Vintage Rock Pod - Classic Rock Interviews (podcast)
By Vintage Rock Pod
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Vintage Rock Pod - Classic Rock Interviews (podcast)Mar 08, 2021
39. Lawrence Gowan - STYX
STYX garnered a huge following in the 70s and 80s with a fusion of hard rock, prog and acoustic styles that saw them sell more than 50 million records worldwide and have a string of hits with songs like "Babe", "The Best of Times", "Mr Roboto" and "Show Me The Way". Following Dennis DeYoung's departure in 1999, Lawrence Gowan has been lead vocalist and keyboard player with the band, joining after he himself had had a glittering solo career in Canada with his own catalogue of Gold and Platinum selling singles and albums. In this wide ranging interview we hear all about his solo days, how he joined Styx and how that felt to be asked, all about the bands new album 'Crash of the Crown' as well stories about Ringo Starr, Jon Anderson (YES) and Alex Lifeson (Rush).
38. Roger Earl - Foghat
Slow Ride is a rock classic and Roger Earl from the band Foghat talks all about the hit and more on this weeks show! Roger is an Englishman who moved to the US in the early 70s and tells tales about the difficult early days, auditioning for Jimi Hendrix, breaking big in America and the current bands new live album "8 Days on the Road", US tour and their exclusive wine range! Plus a Mick Jagger meeting, the reason behind the name Foghat and plans for the future too! It's not to be missed.
Buy the brilliant new live album "8 Days On The Road" from the Foghat website here https://www.foghat.biz/ and follow the band on Facebook here www.facebook.com/Foghat
37. Doogie White - Rainbow / Alcatrazz
On this weeks show I’ve got a Scottish singer who’s worked with some real legends of rock! He was part of Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow and sang for many years with Yngwie Malmsteen and Michael Schenker, toured with Graham Bonnet on many occasions and was recently confirmed as the new lead singer of Alcatrazz.
36. Paul Carrack - Ace / Mike + The Mechanics
Paul Carrack has had an incredible career with so many hits on both sides of the Atlantic for a huge number of incredible groups. He's the main man behind Ace’s 1974 hit “How Long”, vocalist on the Squeeze song “Tempted”, lead singer in Mike + The Mechanics, he’s also toured with Eric Clapton for a decade or more, played Roger Waters famous The Wall show in Berlin singing "Hey You", been part of Ringo Starr’s All Star Band, written songs for the Eagles, worked with The Smiths, The Pretenders and Nick Lowe as well as being part of Roxy Music for 3 albums and so so much more. Don't miss his wonderful stories on this weeks show!
35. Jorma Kaukonen - Jefferson Airplane
Jorma Kaukonen is not only a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductee but with his band Jefferson Airplane he was awarded a lifetime achievement award from the Grammy’s too while Rolling Stone magazine ranked him in the top 100 guitarists of all time. In this interview Jorma talks all about the burgeoning psychedelic scene in San Francisco in the 60s, performing with Janis Joplin before they were both famous, his thoughts on Grace Slick and the 80s pop band Starship, playing Woodstock and wowing the New York Times with his recent online concerts. It's a thorough, honest and entertaining interview with a legendary guitarist.
Side 2 - I Just Died In Your Arms Tonight
This weeks Side 2 features an interview with Cutting Crew frontman NICK VAN EEDE! (I Just) Died In Your Arms Tonight was a worldwide hit for the band and the man behind it has a great story to tell which includes touring behind the iron curtain with Slade, being championed by Chas Chandler of the Animals, being Richard Branson's first success with Virgin Records in America, Branson's famous parties, how he wrote the big hit and the excesses of the 80s too. It's another great interview! Plus hear some quirky stories from this week in classic rock thanks to music journalist Tim Peacock!
See the viral video featuring Toto's STEVE LUKATHER and France footballer Paul Pogba: VIDEO
34. Steve Lukather - Toto
Steve Lukather is the legendary ever-present guitarist in Toto. In this fun interview we talk all about Toto's big records, including (of course) Africa, plus his stories of working with so many of music's greatest names including Paul McCartney, George Harrison & Ringo Starr, Lionel Richie, Bob Dylan & Jeff Beck and about working on every track on the worlds biggest selling album of all time; Michael Jacksons "Thriller"! It's an interview not to be missed!
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Side 2 - Say Something
This weeks Side 2 is an interview that has it all. As part of a world famous band he enjoyed a UK number 1 single but left after suffering physical abuse from another member of the group. His story then includes Beatles producer George Martin, Led Zeppelin's Robert Plant, Kirsty MacColl, and Tom Jones and a number 1 hit in Lebanon! It's a fascinating story and one worth hearing!
33. Jeff Pilson - Dokken / Foreigner
Jeff Pilson rose to fame as an integral member of DOKKEN in the heady days of 80s. 3 platinum albums and 10 million record sales in 5 years put the group at the top of the scene, but the tumultuous balance in the group meant it wasn't to last. Jeff talks openly about his time in DOKKEN, how he felt when they broke up and more.
He also talks of his admiration for his friend RONNIE JAMES DIO, whom he played, recorded and toured with for years and of joining MICK JONES and FOREIGNER who he's been with since 2004.
Jeff is also busy with other projects including THE END MACHINE, with whom he's just released a critically acclaimed second album "Phase2" and BLACK SWAN who are currently recording their second album too!
It's another great interview with rock and roll stories to tell.
Side 2 - Dants
It's another packed episode! On this weeks Side 2 we've got an update to our uniquely compiled playlist 'Artists Choice' as we hear what songs Stephen Pearcy, Rat Scabies and Simon Kirke choose to add from their own back catalogues. We also talk all things rock with radio broadcaster and multi-instrumentalist IAN DANTER! He tells us all about touring Europe as part of one the leading KISS tribute acts, how his love of rock music came about and much more. Plus hear more classic rock news from music journalist and author Tim Peacock!
32. Stephen Pearcy - RATT
He rocked the Sunset Strip during the decade of decadence as frontman of one of the leading metal bands of the era. 4 multi-platinum albums, 20 million record sales and a string of hit singles puts RATT at forefront of the hair metal/glam rock movement. Stephen Pearcy talks to me all about the 80s in L.A., his friendship with Eddie Van Halen, the sad passing of Tawny Kitaen, his hit records and about his exciting new projects that is something to look forward to for all RATT fans.
Side 2 - Live From Studio 2
On this weeks Side 2 we hear from Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, COLIN BLUNSTONE from The Zombies! We caught up with the iconic singer to hear all about the latest news from the legendary band; going into the studio to record a new album, being part of Abbey Road's 90th birthday celebrations, a very special livestream and their recent collaboration with Colin's beloved Chelsea Football Club! Plus you'll get the latest classic rock news from author and music journalist Tim Peacock!
31. Simon Kirke - Free & Bad Company
As founder and ever present member of FREE and BAD COMPANY, Simon Kirke has had an incredible career! In this extensive interview he talks openly about many things including his friendship with Paul Rodgers, regrets over what happened to Paul Kossoff, addictions, the stories behind one of the most played rock songs of all time, his honest thoughts on the Brian Howe era of Bad Company, playing live with Led Zeppelin and the time they left a shark in a hotel bath tub! This is one rock and roll interview not to be missed!
Side 2 - Crack The Sky
Punk, Prog and Pop - plus the news! It's a bumper episode of Side 2 this week! You'll hear from Crack The Sky frontman JOHN PALUMBO, The Damned star CAPTAIN SENSIBLE and get the latest classic rock stories from author and journalist TIM PEACOCK!
30. Rat Scabies - The Damned
Rat Scabies, a name synonymous with the 70's punk scene was an integral part of punk pioneers, The Damned! Hear him talk all about those early formative years of the movement with stories about Malcolm McLaren, Sid Vicious and the Anarchy in the UK tour, the bands transition into the darker goth rock scene, the relationships in the band, the planned reunion for the 2022 tour and about his cigar box guitars!
Side 2 - ALL EXCE$$
Imagine having to fire JOURNEY from the first concert you've ever organised... well, that was the case with my guest on this weeks Side 2! DANNY ZELISKO is one of America's biggest concert promoters having produced over 10,000 concert events across a 5 decade career. Danny tells me some wonderful stories about PAUL McCARTNEY, GUNS N ROSES, STEVIE NICKS and more, all from his new book "ALL EXCE$$ Occupation: Concert Promoter". This book is incredible with stories involving LED ZEPPELIN, QUEEN, ALICE COOPER, PINK FLOYD and so many more of the worlds biggest rock stars. Also on this episode we hear the latest classic rock news from music journalist Tim Peacock.
29. Ric Lee - Ten Years After
Ten Years After shot to worldwide fame with their blistering set at the legendary Woodstock Festival in 1969. Platinum albums, hit singles and more followed with new music on the cards more than 50 years on. RIC LEE tells the story of the band, Woodstock, sharing a room with Janis Joplin and her band, the Isle of Wight Festival 1970, getting a standing ovation in a French pub and much more!
Side 2 - Artists Choice
Also on the show, Mike Norris from "My Favourite Album" podcast will take part in the Vintage Rock Pod Classic Album Quiz - see if you can beat his score - find out how you can win a pair of tickets to the Stonedead Festival and we hear all the latest unusual news from the classic world from music journalist Tim Peacock.
Follow My Classic Album on Instagram for all the latest on Mike's podcast: @myclassicalbumpodcast
To win tickets to Stonedead Festival click here: WIN TICKETS
28. Doug 'Cosmo' Clifford - Creedence Clearwater Revival
Doug 'Cosmo' Clifford has just turned 76 and is battling the effects of Parkinsons disease - but that's not stopping him from releasing another album! As part of Creedence Clearwater Revival, one of the worlds biggest selling groups of the late 60s/early 70s, Cosmo kept the beat as they released hit after hit, selling millions of records, performing at the legendary Woodstock Festival of 1969 and being inducted into the Rock Hall in 1993. In the coming months he's releasing another album featuring some incredible contributions from musicians including Joe Satriani. Hear him talk all about this new album plus last years release, Magic Window - and of course about his time in CCR - in his chat with me on this wonderful episode of Vintage Rock Pod!
Side 2 - Stonedead
Live music is slowly returning! On this weeks 'VRP Side 2' we speak to Chris Sumby, an organiser of the Stonedead Festival in the UK about the challenges of organising a music event during these difficult times. We also speak to a big concert fan from the US and get the latest classic rock news with from Tim Peacock, an author and music journalist with Record Collector Magazine and Universal Music's, Udiscovermusic.
For more information about the Stonedead Festival visit www.Stonedeadfestival.co.uk
27. Jim Peterik - Ides of March / Survivor
Having a hit song at 15, partying with Led Zeppelin at 19, a brush with death, the call from Sylvester Stallone that led to The Eye of the Tiger and so much more - Jim Peterik tells some incredible stories from his life and times with bands like Ides Of March, Survivor, Pride of Lions and more with a few songs played on guitar along the way!
26. Danny Bowes - Thunder
Thunder's latest album crashed into the UK Album Chart at number 3 on its first week of release and the bands frontman stopped by this week to talk all about it! Thunder are one of the biggest English hard rock bands of their generation, formed in the late 80's, they saw off the alternative and Britpop movements to consistently produce music that sold into the 90s and beyond.
I caught up with lead singer, DANNY BOWES, to talk about the bands new release, ALL THE RIGHT NOISES, and to hear his stories which include a pivotal trip to L.A. that ended up with a crashed car, brush with the law and eyes opened by the Hair Metal scene.
25. Mick Rogers - Manfred Mann's Earth Band
Blinded By The Light may be a Bruce Springsteen original, but it was Manfred Mann's Earth Band who had the worldwide hit with it that still sounds great today! On this episode I'm joined by Mick Rogers, guitarist and vocalist who joined Manfred in 1970! He talks openly about his time with the band, having huge hits with other peoples songs, why he lost his head and left the group and then re-joining them, future plans for the Earth Band and more.
24. Robert Berry - 3/GTR/Ambrosia
Robert Berry is a Grammy nominated singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer and has worked with some of the biggest names in rock - Keith Emerson and Carl Palmer (ELP), Sammy Hagar, Steve Howe (YES) and more. In our interview he talks about being invited over from America to London, working with his musical heroes, the great work he does with the Decemberists and his new album featuring the last track worked on by the late great Keith Emerson. Robert is charming, funny and humble throughout as he tells his incredible stories!
23. Mick Box - Uriah Heep
Another exclusive interview! Mick Box, the legendary guitarist from URIAH HEEP, spoke first to Vintage Rock Pod about the band having to reschedule their 50th anniversary tour. Mick also opens up about his 50 years in rock, the camaraderie and competition with Deep Purple and Black Sabbath in the early 70s, his sadness about not being able to persuade David Byron to re-join the group and the incredible feeling of playing behind the iron curtain. He also let's us know about the new album on the horizon too! It's an interview not to miss!
22. Greg Kihn - The Greg Kihn Band
Including one of the most fun interviews I've ever done, this episode is another double interview show with the great entertainer Greg Kihn telling his wonderful stories that include Bruce Springsteen, flying saucers, after hours events at a church and so much more! Also interviewed is Greg Gilmore, drummer with Mother Love Bone, to talk about previously unreleased music set to be heard from his time in The Living, a group he formed with Guns n Roses man Duff McKagan.
It's another fantastic show with some incredible stories!
21. Steve Fossen - Heart
Steve Fossen formed the band that went on to become a multi-million selling phenomenon and Rock Hall of Fame Inductees, Heart! Hear him tell us some incredible stories about his time in the group and with the Wilson sisters plus much more including tours with Nazareth and Rod Stewart and the Faces. Also on this episode we hear from author Edwin Ammerlaan talking about his new Pink Floyd book, 'Lost Souls' and we get the latest rock news from journalist Tim Peacock.
20. Thijs Van Leer - Focus
We have 2 more rock star interviews on this episode, both shooting to fame in the 70s! Thijs Van Leer yodelled his way to the world's attention when his group, prog rockers FOCUS, hit the big time with their single Hocus Pocus. Also on this show we hear from bass player Chris Hook from the band Voyager whose song, Halfway Hotel, became a hit in Europe and in Australia! We also find out the latest classic rock news from our friend, Tim Peacock from UDiscoverMusic.com and Record Collector magazine.
19. Damon Johnson - Thin Lizzy / Alice Cooper
What a show! It doesn't come any more rock n roll than stories about The Beatles, Thin Lizzy, David Bowie, Alice Cooper and Elvis - and that's what you'll hear from our two guests on this episode! DAMON JOHNSON had number 1 singles in the US rock charts in the 90's and has played with some incredible bands; hear about his musical story and about his new band and fantastic new album. Plus we speak to David Bowies former manager, STEVE WELTMAN, who tells us stories from his award winning 50 year career in the music business including his work with the late Ken Hensley and his new release My Book of Answers. It's a packed episode you won't want to miss!
18. Geoff Downes - ASIA / YES / Buggles
Geoff Downes has had an incredible life and career, effortlessly succeeding in pop, new wave, prog and rock as part of groups like The Buggles, Yes and Asia! Hear him talk about all the highlights in this wide ranging interview, including news on his new album and possible future releases featuring bandmate John Wetton who sadly passed away a few years ago.
17. Lee Aaron - Canadian Show
Lee Aaron was one of the few successful hard rock female vocalists of the 80s, going multi-platinum in Canada and having hit records across Europe. In this insightful interview hear her tell us openly about her early life and musical influences, gruelling tours, falling out of love with her hit songs, going bankrupt, bouncing back in the jazz world and then returning to rock with a new album on the horizon!
Also on this episode you can test your knowledge in our Canadian Rock Quiz as Editor in Chief of Canadian Musician Magazine, Mike Raine, takes part!
16. Pete Agnew - Nazareth
Also on this episode you'll hear from the very talented <strong>IAN DANTER! </strong>Best known for presenting across the UK on talkSPORT and Planet Rock, Ian has been involved in the rock music industry for years playing in many bands and releasing two solo albums too. Hear how he gets on when he takes part in the Vintage Rock Pod Quiz!
15. John Parr - Meat Loaf / Roger Daltrey
14. Joe Lynn Turner - Rainbow / Deep Purple
He grew up during the height of the British Invasion of the United States, regularly watching Led Zeppelin, The Animals, The Rolling Stones, Rod Stewart and others performing live. His favourite group though was Deep Purple... fast forward a few years and he'd earned his place as the charismatic frontman of Rainbow, Ritchie Blackmore's incredible group, and then, with the full classic line-up of Blackmore, Lord, Glover and Paice, he fulfilled his dream and became the lead singer of the band he so admired when he was younger - Deep Purple! With incredible stories ranging from his childhood, his time in these monumental bands, other projects that should've received so much more attention, right through to the present day, this captivating chat with Joe Lynn Turner is not to be missed!
Special: Rock Fans & Playlist Update
In this special episode we speak to rock fans around the world to get their stories. Velina from Bulgaria, Joseph and Leah in America and Tim from England all talk about how they first got into rock music, their favourite bands, concerts, albums and more. Plus we update our special Spotify playlist, compiled of songs as chosen by the rock stars themselves. In this update we hear from Klaus Meine from the Scorpions, Suzi Quatro, Steve Harley, Steve Hackett of Genesis and Steve Diggle from Buzzcocks as they each add a track from their back catalogue to our unique playlist. You can find the playlist here https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2hM7XYDDefdizOgEuILFm7?si=FEvQ82bpSEuB4MBxI3qutQ Hit follow so you can see all the other songs that get added as we go!
13. Steve Hackett - Genesis
Legendary guitar player STEVE HACKETT from GENESIS talks about a wide range of subjects in this brilliant interview with Vintage Rock Pod. Having written and played on some of the best known prog rock albums, he tells about his time in the band, why he left, his brand new album, his spirituality and much more. Plus get all the latest news about our classic rock favourites with Tim Peacock from Record Collector magazine.
12. Pick Withers - Dire Straits
He learnt his trade drumming in bands across Europe before finding fame as a founder member of Dire Straits! Hear the incredible story of PICK WITHER's career which includes working with the legend that is Bob Dylan! You'll also get the latest rock news, some interesting facts behind how famous bands got their names and a rundown of the top 5 alternative Christmas rock songs too!
11. Steve Harley Cockney Rebel
Despite having hit singles and albums behind them, STEVE HARLEY's band walked out on him. He decided to write a song about it which went on to become a worldwide smash hit! Hear all about the number 1 single and Steve's new special album plus get the latest rock news and some special rock facts on this excellent episode of Vintage Rock Pod.
10. Suzi Quatro
A bumper episode with 2 huuuge interviews! The Queen of Rock n Roll, SUZI QUATRO and illustrious Hall of Fame songwriter, JACK TEMPCHIN talk all about their careers and new singles. Fascinating insights from fascinating stars!
9. Steve Diggle - Buzzcocks
Punk pioneers who came through with The Sex Pistols and The Clash, BUZZCOCKS found fame with their energetic, catchy, melodic and intelligent music that enthralled fans around the world. Hear all the stories from guitarist STEVE DIGGLE as he chats all things old and new with Vintage Rock Pod!
8. Klaus Meine - The Scorpions
Listen to the fun interview with legendary rock frontman KLAUS MEINE from THE SCORPIONS! Hear all about their new album and stories from the bands glittering 50 year career which has seen them sell over 100 million records worldwide!
7. The Final Playlist Countdown
It's another bumper episode! You'll hear from a Swedish rocker who had a number 1 hit around the world, find out about a specially curated playlist, hear facts about one of rock's wild men and get a run down of this weeks rock stories!
6. Bob Catley - Magnum
Late night lock-ins with Black Sabbath and being VIP guests at Queens Wembley after show party - rock stories as big they come from MAGNUM frontman BOB CATLEY! Plus a small tribute to Uriah Heep's Ken Hensley and we look at one of the most distinctive female rock singers ever with Mauri from History of Rock.
5. From The Jam & Mitch Murray
A Jam packed episode including an interview with MITCH MURRAY CBE, a songwriter/producer whose records have sold HALF A BILLION copies worldwide - RUSSELL HASTINGS, singer and guitarist alongside Bruce Foxton from THE JAM - and a specially curated list from Mauri from the History of Rock by Ranker.
4. Colin Blunstone - The Zombies
From St Albans to America! Hear stories from Rock n Roll Hall of Famer and lead singer with one of the first British bands to crack the United States, COLIN BLUNSTONE from THE ZOMBIES! We also speak to author Stephen Tow all about his book chronicling the rise of the London rock scene in the swinging 60's.
3. Bruce Watson - Big Country
Hear from the charismatic Scottish guitarist whose group topped the charts and went big Stateside earning two Grammy nominations - BRUCE WATSON from BIG COUNTRY! As well as this there's the Vintage Rock Pod Quiz and we hear from History of Rock's, Mauri!
2. John Illsley - Dire Straits
He's done it all with his band; sold more than 100 million records, played Live Aid, won Grammy's and Brits Awards, and is a Rock & Roll Hall of Famer. Hear founding member and ever present bassist JOHN ILLSLEY, talk all about the life and times of DIRE STRAITS. We'll also quiz Stuck in the 80s' host Steve Spears on rock music videos from that decade and find out more fascinating rock tales from History of Rock's Muari.
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Special: Eddie Van Halen Tribute
1. Kenney Jones - The Small Faces / Faces / The Who
Rod Stewart, Ronnie Wood, Steve Marriott, Roger Daltrey, Pete Townshend and Paul Rodgers... hear all the rock n roll stories straight from one of the founders of the mod movement who was an instrumental member in bands containing legends like these. KENNEY JONES from the SMALL FACES / FACES / THE WHO / THE LAW and more joins us in episode 1!