London’s iconic PizzaExpress Live at The Pheasantry is set to host a night of soul, blues, and funk as multi-instrumentalist Greg Coulson takes the stage with his full band on 24th October, 2024. Known for his genre-blurring sound and high-energy performances, Coulson’s career has been shaped by collaborations with legends like Burt Bacharach and tours alongside Queens of the Stone Age. As he gears up for his Chelsea debut, I caught up with the British musician to talk about his musical evolution, life on and off the road, and what it means to be a “rebel” in today’s music scene.
Greg Coulson has been a force in the UK music scene for years, blending soul, blues, and rock into a sound uniquely his own.
“Lately, I’ve been trying not to overthink things too much. Instead, I just let the music take over,” he shared. “Blues, soul, and jazz are second nature to me, and I absolutely love the process of blending these styles, whether I’m in the studio or on stage. I’m surrounded by incredibly talented musicians who share my passion for these genres, and that energy makes the experience even more enjoyable.”
But what really excites him these days is performing in new, more intimate spaces, which is exactly what The Pheasantry offers. “There’s something magical about stepping into unfamiliar territory – it brings a fresh energy to the performance,” Greg shared. “It’s a smaller venue, which makes the connection with the audience stronger.”
His upcoming show will draw heavily from his debut album What’s New? but fans can also expect some new material that reflects his current musical inspirations. “I’ll be playing tracks from What’s New?, but I’ve been working on new stuff too. Some of the songs from my first album were written when I was just 19, and I feel like my newer material carries more depth. And who knows, maybe a Steely Dan cover might sneak into the encore!”
The conversation inevitably turned to the concept of rebellion, a word often associated with rock ‘n’ roll. But Coulson’s view on rebellion has changed over time. So, does he still consider himself a rock rebel? “Rebellion can mean a lot of things,” Coulson mused. “For me, it’s about waving the flag for blues, jazz, and soul – genres that often steer clear of the corporate side of the industry. If that’s not rebellion, I don’t know what is!”
His experiences have clearly shaped him, but so has the rock-and-roll lifestyle he once embraced.
“I used to think of myself as a bit of a rebel,” he laughed. “In the past, it was all about pushing boundaries and living that rock ‘n’ roll life. Being on tour, it’s easy to get caught up in the habit of drinking every night after shows, and that lifestyle can follow you home. But now, I’m in recovery, and the rebellion is different. The real challenge now is staying true to timeless genres like blues and jazz, keeping them alive while bringing something fresh to the table. So, maybe I’m still a rebel, just in a more reflective way.”
During our conversation, I couldn’t resist asking Greg about his experience working with some of the biggest names in the music industry. From Burt Bacharach to The Blockheads, Coulson has shared stages and studios with legends. “Working with Burt was incredible,” he reminisced. “Watching him craft a song was like seeing magic happen. He taught me that the story has to come through, whether it’s a big production or something stripped down. That’s stuck with me – it’s about letting the music speak for itself.”
“Collaborating with artists like Jason Pierce from Spiritualised taught me so much,” he said. “Jason and the band taught me to be hyper-aware of what’s happening around me musically and not to overplay. It’s about leaving the audience wanting more.”
For Greg Coulson, innovation in music doesn’t mean reinventing the wheel but staying true to yourself and your influences. “Take She Loves You by The Beatles, for example,” he said. “That song was written in 1963, and it’s tough to follow something like that without sounding like a copycat. But if your audience connects with your work, you’ve created something special. If they don’t, that’s okay too. The key is to keep pushing forward.”
When asked how he manages to keep pushing boundaries while maintaining his signature soulful sound, Greg credited his band for their creative contributions. “I give my musicians plenty of room to shine on stage,” he explained. “We don’t just play the songs as they were recorded; we take them to new places and expand their musicality in ways that keep each show fresh and exciting. Everyone gets their moment to express themselves, and that keeps us all engaged and pushing boundaries.”
With so many musical influences, from Steely Dan to Ray Charles, Coulson believes that standing out in today’s crowded music scene is about staying true to who you are. “There’s a lot of pressure to label artists and put them in neat little boxes,” he said. “But at the end of the day, music is about connection, and it’s much more fulfilling when you can just be yourself.”
As for his upcoming show at PizzaExpress Live, Coulson is excited to perform in such an intimate setting. “At larger shows, you get this wave of adrenaline, but sometimes the performance can feel scattered. In a smaller venue like The Pheasantry, you have time to settle in and really connect with the audience. That personal interaction elevates the whole experience.”
Greg’s journey as a musician has been anything but linear, and his upcoming show is a testament to his resilience and dedication to his craft. He’s excited to bring his full band along for this ride – Sam Round on drums, Mat Day on guitar, and John Thompson on bass – and promises a high-energy, soulful night for the fans.
Ultimately, it’s this connection – with both the music and the audience – that keeps Greg Coulson coming back to the stage. “Playing live is exhilarating,” he said. “There’s nothing quite like the energy of performing alongside fellow musicians and creating something in the moment. Every time I step onto that stage, it feels like the first time all over again.”
Catch Greg Coulson and his band at PizzaExpress Live at The Pheasantry on 24th October, 2024.
Tickets are on sale now, and fans won’t want to miss this intimate performance that promises to be a highlight of the year for blues and soul lovers.
Doors: 6.00pm
Start Time: 8.00pm
Ticket Price: £22.00 Each
Ticket Link: www.pizzaexpresslive.com/whats-on/greg-coulson
