By Steve Newton When I interviewed Joan Jett back in 1992 she was touring behind her Notorious album, which, while not a bad album, wasn't exactly racing up the charts. Jett explained to me that it didn't help that the record wasn't getting much promotional push from Sony, the major label handling distribution. Then she … Continue reading That time Joan Jett told me that it was the power of the people that made “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll” a hit
That time I asked Robert Cray if he was surprised that Eric Clapton covered his song “Bad Influence” on August
By Steve Newton I've interviewed Robert Cray four times, 'cause I reckon he's one of the tastiest guitarists who's ever strapped on a Strat. This was the first time, back in January of 1996, when he was touring behind his Some Rainy Morning album. Ten years earlier Cray had gotten a bit of a boost … Continue reading That time I asked Robert Cray if he was surprised that Eric Clapton covered his song “Bad Influence” on August
That time I asked Edgar Winter about his old pal Rick and his big brother Johnny
By Steve Newton The best musicians always try to surround themselves with the best musicians. For Edgar Winter that wasn't hard. When he was born he already had a big brother named Johnny waiting at home, and they would become close musical collaborators throughout their lifetimes. Another hugely talented player that Edgar hooked up with … Continue reading That time I asked Edgar Winter about his old pal Rick and his big brother Johnny
Charlie Daniels brings his redneck fiddle noise to my old hometown for the Chilliwack Country Music Festival
@shotbykevin ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, AUG. 10, 1990 By Steve Newton Whether you're a big country music fan or just someone who enjoys partying in the sun with several thousand other folks, the Chilliwack Fairgrounds was the place to be over the long weekend. Twenty-four bands performed, much beer was consumed, and it … Continue reading Charlie Daniels brings his redneck fiddle noise to my old hometown for the Chilliwack Country Music Festival
That time Tony Carey told me that he thought “The First Day of Summer” was going to break his new album wide open
By Steve Newton Way back in May of 1984 I interviewed Tony Carey, who I'd been a fan of since I heard him playing keyboards on Rainbow's colossal Rising album of 1976. At the time of our chat he was promoting his new solo album Some Tough City, which was doing well on the charts … Continue reading That time Tony Carey told me that he thought “The First Day of Summer” was going to break his new album wide open
That time Ian Hunter told me that what sells Ian Hunter is Ian Hunter–or what doesn’t sell Ian Hunter is Ian Hunter
By Steve Newton Mott the Hoople is one of my all-time favourite bands, and Ian Hunter is one of my all-time favourite rockers. I interviewed him and Mick Ronson separately on the same day--September 9, 1988--when they were headed to Vancouver for a show in advance of recording their awesome 1989 album YUI Orta. At … Continue reading That time Ian Hunter told me that what sells Ian Hunter is Ian Hunter–or what doesn’t sell Ian Hunter is Ian Hunter
That time Alex Van Halen told me how early on he and Eddie discovered the fascinating power of live music
By Steve Newton We've all heard the old joke before: "What do you call somebody who hangs around with musicians? A drummer." I think it's fair to say that drummers don't always get the credit they deserve. I haven't interviewed that many over the years--for the simple fact that I prefer talking to guitarists--but some … Continue reading That time Alex Van Halen told me how early on he and Eddie discovered the fascinating power of live music
That time I asked Joe Satriani who his best guitar student was and he said Steve Vai caught on the quickest
By Steve Newton Back in January of 1990 I did the first of my seven interviews with Joe Satriani. At the time he was touring behind his latest album, Flying in a Blue Dream, and the buzz about him was growing fast. People were learning that he'd spent several years as a guitar instructor, teaching … Continue reading That time I asked Joe Satriani who his best guitar student was and he said Steve Vai caught on the quickest
That time I called up 22-year-old Jeff Healey and asked him about his role in the upcoming bouncer flick Roadhouse
By Steve Newton I was fortunate enough to have interviewed Canadian guitar wizard Jeff Healey three times. Man could that guy wail on the Strat! The first interview took place in June of 1988, when he was just 22, and still three months away from releasing his incredible debut album, See the Light. When I … Continue reading That time I called up 22-year-old Jeff Healey and asked him about his role in the upcoming bouncer flick Roadhouse
My nephew Jeff didn’t mind getting a Pink Floyd box set for his 50th birthday
shey gonzales photo By Steve Newton A bunch of us got together in Penticton over the weekend to gather around an old friend and celebrate the upcoming 50th birthday of my nephew Jeff. He's a big Pink Floyd fan. He's got Pink Floyd artwork all over his house. He even took me to see Roger … Continue reading My nephew Jeff didn’t mind getting a Pink Floyd box set for his 50th birthday
The Vat owner Terry Cave puts his beloved Red Deer venue up for sale
By Steve Newton Just heard that my long-time friend, musician and proprietor Terry Cave, has put his much-loved Red Deer pub, The Vat, up for sale. "Terr Bear" made the announcement on the Vat's Facebook page today: Hi everyone. It's with mixed emotions that I am making this announcement. After 21 years of having the … Continue reading The Vat owner Terry Cave puts his beloved Red Deer venue up for sale
That time Richie Sambora told me why Bon Jovi switched producers from Bruce Fairbairn to Bob Rock
By Steve Newton Bon Jovi may have been hugely popular back in the day, but I actually enjoyed guitarist Richie Sambora's solo debut album, Stranger in This Town, more than any Bon Jovi band release. I even preferred Sambora's lead vocals over Jon Bon Jovi's, especially on solo tunes like "Ballad of Youth". So it … Continue reading That time Richie Sambora told me why Bon Jovi switched producers from Bruce Fairbairn to Bob Rock
That time 18-year-old Kenny Wayne Shepherd told me about meeting his idol Stevie Ray Vaughan
By Steve Newton I've interviewed Kenny Wayne Shepherd four times, 'cause I'm a sucker for folks who can play the shit out of a Strat. The first time was back in December of 1995, when he was only 18 and touring behind his platinum-selling debut album, Ledbetter Heights. At one point in the conversation I … Continue reading That time 18-year-old Kenny Wayne Shepherd told me about meeting his idol Stevie Ray Vaughan