Ian Prowse first came to fame as the frontman of Pele in the early nineties. In the 2000s, he was the frontman of Amsterdam, whose song ‘Does This Train Stop On Merseyside?’ famously reduced John Peel to tears on air. He’s heading out on a full band tour and took time out to talk to God Is In The TV.
Hello Ian! How are you, where are you, and what’s the weather like?
I’m alive and well and in Liverpool. The day is bright hard cold and sunny, my favourite.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the release of ‘Does This Train Stop On Merseyside?.’ What do you remember about the songwriting process?
I remember it happening very quickly, maybe 25 minutes, with a pause to ensure the key lines in the breakdown were absolutely spot on.
John Peel was a big fan of the song, playing it long before it was released. How important was his support?
Immeasurable. Peel put me back the map after my Pele years. The fact that his reaction to it was so intensely emotional set it apart and signposted to others it was no ordinary song. Within 18 months I had a new record deal after being out in the cold for 9 long years, wandering around punch drunk unable to find the door back inside the industry. Or more accurately being denied entry by perceived whims and transient fashions, I’m so glad all that shit is over now.
Is this the song you are most proud of?
Not really… ‘Here I Lie‘, ‘Battle‘ or ‘Home‘ would have that title.
The song’s been covered by quite a few artists. Which versions do you know of and do you have a favourite?
I’ve heard most of them, Christy Moore being the most famous. So that’s my favourite, he holds it in his big heart and lets the people connect to it. I particularly like it when men and women from Liverpool play it, I can sense their emotional connection when they sing it.
Is there anyone you would like to hear cover it?
Bruce Frederick Springsteen.
Why do you think the music scene in Liverpool has historically been so strong?
Because it was a major port city, that’s the reason for all of Liverpool’s magnificence. At the end of a long day though, it’s all down to the Irish. The only country in the whole world with a musical instrument as its national symbol. The arrival of the hungry stream changed our city forever. ‘Scouse Not English’ isn’t just a silly football whim, it’s an historical reality.
Who do you think are the best acts in the city at the moment?
Right now, I’m liking John Witherspoon, Barry Jones, Idylic and Ugly Baby.
Which artists would you like to work with?
R.E.M.
What are your plans for the rest of 2025?
Full band UK Tour, make a brand new LP, try and make my teenage daughter laugh.
Ian Prowse is on tour now – tickets can be found here
The twenty minute mini-documentary about ‘Does This Train Stop On Merseyside?‘ may be seen below:
