never went to Sumo!

Favourite new word that you learned?
Extruder

Favourite venue that you visited
The Snuts put on a great show at Middlesbrough Town Hall which reminded me how versatile the main hall is there.

What was your favourite gig/show of the year?
Nothing else came anywhere near to Self Esteem at the Georgian Theatre this year. The best production I’ve ever seen in a venue of that size

Any up-and-coming artists/acts we should keep an eye out for in 2023?
Straight Girl, Venus Grrrls (again), Dawks, Sugar Roulette and also looking forward to hearing/seeing more of Unthank:Smith. It will also be interesting to see what Industrial Coast do now the experimental noise label has gone full time.

Any predictions for next year?
War is over, fascism retreats from view, food will be plentiful and the financial markets rally to provide us all with wealth and affluence beyond our wildest dreams