By Steve Newton Tom Morello is one of those activist-minded musicians who use their talent to bring attention to important causes they feel strongly about, and I admire that a lot. Morello is best known for his tenure with the political rock band Rage Against the Machine and then with Audioslave, but I interviewed him … Continue reading That time Tom Morello told me that he looks at guitars as collaborators
That time primo Vancouver picker Paul Pigat told me about getting turned on to Danny Gatton
By Steve Newton Metro Vancouver has spawned quite a few wicked guitar players, and I've been lucky to have interviewed a bunch. Some of my faves include Shaun Verreault, Dave Martone, Scott Smith, Don Alder, Russell Marsland, Lindsay Mitchell, Todd Taylor, Erol Sora, Devin Townsend, Harris Van Berkel, the late Scotty Hall, and the ever-lovin' … Continue reading That time primo Vancouver picker Paul Pigat told me about getting turned on to Danny Gatton
Roger Fisher moves on from Heart-break with new band 10 Bulls and hopes for a record deal
roger fisher with 10 Bulls ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON SEPT. 20, 1985 By Steve Newton Former Heart guitarist Roger Fisher, and his new band 10 Bulls, had their Vancouver debut at Club Soda this summer. The most surprising thing about their performance was the fact that nearly all their songs--with the exception of maybe five--were covers! … Continue reading Roger Fisher moves on from Heart-break with new band 10 Bulls and hopes for a record deal
Album review: The Charlie Daniels Band, A Decade of Hits (1983)
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, SEPT. 16, 1983 By Steve Newton If you happen to have a liking for Southern-fried country-rock and haven't already invested in a good cross-section of it, then the Charlie Daniels Band's latest collection would be a damn good place to start. Their foot-stomping, fiddle-riddled hits "The Devil Went Down … Continue reading Album review: The Charlie Daniels Band, A Decade of Hits (1983)
That time Jakob Dylan told me that his dad wasn’t a lightweight
By Steve Newton I interviewed 23-year-old Jakob Dylan back in February of 1993, five months after the release of the Wallflowers' self-titled debut album. That was three years before his band struck it rich with the quadruple-platinum Bringing Down the Horse CD and number-one hit "One Headlight". At one point in the conversation I said … Continue reading That time Jakob Dylan told me that his dad wasn’t a lightweight
That time I called up Stevie Ray Vaughan and he said he had to leave for soundcheck in five minutes
By Steve Newton Back in August of 1985 I did my first interview with Stevie Ray Vaughan, just before the release of his third studio album, Soul to Soul. He was on a tour that would bring him to Vancouver's Commodore Ballroom for two shows, on August 29 and 31. When he picked up the … Continue reading That time I called up Stevie Ray Vaughan and he said he had to leave for soundcheck in five minutes
Henry Fambrough says he could never think about being without the Spinners
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON APRIL 22, 1983 By Steve Newton The last time the Spinners were in Vancouver was way back in the sixties, when they came through here with the Marvin Gaye Revue. But lovers of the group's unmistakable brand of funky R&B still have a chance to catch the spirit of the near-legendary vocal … Continue reading Henry Fambrough says he could never think about being without the Spinners
That time Dave Brock told me that Hawkwind wasn’t influenced by anybody
By Steve Newton Back in December of 1990 I interviewed Hawkwind guitarist and founding member Dave Brock. I called him up in Cleveland, where his space-rock band was touring behind its latest album, Space Bandits. At one point in the conversation I asked Brock if Hawkwind was influenced by prog groups like Pink Floyd and … Continue reading That time Dave Brock told me that Hawkwind wasn’t influenced by anybody
That time original Heart guitarist Roger Fisher told me how he really felt about the Wilson sisters
By Steve Newton I interviewed former Heart lead-guitarist Roger Fisher in September of 1985, when he was promoting his new Seattle-based band 10 Bulls. As you may already know, Fisher was an original Heart member whose fiery guitarwork lit up tunes like "Barracuda" and "Magic Man". He was also guitarist-vocalist Nancy Wilson's boyfriend before getting … Continue reading That time original Heart guitarist Roger Fisher told me how he really felt about the Wilson sisters
Album review: Goanna, Spirit of Place (1983)
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, JUNE 20, 1983 By Steve Newton A very pleasing album of music that falls somewhere between light rock and heavy folk, Spirit of Place is yet another consistent and commercially potent release from Down Under. Australia's Goanna band takes the best elements of their countrymates' music--the lovely vocal harmonies … Continue reading Album review: Goanna, Spirit of Place (1983)
Album review: Headpins, Line of Fire (1983)
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, SEPT. 2, 1983 By Steve Newton If you liked the scorching guitar, howling vocals, and sturdy bass and drums projected on the Headpin's debut album last year, their new one, Line of Fire, should also be enjoyed. But if you were hoping this popular local band might develop a … Continue reading Album review: Headpins, Line of Fire (1983)
Album review: Coney Hatch, Outa Hand (1983)
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, SEPT. 2, 1983 By Steve Newton The opening track, "Don't' Say Make Me", comes off nice 'n' raunchy, with a heavy British sound and a screaming Steve Shelski solo that just fits. But things go sour quick on Coney Hatch's second album. The repetition and limpness of the second … Continue reading Album review: Coney Hatch, Outa Hand (1983)
Graham Goble knows it’s a long way there, so Little River Band recruits John Farnham for the trip
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON OCT. 14, 1983 By Steve Newton When, after releasing six albums, a group loses both its original lead singer and lead guitarist, there's a good chance a large number of longtime fans will be next to go. But that shouldn't be the case with the Little River Band, for as Vancouver audiences … Continue reading Graham Goble knows it’s a long way there, so Little River Band recruits John Farnham for the trip