VRP Rocks - Classic Rock Interviews

This week on VRP Rocks, we pay tribute to the late Rick Derringer, the iconic guitarist, singer and songwriter behind Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo and countless other rock staples. Joining me is Kenn Moutenot, Rick’s long-time drummer, manager and close personal friend. Kenn shares heartfelt memories, behind-the-scenes stories and a glimpse into the Rick that fans didn’t always get to see, fun, loyal and deeply committed to music. It’s an honest, moving conversation filled with admiration, reflection and a real celebration of Rick’s life and music. If you were ever touched by Rick Derringer’s music, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Plus, I want to hear from you! When interviews are hard to get, do you want episodes about classic rock topics, rather than gaps in the schedule? Do you want specials, interviews with rock journalists, rock podcasters, quizzes, Top 10 discussions or other such topics? Let me know on all the social media platforms or email me vintagerockpod@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. ✅ Don’t forget to subscribe for more star interviews 📺 Check out VRP Rocks on YouTube 👍 Follow us on Facebook for classic rock content every day Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. 👇 Subscribe to VRP Rocks for more legendary guests every week 📺 Check out the VRP Rocks YouTube channel – now with over 27,000 subscribers and 8.5 million views 👍 Follow VRP Rocks on Facebook for the latest updates and extras Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 🎥 Check out the VRP Rocks YouTube channel (27k+ subs and 8.5M views!) 📱 Follow VRP Rocks on Facebook for more classic rock content Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices