Steve Cradock | |
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Cradock performing live with Ocean Colour Scene
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Background information | |
Birth name | Stephen Cradock |
Also known as | Steve Cradock |
Born |
Solihull, Warwickshire, England |
22 August 1969
Genres | Britpop, rock, mod revival |
Occupation(s) | Musician |
Instruments | Guitar, piano, vocals, bass guitar |
Associated acts |
Ocean Colour Scene Paul Weller The Specials |
Website | www |
Notable instruments | |
Gibson Les Paul Goldtop Gibson ES335 Gibson SG |
Stephen John "Steve" Cradock (born 22 August 1969 in Solihull) is an English guitarist, most notable for playing in the rock group Ocean Colour Scene. Cradock also plays the guitar in Paul Weller's band, having appeared on all of Weller's solo records following his self-titled debut solo 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.
Cradock was born in Solihull, Warwickshire; his father Chris Cradock, a police officer, would later become his son's manager). He was educated at Lode Heath School in Solihull.
Cradock formed his first band called The Boys in 1988, with schoolfriends 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 was well received by audiences in various other towns, including London and Bournemouth. An August Bank Holiday festival in Gorleston coincided with the band releasing their first three-track vinyl EP, Happy Days, on their own label. Plans to release a six-track mini-album soon after were never realised. However, the band contributed to a compilation album by the London-based label, Unicorn with their song "Going Out". This was followed by the peak of the band's career–a support slot for Steve Marriott at the Irish Centre in Digbeth.