Ian Prowse Talks ‘Does This Train Stop On Merseyside?’ 20th Anniversary And More

Marking 20 years since the immortal Amsterdam hit ‘Does This Train Stop On Merseyside?’, Ian Prowse celebrates with a special re-release out 7th March and an anniversary tour around the UK. He chatted to us about the anniversary, documentary and more: 

When did you begin songwriting?

I got a guitar and started immediately, so 16.

What is your earliest musical memory?

Woulda been listening to The Jackson 5 and Motown at family gatherings, it almost feels like my indigenous music.

This year marks 20 years since the immortal Amsterdam hit ‘Does This Train Stop On Merseyside?’ What are your memories of the writing and recording of the song?

Written one dull Tuesday afternoon, very quickly after reading about the marvellous ghost story of William James McKenzie and his eerie pyramid shaped tomb on Rodney Street. It was recorded very quickly too.

Where did you record the track and who produced it?

Sonic One Studios in Kidwelly, South Wales, a beaten-down old place which none the less produced great sounds. Tony Kiley my producer knew it was a very special song straight off the bat, I needing convincing!

Did you use any particular instruments, microphones, recording equipment to help you get a particular sound/tone for the record?

Tim Hamil had loads of great stuff in Sonic One, we used an old 1 inch 16 track Ampex analog tape machine, it made us work fast and precisely.

You will be re-releasing the track on 7th March 2025. Did you always have the idea for a re-release or was the idea something that developed over time?

No, who was to know the song would go on it’s own journey of longevity and connection. You’d make every song you write like that if you could.

In addition, a short documentary will be released. How did you want to approach the making of it and who directed it?

Roger Appleton who made The City That Rocked the World and The Beatles In Hamburg. We just asked well known fans off the song to talk about why they love it so much, there’s some wonderful insight.

Which of your tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?

None of them are happy, I’m a Year Zero kid, we don’t do happy music, Joyous we can do though and that would be our live version of Name & Number, designed to remove roofs.

There’s a brand new song called Keynote Speech which is brimming with righteous fury.

Understanding Sadness or Home are my heartbreak songs, I can easily locate why I wrote then when we play ’em.

What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?

To go straight to the merch stand and meet the people who’ve put me where I am, then get the car disco going on the way top the next show with a couple of bevvies!

Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?

My left hand Martin guitar, Telecaster and Rickenbacker 330 are all I need these days.

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?

Liverpool is defiant, surreal, edgy, Irish & funny as f***

How do you look after your voice?

If it needs looking after I drink water, no alcohol, and rest it during the day. It’s a constant worry to be honest.

You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?

Good Guys Lost by Tony Evans, it’s my era, I can relate to its many challenges.

Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?

Bruce Springsteen, The Clash, REM, The Waterboys, Damien Dempsey. Have a listen to Kneecap or Amelia Coburn.

Do you have any live dates planned in the UK/Europe in 2025?

Oh yes, full UK tour all through Spring 2025 as well as opening up for the Levellers in March.

Who is in your touring band?

Johnny Barlow (lead guitar), David Mastrocola (bass), Laura Macmillan (violin), Benjamin Smith (keys), Georgie Farrer (drums), Nico (fiddle)

Given your extensive back catalogue, is it difficult picking a setlist? Do you have a specific song selection process?

It can be yes. I treat the audience with respect, they’ve paid money and time to be there so they get a lot of favourites. But it’s also vital to me to be an artistic going concern so new songs and rarer cuts are always front and centre too.

Do you have any new music releases planned for 2025?

This year is for the re-release of The Journey album for its 20th anniversary, but we’ll be recording a brand-new LP this year too. Out 2026!

What makes Ian Prowse happy and what makes you unhappy?

Going to The Croc on a Sunday to watch the footy after singing my heart out all weekend.
Reform. Racists. Trump. Musk. Tories (I include Starmer under that banner).