Cats in Space Talk New Album Boxset, 2025 Live Plans And More

Cats in Space is a British rock band formed in Horsham, West Sussex, in 2015 by guitarist Greg Hart and drummer Steevi Bacon. As they plan to release ‘Chapter 1’ 4CD Box set on Esoteric/Cherry Red Records alongside UK tour dates, Greg Hart kindly chatted to JLTT all about their plans:

 

Who is in Cats in Space, how did you meet and what do you play?

I’m GREG HART and play guitar, sing and write songs! We have STEEVI BACON on Drums and also a songwriter, DEAN HOWARD on guitar, ANDY STEWART on Keyboards, and DAMIEN EDWARDS on lead vocals and also songwriter.

 

What is your earliest musical memory?

My brother paying me his 7″ singles, when I was very small- it’s how I discovered Glam Rock and all the great 70s music.

 

When did you begin songwriting?

I starting writing as soon as I knew three guitar chords! I was never interested in learning other people’s music really.

I was fascinated with making something ‘new and unheard’- it took a few years to get any good at it!

 

You will release the ‘Chapter 1’ 4CD Box set. How did you want to approach the making of the album?

It is simply our first four CATS in SPACE CDs remastered and it tells the story of the early years of the band.

 

In addition, you are celebrating your 10th anniversary as a band. Do you have any career memories/highlights?

We have lots of highlights, but the obvious ones are touring the biggest UK arenas with Deep Purple, supporting STATUS QUO,

playing the London Palladium too was amazing! And of course we are playing Hyde Park with ELO this July which will be incredible!

Its actually our second time playing there (we also played there in 2017 with Phil Collins) which not many bands can say they have achieved!

 

Was it difficult picking which tracks to include on the album? Did you have a specific song selection process?

As said these are albums already recorded…so it was just a case of putting some bonus songs on there for the fans.

 

Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the recording sessions?

We have many- none of which are fit for general consumption!

 

Did you use any particular instruments, microphones, recording equipment to help you get a particular sound/tone for the record?

We use old analogue equipment, a HEAP of vintage guitars and basses, keyboards and drums…we spend a long long time on recording so we make everything sound as ‘real’ as possible- and everyone plays totally in ‘the room’- we don’t send files and stems digitally like everyone sems to do now to save costs- we are Old School!

 

Which of your new album tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?

I personally have so many favourites as all the songs I see as my children!

 

What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?

That everyone had a good time, and they all go to the merchandise stand to buy our music and tee shirts- as we need that to survive!

 

Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?

I play various Gibson Les Pauls and occasionally an Explorer…my favourite is my 1989 Les Paul once owned by Richie Sambora!

 

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?

Horsham, Sussex, UK- It’s nice, clean, quiet, and easy to get to everywhere I need to go.

 

How do you look after your voices?

We don’t party or drink that much anymore! It really helps!

 

You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?

‘The Lion the Witch & the Wardrobe’ by C.S. Lewis- but I guess out third album was influenced by that a bit!

 

Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?

Queen, John Miles, ELO, Thin Lizzy, Kiss- I don’t listen to much new music I’m afraid!

 

Do you have any live dates in UK/Europe planned for 2025/2026?

Yes we do all can be seen on our website at www.catsinspace.co.uk

 

What makes Cats in Space happy and what makes you unhappy?

Music makes me happy, my girlfriend and cats make me happy- Stupid people and all the politicians ruining our planet makes me very unhappy -but that’s another story!!

Feature Image Photo Credit: Supplied By Cherry Red Records

‘Cats in Space: Chapter 1’ 4CD Remastered Box Set will be released on 25th July 2025 on Esoteric/Cherry Red Records.

Pre-order here: https://www.cherryred.co.uk/cats-in-space-chapter-1-4cd-remastered-box-set

In addition, Cats in Space have announced the following 2025 live dates: