dopeYEAH talk

What does it take to step into one of the most legendary bands in rock history — and make it your own? 🎸🔥 In this episode, Rob Cass sits down with Simon McBride, the guitarist who took on the massive challenge of joining Deep Purple and stepping into the shoes of Steve Morse and Ritchie Blackmore.Simon opens up about the moment that changed his life, the pressure of his first show with Deep Purple, and why the “easy” songs can actually be the hardest to play. One of the most compelling parts of the conversation is his honest take on replacing a legend — and how he approached it with respect, but also with confidence in his own voice. From picking up the guitar at just nine years old to winning Young Guitarist of the Year, his journey has been driven by pure passion for music. Along the way, he shares stories about touring with heroes like Joe Satriani and evolving across genres, from hard rock to soul and R&B 🎶Beyond Deep Purple, Simon reflects on his early days with Sweet Savage, forming his own band Blind Friday, and building a career that blends technical mastery with feel. The episode wraps up with Simon playing his top five favorite guitar riffs, giving you a glimpse into the influences behind his sound. Honest, powerful, and full of guitar wisdom — this is a must-watch for any rock fan 🎥✨

What does it take to have Steve Gadd and Will Lee playing your music before you even hit your peak years? 🎹🔥 In this episode, Rob Cass sits down with Simon Oslender, one of the most exciting rising stars in jazz, to uncover the mindset, passion, and moments that shaped his incredible journey.Simon shares how a deep curiosity for sound started almost from childhood — from being fascinated by anything that made noise to discovering the piano as a true turning point. One of the most powerful parts of the conversation is how he earned the respect of legends like Steve Gadd and Will Lee, leading to collaborations that most musicians only dream of. We dive into his first album About Time, working with world-class rhythm sections, and why he refuses to slow down or compromise his love for playing live. His perspective is refreshing: if someone plays a wrong note — who cares? It’s all about the feeling 🎶Beyond the achievements, Simon opens up about his musical philosophy — his love for Brazilian music, how harmony shapes his arranging, and the importance of staying authentic in a world that often pushes perfection. From touring globally to recording Grammy-nominated projects and building a sound rooted in groove and soul, his story is both inspiring and deeply human. Stick around for a special moment where Simon plays his most influential piano motifs — a glimpse into the mind of an artist who’s only just getting started ✨

What does it feel like to stand at the very beginning of Queen’s story — and then go on to build a whole creative life far beyond it? 🎸👑 In this episode, Rob Cass sits down with Doug Bogie, the short-lived early bassist who played with Queen before John Deacon, to uncover a fascinating story that most fans have never heard in full.Doug takes us back to the very beginning: from Sgt. Pepper changing everything, to moving from clarinet to a “horrible bass,” to the moment Freddie Mercury walked into the audition room. He shares what his two gigs with Queen were really like, why his time in the band ended so quickly, and how surreal it was to meet Brian May again years later. One of the most intriguing parts of the conversation is Doug finding old Queen demos while working at De Lane Lea Studios — a reminder that sometimes history hides in tape libraries and unexpected places 🎶But this episode goes far beyond Queen. Doug reflects on working in studios, collaborating on projects connected to Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, building his own band R.A.F., and carving out a creative path through sound engineering, production, and film. He also shares stories from making a video with Sean Connery, his future plans, and even plays his three favorite basslines live. Honest, witty, and full of perspective, this conversation is a must-watch for Queen fans, music history lovers, and anyone curious about the roads not taken in rock’n’roll ✨

What does it take to become the woman who kicked the door open for generations of female rock musicians — and still sound this fearless today? 🎸🔥 In this episode, Rob Cass sits down with Suzi Quatro, one of rock’s true pioneers, to talk about the moments, risks, and instincts that shaped her into a global icon. From finding her voice as a kid to becoming the first woman to truly own the bass at the front of a rock band, Suzi’s story is as bold as her sound.We dive into her early years in Detroit, her love of Motown, the legendary 1957 Fender Precision her father gave her, and the journey from The Pleasure Seekers and Cradle to stepping fully into her solo career. Suzi reflects on the point when “little Suzi” became Suzi Quatro, why nobody could hide her light, and how she learned to trust her own identity. We also talk about her long career as a songwriter, performer, actress, and trailblazer — from chart-topping hits like Can the Can and Devil Gate Drive, to Happy Days, to selling over 50 million records worldwide ✨And yes, this episode is packed with unforgettable stories: the moment Elvis called, the producer she knew she had to work with, her thoughts on keeping truth in film, and why you have to win your audience every single night. Suzi also opens up about the legacy of paving the way for women in rock, her new rock’n’roll album, and even plays her three favorite basslines live 🎶 Honest, funny, fierce, and full of wisdom, this conversation is a must-watch for rock fans, musicians, and anyone who loves hearing from someone who truly changed the game.

What does it take to go from playing guitar on a London night bus to sharing stages with legends like Eric Clapton, Joe Bonamassa, and members of Deep Purple? 🎸🔥 In this episode, Rob Cass sits down with Murray Gould, a seasoned session guitarist whose career has taken him from small blues bars to some of the biggest stages in the world.Murray shares how he picked up the guitar at just three years old, the records and movies that shaped his musical DNA, and how one person believing in him early on made all the difference. From crossing genres to working with artists ranging from Shirley Bassey to Joe Bonamassa, his journey is full of unexpected turns. We also talk about what it really takes to become a top session player, the pressure of live TV performances, and the surreal experience of meeting legends like Ian Paice.One of the highlights of the episode is Murray playing his five favorite guitar riffs live and explaining why they matter 🎶 He also shares honest advice for young guitarists trying to break through: keep going — because if you stop, it definitely won’t happen. Stick around for a special acoustic performance where Rob Cass joins Murray on vocals and guitar. Honest, inspiring, and full of incredible music stories — this is an episode guitar fans won’t want to miss 🎥✨