Search Results for: neil young

Rob Halford loves what Iron Maiden does with three guitars, but he’s “content” with what Priest does with two

By Steve Newton I interviewed Rob Halford a couple of weeks ago in advance of Judas Priest’s upcoming shows at Hard Rock Casino Vancouver, and we had a pretty nice chat. We go way back, to that time he called me up to promote the Defenders of the Faith tour in ’84. At one point we … Continue reading Rob Halford loves what Iron Maiden does with three guitars, but he’s “content” with what Priest does with two

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

My one and only interview with blues legend Albert Collins, who wanted to meet Clapton real bad

kirk west photo ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON SEPT. 27, 1985 By Steve Newton Musician Magazine calls him “the most powerful blues guitarist in the world.” He has won awards from the Montreaux Jazz Festival, the French Academie du Jazz, and the Memphis Blues Foundation, and received three Grammy nominations. He is known as “The Icepicker”, “The … Continue reading My one and only interview with blues legend Albert Collins, who wanted to meet Clapton real bad

Judas Priest’s Rob Halford calls “Black Sabbath” the most evil song that’s ever been written: “It’s very f***ing scary!”

By Steve Newton Back in 2015 I interviewed Rob Halford in advance of Judas Priest’s two shows at the Hard Rock Casino Vancouver and, as old-school rockheads will do, we got to talkin’ Sabbath. I’d known that Halford had sang with the metal legends three times–twice covering for Ronnie James Dio, and once for Ozzy … Continue reading Judas Priest’s Rob Halford calls “Black Sabbath” the most evil song that’s ever been written: “It’s very f***ing scary!”

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

The greatest guitar solo of all time: Mick Ronson on Ian Hunter’s “Once Bitten Twice Shy”

By Steve Newton I’ve heard a lotta amazing guitar solos in my life, but today I decided to just go ahead and pick the greatest one of all time. I’m goin’ with Mick Ronson‘s 30-second blast on Ian Hunter’s classic boogie number “Once Bitten Twice Shy”. It’s not because that’s the best rock song of 1975–the year I graduated … Continue reading The greatest guitar solo of all time: Mick Ronson on Ian Hunter’s “Once Bitten Twice Shy”

Unplugged sounds are Tom Taylor’s first love

ORIGINALLY POSTED ON STRAIGHT.COM, AUG. 13, 2008 TOM TAYLOR LOVES acoustic guitars. That’s why, when he shows up at the Georgia Straight building to chat about his new CD, Running Late, he’s sporting a baseball cap that reads Santa Cruz Guitar Co. Taylor didn’t use any of those instruments on his latest album, though, choosing instead … Continue reading Unplugged sounds are Tom Taylor’s first love

54-40 thrives on new blood

ORIGINALLY POSTED ON STRAIGHT.COM, OCT. 20, 2005 During Dave Genn’s last year of high school, U2’s The Joshua Tree, the Cure’s The Head on the Door, and the Smiths’ The Queen Is Dead were discs that drew heavy rotation on his personal play list. And right up there was the self-titled major-label debut by local … Continue reading 54-40 thrives on new blood

Rush kicks the asses of ailments to deliver the goods in Vancouver

By Steve Newton For 40 years now the trio of Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, and Neil Peart has been traversing the world, taking their patented brand of challenging prog-rock to the masses, proving to all and sundry that Canada is more than just hockey, beer, and maple syrup. And weed. I guess ya gotta add … Continue reading Rush kicks the asses of ailments to deliver the goods in Vancouver

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”

Ear of Newt’s Top 30 Rock Albums of 1978

I’ll always remember 1978 as the year I saw Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers at the Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver, when they were touring behind You’re Gonna Get It. I’ll also remember it for that time Thin Lizzy guitarist Scott Gorham took me backstage when the band opened for Styx at the Coliseum. Unfortunately, I’ll … Continue reading Ear of Newt’s Top 30 Rock Albums of 1978

Grace Potter says jamming with Gov’t Mule is one of her fave pastimes

ORIGINALLY POSTED ON STRAIGHT.COM, JAN. 30, 2008 By Steve Newton Partway through Gov’t Mule’s astonishing three-hour set at the Commodore last November, a stunning lady joined them for a killer version of “Honky Tonk Woman”. The spotlight-stealer on that occasion was Grace Potter, frontwoman for the night’s opening act, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals. Turns … Continue reading Grace Potter says jamming with Gov’t Mule is one of her fave pastimes