"Gregor Philp, the multi-talented guitarist from Deacon Blue, shares his perspective on writing music, focusing on the intent or mood of the song rather than his ego. He also unveils his preferred Stratocaster, which surprisingly isn't a Fender model."
Gregor Philp, the guitarist of Deacon Blue, is known for his unique and versatile style that blends elements from a wide range of influences, including The Beatles, Genesis, and AC/DC. His approach to music is not just as a guitarist but as a full musical facilitator, focusing on what the song needs rather than ego-driven soloing.
In the studio, Philp approaches music with a deliberate, orchestrated mindset, reflecting his broader musical understanding gained from playing multiple instruments and working as a composer for film, TV, and commercials. This is evident in his work on Deacon Blue's albums, such as The Great Western Road, which was released in 2025 and marked a return to the U.K. charts with the single Late '88.
On stage, however, Philp allows more room for improvisation and stretching out beyond the studio arrangements, adding spontaneity in live performances. This adaptability is one of the reasons behind Deacon Blue's polished yet lively sound.
When it comes to his equipment, Philp prefers Atkin electric and acoustic guitars and uses a Fender Princeton 68 Reissue amp. He values a balance between clean tone and power without excessive volume, ensuring that his guitar playing is precise and rhythmic.
Philp's musical journey began at the age of 10, and by his twenties, he was playing multiple instruments including guitar, drums, bass, and keyboards. His experience in composing for film, TV, and commercials was shaped by tight budgets, requiring him to work on various musical styles alone.
Deacon Blue, a Glasgow band that has been active for 40 years, will be touring the U.K. this spring and fall, and Philp's setup, including his preferred guitars and amplifier, will be used during these performances.
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Philp's musical philosophy is centered around facilitating and bringing songs to life, viewing the ego as unnecessary in a writing situation. This mindset, combined with his versatile style and orchestrated approach, makes him an integral part of Deacon Blue's enduring success.
[1] Information sourced from interviews and articles. [3] Information sourced from band's official website.
- Gregor Philp, the guitarist of Deacon Blue, uses a Fender Princeton 68 Reissue amp and Atkin electric and acoustic guitars for his performances.
- After starting his musical journey at the age of 10, Gregor Philp learned to play multiple instruments, including guitar, drums, bass, and keyboards.
- Deacon Blue, known for their polished yet lively sound, will be touring the U.K. this spring and fall.
- In his approach to music, Philp focuses on facilitating and bringing songs to life, emphasizing the song's needs rather than his own ego.
