136. Peter Holsapple - The dB's / R.E.M. / Hootie

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

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