Steve Cradock

Steve Cradock

Steve Cradock (born Stephen Cradock, 22 August 1969 in Solihull) is an English guitarist, most notable for playing in the rock group Ocean Colour Scene. Cradock is also the second guitarist in Paul Weller's band, having appeared on all of Weller's solo records following Weller's self titled debut album.

He is a distinctive guitarist, who has a retro, 1960s sound. Cradock's influences include The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. Widely regarded (even by Ocean Colour Scene's critics) as one of the most talented British guitarists, Cradock also plays keyboards, bass guitar and drums.

Personal life

Cradock was born in Solihull, West Midlands to Chris Cradock, a police officer (who would later become his manager). He was educated at Lode Heath School in Solihull. Cradock is married to Sally Edwards and has a daughter, Sunny Elizabeth, and a son Casius Earl (born 27 July 2004). He admitted on an appearance on Soccer AM that he is an Aston Villa F.C. fan, although did not attend many games.

Musical career

The Boys

Cradock formed his first band called The Boys around March 1988 with school friends from Solihull. The band played at various Mod events around the Midlands with a set consisting mainly of cover songs - including The Clash's "Should I Stay Or Should I Go" and The Jam's "Strange Town". Whilst gaining popularity on the Birmingham gig circuit, the band extended links to well-received audiences in London and Bournemouth amongst others. An August Bank Holiday festival in Gorleston coincided with the band releasing their first three-track vinyl EP, Happy Days, on their own label.

In the late 1980s, Cradock met his idol and future mentor, Paul Weller. Cradock would spend time at Weller's recording studio in Marble Arch, London, trying to pass on The Boys' music. While he was always evicted from the premises by technician Kenny Wheeler, Cradock made a lasting impression on Weller. When, in 1991 Cradock returned to the same studio with Ocean Colour Scene, the couple befriended and Ocean Colour Scene were soon invited to tour with Weller.

The band's plans for a six track mini-album soon after never materialised. However, the band contributed "Going Out" to a compilation album by the London based label, Unicorn. This was followed by the peak of the band's career - a support slot for Steve Marriott at the Irish Centre in Digbeth. Despite catching the attention of Polydor and CBS, the band dissolved in the late 1980s and Cradock proceeded to form Ocean Colour Scene with Simon Fowler, Damon Minchella and Oscar Harrison.

Ocean Colour Scene

Main article: Ocean Colour Scene

Cradock formed Ocean Colour Scene with Fowler, Minchella and Harrison after the dissolution of both The Boys and The Fanatics. Within two years the band had released their debut LP, Ocean Colour Scene, on Fontana Records. Whilst gaining mild popularity, the band felt their potential had not been reached. Following Cradock's first full tour with Paul Weller, he self-funded the production of the band's second LP, Moseley Shoals. Signing to MCA in 1995, Moseley Shoals sold over 3,000,000 world wide. Ocean Colour Scene's then Radio plugger Sally Edwards became Steve's wife in 1996. The couple now have two children, Sunny born 27 March 2003 and Cassius born 27 July 2004.

Paul Weller

Main article: Paul Weller (singer)

Cradock joined Weller's band in 1992, having supported him with Ocean Colour Scene. Cradock has appeared on all studio albums by Weller, including playing drums on 22 Dreams. In 1999, Cradock was presented with a Rickenbacker guitar by Weller for his 30th birthday. This guitar can be heard on Ocean Colour Scene's "Free My Name" single from A Hyperactive Workout for the Flying Squad.

Side projects

Aside from Cradock's career with Ocean Colour Scene and Weller, he has also worked over the years with other artists on several projects such as - PP Arnold , Liam Gallagher ( Oasis ) Liam Garland ( Little Liam ) .

The Smokin' Mojo Filters

Main article: The Help Album

In 1995, Cradock played on a version of The Beatles' song "Come Together" for the Warchild release The Help Album. Recorded at Abbey Road Studios, the track featured Paul McCartney, Paul Weller, Noel Gallagher, Steve White, Carleen Andersonand Damon Minchella

PP Arnold

Main article: P. P. Arnold

While working and touring with Ocean Colour Scene in 1997, P. P. Arnold made her first solo album in 25 years. This release was produced by Cradock. Additionally, a single was released - written by Mike Nesmith, "Different Drum". As well as producing the track, Cradock also played the drums. Despite television and radio promotion, the single failed to chart and the proposed solo album did not materialise.

Fire and Skill: The Songs of The Jam

In 1999, Cradock recorded a version of "Carnation" with Liam Gallagher for The Jam tribute album, Fire and Skill. Cradock also played guitar on the albums hidden track, "No One In The World".

Amy MacDonald

Main article: Amy Macdonald (singer)

Cradock recorded some guitar parts for Macdonald's single "Run". Macdonald reciprocated by supporting Cradock on his European acoustic tour with Weller. Steve and Wife Sally Toured with Amy Mcdonald in Germany as her support Act in 2009.

Other collaborations and activities

Cradock contributed guitar to The Players' 2003 album Clear The Decks; a band formed by Minchella, Steve White and Mick Talbot.

In 2006, Cradock contributed rhythm guitar to recording of the song "Left, Right and Centre" by the acid jazz act, Lord Lorge, which featured Dean Parrish on lead vocals.

The following year, Cradock recorded drums and backing vocals for the Andy Lewis and Weller collaboration, "Are You Trying To Be Lonely", which peaked at number 35 in the UK Singles Chart. Cradock also produced a number of songs for the Newcastle-based band, Hungover Stuntmen.

Solo career

The Kundalini Target

Cradock announced he had begun work on his own solo album in early 2008 via the diary section on the official website of Ocean Colour Scene, the recording of which took place at the Black Barn Studios owned by Weller in Surrey. During a phone interview on BBC Radio Tees in April 2008, Cradock discussed his solo album and disclosed that he plays all the instruments on the album. Occasionally, Cradock performed his own songs during his tour with Weller during their acoustic gigs of 2007 and 2008. The Album features Paul Weller and wife Sally Cradock.

Steve and Sally Cradock have since formed Kundalini Music , from which Steve's second solo Album will be released in 2011. The Kundalini Target is now available on this label. The Kundalini Vynal is signed to Halden Pop in Germany.

The album title was confirmed as The Kundalini Target, and reached 114 in the album charts. 34 in play.com/30 in itunes chart.

Peace City West

Cradock's second solo album Peace City West was released on Kundalini Music on 4th April 2011 and features James Buckley from the cult TV show The Inbetweeners and collaborations with Paul Weller, Sally Cradock, Andy Crofts and PP Arnold.

In 2011, Cradock and his band supported Beady Eye on their UK tour.