VRP Rocks - Classic Rock Interviews

VRP Rocks

The ultimate classic rock podcast with big name interviews on every episode! If you love classic rock and want to hear stories of the glory days from the guys who were at the heart of the action then you'll LOVE this comprehensive classic rock podcast, hosted by UK radio veteran, Paul Stephenson! Scroll back through the archives to hear Paul chat with stars from some of the biggest rock bands of the 60s, 70s and 80s, INCLUDING more than 25 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees! From playing with Jimi Hendrix and partying with Led Zeppelin, to appearing at Woodstock and starring on the famous Sunset Strip during the hedonistic days of the 70s and 80s, you'll hear it all told by these legends! Check out the video interviews too at https://www.youtube.com/@VRPRocks Proudly part of Pantheon Podcasts Network. read less
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107. Jon Levin - Dokken / Doro
27-11-2023
107. Jon Levin - Dokken / Doro
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
106. Mike Derosier - Heart
20-11-2023
106. Mike Derosier - Heart
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
105. Rudy Sarzo - Quiet Riot/Ozzy/Whitesnake
13-11-2023
105. Rudy Sarzo - Quiet Riot/Ozzy/Whitesnake
Rudy Sarzo—an iconic figure in the world of rock music—opens up about his fascinating journey, from his early days playing in club bands with his brother to his professional career with renowned bands like Ozzy Osbourne, Quiet Riot, Whitesnake, Blue Oyster Cult, and Dio. An insightful and multifaceted individual, Sarzo takes us on an intriguing exploration that spans from music to quantum physics, belief systems, AI, myths, and consciousness. Paul and Rudy engage in a thought-provoking conversation about the power of human consciousness and its potential to influence our reality. Drawing connections between quantum physics and belief systems, they touch on topics such as the manifestation of thoughts, the influence of collective consciousness on a virtual reality matrix, and the interplay of energy and frequency waves in shaping our experiences. This intellectually stimulating dialogue takes a captivating turn as Rudy shares his insights on the Beatles' new single, reflecting on the cultural impact of music and its role in driving societal shifts and activism. He also discusses his thoughts on the intersection of technology and music production, sparking a conversation about the consciousness of artificial intelligence and the timeless simplicity of the Beatles' music. Amidst this rich array of topics, Rudy delves into his personal journey, revealing how his genealogy and DNA exploration has influenced his health choices and sense of identity. He candidly shares how the music of the Beatles transcended social and cultural boundaries, instilling a sense of unity and hope during turbulent times, both in the United States and in his own life as a Cuban political refugee. As the conversation seamlessly transitions to Rudy Sarzo's music career, listeners are treated to insightful anecdotes about his pivotal roles in bands such as Quiet Riot and Whitesnake. From his initial hesitation to join Quiet Riot to the band's MTV-friendly focus and their groundbreaking success with "Metal Health," Rudy provides an intimate look at his experiences and creative contributions within these influential musical collectives. Rudy also opens up about his deep connection with fellow musicians and shares touching stories about his time with the late Randy Rhoads, emphasizing the profound impact of musical integrity and the enduring legacy of beloved artists. From the mystical allure of Loch Ness to the pioneering spirit of the British invasion, this episode of VRP Rocks captivates audiences with a rare blend of intellectual discourse, personal reflection, and rock 'n' roll nostalgia. As Paul and Rudy wrap up their conversation, listeners are left with a renewed appreciation for the multifaceted nature of music and the pervasive influence of consciousness on our lives. Join us in this thought-provoking exploration of music, quantum physics, and the human experience, and don't forget to subscribe to the VRP Rocks podcast for more engaging content. Let's rock on together! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
104. Vinny Appice - Black Sabbath/Dio
06-11-2023
104. Vinny Appice - Black Sabbath/Dio
Legendary drummer Vinny Appice, known for his iconic work with Black Sabbath and Dio, has had an incredible career that spans decades and includes collaborations with some of the biggest names in rock. In this episode, Vinny shares exclusive stories and insights about his time working with John Lennon, recalling playing with the legendary musician on his last ever live show when Vinny was just 16 years old. Vinny's anecdotes will transport you back to those magical moments, as he reminisces about Lennon's fondness for him and the hilarious incident involving Vinny's mum, John Lennon and a lasagne pan! But that's not all! Vinny takes us behind the scenes of his journey, from quitting high school after hanging out with John Lennon to being a last-minute replacement for Bill Ward in Black Sabbath. He shares the nerve-wracking experience of auditioning for the band and the progression of their shows as the new drummer, shedding light on the dynamics and tensions within the group. We also delve into Vinny's collaboration with Ronnie James Dio, as he discusses their creative process, the making of Dio's iconic album "Holy Diver," and the formation of the band Last in Line after Ronnie's passing. And that's just the tip of the iceberg! If you're a rock music aficionado, this is an episode you don't want to miss. Join VRP Rocks as we dive deep into the world of Vinny Appice, exploring his fascinating career, remarkable collaborations, and iconic songs that have shaped the heavy metal genre. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
101. Martin Barre - Jethro Tull
02-10-2023
101. Martin Barre - Jethro Tull
VRP sits down with the legendary guitarist Martin Barre, former member of Jethro Tull, to discuss his remarkable journey and the highs and lows of his career. Martin Barre's success didn't come easily, and he openly shares the challenges he faced after getting his foot in the door. Despite feeling like he was on his own, Barre remained loyal to his band and appreciated the hard work they put in. He takes us back to the golden age of rock in the 1970s, where albums like "Passion Play," "War Child," "Minstrel in the Gallery," and "Songs from the Wood" reigned supreme. Barre delves into the groundbreaking album "Aqualung", as well as the unique challenges faced during the creation of "Under Wraps." Alongside VRP, Martin Barre discusses his split from Jethro Tull and how he persevered through the difficult times. Known for his honest, humble nature, and immense talent, Barre shares anecdotes from his disastrous audition to sharing a stage with Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin. The honest dialogue explores the setbacks, doubts, and ultimate triumphs experienced during the process. Don't miss out on the captivating journey of Martin Barre, as he candidly shares his stories and insights on VRP Rocks. Tune in now to immerse yourself in this riveting episode. Don't forget you can watch some clips from this interview with Martin, as well as hundreds of other guests, on the VRP Rocks YouTube channel! Check it out now! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
99. Uli Jon Roth
18-09-2023
99. Uli Jon Roth
We have a special treat for guitar enthusiasts as we sit down with the legendary Uli Jon Roth! Known for his incredible talent and iconic contributions to bands like the Scorpions, Uli shares his journey with the guitar and how he honed his craft. From his early years to his dedication and practice, Uli reveals the secrets behind his exceptional playing ability. But that's not all! We also delve into the technical side of Uli's sound. Fans of the early Scorpions albums will be thrilled to hear him discuss the effects and distortion techniques he used to achieve that signature tone on records like "Virgin Killer" and "In Trance". Join us as Uli takes us back in time to the height of his career with the Scorpions, particularly their iconic live album, "Tokyo Tapes". Hear him reminisce about the significance of that visit to Japan and how it marked the culmination of their journey as a band to that stage. Get exclusive insights into the decision he made to leave the Scorpions and pursue his artistic vision with Electric Sun. And speaking of life after the Scorpions... Uli opens up about his relationship with his former bandmates and the friendship that has endured beyond their time together. Find out if there is any chance of a full tour reunion with the Scorpions, a question hotly hoped for by eager fans. And don't miss out on Uli's revelation about an intriguing offer he received from another prominent band in 1975. Learn which band approached him and why he ultimately turned down the opportunity. The stories and insights from Uli Jon Roth himself are not to be missed! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
98. Dee Snider - Twisted Sister
04-09-2023
98. Dee Snider - Twisted Sister
Dee Snider needs no introduction. With huge success in the 80s, his career seemed unstoppable. Dee takes us through his career, recounting some incredible and hair-raising moments from his time in Twisted Sister From being the target of bottle-throwing crowds to the intense energy of iconic festivals like Reading and Donnington, he has seen it all. Through his candid storytelling, you'll learn how he turned challenging situations into unforgettable performances that left audiences in awe. You'll hear stories about metal legend Lemmy, how he felt ostracised from his bandmates right from the moment he joined, how he wrote the groups biggest album in just 45 minutes and much more. Plus he details how, as the music scene started to change, so did his fortunes. He found himself at a crossroads, facing financial struggles unlike any he had experienced before. It was a humbling experience for the rock star, as he realized that his ego had prevented him from accepting that his career was over. Broke and with a family to support, Snider hit rock bottom. He found himself working a desk job and even lying about his identity. It was a wake-up call, forcing him to reassess his life and priorities. Snider credits his wife for not putting up with his rock star behaviour and for pushing him to start over. This experience taught him to be appreciative and respectful, a lesson that would shape his future endeavours. But Snider's talents extend far beyond music. Not only does he possess the gift of songwriting, demonstrated by the iconic hits of Twisted Sister, but he is also an accomplished writer. He shares stories of his writing process as his novels, screenplays, musicals, and songs all draw inspiration from his vast repertoire of ideas. In addition to his captivating interview, the episode also delves into Snider's latest venture, his book "Frats." Based on true events, this intense and dark novel draws inspiration from high school fraternities with a twist. Don't miss out on this incredible episode of the VRP Rocks! Subscribe now to the podcast and explore our previous episodes, which feature interviews with over 25 Rock and Roll Hall of Famers. And don't forget to join our growing community of rock fans on the VRP Rocks YouTube channel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices