By Steve Newton Back in November of 1983 I did my first interview with British guitar legend Allan Holdsworth, when he was touring with his band I.O.U. His latest album at the time was the six-song EP Road Games, and one point in the conversation I asked him about the "special thanks" on the back … Continue reading That time I called Allan Holdsworth up to talk guitar and he just wanted to chat about beer
Horror director Gigi Saul Guerrero strives to make movies that can follow you home
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON OCT. 26, 2021 By Steve Newton Gigi Saul Guerrero remembers well the day she truly embraced her love of horror. She grew up in Mexico City in a very religious family, and was never allowed to watch scary movies—her strict Catholic mom banned them from the house. But during one particular trip to … Continue reading Horror director Gigi Saul Guerrero strives to make movies that can follow you home
Craig Northey calls his Strippers Union cohort Rob Baker a very deep musician
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON FEB, 27, 2021 By Steve Newton There's been some amazing double albums released in the history of rock. Looking through my vinyl stacks, I spot fine examples like the Beatles' White Album, the Who's Quadrophenia, and Led Zeppelin's Physical Graffiti. The new Strippers Union double album, The Undertaking, is amazing as well, … Continue reading Craig Northey calls his Strippers Union cohort Rob Baker a very deep musician
That time Greg Martin told me how the Kentucky Headhunters came to record their new song “The Ballad of Davy Crockett”
By Steve Newton I interviewed Kentucky Headhunters lead guitarist Greg Martin in April of 1991, shortly after the release of the band's second album, Electric Barnyard. That was the one with their cover of the 1950s radio hit "The Ballad of Davy Crockett". When I was a kid I used to run around with my … Continue reading That time Greg Martin told me how the Kentucky Headhunters came to record their new song “The Ballad of Davy Crockett”
Newt’s top 10 things to do in Metro Vancouver this weekend, Nov. 11-13
The Harpoonist and the Axe Murderer plays the Hollywood By Steve Newton FRIDAY: Chicago alt-rock band Smashing Pumpkins plays Rogers Arena on the Spirits on Fire Tour, with guests Jane’s Addiction. FRIDAY: Vancouver blues-rock duo the Harpoonist & the Axe Murderer play the Hollywood Theatre, with guests History of Gunpowder. FRIDAY AND SATURDAY: Canadian pianist Jon Kimura Parker joins the Vancouver Symphony in a … Continue reading Newt’s top 10 things to do in Metro Vancouver this weekend, Nov. 11-13
Nazareth singer Dan McCafferty dead at 76
McCafferty, left, with Nazareth in the '70s By Steve Newton Just had some sad news relayed to me by my nephew Jeff, the rock-loving dude you may have heard about through my backstage memories of Iron Maiden and Motley Crue. Jeff let me know that Dan McCafferty, the original vocalist for Scottish guitar-rockers Nazareth, had … Continue reading Nazareth singer Dan McCafferty dead at 76
Neil Young’s 20 best songs, from wicked to freakin’ awesome
By Steve Newton Please note: this list doesn't include any of the songs Neil wrote and recorded with groups like Buffalo Springfield, CSNY, or the Stills-Young Band, so don't come cryin' to me that "Long May You Run" isn't on there. 20. "Walk On" (On the Beach, 1974) 19. "I Believe in You" (After the … Continue reading Neil Young’s 20 best songs, from wicked to freakin’ awesome
Lee Aaron projects a feminine power figure on new Metal Queen
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON MAY 11, 1984 By Steve Newton Many a sideways glance and inquisitive gaze came our way as heavy metalist Lee Aaron and I strolled down Burrard Street recently, enroute to a mid-day snack and chat. It was a sunny afternoon and, to the mostly suit-and-tie crowd returning from lunch, the sight of … Continue reading Lee Aaron projects a feminine power figure on new Metal Queen
Newt’s top 10 (or 11) things to do in Vancouver this week, Nov. 7 to 11
Blackie and the Rodeo Kings play the Commodore By Steve Newton MONDAY: American singer-rapper Lizzo plays Rogers Arena on The Special Tour, with guest Latto. MONDAY: AEG and MRG Live present New Zealand's Bret McKenzie--one half of the musical comedy duo Flight of the Conchords--performing at the Vogue Theatre on his Songs Without Jokes Tour. … Continue reading Newt’s top 10 (or 11) things to do in Vancouver this week, Nov. 7 to 11
Roy Forbes looks back on half a century in the music biz
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON OCT. 16, 2021 By Steve Newton Roy Forbes is celebrating 50 years in the music business right now, because back in 1971--18 years old and fresh out of Dawson Creek--he showed up in Vancouver to launch his career as a singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer. Back then, though, he was better known as … Continue reading Roy Forbes looks back on half a century in the music biz
That time Tommy Aldridge told me that they threatened to break his arms if he left Black Oak Arkansas
By Steve Newton I interviewed hard-rock drum legend Tommy Aldridge for the first time back in April of 1990, when he was touring with Whitesnake in support of their latest album, Slip of the Tongue. I'd been a fan of his ever since I first heard him in the '70s, slamming the skins for southern-rockers … Continue reading That time Tommy Aldridge told me that they threatened to break his arms if he left Black Oak Arkansas
Anthrax to play Vancouver with Black Label Society and Exodus
By Steve Newton Hey Vancouver metalheads: get your wallets ready. American metal legends Anthrax have announced that they're playing the PNE Forum on January 20, along with fellow Yanks Black Label Society and Exodus. Anthrax's current lineup includes singer Joey Belladonna, lead guitarist John Donais, rhythm guitarist Scott Ian, bassist Frank Bello, and drummer Charlie … Continue reading Anthrax to play Vancouver with Black Label Society and Exodus
Newt’s top 10 things to do in Metro Vancouver this weekend, Nov. 4 to 6
Moonage Daydream screens at the Rio By Steve Newton FRIDAY: the Geekenders host a screening at the Rio Theatre of director Jim Sharman's 1975 rock musical The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Alex Flock plays Guilt & Co. FRIDAY: Alex Flock's Funk Brigade, featuring Vancouver guitarist Alexander Flock, presents its take on classic funk hits at … Continue reading Newt’s top 10 things to do in Metro Vancouver this weekend, Nov. 4 to 6