@shotbykevin ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, JAN. 29, 2004 By Steve Newton Boy, talk about goin' through ch-ch-ch-ch-changes. Although he's always been one of the most charismatic rock stars of all time, David Bowie hasn't always been able--or willing--to connect with a live audience. I recall seeing him at the Pacific Coliseum on the … Continue reading Affable hipster David Bowie enthrals on A Reality Tour in Vancouver
Deep Purple’s still smokin’ after all these years
ORIGINALLY POSTED ON STRAIGHT.COM, FEB. 5, 2004 By Steve Newton British rock veterans Deep Purple sold out their upcoming Orpheum show in one week, which ain't bad for a band that hit its commercial peak 30 years ago. Maybe the strong sales were due to the fact that the group hasn't played Vancouver since the … Continue reading Deep Purple’s still smokin’ after all these years
Buddy Guy dedicated his Blues Singer album to John Lee Hooker
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON FEB. 19, 2004 By Steve Newton Chicago blues great Buddy Guy has played the Commodore Ballroom many times during his 45-year career, but the next time he visits the historic venue he won't be sporting his trademark black Strat with the big white polka dots. For the first time here, the guitar … Continue reading Buddy Guy dedicated his Blues Singer album to John Lee Hooker
Neil Young & Crazy Horse finish strong
ORIGINALLY POSTED ON STRAIGHT.COM, FEB. 26, 2004 By Steve Newton Few bands set the heart of a dedicated guitar-rock fan atwitter the way that Neil Young & Crazy Horse can. Over the years, the no-frills combo of lead guitarist Young, bassist Billy Talbot, drummer Ralph Molina, and rhythm guitarist Frank "Poncho" Sampedro--and before him, drug … Continue reading Neil Young & Crazy Horse finish strong
Dr. John is still rubbing elbows with the elite
ORIGINALLY POSTED ON STRAIGHT.COM, MARCH 4, 2004 By Steve Newton You learn pretty quickly as a music writer not to put too much faith in recording artists' bios. Once in a while, though, the proclamations heard in those promotional sheets actually turn out to be true. Take the opening line of the current PR blurb … Continue reading Dr. John is still rubbing elbows with the elite
Paul Kelly’s Ways & Means reveals two sides of an Aussie giant
ORIGINALLY POSTED ON STRAIGHT.COM, MARCH 18, 2004 By Steve Newton When the Straight reaches Paul Kelly by phone at a New York hotel room, he's just hours away from playing Manhattan's famed Knitting Factory. The Aussie rock great has been in the Big Apple for a couple of days, mostly doing radio interviews, but he got out … Continue reading Paul Kelly’s Ways & Means reveals two sides of an Aussie giant
Jim Byrnes busts out of the blues
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON MARCH 18, 2004 By Steve Newton For many Vancouver music fans, the name Jim Byrnes brings to mind a laid-back blues veteran, grizzled yet hip, weaving soulful tales with his smoky voice, slipping in subtle slide-guitar bits here and there. The actor-musician's latest CD, Fresh Horses, doesn't abandon his patented sound, but … Continue reading Jim Byrnes busts out of the blues
James Hetfield on addiction, rehab, and channelling the anger with Metallica
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON MARCH 25, 2004 By Steve Newton Reno, Nevada, isn't the ideal place for a man battling addictions to be, but Metallica main man James Hetfield seems up to the challenge. When he calls from a tour stop in the renowned party town, the newly rehabilitated rocker makes it clear that he wasn't … Continue reading James Hetfield on addiction, rehab, and channelling the anger with Metallica
Blues-rocking Trews like to keep things interesting
ORIGINALLY POSTED ON STRAIGHT.COM, APRIL 8, 2004 By Steve Newton Niagara Falls based guitar-rockers the Trews have a memorable bio making the rounds in the music press. Sure, the quartet's Sony Music promo sheet is typical in that it comes off as a rave about the band, but the way it's done is unique. For … Continue reading Blues-rocking Trews like to keep things interesting
Blue Voodoo shoots for versatility
ORIGINALLY POSTED ON STRAIGHT.COM, APRIL 15, 2004 It's just after midnight on a Friday in downtown New Westminster, but there are few signs of weekend revelry along the main drag of Columbia Street. Still, a Surrey-based acoustic combo named the Blue Voodoo is doing its best to get at least a few of the Royal … Continue reading Blue Voodoo shoots for versatility
Southern Culture on the Skids tones down the white-trash shtick
ORIGINALLY POSTED ON STRAIGHT.COM, MAY 6, 2004 By Steve Newton When the Straight connects with Southern Culture on the Skids guitarist-vocalist Rick Miller, he's on a cellphone in his band's van, cruising through the Pennsylvania countryside en route to a Pittsburgh gig. The vehicle is a late-model Ford Econoline, a replacement for the trio's previous set … Continue reading Southern Culture on the Skids tones down the white-trash shtick
Kroeker Fulfills His Wish List
ORIGINALLY POSTED ON STRAIGHT.COM, MAY 13, 2003 WHEN JOEL KROEKER shows up at the Straight office gripping a backpack, it's easy to mistake him for one of the bike couriers who frequent the place. With his short, dyed-blond hair and pierced right eyebrow, he's got that alternative vibe that hard-core couriers favour; the slim 30-year-old also looks in … Continue reading Kroeker Fulfills His Wish List
T-Model Ford Lives Large
ORIGINALLY POSTED ON STRAIGHT.COM, MAY 20, 2004 By Steve Newton Multiplatinum gangsta-rapper 50 Cent is famous for the several bullet wounds he sports. Big freakin' deal: T-Model Ford's been shot, stabbed, and poisoned. He even spent time on a Mississippi chain gang as a youth after killing a man. Looks like there's a new bad-ass mofo in town, … Continue reading T-Model Ford Lives Large