In this first part of our conversation with Richard Ploog, legendary drummer for The Church, we trace his journey from early musical beginnings to the band’s breakout years in the 1980s.

Richard shares stories of his Scottish pipes and drums roots, his early punk days with The Name Droppers, The Brats, and Exhibit A, and his transition into the shimmering, atmospheric sound that defined The Church. We explore his first recordings with the band, the evolution through The Blurred Crusade, Seance, and Starfish, and his reflections on collaboration, creativity, and departure during Gold Afternoon Fix.

If you’ve ever wondered what it was like behind the kit during the making of The Church’s classic era—or how Richard’s musical curiosity led him toward later projects like Iboga Gazebo and Groom Epoch—this episode dives deep into the rhythms, inspirations, and evolution of one of post-punk’s most distinctive drummers.

🕰️ Topics & Highlights
• Early fascination with bagpipes and marching drums
• Joining his first punk band, The Brats / Exhibit “A”, and “Life on the Dole”
• Auditioning for The Church and recording “Too Fast For You”
• Reflections on The Blurred Crusade as the band’s first masterpiece
• The “fashion clash” behind Seance’s production
• Collaborations on Heyday and Starfish
• Insight into the creative process and learning “by osmosis”
• The Gold Afternoon Fix sessions and his departure
• Post-Church work with Iboga Gazebo and the album Dose Age

🎧 Songs Featured
“Fraulein” – The Church (Too Fast For You)
“Life on the Dole” – The Brats
“Almost With You” – The Church (The Blurred Crusade)
“Electric” – The Church (Seance)
“Monday Morning” – The Church (Gold Afternoon Fix)
“Visualize” – Iboga Gazebo (Dose Age)

🔗 Connect & Explore More
Richard Ploog – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Ploog
The Church – https://thechurchband.net
Groom Epoch – https://groomepoch.bandcamp.com
Iboga Gazebo – https://ibogagazebo.bandcamp.com

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