Jon McClure reflects on 20 years in music and new roles
Jon McClure, leader of Sheffield group Reverend and the Makers, is navigating various stages of his two-decade career as he embraces new roles, including membership in the comedy scene and leadership at Sheffield FC, the oldest football club in the world founded in 1857, reports BritPanorama.
The eighth Reverend and the Makers album, Is This How Happiness Feels?, has been described as their best since 2007, drawing on influences of modern northern soul. This follows a trajectory that includes their debut, The State of Things, recognized for its social commentary and the politically charged A French Kiss in the Chaos.
At 44, McClure is experiencing personal growth, discussing his journey during a recent meeting in London where he reflected on his recent appearance on Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch, dressed in his distinctive beige suit. He is, however, redefining his public persona, especially following a recent ADHD diagnosis and the grief stemming from his father’s death in 2023. “The only way I can describe it is you felt a bit out of place your whole life,” he noted, emphasizing the emotional impact of his diagnosis.
In an effort to mend relationships, McClure has sent 55 voice notes to friends, family, and notable figures to apologize for past behaviors. “I can be full of love and joy, but what’s the inverse of that? Rage, anger, hostility. Who wants to carry that round for the rest of their life? Let it go,” he said. His contentious relationships with other artists have been well documented, including past criticisms of Matt Healy from The 1975 and Calvin Harris, the latter of whom he humorously noted would receive an apology if he hadn’t blocked him.
McClure’s friendship with Robbie Williams has blossomed into a creative collaboration, leading to a new track “F**ked Up”, which addresses the consequences of excessive partying. “What am I going to tell Rob about being a mad bastard? He’s done it all, times a billion,” McClure said, highlighting Williams’ depth of experience.
Is This How Happiness Feels? was primarily written prior to his father’s passing but was re-recorded to encapsulate a mixture of joy, love, and grief, showcasing McClure’s evolved emotional perspective on life. The album features actor Vicky McClure (no relation) on the track “Haircut,” stemming from their collaboration on the daytime disco event Day Fever.
McClure’s reflections reveal a shift in his understanding of life’s complexities. He attributes his earlier political zeal to personal struggles, acknowledging a time when his focus on political discourse became an escape from deeper unhappiness. “I just realized one day, Boris Johnson is not the root cause of my issues,” he noted, while still engaging with left-wing initiatives.
On civic matters, McClure aims to revitalize Sheffield FC, initiating projects to reinforce the club’s community ties and celebrating Sheffield’s rich football heritage. His recent successes include breaking attendance records and promoting plans for a new stadium, indicative of his commitment to the city’s cultural legacy.
Despite facing criticism linked to perceptions of popular northern indie music, McClure celebrates his versatility as an artist. He emphasizes a focus on personal happiness and family over a contentious public image, arguing that a peaceful environment fosters creativity. “When I’m happy, I write some right tunes,” he concluded.
Is This How Happiness Feels? is available now.
