Guitar idol

Guitarist Marc Playle featured in the finals of the Guitar Idol 2008 competition, where the judges praised his “epic ‘traditional’ rock soloing with class”. Now 22, he has been playing since he was 14. He plays with Newcastle-based rock band Minnikin, and describes their sound as “melodic heavy rock with a twist of grunge”. Minnikin’s debut album, Europa, is due to be released later this summer.

What's the best thing about being disabled?

I have never thought of myself as being disabled as I was born this way and have always overcome obstacles that have been thrown at me.

What makes you angry?

Having hayfever, banging my head off things and guitar strings snapping!

What's the funniest thing anyone's ever said to you about your impairment?

Would you have been left-handed if you had a left hand?

How do you deal with people who barf on about your impairment? Have you any good putdowns?

People don’t barf on about my impairment. I don’t mind it, so other people don’t make a deal of it.

What's the one thing that could be invented to make your life as a disabled person better?

A self-stringing guitar.

What do you most like about being a performer?

Playing in front of an appreciative audience on stage and people telling me I inspire them.

And what do you not like about it?

Packing up the equipment at the end of a gig!

Who's your favourite disabled person ever?

I don’t really know any disabled famous people except for Rick Allen, the drummer from Def Leppard.

Do you have any special or hidden talent apart from playing the guitar?

I can also play drums and keyboards.

If you didn't have your impairment, which other one would you like to have?

I would not want any.

• www.minnikin.com

•• www.guitar-idol.co.uk