“As far as solos? I’d turn up, light a spliff, open a beer, and crack on”: Steve Cradock on his relaxed approach to lead work in Ocean Colour Scene, playing with Paul Weller – and why he’s too scared to play the mod legend’s guitar

Steve Cradock.

As a sharp-dressed modern-day mod, Steve Cradock took the music of the ‘60s British Invasion and transported it to the ‘90s as the lead guitarist of Ocean Colour Scene.

But that’s not all – he’s long played sideman to Paul Weller, which only enhances his status as a god of the mods. Of course, Cradock wasn't alone in his exploits as bands like Oasis, Blur, and The Verve did their part to make the ‘90s a vintage decade via timeless riffs, gain-soaked solos and feedbacking tube amps.