In this episode of VRP Rocks, drummer Michael Cartellone, known for his work with Lynyrd Skynyrd and Damn Yankees, shares captivating insights into his artistic journey and musical career. We talk about the influence Ron Nevison had on his career, working on a Freddie Mercury track, touring with ZZ Top, being the "unknown" member of a supergroup and reminiscences of his time with John Wetton and Eddie Jobson, this episode promises an engaging blend of art, music history, and timeless classics. We also delve into his artistic career, from his iconic music-themed paintings featuring the original members of Lynyrd Skynyrd and Ringo Starr's perspective during the Beatles' last live performance, to his upcoming art exhibition "Bella Italia," filled with rich Sicilian ancestry, Cartellone's stories are both inspiring and profound.

Todays guest is a guitarist making a BIG name for herself in the world of rock! Nita Strauss has been the guitarist in Alice Cooper's band for a number of years but has successfully released a number of solo records, became the first female to have her own signature guitar series with Ibanez, earned her very own Superbowl ring and was named by Guitar World as number 1 on their list of female guitar players you should know. Nita is joined in the interview by her fiancé Josh, who is also her manager and the drummer in her band! Listen to VRP ROCKS RADIO: https://live365.com/station/VRP-Rocks-Radio-a61270

Legendary rock vocalist, LOU GRAMM, joins me for this open, honest and insightful interview spanning his career! He talks about the crash which led to him joining Foreigner, the quick success and backlash they received, why he had to leave Foreigner and why he feels his solo career was tanked. He talks candidly about his relationship with ex bandmate Mick Jones and about how things stand with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nomination. He also talks about his new album to be released later in 2024, why this year is his last year for touring and about the great work he's doing with the Lou Gramm Foundation! Listen to VRP ROCKS RADIO: https://live365.com/station/VRP-Rocks-Radio-a61270

Legendary bassist Leland Sklar takes us behind the scenes of iconic albums and collaborations with music legends. From his work on Phil Collins' chart-topping "No Jacket Required" to his enduring partnership with James Taylor, Leland shares captivating stories of the music industry's highs and lows. Delve into Sklar's profound insights on the impact of negative press, the unpredictability of industry success, and the enduring influence of timeless music.

In a special bonus episode of VRP Rocks, iconic rock vocalist, Joe Lynn Turner, answers your questions! We delve into his time with Yngwie and Deep Purple, we hear stories of being thrown out of a bar with Johnny Rotten, how he first met Ritchie Blackmore, why he felt it was the right time to reveal his alopecia and how becoming a father again has changed him. He also talks about future plans with perhaps a surprising twist ahead!

In this exclusive episode of VRP Rocks, iconic rock legend Joe Lynn Turner takes centre stage, sharing insights and personal anecdotes in a candid discussion. Delving deep into his illustrious career, Turner highlights his all-time favourite albums, including Rainbow and his solo albums, supergroup collaborations and more. The rock maestro also reveals behind-the-scenes stories from the people involved in making these records! This episode offers a mesmerizing journey through the career of a music icon.

This is a fascinating and brutally honest interview with a man who hasn't done too many interviews over the years, and it shows! Frankie Sullivan, guitarist and founding member of Survivor sets the record straight telling his version of events from the Survivor story! It's a truly intriguing chat that takes many twists and turns throughout. Prepare to be engaged!

Check out VRP Rocks Radio : https://live365.com/station/VRP-Rocks-Radio-a61270 Rik Emmett joins me to answer YOUR questions! you'll hear about on-stage accidents, his famous white V guitar, the US Festival, the best band he saw live and much more! Plus he tells us about his new compilation album Diamonds too!

Check out VRP Rocks Radio : https://live365.com/station/VRP-Rocks-Radio-a61270 This weeks guest is the legendary musician and songwriter, Russ Ballard! Discover the enthralling backstory of Russ Ballard's musical journey, from his worldwide hit "Hold Your Head Up" with Argent to his solo career, years working with Roger Daltrey, the stories behind his anthems, such as "Since You've Been Gone" and "I Surrender" by Rainbow, "God Gave Rock and Roll to You," which gained attention through KISS and Ace Frehley's 70's hit with "New York Groove." He also speaks honestly and openly about his battle with depression and how it shaped his songwriting.

Check out VRP Rocks Radio : https://live365.com/station/VRP-Rocks-Radio-a61270 In this episode of VRP Rocks, iconic drummer Nigel Glockler, known for his legendary work with the band Saxon, shares captivating insights into the band's journey. Telling stories from tours with Ozzy Osbourne, Motorhead and Motley Crue, legal battles over their name, why he quit the band in 1987 and what lured him back, to their latest triumphs with the release of their 24th studio album, "Hell, Fire, and Damnation."

Check out VRP Rocks Radio : https://live365.com/station/VRP-Rocks-Radio-a61270 - the 24/7 online classic rock station unlike any other classic rock radio! Playing deep cuts and forgotten bands, give it a try, you won't regret it! This week legendary bass player and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Jack Casady, joins Paul to talk about his life in music. The Jefferson Airplane / Hot Tuna star talks about how he and Jorma Kaukonen met, joining the Airplane, working with Jimi Hendrix on one his most iconic songs, Voodoo Chile, Woodstock and the Rock Hall Induction!

In this insightful interview Eddie Ojeda opens up on many hot topics from his career, including his thoughts on Dee Snider's prominent role in the PMRC hearing, how his guitar sparked jealousy amongst his bandmates, how they "creates a monster" in recruiting Dee into Twisted Sister and much more. If you enjoyed this episode please check out Episode 98 and Episode 111 which features extended interviews with Eddie's former Twisted Sister bandmates Dee Snider and Jay Jay French!

Foghat legend Roger Earl joins VRP Rocks again, this time to talk about the bands new hit album Sonic Mojo! The groups first studio record for 7 years, it's topped the Billboard Blues chart and is pulling in rave reviews... so Paul got Roger back to speak about all about it!

Jay Jay French joins me for an in-depth conversation about Twisted Sister's tumultuous journey in the music industry. From the band's early struggles to acclaim and the challenges along the way, Jay Jay French's candid revelations provide a fascinating insight into the world of rock and roll. Delve into Twisted Sister's rise to stardom and inner turmoil as they conquered the music scene with iconic albums like "Stay Hungry" and "Can't Stop Rock and Roll." Jay Jay French recounts the band's relentless pursuit of success, recounting key moments such as meeting Atlantic Records' Doug Morris and their groundbreaking success on MTV with hits like "We're Not Gonna Take It" and "I Wanna Rock." Experience the gripping accounts of resilience and survival as Jay Jay French shares personal challenges, including the loss of his mother, financial hardships, bankruptcy, and the groundbreaking resurgence of Twisted Sister. Uncover the band's remarkable comeback, including headlining major festivals and releasing the beloved Christmas album "A Twisted Christmas." This engaging episode also explores Jay Jay French's entrepreneurial journey, his battle with health issues, and his transformative experiences in the music industry. Dive into discussions on business insights, talent, and dedication, as he shares his wisdom in his new book, "Twisted Business: Lessons from My Life in Rock and Roll." Unearth the captivating stories behind Twisted Sister's resilience and rise to fame and explore the profound impact of their music on the world. Join the conversation as Jay Jay French discusses Twisted Sister's enduring legacy, their 40th-anniversary celebrations, their new album, and his podcast "JJ French Connection" showcasing insights from record company presidents and industry professionals. Tune in to VRP Rocks as Jay Jay French's engaging anecdotes, resilience, and unparalleled dedication inspire and captivate audiences, delivering an unforgettable journey through the highs and lows of a rock and roll icon.

VRP Rocks pays a heartfelt tribute to the iconic rock stars we lost in 2023. Join Paul and a line-up of esteemed guests including Joe Bonamassa, Peter Frampton, John Illsley, Doug Aldrich, Rod Argent, Simon Phillips, Malcolm Bruce and Kansas guitarist Rich Williams as they share personal stories and reminisce about the celebrated careers of some of the rock legends who sadly passed away last year. It's always a hard show to put together, remembering just how many legends we've lost in such a short space of time, but at the same time it's great to be able to pay tribute to the likes of Jeff Beck, Tina Turner, David Crosby, Gary Rossington, Bernie Marsden and others, who left us in the last 12 months. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and follow VRP Rocks on your preferred podcast app and on YouTube for exclusive content and captivating interviews. With a wealth of fascinating conversations from rock legends like Stewart Copeland, Steve Vai, and more, VRP Rocks is your ultimate destination for enriching classic rock experiences.

Malcolm Bruce, son of Cream bassist Jack Bruce, joins us for an in-depth discussion about the legendary rock band's impact and the new acoustic tribute album "Heavenly Cream." Delve into the fascinating behind-the-scenes stories and personal reflections on the making of the album, featuring performances from renowned artists like Paul Rodgers, Ginger Baker, Joe Bonamassa and Malcolm Bruce himself. Malcolm takes you on a journey through Cream's storied history, exploring the band’s musical journey. Get insights into the iconic band's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the complex dynamics within the group, sharing personal anecdotes and reflections on the band's legacy. Discover how “Heavenly Cream” came to be, with Malcolm revealing the origins of the project, the collaborative selection process, and the emotional significance of the album following the passing of significant contributors. Uncover the rare creative process behind the tribute album and the organic inclusion of well-known Cream songs, alongside moving collaborations with respected musicians. Dive into the unique recording process, featuring sessions with Joe Bonamassa, Bernie Marsden, and Paul Rodgers, at iconic the Abbey Road Studios. Learn about the personal connections that shaped the album, as Malcolm shares the influence of Cream on his life and the historical context behind the record. The conversation also delves into the deeper themes and messages within the album, as Malcolm shares his aspirations for creating music of substance in an industry often dominated by "cookie-cutter" mentality. Plus, hear about Malcolm's new solo record "Fake Humans and Real Dolls," set for release in 2024.

Legendary songwriter and producer Desmond Child spills all the juiciest details from his career including working with Kiss, Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, Alice Cooper and more! He shares the quirky backstories and surprising inspirations behind timeless classics such as "Living on a Prayer", "I Was Made for Loving You", "Dude Looks Like a Lady", "I Hate Myself for Loving You" and many more. It's a fascinating look behind the curtain of a man whose records have sold half a billion copies worldwide! To find out more, check out Desmond's new book 'Living On A Prayer, Big Songs, Big Life' which is available now!

Paul is joined by the legendary drummer Simon Phillips, known for his work with classic rock icons like Judas Priest, Toto, The Who, Jeff Beck, and many more. Simon shares captivating stories from his illustrious career, including his experiences as a session musician, his work with different bands, and the challenges he faced along the way. Join us as Simon Phillips takes us on a journey through his remarkable musical odyssey, from his early jazz background to his foray into the world of rock and roll. He provides fascinating insights into his work with Pete Townshend, Jeff Beck, and The Who, shedding light on the unique dynamics of each collaboration. Simon also delves into his decision to join Toto and shares the challenges he encountered as a touring musician. Get ready for an engaging and insightful conversation with a true music maestro as Simon Phillips opens up about the highs, lows, and unforgettable moments of his career. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a music enthusiast, this episode is a must-listen! Tune in to VRP Rocks to catch all these incredible stories and more. Don't miss out on exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes insights, and the best of classic rock. Stay tuned for future episodes and join us as we celebrate the timeless allure of rock music.

In this special Side 2 episode, Paul sits down with Stewart Copeland, the renowned drummer and co-founder of The Police, to discuss the release of his new book, "Stewart Copeland's Police Diaries." The book provides a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the formative years of The Police, chronicling their journey from struggling musicians to conquering superstars. Get ready to hear Stewart Copeland share captivating stories from The Police's early days, including details about how he recruited Sting, and the pivotal moment when Andy Summers joined the group. Delve into the world of punk rock as Stewart describes the band's interactions with other iconic groups like The Clash and their experiences at the Roxy Club during the punk movement's genesis. Through this riveting interview, listeners will gain insight into the challenges, successes, and enduring passion that shaped The Police's journey to international stardom. Discover the untold stories, struggles, and triumphs that paved the way for the iconic band's rise to fame. Tune in to this episode of VRP Rocks and immerse yourself in the enthralling narrative of one of the most influential bands in music history, as told by the legendary Stewart Copeland. And if you want to hear more from Stewart Copeland, check out the extended interview Paul did with him back on Episode 72 of VRP Rocks!

For the first time in VRP Rocks history, this episode is out on location! WinterStorm Festival 2023, held in the small west coast town of Troon in Scotland, attracted an unbelievable array of classic rock bands to the three day spectacular and Paul was there to soak up the atmosphere and mingle. Headliners included Michael Schenker, Uli Jon Roth and Graham Bonnet as well as many other classic acts like Dutch prog group Focus, original Iron Maiden singer Paul Di'Anno, Tyketto, former Rainbow singer Doogie White, UK rock radio favourites FM and Tyketto. Paul catches up with a number of acts backstage, including some of the newer bands making a name for themselves, as well as few of the gig-goers to get their take on the weekend and festivities. Hopefully this gives you a nice feel for what the 3 day event was all about!

Known for his impressive work with bands like Dokken, Warlock and Doro, Jon Levin takes us on a journey through his musical career, sharing insights, stories, and his passion for creating authentic music. From a young age, Jon showed his musical talent by playing various instruments but it was the guitar that captivated him and ignited his passion for rock music. Inspired by guitar gods like Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix, Jon honed his skills and pushed himself to excel. Later on, he discovered the guitar mastery of Eddie Van Halen, with "Unchained" becoming his favorite Van Halen track. But it wasn't all smooth sailing for Jon. As he opens up about his challenges with reading comprehension, we gain a deeper understanding of the determination and resilience that define a true rock performer. Jon also shares his experiences collaborating with renowned artists such as Doro Pesch and her band, revealing his pride in Warlock's album and the impact they had on the metal scene. In a surprising turn of events, Jon reveals that he pursued a career in law during the grunge movement. However, music never truly left his soul. Even while in law school, he would occasionally strum his guitar, but it wasn't until he received a life-changing call from Jeff Pilson that his music career reignited. Discussing his time with Dokken, Jon shares the exhilarating story of how he joined the band. Reluctant at first, it was ultimately his father who convinced him to take the leap. Jon's talent shone through as he played two blazing guitar solos for Dokken without even hearing the tracks beforehand, proving that he had the chops to fill the shoes left by other guitarists. Throughout the episode, Jon shows immense admiration for Ed Van Halen, praising his brilliance and recounting a brief encounter with the guitar virtuoso when their bands shared a stage. He also takes us back to his early years, recalling the moment he made the pivotal decision to drop out of college against his parents' wishes and fully commit to a career in music. As we dive into the band's latest album, "Heaven Comes Down," Jon talks about the circumstances they faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Unable to collaborate in person, the band relied on correspondence to create the record. Jon discusses his struggle with programming drums but overcame the challenge with the help of a friend, Tommy Henriksen. With the downtime, Jon began recording demos and found that writing in the early hours of the morning worked best. Jon explains how the album came together, with him sending Don demos and the lead singer improvising lyrics and melodies on the spot. Some songs were collaborations, while others had already been written, allowing the band to adapt and create despite the limitations imposed by the pandemic. Throughout the episode, Jon's passion for genuine music shines through, as he shares his thoughts on creating without ripping off or forcing ideas. He explains that on "Heaven Comes Down," they managed to accomplish this organically, creating a record filled with raw emotion and strong musicality. Don delves deeper into the creative process and discusses the band's approach to balancing new music with their iconic hits. They explore how the band's sound resonates with a modern audience and discuss the challenges and successes they encountered during the recording process. Looking ahead, Jon Levin reveals exciting plans for the future, with more music videos in the works and a tour scheduled for 2024, potentially including stops in Europe and Japan.

Todays very special guest, is Mike Derosier, the renowned drummer of the iconic band Heart. Mike Derosier, a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, shares his fascinating experiences from his time with Heart, from the 1970s to the early 1980s, contributing his incredible drumming skills to multiple platinum-selling albums. Listen in as Mike talks about his early days with Heart, joining the band, and recording under tight time constraints. Discover how the band honed their sound through electrifying live performances, playing residencies and sharing the stage with iconic bands like The Who, Rolling Stones, Bee Gees, and Rod Stewart. As the conversation unfolds, Mike discusses the changing landscape of the music industry and reflects on the influence of platforms like YouTube and TikTok. Not only does Mike reminisce about his time with Heart, but he also talks about his journey after leaving the band. He shares insights into his collaboration with Orion the Hunter, working with fellow musicians Barry Goudreau and Brad Delp from Boston and Richard Marx. Throughout the episode, Mike emphasizes his love for playing classic rock and the importance of representing the songs properly. He discusses the creative process within a rock band, the significance of establishing agreements and roles, as well as his favorite songs to drum, like "Barracuda" and "Mistral Wind." Don't miss this unforgettable episode of VRP Rocks with special guest Mike Derosier, where the magic and nostalgia of classic rock come to life. Tune in, crank up the volume, and get ready to rock out! If you're a fan of Heart, check out episode 21 of VRP Rocks to hear another version of events from the band, with an exclusive interview with Heart's original bass player, Steve Fossen.