131. Leslie Mandoki - An Unbelievable Life Story!!

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

From escaping communist Hungary through a perilous 7-mile tunnel to creating one of the most innovative supergroups in music history, Leslie Mándoki's life is nothing short of extraordinary. In this episode, I sit down with the legendary musician, producer and bandleader behind Mandoki Soulmates. We dive into Leslie's incredible journey, from bootlegging Western music behind the Iron Curtain to his escape to freedom, joining Eurovision sensation Dschinghis Khan and eventually founding the Mandoki Soulmates. Featuring collaborations with legends like Ian Anderson, Jon Lord, Greg Lake and Al Di Meola, Leslie’s evolving supergroup continues to push boundaries in progressive rock and jazz fusion. Leslie also shares stories about working with musical icons, producing the groundbreaking analog album A Memory of Our Future and his mission to use music as a force for freedom and unity. Don’t miss this episode—it’s a conversation about courage, creativity and the unrelenting power of music to change the world. 🎶 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ronnie James Dio: the name alone embodies heavy metal greatness. From Rainbow to Black Sabbath to his legendary solo band, Dio’s unmistakable voice and larger-than-life presence forever changed the world of rock and metal. In this very special episode of VRP Rocks, we celebrate the legacy of one of the greatest voices in music history. You’ll hear incredible stories from those who worked alongside Ronnie, including Tony Carey, Vinny Appice, Jeff Pilson, and Doug Aldrich, as they share their personal memories of the man behind the myth. From studio sessions to the road, they reveal what made Dio not just a phenomenal vocalist, but a remarkable human being. Then, it’s time for the ultimate countdown: the 25 most streamed Ronnie James Dio songs on Spotify. Spanning his time with Rainbow, Black Sabbath, and Dio, these tracks showcase the full power and brilliance of Dio’s musical legacy. With surprising insights, iconic stories, and unforgettable music, this episode is a must-listen for fans of Ronnie James Dio and classic metal alike. 🎸 Don’t forget to subscribe to VRP Rocks and follow us on YouTube as well, where nearly 25,000 fans are enjoying exclusive videos and countdowns. Rock on! 🎶 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zebra frontman Randy Jackson has a career spanning five decades. In this interview, Randy reflects on the incredible journey of Zebra, from their rise in the rock scene with classics like Who's Behind the Door and Tell Me What You Want, to the difficult second album and its follow up. We delve into Zebra’s history, their musical evolution and the upcoming celebration of their 50th anniversary - including plans for a brand-new album and an exciting tour. Randy also shares stories from his time performing with Jefferson Airplane during their reunion shows, offering unique insights into collaborating with such an iconic band. Whether you’re a longtime Zebra fan or discovering their music for the first time, this episode is packed with rock history, exclusive updates and plenty of behind-the-scenes stories. Hit play now and join the conversation with the one and only Randy Jackson! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paul Langlois, guitarist of Canadian rock legends The Tragically Hip, reflects on the band’s journey from their early days recording their debut record in Memphis, to working with legendary producers like Don Smith and Bob Rock. He shares insights into the newly released Up to Here commemorative box set, packed with unreleased tracks, liner notes and a restored live show from 1990. With 9 #1 albums, 17 Juno Awards and a place in the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, The Tragically Hip remain a defining force in Canadian music. Paul offers fascinating stories about the band’s live energy, their unique songwriting process and the cultural impact of Gord Downie’s lyrics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this My 5 Favourite episode of VRP Rocks, host Paul Stephenson chats with legendary session guitarist Waddy Wachtel, who reveals his top five favourite songs from his storied career. As one of rock’s most sought-after session guitarists, Waddy has shaped the sound of countless hits, working alongside some of the biggest names in music, including Stevie Nicks, Bob Dylan, Iggy Pop, Keith Richards, Linda Ronstadt, Cher, Warren Zevon, Randy Newman, James Taylor, Jackson Browne and many more. In this episode, Waddy shares captivating stories from behind the scenes, from memorable recording sessions to creative collaborations with rock royalty. Each song on his list represents a unique chapter in his career, with insights into the musicianship and studio moments that made these tracks unforgettable. Whether you’re a fan of classic rock, session musicians or the stories behind iconic songs, this episode offers a rare glimpse into Waddy’s incredible journey through music. Subscribe to VRP Rocks for more exclusive interviews with rock legends! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special My 5 Favourite episode of VRP Rocks, host Paul Stephenson sits down with legendary guitarist Bruce Kulick as he reveals his top five favourite albums from his prolific career. Known for his iconic work with KISS, Grand Funk Railroad, and a successful solo journey, Bruce takes listeners behind the scenes of some of his most treasured recordings. From early days as a budding guitarist to his unforgettable years with KISS and beyond, Bruce shares the personal stories, production secrets, and memorable moments that make each of these albums special to him. Fans can expect fascinating insights into the music, including the creative influences and rock legends he’s collaborated with over the years. If you’re a fan of Bruce Kulick, KISS, or just love hearing about the stories behind classic rock albums, don’t miss this episode! Be sure to subscribe to VRP Rocks for more interviews, rock legends, and exclusive My 5 Favourite episodes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special My 5 Favourite episode of VRP Rocks, host Paul Stephenson welcomes back Britt Lightning, the powerhouse guitarist of the legendary all-female rock band Vixen. Following last week’s in-depth interview about her career, Britt returns to reveal her five favourite guitarists, the legends who’ve inspired her the most! Find out who they are in this fun chat with one of rock's rising stars! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of VRP Rocks, Paul interviews Britt Lightning, the lead guitarist of the legendary all-female rock band Vixen. Britt shares her incredible journey, from her early days of touring at just 17 years old to playing with Vince Neil (Mötley Crüe) and Steven Pearcy (Ratt). She also opens up about her work as musical director at Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp, where she mentors musicians alongside rock legends like Nancy Wilson and Stewart Copeland. Britt reveals how she got her electrifying stage name and dives into her love of Van Halen, Metallica and Pantera plus, she gives fans a sneak peek into Vixen’s new music and how she balances paying tribute to the band’s classic hits while adding her own modern flair. Don’t forget to subscribe to VRP Rocks for more interviews with rock legends and check out our YouTube channel for exclusive video content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of VRP Rocks, Paul welcomes back legendary Grand Funk Railroad frontman Mark Farner for another incredible conversation. Mark shares the inspiration behind his first new album in almost 20 years, "Closer to My Home", and the fascinating story of re-recording his iconic hit "I’m Your Captain (Closer to Home)" in 432 Hz. Mark also reflects on his near-death experience, discusses his collaboration with Mark Slaughter, and gives his unfiltered thoughts on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Grand Funk’s controversial exclusion. Plus, could there be a Grand Funk Railroad reunion in the future? Mark was first featured on episode 85 of VRP Rocks (March 2023), where he told unforgettable stories about Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, selling out Shea Stadium faster than the Beatles, and much more. Be sure to check it out: Episode 85 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices