The Barstool Prophets’ Graham Greer hopes to model his life after producer Joe Hardy

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON FEB. 5, 1998 By Steve Newton Last month’s ice storm back east took no prisoners, but Barstool Prophets singer-guitarist Graham Greer got off pretty easy. The native of Cornwall, Ontario, was residing in “the fortunate end of town” when the storm hit, so he only lost power for three days, while his … Continue reading The Barstool Prophets’ Graham Greer hopes to model his life after producer Joe Hardy

Ireland’s Devlins find Canadian connections with producer Malcolm Burn and manager Terry McBride

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON OCT. 16, 1997 By Steve Newton The music industry moves fast these days. As soon as there’s enough consumer demand for the next version of, say, No Doubt, some band with a slim blonde singer and quirky-looking bandmates rolls off the assembly line. I know, because I saw it on TV. Thanks … Continue reading Ireland’s Devlins find Canadian connections with producer Malcolm Burn and manager Terry McBride

Brian Vander Ark says everyone in the Verve Pipe loves Talking Heads

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, JUNE 17, 1997 By Steve Newton Anyone who’s been listening to mainstream rock radio lately has likely heard “The Freshmen”, a pretty little ballad by the Verve Pipe that seems based on the singer’s poignant recollections of indelible collegiate relationships. But as “The Freshmen” creator Brian Vander Ark explains … Continue reading Brian Vander Ark says everyone in the Verve Pipe loves Talking Heads

Something I wrote after the death of the Beat Farmers’ Country Dick Montana, who might be my dad

photo by kevin statham ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON NOV. 16, 1995 By Steve Newton On Halloween day in 1987, I did my first interview with Country Dick Montana of the Beat Farmers. At the time, the big, bearded mountain of a man was looking forward to an All Hallows’ Eve gig in “some giant airplane hanger–type … Continue reading Something I wrote after the death of the Beat Farmers’ Country Dick Montana, who might be my dad

Sandbox guitarist Mike Scott says the band’s perceived connection to Anne Murray is kind of a drag

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, MARCH 28, 1995 By Steve Newton Nova Scotia guitar-rockers Sandbox were nominated for a Juno Award in the best-new-group category this year, and considering the critical and commercial (near-gold) success of its Bionic debut, the band had a decent shot at the prize. Then there’s the fact that Sandbox … Continue reading Sandbox guitarist Mike Scott says the band’s perceived connection to Anne Murray is kind of a drag

Michael Schau dedicates Livin’ the Blues to Stevie Ray, Hendrix, and the two Alberts

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, FEB. 9, 1995 By Steve Newton During my years as a rock scribbler I’ve been fortunate enough to have interviewed lots of amazing guitarists. Unfortunately, many of them aren’t around anymore. Roy Buchanan hanged himself in a jail cell (or so the story goes). Danny Gatton shot himself in … Continue reading Michael Schau dedicates Livin’ the Blues to Stevie Ray, Hendrix, and the two Alberts

Ten Seconds Over Tokyo guitarist Tom Beaton was initiated into rock ‘n’ roll by Randy Rhoads

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, MARCH 11, 1993 By Steve Newton As a kid growing up in the tiny Ontario town of Watford (pop. 1,500), Tom Beaton didn’t get the chance to see many of the world’s greatest guitar heroes. But one fateful day he took a trip to London, Ont., to see Ozzy … Continue reading Ten Seconds Over Tokyo guitarist Tom Beaton was initiated into rock ‘n’ roll by Randy Rhoads

Bob Rock resurrects the Payola$ with Paul Hyde and sets up a helluva three-night benefit for B.C.’s Children’s Hospital

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, DEC. 8, 1994 By Steve Newton When the time comes to interview Bob Rock about the recent resurrection of the Payola$, the prospect is particularly appealing. Rumour has it that the big-time Vancouver producer (the Cult, Bon Jovi, Mötley Crüe) is to work with Metallica again soon, and I’m … Continue reading Bob Rock resurrects the Payola$ with Paul Hyde and sets up a helluva three-night benefit for B.C.’s Children’s Hospital

Guitar wizard David Gogo on his new debut LP and the undeniable influence of Stevie Ray Vaughan

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON APRIL 14, 1994 By Steve Newton If there’s a rock ’n’ roll heaven, you know they’ve got a helluva band...and I like to think that there are at least three guitarists in the lineup: Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimi Hendrix, and Randy Rhoads. And when I picture Vaughan, I see him doing his … Continue reading Guitar wizard David Gogo on his new debut LP and the undeniable influence of Stevie Ray Vaughan

The Harvesters’ Chris Springer thinks improvisational rock is replacing grunge

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON MAY 5, 1994 By Steve Newton The resurgence in recent years of rootsy, improvisational music—as exemplified by jam-happy recording acts like Blues Traveler, Phish, and Widespread Panic—has been a balm to anyone whose appreciation of instrumental ability has been tested by the nonmusical grate of rap or the mind-numbing drone of disco. … Continue reading The Harvesters’ Chris Springer thinks improvisational rock is replacing grunge

That time I asked Rob Halford what his personal fave tune was on the new Judas Priest album Painkiller

By Steve Newton I've interviewed Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford four times, and he's always been a very amicable, well-spoken chap. The second time was back in October of 1990, one month after the release of Priest's Painkiller album. At one point in the conversation I asked Halford what his personal favourite tune was on … Continue reading That time I asked Rob Halford what his personal fave tune was on the new Judas Priest album Painkiller