Category: Rock

He looks like Jim Morrison. He sings like Jim Morrison. He is Joe Russo, lead singer of The Door tribute band – The Soft Parade. In a time when signed acts are finding the going rough, Joe Russo and company are preparing for a Spring tour of Russia that will have them headlining 13,000 seat arenas. Joe Russo spoke with us about The Soft Parade, The Doors, and the man he most resembles- Jim Morrison. Q – So when are you going to Russia? A – We’re going to Russia…

Michael Schenker is regarded as one of rock’s best guitarists, and with good reason. He co-founded The Scorpions, joined forces with UFO, and finally formed his own band – MSG, short for Michael Schenker Group. Today, however, Michael simply refers to his band as MSG. And as Michael’s lead singer Robin McAuley explained, “The name of the band is MSG, not the Michael Schenker Group or McAuley Schenker Group.” Now that everyone is clear on that, we can tell you that MSG’s latest release is titled “MSG” (Impact Records). Q…

Whether on his own, or in a group, Marty Balin’s star is always shining bright. Marty Balin, for those who don’t recognize his name, is the founding member of Jefferson Airplane which later became Jefferson Starship, then just Starship, and finally the KBC Band, with three of the band members joining that group. The Airplane and Starship, with Balin, racked up 9 platinum albums. As a solo artist, Marty Balin enjoyed considerable success with his debut solo album, “Hearts” in 1981. That album produced two hit singles, “Hearts” and “Atlanta…

Just when you think you’ve seen and heard it ail, along comes a group like Dread Zeppelin. Here’s a group that’s famous for covering Led Zeppelin songs, sung in the style of Elvis Presley (by their lead singer Tort Elvis), with a reggae feel. Dread Zeppelin records for I.R.S. Records and their newest release is “5,000,000.” We spoke with Dread Zeppelin guitarist Jah Paul Jo, or Jo for -short. Q – Jo, you played in Syracuse last fall, at a place called the Pump House. A – I remember the…

They take their name from another era, but Dillinger is very much a group of today. Based out of Los Angeles, Dillinger’s debut album “Horses and Hawgs” has been released on the new JRS Records label. Lead vocalist Chris Post talked with us about his group. Q – One of the things that makes Dillinger so unique is your vocals. They’re right up front. You can actually hear every word you’re saying. A – Real good point. You’re right up there. I tell you, we specified it when we recorded…

This Southern California rock group completed their personnel lineup in October of 1988. They’re currently performing in the Los Angeles area trying to land a record deal. Guitarist Brian Steams, along with bassist David Stearns and lead vocalist John Bennett all spoke with us about the adventures of trying to get ahead in Hollywood. Q. When you guys moved from Massachusetts to California, what were you expecting? Were you surprised at all, how the “Pay to Play” Club business works in L.A.? How do you deal with that? Brian –…

In 1989, Shotgun Messiah released their debut album “Welcome To Bop City” on Relativity Records. The album charted in Billboard’s Top 100, and critical acclaim followed. Then something unexpected happened — the band members no longer got along with one another. Personnel changes took place, which brings us up to the present. “Second Coming” (Roadrunner Records) marks the release of Shotgun Messiah’s latest album. Lead singer Tim Skold spoke to us about his group. Q. Tim, how does a guy know that he can be a good front-man for a…

Rock ‘n’ roll fans beware — here’s a storm on the horizon. Former Journey members Gregg Rolie, Ross Valory, and Steve Smith have banded together with Kevin Chalfant and Josh Ramos to form The Storm. Recording for Interscope Records, the group has just released their debut CD/cassette for the label. We spoke with Storm members Gregg Rolie and Ross Valory, Q – Haven’t you had enough of the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle by now? Ross – No, I haven’t actually, because since Journey, I’ve done very little traveling, very little…

Imagine your debut album being produced by Bret Michaels (lead singer of “Poison”), released by Giant/ Poorboy/Reprise Records (distributed by Warner Bros.); and being managed by HK management, one of the most prestigious management companies in Los Angeles. Susie Hatton doesn’t have to imagine, for her it’s all come true. Susie’s debut album is titled “Body and Soul.” Q – Susie, before I talk about your career, I have to ask you, has Poison broken up? Is Bret Michaels seriously ill and in the hospital? We keep hearing rumors, and…

Throughout rock ‘n roll history, Canada has exported an unusually high percentage of talented performers. Everybody from Paul Anka to Bryan Adams, to Bachman Turner Overdrive, to Loverboy, and the list goes on. Now, from our friendly neighbors to the North, comes another singing sensation —Chrissy Steele. If ever there was someone destined for stardom, it’s Chrissy Steele She’s got .it all. Chrissy records for E.M I Records Q: You were working six nights a week in Canadian clubs Live music must really be popular there. A: Yeah, it’s hurtin’…