By Steve Newton Went and saw Joe Satriani at the Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver last night, and holy crap was he smokin'! I must have seen Satch live around 10 times over the years--including on various G3 tours--and I don't think he's ever played better. Having such a wicked backing band--guitarist-keyboardist Mike Kenneally, bassist Bryan … Continue reading Meeting with the Alien: hangin’ with Joe Satriani backstage in Vancouver
Joe Satriani on the intricacies of amplification and producer Mike Fraser’s “perfect set of ears”
By Steve Newton When Joe Satriani phones from his home in the San Francisco Bay Area, he apologizes right away for being a few minutes late with the scheduled call. He explains that he was playing his guitar, composing a song, and lost track of time. That’s when it’s my turn to feel regretful, because … Continue reading Joe Satriani on the intricacies of amplification and producer Mike Fraser’s “perfect set of ears”
Backstage with Slash and Bruce Dickinson as Guns N’ Roses open for Iron Maiden in Vancouver
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON JUNE 3, 1988 By Steve Newton The politics of rockin' can be tough on new bands just getting used to the tour circuit. Take for example Guns N' Roses, who are on the road in support of their first album, and opening for Iron Maiden, who've toured the world for 10 years … Continue reading Backstage with Slash and Bruce Dickinson as Guns N’ Roses open for Iron Maiden in Vancouver
INXS puts boot to butt in Vancouver on the Kick World Tour
kevin statham photos ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON JUNE 3, 1988 By Steve Newton The banner across from the press box read in big block letters: INXS KICK ASS. Now I wouldn't have agreed with that statement right off, but after seeing Michael Hutchence and company sweat it out for 100 minutes last Friday (May 27), I … Continue reading INXS puts boot to butt in Vancouver on the Kick World Tour
Joe Satriani compares the musical styles and backgrounds of recent G3 tourmates John Petrucci, Uli Jon Roth, and Phil Collen
By Steve Newton I interviewed Joe Satriani a couple of weeks ago, in advance of his show in Vancouver this Friday (June 1) at the Commodore Ballroom. I've seen Satch a bunch of times--including on various G3 Tours with the likes of Eric Johnson, Yngwie Malmsteen, and Steve Vai--so I wanted to ask him about … Continue reading Joe Satriani compares the musical styles and backgrounds of recent G3 tourmates John Petrucci, Uli Jon Roth, and Phil Collen
Edgar Winter and Leon Russell knock ’em down and drag ’em out in Vancouver
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON JUNE 3, 1988 By Steve Newton I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I heard that Edgar Winter and Leon Russell were going to share the same stage, but I did know that I should definitely be there. I was aware that Winter was something of a wildman--prone to leaping about … Continue reading Edgar Winter and Leon Russell knock ’em down and drag ’em out in Vancouver
David Lee Roth shows off manly biceps, a giant surfboard, and Steve Vai on the Skyscraper Tour
kevin statham photo ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON MAY 27, 1988 By Steve Newton Whether you like David Lee Roth or not, there's one thing you've got to admit: the guy's a star. It's hard to take your eyes off him, and few did at the Pacific Coliseum last Saturday (May 21). Whether you're ogling his sexy bod, … Continue reading David Lee Roth shows off manly biceps, a giant surfboard, and Steve Vai on the Skyscraper Tour
Buddy Guy’s autobiography reflects the bittersweet beauty of the blues
By Steve Newton Like the blues itself, the life of Buddy Guy has been all about joy and pain, beauty and sadness. And in his autobiography, When I Left Home, the 81-year-old blues legend tells his tales of hardship and triumph with the same raw, truth-telling vibe you'll pick up from one of his searing guitar solos. … Continue reading Buddy Guy’s autobiography reflects the bittersweet beauty of the blues
Warren Haynes calls Blind Willie Johnson’s “Dark Was the Night, Cold Was the Ground” one of the most haunting recordings ever
By Steve Newton Gov't Mule is one of my favourite bands, and not just because their original music is so damn fine. Once in a while they'll do a cover of an old blues tune that inspires me to search out previous versions, with wonderful results. Like back in 1998 when they recorded "John the … Continue reading Warren Haynes calls Blind Willie Johnson’s “Dark Was the Night, Cold Was the Ground” one of the most haunting recordings ever
Album review: Jimmy Barnes, Freight Train Heart (1988)
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, JUNE 3, 1988 By Steve Newton It looks like this transplanted Aussie, the former lead singer for Cold Chisel, has what it takes to make it big in the rock world. First off, he's got a super rock and roll voice--gritty and powerful, not unlike John Fogerty's. He's got … Continue reading Album review: Jimmy Barnes, Freight Train Heart (1988)
Album review: Joe Satriani, Surfing with the Alien (1988)
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, JUNE 3, 1988 By Steve Newton Boy, talk about a guitarist's wet dream! This Satriani guy comes up with some of the wildest, most innovative rock guitar sounds in many a day. He even makes Eddie Van Halen sound like a hacker! Okay, so maybe he's not that good. But if … Continue reading Album review: Joe Satriani, Surfing with the Alien (1988)
Album review: Scorpions, Savage Amusement (1988)
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, MAY 20, 1988 By Steve Newton Well, it's about time. It's been over four years since Germany's top hard-rock act released its last studio album, Love at First Sting. You'd figure the Scorps were having a competition with Def Leppard to see who could hold out the longest. Fortunately, from the … Continue reading Album review: Scorpions, Savage Amusement (1988)
Album review: Tina Turner, Tina Live in Europe (1988)
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, MAY 20, 1988 By Steve Newton When you're arguably the world's best female rock vocalist, you make friends easily. Tina Turner does, and a lot of those friends show up on her new double-live album, recorded last year in Britain, West Germany, and Sweden. Ms. Turner sings duets with Bryan Adams on … Continue reading Album review: Tina Turner, Tina Live in Europe (1988)