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
Ep488: Mike Kennerty - Record Collector - All American Rejects [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:58
Mike Kennerty of All American Rejects is a serious record nerd! Here he shares about his hobby, his collection, the rarities, the grails and the vinyl catalog of The All American Rejects, Screeching Weasel and more! Topi…
Ep487: Martin Rev - The Early Days of Suicide & beyond [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:20:28
Martin Rev shares stories of the early days of Suicide, the acetates, recording the debut album, audience reactions, continually creating solo music and more. Topics Include: Discussion of Rev's current relationship with…
Ep484: John and Robby of The Goo Goo Dolls [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:07
John Rzeznik and Robbie Takac of The Goo Goo Dolls discuss their early punk rock roots, record labels, writing unexpected mega-hits, their harrowing plane crash, vinyl reissues and lots more. Topics Include: John recentl…
Ep483: Eddie Spaghetti of Supersuckers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:42
Eddie Spaghetti of the Supersuckers discusses the band's extensive vinyl catalog, upcoming releases, vinyl reissues, their unreleased Interscope album while sharing stories about merch table oddities & touring Australia.…
Ep482: Dez Cadena - Flag, Black Flag, Misfits and more [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:10
Former Black Flag singer/guitarist Dez Cadena traces his path from being the son of a jazz record producer to becoming a pivotal figure in the LA punk scene, discussing the records, rare recordings and eyewitness account…
Ep481: Stephen Malkmus - Pavement, The Hard Quartet [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:54
Stephen Malkmus of Pavement and The Hard Quartet supergroup discusses his record collecting history and hobby, the curation and rarities of his collection and more. Topics Include: Discussion of California fires affectin…
Ep480: 45 Years of Adolescents with Tony Reflex [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:49
Tony Reflex of The Adolescents discusses the band's 45-year journey, from the early days, the Blue Album, the legacy of "Amoeba", working with Frontier Records to current day releases, rarities and more. Topics Include:…