VRP Rocks - Classic Rock Interviews

In this episode of VRP Rocks, Paul Stephenson is joined by guitarist Chris Poland, best known for his time in Megadeth.

Chris is back with a major new project, Nuclear Messiah, and the album Black Flame — a star-studded release featuring an incredible lineup including Arthur Brown, William Shatner, Rick Wakeman, Joe Lynn Turner, Sebastian Bach, Bumblefoot, Marty Friedman, Pat Travers and many more.

In the interview, Chris talks about how this ambitious record came together, the unusual and inspired cover song choices, and what it was like hearing so many iconic musicians bring their own style to the album. He also shares his thoughts on standout tracks, working around such a huge cast of players, and why the finished record feels so special.

And of course, the conversation also turns to Chris’s early years in Megadeth — recording the first two albums, the story behind These Boots, memories of Peace Sells, and why he ultimately chose not to return for Rust in Peace.

A fascinating chat with one of metal’s most distinctive guitarists.
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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.

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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

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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.
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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.
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