ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON JULY 18, 1983 By Steve Newton While it is true that Def Leppard's lyrical messages most often deal with the time-worn teenage pastimes of partying and getting it on, it's not so much what they're saying as how they're saying it--with all the conviction and drive young hands can channel through a … Continue reading Def Leppard’s Rick Savage on new guitarist Phil Collen, producer Mutt Lange, and the stunning success of Pyromania
Tag: 1983
.38 Special’s Donnie Van Zant on the origins of southern rock and the drive of Jacksonville bands
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON JULY 2, 1982 By Steve Newton .38 Special's July 5 gig at the Kerrisdale Arena has been cancelled due to poor ticket sales, and according to lead singer Donnie Van Zant "it's a real shame". The show would have been the band's second Vancouver appearance. Their latest album, Special Forces, is #27 … Continue reading .38 Special’s Donnie Van Zant on the origins of southern rock and the drive of Jacksonville bands
Stevie Ray Vaughan’s soul shines on Texas Flood Legacy Edition
ORIGINALLY POSTED ON STRAIGHT.COM, JAN. 28, 2013 By Steve Newton I consider myself extremely lucky when it comes to Stevie Ray Vaughan. He's one of my all-time fave guitarists--right up there with Rory Gallagher and Jeff Beck--and I was fortunate enough to see him play live several times before his tragic death on August 27, 1990, at the age … Continue reading Stevie Ray Vaughan’s soul shines on Texas Flood Legacy Edition
Guitar phenom Allan Holdsworth says he’s not impressed by flash
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON NOV. 11, 1983 By Steve Newton Eddie Van Halen calls him "fantastic". Gary Moore says "he's frightening. He's definitely dangerous and getting better all the time." Carlos Santana gives him "more credit than anyone for just pure expression in soloing." Journey's Neil Schon says: "If you play guitar and ever think you're … Continue reading Guitar phenom Allan Holdsworth says he’s not impressed by flash
Bruce Dickinson on Martin Birch, the exit of Clive Burr, and the lobotomization of Eddie on Iron Maiden’s new album Piece of Mind
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON JULY 1, 1983 By Steve Newton Three of Britain's heaviest heavy-metal bands--Iron Maiden, Saxon, and Fastway--played the Pacific Coliseum last Wednesday in a full night's worth of brutal, gnashing raunch and roll. I spoke to Iron Maiden vocalist Bruce Dickinson over the phone from Los Angeles prior to the show and asked … Continue reading Bruce Dickinson on Martin Birch, the exit of Clive Burr, and the lobotomization of Eddie on Iron Maiden’s new album Piece of Mind
Johnny Ramone says being in the Ramones “beats working”
By Steve Newton Whether you remember or not, May of 1983 was a great month for historic rock concerts in Vancouver. On May 9 Roxy Music played the Pacific Coliseum, performing tunes from its final studio album, Avalon. Then on the 25th a little band from Ireland named U2 played the Queen E., blasting out political … Continue reading Johnny Ramone says being in the Ramones “beats working”
The Blasters’ Phil Alvin on the roots of rock ‘n’ roll, racism, and thanking god for the Sex Pistols
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON MARCH 3, 1983 By Steve Newton Touted by Cash Box magazine as "L.A.'s greatest rockabilly group", the Blasters blasted the Commodore Ballroom Thursday night with guests Wailin' Walker and the Houserockers. Comprised of lead vocalist/rhythm guitarist Phil Alvin, his younger brother Dave on lead guitar, drummer Bill Bateman, bassist John Bazz, and … Continue reading The Blasters’ Phil Alvin on the roots of rock ‘n’ roll, racism, and thanking god for the Sex Pistols
Nicolette Larson talks good friend Neil Young, current roommate Linda Ronstadt, and favourite songwriter Lowell George
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON MARCH 4, 1983 By Steve Newton When Nicolette Larson released her first album, Nicolette, in 1978, she proved right from the start that her talents as an interpretive singer were vast and capable of taking her through many musical styles. On that album alone she wove a dreamy tapestry of songs by … Continue reading Nicolette Larson talks good friend Neil Young, current roommate Linda Ronstadt, and favourite songwriter Lowell George
Pat Travers in 1983: “I’m a good enough guitarist. We don’t need another one.”
By Steve Newton On January 21, 1983, Canadian rock-guitar hero Pat Travers played Vancouver, opening for a Joe Perry-less Aerosmith at the Pacific Coliseum. Ear of Newt was there, of course. There was no way I was gonna miss two of my fave acts from the '70s. Besides, it was a Friday night. I don't remember … Continue reading Pat Travers in 1983: “I’m a good enough guitarist. We don’t need another one.”
Tom Hamilton talks Aerosmith without Joe Perry and the new Rock in a Hard Place
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON JAN. 21, 1983 By Steve Newton "Yeah, we're loud alright," says Tom Hamilton, bassist for American supergroup Aerosmith. "We're definitely not any quieter than we used to be--we're just better sounding." Aerosmith has never been known for quietness or subtlety. Theirs is not the kind of music for candlelight dinners and mellow … Continue reading Tom Hamilton talks Aerosmith without Joe Perry and the new Rock in a Hard Place