ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON AUG. 30, 2001 By Steve Newton On the cover of his latest CD, former Allman Brothers guitarist Dickey Betts is pictured standing in the entranceway of his Florida home, surrounded by his six bandmates, a small dog leaning against his denim-clad leg. The 57-year-old southern-rock hero looks contented in his snakeskin boots … Continue reading Dickey Betts says “a dirty little business deal” got him kicked out of the Allmans
Black Crowes influenced by where music came from and where it could go
When the Black Crowes hooked up with guitar legend Jimmy Page last year it was like a dream come true for many classic-rock fans.
The Faces-loving London Quireboys still like to have a tipple
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, AUG. 30, 2001 By Steve Newton When the London Quireboys blasted onto the music scene in 1990 with the swaggering boogie-blues hit “7 O’Clock”, originality wasn’t their stock-in-trade. They took their musical cues directly from Rod Stewart and the Faces, and even looked the part with their scarecrow hairdos … Continue reading The Faces-loving London Quireboys still like to have a tipple
Ian Hunter and Mick Ronson tour behind YUI Orta, so the Newt talks to Ronno
By Steve Newton On December 19, 1989, Ian Hunter and Mick Ronson played the 86 Street Music Hall in Vancouver. For me, it didn't get any better than that. I'd been a huge fan of Hunter ever since I first heard his old band, Mott the Hoople, and Ronson...well, if you liked David Bowie in … Continue reading Ian Hunter and Mick Ronson tour behind YUI Orta, so the Newt talks to Ronno
Lynyrd Skynyrd heads to Vancouver for a “Friday Night Special”
Southern-rock heroes Lynyrd Skynyrd have just announced a show at the Hard Rock Casino Vancouver. And it's on a Friday, which is pretty close to a "Saturday Night Special." As anyone who's followed the band from its early-'70s beginnings knows, Skynyrd's story is composed of the highest highs and lowest lows. The lowest was the … Continue reading Lynyrd Skynyrd heads to Vancouver for a “Friday Night Special”
Rock Hall finally inducts Stevie Ray Vaughan, could Rory Gallagher be next?
By Steve Newton The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has made some silly-ass moves over the years, nominating lame-o acts like Chic and inducting Cat Stevens while leaving more deserving nominees such as Link Wray and Deep Purple--artists who actually rock--out in the cold. Well, just yesterday the Rock Hall took a sizeable step away … Continue reading Rock Hall finally inducts Stevie Ray Vaughan, could Rory Gallagher be next?
Shit-hot picker Greg Koch shows off the Robin Trower signature Strat
If you were big fan of guitar-based rock in the '70s and your head wasn't too far up your ass you probably listened to Robin Trower, the bluesy British picker who released a string of soulful albums heavy on the Hendrix that went gold on the charts and in my rock-lovin' heart as well. Now Fender guitars … Continue reading Shit-hot picker Greg Koch shows off the Robin Trower signature Strat
David Gilmour performs “Wish You Were Here” at Pink Floyd’s old concert haunt
Thanks to a tweet from the fine folks at JamBase I just caught wind of a video of David Gilmour performing the Pink Floyd classic "Wish You Were Here" with some indie-rock band called Bombay Bicycle Club. Hey, wasn't that the name of a Vancouver nightclub back in the day? Sounds familiar. Anyway, Gilmour performed with BBC … Continue reading David Gilmour performs “Wish You Were Here” at Pink Floyd’s old concert haunt
Randy Hansen was baptized by the rain dripping off Jimi Hendrix’s boots
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 surely the son of God
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON 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, you ask? Well, … Continue reading If Clapton is God, then Doyle Bramhall II is surely the son of God
Yes guitarist Steve Howe says Chet Atkins was–and is–his number one
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON JULY 26, 2001 By Steve Newton When Yes guitarist Steve Howe calls 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 in the gambling mecca for two … 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 ON JULY 26, 2001 By Steve Newton 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