The StageLeft Podcast

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 Dewar Socials by Alex Fordham YouTube 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 chris@thestageleftpodcast.com and his rates are similar to those of driving lessons/private instrument tuition. Host: Chris Simpson Editor: 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 chris@thestageleftpodcast.com and his rates are similar to those of driving lessons/private instrument tuition. Host: Chris Simpson Editor: 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

🎸 “I wanted to be the dad who’s present — not recovering from the night before.” — Corey McCormick The Glastonbury headliner series: To mark our 10 year anniversary, we have episodes with Neil Young bassist Corey McCormick and Olivia Rodrigo guitarist Daisy Spencer, which are released the day each headlines the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury. From playing with Neil Young and Chris Cornell to navigating fatherhood while touring the world, Corey McCormick joins us to share raw insights into balancing rock’n’roll with real life. In this emotional and honest episode, Corey opens up about giving up alcohol for his kids, facing early struggles without parental support, and the bittersweet feeling of achieving your dreams without the one person you hoped would be proud. 🎧 Listen now at thestageleftpodcast.com #StageLeftPodcast #CoreyMcCormick #NeilYoung #ChrisCornell #Glastonbury #TourLife #MusicIndustry #MusicianParent #MusicPodcast #BassGuitar

The Glastonbury headliner series: To mark our 10 year anniversary, we have episodes with Neil Young bassist Corey McCormick and Olivia Rodrigo guitarist Daisy Spencer, which are released the day each headlines the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury. We've taken it a stage further for the Friday night headliners The 1975, as we will be hosting a live episode with touring band members that you can attend at The Courtyard Theatre in London on Friday 11th July. Come join us, as there will be live performances from John Waugh, Polly Money and Gabi King, plus Q and A, merch, and even a handful of soundcheck access tickets.  Let's celebrate 10 years of the podcast, together! Go to The StageLeft Podcast bio on Instagram for a direct link to buy tickets.

In this episode of The StageLeft Podcast, host Chris Simpson sits down with the multi-talented Ben Sturley — acclaimed bassist, composer, and longtime collaborator of Selena Gomez — for a candid and insightful conversation. From witnessing the realities of fame up close to crafting immersive film scores, Ben offers a rare glimpse into the emotional and creative nuances of life both on stage and behind the scenes. He also shares stories of performing with the legendary Booker T and reflects on how the music industry shapes personal identity and artistic integrity. Edited by Darcy Dewar.

In this episode of the StageLeft Podcast, we’re joined by the brilliant Andrew Cushin for a deep dive into the artistry, collaboration, and chaos behind the music. We explore the evolving dynamic between frontman and musical director, the highs of working with Noel Gallagher at Lonestar Studios, and the unusual gift of a lightsabre to trusted ally Dave Eringa. Andrew opens up about his writing process and how it’s developed since earlier releases, as well as the pros and cons of recording to a click. Plus, he shares what he truly needs from his bandmates on stage as the man at the front. Massive thanks to Darcy Dewar for the episode edit.

Grammy winner Evan Smith has the MOST RIDICULOUS CV.  As Jack Antonoff's go to man for horns/flutes/sax and more, Evan has played on multiple Taylor Swift records, Please Please Please by Sabrina Carpenter, St Vincent & Paul McCartney's collaboration on McCartney III and TV Off by Kendrick Lamar, which explore each on this episode. Hear what it's like listening to your music on Kendrick's superbowl performance, the brief for Please Please Please, what's next for Bleachers, and the reality of a remote session player. Evan has also played on records by Bruce Springsteen, Lana Del Rey, The 1975 and Peter Gabriel. Hosted by Chris Simpson Edited by Darcy Dewar YouTube channel by Beth Iles Research by Annabel Jones Socials by Tymon Firmin.

Frontman of The Lathums, Alex Moore, joins us for a special episode, recorded on the eve of the release of their new album "Matter Does Not Define."  We explore: - How to compartmentalise being friends from bandmates? - How he and the band decided which tracks to appear on their new album, and which would be b-sides? - The painstaking process of deciding concert setlists! - How to best choose external people (to work with you) that become part of your trusted circle. ...And loads more! Thank you to Darcy Dewar for editing the audio and filmed episode (available on Youtube), Tymon Firmin for socials, and Beth Iles for running our YouTube channel. We couldn't do it without you! Photo - Ewan Ogden.

Phoebe Waller-Bridge calls him a great songwriter, and both Lauren Laverne and Elton John rate his songwriting—Ed Seed joins us for an unforgettable episode! Get a VR headset-worthy experience as Ed takes us onstage at the Royal Albert Hall, accompanying Jessie Ware. Hear how he mastered 18 songs in just two days, solved a power supply issue mid-performance with Dua Lipa, and absorbed La Roux's distinctive musical knowledge into his own songwriting with his own band Stats. Packed with behind-the-scenes stories and creative insights, we thank Darcy Dewar for editing, Beth Iles for the YouTube video, Tymon Firmin for the clips for our socials, and former guest Dom John for matchmaking Ed and ourselves as a potential guest. 

The wonderful Beth Iles has chopped up our episodes from 2024 to give you a run down of our best bits as we enter our 10 year anniversary year.  Enjoy the most insightful clips from episodes featuring Jess Greenfield of Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, Ralph Rolle of Chic, Chris Maas of Sting 3.0, James Walsh of Starsailor, The 1975 touring band, Erron Baron Cohen, Seye Adelekan of Gorillaz & Self-Esteem, John Blease of Florence Welch, Robert Plant & Paolo Nutini's bands, plus Paul Weller bassist Andy Crofts.  Thanks to Beth for putting this together, and the continued help from Tymon Firmin, Darcy Dewar, Annabel Jones & Kate Ward.  If you want to get in touch about our upcoming tour, or sponsor the podcast, contact chris@thestageleftpodcast.com

Touring members of The 1975, Gabi King, Polly Money and John Waugh join us again for our final episode of 2024, similar to our previous episode in May but we ask a completely different set of questions, which we recorded for students at BIMM University. You can now find us on Tik Tok, Instagram and Facebook by searching ‘The StageLeft Podcast’ for exclusive video content of the interviews. We’re looking to tour this next year so register your interest by emailing chris@thestageleftpodcast.com. If you’re a business that needs Mental Health First Aid or Mental Health in the Workplace training, you can support the podcast by hiring me to delvier that as I’ve qualifications in doing that, and that also goes for any leadership development, change management or 121 coaching budgets you may have.  If you’re a drummer, Gabi is doing 121 tutoring gabikingis@yahoo.co.uk, John has a new single with George Solonos called 'Quietly in Mind' released on December 13gth, and John also has singles and a new EP with Daniel Vildosola in early 2025. Polly Money has an EP coming out in March 2025 and you can catch her at a series of festivals including Truck Festival, Kendal Calling and Victorious.  Edited by Darcy Dewar

It’s about time, after 9 years, we did an entirely filmed episode isn’t it? So, whilst you enjoy this audio only version, do feel free to search for ‘The StageLeft Podcast’ on Youtube and you’ll find this episode in beautiful 4K, filmed in Andy Crofts stunning seafront hit hut.   “Chris and Andy, excellent interview. Informative. Heartwarming. Honest.” – Debra, StageLeft listener. Thank you to Sophia at Bearlane Productions for filming this, Darcy Dewar for editing, Beth Iles for making our YouTube page look gorgeous, and Tymon Firmin for the clipping on Socials such as Instagram, Facebook and Tik Tok.  We do this for free to ensure equity of access to music education globally, so if you can help sponsor us or locate us funding - email me at chris@thestageleftpodcast.com. You can also buy us a coffee at www.thestageleftpodcast.com. Should your day to day work need any leadership development programmes, executive coaching, bespoke eLearning or Mental Health First Aid training, you can support the podcast that way, as I’m qualified in each area. I deliver learning both face to face and online. #sidehustle Here we go, this is Andy Crofts!