In the latest episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Miles Hunt for a candid, funny and reflective conversation marking 40 years of The Wonder Stuff. You can watch the full video version on the XS Noize YouTube channel below.
With the band set to head out on a major 40th anniversary UK tour in October 2026, Miles looks back on the long road from the late ’80s and early ’90s through to the present day, and what it means to still be carrying The Wonder Stuff forward now.
Best known for songs including “Unbearable,” “Wish Away,” “Caught in My Shadow,” “Size of a Cow” and “Welcome to the Cheap Seats,” Miles reflects on the early records, the changing sound of the band, and why albums like HUP, Never Loved Elvis and Construction for the Modern Idiot still feel like defining parts of the story. He also talks about audience loyalty, growing older with the songs, and why The Wonder Stuff still feels like a real band rather than a nostalgia act.
The conversation also goes well beyond the anniversary tour. Miles shares warm memories of working with Kirsty MacColl on “Welcome to the Cheap Seats,” explains why the band turned down the Brit Awards, and tells the real story behind dodging Top of the Pops. He also speaks openly about burnout, the point where life in the band stopped being fun, the first split, Vent 414, Things Can Change, and what he learned from stepping away from music to work in a brewery.
It’s a warm, open and insightful conversation about songwriting, survival, audience connection, creative restlessness and what it means to keep going without becoming trapped by your own past.
In this episode, Miles Hunt talks about:
– 40 years of The Wonder Stuff
– The band’s upcoming 40th anniversary UK tour
– Audience loyalty and what it means now
– Writing the early records
– HUP, Never Loved Elvis and Construction for the Modern Idiot
– Working with Kirsty MacColl on “Welcome to the Cheap Seats”
– Why the band turned down the Brit Awards
– The real story behind dodging Top of the Pops
– Burnout and the point where it all became too heavy
– Vent 414 and the new album Second
– Things Can Change and creative exhaustion
– What working in a brewery taught him about life beyond music
Prefer audio? Stream the full episode below.
Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Podcasts | YouTube
Vent 414 tour from 28th May – 6th June. For tickets go to: https://thewonderstuff.co.uk/home/vent-414/
The Wonder Stuff’s 40th Anniversary UK tour runs from 1st October – 8th December. For tickets go to https://thewonderstuff.co.uk/tour/
About The XS Noize Podcast
With more than 280 episodes, the XS Noize Podcast is a trusted home for in-depth conversations with music’s legends, innovators, and trailblazers.
Hosted by Mark Millar, the show has featured guests including Steve Lillywhite, Matt Berninger, Gary Numan, John Lydon, Peter Hook, Crowded House, Elbow, Travis, New Order, Simple Minds, Shaun Ryder and many more.
Explore the complete XS Noize Podcast archive.
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