The Captain Meets Session Guitarist Phil Palmer (Eric Clapton, Dire Straits, Frank Zappa & More!)

[@nuryruso4525]

Blimey !! I cannot believe that I pretty much grew up listening to him NOT knowing who he was! This is one of the best Captain Meets episodes ever ! More on podcast form as well please!

[@11calman]

Yep me too

[@deanmlshredder]

Shit load of studio rats out there just like him. Larry Carlton, Louie Shelton, Tommy Tedesco, Carole kay. Carole is mostly a bass player but she's on so many huge songs. Look up the wrecking crew. You won't regret it.

[@gbarge4]

Yes. I was reminded of the Meets Albert Lee episode. Gentle humility does nothing to injure virtuosity.

[@fannyingabout]

If it wasn’t for that sublime lead solo on Clapton’s Before You Accuse Me - I’d be the same.

[@jdavies1296]

Without a doubt my favourite Lee Anderton interview to date.

[@joelkew]

I was the sound guy on a gig for Phil a few years back. Incredibly nice guy full of amazing stories

[@fongy200]

She cried away her life since she fell out the Cradle. Eric is an extra ordinary person. The heartache the man has endured would make others top themselves. Fancy finding out your sister is in fact your mother. I wonder if the Canadian squaddie that is his father ever made contact? Then his little lad fell from the apartment balcony in Florida. Then a bought of serious Alcoholism which spawned his Philanthropic commitments. And then goes on to mature like a fine wine and gets better with age. I was at the Albert Hall for one of the Cream nights before Jack and Ginger passed, the guy was on fire, his solo for Sunshine of your love was intense, I'm sure it went on for hours. Phil is very fortunate to have played with some of these greats. I was also at Wembley in the 80's for a Dire Straits concert. Mark was playing a Schecter Strat for Tunnel of Love. It was one of the best solos I've ever heard not just live but ever. He's another guy who is like a fine wine.

[@philrougier5533]

What a brilliant humble man that Phil is. He has touched the majority of people's lives without ever rubbing it in. More please...

[@roysharland2531]

Having played with Phil on a good few occasions over 15 years when he would sit in with a functions band I played in, what you see on this video is Phil as I have known him, Cool Calm collected and as understated as usual. Well done Phil a magical musical memory for me and many more people as well I suspect.

[@derekchapman5167]

In the Knebworth video, when Eric Clapton says "Take it Phil!!", did Phil initially think "What the????!!!"; the solo he played, on the fly, sounded like it should always have been there!!

[@craigdunateen2731]

it was an amazing solo especially with it being on the fly like it was,id love the tab for it!

[@grahamhines6528]

1993 - Concert of Hope, Wembley Stadium. Attended by Princess Dianna, M.C.'d by David Bowie. It featured incredible performances by George Michael, K.D. Lang and Mick Hucknall. It was an awesome concert and Phil was on stage backing all of them. You are so versatile Phil. And you always look like you are enjoying yourself on stage. What an exciting life you have led. Congrats!

[@marisameloni9021]

❤grande Phil Palmer bravo chitarrista e uomo umile sempre educato simpatico puo suonare tutto ha collaborato anche von artisti italiani super bravo😊😊😊😊😊❤❤❤❤❤

[@Lemmysfinger]

Brilliant! I first became aware of Phil because of that Knebworth gig. I was watching it on the telly when Clapton broke a string and said “take it Phil”. I taped it on VHS and watched it back many times. I then started to notice him playing with other artists, but I wasn’t aware of just how long his resume really is. Really, really enjoyed that interview.

[@caprise-music6722]

Wow. That’s awesome! p.s I have to see that!!

[@gregrsvr3947]

Yep, remember that, still got it on dvd.

[@pipkins1972]

A very talented guitarist, you see him performing with so many bands and artists. Loved when Clapton broke a string (Knebworth 1990)) and Phil just jumped in. Seamless.

[@pipkins1972]

Comment made before I’d watched the whole video 🤣🤣🤣

[@michaelbolshazy3532]

I love how Phil places importance on the organic nature of playing with others versus sitting in front of a monitor playing to a video! There is something magical about "MAKING IT WORK"!

[@antondelights686]

Unbelievable. I’m in awe with this body of work, but that’s nothing on his demeanor and how humble he is. Wow.

[@justynregini8532]

That is probably the best 'The Captain Meets' interview I have seen. What a wonderful guy who has worked with the best rock/pop musicians of several generations, and yet he still retains a real sense of humility.

[@RuslanKasymov]

come on, there was Tommy Emmanuel for example

[@Mark_Ocain]

Phil is the sessions players session player. A great talent, full of ideas. Thanks for dragging him in for a chat, Lee. I enjoyed this immensely! These 'sit-dow chin wags' are getting better each time, mate...you're relaxing more into it. Well done!!

[@kevinmorris7722]

Remarkable to learn about those you already knew but never heard of. WOW.

[@johndelong9230]

I never thought I could listen and be spellbound like I was. He is a true world class human. Live long and thrive..

[@giancarlopaolini7529]

This is a true music encyclopedia walking......which I came across only lately on a private channel of an Italian TV ....what a great life and what great legends he had the luck to work with. Bravo. Thumbs up. I'll buy his book.

[@SurreyAlan]

This guy can do more name drops than Tom Jones. Brilliant interview.

[@Bob-Whiting]

But Tom Jones can rightfully drop Danish Pete's name!

[@TexanUSMC8089]

@@Bob-Whiting LOL True, but now Phil can talk about the time he let Danish Pete play his 51 Tele.

[@Bob-Whiting]

@@TexanUSMC8089 Well, ya got me there Semper Fi. Merry Christmas!

[@SirCrashaLot]

one of them silent heroes. Cheers to you sir. Excellent interview, so many surprises.

[@GazMoz78]

Enjoyed this so much!!!! Phil's been on my radar since the Eric Clapton 24 nights VHS tape in 1991. Man is a legend. 🙂

[@Andyrollinsfishing]

Phils solo on hi ho silver (Jim Diamond) is just one of greatest clean sounding strat tones to be plugged straight in to a desk. Man is a humble legend.

[@PeteAxeShields]

Yes, indeed, Lee I too could listen to Phil talk all day. What a fabulous, engaging, charming and unassuming man with absolutely zero ego. By the way, I was amazed that you hadn't heard of David Sylvian ( one of the greatest artists this country has ever produced, in my opinion - listen to his Secrets Of The Beehive album with my lovely friend, Danny Thompson, on double bass .... incredibly artistic and insanely musical stuff ) I thoroughly enjoyed this wonderful chat. Thank you Lee and Phil.

[@SlowToe]

Enjoy that. Gentleman through and through.

[@MrSK168]

What a life he had!!! This is one of the best Captain Meets episodes! Looking forward o see more....

[@philwalker2548]

What an interesting and humble guy!

[@ledhendrix5054]

Oh wow Mr Phil Palmer I can't believe it , this has made my evening. Love you guys

[@EnglishVeteran]

Wonderful, wonderful interview! One of the best interviews by The Captain!

[@StephenGallacher]

Wonderful player, and what a nice bloke. Maybe I could be like him when I grow up... I'm only 42, there's still time. Fantastic interview, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[@SuperReasonable]

I was right in the front row at Knebworth in 1990 when Clapton broke a string. I saw him throw it away and simply carry in with the solo as if nothing had happened! He sang the next verse and handed over to Phil to walk away and get another guitar. I’d never heard much about Phil, but his solo was fantastic and even better because he’d obviously been chucked in at the deep end. It wasn’t a short one either. From that moment, I was fascinated by him and with great difficulty followed his career as best I could which wasn’t easy! Great guitarist and truly decent bloke.

[@steverussell8804]

I've come back to listen to this interview again - and love hearing the stories again. Lee - a top job interviewing Phil. You let your EC fanboy out just enough to infuse the interview with that bit extra. Hope to catch Phil soon if Dire Straits Legacy do another UK tour.

[@pabloperez4063]

Glad to hear you 2 both are so deep Eric fans

[@keithcarter9396]

I was at the concert Journeyman in Adelaide, Phil used the green strat for that show. Fantastic show. I recall Phill also used Mesa Boogie rig.

[@handle433]

I’m in the middle of his book at the moment. Great guy!!

[@gasparepellecchia]

this man has conceived and played the best electric solo of modern Italian music: the solo (almost improvised by the way) of "Con il Nastro rosa"

[@yellowtruckproductions7502]

The Captain is such a fan!!! It's great to see!

[@TexanUSMC8089]

Great interview. I really love these interviews with session players. This man is a legend and he brought in a 51 No Caster! I'm buying the book.

[@jamesarmstrong6721]

That Nocaster belonged to Carl Perkins btw! Just reading Phil's book now. Can't put it down!

[@priesty4783]

I remember seeing Phil guesting with Cafe Society (fronted by Tom Robinson) at The Troubadour, a small venue in Earl's Court. It must have been around 1974-1975. I remember him doing a solo using a flanger (?) that absolutely blew my head off. Good to see him still going strong.

[@1madaxeman]

Excellent - always noticed Phil's playing with Clapton back in those days and liked what he did. Clearly a great player and his resume after then showed other stars clearly saw he was that good hence more work followed the Clapton gig.

[@pabloperez4063]

Great interview, great job CAPTAIN, and fantastic man PHIL

[@VictorGonzalez-gk1nr]

What a gentleman and what a player...

[@rezner101]

Up there with the best Captain Meets. Brilliant stories and amazing playing. Thank you.

[@limpindug]

Thanks for a real music man, looked at his feet and when the likes of Tom Bucovak goes to a session with a 4/5 pedal board, that says it all. End of story. Total respect and stay healthy all.

[@LasseHuhtala]

When I first saw the thumbnail I was like: -"I didn't know Gad Saad plays guitar."

[@brymills]

That was awesome! Next time Joan Armatrading is in the store please nag her to do an interview with you.

[@SurreyAlan]

Maybe Lee should play her LP's at the next staff training session if none of his staff have heard of her,a brilliant talent.

[@stevent.keister1254]

I struggle to play I’m 58 and I’m just learning But my dad said if you real want something never quit An it a year now and I was sick for a month And just could not play and as I got better I played 15 minutes when I could And I misses playing for 1 to 2 hour . I’m getting stronger now and playing 2 to 4 times a day for 20 minutes till I go back to work and get stronger And it just makes me happy, theres nothing like it , Thanks to friends who send me new cord to try and they send me videos of them playing And inspires me .

[@robsheppard5353]

Great interview! It's clear that you enjoyed it as much as we did. :)

[@sandman20011]

Best video I've watched on KZbin period. Never took my eyes off the screen it was light outside when I started its now dark. Wow. I'm a 46 yr old loved the stories about the 80s I had the Knebworth album on double cassette. And my favourite Clapton album is Journeyman and my favorite song is Bad Love. Just incredible. Thanks for posting love your Channel gents. Happy New Year to you all.

[@markmayhew5487]

What a great interview with such a fascinating musician. Thanks to Lee, and Phil, of course..

[@PG-PCW]

Great, great interview, it will remain an important piece of music history as well as the book "Session Man" itself, well done!

[@paulwhiteside1805]

Excellent interview. Huge respect for Phil. Thank you, Lee. 😄

[@RyanGroom-dd5ji]

Brilliant, what an amazing guitarist and legend Phil is! Loved the story about the suits! Just bought the book!

[@mydayis5]

Brilliant interview. As soon as I saw the name I thought is that the ‘Take it Phil’ guy that Clapton called out to solo!! I remember seeing that on tv at the time.

[@Hondo0071]

That was superb...iv just ordered Phils book ....

[@pttrent123]

Thank you for doing this, what a treat, such a nice guy/bloke, so humble and so capable

[@leejohnson6516]

One of you best interviews Lee. What a great humble guy Phil is and you handle the interview so well. I hope you do a part 2 sometime.

[@captiva6100]

I already had a huge respect for Phil as a great guitarist but this interview inspires all musicians. What a great man and talent. I already know which book I'm going to ask for as a Christmas gift.

[@caverna1969]

I was in that Clapton show in Buenos Aires, Argentina. River Plate Stadium was a real party! Great memories! Thank you just for mention that show. I was19 and I was really excited that day!!

[@stevedimebag]

Great interview! That could easily have been double the length…and all Of us would still be wanting more. Top job to all involved. And especially Phil.

[@5150show]

Absolutely brilliant thank you

[@simonwarner3601]

Fascinating interview. I’ll never forget him backing up Eric on “24 Nights.”

[@thinuse3590]

This was such a great interview, could seriously listen to the stories for hours. Can’t wait to read his book. Thank you for the time and effort on this one.

[@richardcstockley]

That Tele! 😍

[@caprise-music6722]

Along with the Guthrie Govan interview, this is by far my favorite captain meets. And I can’t thank Phil enough for introducing me to L. Shankar - Touch Me There album. Truly magnificent.

[@glh1956]

Great interview what a career & such a lovely humble bloke 👍🎸🎶

[@ruiseartalcorn]

Awesome interview!!! :)

[@gbarge4]

Thank you Lee. Another hidden treasure. And thank you, Phil; I started the book last night and it's marvelous. -G

[@mikegilchrist3925]

The greatest one yet. Phil is a real gent and has a lovely rhythm to his delivery. What memories he has. It is very much like listening to Bernie Marsden first hand. He is also another really modest human and I have always enjoyed my time in his presence...I would totally imagine the same with Phil.

[@Hargreaves9001811]

Absolutely brilliant. Had not heard of him at all but must have dozens of albums that he’s played on and probably saw him in Clapton’s band at some point. Utterly fascinating. And what a nice guy. Many thanks.

[@md-ps2hx]

Top drawer interview of a top drawer player. Loved it!

[@jamesortiz5388]

Good job fellas! Thank you Andertons!

[@AwayWithWordsMusic]

What a delightful hour and a half! Thanks for the interview.

[@russ1915]

Awesome Captain Meets episode. Such a humble guy and an amazing musician with great stories. Thank you Lee 👌👍

[@starshineraiser6729]

Just fantastic interview. I’ve had so much fun watching this. What a beautiful Telecaster, as well. Again, because he’s related to the Davies, Kink Kontroversy is one of the greatest of all time albums.

[@malcolmhardwick4258]

Really great interview !

[@PF_74]

I remember seeing Clapton and then Dire Straits fairly close together in Melbourne, recognising Phil the second time around from the first show and thinking, man this guy must be busy!

[@biglog6402]

Absolutely fascinating.

[@dykeneuk]

Fabulous interview

[@steverussell7645]

I've loved Phil's playing and tone ever since stumbling across him whilst being side man for Eric (him being side man, not me (except in my dreams 😅😅)). Went to a one man show of his he did in Huntingdon. A brilliant evening of wonderful story telling from his years on the road and in the studio interspersed with his fantastic playing of hit songs. Phil's personable and humble style that evening comes thru in this interview. One of those guitarists most people won't know of - and yet have heard his invaluable contributions to many tracks and gigs. Nice interview as always, Captain. Keep them coming in the new year.

[@karkmnopfler]

Great Phil!

[@DEZZA12]

3 days ago wtf?

[@ashwolf1977]

Wait..are you from future?

[@gibsonlpgp]

Fantastic interview..loads of great banter and information thanks

[@Marcroy1965]

I would watch interviews like this all day. I will buy his book.

[@keggers101]

I first heard Phil although unknowingly when i heard the solo he played on Hi Ho silver by Jim Diamond, I was about 8 ,by the time I saw a repeat of top of the pops with Phil on guitar I had read an interview in guitarist and seen Phil at the Knebworth concert, the more I looked into it the more songs I found that he'd played on that I loved the guitar on

[@paulfitz61]

Excellent story will check the book out thank you

[@PhreddCrintt]

Brilliant. Thanks Phil - and Lee, Pete and the guys.

[@philcory5043]

You were on "The Idiot" love that Album 😎 I used to play at the Mean Fiddler in Harlesden. Vince Powers (pre Reading Festival days) place Great Venue ☺ Nice Interview Capn

[@guitareveryone]

Wonderful interview. I’m a big fan of Phil Palmer first seeing him on Saturday Night Live on TV with Clapton promoting Clapton’s Journeyman album. I also have that Knebworth concert on DVD and remember Phil taking that solo when Clapton broke the high E string. Such a great performance with Clapton and the band.

[@Ndlanding]

I thoroughly enjoyed this interview, and I'm amazed I'd never heard of him before.

[@starshineraiser6729]

Wow, this gentleman is related to the Kinks? I can’t even tell you, Kinks Kontroversy is one of the greatest things I’ve ever heard and I listen to it quite a bit.

[@berkc06]

Such a great guy Phil is! I did not know his name until this video but I knew his performances Eric and Mark. I watch Eric Clapton videos on KZbin everyday and when i see Phil in the band I know its gonna be great performance!

[@jamie21641]

What a gent!

[@marksavill4084]

A wonderful interview with a lovely bloke! I remember seeing Phil and his green strat on the Dire Straits On Every Street tour. Off to order his book now! Thanks for getting him on Captain!

[@markfahey3921]

Saw him on that very same tour at Sheffield, also saw him with Clapton and also in Sheffield with Dire straits, both at the Arena.

[@MarcJBeard]

Excellent interview, more of this please.. amazing to see Carl Perkins telecaster too.. 🤩 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@BasswipeNC]

I was so glad that his guitar was an old Tele. To me that is just the most classic guitar out there. I'm awaiting mine now. It's not going to be a blackguard blond but close.

[@MrDorsetD]

Brilliant from start to finish 👍

[@rdmkeytohwy]

I saw him on the Journeyman tour with Clapton in the Spring of 1990 in the U.S. Great album, great tour, and great guitar playing! Phil was the consummate professional and had his moments to shine during the evening which he did. Great interview Captain and thanks again!!

[@luckassociates]

I stated watching this by accident, and realised half way through that I am pretty sure I saw Phil play at the Half Moon in Putney with Paul Brady in the mid 1980's. It was a small room and not too crowded. I recall the friend that I went with and knew Paul's stuff told me that the guitarist had played with Joan Armatrading. As a keen guitarist of around 18, I watched intently and was amazed when he tapped individual notes higher up the neck on a couples of songs. I had never seen it done before and incorporated it into my playing at the time. Great interview, took me back to that time.

[@danbrown4606]

Fabulous interview. Love Phil such a great player #legend #gent

[@cromag141]

That was Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@MrCherryJuice]

Thank you for this. I first noticed Phil Palmer as guitarist (mainly rhythm) and MD on the likes of the Prince's Trust Concerts and the Queen's 'Party at the Palace'...star-studded events where we recognised everyone else...except that chap over at the side of the stage. I was intrigued. And I've been intrigued all along, simply because I've never seen or heard anything of substance on Mr. Palmer until this interview, which offers a good reveal. As so many others comment here, Palmer is one of the finer guests you've had. If he's up for it, how about a return visit wherein he gets to discuss the reality of session work and demo how he does what he does.