Steve Cradock

Stephen Cradock (born 22 August 1969) is an English guitarist, most notable for playing in the rock group Ocean Colour Scene.

Cradock also plays the guitar in Paul Weller's band, having appeared on all of Weller's solo records following his self-titled debut solo album.

In the late 1980s Cradock met his idol and future mentor, Paul Weller.

He spent time at Weller's recording studio in Marble Arch, London, trying to pass on The Boys' music.

While he was always evicted from the premises by technician Kenny Wheeler, Cradock made a lasting impression on Weller.

Despite catching the attention of Polydor and CBS, the band dissolved and Cradock proceeded to form Ocean Colour Scene with Simon Fowler, Damon Minchella and Oscar Harrison.

Cradock formed his first band called The Boys in 1988, with schoolfriends from Solihull.

The band played at various mod events around the Midlands with a set consisting mainly of cover songs – including The Clash's "Should I Stay or Should I Go" and The Jam's "Strange Town".

Whilst gaining popularity on the Birmingham gig circuit, the band was well received by audiences in various other towns, including London and Bournemouth.

An August Bank Holiday festival in Gorleston coincided with the band releasing their first three-track vinyl EP, Happy Days, on their own label.

Plans to release a six-track mini-album soon after were never realised.

However, the band contributed to a compilation album by the London-based label, Unicorn with their song "Going Out".

This was followed by the peak of the band's career–a support slot for Steve Marriott at the Irish Centre in Digbeth.

Cradock formed Ocean Colour Scene in 1989 with Fowler, Minchella and Harrison after the dissolution of both The Boys and The Fanatics.

In 1991 Cradock returned to Weller's London studio with Ocean Colour Scene; Cradock and Weller became friends and Ocean Colour Scene were soon invited to tour with Weller.

Within two years of being signed, the band released their debut LP, Ocean Colour Scene, on Fontana Records.

Whilst they gained some popularity, the band felt their potential had not been reached.

Following Cradock's first full tour with Paul Weller, he self-funded the production of the band's second LP Moseley Shoals.

Cradock joined Weller's band in 1992, having supported him with Ocean Colour Scene.

Cradock has appeared on all studio albums by Weller, playing the guitar and other instruments.

For the album 22 Dreams, Cradock co-wrote the tracks "Night Lights", "111" and "Song for Alice".

OCS signed to MCA Records in 1995, and Moseley Shoals sold over 3,000,000 copies worldwide.

Cradock played on a version of The Beatles' song "Come Together" in 1995 for the Warchild release The Help Album.

Recorded at Abbey Road Studios, the track featured Paul McCartney, Paul Weller, Noel Gallagher, Steve White, Carleen Anderson and Damon Minchella.

While working and touring with Ocean Colour Scene in 1997, P. P. Arnold made her first solo album in 25 years, produced by Cradock.

A cover of Mike Nesmith's "Different Drum" was released as a single in 1998; as well as producing the track, Cradock also played drums and guitar on it.

Despite television and radio promotion, the single failed to chart and the proposed solo album was not released.

In 1999, Weller presented Cradock with a Rickenbacker guitar for his 30th birthday.

This guitar can be heard on Ocean Colour Scene's "Free My Name" single from A Hyperactive Workout for the Flying Squad.

Weller and Cradock still continue their musical partnership, joining forces whenever Weller takes to the road.

Along with Liam Gallagher, Cradock recorded a version of "Carnation" in 1999, for the Jam tribute album Fire and Skill: The Songs of the Jam.

A version of Cradock's "Lay Down Your Weary Burden" (from his 2011 album Peace City West) featured on Weller's 2012 EP When Your Garden's Overgrown.

Cradock is also credited with co-writing the track "Drifters" on the 2012 release Sonik Kicks – an album that reached no.1 in the UK albums chart.

He also took to the stage with Weller to perform tracks from this album for five nights at London's Roadhouse in March 2012.

Cradock began playing lead guitar for British ska band The Specials in 2014.

Cradock's playing style has been described as having a "distinctive retro sound".

Cradock's influences include The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.

Cradock, also known as Fanny or Chopper, also plays keyboards, bass guitar and drums.

Cradock was born in Solihull, West Midlands; his father Chris Cradock, a police officer, would later become his son's manager.

He was educated at Lode Heath School in Solihull.