Rob Halford says that Priest, Maiden, AC/DC, KISS, Metallica, and Slayer have all stood the test of time

By Steve Newton Back in 2015 I interviewed Rob Halford in advance of Judas Priest‘s doubleheader at the Hard Rock Casino Vancouver. When I asked him if there were any newer metal bands that had blown him away lately the 64-year-old “metal god” went off on a bit of a tangent. “They’re all over the place, … Continue reading Rob Halford says that Priest, Maiden, AC/DC, KISS, Metallica, and Slayer have all stood the test of time

Colin Linden inspired by Howlin’ Wolf and George Chuvalo on Raised by Wolves

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, OCT. 1, 1998 By Steve Newton When you write for a weekly like the Straight, most of your interviews with touring musicians happen over the phone, because the story has to be out before your subject hits town. But once in a while you get to actually meet a … Continue reading Colin Linden inspired by Howlin’ Wolf and George Chuvalo on Raised by Wolves

Blackie member Colin Linden loves the rigours of the road and the confines of the console

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, OCT. 21, 1999 By Steve Newton Canadian guitar great and singer-songwriter Colin Linden has spent a large part of his life travelling this country’s highways and byways in pursuit of gigs. He’s also spent a huge portion of time holed away in recording studios, making his own records, producing … Continue reading Blackie member Colin Linden loves the rigours of the road and the confines of the console

Buddy Guy refuses to play “Boogie Chillen”, gets pissed at Junior Wells, and walks off stage in Vancouver

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON SEPT. 27, 1985 By Steve Newton Buddy Guy and Junior Wells brought their hearty brand of Chicago blues to the Commodore last Friday and Saturday (September 20 and 21). Buddy’s backup musicians warmed things up with the Stones’ “Miss You” before Guy himself stepped out and tore into a bit of Elmore … Continue reading Buddy Guy refuses to play “Boogie Chillen”, gets pissed at Junior Wells, and walks off stage in Vancouver

Backstage at an Arc Angels show with Charlie Sexton, David Gogo, and the blind date I never saw again

By Steve Newton Here’s a photo that was taken backstage at the 86 Street Music Hall in Vancouver on July 22, 1992. It was after a show by the Arc Angels, a bluesy band from Austin that featured guitarist-vocalists Charlie Sexton and Doyle Bramhall II along with Stevie Ray Vaughan‘s old rhythm section, bassist Tommy … Continue reading Backstage at an Arc Angels show with Charlie Sexton, David Gogo, and the blind date I never saw again

Kate Bush on David Gilmour, Pink Floyd, and the new Hounds of Love

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON DEC. 6, 1985 By Steve Newton When Kate Bush was 15 years old, she thought it would be nice if she could get some of her songs published. There was a friend of her family who knew someone that was looking for talent to encourage and produce. That someone came and heard … Continue reading Kate Bush on David Gilmour, Pink Floyd, and the new Hounds of Love

Stevie Ray Vaughan tears it up in Vancouver, says “serious trouble indeed”

mila geran photo ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON SEPT. 6, 1985 By Steve Newton Since he flew onto the international music scene in 1983, people have been raving on and on about Texas guitar wizard Stevie Ray Vaughan. After his startling shows at the Commodore last week (August 29 and 31), you can bet that local blues-rock … Continue reading Stevie Ray Vaughan tears it up in Vancouver, says “serious trouble indeed”

Nick Gilder on his new LP and his “ironic” replacement in Sweeney Todd, Bryan Adams

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, ON OCT. 25, 1985 By Steve Newton You remember Nick Gilder, don’t you? He goes way back. So far back, actually, that Bob Geldof once interviewed him for this publication. Gilder was the lead singer for Sweeney Todd, one of Vancouver’s more popular glam/glitter rock bands. Named after the … Continue reading Nick Gilder on his new LP and his “ironic” replacement in Sweeney Todd, Bryan Adams

Chickenfoot guitarist Joe Satriani was into Humble Pie as a kid, missed out on Montrose

ORIGINALLY POSTED ON STRAIGHT.COM, MAY 13, 2009 By Steve Newton Any self-respecting rock-guitar freak has at least a couple of Joe Satriani CDs in his or her collection. The Bay Area musician has been steadily churning out adventurous, technically boggling instrumental albums since blasting onto the six-string scene in 1986 with Not of This Earth. … Continue reading Chickenfoot guitarist Joe Satriani was into Humble Pie as a kid, missed out on Montrose

The Hoodoo Gurus’ Dave Faulkner on junk culture, Aussie rockers, and Mars Needs Guitars!

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON NOV. 29, 1985 By Steve Newton One of the wildest rock and roll sounds to come up from Down Under recently is that of the Hoodoo Gurus. Just last year the Aussie foursome released their debut album, Stoneage Romeos, a thoroughly rocking blend of pop/punk, Merseybeat, and psychedelia–all slapped on a two-guitar … Continue reading The Hoodoo Gurus’ Dave Faulkner on junk culture, Aussie rockers, and Mars Needs Guitars!

Ray Bonneville hits his stride with Juno-winning Gust of WInd

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, APRIL 6, 2000 BY STEVE NEWTON Only two songs into Ray Bonneville’s new CD, Gust of Wind, and I’m starting to think: “This guy reminds me of someone.” There’s a familiar timbre to his laid-back vocals, and the gently percolating blues rings a bell. I’ve got it! Eric Clapton, … Continue reading Ray Bonneville hits his stride with Juno-winning Gust of WInd

The Aristocrats’ Guthrie Govan on the influence of Joe Satriani and Zal Cleminson

By Steve Newton Back in 2015 I interviewed guitarist Guthrie Govan, who–while not nearly as well known as the Satrianis and Vais of the world–is equally monstrous when it comes to technical ability and musical inventiveness. He plays in an instrumental rock-fusion trio called the Aristocrats, which made its debut Vancouver appearance at the Rickshaw Theatre. … Continue reading The Aristocrats’ Guthrie Govan on the influence of Joe Satriani and Zal Cleminson

Mötley Crüe’s Mick Mars in 1985: “Without groupies, I probably wouldn’t have been a musician.”

mila geran photo ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON NOV. 29, 1985 By Steve Newton Outside the hotel a huge tour bus sits, the dust on its sides inscribed with messages like “The Crue Rules”, “I Love You Vince”, and, strangely enough, “KISS”. Inside the lobby, a gaggle of pubescent females are trying to weasel information out of … Continue reading Mötley Crüe’s Mick Mars in 1985: “Without groupies, I probably wouldn’t have been a musician.”