Episode 1: Welcome and The Shaky Start
Send us Fan Mail Scott and Neil kick the first Great Pinball Podcast off and talk about how they got to this point meandering through many topics, also covering a little on Venom and some rumours and Scott's love of pinball restoration!
Kineticist’s take
Two UK pinball enthusiasts launch a new podcast exploring how they got into pinball and the hobby's cultural impact.
Synopsis
Neil and Scott launch the The Great British Pinball Podcast, a UK-focused audio show about pinball culture and industry. They discuss their personal journeys into pinball, the community's diversity and social appeal, recent game releases like Venom, and their contrasting collector/player philosophies. The episode emphasizes pinball's resurgence, its growing online presence, and the passion that connects enthusiasts across the globe.
Highlights
- Scott bought a Star Trek Premium machine that had significant issues (light board problems), which led to him and Neil meeting and Scott becoming deeply involved in pinball restoration and collecting.
- Neil bought his first pinball machine (Bride of Pinball) from Chris B, which was restored with new displays and speakers.
- Venom is the latest Stern pinball machine designed by Brian Eddy, featuring a fast lock system and artwork by Zombie Yeti.
- UK pricing for new pinball machines like Venom is prohibitively high compared to US pricing, which is deterring some buyers.
- Scott had a JJP Pirates of the Caribbean machine on loan for approximately four months before deciding to return it, despite initially wanting it.
- Neil runs Pinball Republic, a pinball club in London that hosts events and tournaments.
- Nuneaton venue is closing at the end of the month, eliminating one location where Neil has played Medieval Madness.
- There has been a long-standing rumor about a Back to the Future pinball machine, with no official confirmation yet.
Entities
- Jersey Jack Pinball (JJP)· company
- Stern Pinball· company
- Southern Pride Gaming· event
- UK Open· event
- Medieval Madness· game
- Monster Bash· game
- Pirates of the Caribbean· game
- Star Trek Premium· game
- Venom· game
- Great British Pinball Podcast· organization
- Pinball Heaven· organization
- Pinball Life· organization
- Pinball Republic· organization
- Brian Eddy· person
- Chris B· person
- Kaneda· person
- Keith Wellwyn· person
- Map Arcade· person
- Marco· person
- Michael Mattson· person
- Neil· person
- Phil· person
- Scott· person
- Steve Ritchie· person
- Zombie Yeti· person