2 June 2025
Every Monday I will be bringing you an interview with an independent band, duo or music artist. This week, I caught up with Paul from Saddleworth band William and the Eternals to find out more…
Who is in the band, how did you meet, where are you from and how did you come up with the name?
Singer songwriter Paul McGladdery asked childhood friend and bassist Matt Norton to form a band. Matt invited his long time collaborator and drummer Dan Hough to join, and the three piece started jamming Paul’s songbook. Paul met guitarist Molly Duffy at an open mic night and shortly thereafter, the band became a reality in November 2023. Our first single ‘People Watching’ was released in May 2024, and we started recording our first album, when Matt unexpectedly passed away. It was August 2024.
After a break we decided to finish the album we started and ‘To Matt: Forever an Eternal’ was released in April 2025.
Dave Mull (a former bandmate of Paul’s) joined in January 2025 on bass. The band are currently rehearsing songs in anticipation of recording a second album.
The name ‘William and the Eternals’ is taken from a Van Morrison song, William is also a McGladdery family name.
Who were your musical influences when you were growing up and who are your influences now?
I grew up listening to lots of ’60’s pop and folk records, the Kinks show up in a lot of my lyrics with Jake Thackray and the Smiths.
How would you describe your sound?
Folk Mod, probably more mod than folk thanks to the band.
What is your latest release called and what was the influence behind it?
“To Matt:Forever an Eternal” we trialled at least 30 songs for the album and the final ten chose themselves.
What’s your local music scene like?
There’s loads of great talent but only tributes and cover bands get gigs.
What do you have planned for the next 12 months?
Album number 2, no title yet, but 10 songs already chosen and nearly ready to go.
Is there anyone you’d love to collaborate with?
Ray Davies.
Any funny stories surrounding your live performances?
Dave trying to high five Molly whilst the poor girl doesn’t know where to look and my ‘folk’ timing which the rest of the band find highly amusing.
What is the one thing that you want readers to know about you?
I’m going to write and record these songs regardless of whether you’re listening.
You can find out more about William and the Eternals via Apple Music, Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, Threads or YouTube Music.
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