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
Shaun Verreault deploys three slides at once to explore new ways of playing guitar
christopher edmonstone photo ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON JAN. 16, 2021 By Steve Newton Over the last few months I've been checking in with Vancouver's top guitar players to find out how, as professional musicians, they've been coping with the COVID-19 pandemic. Back in October Scott Smith of Terminal Station explained how he was recording artists at … Continue reading Shaun Verreault deploys three slides at once to explore new ways of playing guitar
If he doesn’t start making some money, 20 Miles’ Judah Bauer will wish he’s in Blue Explosion
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, NOV. 6, 2003 By Steve Newton 20 Miles doesn’t seem like the most appropriate name for Judah Bauer’s band. The singer, songwriter, and guitarist—also known for his six-string work with the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion—should be in a group called 2,000 Miles, as he always seems to be covering … Continue reading If he doesn’t start making some money, 20 Miles’ Judah Bauer will wish he’s in Blue Explosion
Vancouver shredder Dave Martone gets emotional thinking about his hero Eddie Van Halen
edgar barseghyan photo ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON NOV. 18, 2020 By Steve Newton When the global pandemic hit last March, Vancouver guitarist Dave Martone was doing pretty well financially. He wasn't living in a mansion like the guy from Nickelback, mind you, but he was busy as hell, playing an average of 35 gigs a month, … Continue reading Vancouver shredder Dave Martone gets emotional thinking about his hero Eddie Van Halen
Newt’s top 10 things to do in Metro Vancouver this weekend, Oct. 28-30
Rock N' Roll Circus plays Seymour's Pub By Steve Newton FRIDAY: '70s-style Vancouver rock band Rock N' Roll Circus plays North Van's Seymour's Pub & Grill in celebration of singer Chris Woudstra's 50th birthday. FRIDAY: screening at the Rio Theatre of the extended director's cut of director William Friedkin's supernatural horror classic, The Exorcist. FRIDAY: … Continue reading Newt’s top 10 things to do in Metro Vancouver this weekend, Oct. 28-30
That time Gary Rossington told me that he wasn’t “Workin’ for MCA” anymore
By Steve Newton Way the hell back in 1986 I interviewed Gary Rossington and his wife Dale Krantz-Rossington. The happy couple, with two infant daughters, had just released the debut Rossington album, Returned to the Scene of the Crime, their first recording since the breakup of the Rossington-Collins Band in 1982. Both of Rossington's previous … Continue reading That time Gary Rossington told me that he wasn’t “Workin’ for MCA” anymore
The Ramblin’ Ambassadors’ Brent J. Cooper called in a favour from his Shadowy pal Brian Connelly
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, OCT. 9, 2003 By Steve Newton Calgary’s Huevos Rancheros were one of Western Canada’s best-loved instro-rock acts for nearly 10 years, but that didn’t stop guitarist Brent J. Cooper from disbanding the twangy trio in 2001. Strangely enough, he put the group to rest because he wanted to gig … Continue reading The Ramblin’ Ambassadors’ Brent J. Cooper called in a favour from his Shadowy pal Brian Connelly