Pete Waterman helped create some of the biggest hits of the 1980s and 90s, launching the music careers of global superstars including Kylie Minogue’s global smash hit “I Should be So Lucky”, Rick Astley, Jason Donovan, Bananarama, Dead Or Alive’s classic “You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)”, and many more.
As one-third of the iconic Stock Aitken Waterman production team, with Mike Stock and Matt Aitken, [aka SAW, and The Hit Factory], the 79-year-old Coventry-born music mogul is back in the spotlight in the hit Netflix documentary profiling the life and career of Aussie superstar Kylie Minogue.
Pete and his team created more than 100 UK Top 40 hits, selling at least 500 million records worldwide. Pete also appeared on TV as a Pop Idol judge, as co-host of the live TV show “The Hitman And Her”, and he was awarded an OBE in 2005.
He will be on stage hosting the one-day Retrospective Festival 2026 at Sherdley Park, St Helens on Friday 11th September, with a 10,000 capacity, that features an array of big pop names including Boyzlife, featuring Westlife’s Brian McFadden and Boyzone’s Keith Duffy. The event returns for it’s second year.
Also on the main stage lineup are Girls Aloud’s Nadine Coyle, M People’s Heather Small, US r&b star Sybil, “China In Your Hand” hitmakers T’Pau with Carol Decker, The Fizz featuring Cheryl Baker and Jay Aston, original members of Eurovision winners Bucks Fizz. Pat Sharp will bring his party DJ set.
The Woodlands Stage will feature Reminisce Classical, with special guest performances from Rozalla and Kristine Blond, delivering a unique twist on dance music favourites. Set within the trees, a live orchestra will reimagine iconic club anthems, alongside a slew of DJ sets.
- Sherdley Park in St Helen’s is also the site of Reminisce Festival, which happens the following day for a 12-hour party of 90’s bangers.
Track Record
1. First single you owned?
“The Deadwood Stage” by Doris Day.
2. First LP/album you owned?
“Hi… we’re the Miracles” by The Miracles.
3. First CD you owned?
No idea … As they came out we were manufacturing them by the thousands.
4. Last music you bought and in what format (CD/vinyl/digital download)?
It would have been on vinyl, a 12″ dance record, but I can’t remember which one … I was always given free stuff generally.
5. Favourite album? (Choose more than one if need be…)
“Lets Dance” by David Bowie.
6. Anything unusual or perhaps unexpected in your music collection?
Most of my collection is unusual; it covers from traditional jazz to reggae to Miles Davis to soul to pop.
7. Which song or album is a guaranteed mood booster?
None. I take music too seriously to need a booster.
8. Your favourite driving track – or music to exercise to?
I don’t exercise and I do not have the radio on in the car, ever. Music has to be the main event for me, not a second event in the car.
9. Which song takes you back to your childhood – and to which specific memory/memories?
“When I’m Cleaning Windows” by George Formby.
10. Favourite band (or bands)?
The Beatles.
11. Favourite singer (or singers)?
Oh, too many. I love a good singer. Ella Fitzgerald, Gladys Knight. I love women singers.
12. Which song would you like played at your funeral?
“Tannhäuser” by German composer Richard Wagner.
Recent Comments