Tommy Solo's famous friends

Terry Draper of Klaatu fame has been releasing solo albums for years. His regular routine is to release a new record every year in time for Christmas.His usual process was interupted last year by health issues which he is now recovering from.So for this current project, he dug into the vault and resurrected several old demos from decades ago, along with a fresh crop of new material.This time around, I was honoured to play guitar on three of his songs. I was among 17 players who helped Terry on this one.We discussed the making of Infinity and more in this episode.Get Terry's music and merch at www.terrydraper.comHelp me to keep producing my show at the following site :https://buymeacoffee.com/tsolobandqSubscribe to my Youtube channel    Tommy Solo@tommysolo9154Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tommy-solo-s-famous-friends--4318572/support.

Chris Birkett is a world renowned musician/record producer who has worked with such top shelf artists as Sinead O'Connor (he produced Nothing compares 2U) , Mel Brooks & Def Leppard.His own music has often taken a back seat to his work helping others to create hits, but now he has a brand new album of his own to celebrate. "She's my guitar" is a blend of neo soul/Latin flavoured original material.He told me that the guitar has saved his life more than once.We discussed this and a lot more in this episode.Sit back & enjoy the ride.Check out Chris' new album at the following site:https://chrisbirkett1.bandcamp.com/album/shes-my-guitarHelp me to keep producing more episodes like this one at this site:https://buymeacoffee.com/tsolobandqBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tommy-solo-s-famous-friends--4318572/support.

Carmine Appice is a legendary drummer known for his work with Vanilla Fudge, Cactus, Beck Bogert & Appice, and Rod Stewart. Rising to prominence after appearing on the Ed Sullivan show in 1968 with Vanilla Fudge, he hasn't ever slowed down. In fact, he often has several projects on the go at the same time, these days.He has recently released an all star album with Cactus, Temple of blues, featuring artists who have been influenced by Cactus over the years. We discussed all this and more in this episode.Strap yourself in. This episode is a fun ride! You can help me keep producing episodes like this one at the following site:  https://buymeacoffee.com/tsolobandqhttps://cleopatrarecords.bandcamp.com/album/temple-of-bluesBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tommy-solo-s-famous-friends--4318572/support.

Aaron Badgley has been a huge fan of the Beatles since he was a kid in the early 1970s. His fascination with music, inspired by his love of the Fab Four lead him to a life in radio broadcasting and music journalism. He has a new book entitled "Dark Horse the story of George Harrison's post Beatles record label". we discussed this and a lot more in this episode. If you enjoy my podcast & would like to help support us without a paid subscription, why not donate a few dollars at the following site? https://buymeacoffee.com/tsolobandqBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tommy-solo-s-famous-friends--4318572/support.

Ever since the band called UFO was formed in 1968, lead singer Phil Mogg has been a force in rock music.Inspired by seeing artists like Eric Clapton, Eric Burdon & the Animals and more performing live in nearby Tottenham England, Phil was bitten by the rock & roll bug.There have been over 40 UFO albums released featuring Phil with band mates that have included Pete Way, Michael Schenker, Andy Parker, Vinnie Moore, Jason Bonham and Bernie Marsden. He has a brand new album coming out in three separate vinyl releases starting September 6th with a red vinyl version, September 13th white vinyl & September 20th featuring a 180 gram black vinyl release.We discussed all of this and more in this episode. Visit Cleopatra records at the site below to get your copy of "Mogg Motel" https://cleorecs.com/If you like this show & would like to help me out just a little, why not buy me a coffee or two at the following site?   https://buymeacoffee.com/tsolobandqBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tommy-solo-s-famous-friends--4318572/support.

Ronnie Dawg Robson is a highly sought after session musician. While he is primarly known as a top shelf bassist, and is listed in "The Titans of Bass" as one of the top 130 bassists the world over, he has a much broader resume than that.This is from his own website:   To date, Ronnie's resume is outstanding for he has recorded bass tracks with current and/or ex members of; Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath, Whitesnake, Hollywood Monsters, Deep Purple, Megadeth, Testament, Quiet Riot, Blue Oyster Cult, Thin Lizzy, The Band, Paul Di'Anno, Mayan, Alice Cooper, Prophecy, Firewind, Ronnie James Dio, Fludd, John Lennon, Platinum Blonde, Hand Over Fist, Sunroad, Rainbow, Jeff Beck, Hollentor, Metalium, Danko Jones, Goddo, Heaven and Hell, Jethro Tull and the Michael Schenker Group. ​He has been in the music business for forty-one years, studying classical piano from the age of seven with the Royal Conservatory of Music, moving on to guitar studies at the age of twelve. At the age of nineteen, he began working in multiple Toronto based recording studios as an engineer, session musician, forwarding into stage and tour managing with various acts, to opening his own production company - aligning with various artists in both concert, television and documentary productions.We discussed all this and more during our chat.    Here's where you can find his web site:https://www.ronnierobson.com/Here's where to find my YouTube channel for the raw video version of this episode:  @tommysolo9154And if you like this podcast & would like to help me to keep it going, why not go to this site & buy me a coffee or two?     https://buymeacoffee.com/tsolobandqBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tommy-solo-s-famous-friends--4318572/support.

LA session guitarist/producer, Fernando Perdomo has a new solo album out called "Self".It's a wonderful mix of songs that I thought to myself, if the Beatles, Burt Bacharach & Frank Zappa had a baby it would be this album. In this episode we discuss the album, his work with Marshall Crenshaw, personal experiences at Abbey Road studio two & a lot more! Find out more about Fernando at the following site:    https://www.fernandoperdomo.com/And if you'd like to help support me in my ongoing quest to provide informative, insightful & entertaining episodes like this, why not do that at this site: https://buymeacoffee.com/tsolobandqBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tommy-solo-s-famous-friends--4318572/support.

Uli Jon Roth has been a force to be reckoned with as a master of the guitar for decades.While he first made his mark with German rockers, the Scorpions, he has been blazing new trails for himself ever since. He is known as an early innovator of neo classical rock and has gone beyond the norm with his creation of the Sky guitar, a very unique guitar with extra frets to emulate the violin and advanced electronic features. All the while touring the world on a regular basis, thrilling fans with his virtuostic yet melodic playing style. In this episode we discussed his new book, In search of the Alpha law, how he is inspired by going outside his comfort zone, and the importance of supporting our children's dreams...among other things! If you enjoy this episode & would like to help me to keep producing these shows, why not buy me a coffee at this site?  https://buymeacoffee.com/tsolobandqTo keep tabs on what Uli is up to, go to this site  https://ujr.info/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tommy-solo-s-famous-friends--4318572/support.

David McPherson is a Canadian author based in Waterloo Ontario. He is a regular magazine contributor to Canadian musician, Exclaim! etc., and along with his previous book the legendary Horseshoe tavern: a complete history, he's recently published 101 Fascinating Canadian Music Facts. Based on his extensive knowledge of Canadian pop music, I figured he would make a great guest on my Pop Trivia series. And I was right about that! https://www.instagram.com/mcphersoncomm/?hl=enhttps://buymeacoffee.com/tsolobandqBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tommy-solo-s-famous-friends--4318572/support.

Terry Draper has released one new album per year for the longest time without missing a beat. It's his routine to winter in Florida & write songs to record over the summer back at his recording studio Swamp Manor North of Toronto. This year he threw a wrench in his machine when he discovered lost 80's tapes in various boxes etc.. This was a project that Terry had done with Toronto based singer Jacqueline Kroft & abandoned it at the time for other projects.Terry put new technology to use & remixed & remastered these songs so that these hidden treasures could be released today as "Social Studies Atlantic Crossing the lost 80s tapes" , after all these years.  The album is a fun nostalgic ride back to the disco era. We discussed all this, what's happening with his annual project and more in this shameless plugs episode.   https://www.terrydraper.com/ Wanna help me to keep producing this podcast? Why not buy me a coffee at the following site ?    https://buymeacoffee.com/tsolobandqOr you can show your love at this site:https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tommy-solo-s-famous-friends--4318572/support

Honey Moon Suite started gaining momentum globally in the early 1980s & they've barely looked back since then.  They've released over a dozen albums over the years & have just released the fruits of their labour over two years in a global pandemic. Teaming with American producer Mike Krompass, known for his work with Steven Tyler, Smash Mouth etc. Honey Moon Suite have once again broken the mold with "Alive". I spoke with lead guitarist & principle songwriter for HMS, Derry Grehan about this new album & the importance of writing & producing songs for the people who have followed them loyally for decades... among other things. This is a good one. https://musicinmotionent.com/category/honeymoon-suite/https://frontiers.shop/products/honeymoon-suite-alive-cd#:~:text='Alive'%20has%20been%20produced%20by,Dead%20Man%20and%20Smash%20Mouth.https://www.facebook.com/HMSLiveI would be most grateful if you would be so kind as to join my support community at the following link:https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tommy-solo-s-famous-friends--4318572/support

Formed from the ashes of the Hillbilly Headhunters & Moon MD in 1998, the Hillbilly Moon Explosion have since released several successful albums culminating with their latest album "Back in time" featuring the singles "Sometimes at night" & "Knocked down" .  In this episode I discussed with Oliver Baroni how his Hillbilly Headhunters merged with Emanuela Hutter's Moon MD so many years ago, & how they've managed to keep recording & touring internationally, even advancing their craft in spite of a global pandemic. You can keep up with the Hillbilly Moon Explosion on their FB page https://www.facebook.com/hillbillymoonexplosionHelp us to keep making these shows at this link (copy & paste into your browser)  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/tsolobandq Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tommy-solo-s-famous-friends--4318572/support.

Singer/songwriter Rik Emmett was known as the virtuostic guitarist & singer with iconic Canadian band Triumph, and he has been an independant solo artist since the 1990s. In this episode we discuss his new memoire "Lay it on the line" which is as he describes it "A backstage pass to rockstar adventure, conflict & triumph" . But that's not all we talked about.This is a fun one! https://www.rikemmett.com/ If you enjoy this episode & would like to help me to continue making more like it, why not go to my "buy me a coffee" link & donate to the show? https://www.buymeacoffee.com/tsolobandqBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tommy-solo-s-famous-friends--4318572/support.

Legendary Canadian rocker Myles Goodwyn left this mortal coil on December 3rd 2023 after a lenghty battle with various illnesses.On December 18th 2023, I was fortunate to share memories from the life & times of Myles Goodwyn with his three surviving original co founding members of April Wine.David, Ritchie & Jim Henman gave their individual & personal thoughts in memory their fallen brother in this episode. This is a heartfelt tribute to the late great Myles Goodwyn from those who knew him best when April Wine first took the stage way back then.Join us as we celebrate the life & legacy of an iconic Canadian musical treasure.Rest in peace Myles Goodwyn June 23 1948-December 3 2023You can help me to keep producing shows like this one by going to the following link. Just copy & paste it into your web browser. https://www.buymeacoffee.com/tsolobandqBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tommy-solo-s-famous-friends--4318572/support.

You may know Terry Draper from his tenure with the classic Canadian band Klaatu. Did you know he has just released his 20th solo record? His new release "In the beginning" is a quirky prog pop collection featuring solid songwriting & solid performances throughout. And this time Terry harkens back to the glory days of album packaging as inspired by the classic albums from the Beatles, Pink Floyd etc.. I reached him at his winter home in Florida to talk about In the beginning.While we certainly do discuss his new album, Terry spent the better part of our chat praising the artists he's worked with both on this & previous projects.All aboard for this inspired conversation! Get In the beginning at this site: https://www.terrydraper.com/ And maybe buy me a coffee if you like my show? Here's where you can support Tommy Solo's Famous Friends : https://www.buymeacoffee.com/tsolobandqBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tommy-solo-s-famous-friends--4318572/support.

This is part two of my 2020 conversation with seminal singer/guitarist/songwriter Frank Soda.In this part of our chat Frank talks about how he survived the music business by widening his horizons & not being afraid to diversify his act. As this episode was originally recorded during the big Covid lockdown, he also reflected on expanding his musical horizons further & his plans to return to Ontario with his classic rock show.Frank is still going strong over three years after we recorded this, & this interview was pivotal for me as a podcaster.If you enjoy my show & would like to help us to keep it going, why not go to my "buy me a coffee" link & toss a few bucks into the kitty? https://www.buymeacoffee.com/tsolobandqBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tommy-solo-s-famous-friends--4318572/support.

In part one of my classic interview with Seminal Canadian rocker Frank Soda we discuss his early years starting out in the Canadian bar circuit in the 1970s. From his time with Buddy Knox to muscle rocker Thor & beyond, Frank shares his experiences leading up to Frank Soda & the Imps signing with Quality records. I met Frank Soda while he & the Imps were backing up Thor at the St. Regis hotel in North Bay Ontario (my hometown) circa 1977. Having the opportunity to jam with the Imps during the Saturday afternoon matinee, I was inspired by Frank to pursue my own dream of being a rock & roll guitar slinger one day. We recorded this interview in the early days of the pandemic in 2020 & it's definetely worth hearing again.If you enjoy this show & would like to help me to keep it going, why not go to my "Buy me a coffee" page & donate a few bucks to the podcast? https://www.buymeacoffee.com/tsolobandq Stream Frank Soda music here:https://open.spotify.com/artist/0vgUmbptgr6MohJ3xSsHFQBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tommy-solo-s-famous-friends--4318572/support.

On November 10th 2023 Burton Cummings & Randy Bachman launched a false advertising law suit against former bandmates Jim Cale & Garry Peterson. In this episode I spoke with one of the leading experts on all things "The Guess Who", Robert Lawson about this news.Robert's book "Wheatfield Empire" details pretty much everyone you could ask about the history of one of Canada's most successful bands. He spoke with members of Burton Cummings team days before we recorded this interview & has an inside scoop as to the motivations of all involved.This is another good one folks, so grab a beverage , put on your headphones & have a listen to our chat.Copy & paste the following link to Robert's Facebook profile into your web browser for more info about his books & his inside knowledge. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100007850040446And if you enjoy my show & would like to help us keep it going why not follow this link to buy me a coffee? https://www.buymeacoffee.com/tsolobandqBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tommy-solo-s-famous-friends--4318572/support.

When I interviewed Ronnie Hawkins in 2021 he was already 86 years old, but he proved that he was still the king of one liners & had me laughing throughout our conversation. Growing up in Arkansas he was influenced by the music he was raised on & when he brought his brand of Rockabilly music to Canada, he quickly became a seminal figure in the musical landscape here.The list of musicians, actors etc. whose careers he helped launch is too long to list here, but we did talk about a lot of those artists in our chat.I believe I was perhaps the last person to interview him as I spoke with him again shortly after the release of his last single, a cover of Me & Bobby McGee with Kris Kristofferson, Gordon Lightfoot & Wille Nelson later that year & he would pass away not long after.If You're a fan of the Hawk, sit back & enjoy this walk down memory lane with me & Ronnie.And if you enjoy this show & would like to help us keep it going, why not go to the "buy me a coffee" link & show your love? (copy & paste the link into your browser) https://www.buymeacoffee.com/tsolobandqBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tommy-solo-s-famous-friends--4318572/support.

John McGale was one of my hometown guitar heroes. He was a couple of years older than me & my neighbourhood pals & was playing in a working band around the time I learned to ride a bicycle. He was very popular both in the neighbourhood & at our highschool where he was elected to the student's council as social convenor. He would often entertain us at school assemblies playing guitar, flute & singing.It was while he acted as social convenor at Widdifield Secondary Highschool that he connected with various booking agents while he booked bands like A foot in Cold Water, Edward Bear, Copperpenny etc. to play our dances.It wasn't long after he graduated that John hit the road as a pro guitarist/singer & before long he was in the Quebec Juggernaut known as Offenbach. This band was already established as an iconic Francophone band before he joined but they had their biggest success with John on Guitar & Saxophone. He learned to speak French in no time & became a successful songwriter with Offenbach as well.Long after the original lead singer Gerry Boulet passed away, John carried the Offenbach banner & was the president of all things business related for the band until the day he died in a car crash on his way home from a Halloween gig on his 66th birthday on October 30th 2022. He was not only a major infuence on me as a musician, he was a good friend.In this memorial edition, I spoke with three of John's closest musical friends about his legacy.Rest in peace John McGaleBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tommy-solo-s-famous-friends--4318572/support.