ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, AUG. 16, 2001 By Steve Newton Randy Hansen has been immersing himself in the music of Jimi Hendrix since 1967, when an older acquaintance tipped him off about this amazing guitarist who had just played the Monterey Pop Festival. Taking this fellow’s advice, Hansen went out and bought the … Continue reading Randy Hansen was baptized by the rain dripping off Jimi Hendrix’s boots
Randy Bachman recalls how Dylan lyrics and Vancouver acid inspired the Guess Who’s “Undun”
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON AUG. 2, 2001 By Steve Newton Most red-blooded Canuck-rock fans over 40 have memories of their favourite Guess Who tune. Some prefer the riff-driven bluesiness and sneering attitude of “American Woman”; others are more drawn to the celebratory, peace-and-togetherness vibe of “Share the Land”. There may even be a few sad sacks … Continue reading Randy Bachman recalls how Dylan lyrics and Vancouver acid inspired the Guess Who’s “Undun”
If Clapton is God, then Doyle Bramhall II is the son of God
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, AUG. 2, 2001 BY STEVE NEWTON “Clapton is God!” is a phrase that was bandied about early on in Eric Clapton’s fabled career, but there may be a new guitar-hero catchphrase on the horizon. How about “Bramhall is the Son of God!” And who the hell is Bramhall, … Continue reading If Clapton is God, then Doyle Bramhall II is the son of God
Yes guitarist Steve Howe says Chet Atkins was–and is–his number one
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, JULY 26, 2001 By Steve Newton When Yes guitarist Steve Howe calls the Straight office from Reno, Nevada, it’s not to brag about how well he’s been doing at the blackjack tables. Although he and his bandmates—vocalist Jon Anderson, bassist Chris Squire, and drummer Alan White—have been holed up … Continue reading Yes guitarist Steve Howe says Chet Atkins was–and is–his number one
2nd annual Burnaby Blues Fest suits yard apes and beer drinkers alike
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, JULY 26, 2001 As any local fan will tell you, the Vancouver area has needed a full-fledged blues festival for so long that it hurts. Harmonica ace and CFMI Sunday Blues radio-show host Stormin’ Norm Casler tried getting an annual all-day blues fest going at Granville Island a few … Continue reading 2nd annual Burnaby Blues Fest suits yard apes and beer drinkers alike
Sue Foley thinks Memphis Minnie was like the female Robert Johnson
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON JULY 19, 2001 By Steve Newton When she was just 21 years old, Ottawa native Sue Foley moved to Austin, Texas, to be where a promising blues artist oughta be. She made her mark down there, being taken under the wing of local blues mogul Clifford Antone, playing her butt off with … Continue reading Sue Foley thinks Memphis Minnie was like the female Robert Johnson
Steve Hackett leaves Vancouver aglow with a major Genesis buzz
all crappy iPhone photos by the newt By Steve Newton At the Vogue Theatre last night former Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett and his killer band performed the best-loved songs from his old group's '70s heyday. Those included "The Fountain of Salmacis" from 1971's Nursery Cryme, the seven-part "Supper's Ready" from 1972's Foxtrot, "Firth of Fifth" from my … Continue reading Steve Hackett leaves Vancouver aglow with a major Genesis buzz
Steve Hackett doesn’t think the job of Genesis guitarist is available to him
By Steve Newton Genesis freaks will be getting their fill of the band's "golden age" tonight at the Vogue Theatre's Genesis Extended show. That's when former Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett leads his touring band in material from the prog-rock group's '70s heyday, when it featured him, singer Peter Gabriel, drummer Phil Collins, keyboardist Tony Banks, … Continue reading Steve Hackett doesn’t think the job of Genesis guitarist is available to him
Former Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett plays any solo he wants on “The Knife”
By Steve Newton Vancouver's hardcore Genesis fans are no doubt chomping at the bit for the upcoming performance by Steve Hackett, the legendary band’s former guitarist. On his current tour, Genesis Extended--which plays the Vogue Theatre tomorrow (December 11)--the 64-year-old picker and his five-piece band re-create the best-loved tracks from the group’s ’70s heyday, when … Continue reading Former Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett plays any solo he wants on “The Knife”
Iron Maiden plays Vancouver on the Powerslave tour, Dave Murray talks to the Newt
By Steve Newton On December 9, 1984, Iron Maiden played the Pacific Coliseum in Vancouver--with Twisted Sister opening up! Not only that, but the paper put my interview with the British metal legends on the front page, featuring a totally rockin' live photo by famed Vancouver photographer Bev Davies. I hadn't been so proud of … Continue reading Iron Maiden plays Vancouver on the Powerslave tour, Dave Murray talks to the Newt
Buddy Miles proclaims “there’s nobody can even mess with Jimi”
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON JULY 19, 2001 BY STEVE NEWTON When ’60s blues legend Willie Dixon wrote “Wang Dang Doodle” for vocalist Koko Taylor, it was pretty clear from her lusty delivery that the term was a euphemism for sex. In the ’70s, crotch-rocker Ted Nugent put his own randy spin on the phrase with “Wang … Continue reading Buddy Miles proclaims “there’s nobody can even mess with Jimi”
Rick Nielsen calls early to talk Cheap Trick and Vancouver’s “cannabis people”
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON JULY 19, 2001 By Steve Newton Rock stars don’t always call on time. Sometimes they don’t even call at all. And it’s a rare occasion when they actually call early. So when Cheap Trick guitarist Rick Nielsen rings up from Phoenix a good 10 minutes before our scheduled interview time, I’m caught … Continue reading Rick Nielsen calls early to talk Cheap Trick and Vancouver’s “cannabis people”
Tantric rises from the ashes of Days of the New, tours with 3 Doors Down and Lifehouse
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, JULY 5, 2001 In November of 1998, an acoustic guitar–based rock band out of Kentucky called Days of the New had the world by the short ’n’ curlies. Its self-titled debut album had gone platinum, it had garnered heavy airplay on MTV, and it had even landed a tour … Continue reading Tantric rises from the ashes of Days of the New, tours with 3 Doors Down and Lifehouse