Category: Rock

When Neal Schon was ten, he started playing guitar. At thirteen, he was improvising. At 15, he joined Santana. In 1973, shortly after he and keyboardist Gregg Rolie left Santana, they formed Journey. The rest you could say is history. These days Neil Schon is busy with his solo career. “Beyond The Thunder” marks Neal Schon’a debut on the Higher Octave label. We spoke with Neal Schon about his Higher Octave release, his rise in the music business, and his days with Journey. Q – The last time I saw…

He’s been compared to John Cougar Mellencamp, but don’t let anybody fool you. Steve Stone has his own style of music. Just released is Steve’s debut album “Dreams Die Hard” (Epic Associated label). It’s been quite a struggle for Steve since he left Providence, Rhode Island for the entertainment capitol of the world — Los Angeles, California. Steve is living proof that “Dreams Die Hard” – if you know what you want and you go after it. Q – Steve, what exactly is going on with your career these days?…

These guys spent part of their summer on the road with Kiss and Slaughter, supporting their debut album on Geffen Records, Little Caesar has been together only three years and already they’ve made quite a name for themselves in the rock biz. Lead singer Ron Young took some time off from a very busy schedule to speak with us about Little Caesar. Q – You played a Bikers Festival recently for 150,000 people. A – Yeah, actually it was more like 400,000, I found out. Q – While you look…

What’s it like to write songs with, and play guitar for, Billy Idol? Ask Mark Younger-Smith. That’s what he does. And so we did. Q – Mark, you and Billy must be preparing to go out on the road in support of the “Cyberpunk” CD? A – Yeah. I’m at the rehearsal place right now. I’m stepping away from the band for a few minutes to do this interview, and we’re right back into it. Q – What are the tour plans? A – We’re going to Europe to do…

Dale Hawkins is a rock ‘n’ roll original. His claim to fame is a song he wrote in the 50’s called “Suzie Q.” In 1957, that song, as sung by Hawkins went to Number 27 on the charts. John Fogerty and Creedence Clearwater Revival enjoyed a Number 11 hit with “Suzie Q” in 1968. Over the years, Hawkins recorded for labels such as Chess, Tilt, Zonk, Atlantic, Roulette, and ABC-Paramount. In the mid-60’s, Dale Hawkins served as a producer on such hits as “Western Union,” “Do It Again A Little…

Mike Tramp used to front the band “White Lion”. Signed to Atlantic Records in 1983. “White Lion” sold 6 million records and had 4 Top 40 singles, including the classic “When The Children Cry”. After “White Lion” broke up in 1991, Mike formed a new band, Freak Of Nature, who recorded two albums released only in Europe and Asia. For the next couple of years, Mike and Freak Of Nature focused on playing “live” in Europe and Asia to promote the albums, but, after 400 shows, Mike decided he had…

Is there life after “Kiss”? There is if your name is Vinnie Vincent! The ex-lead guitarist of Kiss, left the group in 1984 to go it alone. His debut album on Chrysalis Records became the fastest selling album in the history of the record company. “All Systems Go”, Vinnie’s second album, is slated for a January 1988 release date. We spoke to Vinnie recently about his career to date. We might mention that Vinnie is prohibited under a contractual agreement with Kiss, to mention their name in any interview he…

In the ever-changing world of rock, yet another change has taken place. Ex-Britny Fox lead singer Dean Davidson has formed a new group called Black Eyed Susan. Recording for Mercury Records, their debut record is titled “Electric Rattlebone”. What makes Black Eyed Susan so unique is the way they went about getting a record deal. Having formed the group, Davidson convinced the owners of Studio Four in Philadelphia to let the band record an album there “on spec”, Word soon spread in the industry about the recording project, and Dean…

They’re back. After world tours, gold and platinum records, Phil Mogg and U.F.O. have returned with a new album “Ain’t Misbehavin,” on a new label for them – Metal Blade. We spoke with vocalist Phil Mogg about his return to the world of music. Q – You started U.F.O. way beck in 1971. What’s been the single biggest change in the music industry that you’ve noticed? A – I don’t know. Not a lot really. I don’t think it’s changed that much at all. It’s kind of the same sort…

Less than a year ago, the members of this band were scattered across the world. Today they’re considered one of the hottest groups around. We’re talking of course about Ploygram recording artists – L.A. Guns. Guitarist Tracii Guns Spoke with us about the meteoric success of L.A. Guns. Q – I saw you in town a few months ago at a small club, and I have to wonder, how does it pay the group to get out on the road and play in a small venue? A – You don’t…