WATCH: Crawley’s home-grown magician gives update on career for 2023 and performs for the camera

Ben Taylor - aka The Magic Mod – made a name for himself in the bars and clubs around Crawley and was noticed early on by the Mod scene in the town.

His career started with a Paul Daniels magic set he got as a six-year-old and from there, it has blossomed into playing gigs all around the UK. Ben even remembers being inspired to do magic from the Cherry Lane Adventure Playground.

Music plays a large part in his performances and he says when people see him on stage, they first think he is a front man of a band and are surprised to see him perform his magic on stage.

The Magic Mod has performed shows with the likes of Paul Weller, Liam Gallagher, Reverend and the Makers, The Libertines and Pete Doherty.

We sat down with the Magic Mod to discuss what he did last year and what his plans are for 2023.

Ben said: “Last time we chatted we were unsure about the entertainment industry because of Covid but it is looking much better now. I did a miniature tour last year. The reason it was miniature is that I was unsure how it was going to go. Looking back now, I could have done more dates. More people wanted to see me and I played in some lovely places.

“Did the last show in Brighton in the Prince Albert pub and we sold the show out. A local band from Crawley supported me as well. It was so nice to have a local crowd. It was like Crawley taking over Brighton.

“I played at Kentish Town. I still get nervous but like my fiancée said ‘it is good to be nervous because it proves you care’. If I stop getting nervous it is probably time to give it in. I really care about what I do.

“I have this great tour coming up and have been fortunate to be on tour before. It is unique for a magician to go on tour with a band and I can’t recall another magician doing it. I’ve got 18 or 19 shows coming up with The Brian Jonestown Massacre. They have such a good following and Anton, the lead singer, is such a lovely bloke.

See more: Crawley born and bred magician brings his act to a national stage and makes TV appearance on Channel 5 talking about his idol, ‘The Liam Gallagher of magic’: Crawley’s own magician reveals his secrets to a career in magic, How Crawley magician Ben Taylor got to know his hero Paul Weller

“This tour is going to be great and I will be playing three nights with them in Brighton. My family will be with me at some of the shows and it is great that a band has put their trust in me. Peace and Love.”