Stoke's Unsung Heroes #1: Ian Boyle

Every week, we'll be interviewing someone local who's doing us Stokies proud. First up, it's music promoter Ian Boyle, founder of A500 Music.

Ian with one of his heroes, former Stoke City manager Lou Macari

• What do you love about living in Stoke-on-Trent?
  Having spent the best part of my working life employed in the ceramics industry, I appreciate the city's rich industrial heritage and the honest, friendly, hard working people that I’ve worked alongside.
  
  I love being surrounded by so much beautiful countryside, like The Peak District and The Staffordshire Moorlands, which are only a short drive or bus ride away. We've also got our fair share of green spaces and canals in the city, all of which provide a great outlet for those, like myself, who like to get out walking.
  

• Tell us a bit about A500 Music. What inspired you to set it up?
  My wife and I have always enjoyed getting out to see live music and once had to travel to Scotland to see an American artist called Willy Porter because we couldn't get to see him in our area. I got chatting to the artist’s agent who said if we wanted to see him locally, I should put on my own show! So with the help of a friend, we arranged what was supposed to be a one off event, yet because it was so successful, here we are, nine years later, still hosting live music. 

Ian has hosted Honey Ryder, whose guitarist and bassist are from Stoke

• What are your proudest moments since you started putting gigs on?
  Hosting Amy Wadge (below) at Fulford Village Hall a week after she received a Grammy off Stevie Wonder for co-writing Ed Sheeran's massive hit 'Thinking Out Loud' was one of the highlights of the last nine years.
  
  However, the thing that brings me the most satisfaction is seeing the joy that live music can bring to folk that haven't really been big concert goers before coming to one of our shows. I remember one person coming up to me asking when the next show would be, so I gave her the date and she told me she'd be there. She walked away before asking who it was she'd be buying tickets to see! Things like this give us the incentive to keep going.

Ian has put on gigs by Grammy winner Amy Wadge and folk artist Luke Jackson

• What do you like to do in Stoke when you’re not organising live shows?
  Obviously, I love live music and try to attend as many other shows as I can. Biddulph Up in Arms and Stone’s Fish Records host some great gigs. I'd implore anyone who likes to see live music in intimate venues to check them out.
  
  I like live theatre and as well as venues like The New Vic, there are other places popping up like The Dipping House at Spode where the Claybody Theatre are presenting shows like 'Bright Lights Over Bentilee'. For my sins, I also follow my local football team (the ones that wear red and white).

Fulford Village Hall, near Meir Heath, where A500 Music has held gigs

• What’s your favourite oatcake filling?
  Ahhh, that’s not too difficult… cheese and bacon with lashings of red sauce.
  

• What’s the next A500 Music gig?
  On 13/10, we’ll be hosting an amazing Nashville-based artist called Hannah Aldridge at Fulford Village Hall. These shows are an intimate, cabaret-style seated affair with free tea and coffee available. You can also bring your own booze. We’re often sold out before the night, so book tickets at our website.

Do you want to nominate someone for The Knot’s ‘Stoke’s Unsung Heroes’ column? We’d love to hear from you! Email james@theknot.group with your suggestions