By Steve Newton Looking back on my over 40 years as a music writer, there's one thing that I did pretty consistently that I'm really, really happy about. I kept almost all of the cassette tapes I used to record my interviews. I mean, I never thought, while I was recording my phone conversation with … Continue reading The Newt is psyched that bits of his old Gord Downie interviews will be heard in the Tragically Hip’s Amazon Prime docuseries
10 memorable concerts at 10 lost but unforgotten Vancouver venues
By Steve Newton As a freelance music writer in Vancouver since 1982, I've seen a lotta concerts. Most of the arena shows I reviewed took place at the Pacific Coliseum, until the Vancouver Canucks found a new home downtown in 1995 at GM Place, which was renamed Rogers Arena in 2010. But I wasn't just … Continue reading 10 memorable concerts at 10 lost but unforgotten Vancouver venues
Newt’s top 10 (or 15) things to do in Metro Vancouver this weekend, November 17 to 19
The Canucks play the Kraken By Steve Newton FRIDAY: Montreal electro-pop singer-songwriter Charlotte Cardin plays the Commodore Ballroom, with guests New West from Toronto. SOLD OUT. FRIDAY: Steely Dan tribute band Steelin' in the Years plays Port Moody's Inlet Theatre, with guests Blues Hoodoo. FRIDAY: eight-piece Vancouver band Zappostrophe' performs the music of Frank Zappa … Continue reading Newt’s top 10 (or 15) things to do in Metro Vancouver this weekend, November 17 to 19
Dan McCafferty explains the story behind Nazareth’s controversial “Vancouver Shakedown”
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON NOVEMBER 23, 1984 By Steve Newton Back about ten years ago, one of the coolest things for a Chilliwack high school student to do was cruise up and down the town's main drag--preferably in a Dodge Dart--and play eight-track tapes as close to the distortion level as possible. And as I recall, … Continue reading Dan McCafferty explains the story behind Nazareth’s controversial “Vancouver Shakedown”
Joe Satriani tackles the “impossible to play” intro to Van Halen’s “Mean Street” before rocking out on “5150”
By Steve Newton Yesterday I mentioned here that Sammy Hagar had just announced his Best of All Worlds Tour, wherein he'll hook up with guitarist Joe Satriani, bassist Michael Anthony, and drummer Jason Bonham for a six-week tour next summer. Today that lineup appeared on the Howard Stern Show, where Satch attempted to perform Eddie … Continue reading Joe Satriani tackles the “impossible to play” intro to Van Halen’s “Mean Street” before rocking out on “5150”
Joe Satriani will channel Eddie Van Halen (and maybe Ronnie Montrose) on Sammy Hagar’s Best of All Worlds Tour
By Steve Newton Van Halen freaks looking to relive the legendary band's days with Sammy Hagar at the mike are in for a treat. Hagar announced today that he will be going on the road next summer with a band that includes guitar hero Joe Satriani, former Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony, and drummer Jason … Continue reading Joe Satriani will channel Eddie Van Halen (and maybe Ronnie Montrose) on Sammy Hagar’s Best of All Worlds Tour
Krokus guitarist Fernando von Arb says that The Blitz producer Bruce Fairbairn is a very normal human being
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON FEB. 1, 1985 By Steve Newton Swiss heavy-metalists Krokus were scheduled to play the Commodore Ballroom late last year, but touring commitments with Sammy Hagar forced cancellation of the gig. And it's too bad, because--since the band is touring behind their strongest LP yet--the show promised to be an exciting one for … Continue reading Krokus guitarist Fernando von Arb says that The Blitz producer Bruce Fairbairn is a very normal human being
Newt’s top 10 (or 15) things to do in Vancouver this week, November 13 to 17
The Stones and Brian Jones screens at VIFF Centre By Steve Newton MONDAY & WEDNESDAY TO FRIDAY: Emily Carr: A Room of Her Own at the Vancouver Art Gallery features approximately 25 works drawn from the gallery’s Emily Carr Collection and maps key biographical moments in Carr’s practice. TUESDAY: Vancouver alt-country band Townie and and … Continue reading Newt’s top 10 (or 15) things to do in Vancouver this week, November 13 to 17
Vancouver jazz vocalist Laura Crema discovered her love of singing somewhere over the rainbow
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON JUNE 20, 2021 By Steve Newton When Laura Crema was five years old, growing up in North Burnaby, she started taking tap-dancing lessons. As well as being a good workout for her nimble limbs, the music she'd dance to introduced her to some of the world's great jazz and pop singers. But it wasn't … Continue reading Vancouver jazz vocalist Laura Crema discovered her love of singing somewhere over the rainbow
That time Sonny Landreth told me about Mark Knopfler and Chet Atkins taking him to breakfast at a Cracker Barrel in Nashville
By Steve Newton I've interviewed Louisiana slide-guitar master Sonny Landreth four times, because he's just awesome. This is the first time, when I called him up in Sacramento, California, where he was touring as the opening act for Chicago blues great Buddy Guy. Landreth was promoting his fourth studio album, South of I-10, which featured … Continue reading That time Sonny Landreth told me about Mark Knopfler and Chet Atkins taking him to breakfast at a Cracker Barrel in Nashville
Newt’s top 10 (or 15) things to do in Vancouver this weekend, November 10 to 12
Twanguero & Paul Pigat play Mel Lehan Hall By Steve Newton FRIDAY: Newfoundland folk quartet Rum Ragged performs a tribute to Margaret Sargent-McTaggart at Mel Lehan Hall at St. James, with guests Twin Embers. SOLD OUT. FRIDAY: Seattle-based progressive funk, psych-rock and modern Afro-beat band Polyrhythmics plays the WISE Hall, with guests Idle Moon. FRIDAY: … Continue reading Newt’s top 10 (or 15) things to do in Vancouver this weekend, November 10 to 12
One down, two to go: Newt’s Rock Hall will shutter once Johnny and Rory get inducted into the RRHOF
photo by the newt By Steve Newton It's good to have hobbies. Several years ago I found a new hobby in which I'd spend a fair amount of time lobbying for the inclusion of Link Wray, Johnny Winter, and Rory Gallagher in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I was astonished and, frankly, disgusted … Continue reading One down, two to go: Newt’s Rock Hall will shutter once Johnny and Rory get inducted into the RRHOF
10 unforgettable concerts at the Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver
By Steve Newton The Commodore Ballroom used to be the place to rock in Vancouver. As a kid growing up in Chilliwack in the '70s, some of the best moments of my life involved cruising into the big city to see acts like Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, KISS, Sammy Hagar, and Molly Hatchet rip … Continue reading 10 unforgettable concerts at the Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver