Originally published in the May 2024 issue of Blues in Britain. Text version below:
My interview with Matthew Long and Paul Long of the UK blues rock band Catfish was an emotional journey. At the time of the first interview, Father (Paul) and Son (Matthew) duo had both been given the all clear after both fighting cancer over the the last couple of years.
With the review submitted to Blues in Britain, it was business as usual again. We went on to do a photoshoot and a music video for the bands upcoming single and mini-album “London”. However, a few weeks after we received the news that Matt’s cancer had returned, and was terminal. This meant us conducting a second part of the interview, to accompany fund raising efforts for Matt’s treatments going forward.
Paul and Matthew Long, esteemed members of the blues powerhouse Catfish, share an unbreakable bond as father and son. Their journey however, has been marked by more than just familial and musical milestones. Both Paul and Matthew have recently emerged victorious from battles with cancer, but despite the turbulent seas they’ve navigated, Catfish remains a beacon of perseverance and passion in the realm of blues music. The past year has posed unprecedented challenges with treatment plans limiting the number live performances. Catfish have also bid farewell to drummer Kev Hickman and welcoming the talented Phil Wilson into their ranks. I checked in with the Long’s as they embark on a new chapter of their musical journey.
How are you both now that you’re nearing the end of your treatments?
Matthew Long: I’m good, really. There are still a few scans and such, then discussing what happens next. With the end of the chemo, I don’t want to have to do that anymore. I really want to go swimming, and just kind of being able to do normal things like that again. But, you know, I’m feeling OK, few side effects here and there, but nothing to really be concerned about. And if it is, they’re on top of it.
And how about yourself, Paul?
Paul Long: In my case it’s been radiotherapy, and it has all gone fine. The main thing I don’t miss is the 5:00am alarm call every morning to get up and drive to Guildford and back! Like Matt, I have scans and monitoring now for a while. One thing I’ve learned through all of this is the heroic nature of the NHS staff and how we undervalue them at our peril. I’m very grateful for all they’ve done for both of us. The other major thing I bring out of all this is that for the cancer that both Matt and I have had, you can get tested. I think for men, where bowel cancer and prostate cancer are concerned, they’d rather be embarrassed than get checked up. It is so easy to do. So, I just say to men over the age of about 55, get yourself tested.
How has it affected the band over the last year?
ML: It has definitely taken its toll. You know, we’ve obviously gone from being an extremely busy band to having our quietest year, even more so than during lockdown. We basically just did festivals and shorter gigs. I look forward to getting back to full shows, and the more intimate club gigs. It’s been a struggle and we’re different coming out of it. We are going to reassess how we go about work going forward, I think, putting health first and actually take care of ourselves a little bit.
PL: It really held back writing and recording as well. The last studio album was 2019. Then we had the pandemic, then my heart attack, then my cancer, then Matthew’s cancer. We’re through all that now and have made a more structured way of working, trying to build it into more sane structure.
How does it feel being in front of an audience again?
ML: It feels good! I feel like I need to practise getting back into gigging again, not just from a stamina point of view, but also mentally. I have to learn how to be around people again. I’m excited to get back out there, see some friends and meet some new people and just get back on stage, which is what I love doing.
You have a new EP due out soon. What can you tell us about that?
PL: It’s called “London”. It features three original tracks, including the title track, and a few covers. It marks the end of an era for us, and we’re looking forward to the future. The recording process have been different this time thanks to the home studio, so we have been able to take our time on these tracks.
Have your influences changed over the past year?
ML: I haven’t changed how I play guitar or sing, but the kind of music that I listen to and the kind of things that I would like to write are changing. I’m excited about writing some new songs, and I feel I’ve got some songs that I’ve had for years that I just couldn’t quite get across the line that I am now ready to share.
PL: Yeah, we sort of been through this transition and we’re looking forward to going to the next level. We’re not quite sure what that is, but we’re certainly looking forward to the challenges.
More recently, Phil Wilson has joined Catfish. How is that going so far?
ML: We are excited to have Phil Wilson in the band! He has been a great fit, and we’re excited to see how his addition enhances our sound. Kev remains a very good friend of ours and we love him very much and wish him the best of luck in his future endeavours. We’re also grateful for Mitch Weaving’s time with us in the interim while we were waiting for Phil to finish his existing commitments.
Lastly, how has the father-son and bandmate dynamic changed through your shared experiences?
ML: It’s interesting. Before we could switch back and forth at the flick of a switch, between father and son, and “Matthew and Paul of Catfish”. In those moments I no longer call him Dad, I call him Paul. Over the last year or so, those two parts of us have started to bleed across a lot more. We’ve always been close but going through this together has brought us even closer. We support each other in ways we never thought we would.
PL: A 28-year-old has no business having cancer, especially at the same time as his father. However, these health challenges have brought our worlds together, and we’re more open about our experiences now. Cancer shouldn’t be a taboo subject, and we’re keen to share our journey with others.
ML: Definitely. We’re looking forward to the future and are energized by Phil’s addition to the band. It’s going to be an exciting time for Catfish.
Before Blues in Britain went to print, Matt received an update on his diagnosis and wanted to update us personally on the situation.
ML – Shortly after we spoke, I had a call from my consultant giving me some bad news; the cancer has spread into my liver and into my stomach lining. They gave two options, either stop treatment completely and enjoy life while I can or continue chemo and maybe get a little bit longer. A third, but expensive option (not funded on the NHS) is to go through the American healthcare system. I decided if there is even a slight chance of that working (15%), then I should take it. I’m currently awaiting the results and future treatment regiment.
There has been a GoFundMe page set up in my name to help out with these medical bills, and we had underestimated just how generous the public are. It is currently at £75,000, which is mind-blowing! I thank every single person who’s donated so far. It honestly could mean life or death for me and means the world to me and my family. There will also be five fundraiser gigs and other people doing incredible things all for me. We all appreciate it so very much, and thank you eternally.
The fundraising would go on to raise well into six figures, allowing Matthew to get into more experimental treatments. Unfortunately these were to no avail and Matthew passed away in September 2025 aged only 29 years old. The blues and wider music communities stood still, with multiple celebrations of life and dedications to Matt happening both internationally and at home. We have seen many tributes, including an upcoming album of Catfish songs being performed by artists around the world, and an educational grant in his name being awarded at the music school he studied at.