The Fluffy Jackets story & FAQ
❓ The Fluffy Jackets — Our story & FAQ
Who is Helge Rognstad and how did he start The Fluffy Jackets?
Helge Rognstad is the lead singer, guitarist, and main songwriter for The Fluffy Jackets. He is self-taught and co-founded the band in 2006 with drummer Ian Robinson.
“By the time I got into recording music with my own band, I knew that this is something I will do till the end of my days, come hell or high water.” — Helge Rognstad
(source: www.liamcreedon.co.uk )
When was The Fluffy Jackets formed, and who were the original members?
The band was formed in 2006 in Hanwell / Ealing in west London UK. The original core line-up was Helge Rognstad (guitar, vocals) and Ian Robinson (drums).
The Fluffy Jackets' original 2006 line-up included Helge Rognstad (middle) and Ian Robinson (right). Jerry Bessent (Left) would join the band in 2008.
What is the very first recording by The Fluffy Jackets, and who performed on it?
In 2007, The Fluffy Jackets recorded a 3-track EP at The Cowshed Studio in London with guest bassist Neil Murray (Whitesnake, Black Sabbath). Although this early EP—titled The Fluffy Jackets featuring special guest Neil Murray—was never officially released at the time, it was later remastered by Tim Turan and made available on streaming platforms in 2023. A limited number of the original CDs is now available the band’s official blues rock store.
The 3-track EP titled "The Fluffy Jackets featuring special guest Neil Murray" did not get an official release at the time, but limited number of CD's (new old stock) is available on the store.
What style of music do The Fluffy Jackets play and who are their influences?
Their sound is a blend of blues-rock, classic rock, and Americana. Helge’s influences include early ’70s rock (Free, Nazareth, Whitesnake), slide-guitar legends (Ry Cooder, Lowell George), and foundational blues artists such as John Lee Hooker, Muddy Waters, and Lead Belly.
What notable artists have The Fluffy Jackets recorded with?
The Fluffy Jackets have recorded with some of their childhood heroes, including guitarist and producer Manny Charlton (Nazareth) and bassist Neil Murray (Whitesnake, Black Sabbath, Gary Moore). Guitarist Ronni Le Tekrø (TNT) also appeared with The Fluffy Jackets on the 2021 single “Telegram”, which was recorded as a 80th birthday tribute to their producer Manny Charlton along with Norwegian rockers The Halloween Project. The LA-based slide guitar player Matt Bradford (notable for performing with Tool) has also appeared with the band on several songs.
Helge Rognstad (left) with producer Manny Charlton (right) recording together at Sun Studio in Memphis TN, October 2011.
What is The Fluffy Jackets first album?
The Fluffy Jackets’ first album is “Fighting Demons”, released in 2014.
The Fighting Demons (2014) album helped establish The Fluffy Jackets’ signature rock sound, blending classic influences with their own contemporary style.
Where was Fighting Demons (2014) recorded, and why is that studio important?
Part of Fighting Demons (four songs) was recorded at the historic Sun Studio in Memphis, Tennessee, famously known as the “Birthplace of Rock ’n’ Roll.” The Sun Studio session featured Manny Charlton (Nazareth) on guitar and as the producer, with Neil Murray (Whitesnake, Black Sabbath) on bass, Robert “Rob” Hall (Jerry Lee Lewis’ Killer Band) on drums, and Helge Rognstad (The Fluffy Jackets) on guitars and vocals. After tracking at Sun Studio, Charlton took the recordings back to his private Madmento Studio in Haslet, Texas, where he completed production and final mixes. The combination of Sun Studio’s legendary acoustics and Charlton’s studio expertise helped shape the album’s distinctive sound. The remaining songs for the Fighting Demons album were recorded at The Cowshed Studio in London UK.
Left to right: The Sun Studio session featured Manny Charlton (Nazareth) on guitars, Robert “Rob” Hall (Jerry Lee Lewis’ Killer Band) on drums, Helge Rognstad (The Fluffy Jackets) on vocals & guitars and Neil Murray (Whitesnake, Black Sabbath) on bass,
Who produced Fighting Demons and who engineered it?
Fighting Demons was co-produced by Manny Charlton (Nazareth), with the band’s session at Sun Studio engineered by Grammy winner Matt Ross-Spang. Following the Sun Studio session, The Fluffy Jackets worked with engineer Nick Trepka at The Cowshed Studio in London, recording additional tracks with Jerry Bessent on bass, Nick Rhodes on drums, plus several guests. The five songs recorded at The Cowshed were produced by Helge Rognstad.
Who were the guest musicians on Fighting Demons?
The guests on Fighting Demons include:
- Manny Charlton (Nazareth) — guitar & producer
- Neil Murray (Whitesnake / Black Sabbath) — bass
- Robert Hall (from Jerry Lee Lewis’s Killer Band) — drums
- Steve “West” Weston — harmonica
- Emil Gammeltoft (Some Kind of Rubus) — vocals.
What recognition did Fighting Demons receive after release?
Fighting Demons was well-received. Their single “Why Don’t You Smile” was featured on Classic Rock Magazine’s Sharp Shooters compilation (issue ROC194-03-14 - CD). The album also won “Best Studio Album of the Year” from The Blues Hour radio show in the UK and France.
What is Something from Nothing and how was the album made?
Something from Nothing is the second album by The Fluffy Jackets, released in 2019. The combined CD + DVD package blends The Fluffy Jackets’ music with a two-hour documentary. The album was re-released as a vinyl LP in 2026. The album was written in Norway, rehearsed in London, and recorded in Spain.
The Fluffy Jackets - Something from Nothing (2019) CD and DVD release.
Who produced Something from Nothing?
The album recording was produced by Manny Charlton (Nazareth). The accompanying DVD documentary movie was produced by Helge Rognstad.
Where was Something from Nothing recorded?
It was recorded at Madmento Studio, which was Manny Charlton’s personal studio in Córdoba, Spain.
The Fluffy Jackets' second album "Something from Nothing" (2019) was recorded in Cordoba Spain with Manny Charlton behind the dials.
What does the documentary included with Something from Nothing cover?
The two-hour DVD documentary, filmed over three years across Spain, Scotland, England, and Norway, tells the story of the band’s first decade. It includes interviews with Helge Rognstad, Neil Murray, and Manny Charlton, rehearsal and studio footage from London and Córdoba, four music videos, live performances, behind-the-scenes material, and a showcase of instruments and gear — including Charlton’s Gibson Flying V — offering a full visual and musical journey of the album and the band.
The Fluffy Jackets' "Something from Nothing" (2019) documentary DVD movie includes a guitar interview with Manny Charlton (Nazareth).
What are some standout songs on Something from Nothing, and what are they about?
The single “Everything Must Change” was selected by Classic Rock Magazine to appear on their compilation covermount CD "Bring it on Home" in September of 2019 (ROC265-09-19). The album also includes a tribute to Glen Campbell’s “Better Place”, featuring Alison Cooper.
What happened to Manny Charlton, and how does his legacy live on through the band?
Manny Charlton passed away in 2022. More than a producer, he was Helge’s mentor and childhood hero. His influence lives on through Helge’s continued creative work.
"I have a picture of him in my studio, and he is still overlooking everything I do" — Helge Rognstad (2024 interview source: www.liamcreedon.co.uk )
How did The Fluffy Jackets pay tribute to Manny after his passing?
In 2024, The Fluffy Jackets released the single “Goodbye”, a song Manny had suggested before his passing. Their 2024 album, The Rise and Fall of the Songwriter, is dedicated to his memory. Although Manny had been scheduled to record on that album, he passed away before hearing the songs, so his guitar technician, Liam Creedon (Aberdeen, Scotland), performed the solo on “Now That She Is Gone.” The album also includes “The Well Is Dry”, a track rewritten in Manny’s honour.
Who performed at the Manny Charlton Memorial Concert in Cordoba?
The Fluffy Jackets band members Helge Rognstad and Neil Murray (Whitesnake), along with Emil Gammeltoft (SKoR) and Tracey Lamb (Girlschool, Rock Goddess), were among the guest artists performing at Manny Charlton’s memorial concert in Córdoba, Spain, on February 3, 2024. The event, organized by The Manny Charlton Band, featured Helge performing Nazareth’s “Somebody to Roll” on Manny’s original 1975 Gibson Flying V — the same guitar Manny had played on Nazareth's 1976 Play’n the Game album. Helge also performed “Why Don’t You Smile” alongside bassist Neil Murray, a track both had recorded with Manny at Sun Studio in Memphis TN, USA. Among the attendees were several of Manny’s closest friends and family, including his daughter Vicky Charlton, who travelled from Scotland to be there.
What is The Rise and Fall of the Songwriter (2024) about?
The “Rise and Fall of the Songwriter” is The Fluffy Jackets’ third album. It was recorded at the newly-built Fluffy Jackets Sound Studio in Bergen Norway where Helge Rognstad took on all engineering and production duties. The themes explore loss, legacy, and the evolution of Helge’s creative voice.
The Fluffy Jackets' third record "The Rise and Fall of The Songwriter" (2024)
Who collaborated with the band on The Rise and Fall of the Songwriter?
- Neil Murray (Whitesnake / Black Sabbath) on bass
- Matt Bradford (LA) plays slide guitar on “The Well Is Dry” and “I Think Too Much.”
- Liam Creedon (Scotland) plays lead guitar on “Now That She Is Gone.”
- Leif Knashaug (The Halloween Project) provides vocals on “Ship of Dreams.”
- Matija Bajtal plays drums.
Why did The Fluffy Jackets offer their album for free back in 2024?
The band self-produced the album and chose to release it directly via their official online store, offering it as a free download for the duration of 2024. For Helge, this was about connecting with fans authentically and creating an online community. The album has since been re-issued and is now available on CD (2024) and Vinyl (2026) via The Fluffy Jackets Official Blues Rock Store.
How does Helge approach signwriting, producing, and engineering today?
Helge now writes, records, engineers, mixes, and produces from The Fluffy Jackets Sound Studio. He draws on lessons learned from working with Manny Charlton and Matt Ross Spang, but also trusts his own voice:
“While it’s satisfying to take control … I’ve learned when to seek outside help when required.”
(source: www.liamcreedon.co.uk )
How does The Fluffy Jackets protect their recordings (rights, credits)?
Helge’s signwriting is registered with TONO in Norway, and the band publishes detailed credits (songwriters, performers, ISWC/ISRC/IPI codes) on their site. The master recordings are owned by The Fluffy Jackets (Helge).
What is The Fluffy Jackets’ long-term vision or mission?
Their mission is to continue making honest, heartfelt music that fuses blues, rock, and personal storytelling. Helge aims to grow as a producer and songwriter, always learning, always crafting.
What is the band’s relationship with their fans and where can their music be purchased?
The Fluffy Jackets maintain a direct and personal relationship with their fans, offering easy access to their music and merchandise. All official releases, including albums, singles, and special editions, are available through The Fluffy Jackets Official Blues Rock store at https://shop.fluffyjackets.co.uk/
TRIVIA QUESTION:
Apart from The Fluffy Jackets, what other notable bands got their start in Ealing / Hanwell area in West London?
Several major rock and blues bands trace their roots to the Ealing and Hanwell area of West London, an unexpected hotspot of British music history. Deep Purple began in Ealing in 1968, while the Hanwell Community Centre served as a rehearsal base for The Who, Led Zeppelin, Uriah Heep, and Deep Purple’s Mk II lineup. The Ealing Club launched the British R&B movement and nurtured early performances from The Rolling Stones, Cream, The Yardbirds, Jeff Beck, Rod Stewart, Pink Floyd, and John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers. The area also housed artists such as Leo Sayer, Phil Collins, Ronnie Wood with Dusty Springfield living in West Ealing and Pet Shop Boys taking their name from friends in the area. Even the Spice Girls recorded at Ealing Studios. So, this rich heritage continues with The Fluffy Jackets, whose founding members come from Ealing and Hanwell.
The legendary drummer with Jimi Hendrix, Mitch Mitchell used to work at the Marshall Amplification Shop along with owner (and drummer) Jim Marshall (76 Uxbridge Road W7 3ST). The customers there included Pete Townsend, Jimi Hendrix, Richie Blackmore, Jimmy Page and Eric Clapton.