IN THE HOTSEAT WITH: Michael Clapham, Marshall Amplification

Lead singer (or possibly lead guitar. Or both) of the notional Clash/Johnny Cash covers band Johnny Clash, and possibly even more importantly, one of the custodians of the iconic Marshall amp brand,  Michael Clapham is this week’s hotseat guest…

Name: 

Michael Clapham

Job Title: 

UK & Ireland Sales Manager for Marshall Amplification

What does that involve? 

The day to day running of the compact and bijoux UK Sales team and all the kit and caboodle that goes along with that…

What one thing would make your working life easier? 

Winning the lottery. So I will have to start playing it at some point

The best thing about working for Marshall?

It’s a complete joy to be part of a team where you are in the driving seat of your own and others destinies 

And the worst?

Sometimes…It’s a completely undulating experience to be part of a team where you are in control of your own and others destinies 

If you had a band (or if, in fact, you actually do) what would they be called? Johnny Clash. Johnny Cash songs played in the spirit of the Clash, Clash songs played in the spirit of the big JC

Is rock music dead?  It depends on how you define ‘rock’. I would say we all have a different take on this. My rock lineage is Elvis, The Beatles, The Doors, David Bowie, The Clash, The Jam, The Smiths, Nirvana, Blur, Arctic Monkeys… who comes next in that line??? The public will decide.

If you had a golden rule, what would it be? Tread carefully when entering The Valley of Excuses. It’s a dark, cold and lonely place. Be truthful and honest and if you f**k up then hold your hand in the air and say ‘it was me’. The truth will always come out.

What was the last thing you bought in a music store? Small odds and sods, probably a gift for my 12 year old son Zak, yes I remember now it was some Family Guy plectrums! However, what I’d really like is for somebody to donate a Gretsch White Falcon to me so I can stand in front of the mirror and practice my best Mick Jones or Billy Duffy legs akimbo stance…

If you had one week to run the industry, what would you change? I have been working in the industry for over 25 years… Rome cannot be built in a week, however it can become very unstable with the miss-click of a mouse, the sending of an impetuous email, a diatribe of unprepared words. I would give everybody a copy of the Chimp Paradox by Professor Steve Peters. Read  from back to front and then again. Learn to laugh at yourself and pass it on.

Best advice you’ve ever been given? I tend to watch, listen, learn and gather the information then make up my own mind

Worst? Been sent for sky hooks, tartan paint, the bubble in the spirit level when on work experience all those years ago. You soon learn.

What would like as your epitaph? You can’t kid a kidder

Do you do Twitter? 

I am a voyeur and ‘dip in’ occasionally. Too busy working so don’t expect War & Peace from me on a daily basis

So how do we follow you?

@clapham_michael