Mick Taylor, Editor of Guitarist magazine, talks Les Paul, Porsche 911s and Clapton, Page and Beck. Grab your 60 Seconds now.
How did you become an Editor?
I left university and ended up getting a temp job at Barclays. I went and found the manager and asked him how I could get on with the firm. He pointed out the window at the worst Porsche 911 ever made and said: “If you work hard, you could have one of those.” I resigned the next day, banged on the door at Future and they eventually gave in and offered me a job as a production assistant. I worked up from there across a number of mags, went to work for a competitor for five years, came back and got the dream job. These days I drive a knackered old people carrier, because you can fit big amps in it.
Favourite magazine growing up?
Guitarist – true story! I used to agonise over every picture, every word, every detail.
Biggest influence?
My dad when he was working. He always had the hard work gene and he made me value that. Watching him work so hard all his life also made realise that it’s not just about hard work – it’s about working smart.
Our staff are the absolute best in our market. We are our magazine. We live it – nobody is pretending.
Your most interesting interview?
Les Paul probably. He was well over 90 years old - most people assume it's just the name of a guitar - but here was this guy who totally revolutionised music: a true legend. I think some of his stories were a little embellished by the time I spoke with him, but he was as sharp as a tack and made me laugh out loud for about an hour.
What makes your magazine unique?
Skill: our staff are the absolute best in our market. Writing, photography, video, everything we do is better than everyone else. We are our magazine. We live it – nobody is pretending.
Most innovative thing you and the team have come up with?
Our new fully enhanced iPad edition. It’s the ultimate extension of what a guitar magazine should be and I’m more proud of it than anything in the magazine’s 27-year history. It’s our best work to date and it’s only getting better.
Your fantasy front cover?
Clapton, Page and Beck, just chatting together. And playing of course – which they would be on the iPad edition.
