Graham Gouldman; The Songwriter behind 10CC and SIX DECADES Of Hits

Graham Gouldman reveals how 10cc created “I’m Not in Love,” why the original band split—and why he still regrets it. From writing hits for The Yardbirds and The Hollies to producing the Ramones, this is a conversation about invention, friendship and songs that last.

Before 10cc, Graham had already written “For Your Love,” “Heart Full of Soul,” “Bus Stop,” “Look Through Any Window” and “No Milk Today.” As a founding member of 10cc, he went on to co-write classics including “I’m Not in Love,” “The Things We Do for Love” and “Dreadlock Holiday.”

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In this career-spanning interview with Steve Blame, Graham remembers his creative childhood in Manchester, his father’s contribution to his lyrics, and the Beatles’ encouragement to write his own songs.

He explains how Strawberry Studios brought 10cc together, how four equal creative partners shaped the band’s distinctive sound, and how tape loops and layered voices transformed “I’m Not in Love.”

Graham also reflects on Kevin Godley and Lol Creme’s departure, continuing with Eric Stewart, the later breakdown of their partnership, and his unexpected experience producing the Ramones. Finally, he discusses the emotional power of performing his songs—and why writing a new one still means starting again.

CHAPTERS
00:00 Introducing Graham Gouldman
00:48 Childhood, creativity and his father’s influence
03:14 Rock ’n’ roll, skiffle and the Beatles
07:42 His first guitar and the joy of making music
11:20 The Whirlwinds and Manchester’s club circuit
13:27 Meeting Kevin Godley and Lol Creme
14:38 The Mockingbirds and his first songwriting hits
17:35 His father, “No Milk Today” and “Art for Art’s Sake”
19:03 Finding a writing partner in Eric Stewart
20:12 Strawberry Studios and the road to 10cc
22:48 “Neanderthal Man” and the studio band
26:36 How 10cc got their name
28:16 The songwriting chemistry of 10cc
30:45 Three singers, three different number-one hits
32:16 Paul McCartney at Strawberry Studios
34:10 Writing and recording “I’m Not in Love”
37:03 Building the vocal sound with tape loops
38:55 The voice behind “Big boys don’t cry”
39:37 Why Godley and Creme left—and why Graham regrets it
42:30 Continuing 10cc with Eric Stewart
43:52 Producing the Ramones
46:40 The breakdown of his partnership with Eric Stewart
49:06 Heart Full of Songs and music’s emotional power
51:31 Why songwriting still begins with a mystery

HEART FULL OF SONGS — REMAINING OCTOBER 2026 DATES

13 October — The Stables, Wavendon — sold out
14 October — The Gate, Cardiff
15 October — The Hafren, Newtown
17 October — Lowther Pavilion, Lytham St Annes
18 October — Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry
19 October — City Varieties Music Hall, Leeds
20 October — Drill Hall, Lincoln
22 October — Saint Luke’s, Glasgow
23 October — Pleasance Theatre, Edinburgh
24 October — Epstein Theatre, Liverpool
26 October — Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury
27 October — St George’s, Bristol
28 October — The Apex, Bury St Edmunds
29 October — Cadogan Hall, London

Current ticket information:
https://www.grahamgouldman.info/liveshows

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