Advertise on podcast: VRP Rocks - Classic Rock Interviews

Imagine growing up surrounded by rock royalty! Your father produced records for Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones and Van Halen, your uncle worked with The Beatles and The Who, and Eric Clapton helped you learn to play guitar! That's the extraordinary background of this week's guest, British blues guitarist and singer Will Johns. Will's father was legendary producer Andy Johns, his uncle is Glyn Johns, and through his aunt Pattie Boyd, he grew up with close connections to George Harrison and Eric Clapton. But behind those famous names was a childhood that wasn't always as glamorous as you might imagine. In this fascinating conversation, Will shares stories of growing up around rock legends, learning guitar from Clapton, his father's unusual production methods with Gary Moore, the encouragement he received from Jack Bruce, and his experiences performing with Sons of Cream. We also discuss his remarkable life story, told in his autobiography Blues Daddy: Born into Noise, Raised on Chaos and Saved by the Blues, and his latest album, On Top of the World. An entertaining, revealing and sometimes moving conversation about family, music and finding your own path in the shadow of rock and roll legends. Find out more at willjohns.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former Rainbow keyboard player David Rosenthal joins VRP Rocks to share incredible stories from his career working with Ritchie Blackmore, Steve Vai, Robert Palmer, Whitesnake, Cyndi Lauper and Billy Joel. David reveals how he landed the Rainbow job at just 20 years old, recalls Ritchie Blackmore's practical jokes and how he played with Steve Vai as a teenager. He also discusses why he refused to tour with Whitesnake, the madness of performing 56 concerts in 56 cities on 56 consecutive nights with Robert Palmer, and his remarkable 30-plus years working alongside Billy Joel. A fascinating journey through more than four decades of rock history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Survivor founder and legendary songwriter Jim Peterik returns to VRP Rocks for a second appearance, sharing incredible stories from a career spanning more than six decades. The Grammy-winning songwriter, also known for his work with The Ides of March and 38 Special, reveals how a surprise phone call from Sylvester Stallone led to the creation of Eye of the Tiger, how he wrote Heavy Metal with Sammy Hagar, and the story behind 38 Special's classic Hold On Loosely. Jim also takes us behind the scenes of Survivor, discussing the decision to replace Dave Bickler, the unforgettable audition of Jimi Jamison, the overlooked Caught in the Game album, and his relationship today with Frankie Sullivan. Plus, stories about Burt Bacharach and Ron Nevison, and the enduring friendship of The Ides of March. Jim also discusses his new album, River of Music: The Power of Duets, Volume 2, featuring collaborations with Toby Hitchcock, Cathy Richardson, Bree Gordon and his son Colin Peterik. A fascinating and fun conversation with one of melodic rock's greatest songwriters. For more Jim Peterik stories, check out his first VRP Rocks appearance in episode 27, recorded back in 2021. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Legendary songwriter and producer Desmond Child returns to VRP Rocks for a second time, sharing more incredible stories from his career. Desmond discusses his new live album, Desmond Child Rocks the Parthenon, and reveals how Bonnie Tyler's If You Were a Woman became Bon Jovi's smash hit You Give Love a Bad Name, as well as the real-life inspiration behind Livin' on a Prayer. He also opens up about his extremely difficult experience producing Meat Loaf's Bat Out of Hell III, working with Todd Rundgren and Ratt, assembling the all-star Dudes of Wrath with Paul Stanley, Vivian Campbell, Rudy Sarzo and Tommy Lee, and reinventing his career with Ricky Martin and Livin' la Vida Loca. Plus, a hilarious story involving John Lennon, Yoko Ono and Clive Davis, and much more! Another fascinating, funny and revealing conversation with one of the greatest hitmakers in music history. For even more Desmond Child stories, check out his previous VRP Rocks appearance in episode 109. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Legendary Megadeth guitarist Marty Friedman joins Paul Stephenson for a fascinating journey through one of the most extraordinary careers in rock and metal. From discovering KISS as a teenager to forming Cacophony with Jason Becker, Marty recalls his early struggles, auditioning for Ozzy Osbourne before Zakk Wylde got the job, and joining Dave Mustaine in Megadeth. He reveals his contributions to the classic Rust in Peace album, discusses his legendary Tornado of Souls guitar solo, why he left Megadeth and the emotional reunion with Dave Mustaine at Tokyo's Budokan. There are also stories about Uli Jon Roth, his musical influences and the remarkable decision to move to Japan where he reinvented himself as a solo artist and television personality. Plus, Marty discusses his latest album Drama, future music plans, and his revealing autobiography, Dreaming Japanese. An honest, entertaining and insightful conversation with one of heavy metal's greatest guitarists. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Blue Öyster Cult founding member Albert Bouchard returns to VRP Rocks for a third time to talk about the latest chapter in the extraordinary Imaginos story. Albert reveals how the discovery of around 1,000 pages of previously unseen writings by the late Sandy Pearlman led to the creation of Imaginos IV: Rhyme of the Star Clock — and why the saga could now stretch to seven albums. We also get into plenty of Blue Öyster Cult history and the possibility of Albert playing with BÖC again, plus stories involving Black Sabbath, Ronnie James Dio, Tony Iommi, John Bonham, Ringo Starr and Jimi Hendrix. Another fascinating conversation with one of rock’s genuine good guys. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of VRP Rocks, Paul Stephenson is joined by bassist Rik Fox, a man who found himself right in the middle of some incredible moments in rock history. Using his 5 favourite recordings as our guide, Rik takes us from the earliest days of KISS, through his time with Blackie Lawless and W.A.S.P., to joining Steeler alongside Yngwie Malmsteen and the wild days of the Sunset Strip. Along the way there are stories involving Gene Simmons, Peter Criss, David Lee Roth, Kevin DuBrow, Mötley Crüe, Ron Keel, Vinnie Appice, Billy Sheehan, Chris Holmes and many more. Five recordings — and a lifetime of incredible rock ’n’ roll stories. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of VRP Rocks, Paul Stephenson welcomes back legendary Hollies singer and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Allan Clarke. At 84 years young, Allan is still creating new music, and we begin with his new single Walking On Still Waters and plans for another album. From there, Allan takes us back through an extraordinary career, sharing stories about The Beatles, Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, Graham Nash and Graham Gouldman, as well as revealing the remarkable story behind Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress and why he really left The Hollies. More than 60 years of music history — and Allan has some fantastic stories to tell.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of VRP Rocks, Paul Stephenson welcomes back legendary Hollies singer and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Allan Clarke. At 84 years young, Allan is still creating new music, and we begin with his new single Walking On Still Waters and plans for another album. From there, Allan takes us back through an extraordinary career, sharing stories about The Beatles, Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, Graham Nash and Graham Gouldman, as well as revealing the remarkable story behind Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress and why he really left The Hollies. More than 60 years of music history — and Allan has some fantastic stories to tell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of VRP Rocks, Paul Stephenson is joined by guitarist Terry Kilgore, once described by David Lee Roth as “the man who was Eddie before Eddie.” Terry shares incredible stories of growing up alongside Eddie and Alex Van Halen, the early Pasadena rock scene and his years working with David Lee Roth. But he also tells the remarkable story of surviving the 2025 California wildfires, which completely destroyed his Altadena home and studio. Terry is joined by singer and songwriter Korpus Kristy to discuss the music they are creating together, in a conversation packed with rock history, humour and some truly extraordinary stories. A fascinating interview with a guitarist who was there when rock history was being made. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of VRP Rocks, I'm joined by legendary guitarist Steve Stevens for a brilliant deep dive into a career packed with unforgettable stories. Best known for his decades-long partnership with Billy Idol, Steve talks about their incredible journey together and what it means for the pair to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. We also get into some fantastic stories from across Steve’s career — including the full-on debauchery of working with Vince Neil, Michael Jackson doing a David Lee Roth impression, the realities of Billy Idol’s ego, and the story of a star-studded supergroup album that may never be released. Steve also talks about his stunning new exclusive signature guitar, and how it came together with Godin Guitars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of VRP Rocks, Paul Stephenson is joined by legendary drummer Bobby Rondinelli for a brilliant conversation covering new music, Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Quiet Riot, Leslie West and much more. Bobby is back with The Gathering, a new instrumental album made with guitarist Jamie Holka and featuring an incredible cast of musicians including Don Airey, Billy Sheehan, Kenny Aaronson and Jimmy Haslip. From there, we dive deep into Bobby’s remarkable career. He reveals just how close he came to joining KISS, what Ritchie Blackmore was really like to work with, and his memories of playing with Tony Iommi in Black Sabbath. There are also stories from his time with Kevin DuBrow and Quiet Riot, his friendship with Leslie West, and the making of the all-star Leslie West tribute album. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of VRP Rocks, Paul Stephenson is joined by guitarist Chris Poland, best known for his time in Megadeth. Chris is back with a major new project, Nuclear Messiah, and the album Black Flame — a star-studded release featuring an incredible lineup including Arthur Brown, William Shatner, Rick Wakeman, Joe Lynn Turner, Sebastian Bach, Bumblefoot, Marty Friedman, Pat Travers and many more. In the interview, Chris talks about how this ambitious record came together, the unusual and inspired cover song choices, and what it was like hearing so many iconic musicians bring their own style to the album. He also shares his thoughts on standout tracks, working around such a huge cast of players, and why the finished record feels so special. And of course, the conversation also turns to Chris’s early years in Megadeth — recording the first two albums, the story behind These Boots, memories of Peace Sells, and why he ultimately chose not to return for Rust in Peace. A fascinating chat with one of metal’s most distinctive guitarists. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of VRP Rocks, Paul Stephenson welcomes back legendary drummer Carmine Appice — one of rock’s most enduring and well-connected musicians. Carmine returns to talk about the brand new Cactus album, Temple of the Blues 2, a powerful blues-rock release packed with an incredible all-star lineup. Featuring contributions from Dee Snider, Joe Lynn Turner, Billy Sheehan, Rudy Sarzo, Tracii Guns, Bumblefoot, Pat Travers, Ted Nugent and many more, this is a record built on collaboration, creativity and serious musical firepower. In the interview, Carmine reveals how the album came together, from hand picking the songs and players, to building each track layer by layer, and managing a project that brings together some of the biggest names in rock. We also dive into standout moments from the album, including “The Red Rooster”, and the story behind its eye-catching video, plus how this project evolved from the success of the first Temple of the Blues release. If you love bluesy hard rock, great musicianship, and behind-the-scenes insight into how major collaborative albums are made, this is one you won’t want to miss. 🎸 Temple of the Blues 2 is released April 3rd — available to pre-order now on CD, vinyl and digital formats. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of VRP Rocks, Paul Stephenson is joined by acclaimed guitarist Matt Backer, a musician whose playing has appeared alongside some remarkable artists including Alice Cooper, Marcella Detroit, ABC, and many more. Matt stops by to talk about his brand new album Red Guitars, a record packed with expressive blues-rock guitar playing and great songwriting. Along the way he shares stories from his career working with some of the biggest names in music, what it’s like stepping into different artists’ worlds as a session guitarist, and how those experiences shaped the sound of his new record. Check out VRP Rocks Radio : The online radio station hosted by Paul himself, playing deep cuts and classic hits 24/7! Give it a try: https://live365.com/station/VRP-Rocks-Radio-a70025 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices