The StageLeft Podcast

On this episode of The StageLeft Podcast, Chris Simpson sits down with Jack Bates — bassist for Smashing Pumpkins and Peter Hook & The Light — to discuss the reality of stepping into one of music’s most iconic musical legacies.
From balancing tours between Billy Corgan and Peter Hook, to playing alongside Jimmy Chamberlin, to recording with the late Mark Lanegan, this is a deep dive into musicianship, identity, touring life, pressure, and what it really means to become a “stage left” musician at the highest level.
Jack opens up about:
• Growing up with Peter Hook as a father
• The emotional reality of performing Joy Division and New Order songs nightly
• How Smashing Pumpkins rehearsals actually work
• Locking in musically with Jimmy Chamberlin
• Why being “easy to be around” matters more than technical ability
• Touring life, introversion, and handling pressure on stage
• Recording Mark Lanegan’s final album
• Choosing setlists for Peter Hook & The Light
• Fan culture, validation, and identity in music
• Why some songs change every night on stage
A fascinating conversation about musicianship, legacy, pressure, creativity and life inside some of alternative music’s most influential worlds.
Edited by Darcy Dewar
Socials by Alex Fordham
YouTube by Beth Iles
Merch:
The StageLeft Podcast Merch Store

“We stepped onto the Pyramid Stage and realised… they were just people doing the same thing as us.”
If Amber from The Japanese House hadn't shut her fingers in a door, would Willy Bish be where he is now? 
Multi-instrumentalist Willy Bishop joins The Stage Left Podcast to share his journey from maths student to a deep dive into CMATs iconic performance on the Glastonbury Festival Pyramid Stage. 
We hear about his pivotal role in The Japanese House and Declan McKenna, including exploring Matty Healy and George Daniel's production techniques, Willie offers an honest look at touring, studio life, and what it really takes to succeed as a modern musician.
A practical, behind-the-scenes conversation covering creativity, chaos, and staying grounded in the music industry.
“A better performance comes when you stop chasing perfection and just accept what you’ve got.”
 
You can buy our new merch here: https://the-stageleft-podcast.printify.me/

You can hire Chris as a Coach to find solutions personal and professional challenges - Chris has just returned from Milan/Cortina Winter Olympics doing this for Team GB. You can reach him on [email protected] and his rates are similar to those of driving lessons/private instrument tuition.
Host: Chris Simpson
Editor: Darcy Dewar

Join us as Silke Blansjaar, bassist for Yungblud, shares her journey from local bands to arena stages, the realities of touring, and insights into navigating the music industry as a woman. Discover practical advice on performance, mental health, and industry challenges.

"Touring can really batter you"

"Guest list stress is real"

"Support systems are vital"

You can buy our new merch here: https://the-stageleft-podcast.printify.me/
You can hire Chris as a Coach to find solutions personal and professional challenges - Chris has just returned from Milan/Cortina Winter Olympics doing this for Team GB. You can reach him on [email protected] and his rates are similar to those of driving lessons/private instrument tuition.
Host: Chris Simpson
Editor: Darcy Dewar

Russ Pritchard — of Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds and The Zutons — returns to the podcast for a brilliant deep-dive into some of the most surreal and career-defining moments of his life in music.
We talk about one of the greatest slots a Glastonbury— playing just before Sir Paul McCartney’s headline set — and what it feels like to walk off stage knowing a Beatle is about to take over. Russ shares behind-the-scenes stories from joining Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, what it’s really like in the studio with Noel, and the responsibility (and joy) of playing Oasis classics like “Live Forever,” “Half The World Away,” and “Don’t Look Back in Anger.”

There’s a deep dive into the writing of “Valerie” — how the song came together, what it meant at the time, and how it took on a life of its own — plus an incredible story about supporting James Brown at what turned out to be one of the final gigs of his legendary career with The Zutons.
It’s nostalgic, funny, reflective — and packed with proper musical detail.
Sponsored by Frangianpani.
Edited by Darcy Dewar. 
Socials - Alex Fordham
Host - Chris Simpson
Our own range of merch is now out. Please support us - https://the-stageleft-podcast.printify.me/

Days after selling out The O2 Arena, Woody from Bastille joins us live to break down the realities of arena touring in front of a live audience, the writing and recording of Save My Soul, lessons from Bob Armstrong, and what it takes to run an independent record label!
Editing by Darcy Dewar.
Socials by Alex Fordham.
Hosted by Chris Simpson.
Get 25% off everything at frangipani-style.com — including their January Sale — with the code STAGELEFT.