9-42

The one where we talk big hair with an accidental influencer. To be fair, using the term 'accidental' about Dagan feels a little bit tight, but as it happens it has the ring of truth about it. So, despite him being a naturally gifted presenter and clearly very comfortable in front of the camera, when he has ended up wasn't really part of the plan. Then again neither was the family business, or a f...

The one where we recorded a podcast about a podcast. Before we start you should know that this one gets a little chaotic, and there are a couple of very good reasons for that. Firstly there are four of us around the table, and that always makes it a little harder to follow. And secondly it is fair to say that Chris & Jonny (who host In The Pocket) aren’t short of banter, enthusiasm or opinion....

The one where we asked Ace a single question, and just let him go. Listening back to this episode it's kind of hard to describe exactly the theme of it, because it covers so much ground and covers so many topics. Of course it's nothing less than you would expect from a guitarist who has been part of a stadium-filling, platinum-selling, band like Skunk Anansie. He is a force of nature, and that's e...

The one where we get to meet an axe-wielding Heavy Metal legend. If you are a follower of rock music, and you are also of a certain age, then you will be no doubt aware of the term New Wave Of British Heavy Metal (a phrase that was often referred to by the somewhat predictable but nevertheless jaunty acronym of NWOBHM). Anyway, it was a late seventies, early eighties phenomena and it was coined du...

The one where we embarrass Connor, by waxing lyrical about his new record (it really is very good). We met up with Connor back in September, and quickly got onto the subject his most recent release The Truth Comes Out Eventually. It's a fantastic record, and (as you would expect) we had questions about how it had come about. Cue, one jaw-dropping answer, and then almost an entire episode on how wh...

The one where Jason caught up with a legend of the Maiden story. Dennis Stratton is best known for his work on the first Iron Maiden album, and the influence he had on what would become the sound dynamos with the Band. He contributed to much of the material that would form the first two albums, as well as touring extensively with them around that time. But that is only the beginning to a story tha...

The one where we found out the difference between auctioning guitars over cattle. If you believe that some things in life are just meant to be, then Luke Hobbs is a near-perfect embodiment of that belief. The fact that he ended up at an auction house as an escape from Tesco is one thing, but that it would turn into the thing he was born to do is another thing altogether. This is a lovely story tha...

The one where we talk about shirts and socks with Wayne Hussey. For many people, Wayne Hussey is part of Goth Royalty. In fact, if you did a rundown of the most influential Goth acts, he would probably get into the list twice, once with the Sisters of Mercy and then a second time with The Mission. But as we found out when we passed a very enjoyable hour in his company, this would be to pigeon-hole...

The one where we try and work out how to pronounce Joe Balaguer's name. Th great thing about a lot of the folks we speak to on 9-42 is that a lot of the stories are similar, whilst all being totally unique. It's not the first time we have spoken to a passionate person that has found his or her calling in luthiery and started a guitar brand, but every time we do the little points of difference are...

The one where we chat to Daisy Pepper about her career path, nursery rhymes, and her first experience of The Guitar Show. Listening back to this conversation, the bit that really resonates hasn’t got anything to do with Daisy’s musical journey, or indeed her pedigree. Just a quick glance at her website or her socials is enough to get the sense of just what she has achieved in a relatively short sp...

The one where we chat with a man about his axe(s). We have talked to some truly impressive folks whilst making 9-42, and Ben Crowe is up there with the most truly impressive of the bunch. It's not just what he has done with Crimson Guitars (though that is very impressive) but the focus and dedication he brings to everything he touches. His character, and more importantly his awareness of his own s...

The one where Ant just happened to be in the same spot as Bassist Nick Beggs. In so many ways Nick is an enigma. Even if it were possible to pin him down to a simple description or single genre, just the very act of trying would be to rob him of his quintessential essence. After all he is the link between Kajagoogoo and Steve Hackett, Howard Jones and Fish, and so many others. He is a maverick and...

The one where we meet a charming man, who has a finger in many pies. You can be forgiven for not recognising the name Tim Lobley, but we reckon you will be aware of many of the things he is involved with. As with many people in the music instrument industry, he arrived here largely by accident, and as an alternative to continuing with his proper job It begins with a music shop, and a vision to bui...

The one where we talk to a living, breathing example of everything just working itself out perfectly. We have been very lucky on 9-42 that we have got to meet some really smashing people, right at the top of their game and as it turns out John Wines, aka The Old Grey Guitarist, fits neatly into that description. This is a heart-warming story, full of joy, and proof that good things happen to good...

The one where we both got to chat with Mike. If you have been with since the start then you will know that we have talked to Grammy Award winning Producer & Engineer Mike Exeter before, in a pre-COVID world, and also in a cloakroom For those of you that aren't aware, Mike has worked with the likes of Black Sabbath, Tony Iommi, Judas Priest, Cradle of Filth & UB40, and always has a story to...

The one where we find out a lot about merch. There was never much doubt about what Rebecca wanted to do when she grew up. Playing and gigging from an early age, she performed her own material influenced by a wide range of artists. And to be honest she has never looked back, even picking her degree course to fit in with her playing schedule. We get into all of that and more, in a great conversation...

The one where we talk about how writing songs can resemble a visit to Yo Sushi! One of the things that is so enjoyable about the people we chat to on 9-42, is the unique nature of a modern career in the music industry. Take Craig, his first band Romeo's Daughter end up having their debut album produced by the legendary Mutt Lange, at a point in time when he was the hottest ticket in town. Not a ba...

The one where we were supposed to talk a little bit more about guitars. If you are a West Bromwich Albion fan (as Jason is) then you are probably now doing a bit of a double-take, as you read the name of our most current 9-42 guest. Peter has near-legendary status both on and off the field for the Baggies, but that is just a scratch on the surface of his remarkable story. Which is why when we foun...

The one where we found out why Blair never eats his tea at the table. What can we say about Blair Dunlop, well lets start with the fact that neither of us knew a great deal about him before his appearance at The Guitar Show this year, other than he plays a bit, writes a bit, and sings songs. All that changed as a result of two seismic events, a legendary set on the live stage on Sunday lunchtime a...

The one where we talked about Stetsons and Resonators. You have probably been wondering where we have been for the last few weeks, and you know what that is a really good question. So good in fact that we decided we needed to ask it out loud. Cue a mildly entertaining (if very predictable) story of plane rides and palm trees, bunk-beds and butterscotch, and plenty of other reasons why we have foun...

The one where we drag Pete away from his birthday cake. We have spoken to a lot of artists over the last three years or so of doing 9-42, but there aren't many who can say that they have been with their current band for over forty years. Pete was drafted into Marillion in 1982, just at the point where they were about to break through and become one of the most influential prog-rock outfits since....

The one where we talked about the mechanics of surname pronunciation. John Connearn was one of the highlights from the Live Stage at the Guitar Show last year, as you would expect his performance was flawless - but what really impressed was an assured and confident delivery that held the attention of the room without ever dropping a beat. So it was a pleasure to be able to spend a little bit of ti...

The one where we talk to a picture of Irene Ketikidi. This is a really interesting episode of 9-42, but not necessarily for the reason you maybe thinking. It's not because Irene is a highly accomplished player, with both a considerable technical understanding and a passion for a number of musical style, though she does. It's not because she has gained acclaim for her composition and recorded work,...

The one where Chantel invites us into her wardrobe. If ever anybody knew what they wanted to do, and how they wanted their life to pan out, then that person is Chantel McGregor. You don't need to spend much time in her presence to realise that playing guitar, recording music and performing onstage was woven into her DNA. We had a funny, fascinating and frank chat with Chantel which covered everyth...

The one where we start Season 3 with some bloke from Barnsley. I think it's fair to say that Andy Crowley is very focussed on what he does. Known to millions as Andy Guitar, he has achieved success by coming up with a teaching concept that makes sense - and then repeating the formula without getting distracted. As you will hear it could all have been very different. Andy's journey could have taken...