Todd Kerns feels like the Age of Electric are on a mission from god

By Steve Newton Some rock bands from decades past really push it when it comes to authenticity. Often you’ll see a group that’s touring under its old moniker with only one or two original members. Or maybe there’ll just be one—who also happens to be the drummer. (I’m talkin’ to you, Foghat!) It’s a rarity … Continue reading Todd Kerns feels like the Age of Electric are on a mission from god

Slash bassist Todd Kerns thinks it’s “surreal” that Axl Rose is in AC/DC

By Steve Newton I was interviewing Todd Kerns a few days ago in advance of his gig with the Age of Electric in Vancouver next weekend, and naturally--since he's the bassist for Slash--the conversation headed in to Guns N' Roses territory. I asked him what he thought of GN'R singer Axl Rose taking Brian Johnson's … Continue reading Slash bassist Todd Kerns thinks it’s “surreal” that Axl Rose is in AC/DC

Blues-rock guitar great Lonnie Mack, idol of Stevie Ray Vaughan, dies at 74

By Steve Newton The music world is still in heavy mourning, trying to come to grips with the shocking news of Prince's death today. But the pop legend from Minneapolis wasn't the only gifted artist to pass away on April 21, 2016. Alligator Records sent out a press release tonight relaying the sad news that guitar … Continue reading Blues-rock guitar great Lonnie Mack, idol of Stevie Ray Vaughan, dies at 74

Joe Satriani isn’t a Gibson man but he’s the ultimate melody maker

By Steve Newton Joe Satriani has long been known as one of the most technically proficient rock guitarists around, a speedy fretburner and masterful creator of—to use the title of his 2002 album—Strange Beautiful Music. The beauty in his tunes has a lot to do with his ability to craft gorgeous melodies. You may recall … Continue reading Joe Satriani isn’t a Gibson man but he’s the ultimate melody maker

AC/DC fans unimpressed with Axl Rose hiring suggest Angry Anderson, Marc Storace, and the guy from Airbourne

By Steve Newton Yesterday I posted a blog claiming that AC/DC had "f***ed up" by making Guns N' Roses frontman Axl Rose their singer instead of Aussie rock legend (and legendary screamer) Jimmy Barnes, of Cold Chisel fame. My blog got a lot of comments. Some folks thought I was right on, and that Barnes … Continue reading AC/DC fans unimpressed with Axl Rose hiring suggest Angry Anderson, Marc Storace, and the guy from Airbourne

AC/DC f***ed up: they shoulda hired Jimmy Barnes instead of Axl Rose

By Steve Newton By now the rock world is fully abuzz with the official announcement from AC/DC that Axl Rose from Guns N' Roses will be the new singer for the rest of its Rock or Bust World Tour. They could've done better, if you ask me. I don't think Axl Rose's voice is close … Continue reading AC/DC f***ed up: they shoulda hired Jimmy Barnes instead of Axl Rose

Joe Satriani likes Uli Jon Roth’s “beautiful sounding” Sky guitar, but figures 24 frets are enough for him

By Steve Newton Back in 2016 I went and saw Uli Jon Roth's Ultimate Guitar Experience in Vancouver, and man--the things the German guitar wizard and ex-Scorp can do on his 32-fret Sky guitar are something to behold. So a few weeks later when I interviewed Joe Satriani for the sixth or seventh time I asked him what … Continue reading Joe Satriani likes Uli Jon Roth’s “beautiful sounding” Sky guitar, but figures 24 frets are enough for him

John Cougar Mellencamp may be little but he’s no bastard on the Scarecrow Tour in Vancouver

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, APRIL 25, 1986 By Steve Newton He calls himself Little Bastard on his album productions credits, and after meeting John Cougar Mellencamp backstage before last week's (April 16) Coliseum show, I half-understood why. He's not a bastard. On the contrary he seemed like a very nice fellow, all smiles … Continue reading John Cougar Mellencamp may be little but he’s no bastard on the Scarecrow Tour in Vancouver

The Newt Commute #3: BTO’s “Second Hand” might be their best song ever

By Steve Newton It's been a while since I've posted a "Newt Commute" blog--the last time was back in November when I fell under the bluesy spell of Muddy Waters while making the heinous trek in to Vancouver from that other side of the Alex Fraser Bridge. But today I treated the Toyota's CD player to … Continue reading The Newt Commute #3: BTO’s “Second Hand” might be their best song ever

Rudy Sarzo recalls the buzz of Quiet Riot opening Heavy Metal Day at the US Festival in ’83

By Steve Newton I interviewed hard rock/metal bass god Rudy Sarzo at the Vancouver office of CBS Records back in August of 1983. That was less than three months after Sarzo's band, Quiet Riot, had opened Heavy Metal Day at the US Festival, one of the biggest outdoor concerts in North America. Also on the … Continue reading Rudy Sarzo recalls the buzz of Quiet Riot opening Heavy Metal Day at the US Festival in ’83

When Foghat were the Kneetremblers and Roger Earl played to the cheap seats

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, APRIL 11, 1986 By Steve Newton Have you ever heard of the Kneetremblers? Didn't think so. How about Foghat? Now that name should ring a bell, because Foghat were one of the top boogie bands of the seventies. They released 14 hard-driving albums, although only one of their songs, … Continue reading When Foghat were the Kneetremblers and Roger Earl played to the cheap seats