The Stone Roses changed everything

Barrie Cadogan picked up guitar after hearing John Squire's work on the first Stone Roses record. He was equally inspired by Johnny Marr, J Mascis, and Jimi Hendrix, all names starting with J.

“I fell in love. I was fascinated. I loved the way the band looked as much as they sounded.”

Morrissey's 2004 tour audition

A guitar shop owner introduced Cadogan to Morrissey's guitarist Boz Bora, who called him out of the blue asking if he could fill in for ten shows before an American tour. Cadogan had just three rehearsals to prepare.

“Just do what you can. We'll see you tomorrow.”

Learning Johnny Marr's parts

Cadogan brought a 1964 Gibson ES-345 and a beaten-up 1963 Stratocaster on the road. He tried to stay close to Johnny Marr's original parts, even using a music stand with notes onstage because there was so much to memorize.

“Johnny Marr, for me... no one else can play like him. It's kind of impossible to replicate.”

Eight years with Primal Scream

Cadogan met Primal Scream's Bobby Gillespie at a vintage guitar store in the early 2000s. When Gillespie called asking for a guitarist, Cadogan joined for what became an eight-year run with the band.

Liam Gallagher texts out of nowhere

Liam Gallagher texted Cadogan one night asking if he wanted to play some shows. After a phone call, Cadogan spent a couple of years standing in for Bonehead in Liam's band and was well looked after throughout.

“Hi Barry. It's Liam. I'm looking for a guitarist for some shows. I don't know if you're interested...”

The power of Liam's voice onstage

When Cadogan stood onstage with Liam singing Oasis songs, the audience reaction was overwhelming. Sometimes the crowd sang so loud it drowned out the band, and Liam brought an incredible energy to every performance.

“When you stand on stage with Liam and he's singing those songs, it's incredible... He brought the vibe in bucketloads.”

A Rolling Stones approach to Oasis

Cadogan used his own 1964 Fender Bassman and guitars instead of copying Bonehead's exact setup. Liam noted he had more of a Rolling Stones guitar sound, while other players focused on recreating the classic Oasis tone.

“Liam made a comment that I kind of had more of a Rolling Stones kind of guitar sound.”

Playing with his childhood hero

Cadogan played bass when John Squire, the guitarist who inspired him to pick up guitar, toured with Liam. The band had a different swagger and heavy swing that Cadogan would love to revisit.

“That's something I could have only dreamed about... John is incredible. He was and still is my hero.”

Simplicity is the secret weapon

Cadogan stays in demand with Britpop legends because he keeps things simple and old-fashioned. He uses straightforward gear, goes straight into the amp, and lets a good amp turned up right do the heavy lifting.

“I think it's because I try and keep it pretty simple. I keep things very old-fashioned and simple.”