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Gregor Philp | |
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![]() Philp performing with Deacon Blue at the Usher Hall, Edinburgh, 2025 | |
Background information | |
Origin | Dundee, Scotland |
Genres | Pop, alternative rock, television soundtracks |
Occupation(s) | Singer, musician, songwriter, producer |
Instrument(s) | Guitar, keyboards, vocals |
Years active | 1984–present [1] |
Gregor Grant Philp [2] is a Scottish guitarist, songwriter, and producer, best known for his role as the lead guitarist of the pop-rock band Deacon Blue. He joined the band in 2008, [3] contributing lead guitar, songwriting, backing vocals and production since 2012. [4]
Born in Dundee, Scotland, Philp began playing guitar at the age of 10 and started performing with local bands by his mid-teens. Before joining Deacon Blue, he collaborated with drummer Dougie Vipond in the band Swiss Family Orbison and worked extensively as a composer and music producer for television. [5]
His television work includes musical contributions to TV shows such as Monarch of the Glen and Taggart , and children's TV shows Balamory and Me Too . [6]
Philp started working with Deacon Blue in 2008, [7] following the death of original guitarist Graeme Kelling. His first studio album with the band was The Hipsters (2012), where he co-wrote several tracks. He has since co-produced and co-written songs on subsequent albums, including A New House (2014), Believers (2016), City of Love (2020), Riding on the Tide of Love (2021), and The Great Western Road (2025). [8] He also played on the live album and DVD Deacon Blue Live at the Glasgow Barrowlands (2017). [9]
Beyond Deacon Blue and featuring on Ricky Ross's solo work, [10] Philp has collaborated with artists such as Eliza Wren Payne (aka Wrenne) and David Byrne. [11] He has also been a member of the band Heavy Little Elephants. [12] [13]
Philp lives in Broughty Ferry, Dundee, Scotland. [14]