Ep506: Craig Ferguson - Comedian, Actor, TV Host & Music Fanatic

Ep506: Craig Ferguson - Comedian, Actor, TV Host & Music Fanatic

Author: The Vinyl Guide July 10, 2025 Duration: 1:00:29

Comedian, Actor, Author Craig Ferguson discusses his early punk days, making music and comedy records, avoiding David Bowie and many musical moments that influenced his path.

Topics Include:

  • Discussion begins about Craig's new vinyl release "I'm So Happy"
  • Craig has released most of his comedy specials on vinyl
  • His first album was vinyl in 1986 when that was standard
  • Vinyl became the poor cousin during the CD era
  • Craig's vinyl collection is currently boxed up after moving
  • Used red sleeves for expensive records when kids were young
  • First owned record: Monkees "Headquarters" from uncle James
  • First purchased: Brian Eno "Here Come the Warm Jets" 1976
  • Son experienced vinyl for first time with Mogwai album
  • Son said he felt "robbed" by digital music quality
  • Modern music feels overproduced and digitally assembled to Craig
  • Artists release music before it's properly developed or ready
  • His first concert: Blue Oyster Cult 1975 Nassau Coliseum
  • Still shops at record stores with tour manager Thomas
  • Prefers tactile experience over buying vinyl records online
  • Has couple of precious singles from his own bands
  • Missed lots of music during blackout drunk years 15-30
  • Now discovering missed artists like John Cale collaborations
  • Doesn't consider himself musician but thinks like one musically
  • Stand-up comedy has tempos, moods, feels like musical performance
  • Music and comedy both require audience participation for value
  • Paul Weller didn't want interview despite initial tour requests
  • Never invited David Bowie due to being too in awe
  • Never spent time with Iggy Pop except seeing performances
  • Drummed for Nico briefly when young and impaired
  • Last public drumming was disastrous Rock Bottom Remainders performance
  • Billy Connolly's vinyl albums were forbidden contraband as kid
  • Vinyl comedy creates different atmosphere than digital formats

Watch "I'm So Happy" on YouTube & order the vinyl here.

High resolution version of this podcast is available at: www.Patreon.com/VinylGuide

Listen on Apple: https://apple.co/2Y6ORU0
Listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/36qhlc8


There's a particular kind of conversation that happens when two people who are deeply passionate about music get together, surrounded by shelves of records. The Vinyl Guide-Artist Interviews for Record Collectors and Music Nerds captures that feeling perfectly. Hosted by Nate, a dedicated collector and enthusiast, this podcast feels less like a formal interview and more like you're overhearing a great chat in the back of a record store. The discussions naturally weave through artists' creative processes, the stories behind iconic albums, and the tangible magic of the format itself. You'll hear from musicians, producers, and other insiders who live and breathe vinyl, offering perspectives that go far beyond the liner notes. But it's not just about the artists; it's for the collectors, too. Episodes often delve into the practical, nerdy details that make this hobby so compelling-like distinguishing between a common pressing and a rare, valuable find, or learning how to properly care for your collection so it lasts for decades. It’s that blend of artistic insight and collector-focused knowledge that gives this podcast its unique character. Whether you're a seasoned cratedigger or just appreciate the warmth of an analog recording, these conversations offer a rich, human connection to the music you love, all centered around the grooves of a vinyl record.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Vinyl Guide - Artist Interviews for Record Collectors and Music Nerds
Podcast Episodes
Ep547: Greg Ginn - Black Flag, SST Records [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:13
In a rare interview, Greg Ginn opens up about the latest Black Flag lineup, the SST catalogue, the possibility of long-overdue reissues and the legacy of one of punk's most beloved bands. Tickets for Black Flag's 2026 Au…
Ep546: One-Step Audiophile Vinyl w Tom Grover Biery [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:18:35
From funding the first Record Store Day to producing limited one-step pressings of Pet Sounds, Prince, and Dr. Dre, Tom "Grover" Biery is one of the most influential figures in modern vinyl culture - Hear all about his n…
Ep545: Zev Feldman Returns for Record Store Day 2026 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:24
Zev Feldman returns to reveal 11 Record Store Day 2026 releases, including stunning discoveries from the legendary Joe Siegel Jazz Showcase tape archive featuring Ahmad Jamal, Yusef Lateef, Freddie King, and more never-b…
Ep543: Remembering Rozz Williams & Christian Death [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:31
Rikk Agnew, James McGearty, and David Glass share stories about Rozz Williams & Christian Death, the making of Only Theater of Pain, and completing his final recorded wish with the new song Flowers. Tickets for April 18…
Ep542: Music Documentary Producer Jeanne Elfant Festa [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:45
Documentary producer & record collector Jeanne Elfant Festa has made films about The Beatles, Foo Fighters, Pavarotti, Bee Gees and more. Today she discusses her latest movie on Billy Preston — revealing rare archive foo…
Ep541: TV Smith - 50 Years of The Adverts [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:15
TV Smith joins Nate to discuss the 50th anniversary of The Adverts, an Australian tour backed by The Hard-Ons, and a career full of great songs and terrible label luck. Topics Include: TV Smith is touring Australia in Ap…
Ep540: Swami John Reis - Record Collector [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:37
Swami John Reis of Rocket from the Crypt and Drive Like Jehu digs deep on record collecting, the thrill of the hunt, running Swami Records, and why the next release always matters most. Get yer tix to the Punk Rock Museu…
Ep539: Dr Strange Records' Summer Bash Festival [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:00
Dr. Strange Records' Bill Plaster talks Summer Bash and the chaos of booking a festival, punk history, record collecting, Live Strange, and how punk rock can genuinely change lives. Get Summer Bash tix here | Follow Dr S…
Ep538: John Flansburgh of They Might Be Giants Returns! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:06
John Flansburgh of They Might Be Giants talks rare vinyl rarities, the chaotic story behind the new album's cover art, why re-recording old music is almost always a mistake and lots more Order the new album "The World Is…