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
Ep458: Keeping it Reel with Blag Dahlia of Dwarves [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:16
Blag Dahlia of Dwarves discusses band history, collectible records, the challenges of running a label and the balance of art and business, as well as new and reissued Dwarves vinyl. Topic Include: Dwarves should be a rec…
Ep457: Hugh Cornwell - The Stranglers & Beyond [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:58
Hugh Cornwell takes us through early records of his life, rare records of the Stranglers, solo materials, analogue recording and more. Topic Include: Aussie tour, New Album Does Hugh have a record collection? Early music…
Ep456: Al Barile - SS Decontrol (SSD) & X-Claim! Records [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:15:23
Society System Decontrol (SSD) self-released several landmark hardcore punk records in the early 80s. Out of print for over 4 decades, SSD has only recently reissued their two masterpieces "The Kids Will Have Their Say"…
Ep455: The Saints 73-78 with Ed Kuepper and Mark Arm [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:08
The Saints made history with the record "(I'm) Stranded" in 1976 - nearly 50 years later founder/songwriter Ed Kuepper is revisiting the early Saints material with some old bandmates and new friends, including Mark Arm o…
Ep454: The Return of Redd Kross with Jeff & Steven McDonald [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:19
Jeff & Steven McDonald formed Redd Kross at a pivotal time in the LA music scene, playing their 1st gigs in their early teens and were mentored by Black Flag. Their influences are vast and their appreciation for musical…
Ep453: Joe Bonamassa & The Art of Collecting [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:49
Guitarist and music-gear mega-collector Joe Bonamassa joins us to talk about his new record label, collecting gear, his appreciation and approach to the art of vinyl records, his new LP "Live at the Hollywood Bowl" on Jo…
Ep452: Managing the Miles Davis Legacy with Vince Wilburn Jr [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:41
Managing the estate of a legend like Miles Davis requires tremendous coordination, detail and creativity. Vince Wilburn Jr, musician, collaborator and nephew of Miles and co-manager of the Miles Davis Estate discusses th…
Ep451: Data, Trends & the Future of Discogs [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:45
Most record collectors use Discogs each day - so what does the data tell us about the state of record collecting? Founder & CEO Kevin Lewandowski and COO Lloyd Starr talk to us about the data and future of this pivotal p…
Ep450: The Legend of Fraction "Moon Blood" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:11:21
The 1971 album "Moon Blood" by Fraction has fascinated record collectors for decades. The perfect intersection between great musicianship, intriguing backstory and supreme rarity, Fraction "Moon Blood" is now getting an…

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