McCafferty, left, with Nazareth in the '70s By Steve Newton Just had some sad news relayed to me by my nephew Jeff, the rock-loving dude you may have heard about through my backstage memories of Iron Maiden and Motley Crue. Jeff let me know that Dan McCafferty, the original vocalist for Scottish guitar-rockers Nazareth, had … Continue reading Nazareth singer Dan McCafferty dead at 76
Neil Young’s 20 best songs, from wicked to freakin’ awesome
By Steve Newton Please note: this list doesn't include any of the songs Neil wrote and recorded with groups like Buffalo Springfield, CSNY, or the Stills-Young Band, so don't come cryin' to me that "Long May You Run" isn't on there. 20. "Walk On" (On the Beach, 1974) 19. "I Believe in You" (After the … Continue reading Neil Young’s 20 best songs, from wicked to freakin’ awesome
Lee Aaron projects a feminine power figure on new Metal Queen
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, MAY 11, 1984 By Steve Newton Many a sideways glance and inquisitive gaze came our way as heavy metalist Lee Aaron and I strolled down Burrard Street recently, enroute to a mid-day snack and chat. It was a sunny afternoon and, to the mostly suit-and-tie crowd returning from lunch, … Continue reading Lee Aaron projects a feminine power figure on new Metal Queen
Newt’s top 10 (or 11) things to do in Vancouver this week, Nov. 7 to 11
Blackie and the Rodeo Kings play the Commodore By Steve Newton MONDAY: American singer-rapper Lizzo plays Rogers Arena on The Special Tour, with guest Latto. MONDAY: AEG and MRG Live present New Zealand's Bret McKenzie--one half of the musical comedy duo Flight of the Conchords--performing at the Vogue Theatre on his Songs Without Jokes Tour. … Continue reading Newt’s top 10 (or 11) things to do in Vancouver this week, Nov. 7 to 11
Roy Forbes looks back on half a century in the music biz
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON OCT. 16, 2021 By Steve Newton Roy Forbes is celebrating 50 years in the music business right now, because back in 1971--18 years old and fresh out of Dawson Creek--he showed up in Vancouver to launch his career as a singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer. Back then, though, he was better known as … Continue reading Roy Forbes looks back on half a century in the music biz
That time Tommy Aldridge told me that they threatened to break his arms if he left Black Oak Arkansas
By Steve Newton I interviewed hard-rock drum legend Tommy Aldridge for the first time back in April of 1990, when he was touring with Whitesnake in support of their latest album, Slip of the Tongue. I'd been a fan of his ever since I first heard him in the '70s, slamming the skins for southern-rockers … Continue reading That time Tommy Aldridge told me that they threatened to break his arms if he left Black Oak Arkansas
Anthrax to play Vancouver with Black Label Society and Exodus
By Steve Newton Hey Vancouver metalheads: get your wallets ready. American metal legends Anthrax have announced that they're playing the PNE Forum on January 20, along with fellow Yanks Black Label Society and Exodus. Anthrax's current lineup includes singer Joey Belladonna, lead guitarist John Donais, rhythm guitarist Scott Ian, bassist Frank Bello, and drummer Charlie … Continue reading Anthrax to play Vancouver with Black Label Society and Exodus
Newt’s top 10 things to do in Metro Vancouver this weekend, Nov. 4 to 6
Moonage Daydream screens at the Rio By Steve Newton FRIDAY: the Geekenders host a screening at the Rio Theatre of director Jim Sharman's 1975 rock musical The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Alex Flock plays Guilt & Co. FRIDAY: Alex Flock's Funk Brigade, featuring Vancouver guitarist Alexander Flock, presents its take on classic funk hits at … Continue reading Newt’s top 10 things to do in Metro Vancouver this weekend, Nov. 4 to 6
Album review: Jethro Tull: The Jethro Tull Christmas Album (2003)
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, DEC. 11, 2003 By Steve Newton Despite its title, this is not your typical Christmas recording. There are no “Jingle Bells” or “Frosty the Snowman”, although there is a jazzy instrumental version of “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”. British prog-rock veterans Jethro Tull choose mainly to integrate classic holiday … Continue reading Album review: Jethro Tull: The Jethro Tull Christmas Album (2003)
That time Al Stewart told me that he adored Don Henley’s latest hit, “The Boys of Summer”
By Steve Newton I first got turned on to Scottish-born singer-songwriter Al Stewart when I heard his catchy 1976 hit single "Year of the Cat", from the LP of the same name. I bought his next album, Time Passages, and I liked that one as well. Then I went back and checked out his earlier, … Continue reading That time Al Stewart told me that he adored Don Henley’s latest hit, “The Boys of Summer”
Robert Connely Farr brings his deep and dirty southern blues up north
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON FEB. 20, 2021 By Steve Newton When Louisiana slide-guitar wizard Sonny Landreth played the Rio Theatre in August of 2019, those who arrived early enough to see the opening act got a real treat. It was a local Mississippi transplant named Robert Connely Farr, who'd been blowing people away with his album … Continue reading Robert Connely Farr brings his deep and dirty southern blues up north
Paul Pigat has been told that Cousin Harley are like “the Motorhead of rockabilly”
adam pw smith photo ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON JAN. 23, 2021 By Steve Newton When COVID-19 killed concerts last year, professional musicians who relied heavily on revenue from live shows were put in financial peril. That fact wasn't lost on Vancouver guitar ace Paul Pigat, who normally chocks up plenty of gigs with his bands Cousin … Continue reading Paul Pigat has been told that Cousin Harley are like “the Motorhead of rockabilly”
Newt’s top 10 things to do in Metro Vancouver this week, Oct. 31-Nov. 4
Nick Mason's Saucerful of Secrets By Steve Newton MONDAY: the last night of Fright Nights: Resurrection, a Halloween-themed experience at Playland with seven haunted houses, over 15 rides, creepy décor, roaming monsters, and live performances. MONDAY: Halloween Horror Trivia Night at the Cinematheque includes a screening of director David Cronenberg's The Fly, starring Jeff Goldblum. Wendell … Continue reading Newt’s top 10 things to do in Metro Vancouver this week, Oct. 31-Nov. 4