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Goth refuses to die – and thank goodness for that. In this enlightening episode of Needlepoint, Paul Lester and Daryl Easley explore the enduring appeal of goth music and culture through Record Collector's latest issue featuring Bauhaus frontman Peter Murphy.

What makes goth so persistently captivating? We trace its evolution from its post-punk origins through to The Cure's chart-topping 2024 album, examining how it became the genre that simply wouldn't fade away. Peter Murphy emerges as the fascinating centerpiece – the "crown prince of camp magniloquence" who took David Bowie's theatrical baton and ran with it in his own distinctive direction.

We dive into the rich cultural tapestry that informed goth's development, from late-night BBC horror double bills to vampire mythology. The genre's powerful visual iconography and cross-gender appeal helped create not just a musical movement but a complete aesthetic universe that continues to attract younger generations decades after its inception. As Daryl aptly notes, "Why wouldn't you want to be called goth? Goth is a badge of honour."

Beyond our main feature, we explore this month's "triple Pete spectacular" with additional features on Peter Doherty and Peter Tosh, plus our guide to New York's essential 45s from across the five boroughs. The episode wraps with passionate discussions about recent concert experiences and teases next month's 50th anniversary Ramones special.

Whether you're a weekend Bauhaus fan or a dedicated follower of all things dark and dramatic, join us for this fascinating exploration of a genre that transformed melancholia into something epic, theatrical, and endlessly appealing. Like the vampires that inspired it, goth music has achieved its own form of immortality.