
Episode #37
Mick Rogers On Playing With Manfred Mann, Frank Zappa, Adam Faith and others
Manfred Mann's Earth Band Guitarist Mick Rogers on the dopeYEAH talk Podcast! What happens when an Essex kid who won his first talent contest singing Elvis grows up to play with Manfred Mann, Frank Zappa, and Jeff Beck? In this episode of the dopeYEAH talk podcast, our series of musician interviews, Rob Cass sits down with Mick Rogers, guitarist of Manfred Mann's Earth Band and one of rock music history's most iconic guitarists, whose artist journey spans rock, jazz, rockabilly, and blues.Mick shares musician stories from his Essex childhood: his drummer father, Ted, his first band, The Cobras, at age 10, and winning a talent contest at the Cliffs Pavilion at 14 singing Mystery Train. He also recalls the 12-hour nights at the K52 club in Frankfurt backing Adam Faith and Helen Shapiro.There are wild stories from across continents, from Normie Rowe's Playboys at Expo 67 in Montreal and Procession's first-ever a cappella hit single to his one night as bassist in Frank Zappa's band on Pygmy Twylyte. He reveals how he went from Procession to Manfred Mann's Earth Band, why Manfred didn't know he played guitar, and the stories behind songs from the Earth Band's Bruce Springsteen covers. He also talks about the bebop band Zappa later wanted to form with him and the last studio session Jeff Beck ever recorded.Mick opens up about the Paul Jones charity gig where Eric Clapton told him to go solo, making the Genesis audition shortlist alongside Phil Collins, and the Bad Apples years with Jimmy Copley and Mickey Moody. From industry interviews and celebrity profiles to stories of musicians, guitar legends, and iconic guitarists who've shaped rock music history, this artists interview is a music podcast about one of rock music culture's most inspiring journeys, with insights into music production and the music business.If you enjoy musician interviews by Rick Beato and Rick Rubin, you'll love the Rob Cass podcast too. ✨ CLEARAUDIOThis episode also features a special collaboration with clearaudio — the Celebrity “Al Di Meola” Edition turntable, inspired by his iconic Gibson Les Paul. Limited to 1,000 pieces, it blends high-end German engineering with artistic design and comes with a numbered special release album by Al Di Meola and a guitar pick — a true collector’s item. Learn more via the link: https://bit.ly/4tGGudp






