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Robert Plant and Beak> bassist Billy Fuller shares insights from his diverse career as a bassist, musician and now.... frontperson! Hosted by Chris SimpsonProduced by Darcy Dewar Hire Chris as your 121 coach by emailing [email protected]

In this bonus episode, Russ Pritchard shares his journey from early struggles to playing stadiums with Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, offering insights into success, songwriting, and the music industry. Russ Pritchard's early struggles and side jobs The definition of success for musicians The co-writing and popularity of Valerie Deciding when a song is finished Evolution of bass playing in different bands Choosing and switching bass guitars on tour Qualities sought by Noel Gallagher in band members The importance of personality and humility in musicians Locking in with drummers for tight rhythm The impact of songwriting on career success Produced by Darcy DewarSocials by Alex FordhamYouTube by Beth IlesWith thanks to Annabel Kiddals. Support us to support emerging musicians by buying our merch from here > https://the-stageleft-podcast.printify.me/

Join us for a recorded live episode with Clive Deamer of Portishead, who analyses and reflects on the iconic Roseland NYC 1997 show, which is regarded as one of the greatest live albums of its era.  A surprisingly emotional experience, we dive deep into the show itself, the period around the rehearsals and Portishead’s legacy.  Thank you to Steve Baker from The LongPlay Sessions for putting on the event, we may well do more. If you’d like to do a similar event with us - contact us at [email protected]  Please support us to help enable young musicians to access educational content for free by buying some merch! https://the-stageleft-podcast.printify.me/ Recording by Steve Baker Produced by Darcy Dewar YouTube Channel by Beth Iles Socials by Alex Fordham Hosted by Chris Simpson www.thestageleftpodcast.com

Join us as Colin MacIntyre of Mull Historical Society shares insights into the psychology of songwriting, album creation, collaboration with authors, and the importance of storytelling in music and literature. Key Topics: - The emotional journey of album release- The process of songwriting and knowing when a song is finished- Collaboration with authors and visual storytelling- The importance of human stories in songwriting- Balancing control and collaboration in music production- The influence of personal history and environment on creativity We exist to provide free educational content, so p lease support us by tapping into our merch range here... the-stageleft-podcast.printify.meHosted by Chris SimpsonEdited by Darcy DewarSocials by Alex FordhamYouTube by Beth Iles.

They say never meet your heroes. How about interviewing them? Having travelled up and down the UK with mates, skipping train barriers and the like to get to the majestic Secret Guerrilla style Gigs in his late teens, Chris gets to interview the man who wrote one of his favourite albums of all time.  Recorded the day Embrace released their newest top-ten album 'Avalanche', Chris explores Danny's relationship with avoiding choruses, songwriting camps, the role of a song for the listener and Danny himself and when a song feels complete. We exist to provide free educational content, so p lease support us by tapping into our merch range here... the-stageleft-podcast.printify.me Hosted by Chris SimpsonEdited by Darcy DewarSocials by Alex FordhamYouTube by Beth Iles.

On this episode of The StageLeft Podcast, Chris Simpson sits down with Jack Bates — bassist for Smashing Pumpkins and Peter Hook & The Light — to discuss the reality of stepping into one of music’s most iconic musical legacies. From balancing tours between Billy Corgan and Peter Hook, to playing alongside Jimmy Chamberlin, to recording with the late Mark Lanegan, this is a deep dive into musicianship, identity, touring life, pressure, and what it really means to become a “stage left” musician at the highest level. Jack opens up about:• Growing up with Peter Hook as a father• The emotional reality of performing Joy Division and New Order songs nightly• How Smashing Pumpkins rehearsals actually work• Locking in musically with Jimmy Chamberlin• Why being “easy to be around” matters more than technical ability• Touring life, introversion, and handling pressure on stage• Recording Mark Lanegan’s final album• Choosing setlists for Peter Hook & The Light• Fan culture, validation, and identity in music• Why some songs change every night on stage A fascinating conversation about musicianship, legacy, pressure, creativity and life inside some of alternative music’s most influential worlds. Edited by Darcy DewarSocials by Alex FordhamYouTube by Beth Iles Merch:The StageLeft Podcast Merch Store

“We stepped onto the Pyramid Stage and realised… they were just people doing the same thing as us.” If Amber from The Japanese House hadn't shut her fingers in a door, would Willy Bish be where he is now?  Multi-instrumentalist Willy Bishop joins The Stage Left Podcast to share his journey from maths student to a deep dive into CMATs iconic performance on the Glastonbury Festival Pyramid Stage.  We hear about his pivotal role in The Japanese House and Declan McKenna, including exploring Matty Healy and George Daniel's production techniques, Willie offers an honest look at touring, studio life, and what it really takes to succeed as a modern musician. A practical, behind-the-scenes conversation covering creativity, chaos, and staying grounded in the music industry. “A better performance comes when you stop chasing perfection and just accept what you’ve got.” You can buy our new merch here: https://the-stageleft-podcast.printify.me/You can hire Chris as a Coach to find solutions personal and professional challenges - Chris has just returned from Milan/Cortina Winter Olympics doing this for Team GB. You can reach him on [email protected] and his rates are similar to those of driving lessons/private instrument tuition. Host: Chris SimpsonEditor: Darcy Dewar

Join us as Silke Blansjaar, bassist for Yungblud, shares her journey from local bands to arena stages, the realities of touring, and insights into navigating the music industry as a woman. Discover practical advice on performance, mental health, and industry challenges. "Touring can really batter you" "Guest list stress is real" "Support systems are vital" You can buy our new merch here: https://the-stageleft-podcast.printify.me/ You can hire Chris as a Coach to find solutions personal and professional challenges - Chris has just returned from Milan/Cortina Winter Olympics doing this for Team GB. You can reach him on [email protected] and his rates are similar to those of driving lessons/private instrument tuition. Host: Chris SimpsonEditor: Darcy Dewar

Russ Pritchard — of Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds and The Zutons — returns to the podcast for a brilliant deep-dive into some of the most surreal and career-defining moments of his life in music. We talk about one of the greatest slots a Glastonbury— playing just before Sir Paul McCartney’s headline set — and what it feels like to walk off stage knowing a Beatle is about to take over. Russ shares behind-the-scenes stories from joining Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, what it’s really like in the studio with Noel, and the responsibility (and joy) of playing Oasis classics like “Live Forever,” “Half The World Away,” and “Don’t Look Back in Anger.”There’s a deep dive into the writing of “Valerie” — how the song came together, what it meant at the time, and how it took on a life of its own — plus an incredible story about supporting James Brown at what turned out to be one of the final gigs of his legendary career with The Zutons. It’s nostalgic, funny, reflective — and packed with proper musical detail. Sponsored by Frangianpani. Edited by Darcy Dewar.  Socials - Alex Fordham Host - Chris Simpson Our own range of merch is now out. Please support us - https://the-stageleft-podcast.printify.me/

Days after selling out The O2 Arena, Woody from Bastille joins us live to break down the realities of arena touring in front of a live audience, the writing and recording of Save My Soul, lessons from Bob Armstrong, and what it takes to run an independent record label! Editing by Darcy Dewar.Socials by Alex Fordham.Hosted by Chris Simpson. Get 25% off everything at frangipani-style.com — including their January Sale — with the code STAGELEFT.

Sad news reached us in December that Booker T and the M.G.'s legend Steve Cropper had passed away. It was a tremendous honour to have had Steve as a guest on StageLeft soon after we began. In truth, we probably wouldn't still exist if he hasn't appeared, as just naming him has a past guest has secured many further guests, including Gem Archer. Please enjoy the interview, and our update from the past 6 months. New episode coming monthly from next week, with Woody from Bastille, Russ from Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, Shaun Ryder and Steve Hamilton on the Oasis 25 Reunion Tour all confirmed. We now have a new range of merch to mark out 10 year anniversary - please support us whilst looking like the coolest cat in the class. https://the-stageleft-podcast.printify.me/

Hey all! Please have a quick listen to Tymon (our Social Media intern) who is asking for your help to complete a survey below to support the podcast growth over the next 5 years. This will help us bring you more interviews with the best session musicians globally, providing a platform for free educational content at the same time. Cheers! Chris https://uwe.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_40CSzoUoJnURjZY

If you've got Oasis hysteria with the reunion beginning on Friday, then you may enjoy this episode with the keyboardist for that Oasis reunion - Christian Madden. This was recorded in 2017, and was listened to (and tweeted about with love) by Bonehead! We will be at the first show back in Cardiff, so come say hi or reach out. To mark the 10 year anniversary, we are also doing a live episode on July 11th at The Courtyard Theatre with three of The 1975 touring band, fresh off the back of headlining Glastonbury. Go to our Instagram profile bio for a direct link for tickets.

If you've got Oasis hysteria with the reunion beginning on Friday, then you may enjoy this episode with guitarist Gem Archer, recorded in 2017.We will be at the first show back in Cardiff, so come say hi or reach out. To mark the 10 year anniversary, we are also doing a live episode on July 11th at The Courtyard Theatre with three of The 1975 touring band, fresh off the back of headlining Glastonbury. Go to our Instagram profile bio for a direct link for tickets.

The StageLeft Podcast sits down with Daisy Spencer - the incredible rhythm guitarist behind Olivia Rodrigo's record-breaking Guts World Tour!In this candid conversation, Daisy opens up about: ✨ Creating a "stage persona" to handle arena-sized crowds ✨ The reality of touring at the highest level ✨ Her guitar part on Vampire ✨ Those magical acoustic moments with Olivia ✨ Making big life changes to stay grounded on tour ✨ The night she played "Hot to Go" with Chappell Roan.From hotel breakfast addictions to getting "street spirit" Radiohead vibes on guitar - this is a raw, honest look at life behind one of the biggest tours in music."You kind of go into a different state of mind when you're on stage... it really becomes a group effort" - Daisy Spencer🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts #StageLeftPodcast #DaisySpencer #OliviaRodrigo #GutsWorldTour #TourLife #MusicPodcast