Steve Newton It was one of the biggest thrills of my 37 years of rock writing to chat with Steve Cropper for the first time in 2019. He's recorded and performed with many of the world's finest musicians, and is widely regarded as one of the top guitarists of all time. So I was kinda … Continue reading Steve Cropper says that he knows his limitations as a guitar player
That time Warren Haynes told me that his Allman Brothers song “Soulshine” was inspired by his dad
By Steve Newton There some tunes that just grab you by the heart with their simple beauty and honesty and, if you're lucky, maybe a wailing Les Paul guitar. "Soulshine" is one of 'em. When I interviewed Allman Brothers guitarist Warren Haynes for the first time, a quarter-century ago, the band was touring behind its … Continue reading That time Warren Haynes told me that his Allman Brothers song “Soulshine” was inspired by his dad
That time I did the Toddcast Podcast, with a little help from Stevie Ray Vaughan, Ronnie James Dio, Gregg Allman, and Bruce Fairbairn
By Steve Newton I can't believe I opened for Corey Hart today! Okay, it wasn't like I warmed up the audience for the "Sunglasses at Night" guy on his Back from the '80s Seeking Cash Tour or anything. But I did make my first-ever guest appearance on a podcast, so that's pretty cool. Todd Hancock--the … Continue reading That time I did the Toddcast Podcast, with a little help from Stevie Ray Vaughan, Ronnie James Dio, Gregg Allman, and Bruce Fairbairn
Deep Purple’s 20 best songs, from wicked to freakin’ awesome
By Steve Newton Machine Head still rules. 20. "And the Address" (Shades of Deep Purple, 1968) 19. "Flight of the Rat" (Deep Purple in Rock, 1970) 18. "Lay Down, Stay Down" (Burn, 1974) 17. "Gypsy" (Stormbringer, 1974) 16. "Wring that Neck" (The Book of Taliesyn, 1968) 15. "Hush" (Shades of Deep Purple, 1968) 14. "Soldier … Continue reading Deep Purple’s 20 best songs, from wicked to freakin’ awesome
That time Lemmy from Motörhead made me feel like a twit because I hadn’t heard Skunk Anansie yet
By Steve Newton One thing you had to love about Lemmy Kilmister--apart from his brain-rattling music--was how good he was at being himself. He wasn't the type to put on airs. He said whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted. And if he happened to hurt your wittle bitty feelings being Lenny, tough titty. That was … Continue reading That time Lemmy from Motörhead made me feel like a twit because I hadn’t heard Skunk Anansie yet
Steve Cropper says that his favourite living guitarist isn’t Clapton, Beck, or Page–it’s Feliciano
By Steve Newton I interviewed guitar legend Steve Cropper last week, in advance of his gig with Dave Mason in Vancouver this Wednesday, and man was I psyched about that. You just can't find musicians with more cred than Crop. So of course I had to ask the 77-year-old fretmaster my standard question for players … Continue reading Steve Cropper says that his favourite living guitarist isn’t Clapton, Beck, or Page–it’s Feliciano
Dick Dale signed the Ear of Newt guitar
By Steve Newton Way back in July of 1993 I did my first interview with Dick Dale, the pioneering surf-rock guitarist who passed away two nights ago. I chatted with the 56-year-old Californian in advance of a show at the Commodore Ballroom, one of the top live venues in Vancouver. After the gig I hung … Continue reading Dick Dale signed the Ear of Newt guitar
Dick Dale–the Strat-shredding, pick-melting King of the Surf Guitar–is dead at 81
By Steve Newton The unconfirmed reports circulating earlier today have now been confirmed: Dick Dale, the legendary guitarist whose finger-bleeding fretting style inspired countless guitarists, has died at 81. Dale's passing was confirmed by his bass player, Sam Bolle, and first reported by the California Rocker website. No cause of death was given, but Dale … Continue reading Dick Dale–the Strat-shredding, pick-melting King of the Surf Guitar–is dead at 81
That time Allman Brothers guitarist Warren Haynes told me who his biggest influences were on slide
By Steve Newton Oh man, I freakin' love the sound of slide guitar. And I especially love it when it's being created by somebody like Warren Haynes. In case you didn't know, Haynes is the player who took over the slide duties when the Allman Brothers reunited back in 1989. I did my first interview … Continue reading That time Allman Brothers guitarist Warren Haynes told me who his biggest influences were on slide
Steve Cropper recalls almost working with the Beatles in Memphis, before Brian Epstein pulled the plug
By Steve Newton Steve Cropper was recently added to the Dave Mason Band tour, which is totally awesome, and not just because he'll now be appearing with Mason at Vancouver's Vogue Theatre next Thursday (March 21). It's also totally awesome because three days ago I got to interview the guitar legend for the first time … Continue reading Steve Cropper recalls almost working with the Beatles in Memphis, before Brian Epstein pulled the plug
Alice Cooper’s 20 best songs, from wicked to freakin’ awesome
By Steve Newton The Coop ruled in the early seventies. 20. "Big Apple Dreamin' (Hippo)" (Muscle of Love, 1973) 19. "Unfinished Sweet" (Billion Dollar Babies, 1973) 18. "My Stars" (School's Out, 1972) 17. "Elected" (Billion Dollar Babies, 1973) 16. "You Drive Me Nervous" (Killer, 1971) 15. "Hard Hearted Alice" (Muscle of Love, 1973) 14. "Alma … Continue reading Alice Cooper’s 20 best songs, from wicked to freakin’ awesome
God bless Steve Cropper’s guitar solo on Rod Stewart’s “Stone Cold Sober”
By Steve Newton Aw crap! I interviewed guitar legend Steve Cropper today and forgot to thank him for the guitar solo he did back in '75 on "Stone Cold Sober", a killer tune he cowrote with Rod Stewart for the Atlantic Crossing album. As the weird kids say on social media these days, that solo is … Continue reading God bless Steve Cropper’s guitar solo on Rod Stewart’s “Stone Cold Sober”
That time I asked Warren Haynes if he was daunted by the prospect of taking over Duane Allman’s spot opposite Dickey Betts
By Steve Newton The first time I ever saw Warren Haynes perform live was back in 1989, when he was a member of the Dickey Betts Band. The group played Vancouver's 86 Street Music Hall, touring behind its debut album Pattern Disruptive, and holy crap was Haynes a killer on the slide guitar. Five years … Continue reading That time I asked Warren Haynes if he was daunted by the prospect of taking over Duane Allman’s spot opposite Dickey Betts