On Sheer Isolation this week we're joined by a musician, teacher and promoter who's been a consistent part of Cirencester's music scene for four decades.

John Parker talks about forming his first college bands in the eighties, his cheeky way of booking gigs in unsuspecting pubs, and how musicians used to get their sound heard before social media.

We also talk about the Cirencester School of Rock which John ran for several years with Swindon drummer, Tim Downes-Hall. The school quickly became a pedestal for spotting young, talented artists in the south Cotswolds.

On the music menu, John picks a track from upcoming Cirencester songwriter, Joe Gardiner, and Kieran chooses some post-punk from Bristol's Slagheap.

In the news, we look over the recent changes to Covid precaution requirements in England, and what that means for venues continuing to host live music over the festive period.