Entertainment

Arts Q&A: Gavin Ferris on his guitar heroes, Ringo Starr, Katie Price and caviar

Jenny Lee puts performers and artists on the spot about what really matters to them. This week, Belfast guitarist Gavin Ferris

Gavin Ferris learned to play on possibly the world's smallest guitar
Gavin Ferris learned to play on possibly the world's smallest guitar Gavin Ferris learned to play on possibly the world's smallest guitar

1. When did you think about musical direction as a career and what were your first steps into it?

My first formal dabble in music was at 16 when a friend lent me possibly the world's smallest classical guitar and showed me a few basic chords and rhythms. It wasn’t until 2007 when I saw a fellow called Andy McKee on YouTube that the possibilities of guitar really hit home. Only two years ago the possibility of a full time music career became a reality.

2. Best gigs you’ve been to?

Slipknot, Andy McKee and Tommy Emmanuel and Disney’s Muppets on Ice… yeah you heard me right.

3. Fantasy wedding/birthday party band?

I would reunite The Osmonds for my wedding and get them to continuously play Crazy Horses at full volume until Donnie’s teeth fell out.

4. The record you’d take to a desert island?

The A Team theme tune. I would play it backwards and cypher its hidden, Satanic messages.

5. And the book?

Homer’s Odyssey

6. Top three films?

The Thing, Dumb and Dumber and Life is Beautiful

7. Worst film you’ve seen?

The Magic Christian. It has Ringo Starr as the main character and it is horrifically awful.

8. Favourite authors?

RL Stein, Roderick Hunt and Katie Price.

9. Sport you most enjoy and top teams?

I have never really been a fan of mainstream sports like football but I you can find me on a Saturday afternoon down the local community centre supporting my local Russian Roulette League.

10. Ideal holiday destination?

Paris. I just can’t get enough of that street corn that is cooked in the burnt out shopping trolleys.

11. Pet hate?

People who contact you on the phone and then ask "Who is this?" You rang me.

12. What’s your favourite:

Dinner? – Lobster bisque with truffle oil and a caviar soufflé.

Dessert? – Banana split.

Drink? – If your buying.

13. Who is your best friend and how do you know each other?

My fellow guitarist and music teacher Phil Parker.

14. Is there a God?

God knows.

:: Gavin Ferris is performing at the 2016 Belfast Guitar Festival, which runs at Belfast's Black Box from July 22-24 (blackboxbelfast.com).