all crappy iPhone photos by the newt By Steve Newton "I was teaching math when I first heard the Sex Pistols," Phil Alvin told me back in 1983, "and then I said, 'Allright, good. I can play again.' So I quit teaching." Thank god Alvin caught wind of Johnny Rotten and his band of miscreants, … Continue reading The Alvin brothers blast the roof off in Vancouver at a roots-rock hoedown for the ages
Tag: Phil Alvin
Dave Alvin’s “dead” brother Phil returns for another rootsy splash in the river of life
By Steve Newton Three years ago, American roots-rock great Dave Alvin had the fright of his life. His older brother Phil—with whom he’d shared many a van, hotel room, and stage over the years in the Blasters—damn near passed away while on tour in Spain. In fact, he was technically toast. “He couldn’t breathe on-stage,” … Continue reading Dave Alvin’s “dead” brother Phil returns for another rootsy splash in the river of life
American roots-rock great Dave Alvin fights ageism in the media
By Steve Newton American roots-rock greats Dave and Phil Alvin are booked to play the Electric Owl on June 30, so a couple of days ago I called Dave up at his home in L.A. to get the scoop on what he's been up to lately and help promote the show a bit. During the course … Continue reading American roots-rock great Dave Alvin fights ageism in the media
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