The Jersey Guys Podcast

Todd Michael Hall is best known as the powerhouse vocalist for Riot V, carrying on the legacy of the legendary metal band Riot with his soaring range and dynamic stage presence. Over the years, he’s also fronted Harlet, Reverence, and Jack Starr’s Burning Starr, earning a reputation as one of melodic metal’s most versatile and passionate singers. In 2020, Todd brought his incredible voice to a wider audience with a standout appearance on NBC’s The Voice, impressing both judges and fans alike. Beyond his band work, Todd has also launched a successful solo career, showcasing his songwriting and melodic sensibilities on releases that blend his classic metal roots with timeless rock influences. So check out his story on this episode of The Jersey Guys Podcast!

On this episode of The Jersey Guys Podcast, we welcome guitarist Paul Lidel, a powerhouse player whose career has spanned some of hard rock’s most memorable bands. Paul first made his mark with the gritty, no-frills rock attack of Dirty Looks, delivering raw riffs and relentless energy that earned the band a loyal following. He later joined forces with Dangerous Toys, bringing his fiery guitar work to their sleazy, tongue-in-cheek brand of hard rock.Never one to slow down, Paul continues to keep the spirit of rock alive today with his current project, Scream Therapy, proving that his passion for loud guitars and high-octane rock ’n’ roll is as strong as ever. From the glory days of MTV Headbangers Ball to the modern stage, Paul Lidel has always delivered the goods, and he talks about it all in episode 98, so check it out now!

Mitch Viegut began his professional music career in 1973, picking up his first guitar—a Fender Stratocaster—at the age of 12. By his mid-teens, he was performing steadily with the band StilRock before heading off to the University of Wisconsin (UW-Madison and UW–Eau Claire). There, he met fellow musician John Fisher, and together they formed Heros, a popular Midwest cover band that balanced nightclub performances with college life.In 1977, Viegut reunited with high school friends Dave Saindon and Dave Roll, along with Grammy nominee Peter Phippen, to form Airkraft. By 1981, he founded Ark Records and built Premiere Recording Studios in Wausau, Wisconsin, producing and recording more than 100 albums and demos for Midwest groups, including Otis and The Alligators, Howard “Guitar” Luedtke, Tuck Pence, and Crash Alley. Ark Records later evolved into Premiere Records, securing distribution through Important/Relativity Records.Between 1981 and 1998, Airkraft recorded four albums, released six singles, and toured relentlessly across the United States—performing more than 300 dates in some years. Their first two albums, released on Premiere Records, gained international distribution and strong reviews in Europe’s influential rock magazines, including Kerrang! In 1989, Airkraft signed with Curb/Capitol Records and CBS International, and the singles “Somewhere” and “85 Miles Per Hour” from the In the Red album earned Billboard “Top Song” picks and charted on over 100 stations worldwide, including in the U.S., Japan, and Europe.Alongside his work with Airkraft, Viegut continued to expand his role as a producer, engineer, and publisher under Big Snow Music. Over two decades, he produced and engineered more than 200 recordings for a wide range of artists, while also penning notable works himself—including the theme song for FOX TV’s Fire Rescue in 1990.With a career spanning performance, production, songwriting, and label management, Mitch Viegut has left a lasting imprint on both the Midwest music scene and the international melodic rock community.

In episode 96 of The Jersey Guys Podcast, we’re joined by an incredibly talented musician and songwriter whose career has spanned decades and crossed genres. Tony Sciuto first made waves in the early 80s with his solo debut, Island Nights, a record that found international success and showcased his gift for melody. Beyond his solo work, Tony has been a member of the legendary band Little River Band, and he’s collaborated with artists such as Player (Peter Beckett & Ronn Moss). His songs have been covered by stars like B.J. Thomas, Tina Turner, and Bay City Rollers, and his music has found its way onto both television and film. Whether he’s behind the piano, guitar, or writing pen, Tony has always delivered heartfelt, hook-laden music that resonates with fans worldwide.We’re excited to dive into his story, his music, and the incredible journey that’s still unfolding, so be sure to check this episode out!

Today’s guest is Canadian guitarist, singer, and songwriter Greg Fraser. Born in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Greg’s musical journey began as a teenager with the local band Lennex, where he recorded an album with legendary David Bowie guitarist Mick Ronson. Though that project never saw release, it set the stage for bigger things to come.In 1982, Fraser teamed up with bassist Stevie Skreebs, eventually bringing in vocalist Gerry McGhee to form what would become Brighton Rock. With the addition of drummer Mark Cavarzan and keyboardist Martin Victor, the band broke through with hit singles like “We Came To Rock” and “Can’t Wait For The Night”, earning two gold records, three Juno nominations, and in 1988 Fraser was named Best New Guitarist at the Toronto Music Awards, surpassing even Jeff Healey.Following Brighton Rock’s breakup in 1992, Greg collaborated with members of Triumph, toured with Helix, and later co-founded Fraze Gang with Skreebs, releasing two albums. Brighton Rock reunited in 2012, and in 2017 Fraser launched his latest project, Storm Force—a band blending Brighton Rock’s melodic sensibilities with the harder-edged influence of UFO, Thin Lizzy, and Van Halen. Their debut, Age of Fear (2020), received critical acclaim across the globe.From the early days in Ontario clubs to international recognition, Greg Fraser has built a career marked by hooks, riffs, and a passion for melodic hard rock.

In this episode we are joined by one of the most in-demand musicians in the world of rock and AOR — guitarist, songwriter, and producer Tommy Denander. Born and raised in Sweden, Tommy picked up the guitar at a young age and quickly turned his passion into a career that has seen him play on more than 3,000 albums. Over the years, he’s collaborated with an incredible roster of artists — from Alice Cooper and Paul Stanley to Michael Jackson and his long-standing solo project Radioactive, which always features an all-star cast of musicians from bands like Toto, Chicago, The Tubes, Santana, and so many more.What sets Tommy apart isn’t just his technical skill, but his ability to adapt and bring out the best in any project, whether it’s a melodic rock anthem, a pop hit, or a cinematic ballad. His work has become part of the fabric of modern rock history, often behind the scenes with fellow songwriters like Desmond Child (Kiss, Bon Jovi, Cher, etc.) and Andreas Carlsson (Bon Jovi, Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears, etc.) or producers such as Mutt Lange (Def Leppard, AC/DC) and Bob Ezrin (Pink Floyd, Kiss, Alice Cooper, etc.); his work is always essential in making the music world go around. We dive into the journey of a true studio legend whose guitar has been heard around the world.

Guitarist & songwriter Kenny ‘Kaos’ Holliday (aka Loney) is a high-energy player known for his searing riffs, melodic solos, and a career that’s spanned bands, albums, and countless live stages.From having played guitar and co-writing on Paul Laine’s debut album “Stick It In Your Ear” (1990) to playing on many Escape Music (UK) projects in the late 90s and early 2000s to being involved in songwriting with members of Loverboy and back to his roots in the Canadian rock scene, it all shows his relentless passion for making music. Kenny brings a mix of raw power and precision to every performance.We delve into his journey, the stories behind the music, and what he has going on today. So tune into episode 93 of The Jersey Guys Podcast now!

Alan Frew is the lead vocalist and founding member of Canadian pop-rock band Glass Tiger, known for timeless hits like “Don’t Forget Me (When I’m Gone)”—which features backing vocals by Bryan Adams—and “Someday” (both top 10 hits in the US).Originally from Scotland, Frew moved to Canada as a teen and co-founded Glass Tiger in 1983. Their debut album, The Thin Red Line, went quadruple platinum in Canada, earning them a Grammy nomination and multiple Juno Awards. The band followed up with the multi-platinum albums Diamond Sun and Simple Mission, the latter featuring the fan favorite “My Town” with guest vocals by Rod Stewart.In addition to his Glass Tiger career, Frew has released several solo albums, co-wrote the 2010 Olympic anthem “I Believe,” and authored the motivational memoir The Action Sandwich.After surviving a stroke in 2015, Frew made a remarkable recovery and continues to tour and record with Glass Tiger, who remain iconic figures in Canadian music and around the world.

Mark Behn was a founding member and bassist of the American heavy metal band Malice, active during their classic era from 1981 through 1988, and part of their first reunion phase from 2006 to 2011. Originally from Portland, OR, Behn had played in local bands Fire Eye and Kharma before joining Malice. Founder Jay Reynolds recruited him and drummer Pete Laufman to move to Los Angeles in the early‑1980s to form the band's core lineup. Malice contributed two tracks—“Captive of Light” and “Kick You Down”—to the first Metal Massacre compilation in 1982, becoming the only band to appear twice on that seminal volume. Their live debut came soon after at the Troubadour in November 1982, where they headlined with Metallica opening the show!Behn played on Malice’s first two albums on Atlantic Records: In the Beginning... (1985) and License to Kill (1987), as well as the Crazy in the Night EP (1989). On the debut album, he also contributed Taurus synthesizer pedals in addition to bass. After initially departing Malice, Behn worked on other projects, including Monster (with Kharma bandmate Pete Holmes), showing his continued involvement in the metal scene.Following the band's initial breakup, Behn returned during its 2006 reunion and contributed to early sessions for the eventual 2012 comeback album New Breed of Godz.

Don Wolf is best known as the lead singer of Canadian hard rock band White Wolf and has released seven national and international albums in total. Based in South Surrey, British Columbia, Don is a seasoned vocalist, songwriter, keyboardist, and MIDI composer with a deep commitment to music.Over the years, he has collaborated with top producers such as Bruce Fairbairn, Jack Richardson, Mike Fraser, and Adam H., and shared the stage and studio with artists such as Bon Jovi, Nazareth, Loverboy, and Motley Crue.In addition to his performance career, Don is a respected vocal and performance coach, having worked with artists across North America and Asia, including contributions to K-pop and Filipino pop releases. His music has been featured in shows like Supernatural and A Million Little Things, and he continues to co-write for international acts through the XOXO writing team.Please take a listen as The Jersey Guys talk about Don’s career and find out what he has going on in 2025 and beyond!

Tom and Mark discuss some of their favorite albums released so far in 2025 as they review albums hitting the shelves in the first half of this year.Here are the releases we discussed, so you can track them down if you're interested in what we had to say!WET "Apex" Dream Theater "Parasomnia" Brother Firetribe "Number One EP" Don Airey "Pushed To The Edge" Tokyo Blade "Time Is The Fire" Harem Scarem "Chasing Euphoria" Alien "When Yesterday Comes Around" H.E.A.T "Welcome To The Future" Dazr "Dazr EP" Wildness "Avenger" Ray of Light "Salute" Crazy Lixx "Thrill of the Bite" Perfect Plan "Heart of a Lion" Young Gun Silver Fox "Pleasure" Hellacopters "Overdriver" Adrian Smith / Richie Kotzen "Black Light / White Noise" Childz Play "First Toy" & "Big City" Two Wolf "Two Wolf" Sign of the Wolf "Sign of the Wolf"Enjoy!

Tim Feehan is a Juno Award-winning Canadian singer-songwriter and producer known for his standout solo albums Tim Feehan, Full Contact, and Pray for Rain. His music has appeared in major films like Licence to Kill, Arthur 2, and The Wraith (featuring his hit “Where’s the Fire”). A longtime collaborator with music legends like Steve Lukather, Richard Marx, and Randy Jackson (Journey, American Idol), Tim also wrote “Memories Will Last Forever,” the tribute song played when the Edmonton Oilers unveiled Wayne Gretzky’s statue and again at his jersey retirement. Now based in L.A., he runs ParkDriveProductions.com, spotlighting his music and emerging indie artists.

Carl Dixon remains one of Canada's stellar rock voices. He's a musician and keynote speaker. Carl joined Coney Hatch in the 80s, opening for Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Peter Frampton, Ted Nugent, Accept, and Rush. Four decades later, Coney Hatch is still rocking. They performed at Sweden Rock Festival in June 2023 to rave reviews, they have a new vinyl double album out & and played a slate of 2024 shows in Ontario, NY, UK, and France. Carl's written music for film and television, was the lead singer of The Guess Who for eight years, and played in April Wine for four years. In 2008, a high-speed car accident in Australia almost killed Carl and left him comatose for 10 days with 52 injuries and a traumatic brain injury. He's reshaped his life as an inspirational speaker, author of "Strange Way to Live", a book of his memoirs. He continues to tour extensively as a solo artist and speaker, along with a slew of bands, including Coney Hatch.

Steve Lynch is a rock guitarist best known as the co-founder and lead guitarist of the band Autograph. Renowned for his pioneering two-handed (eight-finger) tapping technique, Lynch's innovative style significantly influenced 1980s rock guitar playing.Lynch began his musical journey as a bassist in 1968 but switched to guitar in 1970, inspired by the death of his hero, Jimi Hendrix. He graduated from the Guitar Institute of Technology in 1979, earning the "Most Likely to Succeed" award. That same year, he published his first instructional book, The Right Touch, focusing on his unique tapping method.In 1983, Lynch co-founded Autograph, achieving mainstream success with their 1984 debut album Sign In Please, which featured the hit single "Turn Up the Radio." The song reached No. 29 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned Lynch the "Guitar Solo of the Year" award from Guitar World magazine. Autograph released two more albums, That's the Stuff(1985) and Loud and Clear (1987), before disbanding in 1989.Beyond performing, Lynch has been a dedicated educator, conducting over 300 guitar clinics in 20 countries and authoring additional instructional materials, including the video The Two-Handed Guitarist. He also formed the experimental solo project Network 23 in the mid-1990s.After a hiatus, Lynch reunited Autograph in 2013 with original bassist Randy Rand and new members, releasing new material and touring until 2019. Following Rand's passing in 2022, Lynch secured the rights to the Autograph name, trademark, and logo, allowing him to continue the band's legacy.In May 2025, Lynch released his autobiography, Confessions of a Rock Guitarist, reflecting on his life, career, and the evolution of the music industry. Looking ahead to the future, Steve has plans for another solo album, plus the re-release of his instructional guitar books, and also looks forward to making the first three Autograph albums available once again on CD and streaming platforms!

Bob Daisley (born February 13, 1950, in Sydney, Australia) is a renowned bassist, songwriter, and lyricist whose career spans over five decades. He is best known for his extensive work with Ozzy Osbourne, which contributed significantly to Osbourne's early solo success.Daisley began his musical journey in the 1960s, initially playing guitar before switching to bass at age 14. He gained early recognition with bands like Kahvas Jute and Chicken Shack. In the mid-1970s, he co-founded Widowmaker and later joined Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow, contributing to their 1978 album Long Live Rock 'n' Roll.His most notable collaboration was with Ozzy Osbourne, starting in 1979. Daisley played bass, co-wrote songs, and co-produced several of Osbourne's albums, including Blizzard of Ozz (1980) and Diary of a Madman (1981). Despite being replaced before the release of Diary of a Madman, Daisley's performances remained on the album, leading to legal disputes over credits and royalties. He continued to work intermittently with Osbourne throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, contributing to albums like Bark at the Moon (1983) and No More Tears (1991).Beyond his work with Osbourne, Daisley collaborated with several prominent artists and bands, including Uriah Heep, Gary Moore, and Black Sabbath. He was involved in projects like Mother's Army (with Joe Lynn Turner, Carmine Appice, Ansley Dunbar & Jeff Watson) and Living Loud, all showcasing his versatility across genres from blues to hard rock.In 2013, Daisley published his autobiography, For Facts Sake, detailing his experiences in the music industry. He continues to be recognized for his influential role in shaping the sound of classic rock and heavy metal.

Mike Walsh is a NJ guitarist, songwriter, and producer best known as the creative force behind the melodic rock band Departure. With Departure, Walsh established a reputation for crafting polished, emotionally resonant rock music that blends soaring melodies with intricate musicianship. The band has released four albums, including Open Your Mind and Corporate Wheel, solidifying their place in the AOR and melodic rock scene.Beyond Departure, Walsh has contributed to other projects such as the band Message with dear friend Dean Fasano (RIP). In 2023, he launched a new project, Mike Walsh & Five to Life, releasing the album Face the Music. This record marked a stylistic shift toward a more organic, earthy sound, reflecting deeper lyrical themes and personal storytelling. The album features Walsh on guitars and keyboards, with contributions from musicians like Doug Henthorn (vocals), Steve Pozzelanti (drums), and Ed Avila (ex-Shotgun Symphony) (bass), as well as guest appearances by artists including David Rosenthal (Ranibow, Billy Joel) and Nick Clemons (Clarence Clemons son).Based in New Jersey out of his Exit 98 Studios, Walsh continues to be an influential figure in the rock community. He is known for his dedication to songwriting and his ability to evolve artistically while staying true to his melodic roots.

Pete Sandberg, born in Oslo, Norway, in 1967 and raised in Sweden, is a renowned Swedish rock vocalist best known for his work in melodic hard rock and AOR. He began his musical journey at age 14 with the band Rubbish Bin and signed his first record deal in 1986 as part of the duo Von Rosen, along with Magnus Rosen of HammerFall fame.He rose to prominence as the lead singer of Alien, contributing to the U.S. release of their debut album and later co-creating the follow-up Shiftin’ Gear. Pete also fronted Madison, toured with Helix, and worked with other Swedish rock legends like Göran Edman and John Norum.Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Pete led and collaborated on several successful projects, including Snake Charmer, Midnight Sun, Sand & Gold, Bewarp, Jade, Silver Seraph, and Opus Atlantica as well as solo albums. Known for his powerful, melodic voice, Pete has left a lasting mark on Swedish hard rock history.In 2025, Pete is back with the 2nd release from his current band, Mad Invasion. “Crack In The Sky” was released in April 2025, and the band’s sound harkens back to classic hard rock and metal, drawing comparisons to 1980s-era Black Sabbath & Judas Priest.Mad Invasion features Pete Sandberg on vocals, Bjorn Dahlberg and Hal Marabel on guitars, Mats Jeppsson on bass, and the legendary Mikkey Dee (Motorhead, Scorpions) on drums.

Alien – The Comeback of a Swedish Rock LegacyFormed in Gothenburg in 1986, Alien quickly rose to fame with their self-titled debut album Alien in 1988, featuring the unforgettable hit singles “Tears Don’t Put Out The Fire” and “Only One Woman.” The band became a staple of the melodic rock scene, capturing hearts across Europe and beyond.Over the decades, Alien has weathered the changes of time and lineup, delivering acclaimed albums like Shiftin’ Gear(1990), Crash (1995), and Dark Eyes (2005), each marking a chapter in the band’s storied evolution.In 2014, the original lineup reunited for the celebrated release of Eternity, a powerful reminder of the band’s enduring chemistry. Four years later, in 2018, Alien marked their 30th anniversary with a triumphant tour across Sweden and Germany, reconnecting with loyal fans and igniting new ones.In 2020, the band released Into the Future, proving they were far from finished.Now, in 2025, Alien returns stronger than ever.Kicking off the year with single releases in January and February, the band unleashed their brand-new album “When Yesterday Comes Around” in March 2025 — a record hailed as their most powerful since their iconic debut. Fueled by passion, precision, and pure melodic rock energy, Alien is officially back — and ready to reclaim their place at the top of the genre.

Graham Bonnet (born December 23, 1947) is an English rock singer renowned for his powerful vocal range and dynamic stage presence. He began his career in the late 1960s with the duo The Marbles, achieving a UK Top 5 hit with "Only One Woman" in 1968, penned by the Bee Gees. In 1979, Bonnet joined the hard rock band Rainbow, replacing Ronnie James Dio as lead vocalist. His tenure with Rainbow produced the successful album Down to Earth, featuring hits like "Since You Been Gone" and "All Night Long".Following his departure from Rainbow, Bonnet released the solo album Line-Up in 1981, which included the UK Top 10 single "Night Games". He then joined the Michael Schenker Group in 1982, contributing to the album Assault Attack. In 1983, Bonnet co-founded the band Alcatrazz, collaborating with notable guitarists such as Yngwie Malmsteen and Steve Vai. The band released several albums, including No Parole from Rock 'n' Roll and Disturbing the Peace, gaining significant popularity, particularly in Japan. Throughout his career, Bonnet has also worked with bands like Impellitteri, Blackthorne, and Anthem, and has maintained a solo career. He is recognized for his distinctive style and for his self-taught, robust vocal delivery.As of 2025, Bonnet continues to perform and record music, remaining an influential figure in the hard rock and heavy metal scenes.

Tommy La Verdi is an American lyricist/songwriter originally from Los Angeles, CA (now residing in Norway) with a recent history of hit singles throughout Europe and Asia. Numerous top 10 hits with K-Pop Legends DBSK, CSJH, Super Junior, and Boa.After moving to Norway he has dominated the Scandic music scene with five number-one singles in Norway and Top 10’s in Denmark, Finland, and Sweden all with different artists in a wide variety of musical genres. Newer projects include multi-platinum Norwegian Dj Tungevaag , Swedish Dj John De Sohn, and Scandinavian Boy Band sensation, Marcus and Martinus. La Verdi recently co-wrote three tracks with Mega Star DJ Alan Walker, which currently has over a billion YouTube views and Spotify streams.But long before all that he was tabbed to sing with Casablanca recording artist A=440, whose debut was released in 1986. Touted by Donna Summers, whose guitar player Nick Brown formed A=440, the band only saw marginal success and faded away shortly thereafter. The album remains a favorite among hi-tech AOR fans.In the late 1980’s he found his way to the band 21 Guns with Scott Gorham (guitar) of Thin Lizzy fame and a debut was eventually released in 1992, garnering acclaim from the AOR and melodic rock world, the album still finds its way into conversation today when the subject of cult-favorite AOR and melodic hard rock records comes up.After thinking he left the melodic hard rock world behind, he was contacted in 2014 to do a project that was simply named L.R.S., which was short for La Verdi, (Josh) Ramos & (Michael) Shotton. The album had shades of Journey in its sound but a follow-up was not meant to be.