dopeYEAH talk

What does it take to step into one of the most legendary bands in rock history — and make it your own? 🎸🔥 In this episode, Rob Cass sits down with Simon McBride, the guitarist who took on the massive challenge of joining Deep Purple and stepping into the shoes of Steve Morse and Ritchie Blackmore.Simon opens up about the moment that changed his life, the pressure of his first show with Deep Purple, and why the “easy” songs can actually be the hardest to play. One of the most compelling parts of the conversation is his honest take on replacing a legend — and how he approached it with respect, but also with confidence in his own voice. From picking up the guitar at just nine years old to winning Young Guitarist of the Year, his journey has been driven by pure passion for music. Along the way, he shares stories about touring with heroes like Joe Satriani and evolving across genres, from hard rock to soul and R&B 🎶Beyond Deep Purple, Simon reflects on his early days with Sweet Savage, forming his own band Blind Friday, and building a career that blends technical mastery with feel. The episode wraps up with Simon playing his top five favorite guitar riffs, giving you a glimpse into the influences behind his sound. Honest, powerful, and full of guitar wisdom — this is a must-watch for any rock fan 🎥✨

What does it feel like to stand at the very beginning of Queen’s story — and then go on to build a whole creative life far beyond it? 🎸👑 In this episode, Rob Cass sits down with Doug Bogie, the short-lived early bassist who played with Queen before John Deacon, to uncover a fascinating story that most fans have never heard in full.Doug takes us back to the very beginning: from Sgt. Pepper changing everything, to moving from clarinet to a “horrible bass,” to the moment Freddie Mercury walked into the audition room. He shares what his two gigs with Queen were really like, why his time in the band ended so quickly, and how surreal it was to meet Brian May again years later. One of the most intriguing parts of the conversation is Doug finding old Queen demos while working at De Lane Lea Studios — a reminder that sometimes history hides in tape libraries and unexpected places 🎶But this episode goes far beyond Queen. Doug reflects on working in studios, collaborating on projects connected to Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, building his own band R.A.F., and carving out a creative path through sound engineering, production, and film. He also shares stories from making a video with Sean Connery, his future plans, and even plays his three favorite basslines live. Honest, witty, and full of perspective, this conversation is a must-watch for Queen fans, music history lovers, and anyone curious about the roads not taken in rock’n’roll ✨

What does it take to go from playing guitar on a London night bus to sharing stages with legends like Eric Clapton, Joe Bonamassa, and members of Deep Purple? 🎸🔥 In this episode, Rob Cass sits down with Murray Gould, a seasoned session guitarist whose career has taken him from small blues bars to some of the biggest stages in the world.Murray shares how he picked up the guitar at just three years old, the records and movies that shaped his musical DNA, and how one person believing in him early on made all the difference. From crossing genres to working with artists ranging from Shirley Bassey to Joe Bonamassa, his journey is full of unexpected turns. We also talk about what it really takes to become a top session player, the pressure of live TV performances, and the surreal experience of meeting legends like Ian Paice.One of the highlights of the episode is Murray playing his five favorite guitar riffs live and explaining why they matter 🎶 He also shares honest advice for young guitarists trying to break through: keep going — because if you stop, it definitely won’t happen. Stick around for a special acoustic performance where Rob Cass joins Murray on vocals and guitar. Honest, inspiring, and full of incredible music stories — this is an episode guitar fans won’t want to miss 🎥✨

What does it take to go from calling the bass your “biggest mistake” to playing with all four Beatles and holding down late night TV for over three decades? 🎸🔥 In this episode, Rob Cass sits down with Will Lee, legendary member of the Late Show with David Letterman band, to unpack the twists, risks, and unbelievable moments behind his career.Will shares how switching from drums to bass felt like a disaster at first — and how that “mistake” opened the door to everything. From getting inspired by the Beatles to actually playing with all four of them and starting tribute band Fab Four, his journey is full of surreal turning points. We talk about the massive influence of Jaco Pastorius, working on Donald Fagen’s The Nightfly, and what it was like when Paul McCartney wanted to buy his bass. Yes — that happened 👀The episode is packed with iconic stories: Lennon’s insecurity leading to flanging, James Brown surprising the Late Show with “I Got the Feelin’,” why playing Live Aid is less scary than a small club, and the lesson Will learned the hard way — people are more important than music. Honest, funny, and deeply human, this conversation is a masterclass in longevity, groove, and staying curious 🎶✨🎸 Magical Mystery CampA unique place where Beatles fans meet, share stories, and celebrate the music together. Live performances, deep dives, and pure Fab Four magic. 👉 https://www.magicalmysterycamp.com/

What happens when one guitarist refuses to choose between emotion, technique, and imagination — and instead plays them all at once? 🎸🔥 In this episode, Rob Cass sits down with Mike Dawes, a musician who has reshaped what a single acoustic guitar can do, and quickly moves past chops into the real stories behind the sound.We talk about Mike’s early journey — from wanting to be Slash and playing Smoke on the Water on one string, to joining his first metal band Shrapnel and eventually going solo. He opens up about writing vs. arranging, creative doubts, moments of depression when there were no gigs, and why the guitar can feel like “the lonely man’s instrument.” There’s also insight into working with Tommy Emmanuel, meeting Justin Hayward, and his thoughts on speed, perfection, and AI music in 2025 🤔The episode is packed with standout moments: live technique demos, best and worst gigs, favorite players, and a 7-minute uninterrupted live performance where Mike breaks down his incredible playing style. Honest, funny, and inspiring — this conversation is for anyone searching for their own musical voice in an attention-hungry world 🎶🚀🎸 Check out Mike’s best selling guitar mastercourse, tour dates and more: http://mikedawes.com

What happens when four guitarists connect so deeply that it feels almost telepathic? 🎸 In this episode, Rob Cass welcomes European Guitar Quartet — Reentko Dirks, Thomas Fellow, Pavel Steidl, and Zoran Dukić — for an inspiring and often hilarious conversation about music, instinct, and true musical connection. From the first notes to the last laugh, this is not a typical classical guitar talk — it’s a hands-on masterclass on how to think like a musician, master your instrument, and overcome the challenges on the road to becoming a great guitarist. 🎊We dive into their journey to becoming “the Beatles of classical guitar” and explore why the guitar became a symbol of freedom for them. The interview is packed with unforgettable stories: being told “Stop! Don’t make music”, choosing between becoming a ballet dancer or a guitarist, glued nails before concerts, and completely losing it with laughter on stage 😄. Along the way, they share hard-earned insights on what beginners really need to learn and why the guitar should talk, sing, laugh, and cry.European Guitar Quartet are among the most celebrated guitar ensembles today, having performed in over 16 countries at legendary venues such as Concertgebouw Amsterdam and Tchaikovsky Hall in Moscow. Blending classical tradition with world music, jazz, groove, and modern fingerstyle, they continue to redefine what concert guitar can be. This episode is for guitarists — and for anyone who believes music truly starts from within ✨.

🎸 What really happened inside the world’s first rock supergroup? In this powerful and emotional episode, Malcolm Bruce — son of the legendary Jack Bruce of Cream — opens up to Rob Cass about the band that changed music forever. From the explosive formation of Cream with Eric Clapton and Ginger Baker, to the backstage fights, wild stories, and the deep influence they had on Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin and beyond, Malcolm gives us a front-row seat to rock history. 🤯🔥👨‍👦 Malcolm doesn’t just tell his father’s story — he carries the torch. As a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and the driving force behind Sons of Cream, Malcolm shares what it’s like to grow up as the son of one of rock’s greatest bassists, ranked #8 by Rolling Stone and a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He recalls wild moments with Jack, including heroin struggles, unlikely prison dinners with superfans, and how Ginger Baker broke down in tears at the funeral. Plus, stories of Jack almost forming a band with Jimi Hendrix, and why he thought Pink Floyd “sucked” — even though they formed after a Cream gig. 🎤🎶🌍 From Cream’s legacy to Malcolm’s own bold creative path — touring with legends, composing orchestral works, and producing the Heavenly Cream sessions — this episode is a masterclass in music, family, and resilience. If you’ve ever felt the magic of “White Room” or “Sunshine of Your Love,” don’t miss this deep dive into the soul of rock history — told by the son who lived it, and is now reshaping it. ⚡👁️‍🗨️

🎤 From Jack Black belly dancing to jazz tours across Europe, Casey Abrams has lived one of the wildest post–American Idol lives imaginable. In this episode, Rob Cass dives deep with the multi-instrumental madman to explore his journey—from discovering music on a cruise ship to becoming one of jazz-pop’s most beloved showmen. Expect laughs, chaos, and a lot of bass slaps. 🎸🔥Casey shares how learning every AC/DC song and studying under a Miles Davis bandmate laid the foundation for his breakout on American Idol, where he stunned judges with raw talent, quirky charm, and fearless performances. He opens up about the pressure and joy of the show, the biggest lessons he took away, and how it all led to surreal moments—like dueting with Jack Black or touring the globe with the genre-bending band Postmodern Jukebox.Whether he’s talking about his dream collab with Dua Lipa, offering advice for future Idol hopefuls, or revealing things nobody knows about him, Casey never holds back. 🎶 This is a one-of-a-kind story from a one-of-a-kind artist who stayed true to his roots—no matter how wild the spotlight got. If you love music, jazz, Idol drama, or just great stories, you don’t want to miss this one. 🌍✨

🎸 He got married at 16, hit rock bottom… and rose to rock royalty. In this unmissable episode, Rob Cass sits down with Marco Mendoza, who opens up about his wild journey — from a troubled teen playing gigs while hiding his addiction, to touring the world with legendary bands like Thin Lizzy, Whitesnake, The Dead Daisies, and Ted Nugent. Now 38 years sober, he’s still rocking harder than ever. 💥🔥🎤 From growing up in San Diego surrounded by jazz and big band influences, Marco takes us through the highs and lows of a career that’s spanned decades. He talks about his first break, finding the strength to turn his life around, and what it felt like to get that life-changing call: “Darling, Marco, this is David Coverdale.” 💬 We dive into his time with Whitesnake, the formation of Black Star Riders, collaborations with legends like Steve Vai, and stories from the road that will blow your mind. 🛣️🎶💫 Whether you're a fan of classic rock, bass slapping, or human resilience, this episode is a ride. Marco doesn’t hold back — from talking about overcoming personal demons to his love for performing, his fantasy band lineup, and what keeps him pushing forward. It's raw, inspiring, and unforgettable. 🎧✨👇 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more incredible stories from music legends!

🎙️ What happens when one man turns the double bass into an entire band? In this breathtaking episode, Rob Cass sits down with world-renowned bassist and composer Adam Ben Ezra, the artist who has reinvented how the upright bass can sound. From mixing percussion with melody to imitating guitars, drums, and even oud on a single instrument, Adam shows us how his unique style became a global phenomenon — and why millions of people on YouTube can’t stop watching. 🎻🔥Adam takes us back to his beginnings — when he realized he was a better bass player than guitarist — and explains how necessity as a child (no drummer in his first duo!) sparked the percussive “drumming on bass” style that now defines his sound. He shares stories about his first gigs and Frank Sinatra Show, the Beatles and McCartney influences that shaped his melodic approach, and the fine line between improvisation and composition. We also dive into his genre-blending albums, custom-made five-string bass with a removable neck, and his unforgettable best (and worst!) shows on tour. 🎶With over 7 million views on YouTube and a devoted global audience, Adam Ben Ezra has proven that one instrument can hold infinite possibilities. In this episode he talks about his online teaching program, dream collaborations, and gives us an exclusive showcase of the techniques that made him a pioneer of modern double bass playing. If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like when one musician becomes a whole rhythm section, this is the conversation you can’t miss. 🌍✨

🎙️ What was it like to be in the room when Freddie Mercury met opera legend Montserrat Caballé for the first time? Or to record “The Great Pretender” with him… in your own living room? In this emotional and deeply personal episode, Rob Cass reunites two of Freddie’s closest collaborators — Mike Moran and Peter “Phoebe” Freestone — for a rare conversation about the real Freddie: the friend, the genius, and the man behind the legend. 🎹🎤Mike Moran, who co-wrote and produced the Barcelona album with Freddie Mercury, returns for Part Two of his interview (📺 watch Part One: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3E9us3nekfEKb8DuUI11jj?si=c513d5f6f2ce4dcb), now joined by Peter Freestone, Freddie’s long-time personal assistant and friend (📺 check out our earlier solo episode with Peter: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6V6vsjWBXWhwsdrx4DVIGp?si=dd25e0bb45594f35). Together, they share honest, touching and often hilarious memories — from studio stories and backstage antics to the emotional weight of Freddie’s final years, including his last live performance. 🕊️You’ll hear first-hand how Barcelona came to life, what Montserrat Caballé really thought of Freddie, and the unforgettable garden parties at his Kensington home. There are no myths here — just beautiful storytelling from the people who were there. If you're a fan of Queen, Freddie, or timeless music history, this episode will stay with you. ❤️‍🔥

🎙️ What happens when a voice this smooth comes from behind a drum kit? In this episode, Rob Cass sits down with Jamison Ross, Grammy-nominated artist, producer, and one of the rare musicians on Earth who can sing and play drums at the same time... and make it look effortless. 🥁🎤From his gospel roots to stages around the world, Jamison opens up about what makes soul music so special, why New Orleans is “the greatest gift of music to the world,” and how confidence and freedom connect to rhythm and melody. He shares his inspirations — from Aretha Franklin to Marvin Gaye — and gives us a live showcase of how singing and drumming together actually works. 🎶Whether you're into soul, jazz, or just love hearing artists talk with passion and purpose, this one’s for you. Jamison Ross isn’t just a singer or a drummer — he’s both at once. And that, as you’ll see, is something extraordinary. 🙌

🎧 What’s it like to turn down Mick Jagger’s private jet… and survive a near-death flight with Tina Turner? In this episode, legendary drummer Blair Cunningham joins Rob Cass with jaw-dropping stories from a life behind the kit — and behind rock’s biggest icons. If you think playing with Paul McCartney is wild, wait until you hear Blair’s other stories with music legends. 🎸From the streets of Memphis to the world’s biggest stages, Blair has drummed for Tina Turner, Paul McCartney, Sade, Mick Jagger, Lionel Richie, The Pretenders, Roxy Music, Echo & the Bunnymen, and more. Raised in a family of 10 drummer brothers, Blair shares what it was like growing up in a house full of rhythm. 🥁This interview is packed with untold tour stories, including: Keith Richards making him scrambled eggs 🍳, mailing cash home from London 💸, the madness of nonstop touring, and the emotional intelligence needed to survive life on the road with stars. Whether you're into music, mayhem, or just rare stories from rock royalty, this one’s for you. Hit play and step into a drummer’s world like no other. 🔥