In this episode of VRP Rocks, we dive deep into rock history with two legendary segments. First, we pay tribute to the genius of Jeff Beck, as six rock icons share their personal stories and insights on why Beck was the greatest guitarist of all time. Then, we crank up the volume for the ultimate showdown between The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. We analyze their streaming numbers on Spotify to reveal a combined top 25 most-played songs. Tune in for epic tales, classic hits, and rock 'n' roll debate at its finest! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of VRP Rocks, host Paul Stephenson sits down with legendary session musician, guitarist and producer Danny Kortchmar. Known for his work with iconic artists like James Taylor, Carole King, Don Henley and Jackson Browne, Danny shares his top 5 favourite songs that he’s worked on throughout his incredible career. From behind-the-scenes stories to insights into the creative process, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into the mind of one of music’s most influential figures. Tune in for a deep dive into the music that shaped a generation! Don’t forget to subscribe for more classic rock stories every Monday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Step into the world of music history with renowned drummer Russ Kunkel as he unveils the captivating stories behind his top five favorite records. Experience the behind-the-scenes magic of influential albums that have left an indelible mark on the music industry. From studio collaborations with legendary artists to the creation of timeless classics, Russ shares exclusive insights into the making of platinum-certified, Grammy-honored masterpieces. Discover the artistry and the profound impact of these albums as Russ takes you on a journey through the transformative era of music. Don't miss this extraordinary opportunity to witness the untold tales and unparalleled artistry that shaped a generation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this day in 1973, The Who released Quadrophenia in the UK! This resounding rock opera remains the groups joint highest charting album in America. With me to talk about this record today is Martin Popoff! Martin Popoff is the author of 115 rock books (see martinpopoff.com for more) and creator of his own podcast here on Pantheon called 'History in Five Songs with Martin Popoff.' - Check out his work! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"I am the God of Hellfire and I bring you... Arthur Brown!!!"  Ok, I'm not the God of Hellfire, but he sure as heck is! Arthur Brown is my guest on this weeks big interview show, the man who scored a worldwide hit in 1968 with the anthem, 'Fire'! He's dazzled and bewitched fans for decades with elaborate stage shows, a hat of fire, face paint and much more - and now, in the year he turned 80 years old, is back with more new music! Just months after releasing 'Long Long Road', he returns with the spooktacular 'Monsters Ball'! The guests he's got involved on the record is seriously impressive, including Deep Purple's Ian Paice, The Stooges James Williamson, Vanilla Fudge's Carmine Appice and Mark Stein, Hawkwind's Nik Turner and Alan Davey and many more!  Arthur joins me to talk about this spooky new record which features a cover of the Syd Barrett written Pink Floyd song 'Lucifer Sam' and a new version of his hit 'Fire'. We also talk about that incredible song, his crazy stage shows, his friendship with Jimi Hendrix which saw them almost form a band together, his new documentary and so much more! This is one not to miss!! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"I Live Too Fast To Die Young" may be the name of his new album but it's also a line that could sum up Michael Monroe! The former Hanoi Rocks lead singer is an icon in Finland, he and his band credited as being pioneers of the hair metal movement, have been lauded by legendary icons such as Guns n Roses and the Foo Fighters and in 1985 Sounds magazine even ranked them the second best band in the world! But despite the adulation, they never achieved the commercial success they deserved. In this interview Michael discusses his time in Hanoi, the death of drummer Razzle which tore the bands bright future apart, and about how old wounds are heeling with his former bandmate. He also talks about the brilliant new documentary being made about his life, his new aforementioned solo album, this summer touring with Guns n Roses and Alice Cooper, his friendship with 'Little' Steven van Zandt and Stiv Bators, finally getting to remaster an old Hanoi album and the re-release of Demolition 23. It's an extensive interview with Michael both bright, engaging and incredibly open and honest about what he's been through.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This weeks episode is another Side 2 – because it features the return of a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee back to VRP, someone I first interviewed in May 2021, someone part of one of the biggest bands of the late 60s and early 70s – I'm talking about the wonderful Doug 'Cosmo' Clifford from Creedence Clearwater Revival!  I wanted to get him back on to talk about previously unreleased music from the 70s that he made with former Derek and the Domino's man Bobby Whitlock, which he is now putting out called 'California Gold'. Plus I wanted to get the lowdown on the new Netflix release 'Travellin' Band', a brilliant live performance from CCR at London's Royal Albert Hall with some great documentary footage included from their tour across Europe! And of course I wanted to hear some more classic Creedence stories too!     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2 years ago today the world lost one of rocks greatest guitarists - EDDIE VAN HALEN! On today's episode of THIS DAY ROCKS we hear memories of Eddie from his good friend, Ratt frontman STEPEHN PEARCY and former Black Sabbath lead singer TONY MARTIN. If you want to hear a longer episode which I released less than 48 hours after Eddie passed away then please check out the special Vintage Rock Pod Tribute Show from October 2020. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today is the second anniversary of the launch of Vintage Rock Pod! Episode 1, featuring an interview with Rock n Roll Hall of Famer, Kenney Jones, was released on October 5th, 2020! In this short episode I thought I'd play out a couple of fun short clips that never made the episodes, mostly for good reason! Here's to a more years and more great guests in the future! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Barry Goudreau is a founding member of the rock band BOSTON, playing with them on their first two iconic multi-platinum selling albums! In this open interview he talks about the early days before making it big, the impact that 'More Than a Feeling' had, touring with the likes of Black Sabbath and the circumstances surrounding his firing from the band. We also talk about his work with Brad Delp and his sad passing, plus his new band Barry Goudreau's Engine Room.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's big interview show see's the return of one of my favourite guests, legendary Vanilla Fudge drummer, CARMINE APPICE! The Fudge are releasing a new record called Vanilla Zeppelin, an album of Led Zeppelin songs re-imagined in a way that only Carmine and the boys can do. We dive deep into the history of this new recording, hear more from the 60's when Vanilla Fudge took Led Zeppelin on their first US Tour, the bands friendship and more. Plus, I have the difficult task of whittling the enormous Zeppelin catalogue down to a Top 5, picking my personal favourite Zeppelin songs. To hear more incredible stories from Carmine Appice's career, which includes working with Rod Stewart and Jeff Beck, being fired from the tour with Ozzy Osbourne by a vindictive Sharon, the huge anthem that made Vanilla Fudge a household name, and more about John Bonham and Led Zeppelin then check out EPISODE 43 of Vintage Rock Pod - it's a cracker! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's guest is the incredible KEVIN GODLEY!! Kevin's career spans such a wide course, as part of Hotlegs he had a number 2 hit in the UK and then along with Lol Creme, Graham Gouldman and Eric Stewart formed 10CC who went on to score 5 top 10 albums in the UK, 3 number 1 singles and 8 other top 10 hits too! He and Lol Creme then left to form Godley and Creme and scored a couple more top 10 singles before switching their attention permanently to making music videos. As video producers they worked with U2, Paul McCartney, INXS, Status Quo, Elton John, The Police, ASIA and so many others! This is a fascinating chat with a very talented man! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this day in 1983 we got to see the actual faces of the band KISS! Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Eric Carr and Vinnie Vincent appeared on MTV without their trademark make-up to promote their new album Lick It Up! With me to talk all about this momentous event in Kisstory is Tom and Zeus from Shout It Out Loudcast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Demon himself, GENE SIMMONS, from KISS joins Paul to chat all about what's going on his world right now! We delve into the end of Kiss and the birth of the "new era", the Avatars! We also get an update on the Kiss Netflix Biopic, the reasons behind selling the music and image rights to the band, what his relationship is currently like with Paul Stanley, what his regrets are about Ace Frehley and Peter Criss, how Gene discovered Van Halen, the influence of the Beatles on the band, Genes solo touring and much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

STEWART COPELAND, rightly regarded as one of the greatest rock drummers of all time, joins me on this episode to talk all about his career with The Police, their struggles to start with, the dynamics between him and Sting and what caused the friction, how the studio and song writing process evolved as the success built, the band's split at the height of their fame, their subsequent re-union tour almost 30 years later and what the relationship is like between the members today.  We also dive into Stewarts most recent work too, re-imagining The Police songs using an orchestra - and Stings reaction to this - a project about Italian witches involving Chrissie Hynde of the Pretenders and of course about the recent Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert that Stewart performed at, at London's Wembley Stadium. It's a fascinating conversation with Stewart pulling no punches, his charismatic personality on show at all times.  The Police were one of the biggest bands in the world in the 70's and 80's, the 3 members of the group, Stewart, Sting and Andy Summers, achieved incredible success during their short time together with 5 platinum selling albums between 1978 and 1983, 5 number 1 singles in the UK, multiple Grammy Award wins and ultimately induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in their first year of eligibility.  Also on the episode you'll hear my Top 5 songs from the Police and your thoughts on last week's Top 5 Pat Travers songs.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Todays guest is PAT TRAVERS, a Canadian guitar legend whose career has spanned almost half a century! From travelling to the UK to make his name, having a surprise hit, touring with Ritchie Blackmore right through to his new album 'The Art of Time Travel' we get into it all!   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of the biggest selling songs of 1982 hit the number 1 spot in the UK 40 years ago today! The classic Eye of the Tiger by Survivor was written especially for Rocky III, and on this episode you'll hear from former Survivor member JIM PETERIK how it all happened, starting with a voicemail from Sylvester Stallone! Hear the full interview with Jim Peterik on Episode 27 of VRP Rocks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

My guest today has worked with some real legends over the years and has stories to tell about Rod Stewart, Jimi Hendrix and Grace Slick!    Pete Sears came through the British music scene in the 60's and played on Rod's first 4 studio albums (including the platinum selling 'Every Picture Tells A Story' and worldwide number 1 single 'Maggie May') and then became an ever present member of Jefferson Starship during their first incarnation (1974-1984). He worked with Hot Tuna for the best part of a decade too. He's back with a new album playing with Steamhammer, a band he first worked with in 1969! It's a great interview not to be missed!   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Released in the US on this day in 1988, LOVE BITES became the groups first and so far, only number 1 single in America. It came from the monster album Hysteria and ended up topping the Billboard Hot 100 on October 8th that year. With me to talk more about this song and the impact it had, not just on the fans but on the band too, is Neil from Def Lep Pod. If you're a fan of Def Leppard then check out Neil's podcast Def Lep Pod on all good podcast platforms! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Legendary Cream musician JACK BRUCE is the main subject of discussion today with my guest JEFF BERLIN! Jack famously said that Jeff was the best bass player he had ever heard, the two were friends and Jeff has now released an album of Jack's music in remembrance of how Jack helped him to find his own musical path. The album 'Jack Songs' is an All-Star tribute which also features an incredible cast of additional musicians including SAMMY HAGAR, ALEX LIFESON, GEDDY LEE and more! Plus you'll hear Jeff tell stories about his time working with other legends such as Bill Bruford and Frank Zappa too. Also on the show you'll hear my Top 5 Cream songs and I'll read out some of your suggestions for last weeks Top 5 songs from The Who! And if that wasn't enough - there's more! You'll get an update to the Artists Choice Playlist where you'll hear FEE WAYBILL (The Tubes), JOHN STEEL (The Animals), GERRY McAVOY (Rory Gallagher), RICHIE FURAY (Buffalo Springfield), CHRIS DIFFORD (Squeeze) and PETE JUPP (FM UK) all select one song from their own back catalogues to add to our special playlist! For more information about Jeff Berlin's new album 'JACK SONGS' visit jeffberlinmusicgroup.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's guest is a guitarist thought of so highly that Pete Townshend personally asked him to join The Who, an offer he obviously couldn't refuse!! Steve Bolton, known as Boltz, first found fame in Atomic Rooster, a British rock band who scored big hits in the UK in the early 70's, before going on to work with a number of music legends. In this episode Boltz tells some great stories from his career and looks ahead to playing the Great British Rhythm & Blues, Rock Roots and Folk festival in Colne with Atomic Rooster at the end of August. For more information about Great British Rhythm & Blues, Rock Roots and Folk festival visit www.bluesfestival.co.uk VRP Rocks is part of the Pantheon Podcast network - find a huge range of fantastic music podcasts including "The Mistress Carrie Podcast", "The Imbalanced History of Rock and Roll", "Shout it Out Loudcast" and "The Ugly American Werewolf in London Podcast" Visit pantheonpodcasts.com for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this day in 1968, Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, John Paul Jones and John Bonham played together as a band for the very first time! They would of course go on to conquer the world. But for todays episode we hear from the other side, the bandmate Jimmy Page left behind when he took the Yardbirds name. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Great Rock Stories Vol.3 is a mix of some fascinating tales told by legendary rock stars themselves!  You'll hear about the biggest selling album in America of 1982, upsetting Rod Stewart and The Faces, a mix up with Bruce Springsteen and squirrels, moving to the UK to work with two-parts of ELP and much more! You'll enjoy these short snippets of the longer interviews which can all be found from Episodes 18 to 24 of Vintage Rock Pod - check them out! VRP Rocks is part of the Pantheon Podcast network - find a huge range of fantastic music podcasts including "The Mistress Carrie Podcast", "The Imbalanced History of Rock and Roll", "Shout it Out Loudcast" and "The Ugly American Werewolf in London Podcast" Visit pantheonpodcasts.com for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Def Leppard's 'HYSTERIA' was released on this day in 1987! It topped charts around the world and shifted 25 million copies! With me to talk about the albums impact on release and the legacy it left behind is Action Jackson from The Ugly American Werewolf in London Podcast!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rock legends (including 2 Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Inductees) share stories from their time playing, recording and touring with The Who! From studio chaos to replacing the irreplaceable, gruelling tour dates to backstage drama, you'll get a glimpse into the minds and actions of icons Pete Townshend, Roger Daltrey, John Entwistle and Keith Moon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Squeeze enjoyed huge success in the UK from the end of the 70's and in North America from the 80s onwards. The songwriting team of Glenn Tilbrook and today's guest Chris Difford were labelled as heirs to Lennon and McCartney in the early days and have collaborated for decades on so many big hit singles and albums. They also played a set on the first ever MTV Unplugged too!  Chris Difford joins me in a quick chat to talk about their early beginnings, their hits, and his time with Elvis Costello and Elton John among other things.  Chris will be performing at the Cornbury Festival which is on between the 8th and 10th of July. For more information visit www.cornburyfestival.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alan Clark joined Dire Straits as their first - and only full-time - keyboard player, playing with Mark Knopfler and Co from 1980 until they finally called it a day in 1995. But despite being in one of the world’s biggest bands of the era, playing Live Aid, headlining the Nelson Mandela Concert, being a multi-award winner and a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, that doesn’t tell half the story! Alan also recorded and toured with many other legends including: Eric Clapton, Tina Turner, George Harrison, Elton John, Rod Stewart, Roger Daltrey, Van Morrison, Brian Johnson (AC/DC) and Phil Collins! In this episode you’ll hear Alan tell stories about working with some of these legends as well as a current line-up of former Dire Straits members performing as Dire Straits Legacy! And for Top 5 fans – you’ll get my Top 5 favourite songs from one those incredible artists he’s worked with!    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rory Gallagher is remembered as one of the greatest guitarists of all time with Eric Clapton, Johnny Marr, The Edge and Brian May all citing him as an influence. His solo albums sold more than 30 million copies worldwide. With him throughout his entire solo career was Gerry McAvoy as his bass player. In this interview Gerry talks about his time with Rory, how Rory worked in the studio, the unusual way he structured his concerts and about 'Band of Friends' that Gerry created to keep his music alive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we remember one of rocks greatest icons, a legendary drummer with one of the biggest bands of all time - JOHN 'BONZO' BONHAM - born on this day in 1948. To honour him we hear a fabulous story from one of his dear friends, Free and Bad Company drummer, SIMON KIRKE! Definitely do check out the full interview with Simon, one of my favourite shows to date, on Episode 31 of VRP Rocks! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's guest is ANOTHER Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, inducted alongside his bandmates Bruce Palmer, Dewey Martin, Stephen Stills and Neil Young from Buffalo Springfield - RICHIE FURAY! With stories from the Sunset Strip, the big hit 'For What It's Worth', their 2011 reunion, their Rock Hall Induction, his other legendary group POCO and about his new album too, this is one not to miss! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's THIS DAY ROCKS we are talking about one of the most controversial single releases of all time! The Sex Pistols released God Save The Queen during Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee to much horror. With me to tell the story behind it is Jason Barnard from Strange Brew Podcast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Todays guest is a drummer with a band that started way back in 1984, they rode at the forefront of the British AOR, melodic hard rock wave of the 80s and early 90s and toured with some of the biggest acts on the planet from Meat Loaf to Whitesnake to Foreigner to Tina Turner to Status Quo to Gary Moore – they were rubbing shoulders with the best! Pete Jupp was a founding member and still records and tours with FM today. In this interview he talks about the crazy time in the studio, touring with those huge acts, the low points and about one of the bands 'celebrity' fans... an Adult Film star! You'll also hear my top 5 FM songs, so check it out! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Steel is a founding member of the brilliant 60s group, THE ANIMALS! The group were one of the leading bands of the British Invasion and had 10 top 20 hits both in the UK and US but will be forever remembered for one of the classic songs of all time, their rendition of House of the Rising Sun. Bruce Springsteen publicly declared The Animals as his favourite British group of the 60s, while Bob Dylan changed his sound after hearing them. They were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1994 in a class alongside Elton John, Sir Rod Stewart, Bob Marley, John Lennon and the Grateful Dead! In this interview John tells great stories from their time in the US, the crazy reception they received from the airport, falling out with Nina Simone, partying with Hermans Hermits and so much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Andrew Farriss was the main songwriter in INXS. Michael Hutchence added the flair and the lyrics but without Andrew there really wouldn't have been the INXS that we know.   INXS sold more than 50 million records around the world. They had number 1 albums and number 1 singles across the globe too. They won the biggest of awards and played the biggest of venues. And all whilst keeping the band line-up the same throughout their 20 years with Michael Hutchence. In this interview we talk about Andrew's new music and then dive into the success of INXS where he talks about his friendship and writing role with Michael, the pressure to follow up their first real hit in America, all the stories around the incredible album 'Kick' – which the label didn’t understand when they first heard it – right through to working with the legend that is Ray Charles.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this day in rock history, Aerosmith's biggest selling studio album worldwide, GET A GRIP, hit the number 1 spot on the US album chart! And no wonder, given the fact it contained so many hit songs such as Crying, Eat The Rich, Crazy, Livin' On The Edge, Amazing and Fever!! Joining me to share his expert knowledge of the band is Corey, co-host of the podcast "Back Tracks: Aerosmith Revisited" Check out "Back Tracks: Aerosmith Revisited" where they analyse the Aerosmith catalogue track by track, on all good podcast platforms now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Drumming legend Pick Withers shares fascinating insights into his illustrious career and selects his top five favorite songs. With captivating stories behind each choice, Pick tells stories about legendary bands such as Mott the Hoople, Bob Dylan, and Dire Straits. He discusses his experiences working at iconic studios like Rockfield, Muscle Shoals, The Power Station and George Martins AIR Studios, offering a unique perspective on the creation of iconic tracks. Check out the full career deep dive I did with Pick back in 2020 on Episode 12 of VRP Rocks! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Tubes were wild to say the least! Today's guest, Fee Waybill, and the band came through the musical theatre and underground comedy scene, but played some furious rock too. Their satirical take on the world, coupled with an unmatched stage show – which really was a full on assault of the senses - marked them out as a band unlike any other! Their huge hits - She's a Beauty, Don't Want To Wait Anymore, White Punks on Dope and Prime Time showcase their incredible musicianship and varying styles. My guest today tells me some wild and fantastic stories so strap in for tales of nudity, bondage, driving cars on to the stage, infiltrating protesters, lying to local officials, stories behind the songs and much more in this chat with The Tubes frontman FEE WAYBILL! VRP Rocks is proudly part of Pantheon Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this weeks episode we get a long-overdue update for our Artists Choice playlist! We'll hear Jackie Fox from the Runaways, Jim McCarty from the Yardbirds, Tony Martin from Black Sabbath, John Lodge from the Moody Blues plus many more pick a song from their own back catalogue to add to this specially curated list of songs! Also on the show I delve into my archive of interviews to bring you one I did in 2009 with Kit Clark from the band Danny Wilson - famous for having the worldwide hit 'Mary's Prayer' at the end of the 80s. Part of Pantheon Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Runaways are one of the earliest and most influential all-female rock acts of all time, a band that proved that women could rock just as hard as any man could! The group of Joan Jett, Cherie Currie, Sandy West, Lita Ford and my guest Jackie Fox make up the iconic line-up of the band. Their army of fans stretched across the globe, especially in Europe and Japan where their most famous song, Cherry Bomb – was a number 1 hit! Although only together for a short period of time, they paved the way for bands like The Go-Go’s, The Bangles, Vixen and others to hit the big time. But the girls were just teenagers when they formed, 15 or 16, and the 1970's were a dangerous place for young women in the industry. The stories behind the Runaways are famous, each of the band members have told their sides at various times, and it's clear the girls were exploited financially, and in many other ways too. Drink and drugs and were made readily available and sexual assault occurred too. Remember these girls were all just teenagers. My guest, Jackie Fox, is an incredible woman who's had an incredible life and she talks to me about everything from her early life learning to play the guitar through to her current projects. She also speaks candidly about the rape she suffered at the hands of the bands manager. It's an interview not to miss. As well as this I will of course give you this weeks Top 5 run down - which is obviously my favourite 5 songs from The Runaways! Part of Pantheon Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Great Rock Stories Volume 2 is a mix of some of amazing tales told by some legendary stars, including 2 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees! You'll hear about how it felt to get a number 1 single, how one hit song and its image became a blessing and a curse, you’ll hear from a band that Guns n Roses adored and followed around before they got famous, a song written for a legendary front man as a tribute to one of the most iconic drummers of all time, how a leading British group were ignored in the UK and found fame in the US first and much more...– absolutely brilliant stories I promise you! My guests on this episode include Steve Hackett from Genesis, Joe Lynn Turner from Rainbow, Pick Withers from Dire Straits and many more! VRP Rocks is part of Pantheon Podcasts network, please check them out for a huge selection of music podcasts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The STRAWBS have been in action since the 60's and the bands bass player, CHAS CRONK, joins me to tell me his stories from his time in the band, including the recording of the iconic 'Hero and Heroine' album of 1974! He also gives us an update on Dave Cousins plus plans for another new studio album! We also hear his stories about Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Rick Wakeman (YES) and Steve Hackett (Genesis)! Plus he tells me all about his brand new solo album, LIBERTY, which is out now! The Strawbs are one of those bands that straddle various genres effortlessly, whether that's folk, rock or prog and have a back catalogue of hits including "Part of the Union" and big selling albums like 'Bursting At The Seams', 'Hero and Heroine' and 'Ghosts'. Also in this episode you'll get the rundown of my personal favourite 5 songs from The Strawbs too. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MIKE RENO is the lead singer and front man of Canada's, LOVERBOY! The band have more than 20 million record sales worldwide, which includes 4 consecutive multi-platinum certified albums in the US alone! Best known for some huge singles including 'Working For The Weekend', 'Lovin Every Minute Of It', 'Hot Girls in Love' and 'Turn Me Loose' Mike and the band have also written and performed songs on some of the biggest movies of the 80's like of Top Gun and Footloose! Loverboy also hold the record for the most Juno awards won in a single year and were inducted into the Canadian rock and roll hall of fame in 2009. Mike talks about the bands career from that surprise first gig opening for KISS through to their latest release and upcoming "Live and Unzoomed" tour with REO SPEEDWAGON and STYX! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THE TROGGS, became superstars all around the world, topping charts globally with 'WILD THING'. They've been cited as influences for so many bands that followed as pioneers of heavy, raw guitar rock, garage rock and punk rock too. Their raunchy lyrics and memorable melodies helped set them as one of the great British bands of the 60s. Pete Staples was a main part of the band that achieved so much success in the mid to late 60's and in this episode he tells me his stories from his time in the group! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

American Pie has become a part of the fabric of America. Don McLean joins me this week to talk about the 50th anniversary of the album/song and to give his wider feelings on a awful lot of things. He talks about working on new material, being watched by the FBI, those early days of his career in the 60's with Pete Seeger and his family lineage which winds back here to a small Scottish island! American Pie was named as one of the five greatest songs of the twentieth century by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The song entered the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2003 with Don himself being inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2004. His songs have been covered by such a wide and diverse array of artists from Elvis Presley to Madonna, Perry Como to current superstar Drake – while Tupac cited his love for Vincent. His song Tapestry was the inspiration behind the launch of the environmental group Greenpeace and the royals Harry and Meghan Markle used his song And I Love You So as the theme for their wedding too! He’s the first to admit in the interview that he’s not a people person, he’s a loner, he doesn’t like small talk – but he sure tells his stories to me. Part of the Pantheon Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

'MY SHARONA' was the biggest selling song in American in 1979 and was a number 1 hit all over the world. The album it came from, 'Get The Knack' was also a massive hit, number 1 in the US for 5 weeks and went platinum in a matter of months! Prescott Niles is The Knack's ever present bass player and on this episode he goes deep into the history of the band, the incredible highs and the incredible lows. He's candid, achingly honest and tells stories that really explains what life was like in Americas hottest new band of the late 70s. Part of the Pantheon Podcast network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tony Martin is the former lead singer of the legendary, Black Sabbath. Sabbath's 'lead singer roll of honour' includes Ronnie James Dio and former Deep Purple men Ian Gillan and Glenn Hughes but Tony Martin remains the second longest serving lead singer of the band after Ozzy Osbourne! Tony fronted Sabbath for the best part of a decade recording five studio albums and a live album too. In this interview he tells great stories about Tony Iommi, Eddie Van Halen, how he felt being kicked out of the band the first time, his experiences behind the Iron Curtain and some funny stories involving a knitting granny and an Irish gardener. Tony is back with a brand new solo album "Thorns" which is available to buy or stream on all the usual platforms, please check it out! Also on this episode I run you through my favourite 5 Black Sabbath songs - what will be number 1? Will it match yours? Part of the Pantheon Podcast network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Renowned drummer, songwriter and singer, Albert Bouchard, an original member of Blue Öyster Cult takes center stage to exclusively reveal his 5 favorite songs from the band! Albert shares his choices plus captivating insights into songs, where they came from, the backstories and how they helped shape the band. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With 3 top 10 albums - including the biggest selling UK album of 1972 - and 4 top 10 singles, Lindisfarne are one of the North East of England's most iconic groups! Songs like 'Run For Home', 'Meet Me On the Corner', 'Fog on the Tyne' and 'Lady Eleanor' are classics of the genre. Their legendary live performances in the early 70's garnered the band a huge following which still follow the group half a century on. Ray Laidlaw was one of the driving forces of the band and in this interview he talks about the band's beginnings, the stories behind the hits, the breakups and make-ups, the criticism they received form working with Gazza, the legacy of Alan Hull and how he's keeping the bands music alive with the Lindisfarne Story. Also on the episode you can hear what I choose as my favourite 5 songs from Lindisfarne and I read out your feedback on last weeks Top 5 from Jimi Hendrix! Part of the Pantheon Podcast network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Stein is the lead singer and keyboard player with influential band Vanilla Fudge and in this episode he tells stories that contain The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Michael Jackson, Dave Mason and much more. Vanilla Fudge crashed into the public awareness with the release of their brilliantly re-arranged and reimagined version of "You Keep Me Hanging On". It gained them friends and fans on both sides of the Atlantic and their tours with Led Zeppelin in support across the US are legendary. Mark worked for many years with a former guest on Vintage Rock Pod, Dave Mason, on many albums, plus he was part of Alice Coopers band in the late 70s, and the Tommy Bolin band too. Now Mark has recently released his first ever solo album 'There’s a Light', which is pretty incredible when you think he's been in the business for so many years! He’s a great storyteller so I hope you enjoy this chat with him. Also on the show you get to hear my Top 5 songs from the legend that is.. JIMI HENDRIX! Part of the Pantheon Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I get into the nitty gritty of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with American comedian JOE KWACZALA. He co-hosts "Who Cares About The Rock Hall" and is a self confessed Rock Hall obsessive. I bet he knows more about the Rock Hall than the people running the place! I grill him on the contentious topics, some of the controversies and put your questions to him - including the big one "Why don't they just change the name to popular music Hall of Fame??" If you're a fan of the Rock Hall, you'll love this episode. If you're not a fan of the Rock Hall... you'll also love this episode! Don't forget to check out Joe's podcast "Who Cares About The Rock Hall" - which is also a member of Pantheon Podcasts - on all good podcast platforms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices