ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON FEB. 20, 1992 By Steve Newton Some band names really leave you wondering. I mean, what do you make of bands called Scootertrash, Afghan Whigs, Hocus Pick Manoeuver, and Mutant Starfish? At least a fellow can relate to a group called She Stole My Beer. “Back in our high-school days we used … Continue reading She Stole My Beer goes direct to tape with Sparks Off the Guardrail
Tag: 1992
Warren Zevon talks Vancouver’s Odds, “Werewolves”, scoring films, and managing to remain poor
Once upon a time, there were four young men who played in a band called Dawn Patrol at a Vancouver bar called the Roxy.
Worshipped as a god, Joan Jett just likes seeing fans smile
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON FEB. 6, 1992 By Steve Newton When I mentioned I was going to be interviewing Joan Jett, one of my well-informed colleagues said, “Well, be sure to ask her about the sect in California that worships her as a god.” So, when J.J. called from Minneapolis—in advance of her Saturday (February 8) … Continue reading Worshipped as a god, Joan Jett just likes seeing fans smile
Call me a hick from Chilliwack, but I ain’t never seen no spiral haircut before
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON FEB. 6, 1992 By Steve Newton What makes a rock writer desperate to score the reviewer’s assignment for a Red Hot Chili Peppers show? Could it be the group’s incendiary brand of primitive thrash-funk, or the fact that their live appearances are known far and wide for their unbridled energy and uncontrolled … Continue reading Call me a hick from Chilliwack, but I ain’t never seen no spiral haircut before
Alex Lifeson says Rush’s no-compromise approach is key to its staying power
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON JAN. 30, 1992 By Steve Newton When I interviewed Queensrÿche vocalist Geoff Tate last month, the singer had some intriguing things to say about an alleged “backlash” against progressive rock, which he felt had been initiated by the music industry in the ’70s. Tate uncovered a plot to undermine the growing popularity … Continue reading Alex Lifeson says Rush’s no-compromise approach is key to its staying power
Flies on Fire fell in love with Canada and the Tragically Hip
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, JAN. 16, 1992 By Steve Newton Although Flies on Fire have already released two albums full of honest, no-frills guitar rock with major-label distribution on Atco Records, they haven’t yet made much of a name for themselves. But they’re probably better known to Vancouver rock fans than to the … Continue reading Flies on Fire fell in love with Canada and the Tragically Hip
Feeling out The Crush with 16-year-old Alicia Silverstone in Vancouver
By Steve Newton Just before she started getting recognized for her appearances in a string of videos for Aerosmith power-ballads, Alicia Silverstone made her feature film debut in the low-budget 1993 thriller The Crush. The film was shot in Vancouver, so naturally I did the set visit for Fangoria magazine. I interviewed Silverstone, who had recently … Continue reading Feeling out The Crush with 16-year-old Alicia Silverstone in Vancouver
Bob Dylan Blu-ray smokes with Johnny Winter, Neil Young & Tom Petty
By Steve Newton Back in October of '92 a mindblowing array of the world's top recording artists performed at New York's Madison Square Garden for Bob Dylan's 30th anniversary concert celebration, and this Tuesday (March 4) a deluxe edition of the concert is being released on CD, DVD and Blu-ray. I watched the Blu-ray this … Continue reading Bob Dylan Blu-ray smokes with Johnny Winter, Neil Young & Tom Petty
Devin Townsend’s early days: Gray Skies, Steve Vai, Commodore highs
Vancouver's Devin Townsend is a master of extreme metal. I'm not saying that from personal experience, because I'm not into extreme metal. Old Iron Maiden's about as extreme as I get these days. But from what I've heard the fortyish singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist is quite the artistic genius when it comes to various … Continue reading Devin Townsend’s early days: Gray Skies, Steve Vai, Commodore highs
Horror review: Hellraiser III–Hell on Earth
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, NOV. 12, 1992 By Steve Newton In 1987, the mind of multi-talented British horror icon Clive Barker graced the screen with the formidable presence of Pinhead, the refined leader of a gang of sado-masochistic demons from hell. As played by veteran stage actor Doug Bradley, Pinhead was evil personified, … Continue reading Horror review: Hellraiser III–Hell on Earth
Horror review: Dr. Giggles
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON OCT. 29, 1992 By Steve Newton Out of Africa and Driving Miss Daisy are fine films, I’m sure, but every once in a while that old dark side of the mind requires a dose of the truly sick and twisted to make one appreciate the finer things in life. And the new … Continue reading Horror review: Dr. Giggles
Horror review: Candyman
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, OCT. 22, 1992 By Steve Newton On paper, Candyman looked like it had the makings of a fright fan’s wet dream. It was based on a short story from Clive Barker’s Books of Blood, the collection of gut-wrenching, in-your-face horror tales he churned out before getting all artsy and overblown … Continue reading Horror review: Candyman
Horror review: Innocent Blood
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, OCT. 1, 1992 By Steve Newton 1992 hasn’t been a banner year for horror movies. There hasn’t been anything near as fine as last year’s The Silence of the Lambs in the glut of Stephen King-related/-ripped off losers like The Lawnmower Man and Pet Sematary Two. But things are … Continue reading Horror review: Innocent Blood