Afleveringen
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This week on VRP Rocks, things take a slightly different turn! With a couple of last-minute interview cancellations and a holiday just around the corner, Paul dives into a really fun topic — "10 Supergroups and Side Projects Only Classic Rock Experts Will Remember!"
Featuring stories behind forgotten collaborations from legends like Robert Plant, Paul Rodgers, Jeff Beck, Gary Moore, David Bowie and more, this episode uncovers the hidden gems of classic rock history.
It’s packed with music trivia, surprising facts, and deep cuts that even hardcore fans might have missed. Plus, Paul shares a quick update on what’s coming up over the next few weeks.
Whether you're a casual fan or a true rock historian, you’ll love this journey through some of classic rock’s best-kept secrets!
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He’s back! Legendary drummer Simon Kirke returns to VRP Rocks for the third time, and this time it’s all about the songs that defined a band and a legacy.
In this special edition of My 5 Favourite, Simon takes us inside his world with his five favourite Bad Company songs—from the unforgettable hits to the deep cuts that still mean the world to him today. With each pick, Simon shares personal memories, behind-the-scenes insights, and the stories that shaped Bad Company’s legacy as one of the greatest classic rock bands of all time.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just discovering the magic of Bad Company, this is a must-listen for anyone who loves great music and even better stories.
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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In this special episode of VRP Rocks, guitarist, singer, songwriter and producer Steve Postell joins Paul Stephenson to talk about his incredible musical journey. From his deep personal and creative connection with David Crosby to his role in the powerhouse band The Immediate Family, Steve shares stories, insights and reflections from a remarkable career.
We dive into his emotional tribute project, Our House: The Music of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young by Friends, a live show honoring the legacy of CSNY with an all-star lineup of musicians. Steve opens up about the show’s origins, the challenges of continuing Crosby’s legacy after his passing, and how the songs of CSNY resonate even more today.
Plus, Steve talks about his new solo album, Walking Through These Blues, featuring guests like David Crosby, Becca Bramlett, and Alphonso Johnson. He also discusses the upcoming Immediate Family project – a collection of classic hits they originally helped create with artists like Don Henley, Jackson Browne, and Warren Zevon.
Whether you're a fan of CSNY, The Immediate Family, or just great songwriting and musicianship, this is an episode not to miss.
🔗 Don’t forget to subscribe, check out the VRP Rocks YouTube channel, and follow us on Facebook for more exclusive rock interviews and content!
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He’s back! After a brilliant deep-dive into his incredible career on last week’s episode, legendary bassist Nathan East returns to VRP Rocks – this time to take on My 5 Favourite.
In this special episode, Nathan reveals the five favourite albums he’s ever played on, spanning decades of iconic recordings and unforgettable sessions. From chart-toppers to personal highlights, each pick comes with stories from behind the scenes, insights into his creative process and reflections on the artists who helped shape his journey.
Having worked with everyone from Eric Clapton and Phil Collins to Daft Punk, George Harrison, Toto, and Michael Jackson, Nathan has one of the most impressive CVs in the business – and this episode is a must-listen for music lovers, session musician fans and anyone who appreciates timeless records.
🎧 Missed last week’s episode? Go back and catch our full-length interview where Nathan talks about his career, collaborations and memorable moments from the road and the studio.
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You've heard his basslines your whole life — you just didn’t know it.
In this incredible episode, Nathan joins Paul to share jaw-dropping stories from his decades at the top of the music industry. Hear how he got his start with Barry White as a teenager, the spontaneous moment that led to writing Easy Lover with Phil Collins, what it was really like recording Bad with Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones, and why MTV Unplugged with Clapton was pure magic.
Plus, Nathan opens up about recording and touring with his son Noah East, collaborating with legends like Stevie Wonder and why the music never stops.
It’s part masterclass, part time capsule, and all heart.
Hit play now and discover why Nathan East is one of music’s best kept secrets — and why he’s more than earned his place among the greats.
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Russ Ballard is back on VRP Rocks! In this exclusive interview, the legendary singer, songwriter, and musician talks to Paul about his brand new double album Songs from the Warehouse: The Hits Rewired.
Russ opens up about the creative process behind 13 brand-new tracks written during lockdown, including the powerful and emotional “Courageous,” and shares insight into how he reimagined 13 of his biggest hits – from “Since You’ve Been Gone” and “I Surrender” to “New York Groove” and “Voices.”
Hear never-before-shared stories about the songs that became huge hits for Rainbow, KISS, Hot Chocolate, Uriah Heep, and more. Plus, the fascinating origins of “Voices” and how it ended up on Miami Vice, the story behind Ace Frehley’s hit version of “New York Groove,” and what it's like for Russ to revisit the songs that made him a rock legend.
If you’re a fan of classic rock and great songwriting, this is one you don’t want to miss.
👉 Subscribe now so you never miss an episode
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On this episode of VRP Rocks, I sit down with Paul Rappaport, the legendary rock promotions executive who helped shape the careers of The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney, and so many more. His new book, Gliders Over Hollywood, reveals the craziest behind-the-scenes stories from the golden age of rock—some of which have never been told before!
Paul shares how he:
🎸 Turned a flop live album into a gold-selling hit.
🚀 Launched unknown artists to number one, making enemies in the industry.
🔥 Manipulated the rock charts to keep The Rolling Stones at #1 for months.
💥 Fought a fencing duel with Iron Maiden’s Bruce Dickinson in the hallways of Columbia Records!
It’s a wild, no-holds-barred look at the crazy world of rock promotions, where creativity, risk-taking, and sheer audacity changed the music industry forever.
📖 Gliders Over Hollywood is out April 15th—pre-order now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or your favorite bookstore!
🎧 Listen now for some of the best rock stories you’ve never heard!
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On this episode of VRP Rocks, Peter Holsapple joins me to talk about his incredible career in music—from co-founding The dB’s, touring and recording with R.E.M., and spending 20 years with Hootie & the Blowfish, to his brand-new solo album, The Face of 68.
Peter shares fascinating stories about:
The dB’s – Their rise, critical acclaim, and struggles to break through in the U.S.
R.E.M. – Touring the world on the Green tour & recording Out of Time, including "Losing My Religion."
Hootie & the Blowfish – 20 years on the road and in the studio with one of the biggest bands of the '90s.
The Face of 68 – His latest album, inspired by his love of classic British rock, and the stories behind the songs.
Whether you’re a fan of power pop, alternative rock, or classic rock, this episode is packed with insights from a musician who’s been at the heart of some legendary bands.
🎧 Subscribe to VRP Rocks for more interviews with rock legends!
#PeterHolsapple #TheDBs #REM #HootieAndTheBlowfish #ClassicRock #PowerPop #VRPRocks #Podcast
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On this episode of VRP Rocks, I’m joined by legendary guitarist Tracii Guns—founder of L.A. Guns and an early member of Guns N’ Roses. From the Sunset Strip’s wildest days to the release of L.A. Guns’ brand-new album Leopard Skin, Tracii takes us on a journey through his incredible career.
We dive into the new record, its bluesy, sleazy rock ‘n’ roll feel, and why Tracii sees it as a fresh chapter for the band. He also shares stories from the early days—playing alongside Slash, forming Guns N’ Roses with Axl Rose and Izzy Stradlin, and what really went down in those wild 80s rock days.
We also talk about the evolution of L.A. Guns, why he still loves making music, and how he keeps things fresh after all these years. Plus, Tracii gives us the inside scoop on the making of Leopard Skin, the upcoming tour, and his all-time favourite L.A. Guns song.
If you love 80s rock, Sunset Strip stories, and killer new music, this one’s for you! 🎸🔥
🎧 Listen now and don’t forget to pre-order Leopard Skin—out April 4th on Cleopatra Records!
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In this episode of VRP Rocks, I sit down with Tony Butler, best known as the bassist for Big Country and a musician with an impressive career spanning collaborations with Pete Townshend & The Pretenders. Tony shares fascinating stories from his time in Big Country, including the making of The Crossing, the pressures of the music industry and why he ultimately stepped away from the band.
We also discuss his new solo album, No Profit in a Peaceful World, and his involvement in the Think Loud for Parkinson’s charity project, which features contributions from legends like Pete Townshend, Roger Taylor, and John Illsley.
If you're a fan of great bass playing, rock history and behind-the-scenes insights into the industry, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!
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Legendary session bassist Guy Pratt returns to VRP Rocks to share his five favourite albums that he’s played on and the stories behind them. With a career spanning decades, Guy has worked with some of the biggest names in music, including Pink Floyd, Madonna, Bryan Ferry, Michael Jackson and Robert Palmer.
In this episode, he takes us behind the scenes of the studio and on the road, revealing what it was like to be part of some of the most iconic records in history. Expect fascinating insights, hilarious anecdotes and an inside look at the world of a musician who has truly done it all.
Whether you're a fan of classic rock, bass-driven grooves or just love hearing behind-the-scenes stories from music’s elite, this episode is one you won’t want to miss!
🎸 Subscribe now and join us on this incredible journey through music history!
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Chris Thompson – The Voice of Manfred Mann’s Earth Band on Blinded By The Light, War of the Worlds & His Final Live Album
Chris Thompson, the powerhouse voice behind Blinded By The Light, Davey’s on the Road Again, and co-writer of You’re The Voice, joins VRP Rocks for an in-depth conversation about his incredible career. From fronting Manfred Mann’s Earth Band to working with legends like Jeff Wayne, Alan Parsons and Gary Moore, Chris shares fascinating stories from decades in the music industry.
He opens up about his time with Manfred Mann, including the chaotic making of Blinded By The Light and why it almost never got released. He also reflects on recording War of the Worlds, his struggles with the American music industry, and his work with some of rock’s biggest names.
Now, after 60 years in music, Chris has released The Final Round, his last-ever live album, capturing the energy and passion of his legendary performances. He talks about why he’s stepping away from touring, the emotions of his final show and what’s next for him—including a new studio album, book and even a musical!
A must-listen for classic rock fans, this episode is packed with stories, nostalgia and never-before-heard insights from one of rock’s most distinctive voices!
🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast app!
#VRPRocks #ChrisThompson #ManfredMannsEarthBand #BlindedByTheLight #RockLegends #ClassicRock #MusicPodcast
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VRP Rocks is back for 2025! After a short break to build up a bank of interviews, we’re kicking off the year in style with a rock legend whose voice has defined multiple eras of classic rock.
In this episode, I sit down with the one and only Graham Bonnet as he reflects on his incredible career, sharing his five personal favourite songs from his time in the music industry. From chart-topping hits to deep cuts with unforgettable stories, Graham takes us through the moments that shaped his journey—from the early days to fronting some of the most iconic bands in rock history.
Along the way, we talk about legendary collaborations, life-changing opportunities, and the behind-the-scenes stories that only someone like Graham can tell. If you love classic rock, you won’t want to miss this!
💥 Hit play and enjoy an exclusive look inside the mind of one of rock’s greatest vocalists!
🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform!
🔊 Subscribe to VRP Rocks so you never miss an episode!
#ClassicRock #GrahamBonnet #RockLegends #VRPRocks
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In this very special Christmas episode of VRP Rocks, Paul Stephenson sits down with Merseybeat legend Billy J. Kramer to reflect on his incredible career and enduring passion for music. As one of the key figures of the British Invasion, Billy shares unforgettable stories about his early days on the Liverpool music scene, being discovered by John Lennon—who personally championed Billy’s career and even helped shape his iconic stage name - and the influence of Brian Epstein.
Billy talks about his chart-topping hits like “Do You Want to Know a Secret” and “Bad to Me”, performing alongside The Beatles, Roy Orbison, James Brown and more, and the surreal experience of conquering America during the height of Beatlemania.
We also discuss his latest project, a heartwarming new Christmas song, “Christmas Kind of Feeling” and the emotional return to Abbey Road Studios to record his recent album. At 80 years old, Billy’s love for music remains as strong as ever and his stories from the golden age of rock ’n’ roll are the perfect way to close out the year.
Join us for this festive celebration of music, memories and Christmas cheer with one of the greats from rock’s most transformative era. Don’t forget to subscribe for more interviews with rock legends in the new year!
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From escaping communist Hungary through a perilous 7-mile tunnel to creating one of the most innovative supergroups in music history, Leslie Mándoki's life is nothing short of extraordinary. In this episode, I sit down with the legendary musician, producer and bandleader behind Mandoki Soulmates.
We dive into Leslie's incredible journey, from bootlegging Western music behind the Iron Curtain to his escape to freedom, joining Eurovision sensation Dschinghis Khan and eventually founding the Mandoki Soulmates. Featuring collaborations with legends like Ian Anderson, Jon Lord, Greg Lake and Al Di Meola, Leslie’s evolving supergroup continues to push boundaries in progressive rock and jazz fusion.
Leslie also shares stories about working with musical icons, producing the groundbreaking analog album A Memory of Our Future and his mission to use music as a force for freedom and unity.
Don’t miss this episode—it’s a conversation about courage, creativity and the unrelenting power of music to change the world. 🎶
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Ronnie James Dio: the name alone embodies heavy metal greatness. From Rainbow to Black Sabbath to his legendary solo band, Dio’s unmistakable voice and larger-than-life presence forever changed the world of rock and metal. In this very special episode of VRP Rocks, we celebrate the legacy of one of the greatest voices in music history.
You’ll hear incredible stories from those who worked alongside Ronnie, including Tony Carey, Vinny Appice, Jeff Pilson, and Doug Aldrich, as they share their personal memories of the man behind the myth. From studio sessions to the road, they reveal what made Dio not just a phenomenal vocalist, but a remarkable human being.
Then, it’s time for the ultimate countdown: the 25 most streamed Ronnie James Dio songs on Spotify. Spanning his time with Rainbow, Black Sabbath, and Dio, these tracks showcase the full power and brilliance of Dio’s musical legacy.
With surprising insights, iconic stories, and unforgettable music, this episode is a must-listen for fans of Ronnie James Dio and classic metal alike.
🎸 Don’t forget to subscribe to VRP Rocks and follow us on YouTube as well, where nearly 25,000 fans are enjoying exclusive videos and countdowns. Rock on! 🎶
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Zebra frontman Randy Jackson has a career spanning five decades. In this interview, Randy reflects on the incredible journey of Zebra, from their rise in the rock scene with classics like Who's Behind the Door and Tell Me What You Want, to the difficult second album and its follow up.
We delve into Zebra’s history, their musical evolution and the upcoming celebration of their 50th anniversary - including plans for a brand-new album and an exciting tour. Randy also shares stories from his time performing with Jefferson Airplane during their reunion shows, offering unique insights into collaborating with such an iconic band.
Whether you’re a longtime Zebra fan or discovering their music for the first time, this episode is packed with rock history, exclusive updates and plenty of behind-the-scenes stories. Hit play now and join the conversation with the one and only Randy Jackson!
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Paul Langlois, guitarist of Canadian rock legends The Tragically Hip, reflects on the band’s journey from their early days recording their debut record in Memphis, to working with legendary producers like Don Smith and Bob Rock. He shares insights into the newly released Up to Here commemorative box set, packed with unreleased tracks, liner notes and a restored live show from 1990.
With 9 #1 albums, 17 Juno Awards and a place in the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, The Tragically Hip remain a defining force in Canadian music. Paul offers fascinating stories about the band’s live energy, their unique songwriting process and the cultural impact of Gord Downie’s lyrics.
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In this My 5 Favourite episode of VRP Rocks, host Paul Stephenson chats with legendary session guitarist Waddy Wachtel, who reveals his top five favourite songs from his storied career. As one of rock’s most sought-after session guitarists, Waddy has shaped the sound of countless hits, working alongside some of the biggest names in music, including Stevie Nicks, Bob Dylan, Iggy Pop, Keith Richards, Linda Ronstadt, Cher, Warren Zevon, Randy Newman, James Taylor, Jackson Browne and many more.
In this episode, Waddy shares captivating stories from behind the scenes, from memorable recording sessions to creative collaborations with rock royalty. Each song on his list represents a unique chapter in his career, with insights into the musicianship and studio moments that made these tracks unforgettable.
Whether you’re a fan of classic rock, session musicians or the stories behind iconic songs, this episode offers a rare glimpse into Waddy’s incredible journey through music. Subscribe to VRP Rocks for more exclusive interviews with rock legends!
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In this special My 5 Favourite episode of VRP Rocks, host Paul Stephenson sits down with legendary guitarist Bruce Kulick as he reveals his top five favourite albums from his prolific career. Known for his iconic work with KISS, Grand Funk Railroad, and a successful solo journey, Bruce takes listeners behind the scenes of some of his most treasured recordings.
From early days as a budding guitarist to his unforgettable years with KISS and beyond, Bruce shares the personal stories, production secrets, and memorable moments that make each of these albums special to him. Fans can expect fascinating insights into the music, including the creative influences and rock legends he’s collaborated with over the years.
If you’re a fan of Bruce Kulick, KISS, or just love hearing about the stories behind classic rock albums, don’t miss this episode! Be sure to subscribe to VRP Rocks for more interviews, rock legends, and exclusive My 5 Favourite episodes.
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