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
Tag: interview
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
The Cult’s Ian Astbury claims that touring with Lenny Kravitz is “a spiritual event”
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON JAN. 9, 1992 By Steve Newton Some folks might have been surprised to hear that the Cult is touring with Lenny Kravitz. After all, the straightforward, bluesy hard-rock of the former is quite distinct from the Beatlesque, ’60s pop styles of the latter. Or is it? According to Cult singer Ian Astbury, … Continue reading The Cult’s Ian Astbury claims that touring with Lenny Kravitz is “a spiritual event”
Queensrÿche’s Geoff Tate praises the “real musicians” of prog-rock
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON DEC. 19, 1991 By Steve Newton When it comes to progressive rock bands from the ’70s, there’s no middle ground—people either love ’em or hate ’em. Fans of groups like Yes, King Crimson, and Genesis point to the musical skill involved in performing the tunes; detractors tend to cite the “pomposity” of … Continue reading Queensrÿche’s Geoff Tate praises the “real musicians” of prog-rock
Stone Gossard says Pearl Jam’s hard work is all paying off
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON DEC. 19, 1991 By Steve Newton When a rock writer does a lot of “phoners”—media slang for telephone interviews—with bands that are coming to town, once in a while wires get crossed. This scribbler was planning to speak to Pearl Jam vocalist Eddie Vedder last week, but guitarist Stone Gossard rang up … Continue reading Stone Gossard says Pearl Jam’s hard work is all paying off
Chris Whitley figures Johnny Winter is the best blues-rock record ever made
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, NOV. 14, 1991 By Steve Newton Certain albums hold sacred places in people’s hearts. They know every chorus, verse, and bridge of one particular LP. For me, that ultimate album might be Mott the Hoople’s Mott. For dobro ace Chris Whitley, it’s definitely Johnny Winter’s Johnny Winter. “To me, … Continue reading Chris Whitley figures Johnny Winter is the best blues-rock record ever made
Tom Cochrane talks Mad Mad World just before “Highway” hits it huge
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON OCT. 31, 1991 By Steve Newton I’ve been a fan of Tom Cochrane’s since Red Rider’s debut album, but his new tune, “Life Is a Highway”, threw me for a loop. Its bouncy sound wasn’t what I expected from the steely hero of Canadian heartland rock, and at first the tune rubbed … Continue reading Tom Cochrane talks Mad Mad World just before “Highway” hits it huge
The world’s not ready for AC/DC to stop busting ears
photo by Rebecca Blissett There's been a lot of rumour and speculation flying around the music world in the last few days regarding the status of legendary Aussie earbusters AC/DC. Some media outlets were actually reporting the band's demise, claiming that rhythm-guitarist and founding member Malcolm Young had suffered a stroke recently and would never … Continue reading The world’s not ready for AC/DC to stop busting ears
Anthrax brings the noise with a little help from Public Enemy
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON OCT. 17, 1991 By Steve Newton “Disco and rap, it’s all crap.” That used to be this scribbler’s motto, until he heard Anthrax’s rapped-up version of “Bring the Noise”, which combines a seriously sonic guitar onslaught with the streetwise poetry of Public Enemy. It’s a great tune and one that led to … Continue reading Anthrax brings the noise with a little help from Public Enemy
Mark Farner’s current “God rock” set doesn’t include Grand Funk’s “We’re an American Band”
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON SEPT. 12, 1991 By Steve Newton Usually when this scribbler prepares for an interview, he starts by listening to the artist’s tape or CD, perusing its liner notes, scanning a record company bio, and maybe reading some press clippings. But for a chat with former Grand Funk Railroad singer/guitarist Mark Farner, getting … Continue reading Mark Farner’s current “God rock” set doesn’t include Grand Funk’s “We’re an American Band”
Chrissy Steele hits the perfect volume level for Brian “Too Loud” MacLeod
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON SEPT. 5, 1991 By Steve Newton If you’re a hard-rock kinda person, sometimes it really pays to hang out at Club Soda, along with the folks from Aerosmith and the Scorpions. For local rocker Chrissy Steele, that’s where she first met former Headpins guitarist Brian “Too Loud” MacLeod, who was impressed enough … Continue reading Chrissy Steele hits the perfect volume level for Brian “Too Loud” MacLeod
A man named Stick leads Red Deer transplants Mad Duck on the hard-rock trail
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON AUG. 22, 1991 By Steve Newton Country superstar k.d. lang did hard time in the schools of Red Deer, Alberta, but the town hasn’t exactly spawned a host of well-known recording artists. However, if a singer-guitarist by the name of Stick has anything to say about it, his band will put the … Continue reading A man named Stick leads Red Deer transplants Mad Duck on the hard-rock trail
Guitar legend Buddy Guy strives to keep the blues alive
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON AUG. 22, 1991 By Steve Newton Blues guitar great Buddy Guy sure has seen some interesting things during his 55 years on this earth. How many players can say that Jimi Hendrix once cancelled a gig to sit at their feet with a tape recorder? “I didn’t know who he was at … Continue reading Guitar legend Buddy Guy strives to keep the blues alive