Category Archives: INTERVIEWS

Interview: NAZARETH – Metropolis Studios, London, 14 November 2014

Posted on November 17, 2014 by GRTR! HQ

Pete and Lee Agnew with artist Rodney Matthews Andy Nathan took time out to chat to founder member Pete Agnew, vocalist Linton Osborn and guitarist Jimmy Murrison prior to the band’s DVD recording at Metropolis Studios in front of an … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, INTERVIEWS, Interviews/Rock Stars | Tagged 14 November 2014, hard rock, interview, Jimmy Murrison, Linton Osborne, London, Metropolis Studios, Nazareth, Pete Agnew, rock | Leave a comment

10 Questions: VEGA interview, November 2014

Posted on November 14, 2014 by jason

Here we catch up with Vega members Tom Martin and Nick Workman, as they discuss their new album ‘Stereo Messiah’ (out now on Frontiers) and touring as they get ready to support Down ‘N’ Outz… Tom Martin… What have you got … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, INTERVIEWS, Interviews/10 Questions | Tagged hard rock, interview, Joe Elliot, melodic, modern rock, Nick Workman, rock, Tom Martin, Vega | Leave a comment

Album review: NEONFLY – Strangers In Paradise plus interview with Frederick Thunder

Posted on October 29, 2014 by jason

Inner Wound Recordings [Release date 01.12.14] Neonfly I discovered thanks to a tip-off from Charlie Farrell, a man who knows his way around the metal scene and recommended I got along early to see them supporting the mighty Power Quest. … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS, INTERVIEWS, Interviews/10 Questions | Tagged album, AOR, Dennis Ward, Dragonforce, Frederick Thunder, Inner Wound Recordings, Magnum, melodic metal, melodic rock, Neonfly, power metal, review, Strangers In Paradise, Willy Norton | Comments Off

Interview with MICHALIS MOATSOS (Endless Recovery) – 15 October 2014

Posted on October 24, 2014 by Yiannis

It may be true that Thrash Metal has been enjoying a revival of sorts these last few years, however, the passion and energy that characterised this great genre in the mid-80s has long been sacrificed in return for polished production … Continue reading →

Posted in INTERVIEWS, Interviews/Rock Stars, PURE METAL (All posts), Pure Metal/Interviews | 1 Comment

Interview with MARCEL “SCHMIER” SCHIRMER (Destruction) – 8 October 2014

Posted on October 23, 2014 by Yiannis

Fronting a band as legendary as the Thrash Metal trio Destruction for the better part of 31 years is probably not easy but Marcel “Schmier” Schirmer has managed to do so with passion and professionalism. Following a four year hiatus, … Continue reading →

Posted in INTERVIEWS, Interviews/Rock Stars, PURE METAL (All posts), Pure Metal/Interviews | Leave a comment

Video interview: STEVE CROPPER – Stax legend, guitarist and producer – 18 October 2014

Posted on October 23, 2014 by GRTR! HQ

The term legend or legendary is used perhaps too flippantly in the context of music, but the term can be firmly applied to Steve Cropper. Steve was a member of the Stax Records house band from the early-1960s and lent … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, INTERVIEWS, Video Interviews | Tagged 18 October 2014, Booker T & The MGs, interview, Otis Redding, R&B, soul, Stax Records, Steve Cropper, The Blues Brothers, video | 2 Comments

Album review: AUDREY HORNE – Pure Heavy

Posted on September 27, 2014 by jason

Napalm Records [Release date 26.09.14] Audrey Horne return with their new album just over a year since the highly enjoyable ‘Youngblood’. Most of the band members are also in death/black metal bands, yet Audrey Horne is more a homage to … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS, INTERVIEWS, Interviews/10 Questions | Tagged 80's metal, album review, AUDREY HORNE, classic rock, hard rock, Napalm Records, Pure Heavy, Thin Lizzy, Van Halen | Leave a comment

Interview with TOM S ENGLUND & JOHAN NIEMANN (Evergrey) – 22 August 2014

Posted on September 19, 2014 by Yiannis

Less than a year ago, following another unwanted line-up change, Evergrey were on the brink of calling it a day. A few months later, Evergrey welcomed back in its ranks two of its most important old members and with their … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, INTERVIEWS, Interviews/Rock Stars, PURE METAL (All posts), Pure Metal/Interviews | Tagged August 2014, Evergrey, interview, Johan Niemann, metal, progressive metal, rock, Tom S Englund | Leave a comment

Video interview: ROGER MAYER, Guitar Effects Guru – 28 June 2014

Posted on August 31, 2014 by GRTR! HQ

Roger Mayer made his first effects unit back in 1964 and his designs influenced a whole generation of guitar players. In his 50th anniversary year, Roger tells Pete Feenstra about a career that took him from a research job in … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, INTERVIEWS, Video Interviews | Tagged 50th anniversary, Bob Marley, effects, fuzz, guitar, guitar effects, interview, Isley Brothers, Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, June 2014, Octavia, Rocket, Roger Mayer, Stevie Wonder, video, Voodoo | Leave a comment

Interview with NIGE ROCKETT (Onslaught) – 4 August 2014

Posted on August 22, 2014 by Yiannis

British Thrash Metal combo Onslaught are a band I have been supporting since day one, so reviewing their London show and interviewing their long term guitarist Nige Rockett was something I was looking forward to. While the former was achieved … Continue reading →

Posted in INTERVIEWS, Interviews/Rock Stars, PURE METAL (All posts), Pure Metal/Interviews | Tagged August 2014, interview, Nige Rockett, onslaught, thrash metal | Leave a comment

Interview: CHRIS PICTON (August 2014)

Posted on August 18, 2014 by jason

Multi-instrumentalist Chris Picton first came to the attention of GRTR! as a member of prog rock band Quecia. Now Chris has a new digital album out called ‘Journey of Broken Dreams‘ and we caught up with him for an update plus … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, INTERVIEWS, Interviews/Rising Stars Revisited | Tagged August 2014, Chris Picton, instrumental, interview, multi-instrumentalist, prog rock, progressive, Quecia.Journey of Broken Dreams | Leave a comment

Interview: Rising Stars – THE YOUNG FOLK

Posted on August 14, 2014 by jason

The Young Folk consists of Anthony Furey (vocals/guitar), Tony McCaughlin (bass/mandolin/vocals), Paul Butler (keyboards/vocals) and Karl Hand (drums/vocals). With the current popularity of folk music, particularly that in the more alternative/popular end of things like Mumford & Sons, Fleet Foxes … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, INTERVIEWS, Interviews/Rising Stars | Tagged acoustic, folk, interview, Rising Stars, Young Folk | Comments Off

Interview with MICHAEL BASTHOL DAHL (Artillery) – 20 July 2014

Posted on July 31, 2014 by Yiannis

Of the Thrash Metal bands that made their appearance in the early 80s, the one perhaps less deserving of the total lack of support provided by the music industry were the Danish quintet Artillery. Following a few well-documented break-ups and … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, INTERVIEWS, PURE METAL (All posts), Pure Metal/Interviews | Tagged Artillery, interview, July 2014, Michael Basthol Dahl, thrash metal | Leave a comment

Interview: 10Q’s with NEOPERA (Nina Jiers)

Posted on July 31, 2014 by jason

Neopera have just released their rather fine debut album ‘Destined Ways’ on earMusic. The band were founded in 2010 by DARK AGE lead guitarist Jörn Schubert, who was joined by GAMMA RAY bass player Dirk Schlächter, Mikis Trimborn (SYNDEMIC) on … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, INTERVIEWS, Interviews/10 Questions | Tagged Dark Age, interview, Jorn Schubert, July 2014, metal, Neopera, Nina Jiers, operatic metal, symphonic metal | Leave a comment

Interview: 10Q’s with Wille Dowling of THE DOWLING POOLE

Posted on July 25, 2014 by jason

The Dowling Poole feature Willie Dowling (ex-Jackdaw4/Honeycrack) and Jon Poole (ex-Cardiacs). They have released their debut album, ‘Bleak Strategies’ and they have recently played a series of Pledger gigs as part of their recent Pledge Music campaign to fund the … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, INTERVIEWS, Interviews/10 Questions | Tagged Bleak Strategies, Honeycrack, interview, Jackdaw4, Jon Poole, pop rock, power pop, THE DOWLING POOLE, Willie Dowling | Leave a comment

Book review: STEVE HOGARTH – The Invisible Man – Diaries 1991-1997

Posted on July 8, 2014 by GRTR! HQ

Steve Hogarth chats about the Diaries. (13:36) The full version of this interview featured in ‘Assume The Position’, Sunday 13 July at 22:00 GMT on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio. The full feature is now available on the Volume 2 … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, BOOK REVIEWS, INTERVIEWS, Interviews/Rock Stars | Tagged book, Diaries 1991-1997, How We Live, Marillion, MIWK Publishing, review, rock, Steve Hogarth, The Europeans, The Invisible Man | Leave a comment

Rising Stars: enkElination interview, July 2014

Posted on July 7, 2014 by jason

enkElination (enkeli – meaning Angel in Finnish) was formed in November 2011 by the classically trained, former opera singer Elina Siirala. In 2012 she started working with a guitar player Shadow Venger (ex-Empyreal Destroyer) and since then they’ve been joined by … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, INTERVIEWS, Interviews/Rising Stars | Tagged Elina Siirala, enkElination, female fronted metal, interview, July 2014, metal, Shadow Venger, Tears Of Lust | Leave a comment

Interview with LARRY BARRAGAN (Helstar) – 12 June 2014

Posted on July 1, 2014 by Yiannis

Larry Barragan, guitarist and sole founding member of the American Power Metal institution Helstar, has been living and breathing Metal since the band’s inception back in 1982 and his passion and love for the said genre is certainly reflected in … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, INTERVIEWS, Interviews/Rock Stars, PURE METAL (All posts), Pure Metal/Interviews | Tagged Helstar, interview, Jeff Loomis, June 2014, Larry Barragan, metal, power metal | Leave a comment

Album review: BERNIE MARSDEN – Shine

Posted on June 30, 2014 by petefeenstra

Provogue [Release date 18.08.14] Bernie Marsden’s ‘Shine’ explores a wide ranging musical horizon including a cleverly updated blues, slick AOR, kick ass boogie, riff driven and twin guitar rock, a steaming bluesy shuffle and a book-ended instrumental. By his own … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS, Radio interview, The Best Of 2014 | Tagged album, Bernie Marsden, blues, Danny Kirwan, David Coverdale, Don Airey Cherry Lee Mewis, Ian Paice, Jimmy Copley, Joe Bonamassa, Mark Feltham, Peter Green, review, Rob Kass, rock, Shine, Sonny Landreth, Whitesnake, ZZ Top | Leave a comment

Interview: PAUL MENEL

Posted on June 20, 2014 by jason

Paul Menel is a former singer with prog rockers IQ and released a very enjoyable solo album ‘Into Insignificance I Will Pale’, and he has an unofficial England World Cup song out now with the Essentials… Hi Jason Firstly, thanks … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, INTERVIEWS, Interviews/10 Questions | Tagged England, IQ, modern rock, Paul Menel, prog rock, the Essentials, unofficial World Cup song, World Cup 2014 | Leave a comment

Interview: PAUL LOGUE of EDEN’S CURSE

Posted on June 14, 2014 by jason

Paul Logue has been a busy man as his band Eden’s Curse have just finished their first full UK tour which was a great success and the band plan a summer break before more UK dates planned for November. He … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, INTERVIEWS, Interviews/10 Questions | Tagged AFM Records, Dead End Heroes, Eddie Lavelle, Eden's Curse, interview, metal, Paul Logue, power metal, prog metal, World Cup | Leave a comment

Interview: 10Q’s with author ROBERT SHORE

Posted on June 12, 2014 by jason

Robert Shore is the author of the rather good book on the Midlands ‘Bang In The Middle’ published by the Friday Project/Harper Collins. What’s more he is a big fan of metal and the NWOBHM and if you read his … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, INTERVIEWS, Interviews/10 Questions | Tagged Bang In The Middle, book, culture, Midlands, review, Robert Shore, rock, social | Comments Off

Interview with JOHN ILLSLEY (Dire Straits) – 1 June 2014

Posted on June 5, 2014 by petefeenstra

John Illsley was a founder member, bass player and contributing vocalist to the 120 million album selling Dire Straits, until the group dissolved in 1995. Since then, he’s enjoyed a sporadic four album solo career, established himself as a painter … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, INTERVIEWS, Interviews/Rock Stars | Tagged Creek Touring & Records, Dire Straits, guitar, Guy Fletcher, interview, J.J. Cale, John Illsley, June 2014, Leonard Cohen, Mark Knopfler, Phil Palmer, Pick Withers, Robbie McIntosh, songwriting, Testing The Water, Tom Jones | Leave a comment

Rising Stars interview: AMY SIMPSON

Posted on May 27, 2014 by jason

Amy Simpson is only seventeen yet she has just released the excellent EP ‘Fairytales, Stories & Myths’ and The Huffington Post tipped her as one of their’Ten Artists to Watch’… 1. What have you got planned for the next few … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, INTERVIEWS, Interviews/Rising Stars | Tagged Amy Simspon, EP, Fiary Tales Stories and Myths, interview, Katy Perry, osngwriter, pop, Rising Stars, singer | Comments Off

Interview: 10Q’s with JEFF GREEN

Posted on May 13, 2014 by jason

Jeff Green has just released his latest album ‘Elder Creek’ is out now on the Festival Music label and you catch him this summer at the Cambridge Rock Festival in August… Album review 1. What have you got planned for the … Continue reading →