ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON MAY 18, 1984 By Steve Newton "I always liked the Yardbirds when I was a kid," says metal guitar-hero Gary Moore. "I was always into Jeff Beck and everything. And apart from the fact that I like the song and the guitar, the lyrics appealed to me as well because they fitted … Continue reading Gary Moore talks covering the Yardbirds and scoring with metal while opening for Rush
Vancouver blues-rock party band the Fins just wants chicks, coke, Cadillacs–and money
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON MAY 18, 1984 By Steve Newton "Occasionally you get booked into a room that's just the pits," points out Dave Chisholm of the Fins, a local blues-rock outfit that's currently paying dues and honing licks on steady road trips to the interior of B.C. and Yukon Territories. In a spare room above … Continue reading Vancouver blues-rock party band the Fins just wants chicks, coke, Cadillacs–and money
Newt’s top 10 things to do in Vancouver this weekend, April 7-9
Pink Mountaintops play the Cobalt By Steve Newton FRIDAY: the Vancouver Canadians take on the Spokane Kings in their home opener at Nat Bailey Stadium, with fireworks display after the game. It's hot dog time! POSTPONED DUE TO WEATHER. FRIDAY: local indie soul-pop quintet Marmoris--composed of vocalist Paula Pujate, guitarists Alex Figueroa and Jeeven Singh, … Continue reading Newt’s top 10 things to do in Vancouver this weekend, April 7-9
AC/DC expert Martin Popoff says that meeting Malcolm was one of the biggest highlights of his career
By Steve Newton A couple of weeks ago I interviewed Canadian author Martin Popoff, who is widely regarded as the world's leading authority on all things hard rock and heavy metal. At one point in the conversation I asked Popoff--whose latest book, AC/DC at 50, looks at the history of that band through 50 milestone … Continue reading AC/DC expert Martin Popoff says that meeting Malcolm was one of the biggest highlights of his career
Album review: Dear Enemy, Ransom Note (1984)
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON MARCH 30, 1984 By Steve Newton Exceptional poppy rock from yet another fine young Australian band, Ransom Note is sure to please those who like the light but snappy sounds of bands like Real Life and Re-Flex, although in my books Dear Enemy outdoes both. Five of the six members of Dear … Continue reading Album review: Dear Enemy, Ransom Note (1984)
Simon Kaos is rocking like there’s no tomorrow–and there nearly wasn’t
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON MARCH 30, 1984 By Steve Newton "We were heading to Edmonton," explains drummer C.C. Brooks, "and Andy and the crew were in the bus just outside Abbotsford when it rolled. Our soundman kicked the front window out and dragged everybody out, and then the whole thing burst into flames." "It was burning … Continue reading Simon Kaos is rocking like there’s no tomorrow–and there nearly wasn’t
Laura Branigan says the real essence of her music is the emotion
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON AUG. 19, 1983 By Steve Newton Laura Branigan's appearance at the recent Superfest '83 concert in Empire Stadium was one of the brightest spots of that ill-fated event. I spoke to the New York singer--whose hit single "Gloria' became a #1 chartbuster in the U.S. last year--just before her visit to Vancouver. … Continue reading Laura Branigan says the real essence of her music is the emotion
Newt’s top 10 things to do in Vancouver this week, April 3 to 7
Living With Chucky screens at the Rio By Steve Newton MONDAY: screening at the Rio Theatre of Living With Chucky, director Kyra Elise Gardner's documentary about the legacy of the Child's Play horror franchise. Gardner and her father, legendary FX guru Tony Gardner, will appear via Zoom for a live Q&A after the screening. Here's … Continue reading Newt’s top 10 things to do in Vancouver this week, April 3 to 7
Album review: Dan Fogelberg, Windows and Walls (1984)
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON MARCH 30, 1984 By Steve Newton Dan Fogelberg rocking? Is nothing sacred? Well, from the sound of the opening cut on his new album, you might start to wonder. "The Language of Love" is sinfully heavy in comparison to the heartfelt, semi-sentimental ballads Fogelberg is famous for. But rock is more the … Continue reading Album review: Dan Fogelberg, Windows and Walls (1984)
After touring with the Police, new-wavers Re-Flex take their politics of dancing to a smaller crowd
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON APRIL 20, 1984 By Steve Newton The opening slot on tour with a band as influential and heavily exposed as the Police is one that many groups would pay a pretty penny for. An up-and-coming British band named Re-Flex, whose new LP The Politics of Dancing is on the charts worldwide, were … Continue reading After touring with the Police, new-wavers Re-Flex take their politics of dancing to a smaller crowd
Album review: Murray McLauchlan, Timberline (1983)
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON OCTOBER 7, 1983 By Steve Newton Just like a cold beer after a long jog, it's nice to cool down with an earthy Murray McLauchlan album after hearing Ritchie Blackmore's latest blues bastardizations. And McLauchlan's latest offering, Timberline, is just refreshing enough to do the trick. A superb songwriter with an incredible … Continue reading Album review: Murray McLauchlan, Timberline (1983)
Newt’s top 10 Metro Vancouver concerts in April
Matt Andersen plays the Hollywood By Steve Newton Matt Andersen: blues-roots singer-songwriter and guitarist from the Maritimes plays two shows with his band the Big Bottle of Joy, with guests the Hello Darlins. April 5 and 6 at the Hollywood Theatre. Big Sugar: Toronto blues-rock band led by singer-guitarist Gordie Johnson. April 15 at the … Continue reading Newt’s top 10 Metro Vancouver concerts in April
Fabulon’s Marty Higgs says things are looking better for Vancouver’s alternative music scene
Fabulon with vocalist Darren Simcoe ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON OCT. 25, 1985 By Steve Newton If you're looking for an interesting band to check out this weekend, let me suggest Fabulon, who play the Town Pump till Saturday. The group is made up of singer Brian King, drummer Rick Eden, keyboardist Randy Paar, bassist David "Bud" … Continue reading Fabulon’s Marty Higgs says things are looking better for Vancouver’s alternative music scene