By Steve Newton If you want to know the real story of how Van Halen went from being a backyard party band to America's hard-rock kings, check out author Gregg Renoff's 2015 book Van Halen Rising. And for the condensed version, check out this excerpt from my 1995 interview with Alex Van Halen. Have a listen: … Continue reading That time Alex Van Halen told me how Van Halen would “raise a stink” across L.A. until it paid off
Tag: Ted Templeman
That time I asked Allan Holdsworth what he thought of Eddie Van Halen
By Steve Newton If you were reading the top guitar magazines back in the early '80s you may have heard the buzz about this phenomenal British player named Allan Holdsworth. A lot of the buzz was being generated by one Eddie Van Halen, who was touting Holdsworth's abilities whenever he got a chance. Right around … Continue reading That time I asked Allan Holdsworth what he thought of Eddie Van Halen
Steve Stevens on covering Sweet, working with Ted Templeman, and becoming an Atomic Playboy
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON OCT. 6, 1989 By Steve Newton You might have seen the movie Fame--or the TV series that followed it--which traced the exploits of young students at Manhattan's renowned High School of the Performing Arts. With all the dancing in the streets that went on, you'd figure anyone enrolled in the institution was having … Continue reading Steve Stevens on covering Sweet, working with Ted Templeman, and becoming an Atomic Playboy
Bass god Billy Sheehan pooh-poohs Mr. Big’s supergroup status
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON SEPT. 8, 1989 By Steve Newton Seeing a destined-to-be-huge band in a small venue can make for one of the most memorable nights in any rock fan's existence. Kiss at the Commodore, Jeff Healey at the Yale, Living Colour at the Town Pump, Metallica at the New York Theatre--those are just a … Continue reading Bass god Billy Sheehan pooh-poohs Mr. Big’s supergroup status
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