GRAHAM BONNET - The Voices Of Russ Ballard Podcast, Episode 30

Sven is taking a break from the show so Ian kicks off a new series chatting to the legendary Paul Shortino from his home in Las Vegas.  Part 1 features Paul’s climb to stardom from a young age, his role as “Duke Fame” in the movie “This is Spinal Tap”, Rough Cutt, Quiet Riot and much more. He also talks passionately about his recent tour of Germany on “Rock Meets Classic” and his affinity with Russ Ballard and all the other performing artists on that stage.  “I’m sure Russ Ballard could have written a hit song for me!”  Paul Shortino

Welcome to the landmark edition of The Voices of Russ Ballard Podcast…..this is the 25th edition since we launched in the summer of 2020. Part Two of Ian and Sven’s conversation with Mike Moran concentrates on his collaboration with the one and only Freddie Mercury and there are some legendary stories to hear. Discover how Mike takes Freddie to his local Garden Centre, Freddie tells Mike to keep playing that “Flashy Sh*t” on the keyboards, Mike becomes the only non Queen member to co write a song on a Queen Album and of course, Mike and Freddie create a new musical genre…..all this and more, it’s a must listen! “They could have given Rami a smaller set of false teeth” Mike Moran on Rami Malek’s portrayal of Freddie Mercury in the Bohemian Rhapsody movie 

In Part Two of this Voices Podcast with Ian and Sven, the conversation with Bob Bradbury is concluded and they discuss (amongst other things) the gradual demise of Glam Rock in 1977. Bob also tells us about other projects in his fascinating career including The Boomtown Rats, Glam Rock Allstars and solo projects. “In 1977 we started getting punk and that killed it” Bob Bradbury on the demise of Glam Rock during the late 1970’s

The Voices of Russ Ballard Podcast ends the year with a bumper Christmas Eve edition featuring the legendary and multi talented Francie Conway. Francie tells of his excitement working with Russ, Chris White, and Argent and how his big break came along out of nowhere. Links and stories relating to Queen, Alistair Campbell, Henry McCullough (Wings and Joe Cocker), Noddy Holder, Chris Rea and more are all here….we also play some great music from Francie’s career including his brand new single “Christmas Night”. “I learnt my songwriting skills from the best,…..Chris White and Russ Ballard” Francie Conway “People say you shouldn’t meet your heroes, suddenly I was going to record with them…” Francie Conway on being in a recording studio (for the first time) with Russ, Chris White, Bob Henrit, Jim Rodford, and John Verity

Ian and Sven conclude their conversation with Graham Bonnet from his home in LA and we hear from Beth Ami Heavenstone too.  “No” Graham Bonnet when asked if he does anything special to keep his unbelievable voice in shape. “It’s just pure fluke, maybe one day it will just go but I don’t think it will happen anytime soon. My voice is me. This is what I do.” Graham Bonnet when asked about the potential longevity of his voice.

Ian and Sven are proud to share their conversation with a member of rock royalty, Graham Bonnet (Rainbow, Michael Schenker, Alcatrazz and many more). Graham has recorded many Russ Ballard songs over the years and they are all featured here. Hear many great stories from his Rainbow days including the late, great Cozy Powell and Ritchie Blackmore himself.  “Cozy would say “Here comes the F…. Bank Manager” Graham Bonnet describing how Cozy Powell greeted him at breakfast on tour with Rainbow  “Don Airey came up to me and said, do you know we are the only two in this band who have got hair” A hair raising story from Graham Bonnet…..

Ian and Sven start 2024 with a very special guest who has one of the most versatile and powerful voices in rock, Robert Hart. He has worked with or alongside, the likes of Whoopi Goldberg, Sly Stone, The Jacksons, Bad Company, Zak Starkey, Vince Gill, Chic, Kenney Jones, Manfred Mann, Russ Ballard….need I go on?  Have a listen to Robert discussing an incredible career in music and also talking about his new album, “Circus Life”. Manfred Mann in conversation with Robert Hart  “Don’t think of me as your boss, think of me as a friend who can fire you”

Join Ian and Sven for a one off Voices of Russ Ballard special featuring the legendary drummer Bob Henrit (Kinks, Argent, Unit 4 Plus 2, Adam Faith and the Roulettes).  Bob talks about his new project “Borough Beats” which is a local exhibition celebrating many of the talented musicians who grew up in the Borough of Broxbourne including Cliff Richard, The Shadows, The Roulettes, Russ Ballard and of course, Bob himself.The exhibition runs until June 2024. 

Ian and Sven present the final episode of their conversation with Mike Moran. We discuss the diversity of Mike’s brilliant career, his friendship with George Harrison (including singing backing vocals with three of The Beatles on a recording session), the day the Pythons asked for money, Ozzy Osbourne and so much more.  “George and I got on well and stayed friends until he died.” Mike on George Harrison “Here I am, in between George Harrison and Paul McCartney singing backing vocals with George Martin looking at us through the glass. If anybody had told me…….” Mike talking about how he did a lot of work with George Harrison

Welcome back to the Voices of Russ Ballard for another fascinating interview this time with the incredibly talented Mike Moran whose expertise spans so many different musical genres.In Part One we learn about his journey from the Royal College of Music (starting the same day as Rick Wakeman) to playing with 70's Rock bands and much more. Oh and that Eurovision song too…..“Reluctantly, I became an England International”Mike Moran talking about his appearance on Eurovision “I quite like being called a Professor”Mike Moran on his achievement of being Professor of Jazz Piano at The Royal College of Music