FX Pedal Planet Online Store is pleased to share a fantastic update from within our own team. Our founder and Director, Steve Dennis, recently returned to live performance, stepping in on guitar for one of the UK’s leading tribute acts, Britpop United, at this year’s The Gathering festival, organised by Christian Vision for Men (CVM).

This performance marked a special moment for Steve, both personally and musically. After taking time away from gigging due to a family bereavement, the opportunity to play again, particularly with a band as well respected as Britpop United, was one he was proud to accept.

Alongside running FX Pedal Planet Online Store, Steve has been a guitarist for over 35 years. Having performed with numerous local bands throughout that time, his approach to gear is rooted in experience. Every item we stock is something Steve stands behind, and this show was a perfect example of that philosophy in action.

Britpop United are a four piece tribute act dedicated to the music that defined a generation. Fronted by Adam Richards, Chris Gough, Neil Beeson, and Simon Chappell, the band has built a strong reputation for delivering energetic, faithful renditions of Britpop and Indie anthems. In addition to Britpop United, the same members also perform under the name all4indie, a project born from fan requests for post Britpop Indie classics. Their setlist spans songs from The Killers, Arctic Monkeys, The Cure, and more, celebrating the timeless appeal of the genre.

The Gathering is an annual men’s festival hosted by CVM, held each June in a field near Swindon. Designed to be relaxed and inclusive, the event is packed with activities, live music, comedy, sports, axe throwing, Scalextric, inflatables, a well stocked bar, and open air bonfires, alongside faith based talks, worship, and life stories. It’s a space where faith and friendship come together, and where everyone is welcome, regardless of background or beliefs.

With Britpop United’s guitarist Chris Gough unavailable for the event, Adam Richards invited Steve to step in. The offer was gladly accepted, with rehearsals taking place and a final run through the week before the show. The set featured a mix of era defining anthems, including She Bangs the Drums by The Stone Roses, Parklife by Blur, Common People by Pulp, Valerie by The Zutons, Chelsea Dagger by The Fratellis, and Don’t Look Back in Anger by Oasis.

True to form, Steve built his live rig from gear available through FX Pedal Planet Online Store. This wasn’t just a performance, it was a live demonstration of the gear we supply, in a real world setting. Amplification came from a Mezzabarba Custom Amplification Skill head, paired with two Mezzabarba Streetfighter cabinets: one loaded with a Celestion Greenback G12M20 and the other with a Celestion Vintage 30.

To accommodate different tunings and tones, Steve used a Rob Williams CS Classic, a Rob Williams Classic 52 tuned to Drop D, an Epiphone Riviera in Eb, a Faith Venus acoustic, and a 1996 Gibson Les Paul Studio as a spare. All guitar straps from Magrabo.

His compact pedalboard was carefully selected to offer a wide tonal range. In front of the amp were the JAM Pedals Wahcko (custom hand wired), OKKO FX Holy Grit, Volta Custom The Blue, CopperSound Pedals Strategy, and Vemuram Budi-G. In the effects loop of the Mezzabarba head, Steve ran the JAM Pedals Ripply Fall, JAM Pedals Delay Llama XTREME, and Anasounds La Grotte. All pedals were supported by a Temple Audio pedalboard.

The Gathering 2025 was a great success, with a fantastic turnout and an encouraging atmosphere throughout. Britpop United’s headline set was warmly received, capping off a weekend full of music, stories, and connection.

We would like to thank Christian Vision for Men and the team behind The Gathering for their hospitality and organisation. Steve also extends his thanks to Adam, Neil, and Simon at Britpop United for their professionalism and support, it was a pleasure to be part of the show.

For more information about Christian Vision for Men, visit www.cvm.org.uk. For Britpop United’s latest gig dates and booking details, head over to www.britpopunited.com.

You can also follow both Christian Vision for Men and Britpop United on social media to stay up to date with future events and announcements.

« Back to news

Image Gallery