Join Paulline Black for a journey through her life and 10 significant records that map the way. Hosted by comedian Maisie Adam.

Join music legend Pauline Black in conversation with comedian Maisie Adam as they explore 10 significant records that map Pauline's life and career - a real #Louder2026 treat for sure.

Copies of Pauline's memoir 'Black By Design' will be available to but at the Festival and there'll be a dedicated book signing with Pauline immediately after her event.

About Pauline Black:

Pauline Black OBE: musician, actress, author, film-maker & broadcaster has dedicated four decades to the music scene. Supporting and campaigning for racial equality throughout her work, she describes herself as first and foremost, a singer. A lifelong love of music inspired by punk and reggae artists from the 1970s led Pauline to join The Selecter and a career that has seen her travel across the world. The Selecter went on to become a platinum-selling band and one of the most influential within the 2 Tone music scene, alongside others including The Beat, The Specials and Madness. Pauline Black is one of very few women in the 2-Tone scene – she is often referred to as the Queen of Ska.

After releasing their first album, Too Much Pressure, in 1980, the band went on to release five top 40 singles in the UK. Their first single ‘On My Radio’ peaked at No. 6 in the UK official pop charts. 2025 marks the 45th Anniversary of the release of seminal album Too Much Pressure. their 17th album release in 2023, Human Algebra, received rave reviews.

Pauline work on stage and screen has included radio & TV presenting for BBC 6 Music and BBC 4. She has also collaborated with other artists including Damon Albarn’s Gorillaz who she toured with in 2018 and then again in Summer 2026.

Based on her memoir, Pauline co-wrote and was Executive Producer of Sky Arts TV commissioned documentary: “Pauline Black: A 2-Tone Story” which premiered at the BFI London Film Festival and has had many UK and international screenings since.

About Maisie Adam:

Maisie Adam is a comedian from Yorkshire.

Fast on her way from being one of the brightest rising stars of the UK comedy scene to becoming a household name, Maisie's anecdotal material and witty charm have quickly won her praise across the country, and she has appeared on Live At The Apollo, Last One Laughing, A League Of Their Own, Have I Got News for You, QI, 8 Out of 10 Cats and the Royal Variety Performance.

As well as her comedy, Maisie hosts the Women's FA Cup coverage on Channel 4 alongside former Lioness Jill Scott. She is also the host of the hugely successful Big Kick Energy podcast which she co-hosts with friend and fellow comedian Suzi Ruffell, and won Sports Podcast of the Year in the Sports Broadcast Awards.

Outside of work, Maisie is a huge music fan, with a particular interest in Ska, indie and rock music.

Maisie’s comedy special Appraisal was released on Sky in 2024, and she is currently on her biggest tour yet, with her latest show Whatsherface.

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