In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Martin Blunt — founding member and bassist of The Charlatans, one of Britain’s most enduring and beloved bands.
From their breakthrough with Some Friendly to the anthemic Tellin’ Stories and the reflective Modern Nature, The Charlatans have spent more than three decades making music that moves between euphoria and heart. Now, with We Are Love, they’ve created a record that feels like a true celebration — warm, hopeful, and full of connection.
Martin talks about the chemistry that’s kept the band together, the highs and heartbreaks along the way, and how they still find joy in playing together after all these years. He also pays heartfelt tribute to the late Rob Collins and Jon Brookes, whose spirit and influence continue to guide the band’s sound and soul.
We talked about loss, friendship, faith — and why The Charlatans still believe in the power of a great song to bring people together.
“If you gave us the being-in-a-band tick sheet, I think we’ve ticked quite a few of the boxes.” – Martin Blunt
Listen to the full episode and join Martin Blunt as he looks back on the band’s story, the soul behind We Are Love, and why — after all this time — The Charlatans are still chasing that same spark that started it all.
Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Podcasts | YouTube
“I don’t think we ever set out to have what they call a career — it’s just been a series of events. Some of those events were magic moments, and others… we went a bit off the rails.” – Martin Blunt
We Are Love – Tracklist
Kingdom of Ours
We Are Love
Many A Day A Heartache
For The Girls
You Can’t Push The River
Deeper and Deeper
Appetite
Salt Water
Out On Our Own
Glad You Grabbed Me
Now Everything
The Charlatans have confirmed details of a new UK tour for April and May 2026. Tickets for their latest UK dates are on sale now from: www.gigsandtours.com / www.ticketmaster.co.uk / www.thecharlatans.net
UK TOUR DATES 2026
Friday 24 April Norwich UEA
Saturday 25 April Brighton The Dome
Sunday 26 April Bournemouth O2 Academy
Tuesday 28 April Cardiff Tramshed
Wednesday 29 April Nottingham Rock City
Friday 01 May Birmingham O2 Academy
Saturday 02 May Sheffield Octagon
Sunday 03 May Newcastle O2 City Hall
Tuesday 05 May Aberdeen Music Hall
Wednesday 06 April Edinburgh Corn Exchange
About The XS Noize Podcast
With over 250 episodes to its name, the XS Noize Podcast has become a trusted home for music’s legends and trailblazers — a space where real conversations meet real stories. Hosted by Mark Millar, the show has welcomed an extraordinary lineup including Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield, Glen Matlock, Miles Kane, Matt Berninger, Saint Etienne, D:Ream, Gavin Rossdale, The Farm, Snow Patrol, John Lydon, Will Sergeant, Ocean Colour Scene, Gary Kemp, Doves, Gavin Friday, David Gray, Anton Newcombe, Peter Hook, Razorlight, Sananda Maitreya, James, Crowded House, Elbow, Cast, Kula Shaker, Shed Seven, Future Islands, Peter Frampton, Bernard Butler, Steven Wilson, Travis, New Order, The Killers, Tito Jackson, Simple Minds, The Divine Comedy, Shaun Ryder, Gary Numan, Sleaford Mods, and Michael Head — among many more.
Explore the complete XS Noize Podcast archive here
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