VRP Rocks - Classic Rock Interviews

146. Carmine Appice - Star Studded Return!

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

145. Matt Backer - Elton John, Joe Cocker, Marcella Detroit

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

Suzi Quatro - My 5 Favourite...

In this episode of VRP Rocks, Paul Stephenson is joined by the original Queen of Rock and Roll, Suzi Quatro. In the first half of the episode, Suzi talks about her brand new album Freedom, due for release on March 27th, and reflects on why she’s still driven to create new music after more than five decades in the business. Then in part two, she takes on the My 5 Favourite challenge, revealing the five songs from her incredible career that mean the most to her — and the stories behind them. A fascinating conversation with one of rock’s true pioneers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

144. Brian Vollmer - Helix

In this episode of VRP Rocks, Paul chats with the voice of Canadian hard rock legends Helix – frontman Brian Vollmer. With a career spanning over 50 years, Helix have lived through the highs and lows of the rock world — and Brian’s been there for every single step. From the band's humble beginnings in 1974, through their breakthrough success with Heavy Metal Love, to tours alongside Motörhead, Kiss, Aerosmith and Mötley Crüe — Brian shares it all. You'll hear stories about: The truth behind the story of Michael J. Fox trying out for Helix What it was like touring the U.S. in the ’80s with little money but big ambition How “Rock You” almost didn’t make the album The chaos around a beer commercial that nearly derailed a hit single And we dig into Helix’s brand-new album, Scrap Metal — out January 23rd — including how it evolved from unfinished demos, the emotional ties to late drummer Fritz Hinz, and the stories behind key tracks like “Stuck in the 80s” and “Fast and Furious.” Whether you’ve followed Helix from the early days or you’re just discovering them now, this is a deep, honest and engaging look at one of Canada’s hardest-working rock bands — and the man who kept it all going. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

143. Steve Ferrone - Tom Petty, Eric Clapton, George Harrison

In this episode of VRP Rocks, Paul is joined by legendary drummer Steve Ferrone — the rhythm powerhouse behind some of the most iconic names in music. From playing with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers for over two decades, to sessions and tours with Eric Clapton, Christine McVie, George Harrison, Michael Jackson, Duran Duran, Chaka Khan, and many others — Steve’s career reads like a hall of fame roll call. The conversation kicks off with Steve’s behind the scenes memories of that unforgettable Rock and Roll Hall of Fame performance with Prince, where “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” became a viral moment thanks to Prince’s incredible guitar solo — and yes, Steve was right there on stage, holding it all together. From there, he shares incredible stories about his time with Tom Petty, what it was like to work with Michael Jackson, his unexpected recruitment into Duran Duran, and why recording with Fleetwood Mac’s Christine McVie still holds such a special place in his heart. A warm, funny, and humble storyteller, Steve Ferrone delivers an inside look at some of the most legendary moments in rock and pop history. 🎧 Subscribe now and enjoy this deep dive into a remarkable musical life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices