At FX Pedal Planet Online Store, we are passionate about music. But it’s not just about the gear, it’s about the sounds, the moments, and the stories that shape who we are. And today, I’d like to share a bit of my own musical story with you.

I’m Steve Dennis, Director of FX Pedal Planet Online Store, and my musical journey started long before I ever thought about running a business focused on pedals. I was born in 1973 when Angel Fingers by Wizzard topped the UK charts, and glam rock was taking over. It was a time when glitter, sequins, platform shoes, and Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust persona were everywhere. It was a world of bold fashion, theatrical vibes, and music that couldn’t be ignored.

Growing up, music was always around. Our house was filled with the sounds of Queen and ABBA, and I still remember my aunt’s impressive vinyl collection. I had no idea then that one day I’d pick up a guitar, but it was clear that music was already embedded in my life. My sister was a punk fan, and I was exposed to bands like The Sex Pistols, The Jam, and Siouxsie and the Banshees. My upbringing was full of musical variety, from glam rock to punk to the burgeoning sounds of new wave and post punk.

In the 1980s, I started getting hooked on guitar driven music. Bands like Dire Straits, and Pink Floyd captured my attention. The blues of BB King, Buddy Guy, and T-Bone Walker really struck a chord with me, and I became obsessed with their sound. Clapton’s Same Old Blues was the turning point for me. That was the moment I decided to pick up the guitar.

But by the end of the ‘80s, guitar music seemed to fade from the mainstream. The charts were filled with dance tracks, and while I enjoyed those sounds (Ride On Time is a classic, after all), I wanted the electric energy of guitar back. Enter the 1990s.

I was heading out to the local bars and clubs when I met a guy from Manchester who became a good friend. He kept telling me about this band called Oasis. One night in a bar, he played Whatever on the jukebox (remember jukeboxes?), and something clicked. It wasn’t exactly the guitar sound I had been craving, but it was close enough. It was raw, catchy, and it felt real.

By December 1994, Definitely Maybe was out, and it completely reshaped the music scene. Oasis didn’t just bring guitar music back, they reinvigorated it. Live Forever, Supersonic, Cigarettes & Alcohol, and Rock ‘n’ Roll Star became anthems for a generation. It wasn’t just about the music, though. The entire Britpop movement was a cultural explosion. It was about fashion, attitude, TV shows like TFI Friday, and a sense of unity. It felt like the youth of the time had finally found a voice in music.

Of course, it wasn’t just Oasis. Blur’s Parklife, Pulp’s Different Class, and Ocean Colour Scene’s Moseley Shoals all came out in quick succession, and the Britpop scene was in full swing. The Riverboat Song by Ocean Colour Scene was a pivotal moment for me, it was like hearing a revival of everything I loved about guitar music. Guitar was back!

I was lucky enough to see Oasis at Knebworth and Maine Road during their prime, and those gigs are still some of the best live performances I’ve ever seen. At Knebworth, they were supported by The Prodigy, and the combination of rock and electronic music was absolutely electric. The crowd’s energy was contagious, and that feeling of unity was palpable. Noel Gallagher’s songwriting, with its raw emotion and direct connection to the youth of the time, was undeniable.

Even after Britpop began to fade, I knew the impact it had. The music didn’t just live on in albums, it was part of the fabric of a generation. The energy of Britpop wasn’t just about the music. It was about community, culture, and something deeper than just catchy tunes.

Fast forward to today, and I can’t help but feel excited about Oasis' reunion gigs. I may not have bought a ticket for them, but watching the footage has reminded me of how vital that era was. Recently, after a gig, I overheard two lads in their twenties talking about Knebworth and Maine Road, wishing they'd been there. I leaned over and told them, “I was there.” It gave me a moment of credibility in their eyes, proof that those gigs weren’t just history; they were experiences that shaped us.

I’m proud to say that the music from my youth still influences what I do. I’ve been a lifelong Orange amps user, influenced by Noel Gallagher’s sound, and that connection to guitar music.

Music is more than just a sound. It’s a reflection of the times, a way of expressing emotions, and a medium that brings people together. Whether it’s the sounds of the ‘70s, the ‘80s blues, or the Britpop of the ‘90s, music shapes our lives. It connects us across generations and cultures, and it’s something we should celebrate, no matter the era.

So, to everyone who has ever picked up a guitar or turned up the volume, celebrate your own musical journey. Share your story, and don’t forget to pass on your influences to the next generation. Music is timeless, and it’s what makes life exciting.

Thanks for reading.

Steve Dennis
Director, FX Pedal Planet Online Store

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