Rock's Backpages audio interviews
Welcome to our archive of audio interviews. Stretching back to the late 1960s, these were conducted by RBP contributors and subsequently transcribed to produce Q&As or quotes for magazine and newspaper features. Usually recorded on a portable device such as a cassette recorder – and often in a restaurant or backstage area before a live performance – the conversations offer candid reflections, plus personal insights into the lives of popular music's biggest stars.
Such recordings are rarely heard by the wider public, but we believe they provide a fascinating insight into the thoughts of musicians, songwriters and producers. We work with our writers to digitise their tapes and make them available for RBP subscribers. In many cases, the resulting article is available to read on the site.
Our audio archive has become a rich seam of material for documentarians and filmmakers. Projects have included Spike Lee’s 2016 documentary about the making of Michael Jackson's Off the Wall and Spotify’s 2019 podcast about the Clash. For further details about licensing RBPs audio content, please visit our licensing page.
To facilitate the use of interviews for research and documentary purposes, we’ve begun transcribing them in full with time stamps, making them fully searchable and easy to use. The full list of existing transcriptions can be seen using the search function via the piece type dropdown.
We add one new audio interview to the archive every week, which currently features over 800 interviews. These include remarkable conversations with (in chronological order):
| 1969 | Little Richard | 1988 | Al Green |
| 1970 | Jimi Hendrix | 1991 | Bob Dylan |
| 1972 | David Bowie | 1993 | Snoop Dogg |
| 1975 | Bob Marley | 1996 | Metallica |
| 1977 | Fleetwood Mac | 1998 | Joni Mitchell |
| 1978 | Kate Bush | 2002 | Madonna |
| 1980 | Paul McCartney | 2005 | Stevie Wonder |
| 1986 | Chrissie Hynde | 2015 | One Direction |
The files are 128kbps mp3 files. Most of the interviews were recorded on portable cassettes in variable conditions – tape hiss and background noise will frequently be present.
Artists
Interview by Rob Steen, Rock's Backpages audio, 1995
From '60s Manchester – the Mockingbirds, Mindbenders, and writing hits for the Yardbirds and the Hollies – through to the break-up of 10cc, via Stawberry Studios, Jonathan King and hits like 'I'm Not In Love': it's all here!
File format: mp3; file size: 102mb, interview length: 1h 51' 23" sound quality: ***
Interview by Bill Brewster, Rock's Backpages audio, 21 September 2001
Alex Turnbull and "Sketch" Martin take us from the early days in Hackney to the (2001) present day: their association with Throbbing Gristle; early influences; early releases and the band schism; The Culling is Coming and Urban Gamelan; their increasing interest in hip hop, and their Ronin Records label.
File format: mp3; file size: 78.8mb, interview length: 1h 26' 03" sound quality: ****
Interview by Ira Robbins, Rock's Backpages audio, 5 August 1985
ABC mainstays Mark White and Martin Fry on the state of the UK music press (particularly Smash Hits); on the making of their first three albums; on producer Trevor Horn; on songwriting and lyrics; on avoiding pandering to American tastes; and on their great dislike of touring.
File format: mp3; file size: 37meg, interview length: 38' 31" sound quality: ***
Interview by Martin Aston, Rock's Backpages audio, September 1990
The axe-wielding overgrown schoolboy talks about bunking off and missing his education; the music that got to him in his youth; rock in Australia, and the Australian audience's attitudes; ignoring the standard metal devil worship; the commercial ups-and-downs of the band; the songs on new album The Razor's Edge; rock as a release; the flashy American metal bands, and his avoidance of politics.
File format: mp3; file size: 49.1mb, interview length: 51' 07" sound quality: ***
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 3 March 2001
The ex-Whiskeytown man on his solo albums Heartbreaker and Gold; singing with Emmylou Harris and on the ghost of Gram Parsons; recording in Woodstock; the end of Whiskeytown and going solo; living in Los Angeles and Nashville; side project the Pink Hearts; the Lost Highway label... and his hair!
File format: mp3; file size: 54.8mb, interview length: 59' 26" sound quality: ***
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 1985
Growing up in New Orleans, gospel roots, the country music connection and much more.
File format: mp3; file size: 59.8mb, total interview length: 1h 02' 15" sound quality: ***
Interview by Simon Witter, Rock's Backpages audio, 25 January 1983
Nigerian giant Adé talks about juju music, tribalism and politics, the talking drum and much more.
File format: mp3; file size: 61.1mb, interview length: 1h 06' 43" sound quality: ***
Afrika Islam, Kurtis Blow: Kurtis Blow and Afrika Islam (1998)
Interview by Frank Broughton, Rock's Backpages audio, 27 September 1998
The pioneering DJ talks about inspirations like Pete DJ Jones; about being a B-Boy; attending Kool Herc parties; starting out as an MC and the rise of rap... until he gets into a shouting match with Afrika Islam. Beef!
File format: mp3; file size: 25mb, interview length: 27' 18" sound quality: ****
Afro Celt Sound System, Malcolm McLaren, Pussy Riot, Sex Pistols: Jamie Reid (2018)
Interview by Paul Moody, Rock's Backpages audio, Fall 2018
The Sex Pistols sleeve designer discusses the incestuous art world post Saatchi; how the KLF understood what he and Malcolm McLaren were doing; Pussy Riot's activism; the political manipulation of the media, and his own political upbringing; working with Afro Celt Sound System; meeting Malcolm McLaren at art school and his respect for him; his early radical magazine Suburban Press; working with Julian Temple; his dislike of computers and the commodification of art.
File format: mp3; file size: 37.4meg, interview length: 38' 55" sound quality: *** (half phoner)
Interview by Mark Sinker, Rock's Backpages audio, Spring 1990
Initially talking about Sun Ra, he and Sinker discuss the links between jazz and electronic dance music: how samplers and sequencers can be the basis for improvisation and how the dynamics of the dancefloor can take DJs into unexpected places.
File format: mp3; file size: 15.4mb, interview length: 16' 02" sound quality: * (phoner)
Alice in Chains' William DuVall (2009)
Interview by Steven Rosen, Rock's Backpages audio, 2009
The "new boy" talks about the weight of expectation on his shoulders replacing Layne Staley, his friendship with Jerry Cantrell, recording new album Black Gives Way to Blue, and guitars, amps etc.
File format: mp3; file size: 39.4mb, interview length: 43' 02" sound quality: * (phoner)
Interview by Cliff White, Rock's Backpages audio, Spring 1978
The Cajun swamp-pop star talks about his first hit 'Lonely Days, Lonely Nights'; his immortal 1971 cover of Chuck Berry's 'Promised Land' and its belated UK reissue; his road band and stage act; getting drafted in 1961; musical attitudes in the American South; and the way races mixed (or not) in rural Louisiana.
File format: mp3; file size: 32.8mb, interview length: 34' 12" sound quality: ****
Allman Brothers Band: The Allman Brothers Band's Butch Trucks (2002)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 27 May 2002
The white half of the Allman's drum duo looks back at the formation of the band, including the recruitment of a tricky Greg Allman; the marvellous two years that followed; the deaths, succesively, of Duane Allman and Berry Oakley; the crumbling of the band between '73 and '76, and its recent revival of fortunes following the departure of Dickey Betts.
File format: mp3; file size: 42.5mb, interview length: 46' 27" sound quality: ** (phoner)
Allman Brothers Band: The Allman Brothers Band's Gregg Allman (2002)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 27 May 2002
The other Allman Brother looks back at growing up with Duane; starting to play, and their influences; early bands, and the travails of the Allman Joys; rejoining his bro in Florida and forming the Brothers Band; being multi-racial and long haired in the South; the '70s and the post-Duane band; and solo albums, addiction and recovery.
File format: mp3; file size: 43.5mb, interview length: 47' 31" sound quality: ** (phoner)
Allman Brothers Band, Dickey Betts: The Allman Brothers Band's Dickey Betts (1991)
Interview by Steve Newton, Rock's Backpages audio, 18 July 1991
The Allmans guitarist talks about the band's current touring activities; the band's longevity; how it's possible to grow old as a rock musician; his relationship with Gregg Allman; the rise of Southern Rock and its influence on new acts like the Black Crowes; the Allmans' refusal to move to New York or L.A.; their new Shades of Two Worlds album; who writes the songs; Gregg's writer's block... and what he listens to these days.
File format: mp3; file size: 18.1mb, interview length: 18' 48" sound quality: ** (phoner)
Interview by Cliff White, Rock's Backpages audio, 1976
The Capricorn boss talks about his disillusion with soul music after management client Otis Redding's death; his move into white rock with the Allman Brothers Band; the attention brought to southern music as a result; the current state of the Allman Brothers Band; brother Gregg's problems; the Atlanta Rhythm Section; dropping Travis Wammack; Dobie Gray... and Bonnie Bramlett's new album Lady's Choice.
File format: mp3; file size: 25.6mb, interview length: 26' 38" sound quality: **½
Allman Brothers Band, Otis Redding: Phil Walden (1971)
Interview by Charlie Gillett, Rock's Backpages audio, 1971
It's 1971, and the Allmans are on the rise, Jimmy Carter is in the Governor's Mansion, and Otis is four-years-dead: Capricorn man Phil Walden and pals look back at Otis, the MGs, and discuss race and the South with remarkable frankness.
File format: mp3; file size: 100.9mb, interview length: 1h 45' 03" sound quality: **
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 18 June 1993
From starting as a songwriter in 1957 with Herb Alpert, through to producing Carole King's Tapestry, the great mogul talks about his life in Los Angeles pop: his early friendship with Sam Cooke, plus his early production of acts such as Jan & Dean, Johnny Rivers and the Mamas and the Papas; the emergence of Southern California's surf sound through to the canyon singer/songwriter scene; producing the Monterey Pop Festival, and the tensions between L.A. and San Francisco; the dark culmination of the '60s and the Manson killings, the slick ‘70s and the ever-changing record business.
File format: mp3; file size: 60.4mb, interview length: 1h 02' 57" sound quality: ****
Interview by Keith Altham, Rock's Backpages audio, 1972
The grits and granola boy-band on the Crosby, Stills & Nash copyists issue, playing live and sharing accommodation
File format: mp3; file size: 14.8mb; Interview length: 16' 11"; sound quality: ****
America's Dewey Bunnell (1975)
Interview by Ian Ravendale, Rock's Backpages audio, 1975
Dewey talks about meeting at school in London; the pleasures of working with George Martin; deals with the CSN&Y comparisons; on appearing on a David Cassidy album, and refutes the accusations of blandness. Read a transcript of the audio.
File format: mp3; file size: 9.1mb, interview length: 9' 54" sound quality: *****
Interview by Steven Daly, Rock's Backpages audio, March 1998
Amos talks about England; believing in herself from a young age; the importance of her paternal grandmother Addie Allen; religion and mythology; not censoring her songs; her need for privacy; her curiosity about ideas and finding tools to do her inner work; what she looks for as subjects for songs; her relationships with the dead and fairies; her marriage ceremony; her first album Little Earthquakes and her relationship with Atlantic Records... and not being part of the Lilith Fair ecosystem.
File format: mp3; file size: 110.1mb, interview length: 1h 54' 42" sound quality: *** (background noise)
Interview by Gavin Martin, Rock's Backpages audio, 19 March 2004
The big-voiced gal talks about her joust with breast cancer, her friendship with Elton John, and her latest album Anastacia.
File format: mp3; total file size: 32.3mb, total interview length: 35' 18" sound quality: ****
The Animals, Eric Burdon: Eric Burdon on the Animals (1990)
Interview by Steve Roeser, Rock's Backpages audio, 15 June 1990
Head zoo-keeper Burdon talks about the Animals, the personalities, the splits, growing up in Newcastle, and about coming up and out of the '60s R&B boom.
File format: mp3; file size: 85.7mb, interview length: 1h 33' 34" sound quality: ***
Adam & The Ants: Adam Ant (1989)
Interview by Adam Blake, Rock's Backpages audio, 12 December 1989
The foremost Antperson talks about how his time at art school informed his musical life; his changes of style and concept; the realtionship between songs and videos; getting into acting, and acting vs. music; new album Manners & Physique and his interest in the Regency era; working with Kevin Rowland; his punk days, indie label rip-offs, and Derek Jarman's Jubilee movie; and writing with the Ants' Marco Pirroni.
File format: mp3; file size: 30mb, interview length: 31' 18" sound quality: **
Adam & The Ants: Adam Ant (1990)
Interview by Ira Robbins, Rock's Backpages audio, 27 July 1990
The Dandy Highwayman looks back at his illustrious career, from when he first became Adam, to the fading of thepop star light, including his dealings with Malcolm McLaren; hooking up with Marco Pirroni; starring in Jarman's Jubilee and moving on to the theatrical stage.
File format: mp3; file size: 30.2mb, interview length: 32' 57" sound quality: ** (phoner)
Arcade Fire's Win Butler (2005)
Interview by Gavin Martin, Rock's Backpages audio, November 2005
Mr. Butler talks about the band's touring lifestyle; working on new songs for their second album; the way they are received; their live show; being praised by David Bowie; his musical grandparents, and their influence on him, and meeting his wife and fellow bandmember Régine Chassagne.
File format: mp3; file size: 14mb, interview length: 14' 34" sound quality: * (phoner)
Interview by Ira Robbins, Rock's Backpages audio, 28 January 2014
The Sheffield lads talk about the AM album and scoring an American hit; how their music has evolved; working with Josh Homme on their third album; the importance of drums; the British rock scene; what their songs are about; on the Beatles and covering 'Come Together', and their next single 'Why'd You Only Call Me When You're High'.
File format: mp3; file size: 11.5mb, interview length: 11' 58" sound quality: ***
Interview by John Tobler, Rock's Backpages audio, Spring 1990
The singer songwriter charts her recording career from her debut (with Pam Nestor), Whatever's for Us, up to her current release Hearts and Flowers: producers like Gus Dudgeon, Glyn Johns and Steve Lillywhite; musicians like Dave Mattacks, Jerry Donahue and Sly & Robbie and songs such as 'Love and Affection' and 'Me Myself I'. She also talks about real musicians v high tech instruments, being photographed by Robert Mapplethorpe and Lord Snowden, and her love of comics.
File format: mp3; file size: 48.6mb, interview length: 50' 40" sound quality: *****
Interview by Paul Zollo, Rock's Backpages audio, March 2000
Ms. Armatrading gives the low-down on her life as a songwriter: where songs come from; what she writes about; how she started writing and playing; the songs she'll talk about and those she won't, plus individual songs like the great 'Love and Affection'.
File format: mp3; file size: 38.4mb, interview length: 41' 56" sound quality: ***
Interview by Johnny Black, Rock's Backpages audio, 2002
On the road with Ike & Tina Turner; supporting the Rolling Stones; 'Tin Soldier' and The Small Faces; meeting Jimi; going out with Rod Stewart, plus countless superstar sessions: P.P. Arnold takes us on a trip back to Swinging London!
File format: mp3; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 56.7mb, total interview length: 1h 1' 57" sound quality: ****
Interview by David Nathan, SoulMusic.com, 26 September 2010
From Ike & Tina Turner to Roger Waters, via Immediate Records, 'The First Cut Is The Deepest, jammin' with Jimi, theatrical work, and putting the soul into late-'80s Brit dance music: the fantastic P.P. Arnold reveals all.
File format: mp3; file size: 89.4mb, interview length: 1h 33' 05" sound quality: ***
Interview by Gavin Martin, Rock's Backpages audio, 2004
Ash's Tim Wheeler and Rick McMurray talk about Meltdown, the struggles around Nu-Clear Sounds, Northern Ireland and the Good Friday Agreement... and magic mushrooms!
File format: mp3; file size: 49.2mb, interview length: 51' 16" sound quality: ***
Interview by Simon Witter, Rock's Backpages audio, 9 March 1983
Brinsley Forde, Tony "Gad" Robinson and Drummie Zeb discuss the sufferation of Brit reggae acts, Rastafari and much more.
File format: mp3; file size: 45.1mb, interview length: 49' 19" sound quality: ***
Interview by Kris Needs, Rock's Backpages audio, October 1992
Mr Atkins talks Detroit Techno vs. Chicago House, the Motor City recording and label scene, being hugely influenced by Kraftwerk and 'Planet Rock', and looks to the future.
File format: mp3; file size: 44.9mb, interview length: 49' 03" sound quality: **
Dallas Austin, TLC: TLC (1998)
Interview by Amy Linden, Rock's Backpages audio, Fall 1998
After talking about their favourite kids’ TV programmes, the trio look back on the four years betwixt CrazySexyCool and their new album FanMail; their legal disputes and bankruptcy; their sound and their image; Rozonda "Chili" Thomas having a baby; their anxiety about the fate of the new album; the huge-selling CrazySexyCool and its mega-hit ‘Waterfalls’; why they started the group and the managerial involvement of Pebbles; the making of FanMail and the producers who worked on it, most prominently Dallas Austin; being role models; not breaking up; honesty not always being the best policy; the music they like and the respect they deserve.
File format: mp3; file size: 88.6mb, interview length: 1h 32' 19" sound quality: ***
Interview by Ira Robbins, Rock's Backpages audio, 21 August 1986
B-52s Kate Pierson and Keith Strickland talk about their new album, Bouncing Off the Satellites: how it took so long to finish and release; programming drums and working with producer Tony Mansfield. They also talk about the impossibility of touring without the recently deceased Ricky Wilson; their place in the current music scene, and attitude to criticism.
File format: mp3; file size: 43meg, interview length: 44' 47" sound quality: ****
Burt Bacharach: Hal David (1999)
Interview by Adam Sweeting, Rock's Backpages audio, 25 May 1999
In London to receive an Ivor Novello Award, the great lyricist recalls his days in Manhattan song factory the Brill Building with writing partner Burt Bacharach; hanging out with Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller; writing for Frank Sinatra; Dionne Warwick's transformation from demo singer to star; 'Make It Easy On Yourself' and 'Anyone Who Had a Heart'; his favourite songwriters; riding the rock wave; and the revival of interest in his work.
File format: mp3; total file size: 57.5mb, total interview length: 59' 54" sound quality: ****
Burt Bacharach, Dionne Warwick: Dionne Warwick (2012)
Interview by David Nathan, Rock's Backpages audio, 21 October 2012
David Nathan talks to Dionne Warwick about her celebratory 50th anniversary album Now, discussing her sons' involvement in the project; working with Phil Ramone as a producer; inviting Burt Bacharach and Hal David to choose songs for the album; polling people on other songs to include; and going through each track on the album listing before reflecting more generally on her career and expressing her joy at being on a world tour.
File format: mp3; file size: 37.2mb, interview length: 37' 03" sound quality: ****
Interview by Andy Gill, Rock's Backpages audio, November 1992
The Queen of Folk on her stage repertoire; on the definition of folk; on the end of the Vietnam War; on her political activism – and letting it go; on her new album Play Me Backwards... and not paying taxes for weapons!
File format: mp3; total file size: 41.3mb, interview length: 42' 58" sound quality: ***
Interview by David Toop, Rock's Backpages, 10 January 1995
Bailey discusses the early improvisation groups, and their political, conceptual and religious differences; what constitutes free improvisation; working with such divergent musicians as Tony Oxley and Gavin Bryars; how politics affected the musicians; Incus Records, which he co-founded, celebrating its 25th anniversary, releasing an album by John Zorn and Fred Frith, and Incus Records’ co-owner Karen Brookman’s fascination with serial killers.
File format: mp3; file size: 13.6mb, interview length: 14' 13" sound quality: ** (phoner)
Interview by Bill Brewster, Frank Broughton, Rock's Backpages audio, 25 January 1999
The pioneering producer on how he got into Black music and began DJing; his move to New York to go clubbing; not being a good DJ, and how he got into record production; his breakthrough production ‘Jazzy Sensation’, Afrika Bambaataa and Tommy Boy Records; Rockers Revenge and ‘Walking on Sunshine’; the importance of Larry Levan's club Paradise Garage; Jellybean Benitez; Bam and ‘Planet Rock’; his first use of samplers, drum machines and programming; his remix work including New Order's 'Confusion' and Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Born in the USA’; and his work with Bob Dylan on Empire Burlesque.
File format: mp3; file size: 72.4mb, total interview length: 1h 15' 25" sound quality: ****
Interview by Jim Sullivan, Rock's Backpages audio, 2015
The ex-Cream drummer refuses to divulge much about working with PiL; the Beware of Mr. Baker movie; his Nigerian experiences; being an improvising musician; his friendship with the jazz greats; the Cream reunion; leaving South Africa; his relationship with his family and his health. He's marginally more forthcoming about his experiences with heroin.
File format: mp3; file size: 10.6mb, interview length: 29' 27" sound quality: ** (phoner)
Hank Ballard and the Midnighters: Hank Ballard (1985)
Interview by Ira Robbins, Rock's Backpages audio, 8 March 1985
The chief Midnighter talks about his 'Twist' royalty legal entanglements, a loan from the notorious Morris Levy and his current musical activities.
File format: mp3; file size: 17.7mb, interview length: 20' 29" sound quality: * (phoner)
Hank Ballard and the Midnighters: Hank Ballard (1987)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 1987
From Alabama to Detroit, from The Royals to The Midnighters, the great Hank Ballard tells of Clyde McPhatter, Billy Ward, King Records and 'The Twist' and 'Work With Me Annie'
File format: mp3; file size: 44.2meg, interview length: 46' 05" sound quality: ***
Interview by Simon Witter, Rock's Backpages audio, 1984
The hip-hop and Electro Funk pioneer talks about the Zulu Nation, Shango, Soulsonic Force and more.
File format: mp3; file size: 28.2mb, interview length: 33' 50" sound quality: ***
Interview by Frank Broughton, Rock's Backpages audio, 6 October 1998
The "Master of Records" tells the story from the first parties in the Bronx River Projects throught to 'Planet Rock' and beyond: Kool Herc and the breaks; gang culture and the Zulu Nation; hip hop's Jamaican roots; Kraftwerk, and Bam's eclecticism; the evolution of the MCs, and the downtown-uptown connection.
File format: mp3; file size: 65.8mb, interview length: 1h 11' 50" sound quality: ****
Afrika Bambaataa, Fab 5 Freddy, Grandmaster Flash, The Rock Steady Crew: Kool Lady Blue (1998)
Interview by Bill Brewster, Frank Broughton, Rock's Backpages audio, 29 September 1998
Ruza "Kool Lady" Blue talks about moving to New York, working for Malcolm McLaren and Vivienne Westwood; getting into club promotion, and meeting Afrika Bambaataa and the Rock Steady Crew; going up to the Bronx and the Disco Fever club; starting her night at Club Negril, then moving to the Roxy; the diversity of the scene; hip hop exploding, and Bam and 'Planet Rock'; the importance of the DJs rather than the MCs; taking Trevor Horn up to the Bronx, and the Rock Steady Crew playing the Royal Variety Performance and meeting the Queen!
File format: mp3; file size: 48.1meg, interview length: 50' 06" sound quality: ***
The Band: Bill Graham on The Band (1991)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 18 August 1991
Über-promoter Bill Graham talks about his relationship with The Band, from their Winterland debut to The Last Waltz, via Watkins Glen and the 1974 Dylan mega-tour
File format: mp3 File size: 28.3mb Interview length: 30 minutes 56 seconds Sound quality: ****
The Band: Elliott Landy (1991)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 13 August 1991
The great rock photographer remembers his time working with The Band, from Woodstock and Big Pink to Los Angeles and The Band sessions.
File format: mp3; file size: 48.9mb, interview length: 50' 57" sound quality: ****
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 12 November 1998
The Band's drummer takes us from West Memphis nightclubs to The Hawks to Dylan to Big Pink to Muddy Waters, and along the way touches on his break with Robbie Robertson and the death of Richard Manuel
File format: mp3; file size: 85.1meg, interview length: 1h 28' 40" sound quality: **
The Band, Rick Danko: The Band's Rick Danko (1995)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 21 November 1995
A fascinating interview with Rick Danko about living in Woodstock, the Big Pink ("actually magenta") , and working in the Basement with Bob Dylan.
File format: mp3 File size: 28.5mb Interview length: 31 minutes 13 seconds Sound quality: ****
The Band, Bob Dylan: Al Aronowitz (1991)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 10 August 1991
Hired and fired by the New York Post; having "total phoney" Andy Warhol steal the Velvets from him; running with Dylan and, extensively, his dealings with The Band – "blacklisted journalist" Al Aronowitz vents his not-inconsiderable spleen.
File format: mp3; total file sizes: 73.8meg, interview length: 1h 16' 53" sound quality: ***
The Band, Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, Otis Redding: D.A. Pennebaker (2014)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, April 2014
The film director revisits making Bob Dylan movie Dont Look Back; working with Albert and Sally Grossman; Dylan's wife Sara; the post-motorcycle accident Dylan in Woodstock; the 1966 tour film; shooting Otis Redding at Monterey... and playing Billie Holiday to Janis Joplin.
File format: mp3; file size: 69.9mb, interview length: 1h 12' 50" sound quality: ****
The Band, Ronnie Hawkins: Ronnie Hawkins (1991)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 9 July 1991
The Hawk recalls rockin' out of Canada with his teenage Hawks - road stories, show business sharks and wild times, taking in Roulette's Morris Levy, Bob Dylan, John Lennon and, of course, ex-Hawks The Band.
File format: mp3; file size: 84.9mb, interview length: 1h 28' 23" sound quality: ***
The Band, Garth Hudson: The Band's Garth Hudson (2012)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, May 2012
Shortly after Bandmate Levon Helm's death, Garth reminisces about the drummer: first hearing him play with Ronnie Hawkins in Woodstock (Ontario); what a great storyteller he was and what he taught Garth as a musician; his efforts to complement Levon's drumming; the group's musical influences including jump, swing and blues; Levon's peak moments on Band tracks; 'Up on Cripple Creek' being sampled by Gang Starr on Step in the Arena. Garth then goes on to talk about being The Band's "arranger"; choosing different textures to accompany the group's three distinct voices; the art of percussion, and the piano as percussive instrument; tailoring his playing to fit around the horns on Rock of Ages; and performing at Levon's Midnight Ramble sessions in Woodstock (New York).
File format: mp3; file size: 75.7mb, interview length: 1'18" sound quality: ** (phoner)
The Band, Robbie Robertson: The Band's Robbie Robertson (1991)
Interview by Tony Scherman, Rock's Backpages audio, Fall 1991
Robbie looks back at his days as a teenage guitar-slinger with Ronnie Hawkins: why Ronnie hired him; the dreadful gigs they played; fitting in down south; his mother's Indian roots; holding up a craps game; learning from Levon; not being allowed girlfriends; rousted by the cops with Sonny Boy Williamson; the genius of Garth Hudson, and much more...
File format: mp3; file size: 56.9mb, interview length: 59' 14" sound quality: ***
Interview by Adam Sweeting, Rock's Backpages audio, 20 October 1997
The master film composer talks about writing music for film; his dislike of pop songs in movies; Midnight Cowboy, and working with directors; the soundtrack for Swept from the Sea; doing the Bond movies as serious pieces, and his favorite Bond; the importance of thematic melody, and Dances with Wolves; his family background, with a cinema-owning father, and studying music; breaking into film work with Beat Girl; England being the right place and time in the '60s, and not doing 2001.
File format: mp3; file size: 56.4meg, interview length: 58' 47" sound quality: ****
The Bay City Rollers: Bay City Rollers manager Tam Paton (1999)
Interview by Maureen Paton, Rock's Backpages audio, 6 March 1999
The Rollers' Svengali talks about how hurt he is by his ex-charges' indifference to him; about how the band broke up and didn't even play on their own records; about their shoddy financial affairs and personal problems, and about his incarceration in the '80s.
File format: mp3; file size: 39.4mb, total interview length: 41' sound quality: **½
Interview by Mike Quigley, Rock's Backpages audio, 15 January 1969
Four of the Beach Boys (and a cocktail trio in the background) in conversation: Al Jardine talks about vocal arrangements in the studio, the band's changing images and the influence of the Maharishi; Bruce joining the band; how the songs are interpreted. Bruce Johnston talks about his "nice" songs and the band as innovators; the harmonies on 'Good Vibrations'; the various band members. Carl Wilson and Mike Love discuss their musical influences: the Four Freshmen, Chuck Berry; the imminent release of 20/20; and their old songs not being "put-ons".
File format: mp3; file size: 16.1mb, interview length: 33' 36" sound quality: ** (background noise)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 14 February 2012
Messrs Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, Bruce Johnston and David Marks look back at the old days, from the Surf era through Pet Sounds and into the '70s: the songs, the sounds, the good times and bad.
File format: mp3; file size: 64.8mb, interview length: 1h 10' 48" sound quality: ****
The Beach Boys' Bruce Johnston (1980)
Interview by John Tobler, Rock's Backpages audio, June 1980
The part-time Beach Boy talks about producing their latest album, Keepin' the Summer Alive; the band's recording process, and using studio players; on being in and out of the band, and being Brian's "replacement"; his work outside the band, including producing David Cassidy; the relationships within the band; being happy playing the hits; the current state of Brian Wilson, and his hopes for the future.
File format: mp3; file size: 29mb, interview length: 30' 14" sound quality: *****
The Beach Boys' Mike Love (1976)
Interview by John Tobler, Rock's Backpages audio, Fall 1976
Mr. Love talks about his love of oriental girls; on David Marks and Al Jardine; Murry Wilson's harshness; the "indentured servitude" of their Capitol Records contract, and Capitol's hit compilations Endless Summer and Spirit of America; the reception of 'Good Vibrations'; Brother Records... and Brian producing Three Dog Night.
File format: mp3; file size: 16.5mb, interview length: 17' 10" sound quality: ****
The Beach Boys, Linda Ronstadt: Nik Venet (1993)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, Summer 1993
From his youth in '50s Baltimore to involvement with Linda Ronstadt and the Canyon Cowboys in '70s L.A., via Kim Fowley, his time at World Pacific and Capitol including producing the Beach Boys and much more: the music biz veteran tells the whole story.
File format: mp3; file size: 108.6mb, interview length: 1h 53' 09" sound quality: ***
The Beach Boys, Brian Wilson: Brian Wilson (1995)
Interview by Steve Roeser, Rock's Backpages audio, 1 December 1995
The Great American songwriter/producer on his relationship with the Beach Boys; Orange Crate Art with Van Dyke Parks; L.A. pop radio in the early '60s and his love of Chuck Berry; the impact of the Beatles, and his relationship with his father.
File format: mp3; file size: 27.9mb, interview length: 30' 30" sound quality: ***
The Beach Boys, Brian Wilson: Dr. Eugene Landy on Brian Wilson (1988)
Interview by Andy Gill, Rock's Backpages audio, 25 September 1988
The notorious Dr. Landy talks about his long association with Brian Wilson, going back to helping produce 15 Big Ones in 1976: his own background in the music business with Frankie Avalon and George Benson; becoming a psychologist; what was wrong with Wilson, and how he fixed him; the Capitol reissues of the Beach Boys' catalogue; his break with Wilson, and being called back by the band; dealing with Wilson's health issues; the complexities surrounding the production of Wilson's first solo record; the involvement of his wife Alexandra (who appears here), and his on-off relationship with the Beach Boys.
File format: mp3; file size: 83mb, interview length: 1h 26' 30" sound quality: ****
Interview by Kris Needs, Rock's Backpages audio, 1992
The boys talk about their new album Check Your Head, their love of hardcore and metal, living in Los Angeles and a whole lot more.
File format: mp3; file size: 26.3mb, interview length: 28' 43" sound quality: **
The Beatles: Gypsy Dave on the Beatles (1981)
Interview by Keith Altham, Rock's Backpages audio, 1981
Travel with Donovan-acolyte Gypsy Dave to the ashram at Rishikesh to witness The Beatles meeting the Maharishi. Gypsy Dave is the cynic in the camp, and makes his escape with Ringo and Maureen.
File format: mp3; file size: 19.8mb; Interview length: 21' 38"; sound quality: **
The Beatles: Richard Lester (2004)
Interview by Mat Snow, Rock's Backpages audio, 2004
Film director Lester looks back at A Hard Day's Night, Help!, working with Lennon on How I Won The War, and his life as a film-maker.
File format: mp3; file size: 51.2mb, interview length: 55' 53" sound quality: ***
The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Paul McCartney: Paul McCartney on Jimi Hendrix
Interview by John Tobler, Rock's Backpages audio, 1990
Macca talks about first seeing Jimi live in London at the Bag O’Nails in London, alongside Eric Clapton and Pete Townshend, and his big Marshall amps; seeing Jimi playing ‘Sgt Pepper’ at the Saville Theatre the week of the album’s release; Linda knowing him well in New York; not foreseeing his death, and tries to imagine what Jimi would have done if he had lived.
File format: mp3; file size: 4.ymb, interview length: 4' 26" sound quality: *****
The Beatles, John Lennon, Paul McCartney: Paul McCartney (1999)
Interview by Simon Garfield, Rock's Backpages audio, 2 September 1999
Discussing his new album Working Classical, Macca describes his writing process and how he creates his arrangements; the experience of working with the London Symphony Orchestra and the Loma Mar Quartet; how the album is a tribute to his late wife Linda; his forthcoming rock’n’roll album Run Devil Run; how Linda’s reputation has been enhanced since her death; how he lives with criticism, plus the perception of his classical music; his early adoption of the avant garde, Barry Miles' recent biography Many Years From Now and why people remain wedded to the Lennon/McCartney feud.
File format: mp3; file size: 51.2mb, interview length: 53' 22" sound quality: *****
The Beatles, Paul McCartney: Paul McCartney (2003)
Interview by Johnny Black, Rock's Backpages audio, 14 March 2003
A long, free-flowing conversation, during which Paul talks about Phil Spector and Let It Be, on his relationship with Yoko and the "whose name first" saga, and the deaths of John Lennon and George Harrison, plus much more.
File format: mp3; file size: 75.8mb, total interview length: 1h 22' 44" sound quality: ****
The Beatles, Ringo Starr: Ringo Starr (2015)
Interview by Paul Zollo, Rock's Backpages audio, April 2015
The Beatles' tub-thumper talks about his latest album, Postcards from Paradise; the songs he wrote for the Beatles like 'Octopus's Garden' and 'Don't Pass Me By'; on drumming, and on the way Beatles songs would evolve in the studio.
File format: mp3; file size: 19.4mb, interview length: 21' 09" sound quality: ***
Interview by John Tobler, Rock's Backpages audio, November 1981
David Steele and Ranking Roger talk about playing political benefits; their unconcern with breaking America; changing producers; Malu Halasa's book about them; their record deal; their Go-Feet label, and working with the Congos' Cedric Myton; Saxa taking a back seat and his son Lionel taking over; doing cover versions; their new single 'Hit It', and their opposition to nuclear weapons.
File format: mp3; file size: 19.4mb, interview length: 20' 11" sound quality: *****
The Beau Brummels' Sal Valentino (2007)
Interview by Joel Selvin, Selvin On The City, KSAN 107.7, 3 May 2007
Sal Valentino takes us through the history of The Beau Brummels, from being produced by a young Sly Stone for Tom Donahue's Autumn Records to the Warners years, working with Van Dyke Parks and Randy Newman, and the Triangle and Bradley's Barn albums.
File format: mp3 File size: 31.2mb Interview length: 34' 02"; Sound quality: *****
Be-Bop Deluxe's Bill Nelson (1978)
Interview by Ian Ravendale, Rock's Backpages audio, 6 February 1978
From his school band the Cosmonauts through to latest Be Bop Deluxe album Drastic Plastic, Nelson tells the whole story: teen bands; conversion to Pentecostal Christianity; forming the band, signing to EMI and recording debut Axe Victim; changing the band's line-up, and record producers... not forgetting his perpetual self-doubt.
File format: mp3; file size: 48.9mb, interview length: 50' 53" sound quality: *****
Interview by Gerrie Lim, Rock's Backpages audio, 4 February 1994
Beck talks about his early influences and songwriting; about Mellow Gold; about his loathing of MTV; about being censored in Singapore... and about slackers and Generation X.
File format: mp3; file size: 24.7mb, interview length: 27' 01" sound quality: ** (phoner)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 19 January 1997
Beck talks to Barney Hoskyns about hip hop, folk, blues and the making and success of Odelay, and about country music, Los Angeles, his artist grandfather, Tom Waits and more.
File format: mp3 File size: 72.9mb, interview length: 1h 15' 57", sound quality ****
Interview by Andrew Stafford, Rock's Backpages audio, 30 October 2019
Beck talks about his latest album, Hyperspace: working with Pharrell Williams; what the songs are about; on not being a slacker, and his working life; looking back at the '90s, and feeling outside of that periods's music; modern production processes; on his Record Club and Song Reader; writing for Johnny Cash; having no single musical home; his LA youth; losing his recordings in the Universal Studio fire; on not being a Scientologist, and it having no influence on him, and lastly how he sees his future.
File format: mp3; file size: 59.2mb, interview length: 1h 01' 41" sound quality: *****
Interview by Steve Newton, Rock's Backpages audio, 2001
The guitar great on his relationship with Jan Hammer; on his current live band and guitarist Jennifer Batten; on his latest album You Had It Coming; his use of modern technology; on getting his guitar sound; his memories of meeting Roy Buchanan back in the '70s; his admiration for John McLaughlin; suffering tinnitus, and his love of building hot rod cars.
File format: mp3; file size: 14.1mb, interview length: 14' 39" sound quality: ** (phoner)
The Bee Gees' Barry Gibb (2001)
Interview by Johnny Black, Rock's Backpages audio, 9 February 2001
Barry takes us through the '60s, starting in Australia before hitting Swinging London, hanging out with Stones and Beatles, the drugs and booze, and his close relationship with Robert Stigwood
File format: mp3; file size: 62.9meg, interview length: 1h 05' 31" sound quality: ****
The Bee Gees' Maurice Gibb (2001)
Interview by Johnny Black, Rock's Backpages audio, 9 February 2001
The late Bee Gee Maurice takes us back to the early days in Manchester, Australia and Swinging London, meeting Lulu, his battle with the bottle, and talks about songwriting and that run-in with Clive Anderson.
File format: mp3; file size: 63.2meg, interview length: 1h 5' 50" sound quality: ****
The Bee Gees' Robin Gibb (2001)
Interview by Johnny Black, Rock's Backpages audio, 9 February 2001
Surviving the Hither Green railway crash; his role within the Bee Gees; Robert Stigwood, NEMS and Brian Epstein's death; the Odessa album, and much more.
File format: mp3 File size: 60.8mb Interview length: 1h 06' 25"; Sound quality: *****
Interview by Adam Sweeting, Rock's Backpages audio, 1 May 1993
Anthony Dominick Benedetto on his album of Sinatra covers, Perfectly Frank; on being an interpreter; his passion to sing and paint; being named Bennett by Bob Hope; the influence of Bing Crosby, and the American Songbook; his love of bebop; "concept" albums, and recording with Bill Evans; his friendship with David Hockney, and on painting; the Forty Years box set; the changes in the music business, and his nostalgia for the old Miami and Vegas.
File format: mp3; file size: 60.4mb, interview length: 1h 02' 58" sound quality: ****
Interview by David Stubbs, Rock's Backpages audio, October 1998
The American Great (and daughter Antonia) talk about Radio City Music Hall, the Great American Songbook, his return to the spotlight, his family and Depression upbringing, and a whole lot more, whilst tasting the delights of Teodora's cuisine.
File format: mp3; file size: 57.4mb, interview length: 1h 02' 42" sound quality: ***
Chuck Berry, Keith Richards, The Rolling Stones: Keith Richards (1988)
Interview by Ira Robbins, Rock's Backpages audio, 19 September 1988
Keith opens by criticising Mick Jagger as a solo artist, then goes on to talk about being in the Rolling Stones; talks about the art of rhythm guitar; making the Chuck Berry movie; the great players on his first solo album Talk is Cheap; the Stones' future and how a band can grow old; the recent CD reissues of the group's catalogue; the "fragile monster" that was Brian Jones; their evolution as songwriters; the establishment's hounding of them; his drug use... and being in the public eye.
File format: mp3; file size: 89.3mb, interview length: 1h 33' 04" sound quality: ***½
Interview by John Pidgeon, Rock's Backpages audio, 17 February 1986
The 'Louie Louie' man on pre-rock'n'roll R&B, the relationship between black music and white singers and fans, the double entendre in black music, indies v the majors, and that song.
File format: mp3; file size: 62.2mb, interview length: 1h 07' 55" sound quality: *****
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 7 October 1993
The 'Louie Louie' man looks back at his youth in Los Angeles, cutting his first records, the crooks and the rip-offs, and his battle to regain the rights to his most famous song.
File format: mp3; file size: 42.1mb; Interview length: 45' 56"; sound quality: ****
Beyoncé, Destiny's Child: Beyoncé (2003)
Interview by Simon Garfield, Rock's Backpages audio, November 2003
Beyoncé on her first tour and her daily routine; her debut solo album Dangerously in Love and the respect she deserves for her writing and production; how she continues to grow artistically; the recording of ‘Crazy In Love’ and it hitting the big time, plus Jay Z’s guest rap; being given a Karaoke machine as a kid; singing with Luther Vandross; her "Sasha Fierce" alter ego; the meaning of ‘Bills Bills Bills’ and ‘Survivor’; her live show and her upside-down entrance; filming The Fighting Temptations with Cuba Gooding Jr; her upbringing and who she is; her "sexy image"; having control over her career; becoming a huge solo star and the trappings of fame... and her "bling thing".
File format: mp3; file size: 48.6mb, interview length: 50' 36" sound quality: ***
Big Brother & The Holding Company: Big Brother's Peter Albin (1984)
Interview by Gene Sculatti, Davin Seay, Rock's Backpages audio, 1984
With a little help from bandmate James Gurley, Big Brother's bassist recalls growing up in San Carlos; the scene at 1090 Page Street; meeting his future bandmates; Chet Helms and the Family Dog; Big Brother's debut show at the first Trips Festival; the mutual influence of the San Francisco bands; developing the group's material; the arrivial of Janis Joplin; getting stranded in Chicago and recording the eponymous first album; playing the Monterey Pop Festival; signing with manager Albert Grossman and recording Cheap Thrills...
File format: mp3; file size: 66.4meg, interview length: 1h 09' 09" sound quality: ***
Big Star: Jim Dickinson on Big Star (1999)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 1999
The legendary Memphis musician and producer looks back at the making of Big Star's Third/Sister Lovers. It's all here: the characters and the chaos, the fun and the frustrations. Great story-telling.
File format: mp3; file size: 56.3mb, interview length: 58' 38" sound quality: * (phoner)
The Birds, The Rolling Stones, Ronnie Wood: Ronnie Wood (1992)
Interview by Mat Snow, Rock's Backpages audio, 1992
From the Birds to the Stones, via Jeff Beck and the Faces, rock'n'roll's favourite scarecrow tells the whole story...
File format: mp3 File size: 95.4mb Interview length: 1h 44' 13" Sound quality: ***
Interview by David Toop, Rock's Backpages audio, 5 March 2001
Björk talks about making Vespertine, her working process and how much she reveals herself; about storytelling and relationships, abstraction versus narrative, nature and technology, fantasy and reality; about her vocal progress from Homogenic to Vespertine... and about having dinner with David Attenborough.
File format: mp3; file size: 69.8mb, interview length: 1h 12' 45" sound quality: ****
Interview by Gavin Martin, Rock's Backpages audio, 2001
Hangin' with Oasis, The Rolling Stones and Plant'n'Page, marriage to Kate Hudson and why they hate Rick Rubin - the Robinson Bros. tell all.
File format: mp3; file sizes: 52.1mb, interview length: 54' 15" sound quality: ****
Black Flag: SST's Greg Ginn (1991)
Interview by Mark Sinker, Rock's Backpages audio, Spring 1991
The hardcore label boss talks about setting up SST in order to release Black Flag's recordings; about learning how to run a label and the importance of independent distribution; the perception of SST and its subsidiary labels New Alliance and Cruise; SST's audience(s), the reactionary fanzine scene, and the challenge of selling "out-there" non-rock music.
File format: mp3; file size: 28.4mb, interview length: 29' 38" sound quality: ***
Black Flag, Henry Rollins: Henry Rollins (1994)
Interview by Andy Gill, Rock's Backpages audio, May 1994
Henry reflects on Kurt Cobain's recent death; Black Flag's influence on the new bands; his disapproval of slackers and his ascetic lifestyle; his disciplinarian father; violence in America; what he likes and loathes about England; his youthful fondness for Ted Nugent, and '70s hard rock in general; the difference between Black Flag and his Rollins Band; music vs. spoken word; his literary influences, including Nietzsche; his mother's record collection; being knocked out by punk rock; his gym work... and his relationship with his fans.
File format: mp3; file size: 79.5mb, interview length: 1h 22' 46" sound quality: ****
Interview by Andrew Purcell, Rock's Backpages audio, May 2011
Messrs. Auerbach and Carney rap about classic American recording studios, working with Danger Mouse, Ike Turner, the Blackroc project with Damon Dash, and their Brothers and Attack & Release albums.
File format: mp3; file size: 45.6mb, interview length: 49' 48" sound quality: ***
Black Sabbath's Ozzy Osbourne (1975)
Interview by Ian Ravendale, Rock's Backpages audio, 18 October 1975
The Sabbath frontman rails against bouncer-on-fan violence; describes his feelings toward the band; explains the stress and fatigue behind the band's break, and voices his frustrations with the recording process.
File format: mp3; file size: 9.6mb, interview length: 10' 26" sound quality: *****
Black Sabbath's Tony Iommi (1973)
Interview by Keith Altham, Rock's Backpages audio, 1973
From collapsing at the Hollywood Bowl to Geezer Butler's gallstones, via the making of Sabbath Bloody Sabbath and enjoying a nice game of Monopoly at home, the Riff King chats with Keith Altham.
File format: mp3; File size: 32.6meg, interview length: 35' 34" sound quality: ***
Black Sabbath, Marilyn Manson, Ozzy Osbourne: Ozzy Osbourne (1997)
Interview by Edward Helmore, Rock's Backpages audio, 27 June 1997
Backstage at Ozzfest in East Troy, Wisconsin, Ozzy talks about giving up smoking to preserve his voice; the success of Ozzfest; other bands on the tour such as Marilyn Manson; his own high performance standards, the onstage dangers, and no longer playing while high; living clean; his hatred of sports; his friendship with Lemmy and his continued good relations with his Black Sabbath bandmates; his wife Sharon and his son Louis... and his impatience with the bat-eating myth.
File format: mp3; file size: 30mb, interview length: 31' 15" sound quality: **½
Black Sabbath, Ozzy Osbourne: Ozzy Osbourne (1991)
Interview by Mat Snow, Rock's Backpages audio, 1991
In that inimitable Black Country accent, Ozzy talks about his background, musical roots and the birth and death of Black Sabbath. Sacked by Sabbath, saved by Sharon, going solo: Ozzy tells all about the ups, the downs, the addiction and alcoholism. Drugs! Drink! Management Rip-Offs! It's all here.
File format: mp3 File size: 85.2mb Interview length: 1h 28' 42", sound quality: ***
Black Sabbath, Ozzy Osbourne: Ozzy Osbourne (1997)
Interview by David Stubbs, Rock's Backpages audio, October 1997
The Ozzmeister effs and blinds his way through subjects ranging from the death of Princess Diana to the myth of Sabbath's Satanism and the US religious backlash, via a detailed description of his substance abuse and much more.
File format: mp3; file size: 62.6mb, interview length: 1h 08' 22" sound quality: ****
Robert "Bumps" Blackwell (1983)
Interview by John Pidgeon, Rock's Backpages audio, 15 October 1983
Songwriter and producer 'Bumps' Blackwell looks back at his illustrious career in pop and R&B: on Sam Cooke and 'You Send Me', Specialty Records and the West Coast indie scene, and at great length about his major discovery Little Richard.
File format: mp3; file size: 41.3mb, interview length: 45' 08" sound quality: ****
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 8 July 1989
Bobby Bland talks about his influences, including MOR men like Perry Como and Andy Williams, and about the ups and downs of his career. Oh, and how C.L. Franklin gave him "the squall".
File format: mp3 File size: 15.8mb Interview length: 17 minutes 12 seconds Sound quality: ****
Interview by Mat Snow, Rock's Backpages audio, 1990
The Slapp Happy man (right channel), with help from younger brother Kristoffer (left channel) looks back at his pioneering Kraut/Art rock combo, its merger with Henry Cow and subsequent bust-up, and his subsequent musical adventures including bonding with XTC's Andy Partridge.
File format: mp3; file size: 44.7mb, interview length: 48' 47" sound quality: ***
Interview by Gavin Martin, Rock's Backpages audio, 2005
Mary J. speaks frankly about her life: drink and drugs, domestic abuse, marriage, tattoos, clothes and wearing fur!
File format: mp3; file size: 28.6mb; Interview length: 31 16"; sound quality: ****
Blondie, Debbie Harry: Blondie (1977)
Interview by John Tobler, Rock's Backpages audio, 1 May 1977
Touring the UK with Television, Debbie talks about her first attempts at music: Wind in the Willows, the Stilettos and Blondie mk. 1; her and Chris talk about the New York bands — Television, Patti Smith; their sixties influences and meeting Ellie Greenwich; Frankie Valli and Phil Spector; the band's name and image, and having girl fans too!
File format: mp3; file size: 26.2mb, interview length: 27' 16" sound quality: *****
Blondie, Debbie Harry: Blondie's Debbie Harry (1978)
Interview by Ian Ravendale, Rock's Backpages audio, 12 September 1978
Ms. Harry is quizzed about the band's success in the UK relative to the US; are they more pop than "new wave"?; the changes introduced by Mike Chapman on Parallel Lines; and on her public persona and the public's response to her.
File format: mp3; file size: 2.9mb, interview length: 7' 07" sound quality: ****
Blondie, Debbie Harry: Blondie's Debbie Harry (2003)
Interview by Chris Roberts, Rock's Backpages audio, 7 July 2003
Elle ne regrette rien: La Harry on Blondie then and now, NYC then and now, on art and movies, on Chris Stein, and on the latest Blondie album The Curse of Blondie
File format: mp3; file size: 67.8meg, interview length: 1h 10' 40" sound quality: **
Interview by John Tobler, Rock's Backpages audio, November 1973
The singer-songwriter talks about living in Greenwich Village in the early '60s, and being encouraged as a writer by Bob Dylan; signing to Elektra and recording his first album; his brief band American Patrol; signing to Reprise, and the "company freaks"; making These 23 Days in September; Elliot Roberts, David Geffen, and signing to Asylum; Graham Nash producing Nice Baby and the Angel; gettting his live band together, playing live, and his guitarist and future Eagle Don Felder.
File format: mp3; file size: 62.6mb, interview length: 1h 05' 11" sound quality: ****
Interview by Ian Ravendale, Rock's Backpages audio, 30 April 1978
In which the late Allen Lanier debunks myths, largely spread by Richard Meltzer, about the band's formation; discusses songwriting formulae for success and disputes the latent satire in their music; and talks about the role of producers and, specifically, Sandy Pearlman's relationship to the band.
File format: mp3; file size: 22.9mb, interview length: 25' 03" sound quality: ****
Blue Öyster Cult's Eric Bloom (1978)
Interview by John Tobler, Rock's Backpages audio, 4 June 1978
The Cult singer/guitarist/keyboard player talks about recording the current UK tour for future release (as Some Enchanted Evening); studio albums vs. live albums; American radio, and their place as an FM band; the band's stage show and use of lasers; the importance of breaking Europe; getting the rights to use the name 'Godzilla', and writing for the pop market while retaining credibility. Note: ends very abruptly...
File format: mp3; file size: 14.1mb, interview length: 14' 41" sound quality: ****
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 12 September 1989
Paul Buchanan and Robert Bell on the lengthy process of recording their second album, Hats, and about musical purity versus commercial acceptance.
File format: mp3; file size: 33.8mb, interview length: 36' 56" sound quality: ***
Interview by Maureen Paton, Rock's Backpages audio, 25 April 2007
The Blur bassist/cheesemaker on being rebuffed by Faye Dunaway and writing his autobiography... plus he looks back on Blur, his family and personal life; talks about being a (sort of) farmer; about rubbing shoulders with the West Oxfordshire glitterati; about pals like Damien Hirst and about London's clubland; about his love of P.G. Wodehouse and his great friend Marianne Faithfull... and quitting booze.
File format: mp3; file size: 61.4mb, interview length: 1h 03' 59" sound quality: ***
Body Count, Ice-T: Ice-T (1991)
Interview by Andy Gill, Rock's Backpages audio, Summer 1991
The erstwhile Tracy Marrow talks about acting in movies; his gang roots; pioneering West Coast gangsta rap and telling the truth about black L.A.; still rapping though no longer in the hood; his Body Count thrash-metal band and the Black roots of rock'n'roll; "the intoxicating values of gangs"; white kids listening to rap, and America's need to separate the races.
File format: mp3; file size: 58.2mb, interview length: 1h 00' 26" sound quality: ****
Interview by Ian Ravendale, Rock's Backpages audio, 10 March 1977
The T. Rex frontman talks about his current tour with the Damned, his new album Dandy in the Underworld, and about his (sadly to be unfulfilled) future plans.
File format: mp3; file size: 3.6mb, interview length: 08' 54" sound quality: *****
Marc Bolan, T. Rex: Marc Bolan (1974)
Interview by John Pidgeon, Rock's Backpages audio, 1974
Bolan looks back at Tyrannosaurus Rex and the British underground scene; turning electric and the Beard of Stars album; 'Ride a White Swan'; and ruminates on glitter, image and stardom.
File format: mp3; file size: 21.8mb, interview length: 23' 49" sound quality: ****
Marc Bolan, T. Rex: Marc Bolan (1975)
Interview by Keith Altham, Rock's Backpages audio, 1975
Marc on life on the road, rock'n'roll literature, his image and clothes, guitars, "chicks", Elvis and a whole lot more
File format: mp3; file size: 57mb; length: 59' 19" sound quality: ****
Marc Bolan, T. Rex: T. Rex's Marc Bolan (1971)
Interview by Keith Altham, Rock's Backpages audio, October 1971
Marc talks about the latest T. Rex album Electric Warrior: how it's not as simple as it sounds, its reception, and how it relates to Tyrannosaurus Rex. He goes on to discuss his change as a performer, and the new way he presents himself; being accused of selling out; 'Hot Love', 'Get It On', 'Ride A White Swan' and the three minute single, and writing musical science fiction.
File format: mp3; file size: 15.5mb, interview length: 16' 11" sound quality: ***½
Marc Bolan, T. Rex: Tony Visconti on Marc Bolan (1981)
Interview by John Tobler, Rock's Backpages audio, September 1981
Producer Visconti talks about the newly released T. Rex in Concert: the original stereo recordings, and what he did to improve them; on first meeting Marc in hippie club Middle Earth; why they stopped working together; the definitive version of T. Rex; Bolan vs. Bowie; Marc's charisma and arrogance; the 'Children of Rarn' demos; Bolan's ongoing legacy and the meaning of 'Metal Guru'.
File format: mp3; file size: 18.4mb, interview length: 19' 09" sound quality: ****
Bon Jovi, Jon Bon Jovi: Jon Bon Jovi (2005)
Interview by Maureen Paton, Rock's Backpages audio, 8 December 2005
The Bon Jovi front man talks about his family background, still being a New Jersey boy, and remaining close to his parents; being in bad movies; how the band has stayed together, but not wanting to be on the road for the rest of his life; the temptations of the road, his family life, and fostering children; Hurricane Katrina, and class and race in America.
File format: mp3; file size: 27.3.mb, interview length: 28' 27" sound quality: ** (phoner)
Bonzo Dog Band: Roger Ruskin Spear (1985)
Interview by Ira Robbins, Rock's Backpages audio, 1 March 1985
The ex-Bonzo Dog man talks about his current activities, and brings us up-to-date with the activities of his fellow Bonzos.
File format: mp3; file size: 18mb, interview length: 19' 42" sound quality: ** (phoner)
Bonzo Dog Band, Vivian Stanshall: Vivian Stanshall (1979)
Interview by Ira Robbins, Rock's Backpages audio, January 1979
The world-class eccentric talks about the old days with the Bonzo Dog Band; demonstrates some of his favourite instruments; explains his love of Dada; recounts some adventures with Keith Moon; expresses his ambivalence towards Monty Python's Flying Circus and chats about Sir Henry at Rawlinson End.
File format: mp3; file size: 53.8mb, interview length: 58' 46" sound quality: ***
Booker T & the MGs' Duck Dunn (2001)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, Summer 2001
Barney Hoskyns talks to bassist Donald "Duck" Dunn about the origins of Booker T & the MGs; their experiences of playing in an integrated band in the South; the signature sound of the group; Steve Cropper doubling his bass lines; how Al Jackson could play slower than any drummer; their longevity despite being an instrumental group; the sound of contemporary R&B; and how he's staying active, including sessions with Neil Young.
File format: mp3; file size: 16.7mb, interview length: 17'23" sound quality: ** (phoner)
Booker T & The MGs, Steve Cropper, Otis Redding: Steve Cropper (1998)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 1998
On Otis and the making of 'Dock of the Bay', the disputed history of Booker T. & the MGs' 'Green Onions' and touring with Neil Young: the Memphis guitar-slinger gives the lowdown.
File format: mp3; total file size: 31.4mb, total interview length: 34' 16" sound quality: * (phone interview)
Booker T & The MGs, Booker T. Jones: Booker T. Jones (2006)
Interview by Joel Selvin, Selvin On The City, KSAN 107.7, 2006
The Booker T & The MGs mainman talks about the Stax years, working with the likes of Otis Redding and Albert King, making 'Green Onions', and on to later projects with Santana, Neil Young and Boz Scaggs.
File format: mp3; file size: 25.5mb; Interview length: 27' 5"; sound quality: *****
Interview by John Tobler, Rock's Backpages audio, October 1979
Boston's Tom Scholz and Brad Delp talk about making the band's first album in Tom's basement without Epic Records knowing; and about Tom's musical influences; paying their dues in other bands; what Brad contributes; the making of second album Don’t Look Back and its difficulties; Bostonian acts getting signed in the band's wake; Tom’s wider responsibilities beyond making the records... and how they reproduce the albums on stage.
File format: mp3; file size: 18.5mb, interview length: 19' 13" sound quality: *****
David Bowie (& the Spiders from Mars) (1972)
Interview by uncredited writer, Rock's Backpages audio, 11 December 1972
A press conference, held at RCA's New York studios, in which Bowie is asked about hair dye; his style; influences; US audiences; Ziggy Stardust; producing Iggy Pop, Lou Reed and Mott the Hoople; his impressions of America; the future of rock; homosexuality; violence in rock... and his relationship with Marc Bolan.
File format: mp3; file size: 47.7mb, interview length: 49' 42" sound quality: ** (some inaudible questions)
Interview by Simon Witter, Rock's Backpages audio, 4 October 1995
The Great Dame talks at length about art, drugs, role play, Brian Eno, successes and failures, and his place in the greater scheme of things.
File format: mp3; file size: 56.9mb; interview length: 1h 02' 09"; sound quality: *****
Interview by Chris Roberts, Rock's Backpages audio, 29 July 1999
The Dame, surrounded by some splendid NYC ambience, talks about where he's at today; his workaholism; being part of Tin Machine; some of the personae he has adopted; on being liberated by Hunky Dory; becoming Ziggy; years lost to drugs, and on his relationship with his fans via the internet.
File format: mp3 File size: 54.3mb; interview length: 56' 33" seconds Sound quality: ***
David Bowie: The Spiders from Mars' Trevor Bolder (1979)
Interview by Ian Ravendale, Rock's Backpages audio, 4 March 1979
The Spider from Mars bass-man talks about his roots (and Rats) in Hull with Mick Ronson and getting together with David Bowie: Ziggy Stardust, glamming up and the end of the band.
File format: mp3; file size: 13.6mb, interview length: 14' 51" sound quality: ****
David Bowie, Reeves Gabrels: David Bowie (1997)
Interview by Jim Sullivan, Rock's Backpages audio, February 1997
Bowie discusses his current tour and support act Placebo; his new album Earthling and its length and themes; his interest in the sound of Jungle and melding that with his own aesthetic; his older audience’s resistance to new music; his failure to film his earlier projects; his interest in art from outside the mainstream; his not being a rock god; his appetite for life at 50; and the importance of Reeves Gabrels.
File format: mp3; file size: 36.9mb, interview length: 38' 27" sound quality: ** (phoner)
Boy George, Culture Club: Boy George (2002)
Interview by Bill Brewster, Rock's Backpages audio, 7 January 2002
The sometime Culture Club frontman talks about his involvement in the Taboo stage show; looks back at the '80s, the New Romantics and characters such as Steve Strange and Philip Salon; talks about Taboo's inspiration Leigh Bowery; discusses his relationship with the gay community; reflects on songwriting, clubbing, DJing... and reading Sasha's palm.
File format: mp3; file size: 59.8mb, interview length: 1h 02' 16" sound quality: ****
Boy George, Culture Club: Culture Club's Boy George (1983)
Interview by Max Bell, Rock's Backpages audio, October 1983
The Culture Club icon on his travels through Europe: druggies in Amsterdam, efficient Germans, and European art and fashion.
File format: mp3; file size: 21.4mb, interview length: 23' 24" sound quality: ***
Interview by Mat Snow, Rock's Backpages audio, November 1987
Art vs. commerce; pop and politics; materialism; the Second World War – the Bard of Barking on all of that and more.
File format: mp3; file size: 59.8mb, interview length: 1h 02' 14" sound quality: ***
Interview by Larry Jaffee, Rock's Backpages audio, May 1990
The Bard of Barking talks about being politicised, the Miners' Strike, experiences of racism in the Army, his new album The Internationale... and rather a lot about Margaret Thatcher.
File format: mp3; file size: 30.1mb, interview length: 32' 54" sound quality: ****
Interview by Mark Sinker, Rock's Backpages audio, 1986
Braxton talks about the difficulties that come with playing avant garde music; what he's interested in investigating; the struggle to find musicians he can work with; his interest in European musical traditions; playing solo, and in saxophone quartetes; how the jazz community is resistant to his ideas; his disinterest in technique; playing with Derek Bailey, and collective improvisation; how he sees music today, and his place in it.
File format: mp3; file size: 42.7mb, interview length: 44' 31" sound quality: **
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, uncredited writer, Rock's Backpages audio, Spring 1985
The two-thirds Glaswegian trio talk about their relationship with the press: homophobia, and the fixation with their sexuality; not being a conventional band, and the developments in electro pop; Jimmy Sommerville discovering his voice; 'Small Town Boy'; on being a trio, and their stage show; the US release of album The Age of Consent; being gay in Glasgow, and on the London gay scene; the importance of Tom Robinson; Jimmy's lyrics, and on looking forward to their US visit.
File format: mp3; total file size: 37.2mb, total interview length: 38' 46" sound quality: ****
Interview by John Tobler, Rock's Backpages audio, 29 November 1989
Ms Brooks talks about her new album Inspiration; her previous label Legend Records going bust, and her signing to Telstar; the producers and writers she's worked with; training in Aikido; her first solo album Rich Man’s Woman; working with Leiber & Stoller, and her big hits ‘Pearl’s a Singer’ and ’Sunshine After the Rain’; her subsequent albums Shooting Star and Pearls, plus ‘Fool If You Think It’s Over’; making Screen Gems and leaving A&M for Legend.
File format: mp3; file size: 34mb, interview length: 35' 27" sound quality: ****
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 18 October 1993
On songwriting – the political versus the personal – and the making of his album I'm Alive; his brushes with movie soundtrack songwriting and his love of pop music; on the rise of country rock; the Ash Grove and Troubadour scenes; David Geffen; the notorious Elektra Ranch and the singer songwriter movement.
File format: mp3 File size: 70.9mb Interview length: 1h 13' 51'; sound quality: **** (first 10 minutes slightly noisy)
Interview by Adam Sweeting, Rock's Backpages audio, November 2014
The singer/songwriter talks about his appreciation of the tribute album Looking Into You; on Los Angeles then and now — the cheap rents, and sharing with JD Souther and Glenn Frey, and the emergence of country rock; his new album Standing In The Breach, and avoiding writing political songs; modern American politics, school massacres and the NRA; the role of David Geffen, and his memories of his father.
File format: mp3; file size: 45.3mb, interview length: 47' 13" sound quality: ****
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 1 December 2003
James Brown talks about survival, mistrust, the Internal Revenue Service, and the Invention of Funk.
File format: mp3 File size: 28.5mb Interview length: 31 minutes 8 seconds Sound quality: ***
Pete Brown and His Battered Ornaments, Pete Brown's Piblokto, Cream: Pete Brown on Cream (2001)
Interview by Steve Roeser, Rock's Backpages audio, Spring 2001
The redoubtable Battered Ornament talks about his long writing partnership with Cream's Jack Bruce, getting into blues and poetry, and the Brit Blues boom.
File format: mp3; file size: 27mb, interview length: 29' 28" sound quality: * (phoner)
Interview by Paul Zollo, Rock's Backpages audio, March 1995
Mr. Brubeck on his family background and first listening to jazz; on playing, writing and arranging; on jazz's place in American culture and history; and on time signatures, Paul Desmond and Joe Morello, and that tune ('Take Five').
File format: mp3; file size: 49.2mb, interview length: 53' 44" sound quality: ***
Jack Bruce, Cream: Cream's Jack Bruce (2001)
Interview by Johnny Black, Rock's Backpages audio, September 2001
From Manchester's Twisted Wheel to the Royal Albert Hall: Jack Bruce talks to Johnny Black about the beginning and ending of the first supergroup, Cream
File format: mp3 File size: 23.9mb Interview length: 26 minutes 8 seconds Sound quality: ****
Lindsey Buckingham, Fleetwood Mac: Lindsey Buckingham (2011)
Interview by Bud Scoppa, Rock's Backpages audio, 29 June 2011
The sometimes Mac man talks about his latest solo album, Seeds We Sow, and his solo career in general. He also talks about Fleetwood Mac, past and present: making Tusk rather than Rumours II; Rumours and all that surrounded it, and his relationship with Stevie Nicks. He also looks back on their pre-Mac project, Buckingham Nicks, and the ongoing relationship with the band versus his solo life.
File format: mp3; file size: 59.6mb, interview length: 1h 02' 02" sound quality: *****
Jeff Buckley, Esquivel: Jeff Buckley interviews Esquivel (1996)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 15 April 1996
Jeff Buckley asks the questions, and Esquivel gives us a glimpse of his happy half-century of music making.
File format: mp3; file size: 42.6meg, interview length: 44' 20" sound quality: **
Interview by Andy Childs, Rock's Backpages audio, September 1974
From Van Gogh to Hank Williams to Hunter S Thompson via RD Laing and Ray Charles: Tim Buckley on life, America, and all his albums.
File format: mp3; file size: 79.2mb, interview length: 1h 22' 31" sound quality: ***
Interview by Dave Zimmer, Rock's Backpages audio, 20 February 1979
Stills discusses his current road band and what material he’ll be playing on tour; his current solo album Thoroughfare Gap; his musical background; moving to New York from the south, then moving to the Los Angeles and forming Buffalo Springfield; Crosby, Stills & Nash and learning how to produce; Neil Young joining the trio to make CSNY; the hit that was ‘For What It’s Worth’ and its politics; moving to England and buying Ringo Starr’s house; the crazy times and the drinking; his unhappiness with the Stills-Young tour and album; his film and acting ambitions; and the music he currently likes (the Knack) and dislikes (punk rock).
File format: mp3; file size: 98.5mb, interview length: 1h 42' 34" sound quality: ***
Interview by Joel Selvin, Selvin On The City, KSAN 107.7, June 2006
T-Bone Burnett guests on Selvin On the City ( KSAN Underground Radio 107.7, San Francisco), talking about production, the soundtrack for O Brother, Where Art Thou?, Ralph Stanley, Jakob Dylan and more.
File format: mp3 File size: 27.2mb Interview length: 29' 44"; Sound quality: *****
Interview by Ian Ravendale, Rock's Backpages audio, June 1978
Ms. Bush talks about parental concerns over her career; about being objective as a writer; images of childhood in her songs, and about sex as a subject (and being a sex object).
File format: mp3; file size: 5mb, interview length: 5' 24" sound quality: ****
Interview by Kris Needs, Rock's Backpages audio, 19 September 1980
Ms Bush talks about her recent (and only) tour – the practice, pleasures and fears of performing live; about her new (third) album Never For Ever; the 'paedophilia' allegations surrounding the song 'The Infant Kiss'; and ruminates on the pressures of success.
File format: mp3; file size: 28.6mb, interview length: 31' 16" sound quality: **
Interview by Mark Sinker, Rock's Backpages audio, Spring 1988
What starts off as an interview with Gabby Haynes, Paul Leary, King Coffey, Jeff Pinkus, Teresa Nervosa, and soundman Ric Wallace, talking about their riotous Mean Fiddler show, and their weird fans, and Texas, swiftly evolves into a chaotic conversation involving killer bees, the plague, the firing of TV personality Jimmy the Greek — and is Rick Astley Satan? — via African music, their dancer Kathleen, and the strength of American amphetamines.
File format: mp3; file size: 67.8mb, interview length: 1h 10' 39" sound quality: ***
Buzzcocks: The Buzzcocks (1989)
Interview by Ira Robbins, Rock's Backpages audio, 11 November 1989
The punk pioneers discuss their reunion; talk about their previous solo activities; on why the band broke up originally; relearning the songs, and playing them slower; the coincidental release of box set Product; other punk bands reuniting; the Fine Young Cannibals' version of 'Ever Fallen In Love', and changes in music over the previous decade.
File format: mp3; file size: 46.7mb, interview length: 48' 41" sound quality: ***
Interview by Andy Gill, Rock's Backpages audio, 1990
From the Groundhogs to the Stone Roses: the music-industry legend narrates his journey from '60s Denmark Street to '90s Madchester via United Artists Records; talks about Hawkwind and Dr. Feelgood, signing the Stranglers and Buzzcocks, Radar Records and F-Beat, Nick Lowe and Elvis Costello, Demon Records and the CD/catalogue revolution; Silvertone Records and the Stone Roses... and the many changes in the music business over the years.
File format: mp3; file size: 60.7mb, interview length: 1h 03' 12" sound quality: ***
Buzzcocks, Pete Shelley: The Buzzcocks' Pete Shelley (2007)
Interview by Mark Petracca, Rock's Backpages audio, 2007
The Buzzcocks' frontman looks back at the formation of the band with Howard Devoto, and at Devoto's subsequent exit; talks about himself as a songwriter and looks at his subsequent solo career.
File format: mp3; file size: 41.2mb, interview length: 44' 52" sound quality: *****
Interview by John Tobler, Rock's Backpages audio, 30 April 1977
The three former Byrds discuss the prospect of being onstage together after some years apart; the possibility of a new Byrds album, and their own new bands and albums: Roger McGuinn's Thunderbyrd, Chris Hillman's Slippin' Away, and Gene Clark's Two Sides to Every Story.
File format: mp3; file size: 8.2mb, interview length: 8' 31" sound quality: ****
The Byrds, David Crosby: The Byrds' David Crosby (1967)
Interview by Ted Alvy, Rock's Backpages audio, 30 August 1967
The Cros talks about the new vibe of co-operation between musicians, Monterey, the disintegration of Haight-Ashbury, seeing Cream play the Fillmore the night before, and all kinds of other fine stuff
File format: mp3; file size: 36.4mb, interview length: 39' 47" sound quality: ***
Interview by Mat Snow, Rock's Backpages audio, August 1986
The Talking Heads frontman on his film True Stories: about the meaning of Texas; conspiracy theories; yuppies and generational attitudes; the band's uneasiness with the film and soundtrack album; New York v the rest of the USA, and the meaning of cities.
File format: mp3; file size: 64.5mb, interview length: 1h 07' 11" sound quality: ***
Interview by Gavin Martin, Rock's Backpages audio, March 2004
David Byrne talks frankly about his home life, family background, NYC, the massive variety of his artistic enterprises, and his tricky relationship with former Talking Heads band-mates.
File format: mp3; total file size: 36.9mb, total interview length: 40' 17" sound quality: ****
David Byrne, Talking Heads: Talking Heads' David Byrne (1980)
Interview by Van Gosse, Rock's Backpages audio, September 1980
The Heads' head talks in depth about new album Remain In Light, tensions within the band, his interest in World Music and much more.
File format: mp3; file size: 71.6mb, interview length: 1h 18' 13" sound quality: **
Interview by Andy Gill, Rock's Backpages audio, Spring 1992
Stephen Mallinder and Richard Kirk pick their favourite records, starting with pioneering Krautrock from Kraftwerk, Can and Neu!; hip hop from Afrika Bambaataa and Eric B & Rakim; the first Roxy Music album, and Eno’s contributions, and Suicide’s Suicide; Brian Eno and Jon Hassell's experimental sounds and ambience; Bang the Drum and Joe Zawinul; Detroit techno from Suburban Knights and Rhythim is Rhythim; British house music from A Guy Called Gerald and Unique 3; LFO, Plaid and UK techno, and ending with Miles Davis’ Sketches of Spain and Bitches Brew.
File format: mp3; file size: 52mb, interview length: 54' 10" sound quality: ***
Interview by Larry Jaffee, Rock's Backpages audio, 19 March 1990
Tulsa's finest talks about recording, songwriting, Leon Russell, Paul Simon and Spooner Oldham, Silvertone Records, 'After Midnight' and much more.
File format: mp3; file size: 52.5mb, interview length: 59' 03" sound quality: ***
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, March 1996
The 'After Midnight' Man takes us back to Tulsa, and on to L.A.: how he's stayed a step outside the music business, how Clapton's 'After Midnight' cover saved his ass, and on the changes he's seen in his many years as a musician
File format: mp3; file size: 43.2meg, interview length: 44' 59" sound quality: ***
Interview by Mick Gold, Rock's Backpages audio, July 1974
Cale talks about his musical life, from King's College Cambridge to Fear, via La Monte Young and the Velvet Underground.
File format: mp3; file size: 48.1mb, interview length: 52' 32" sound quality: ***
Interview by John Tobler, Rock's Backpages audio, 31 January 1983
The Welsh wizard talks about his new album, Music for a New Society; songwriting and pessimism; his new label ZE; La Monte Young; writing with Sam Shepard; punk, Patti and producing other people; his favourite track 'Taking Your Life In Your Hands', and going back to Wales.
File format: mp3; total file size: 22.6mb, total interview length: 23' 32" sound quality: *****
Bill Callahan, Smog: Bill Callahan (2001)
Interview by Andy Gill, Rock's Backpages audio, Fall 2001
Mr Smog talks about his latest album Rain on Lens; about his songs not being autobiographical; on not deserving his reputation as a miserabllist; discovering music in his youth, from John Lee Hooker to punk; enjoying a peripatetic existence; playing the 2000 Meltdown Festival and meeting Scott Walker; on not trying to make hit records, and his admiration for Buster Keaton.
File format: mp3; file size: 33.6mb, interview length: 35' 01" sound quality: ** (phoner)
Interview by Simon Witter, Rock's Backpages audio, 2 July 1985
The Cameo frontman goes back and forth over his influences, the band's formation and changes over the years, philosophy, race and all kinds of fascinating stuff!
File format: mp3; file size: 89.9mb, interview length: 1h 33' 37" sound quality: ***
Interview by Robin Platts, Rock's Backpages audio, 2012
The master interpreter talks about his long, fruitful relationship with songwriter Jimmy Webb, from first recording such classics as 'Galveston' and 'By The Time I Get Phoenix', to their recent collaboration on the Glen Campbell and Jimmy Webb: In Session album.
File format: mp3; file size: 11.8mb, interview length: 12' 55" sound quality: ** (phoner)
Isobel Campbell and Mark Lanegan: Isobel Campbell (2005)
Interview by Andy Gill, Rock's Backpages audio, November 2005
The former Belle and Sebastian singer talks about her collaboration with former Screaming Tree Mark Lanegan: first hearing, then meeting Lanegan; the song writing; her whistling; channeling Lee Hazlewood and Nancy Sinatra, and the prevailing mood of melancholy in their work.
File format: mp3; file size: 13.5mb, interview length: 14' 05" sound quality: *** (phoner)
Interview by Andy Gill, Rock's Backpages audio, Spring 1997
In order of their first replies, Michael Karoli, Irmin Schmidt and Holger Czukay revisit the early days of Can: the first time they played together; how they shared everything; their homemade studios; how they met; drummer Jaki Liebezeit and the rituals of repetition; the group's social environment; the importance of original American frontman Malcolm Mooney, and meeting his successor Damo Suzuki; the latter's unforgettable first gig with the band. Oh, and Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cats... (Please note that there are approximately 10 minutes of annoying tape hiss from about 29 minutes in to about 38 mins.)
File format: mp3; file size: 69.5mb, interview length: 1h 12' 26" sound quality: ***½
Interview by Andy Gill, Rock's Backpages, 2003
The Can keyboard player on the recording of Future Days: The mood of the band at the time; the difference between singers Malcolm Mooney and Damo Suzuki; recording ‘Bel Air Suite’, and the meaning of the cover artwork, the I-Ching hexagram for Ting (The Cauldron).
File format: mp3; file size: 13mb, interview length: 13' 31" sound quality: * (phoner)
Interview by Archie Patterson, Eurock, 1980
Can's first singer Malcolm Mooney talks about joining Can, the writing and recording process, gigging with Stockhausen, and the decline of his mental health and ultimate breakdown.
File format: mp3; file size: 56.1mb, interview length: 1h 01' 40" sound quality: ***
Interview by Gary Lucas, Rock's Backpages audio, 18 January 1972
The eccentric Californian born Don Van Vliet discusses his current tour; his new album The Spotlight Kid; his current band (Zoot Horn Rollo, Ed Marimba, Winged Eel Fingerling, and Rockette Morton); playing saxophone and harmonica; the first Magic Band with Ry Cooder; their first singles for A&M; his opposition to drugs; writing fiction, poetry and painting; his plan to tour Europe; his love of Ornette Coleman; his hatred of L.A.'s smog... and living by the sea in Eureka.
File format: mp3; file size: 37mb, interview length: 38' 30" sound quality: ** (phoner)
Interview by Steven Daly, Rock's Backpages audio, 21 March 1998
Over the sounds of a noisy restaurant, la Carey remembers her Long Island childhood; moving to Manhattan at 17 and her determination to sing; in the light of her new album Butterfly, her memories of hearing early hip hop, and using rappers on the new album; on being mixed race; her early image; her film project All That Glitters; her change of musical style, and making videos with Diane Martel.
File format: mp3; file size: 61.6mb, interview length: 1h 04' 11" sound quality: ** (background noise)
Interview by Gerrie Lim, Rock's Backpages audio, 30 July 1986
Ms. Carlisle, new to the Top Ten, looks back at the break-up of the Go-Gos; changes to her lifestyle; her passion for shopping; being a woman in the music business... and raising miniature pigs.
File format: mp3; file size: 30mb, interview length: 32' 46" sound quality: ****
Interview by Roy Trakin, Rock's Backpages audio, 27 October 1987
La Carlisle on Solo vs Go-Go, Pop vs Rock, critics vs her, choosing songs and NOT being an actress
File format: mp3 File size: 20.5mb Interview length: 22 minutes 21 seconds Sound quality: ****
The Carpenters' Richard Carpenter (1989)
Interview by John Tobler, Rock's Backpages audio, November 1989
Richard takes us, in depth, through the Carpenters' career: listening to pop radio as a kid, and learning piano; the family move from Connecticut to California; their first groups; signing to A&M, and first single 'Ticket to Ride'; co-writing first hot 'Close to You' with Burt Bacharach; the family vocal blend; the succession of hits, including 'We’ve Only Just Begun', 'Superstar', 'For All We Know' and 'Rainy Days and Mondays'; 'Goodbye to Love', and Tony Peluso's guitar solo; covering older songs; Karen qualities as a singer and drummer, her solo career, anorexia and death.
File format: mp3; file size: 84.4mb, total interview length: 1h 27' 52" sound quality: *****
Interview by Andy Kershaw, Rock's Backpages audio, 13 August 1987
The Lost Man of Southern Soul looks back at his Mississippi childhood; his background singing gospel; meeting Quinton Claunch and starting to make records, and after the lost years, touring Japan and his current activities.
File format: mp3; file size: 23mb, interview length: 25' 06" sound quality: *****
James Carr, O.V. Wright: Roosevelt Jamison on James Carr (1985)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 1985
Roosevelt Jamison – friend, mentor and sometime manager – remembers deep soul greats James Carr and O.V. Wright.
File format: mp3; file size: 49.6mb, total interview length: 51' 37" sound quality: ***
Carlene Carter, The Rumour: Carlene Carter (1978)
Interview by John Tobler, Rock's Backpages audio, 15 July 1978
Carlene talks about her family background, her mother June Carter and stepfather Johnny Cash; coming to England and recording with the Rumour; becoming a songwriter; her song ‘Slow Dance’ about her failed marriage, and wanting to be star, but not be compared to others.
File format: mp3; file size: 16.6mb, interview length: 8' 39" sound quality: *****
Interview by Adam Sweeting, Rock's Backpages audio, 17 March 1989
The Man in Black on the controversy surrounding the 'Til Things Are Brighter tribute album; being threatened by the Klan for hugging Charley Pride; his friendship with Roy Orbison; the state of current country, and his Scottish roots. He also shows Sweeting his coin, gun and guitar collection!
File format: mp3; file size: 30.9mb, interview length: 32' 11" sound quality: ***
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 14 October 1996
Johnny Cash talks to Barney Hoskyns about his health, his religion, his revival with Rick Rubin, and the myth of the Million Dollar Quartet
File format: mp3; file size: 50.5mb, interview length: 55' 07" sound quality: ****
Interview by Adam Sweeting, Rock's Backpages audio, 10 February 2014
The not-so-native New Yorker on her current album The River and the Thread; on rediscovering the American South, and the Tallahatchie Bridge; on being Johnny Cash's daughter; working with her husband and co-writer John Leventhal; on songwriting, and her sewing circle!
File format: mp3; file size: 57.9mb, interview length: 1h 00' 16" sound quality: ****
Felix Cavaliere, Joey Dee & the Starliters, The Rascals: The Rascals' Felix Cavaliere (2022)
Interview by Sam Williams, Rock's Backpages audio, 22 February 2022
The Rascals' main man on getting into rock’n’roll and playing the organ; his heroes; starting with his first real band the Escorts; joining Joey Dee & the Starliters and meeting the Beatles; avoiding the draft and forming the Rascals; playing Long Island's Barge club and signing to Atlantic Records; the band's first hit ‘Good Lovin’’ and the lead singing of Eddie Brigati; the touring scene; pioneering recording on 8-track; how they began to write songs; the importance of producer Arif Mardin; recording ‘Groovin’’ and other hits; the brilliance of drummer Dino Danelli; recording tracks live in the studio... and the legendary session players they worked with.
File format: mp3; file size: 88.6mb, total interview length: 1h 32' 19" sound quality: *** (phoner)
Interview by Kris Needs, Rock's Backpages audio, December 1988
The Head Seed talks about his writing (the collection King Ink and new novel And The Ass Saw The Angel); his work on the movie Ghosts… of the Civil Dead and his latest album Tender Prey.
File format: mp3; file size: 44.4mb, interview length: 48' 27" sound quality: ***
Nick Cave, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds: Nick Cave (1986)
Interview by Mat Snow, Rock's Backpages audio, August 1986
The interview was meant to be about The Bad Seeds' Kicking Against The Pricks, but swiftly degenerates into an attack on music journalism in general, and interviewer Mat Snow in particular
File format: mp3; file size: 43.9meg, interview length: 45' 44" sound quality: ***
Nick Cave, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds: Nick Cave (1995)
Interview by Andy Gill, Rock's Backpages audio, Winter 1995
The head Bad Seed talks about his Murder Ballads album: the starting point, 'O'Malley's Bar; the attraction of the murder ballads narrative; the swift recording process; his own anger never tempting him to murder; his relationship with crime fiction; the pleasure of writing about violence; his take on the 'Stagger Lee' story, and his duet with Kylie Minogue.
File format: mp3; file size: 32.4mb, interview length: 33' 46" sound quality: *****
Nick Cave, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds: Nick Cave (2004)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 11 August 2004
The Bad Seeds frontman talks in depth about, among many things, his art; the departure of Blixa Bargeld; his relationship with Mick Harvey; the degree of biography in his songs; heroin and God, and the Australian-ness of himself and his work.
File format: mp3; file size: 61.5mb, interview length: 1h 07' 12" sound quality: ****
Chad & Jeremy, The Easybeats, The Kinks, The Who: Shel Talmy (2019)
Interview by Sam Williams, Rock's Backpages audio, June 2019
The late American producer describes the role of the record producer; his own production style and how it changed with the development of technology; leaving the U.S. for Britain; producing the Kinks and the Who; how he first got into producing in Los Angeles; his dislike for Phil Spector; being an independent producer; meeting the Kinks and getting them signed; recording 'You Really Got Me' and ’Tired of Waiting’; recording the Who's 'Can’t Explain' and 'My Generation'; producing the Easybeats’ ‘Friday on my Mind’, and returning to production after spendind a long time away.
File format: mp3; file size: 34.3mb, interview length: 35' 44" sound quality: ** (phoner)
James Chance & the Contortions, James White and The Blacks: James Chance (1995)
Interview by Steve Roeser, Rock's Backpages audio, 10 March 1995
James Chance talks to Steve Roeser about studying jazz in Milwaukee; moving to New York in 1976 with the idea of becoming a jazz musician; being incompatible with the jazz scene; hanging out at CBGB's and Max's Kansas City; encouraging Lydia Lunch to do music; and starting the Contortions; his frequently changing band line-ups; making the "disco record" Off White as James White and the Blacks for Michael Zilkha's ZE Records; working with Joe Bowie's Defunkt as his backing band; the '70s New York loft jazz scene; freaking people out with his saxophone playing; having a band with Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers; and Henry Rollins reissuing Chance's albums on CD on the Infinite Zero label.
File format: mp3; file size: 26mb, interview length: 27' 03" sound quality: *** (phoner)
Interview by Ian Ravendale, Rock's Backpages audio, 11 September 1977
The late singer-songwriter talks about unreleased tracks recorded with Michael Nesmith; his relationship with Elektra; how hits such as 'W•O•L•D' are representative of his work, and about his stage show and relationship with his audience.
File format: mp3; file size: 9.9mb, interview length: 10' 45" sound quality: ****
Interview by Holger Petersen, Rock's Backpages audio, 23 May 1997
The great New Orleans songwriter talks about writing for Fats Domino; about his time in Woodstock with Muddy Waters, Paul Butterfield, Albert Grossman and others; and about such classics as 'See You Later Alligator', 'But I Do' and 'Jealous Kind'.
File format: mp3; file size: 14.2mb, interview length: 15' 28" sound quality: *****
Interview by Bill DeMain, Rock's Backpages audio, 26 September 2002
Brother Ray on how he's matured as a singer; on keeping interested in old songs by improvising; finding his own voice at the end of the '40s, and meeting his hero Nat King Cole; writing because he had to, and stopping when he didn't; mixing gospel and blues; on dressing sharp, and singing about love.
File format: mp3; file size: 14.3mb, interview length: 14' 52" sound quality: *** (phoner)
Interview by Howie Klein, Rock's Backpages audio, March 1977
Cheap Trick's Rick Nielsen and Robin Zander, playing San Francisco for the first time, talk about their whacky image and stage personas, being well supported by record company Epic, and how they should be written about in the Gay press!
File format: mp3; file size: 31.4mb, interview length: 34' 18" sound quality: ****
Chelsea, Billy Idol: Billy Idol (1993)
Interview by David A. Keeps, Rock's Backpages audio, Summer 1993
Billy Idol talks about first getting his hair dyed; his itinerant upbringing; moving to America, and how he feels about it; William Broad vs. Billy Idol, and his beliefs; his motorcycle crash; the sacrifices of celebrity; his conviction for hitting a woman; being attacked, and his scars; his L.A. social life, and awards ceremonies; his appearance, and how he dresses; getting into acting... and what would be the ideal Billy Idol sandwich.
File format: mp3; file size: 70.2mb, interview length: 1h 13' 06" sound quality: ***
Cher, Sonny & Cher, Phil Spector: Cher (2001)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 26 October 2001
Cher takes us through her life and career: meeting Sonny Bono; working with Phil Spector, Harold Battiste and others; being part of the cool L.A. scene with the Byrds et al; the riot on Sunset Strip; the clothes they wore; breaking up with Sonny; forming Black Rose; her ‘80s reinvention; her movie career; her hit ‘Believe’, and relationship with producer Mark Taylor; how she survived the highs and lows of show business; her latest album Living Proof and her future movie plans.
File format: mp3; file size: 50mb, interview length: 52' 06" sound quality: *****
Interview by Elaine Cusack, Rock's Backpages audio, Spring 1995
Chesnutt talks about Athens, Georgia; alcohol; his Is The Actor Happy album; the poetry of Stevie Smith and the writing of Flannery O'Connor, and his upcoming film debut in Billy Bob Thornton's Sling Blade.
File format: mp3; file size: 55.5mb, interview length: 1h 00' 36" sound quality: ****
Chic, Nile Rodgers: Nile Rodgers (2001)
Interview by Daryl Easlea, Rock's Backpages audio, 23 August 2001
The Chic legend talks about the invaluable learning experience of playing in the house band at the Apollo theatre; being a freaky hippy and member of the Black Panther Party; the political meaning of Chic's music; first meeting Bernard Edwards and the differences between them; getting turned down six times by Atlantic Records; basing Chic on Roxy Music; developing his own sound and rhythmic concept; writing 'Good Times'; the "Disco Sucks" movement; the oxymoron of being a "disco band"; producing David Bowie's Let's Dance; being sampled by the Notorious B.I.G.; and the story behind 'At Last I'm Free'.
File format: mp3; file size: 87mb, interview length: 1h 31' 20" sound quality: ***
Interview by Richard North, Rock's Backpages audio, November 2003
The East Kent artict/musician talks at length about being an outsider, his political and philosophical views, and Tracey Emin's "shitty old disco tent from Millets".
File format: mp3; file size: 45.1mb, interview length: 1h 43' 03" sound quality: **
Interview by Martin Aston, Rock's Backpages audio, October 1986
From the Box Tops and Big Star to Feudalist Tarts, the Memphis legend tells all the tales: about Chris Bell, drink and "trashy" drugs, Like Flies on Sherbert, the Cramps, trashing Ardent studios, his doubts about his songwriting, cutting out booze and washing dishes in New Orleans.
File format: mp3; file size: 41.2mb, interview length: 42' 55" sound quality: ***
The Church's Steve Kilbey (2015)
Interview by Ian Ravendale, Rock's Backpages audio, 2015
The veteran Australian rocker looks right back to the formation of the band; the success of 'The Unguarded Moment'; being forced to tour with Duran Duran; endless struggles with record companies; being a confontational individual; the albums Starfish and Priest=Aura; and the Church today.
File format: mp3; file size: 47.1mb, interview length: 51' 27" sound quality: ** (phoner)
Interview by Ian Ravendale, Rock's Backpages audio, 22 November 2015
Iain, Martin and Lauren talk about how the band evolved; the development of their writing style; the influence of '80s electropop; dealing with the focus on Lauren, and the broad nature of their audience.
File format: mp3; file size: 30.2mb, interview length: 31' 29" sound quality: ***
Interview by Adam Sweeting, Rock's Backpages audio, 4 October 1989
Ol' Slowhand on the perils and pressures of success; on drinking and addiction; on blues; on his romance and emotional immaturity; on those endless Albert Hall shows; on his love of the Band, Little Feat, the Stones and Jimi Hendrix; on punk rock and cricket; and on voting for Thatcher and why he still thinks racist demagogue Enoch Powell had a point...
File format: mp3; file size: 80.5mb, interview length: 1h 23' 53" sound quality: ***
Eric Clapton, Cream, John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers: Eric Clapton (1981)
Interview by John Hutchinson, Rock's Backpages, 1 February 1981
Clapton talks about the centrality of the blues; finding it hard to write happy music, and the spiritual aspect of his playing; his "Slowhand" nickname, and his time with John Mayall's Bluesbreakers and Cream; his first encounter with Jimi Hendrix and the American's impact; Robert Johnson’s influence on him and his reverence for Muddy Waters; making the Layla album with Derek & the Dominos; his relationship with Pattie Boyd and the song ‘Wonderful Tonight’; his problems with his American backing musicians; spirituality and religion... and how he sees his future.
File format: mp3; file size: 50.9mb, interview length: 53' 04" sound quality: ***
Interview by Ian Ravendale, Rock's Backpages audio, 1978
The Punk Poet talks about comic writing vs. being a comedian; about writing poetry; about putting his words to music; and about his place in the music business.
File format: mp3; file size: 8.2mb, interview length: 9' 00" sound quality: ****
Interview by John Tobler, Rock's Backpages audio, 1986
The Texan songsmith talks about having his songs covered by others; not regarding himself as a country singer but as a songwriter; writing for himself rather than for other people; collaborating with his wife, painter-songwriter Susanna; his writing process; his musical roots in folk and blues, and his relationship with language.
File format: mp3; file size: 45mb, interview length: 46' 52" sound quality: ***
Interview by Ian Ravendale, Rock's Backpages audio, 20 May 1977
The lanky plank-spanker in a wide-ranging conversation about politics, phlegm and – after Don Letts drops in – white reggae.
File format: mp3; file size: 14.3mb, interview length: 15' 37" sound quality: ****
The Clash's Paul Simonon (1978)
Interview by Howie Klein, Rock's Backpages audio, 4 February 1978
The Clash's bassman talks about his life pre-Clash; the Clash's politics (personal and public); his development as a musician and a showman, and a whole lot more.
File format: mp3; file size: 53.4mb, interview length: 58' 16" sound quality: ***
The Clash, Joe Strummer: Joe Strummer (1988)
Interview by Adam Sweeting, Rock's Backpages audio, February 1988
The former Clash front-man on recording the soundtrack to Permanent Record; his musical and acting participation in Walker and Straight to Hell; on the Clash compilation Story of the Clash Vol. 1; how touring with the Who led to the end of the Clash; playing with the Pogues, and his hatred of being spat at onstage; on Reagan and Thatcher; his (now) dislike of drugs; on his diplomat father; forming the 101ers, and the Rude Boy movie.
File format: mp3; file size: 83.8mb, interview length: 1h 27' 20" sound quality: *** (background noise)
The Clash, Joe Strummer: Joe Strummer (1999)
Interview by Gavin Martin, Rock's Backpages audio, 20 June 1999
From Tony Bennett to Tony Adams: Gavin Martin chats with the Mighty Strummer amidst liggers and drunken Finns about The Clash, The Mescaleros, Greil Marcus and why he hates Suede and the Manic Street Preachers.
File format: mp3; file sizes: 111.5mb, interview length: 1h 56' 09" sound quality: **
The Clash, Joe Strummer: The Clash's Joe Strummer (1978)
Interview by Howie Klein, Rock's Backpages audio, February 1978
A typically splendid Strummer interview: He explains Ska! He digs Steve Miller! He prefers the Sun to the Guardian! He's in hospital with hepatitis! Plus stuff on gobbing, politics, the upcoming 2nd Clash album etc.
File format: mp3; file size: 25mb, interview length: 27' 17" sound quality: ***
The Clash, Joe Strummer: The Clash's Joe Strummer (1978)
Interview by Ian Ravendale, Rock's Backpages audio, 2 December 1978
Backstage at Newcastle Polytechnic, the Clash's frontman on the problems surrounding that night's gig; becoming part of the "rock establishment" and selling out; the production of Give 'Em Enough Rope; and Sid Vicious and the coincidence of 'Drug Stabbing Time'.
File format: mp3; file size: 5.8mb, interview length: 14' 27" sound quality: *****
George Clinton, Parliament: George Clinton (1978)
Interview by Cliff White, Rock's Backpages audio, November 1978
A splendidly rambling conversation in which the P-Funk mastermind looks back at the early days of Parliament; fondly remembers Screaming Jay Hawkins and Louis Jordan; the rise of P-Funk; punk v funk; Hendrix and Sly as pioneers; gives a definition of what Funkadelic is, and the birth of 'One Nation Under A Groove'.
File format: mp3; file size: 32.7mb, interview length: 34' 05" sound quality: ***
Kurt Cobain, Nirvana: Kurt Cobain (1993)
Interview by Jon Savage, Rock's Backpages audio, 22 July 1993
Childhood in Aberdeen WA; 'Teen Spirit' and making it; Courtney Love and marriage; drugs and the stresses of success; Vig vs Albini; that notorious MTV Awards incident – it's pretty much all here.
File format: mp3; file size: 96.7mb, interview length: 1h 45' 35" sound quality: ****
Interview by Tony Scherman, Rock's Backpages audio, 1993
Between demonstrations of drum techniques and expositions on the philosophy of drumming, Cobham talks about his African and Caribbean roots; his Panamanian family background, and their move to New York City; starting out drumming and listening to big band jazz; his education in drum & bugle corps, and marching bands in Queens; his education at the High School of Music & Art in New York, and joining the military and his time at the Naval School of Music.
File format: mp3; file size: 100.5mb, total interview length: 1h 44' 42" sound quality: ***
Jarvis Cocker, Pulp: Pulp's Jarvis Cocker (1987)
Interview by Martin Aston, Rock's Backpages audio, April 1987
The Pulp frontman on why he started the Sheffield group; his urge from an early age to make music; why he writes the songs he writes; refusing to be a judgmental spectator; what makes Pulp different; the attractions of Jacques Brel, Scott Walker and Burt Bacharach; and truth and beauty...
File format: mp3; file size: 29.6mb, interview length: 30' 51" sound quality: ***
Cockney Rebel, Steve Harley: Cockney Rebel's Steve Harley (1975)
Interview by Ira Robbins, Rock's Backpages audio, 25 February 1975
Mr Harley expounds on his dislike of the British music press; the influences on his songwriting, and consciously stealing; being in the third generation of pop artists, and wanting to be artistic and modern; the break-up of the first Cockney Rebel, and his onstage power.
File format: mp3; file size: 31.6mb, interview length: 32' 53" sound quality: **½
Cockney Rebel, Steve Harley: Cockney Rebel's Steve Harley (1982)
Interview by Larry Jaffee, Rock's Backpages audio, 1982
The cockney rebel talks about his relative failure in America; his songs and songwriting; his new experience on the theatrical stage in musical drama Marlowe, and the similarities and differences between theatrical and rock performance.
File format: mp3; file size: 79.9mb, interview length: 1h 27' 13" sound quality: ***
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 8 February 1996
After a brief discussion of Scottish cuisine, Robin Guthrie, Liz Fraser and Simon Raymonde talk about the delayed release of their latest (and last) album Milk and Kisses; and about Britpop, leaving 4AD, signing to Fontana and the neglect of previous album Four-Calendar Café; plus the process of writing and recording, Liz's voice and lyrics, the strains of touring, the missing of family... and UFO sightings!
File format: mp3; file size: 67.3mb, interview length: 1h 10' 05" sound quality: ****
Cocteau Twins' Liz Fraser (2000)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 18 July 2000
Ms. Fraser on singing and singers; on being a Cocteau Twin; on her relationship with Robin Guthrie; on friends and co-conspirators like Peter Gabriel, Damon Albarn and sometime beau Jeff Buckley.
File format: mp3; file size: 72.9mb, interview length: 1 h 19' 38" sound quality: ***
Interview by Mat Snow, Rock's Backpages audio, February 1988
Laughing Lennie talks to Mat Snow about songwriting; meditation and religion; the collapse of literary culture; the misperception of him as a Gloom Merchant; music as therapy; ambiguity, songwriting and 'My Way': Sinatra vs Vicious; his relationship with the press; Montreal; the idealism of '68, and the rise of the post-punk Cult of Cohen.
File format: mp3; file size: 81.7mb, interview length: 1h 25' 08" sound quality: ***
Interview by Mark Dery, Rock's Backpages audio, 20 July 1988
Cohen talks about his latest album I’m Your Man: who it’s for, and who Cohen is now, using pop idioms, drum machines etc.; being described as depressing by non-fans; his relationship with his live audience; the dangers or otherwise of crossing over commercially; the writers he grew up with in Montreal, and his first group the Buckskin Boys; his pleasure at the emergence of punk, feeling he’s a fellow outsider; his guitar playing, how he strings it and tunes it; his folk roots and how his sound evolved, and his adoption of cheap synthesisers; the importance of lyrics to the listener, and the difference between lyrics and poetry.
File format: mp3; file size: 37.1mb, interview length: 38' 40" sound quality: ***
Interview by Paul Zollo, Rock's Backpages audio, 1992
The Great Canadian talks at length and in detail about the process by which, through sheer hard work, he crafts his songs, from the recent The Future album back to such classics as 'Suzanne' and 'Bird on a Wire'.
File format: mp3 File size: 81.5mb Interview length: 1h 29' 00"; Sound quality: ***
The Cold Crush Brothers' Charlie Chase (1998)
Interview by Frank Broughton, Rock's Backpages audio, 1 October 1998
From discovering the breaks to the most enthralling stage act in hip hop's first decade, Cold Crush Brothers' Charlie Chase — a rare Hispanic DJ — takes us back to the park jams and the PALs, and the DJs like Bam, Flash and Theodore.
File format: mp3; file size: 54.4mb, interview length: 59' 27" sound quality: ****
Interview by Jason Cohen, Rock's Backpages audio, Summer 2000
Jason Cohen talks to Coldplay on the cusp of huge success – first to Chris Martin and Jonny Buckland and then to Will Champion and Guy Berryman – about not wanting to engage in relentless marketing; preferring a long-term career to immediate success; trying to write songs with emotional impact; loving Eminem but hating NSYNC; admiring Wayne Coyne and the Flaming Lips; playing Reading Festival; wanting to remain grounded and being sceptical of rock-star tropes; and the importance of getting radio airplay.
File format: mp3; file size: 29.7mb; interview length: 30'55"; sound quality: ***
Interview by David Toop, Rock's Backpages audio, 13 September 1995
The great jazz innovator discusses the difference between what he plays and "free jazz"; the importance of not being repetitious; the universality of instrumental music; his new album with Prime Time, Tone Dialling; his son Denardo playing with him from the age of eight; his song ‘Virgin Beauty’; the wide range of future projects; the term “free jazz” itself; Including dancers in his concerts; the "harmolodic" concept; the evolution of Prime Time; his score for David Cronenberg’s film of William Burroughs' Naked Lunch; his memories of Charlie Parker... and the qualities he looks for in musicians.
File format: mp3; file size: 43.6mb, interview length: 45' 22" sound quality: *****
Bootsy Collins, Funkadelic: Bootsy Collins (1978)
Interview by Cliff White, Rock's Backpages audio, June 1978
Bootsy takes us back to Cincinnati in 1968, and he and brother Phelps' band the Pacesetters; from there it's to James Brown and 'Sex Machine'; then via the House Guests it's on to George Clinton and P-Funk: America Eats Its Young and Cosmic Slop; his Space Bass; forming the Rubber Band; new Funkadelic album One Nation Under a Groove; producing Roger Troutman; the people who make up P-Funk, including Bernie Worrell, and on current black music.
File format: mp3; file size: 50.1mb, interview length: 52' 09" sound quality: ***
Interview by Ira Robbins, Rock's Backpages audio, 27 September 1993
The balding, tub-thumping thespian talks about his latest album, Both Sides; his development as a songwriter; his solo career vs. Genesis; his acting career; Live Aid; ambitions and collaborations, and on drumming and drummers.
File format: mp3; file size: 96.6mb, interview length: 1h 45' 28" sound quality: **½-***
Interview by John Tobler, Rock's Backpages audio, 17 May 1991
Brit-folk doyenne Shirley Collins revisists her 1971 No Roses album track by track and discusses how the songs were chosen – and the move away from folk tradition. Collins also talks about 10,000 Maniacs' cover of 'Just as the Tide was a-Flowing'; working with Maddy Prior and Fairport Convention; the Albion Country Band... and about the state of folk today.
File format: mp3; file size: 55.1mb, interview length: 57' 22" sound quality: *****
Interview by John Tobler, Rock's Backpages audio, Fall 1976
The great guitar player talks about the musicians who influenced him; his friendship with John Fahey; the Rising Sons, and Ed Cassidy and Taj Mahal; his encounter with Captain Beefheart; film scores (and more) with Jack Nitzsche; other things he did and didn't do; his early Warner Bros. albums, and Depression-era songs; his unique album covers; Paradise and Lunch, and not being a songwriter; getting into Hawaiian and Tex-Mex music, and his latest album, Chicken Skin Music.
File format: mp3; file size: 51.1mb, interview length: 53' 14" sound quality: ****
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 9 May 2005
From his youth in Santa Monica via the Ash Grove scene through to movie soundtracks and his explorations of world musics: Ry on the music business, his fellow musicians and his politically progressive background and instincts.
File format: mp3; file size: 81.6mb, total interview length: 1h 25' 03" sound quality: ***
Interview by Joel Selvin, Selvin On The City, KSAN 107.7, 23 November 2008
The meastro of roots and Americana talks about his recent work - I, Flathead, Chávez Ravine - and looks back to the making of his first album and subsequent career.
File format: mp3 File size: 32.4mb Interview length: 35' 27"; Sound quality: *****
Interview by Mike Quigley, Rock's Backpages audio, August 1969
I brief clip in which Alice explains where they are coming from, and where they are going to.
File format: mp3; file size: 1.2mb, interview length: 1' 13" sound quality: **
Interview by Howie Klein, Rock's Backpages audio, 1978
Eight months into recovery, Alice talks about coming off the booze, what it means to be "Alice Cooper", praises Etta James' cover of 'Only Women Bleed', chats about President Ford (and voting for Nixon), and opines about Patti Smith and punk rock.
File format: mp3; file size: 51.5mb, interview length: 56' 12" sound quality: ***
Interview by Adam Blake, Rock's Backpages audio, 18 July 1989
Interviewed at London's Mayfair Hotel, Vincent Furnier's alias talks about his new album Trash and about performing his older material; planning his stage shows; music coming first and theatrics second; the evolution of his theatricality; his current audience; the 'Elected' video and videos today; Alice Cooper vs. Vince Furnier, and being "the ultimate rock villain"; drinking with Jim Morrison and Janis Joplin; his Minister father... and such non-rock influences as John Barry.
File format: mp3; file size: 22.4meg, interview length: 23' 20" sound quality: ***
Julian Cope, The Teardrop Explodes: Julian Cope (1991)
Interview by uncredited writer, Rock's Backpages audio, April 1991
Presenting his new album Peggy Suicide to the French rock press, Julian Cope expounds on not caring, not being Sting or Billy Bragg; Peggy Suicide being Mother Earth freaking out; how being a cult = not selling records, and on being an ambassador of looseness, trying to turn people on that it's cool to hang upside down or take drugs.
File format: mp3; file size: 12.8mb; Interview length: 13' 23"; sound quality: ***
Interview by Gavin Martin, Rock's Backpages audio, May 2004
Corrs Sharon and Jim on family, songwriting, the death of their mother, religion, and Mick Hucknall's wine!
File format: mp3; total file size: 29.5mb, total interview length: 32' 11" sound quality: ***
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, October 1983
Imperial Bedroom vs. Punch the Clock; Emerick vs. Lowe vs. Langer/Winstanley; reassessing his back catalogue and a whole lot more.
File format: mp3; file size: 88mb, total interview length: 1h 31' 39" sound quality: ***
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 17 April 1991
Mr McManus on new album Mighty Like A Rose: the songs, the production and the musicians; his split from the Attractions; new music, and his admiration for The Band.
File format: mp3; file size: 83.2mb, interview length: 1h 30' 53" sound quality: ***
Interview by Adam Sweeting, Rock's Backpages audio, 1 April 1995
Mr. Eclectic talks about his new album of covers versions, Kojak Variety: about working with L.A. musicians Jerry Scheff, Jim Keltner and James Burton; about his reasons for choosing the songs and his connection to the originals. He also talks about curating London's forthcoming Meltdown festival, and touches on the upcoming Attractions album All This Useless Beauty. Lastly he discusses singing at London's Brixton Academy with Bob Dylan.
File format: mp3; file size: 60.2mb, total interview length: 1h 02' 45" sound quality: ****
Interview by Bill Brewster, Rock's Backpages audio, 18 February 2002
The erstwhile Declan McManus, in the context of new album When I Was Cruel, looks back at the Attractions, punk, Thatcher, and talks about the craft of songwriting.
File format: mp3; file size: 44.6mb, interview length: 48' 43" sound quality: ****
Country Joe & The Fish, Country Joe McDonald: Country Joe McDonald (1974)
Interview by Mick Gold, Rock's Backpages audio, 1974
Country Joe talks about being brought up by communist parents, his current musical and political interests, the Paris Sessions album, songwriting, the Beats, jazz and... Bowie!
File format: mp3; file size: 81mb, interview length: 1h 28' 27" sound quality: ***
Interview by Ira Robbins, Rock's Backpages audio, 4 March 1985
The former Wayne County talks about where she's at now: splitting her time between London and Berlin; making a new album and touring Europe; planning to study Biblical Archaeology [we kid you not]; her gender reassignment... and paying for it by sex work in Berlin.
File format: mp3; file size: 10.6mb, interview length: 11' 03" sound quality: ** (phoner)
Cowboy Junkies: The Cowboy Junkies (1996)
Interview by Johnny Black, Rock's Backpages audio, 1996
Timmins frère et soeur talk about recording, writing and performing, and latest album Lay It Down.
File format: mp3; file size: 15.4mb, interview length: 16' 52" sound quality: *****
Interview by Martin Aston, Rock's Backpages audio, March 1986
Lux Interior and Poison Ivy on their obsession with all things Elvis; Ricky Nelson's weirdness; accusations of pastiche, and rockabilly vs. rock'n'roll; on Gravest Hits and producer Alex Chilton; being on stage; life in Los Angeles and their hatred of suntans; life in Glendale chez the Interiors... and owning paintings by serial killers.
File format: mp3; file size: 60.5mb, interview length: 1h 03' 01" sound quality: ***
Crazy Horse, Crosby Stills Nash & Young, Neil Young: Neil Young (1988)
Interview by Dave Zimmer, Rock's Backpages audio, 19 March 1988
Young talks about his recent project with the Bluenotes, and the pleasure in playing different styles of music; ‘This Note’s For You’ and his dislike of corporate use of music; putting the Bluenotes together, writing the songs, and recording the tracks; the blues roots of his guitar playing; Ben Keith and other musicians he’s worked with; working with CSNY again, and the differences between the current version and the original band; living in the country, why he likes it, and the importance of his family.
File format: mp3; file size: 68.1mb, interview length: 1h 10' 54" sound quality: ****
The Crickets, Sonny Curtis: Sonny Curtis (1990)
Interview by John Tobler, Rock's Backpages audio, 1990
From Buddy Holly to the Clash: songwriter/guitarist Curtis talks about his time with Holly and his lengthy association with the Crickets; the number of mistakes in the movie The Buddy Holly Story; backing the Everly Brothers, plus their cover of his 'Walk Right Back'; writing 'I Fought The Law', the mystery of Bobby Fuller's death, and the Clash's version of his most famous song; hanging out with Eric Clapton; writing The Mary Tyler Moore Show theme tune, and jingles; his lengthy association with Waylon Jennings, and his return to Nashville.
File format: mp3; file size: 68.3mb, interview length: 1h 11' 10" sound quality: *****
Interview by James Johnson, Rock's Backpages audio, September 1981
The sweet-voiced Mancunian on his relationship with the Hollies and their reunion; meeting Stills and Crosby and the start of that whole thing; his relationship with Joni Mitchell, and his new healthy lifestyle!
File format: mp3; file size: 17.8mb, interview length: 19' 25" sound quality: ****
Interview by John Pidgeon, Rock's Backpages audio, 1989
The Cros talks about his biography, Long Time Gone (co-written with Carl Gottlieb), his years of addiction and rehab, friends Mama Cass and Graham Nash, and looks back at Woodstock.
File format: mp3; file size: 39.3mb, interview length: 42' 53" sound quality: ****
Crosby Stills Nash & Young, Stephen Stills, Neil Young: CSNY's Stephen Stills and Neil Young (1999)
Interview by Adam Sweeting, Rock's Backpages audio, 18 October 1999
Together again to promote the new CSNY album Looking Forward, Messrs. Stills and Young enthuse about making the record, putting a band together to tour, the state of David Crosby, and their relationship then and now. They also look back at their time together in Buffalo Springfield, spinning yarns and tall tales.
File format: mp3; file size: 37.9mb, interview length: 39' 29" sound quality: ****
Interview by Martin Aston, Rock's Backpages audio, 21 March 1989
With interpolations from Simon Gallup, Robert Smith talks about the band's alcohol consumption; their new album Disintegration, its subtlety and how it was written and made; not being a lyrical moaner or over-personalising his songs; the upsides and downsides of drink and drugs; what the album is about, and lacking the humour of recent Cure albums; how they name their tours and the songs they choose to play on them; and Lol Tolhurst’s place in the band and the reasons for his departure.
File format: mp3; file size: 57.9mb, interview length: 1h 00' 22" sound quality: ****
The Cure's Simon Gallup (1995)
Interview by Johnny Black, Rock's Backpages audio, 1995
The Cure's bass player Simon Gallup talks about Lol Tolhurst, about getting married, and about the band's life on the road.
File format: mp3; file size: 49mb, interview length: 51' 04" sound quality: ****
Interview by Mark Sinker, Rock's Backpages audio, 1987
Herr Czukay talks about his friend Jah Wobble; Damo Suzuki's life after Can; using exisiting music; what he listens to, and his hatred of political music; his LP Movies and the similarity between his music and film; on the German soul; Rome Remains Rome, and music journalism.
File format: mp3; file size: 23mb; Interview length: 23' 57"; sound quality: ***
Interview by Adam Sweeting, Rock's Backpages audio, 22 June 2011
The Who frontman on touring Tommy as a solo artist; on Cousin Kevin, Uncle Ernie and paedophilia; on Prince Charles; on CSI using Who songs as title music, appearing in that show, and his acting career in general. He then, at great length, airs his frequently reactionary political opinions.
File format: mp3; file size: 64.5mb, interview length: 1h 07' 09" sound quality: *****
Evan Dando, The Lemonheads: The Lemonheads' Evan Dando (1996)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 13 August 1996
Car Button Cloth-era Evan Dando sings 'Don't Fear The Reaper', talks rather a lot about drugs and name-drops remorselessly, to highly entertaining effect.
File format: mp3; file size: 71.5mb, interview length: 1h 14' 30" sound quality: ****
Interview by Amy Linden, Rock's Backpages audio, 19 March 1996
The neo-soul star and sex symbol discusses supposed rivalries between singers; the influence of hip hop on R&B, and why he sung rather than rapped; what the song ‘Brown Sugar’ is about; growing up in the church and taking music lessons; the music he loved as a kid and who influenced him; why he comes on stage to the Shaft theme; being compared to artists from the past and his musical responsibility to himself.
File format: mp3; file size: 24.8mb, interview length: 25' 53" sound quality: ** (phoner)
Interview by Larry Jaffee, Rock's Backpages audio, 16 May 2016
The erstwhile Kid Creole talks about his new off-Broadway musical Cherchez La Femme: the cost, joys and difficulties of staging a production, and the part played in it by RBP contributor Vivien Goldman. He also talks about his escape from New York City; his days at Hofstra University; Kid Creole & the Coconuts' overseas success; his relationship with Seymour Stein; Prince writing 'The Sex of It' for him; his time on ZE Records; on Jamaica and Haiti, and about his wife Eva Tudor-Jones.
File format: mp3; file size: 52.7mb, interview length: 54' 52" sound quality: ***
Dave Davies, The Kinks: The Kinks' Dave Davies (1992)
Interview by Ira Robbins, Rock's Backpages audio, 18 February 1992
The Kinks' other brother on new album Phobia; the early days as the Ravens; his relationship with Ray, and Ray's relationship with Chrissie Hynde; and favourite covers of Kinks songs, and his favourite guitar players.
File format: mp3; file size: 34mb, interview length: 37' 04" sound quality: ** (phoner)
Ray Davies, The Kinks: Ray Davies (2006)
Interview by Gavin Martin, Rock's Backpages audio, February 2006
The King Kink on getting shot in New Orleans, his relationship with brother Dave, his childhood and upbringing, and on songwriting and lyrics, plus so much more.
File format: mp3; file size: 56mb, total interview length: 58' 21" sound quality: ****
Ray Davies, The Kinks: The Kinks' Ray Davies (1992)
Interview by Ira Robbins, Rock's Backpages audio, 23 January 1992
The King Kink on politics; songwriting (and titling!); cover versions of his songs; on Joe Meek and Noel Coward; on Chrissie Hynde, and on living with his songs for so many years.
File format: mp3; file size: 49.5mb, interview length: 54' 07" sound quality: ****
Miles Davis, Wayne Shorter: Wayne Shorter (1988)
Interview by Mark Sinker, Rock's Backpages audio, 1988
The saxophone star talks about his place in the music; working in different areas and avoiding formula; what he looks for in musicians he plays with, and working with young musicians; the place of improvisation in his music; explorations with Miles Davis, and the 1965 Plugged Nickel sessions; his love of science fiction; creating space in music; the impact of rock in the sixties, and bringing back the fun that jazz lacked.
File format: mp3; file size: 43.6mb, interview length: 45' 25" sound quality: ***½
Dead Kennedys' Jello Biafra and Klaus Flouride (1981)
Interview by John Tobler, Rock's Backpages audio, October 1981
Messrs. Biafra and Flouride discuss the differences between punk and new wave; talk about fellow Californians Flipper, D.O.A. and Black Flag; decry Nazi punks; talk about friend and ally Christian Lunch, as well as about Hüsker Dü and the Residents; mock the Plasmatics and Adam & the Ants... and declare their mission to civilize America.
File format: mp3; file size: 20.5mb, interview length: 21' 18" sound quality: *****
Dead Or Alive's Pete Burns (2003)
Interview by Steve Pafford, Rock's Backpages audio, April 2003
The Dead or Alive frontman talks about his frustration at not getting radio airplay despite his TV appearances; bringing the group's sound into the mainstream; getting into hot water over his appearance on Graham Norton's show; preferring the term "queer" to "gay"; his admiration for Vivienne Westwood; the way he considers his visuals; his desire to be in control of changes to his body and having cosmetic surgery to enable that; and – following an extended discussion of Cher – his plans to work with the Pet Shop Boys.
File format: mp3; file size: 44.4mb, interview length: 46'12" sound quality: **
Interview by David Nathan, SoulMusic.com, 29 September 2010
El DeBarge on the post-prison come-back trail with Second Chance album, talking about where he's at today(ish – he's fallen off the wagon again since this was taped), and recording with Jam & Lewis et al.
File format: mp3; file size: 23.1mb, interview length: 25' 15" sound quality: ** (phoner)
Interview by Mat Snow, Rock's Backpages audio, Fall 1990
Paice and Lord talk about the early days of Purple, up until the first departure of... Ian Gillan, who talks about both the first and second versions of Purple, but mostly about how much he hates Ritchie Blackmore!
Ian Paice & Jon Lord: File format: mp3; file size: 86mb, interview length: 1h 33' 54" sound quality: *** Ian Gillan: File format: mp3; file size: 64.4mb, interview length: 1h 10' 23" sound quality: * (phoner)
Interview by Mat Snow, Rock's Backpages audio, Fall 1990
Bassman Glover on his musical roots, and the early days; Blackmore on Ian Gillan and more...
Roger Glover: File format: mp3; file size: 75.1mb, interview length: 1h 22' 03" sound quality: ** Ritchie Blackmore: File format: mp3; file size: 69mb, interview length: 1h 15' 24" sound quality: **
Deep Purple's Ritchie Blackmore (1973)
Interview by Jim Esposito, Rock's Backpages audio, 17 June 1973
Take the limo to Purple's West Palm Beach Arena show! Listen to Ritchie badmouth his bandmates! The rancour, the hatred, the splits, and the imminent departure of Ian Gillan and others!
File format: mp3; file size: 63.2mb, interview length: 1h 08' 58" sound quality: ***
Deep Purple's Ritchie Blackmore (1974)
Interview by Jim Esposito, Rock's Backpages audio, 10 March 1974
The Purple axe-wielder on the relationships within the band; recording latest album Burn in Montreux; finding David Coverdale and Glenn Hughes... and what the new chaps bring to the band.
File format: mp3; file size: 18.8mb, interview length: 20' 29" sound quality: ***
Def Leppard's Joe Elliott (1991)
Interview by Mat Snow, Rock's Backpages audio, December 1991
The Leppard frontman looks back at guitarist Steve Clark's descent into alcoholism and eventual death: how it impacted the making of latest album Adrenalize; guitarist Phil Collen stepping up in Clark's absence; how it is possible for rockers to grow old; the essential escapism of metal, and how marvellously uncool it is.
File format: mp3; file size: 45.4mb, interview length: 47' 15" sound quality: ***
Def Leppard's Joe Elliott (2006)
Interview by Gavin Martin, Rock's Backpages audio, 2006
Joe Elliott tells tales of the road, talks about his heroes (and one or two villains), and looks back at Rick Allen's accident and Steve Clark's alcoholism and death.
File format: mp3; file size: 66.6mb, total interview length: 1h 9' 24" sound quality: ****
Interview by Steven Daly, Rock's Backpages audio, Spring 1991
De La Soul on their second album De La Soul Is Dead: the move away from the Daisy Age; Mase on recording and sampling; making tracks like 'Pease Porridge' (Pos), ‘Afro Connections’, and ‘Kicked Out the House’ (Trugoy); getting grief from hardcore fans thinking they've gone "soft"; how life changed after hit debut album 3 Feet High and Rising; the pressures on hip hop; parenthood (Trugoy and Mase); commercial rappers like Vanilla Ice and MC Hammer, and the difference between rap and hip hop (Pos)... and what they're into now.
File format: mp3; file size: 37.4mb, interview length: 38' 58" sound quality: ***; File format: mp3; file size: 50.7mb, interview length: 52' 46" sound quality: ***
Interview by Karl Dallas, Rock's Backpages audio, 1977
The Queen of English Folk-Rock talks about going back on the road (the repertoire, the musicians and the nerves), about her recent split from Island Records, and about her new baby Georgia.
File format: mp3 File size: 9.5mb Interview length: 10' 23"; Sound quality: ****
Sandy Denny, Fairport Convention, The Strawbs: The Strawbs' Dave Cousins (1990)
Interview by John Tobler, Rock's Backpages audio, 1990
The Strawbs leader talks about how the band's came out of the folk clubs; how they began write their own material; Rick Wakeman joining the group and the consequent need for a drummer and electric bassist; meeting Sandy Denny and her joining the band; recording their first album; Joe Boyd grabbing Sandy for Fairport Convention; an encounter with Salvador Dali; using banjo tuning on his guitar; having a hit with 'Part of the Union'; touring America and becoming a full-on rock band; the sad death and heartbreaking funeral of Sandy Denny... and the current state of folk-rock.
File format: mp3; file size: 14.5mb, interview length: 15' 09" sound quality: *****
Depeche Mode's David Gahan (2003)
Interview by Chris Roberts, Rock's Backpages audio, 8 April 2003
David Gahan talks about doing his solo album; songwriting; being Martin Gore's mouthpiece; the Car Crash Years; on the road with Depeche Mode; the desire to be a rock'n'roll star; the influence of Grunge, and Dog Days in Santa Monica.
File format: mp3 File size: 56.1mb, interview length: 56' 27", sound quality: ***
Depeche Mode's Martin Gore and Alan Wilder (1993)
Interview by Steven Daly, Rock's Backpages audio, Summer 1993
Messrs. Gore and Wilder talk about the stresses of recording their latest album, Songs of Faith and Devotion, and the band's internal dynamics in the studio; the effect that living in L.A. has had on singer Dave Gahan; electronic versus traditional musical instruments. Martin Gore also discusses his songwriting; the band's development from the early days... and fatherhood. Alan Wilder talks about touring, the future of Depeche Mode and his place in the band.
Part 1, Martin Gore: File format: mp3; file size: 29.3mb; Interview length: 30' 29"; sound quality: **½; File format: mp3; file size: 46.1mb; Interview length: 48' 03"; sound quality: ***
Willy DeVille, Mink DeVille: Willy DeVille (1977)
Interview by Radio Pete, Rock's Backpages audio, 25 May 1977
The Mink DeVille frontman recalls his time in Colorado; his friendship with producer Jack Nitzsche and the making of debut album Cabretta; his East Coast youth; the meaning of the word "punk"; creepy New York scenesters; his adaptation of the Crystals' 'Little Girl'... and his dislike of the CBGB's scene.
File format: mp3; file size: 57.5mb, interview length: 59' 52" sound quality: ** (phoner)
Interview by Mark Bliesener, Rock's Backpages audio, Spring 1978
The boys from Akron talk about their background and education; their audiences, and playing 'Jocko Homo' for 15 minutes; first recordings, and playing away from Ohio; being self-managed; filming The Truth About De-Evolution with Chuck Statler; signing to Warners; their stage presentation, and their unique versions of 'Satisfaction' and 'Secret Agent Man'.
File format: mp3; file size: 28.8mb; Interview length: 30' 01"; sound quality: ****
Devo's Mark Mothersbaugh (1988)
Interview by Mat Snow, Rock's Backpages audio, Summer 1988
Mark Mothersbaugh on de-evolution, DNA, and the new dystopia, plus retirement and reformation, and the desert that is Los Angeles
File format: mp3; file size: 45.6mb, interview length: 47' 29" sound quality: **
Interview by Mike Quigley, Rock's Backpages audio, July 1969
The Chicago gunslinger talks about his stage show; about being ahead of his time; about how, influenced by Joe Louis, he avoids being boastful, and his message to the people.
File format: mp3; file size: 1.5mb, interview length: 12' 12" sound quality: **
Interview by Michael Lydon, Rock's Backpages audio, September 1970
When Bo's not being a boxer, truck driver, gunslinger, lumberjack etc. he's being A Man - a husband and father, dealing with life in the USA. The Gunslinger tells Michael Lydon of record company rip-offs, dealin' with the po-lice and the very meaning of life itself.
File format: mp3; total file size: 76.9meg, total interview length: 1h 20' 04" sound quality: **
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 1 August 1989
New York great Dion DiMucci talks about the golden years, the sound of NYC, and addiction and recovery.
File format: mp3; file size: 33.8mb, interview length: 36' 57" sound quality: ***
Dire Straits, Mark Knopfler: Mark Knopfler (2004)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 10 September 2004
The besweatbanded guitar wrangler talks about his new album Shangri-La; looks back at that dirty old town Newcastle; about Dylan, Donegan and his influences; surviving the dire straits of stardom, and on what it means to play guitar.
File format: mp3; file size: 51.8mb, interview length: 56' 32" sound quality: ****
Interview by Maureen Paton, Rock's Backpages audio, 30 November 2007
The Grime pioneer takes a cab drive around his youthful stamping ground of Bow: remembering his childhood; times in and out of school; his scrapes with the law; starting to make music, pirate radio and the nascent Grime scene; his stabbing in Ayia Napa... and addressing the Oxford Union!
File format: mp3; file size: 75.6mb, interview length: 1h 18' 42" sound quality: ***
Interview by Bill Brewster, Rock's Backpages audio, 8 July 2005
The erstwhile Josh Davis talks about how his world was changed by hip hop; how, in search of breaks, he became an obsessive collector; the ins-and-outs of sampling, and tells tales from the world of crate digging.
File format: mp3; file size: 61.1mb, interview length: 1h 06' 41" sound quality: ** (phoner)
Interview by Joel Selvin, Selvin On The City, KSAN 107.7, 2005
Mr Leitch looks back at his 40 years in music, from scoring hash in Goodge Street to recording with Rick Rubin, via Alice Cooper, Linda Lawrence and more.
File format: mp3 File size: 35.1mb Interview length: 38' 19"; Sound quality: ****
Interview by John Tobler, Rock's Backpages audio, 1 November 1983
Messrs. Manzarek, Krieger and Densmore – in London for a Doors conference at the ICA – discuss new live album Alive, She Cried: the tracking down of the original recordings including tapes from their Roundhouse show in 1968; Danny Sugerman's new Illustrated History of the band; and what the trio are doing now... including Ray Manzarek's "jazz-rock" version of Carl Orff's Carmina Burana.
File format: mp3; file size: 13.4mb, interview length: 13' 57" sound quality: *****
Interview by Cliff White, Rock's Backpages audio, Summer 1980
Interviewed at New Orleans' legendary Sea-Saint studio, Dorsey talks about his recent motorbike crash, then looks back at his first hit, 'Ya Ya', and his subsequent recording career; keeping his automobile repair shop; touring Europe; his recent tour with the Clash; recording with producer Allen Toussaint; his Yes We Can and Night People albums, and the advantages of having a decent road band.
File format: mp3; file size: 29.5mb, interview length: 30' 43" sound quality: ***
Interview by Dorian Lynskey, Rock's Backpages audio, Spring 2002
Doves' singer Jimi Goodwin reflects on the recording of the trio's second album The Last Broadcast; their approach to songwriting and lyrics; their early days in Sub Sub; the band's slower rise compared to groups like the Strokes; his frustration at being pigeonholed as melancholy Mancunians; and the 24 Hour Party People film about Factory Records.
File format: mp3; file size: 41.7mb, interview length: 43'27", sound quality: *** (background noise)
Interview by Charlie Gillett, Rock's Backpages audio, 1971
The Land of a Thousand Drifters: Charlie Gillett talks with arguably the greatest recording engineer in rock and soul history about the early days with Atlantic, Leiber and Stoller, The Rascals and Stax.
File format: mp3; file size: 55.8meg, interview length: 58' 07" sound quality: ***
Dr. Feelgood's Lee Brilleaux (1981)
Interview by Ian Ravendale, Rock's Backpages audio, 8 February 1981
The Feelgoods' frontman on how the band has developed in the studio, choosing producers, and the respective virtues of Mike Vernon and Richard Gottehrer.
File format: mp3; file size: 8.7mb, interview length: 09' 31" sound quality: ****
Nick Drake: Joe Boyd on Nick Drake (1994)
Interview by Gerrie Lim, Rock's Backpages audio, Fall 1994
The legendary producer looks back at the brilliant, doomed singer-songwriter: Drake's enduring qualities; first hearing him; has strong hands and guitar playing; the onset of his troubles, and the clues in his songs.
File format: mp3; file size: 29.3mb, interview length: 32' 02" sound quality: *** (phoner)
Mikey Dread, King Tubby, Duke Reid, Scientist, Sir Coxone, U-Roy: Blood & Fire's Steve Barrow (1998)
Interview by Frank Broughton, Rock's Backpages audio, 10 September 1998
The reggae historian and Blood & Fire founder looks back on the evolution of Jamaica's sound system culture: early pioneers such as Count Matchuki; the selector/DJ split; Ruddy Redwood and the pre-release dub plate; sound system rivalry; Duke Reid and Coxone Dodd; and DJs and selectors becoming producers. Steve then explains how he got into reggae in the early-'70s and talks about Jamaica's relationship with hip hop. Finally, he talks about King Tubby and Scientist's dubs via an illustration of Bernard Purdie's 'Funky Donkey'.
File format: mp3; file size: 68.3mb, total interview length: 1h 11' 10" sound quality: ****
The Dream Syndicate, Gutterball, Steve Wynn: Steve Wynn (1999)
Interview by Francesco Calazzo, Rock's Backpages audio, 1999
The ex-Dream Syndicate frontman looks back fondly at the Paisley Underground; being on tour for many years; his new album My Midnight; his side project Gutterball; on singers and singing, and guitars and guitar playing; songwriting; his move to New York, and being revered by a new generation of artists.
File format: mp3; file size: 88.1mb, interview length: 1h 36' 11" sound quality: ***
Interview by Mick Gold, Rock's Backpages audio, 26 February 1975
The men from Canvey Island talk about how they got together, getting into the London pub-rock scene, their aggressive performances and recording Down by the Jetty.
File format: mp3; file size: 71.8mb, interview length: 1h 18' 25" sound quality: ***
Interview by Charlie Gillett, Rock's Backpages audio, 1971
From scuffling in the clubs and studios of late-'50s New Orleans, to his reinvention as Dr. John in mid-'60s L.A., Mac Rebennack tells the whole story - the gangsters, the drugs, the hard times and the high times. And, of course, the music, always the music.
File format: mp3; file size: 164.7mb, interview length: 2h 51' 32" sound quality: ***
Interview by Andy Schwartz, Rock's Backpages audio, 18 April 1994
The erstwhile Night Tripper on writing his autobiography Under a Hoodoo Moon; on the New Orleans music business — the rip-offs, lousy studios, useless Musician's Union, Jim Garrison; on his new album Television; on drugs and recovery; on moving to New York City; on the modern recording scene (and being sampled by Beck); on his early involvement in N.Y. hip hop... and how he started out just playing for fun.
File format: mp3; file size: 72.1mb, interview length: 1h 15' 03" sound quality: ****
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 4 July 1995
The erstwhile Mac Rebennack goes through a lifetime in music from New Orleans, via Los Angeles, to the world: the music, the drugs and the whole cast of characters, including James Booker, Doc Pomus, Phil Spector, Allen Toussaint and Sam Cooke.
File format: mp3; file size: 73.5mb, interview length: 1h 20' 15" sound quality: **½
Dr. John with Jerry Wexler (1972)
Interview by Jerry Wexler, Rock's Backpages audio, 1972
Kick back around the piano and let Dr. John and Jerry Wexler take you back to the R&B glory days of New Orleans: 'Fess, Guitar Slim and many more. (And be patient; Wexler becomes audible after a few minutes!)
File format: mp3; file size: 27.3mb; Interview length: 29' 50"; sound quality: ****
Bill Drummond, The Justified Ancients Of Mu Mu, The KLF: The KLF (1991)
Interview by Andy Gill, Rock's Backpages audio, January 1991
Bill Drummond and Jim Cauty talk about how they first met in 1984; how they formed the Justified Ancients of Mu Mu, their use of samples and ABBA's threat of legal action; the Timelords and ‘Doctorin’ the Tardis’; and blowing all the money on making a the movie, The White Room; their book The Manual; ‘What Time is Love’, ‘3 a.m. Eternal' and the Chill Out album; their recording methods and name changes; the video Waiting; making crop circles; Bill Drummond’s early days in Liverpool with Big in Japan, Echo & the Bunnymen and Zoo Records, and their latest activities.
File format: mp3; file size: 80.2mb, interview length: 1h 23' 29" sound quality: ****
The Ducks, Moby Grape: Moby Grape's Bob Mosley (1999)
Interview by Steve Roeser, Rock's Backpages audio, 10 October 1999
The early days in San Diego with the Misfits; being screwed by manager Matthew Katz; being ripped-off by Led Zeppelin; the problems with Skip Spence - the ups and downs of Bob Mosley.
File format: mp3; file size: 33.3mb; Interview length: 36' 25"; sound quality: * (phoner)
Duran Duran's Simon Le Bon (1993)
Interview by David A. Keeps, Rock's Backpages audio, Spring 1993
On the release of new album Duran Duran (The Wedding Album), Le Bon talks about being seen as a contrived band and associated with ’80s excess; getting older as a rock star and refusing to grow up; what keeps him going, fatherhood, and being less excessive; the current pop scene and what he’s listening to; how the band have stuck together; his lyrics; how they helped make MTV with their videos; the production of the new album ; the working relationships within the band, Nick Rhodes’ contributions, and relationships with ex-members Roger and Andy Taylor.
File format: mp3; file size: 85.5mb, interview length: 1h 29' 02" sound quality: ****
Interview by Radio Pete, Rock's Backpages audio, 21 March 1978
Dury confesses he enjoys interviews; being on his first American visit and eating "cham clouder"; his fondness for Tom Waits; on being English; on first hearing Gene Vincent; on punk rock and the spirit of rebellion; buying second-hand clothes; finally making it in England; his previous life as a painter and art teacher, and art schools' influence on English rock; and the alleged perversity of his music.
File format: mp3; file size: 30.2mb, interview length: 31' 30" sound quality: ** (phoner)
Interview by Billy James, Rock's Backpages audio, October 1961
In short clips from his very first interview, with Columbia publicist James, the young Bob Dylan mentions his love of Charlie Chaplin, then reflects on living in a big city for the first time, being a folk singer, and playing piano like Little Richard.
File format: mp3; file size: 2.8mb, interview length: 4' 36" sound quality: *
Interview by Mick Brown, Rock's Backpages audio, Summer 1984
On how he won't be understood for 100 years, always moving on, Woodstock and wisdom.
File format: mp3; file size: 3.8mb, interview length: 04' 11" sound quality: ***
Interview by Paul Zollo, Rock's Backpages audio, 4 April 1991
Bob on why he writes songs, how he writes songs, what he writes songs about, what he doesn't write songs about, the keys he writes songs in, where he likes to write songs, what songs are and aren't, and some memories of his own songs.
File format: mp3; file size: 75.5mb, interview length: 1h 22' 29" sound quality: **½
Bob Dylan: Paul Williams on Bob Dylan (1993)
Interview by Larry Jaffee, Rock's Backpages audio, Fall 1993
The legendary Crawdaddy! founder talks about his Dylan books Bob Dylan: Performing Artist and What Happened?, and lots more Bobology besides.
File format: mp3; file size: 46.7mb, interview length: 50' 57" sound quality: * (phoner)
Bob Dylan, Eric Von Schmidt: Eric Von Schmidt on Bob Dylan (1992)
Interview by Larry Jaffee, Rock's Backpages audio, 1992
The venerable folkie looks back to the Yale folk scene, and first meeting Dylan; discusses who actually wrote 'Baby Let Me Follow You Down' — the Rev. Gary Davis? Blind Boy Fuller? Von Schmidt? — and Dylan's magpie tendencies; he also recounts meeting Dylan in London in 1963 with Richard Fariña, and drinking gin and smoking pot.
File format: mp3; file size: 37.8mb, interview length: 39' 47" sound quality: ** (phoner)
Interview by John Tobler, Rock's Backpages audio, April 1977
In order of speaking voices, Messrs. Meisner, Frey, Henley, Walsh and Felder (in London for the UK leg of their Hotel California tour) provide the lowdown on their individual backgrounds. Then Don 'n' Glenn offer a detailed history of the band from its formation to Hotel California itself — the albums, the people, the songs and more.
File format: mp3; file size: 80.7mb, interview length: 1h 24' 00" sound quality: *****
The Eagles, Glenn Frey: Glenn Frey (1988)
Interview by Adam Blake, Rock's Backpages audio, 12 September 1988
The former Eagle talks about his latest solo album Soul Searchin': using the Muscle Shoals rhythm section; writing songs on keyboards rather than guitar; modern mixing technology. Glenn also talks about his audience and how his songs sound best in the car. He also talks about putting his movie career on hold.
File format: mp3; file size: 16.6mb, interview length: 16' 15" sound quality: ***
Interview by Adam Sweeting, Rock's Backpages audio, April 1996
Fourteen months into sobriety, the country rebel discusses his multiple marriages; his anger at the press and ex-colleagues; his admiration for Bruce Springsteen; country radio and the Nashville establishment... and talks at length about addiction and recovery.
File format: mp3; file size: 76.3mb, interview length: 1h 19' 25" sound quality: ****
Earth, Wind & Fire's Maurice White (1979)
Interview by Cliff White, Rock's Backpages audio, March 1979
Mr. White waxes philosophical about uplifting consciousness; contributing to the musical community; Philip Bailey and himself as singers; his fantasy lyrics and metaphysical lyrical vibrations; perfecting rawness; EW&F's over-the-top stage show; and society's problems.
File format: mp3; file size: 36.1mb, interview length: 37' 34" sound quality: ***
Earth, Wind & Fire: Maurice White and Philip Bailey (1988)
Interview by Simon Witter, Rock's Backpages audio, Fall 1988
Maurice White and Philip Bailey talk about the latest Earth, Wind & fire album Touch The World, changes in the band, outside producers and record company politics. Plus a short treatise on Egyptology!
File format: mp3; file size: 22.6mb, interview length: 24' 40" sound quality: ***
Interview by Mat Snow, Rock's Backpages audio, Fall 1991
From taking the morning train to having the look, Mat Snow probes Sheena Easton about her life in music, Esther Rantzen, Kenny Rogers, Prince and all.
File format: mp3; file size: 56.9mb, interview length: 1h 02' 09" sound quality: ***
Echo & The Bunnymen's Ian McCulloch (1990)
Interview by Ira Robbins, Rock's Backpages audio, 24 January 1990
The gobby scouser talks about Pop as Art, his old band and its gradual implosion, and his fledgling solo career and ruminates on Liverpool and the meaning of The Beatles.
File format: mp3; file size: 87.5mb, interview length: 1h 35' 31" sound quality: ***
Elastica's Justine Frischmann (1994)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, January 1994
The Full Frischmann: Starting Suede! Leaving Suede! Not much liking Suede these days! And then the excitement of being in Elastica at the height of Britpop, anticipating recording the first album...
File format: mp3 File size: 34.9mb Interview length: 38 minutes 10 seconds Sound quality: ***
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 30 May 2003
A somewhat wind-blown Guy Garvey and pals on the making of Cast of Thousands, prog rock, Manchester, religion and being stalked by Cameron Diaz
File format: mp3; in 3 parts, total file sizes: 88.1meg, total interview length: 1h 36' 09" sound quality: **
Missy Elliott, Timbaland, Timbaland & Magoo: Missy Elliott (1997)
Interview by Sara Scribner, Rock's Backpages audio, Fall 1997
Three-part interview with Missy Elliott, Timbaland and Magoo. The producer, rapper and singer talks to Sara Scribner about her childhood and abusive father; being in the group Sista as a teenager before pursuing production; her creative process and rapping style; not listening to the radio to avoid copying others; her approach to fashion; meeting and working with Timbaland; producing Aaliyah's One In a Million; being given her own label by Sylvia Rhone; and recording Supa Dupa Fly in a week. A short conversation with Timbaland on his collaboration with Missy; developing his production style; being inspired by groups like A Tribe Called Quest and Run-D.M.C.; and how he's moving away from sampling in favour of creating original sounds. A short conversation with Magoo about Missy and Timbaland; their impact on the music industry; being in Surrounded by Idiots (SBI) with Timbaland and Pharrell Williams; and how being from Virginia shapes his approach to music.
File format: mp3; file size: 27.3mb; interview length: 28'28"; sound quality: ** File format: mp3; file size: 8.6b; interview length: 8'55"; sound quality: ** File format: mp3; file size: 12.7mb; interview length: 13'16"; sound quality: **
Interview by John Tobler, Rock's Backpages audio, 30 October 1988
The Texan Troubadour talks about the disappearance of the honky-tonks and the resulting change in his music; a 13-year-old Charlie Sexton playing in his band; his association with the Clash; his album Hi-Res and the lost final MCA album; Lord of the Highway and his new band; his latest album Dig All Night; fellow Flatlanders Butch Hancock and Jimmie Dale Gilmore; how Shelby Singleton screwed that trio; playing solo versus with playing with a band; and his hometown of Austin, Texas.
File format: mp3; file size: 64.8mb, interview length: 1h 07' 33" sound quality: ****
Keith Emerson, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Emerson, Lake & Powell: Keith Emerson (1988)
Interview by Adam Blake, Rock's Backpages audio, 28 November 1988
The prog-rock overlord on his new Christmas album; the new digital pianos and new keyboard technology; meeting Robert Moog in 1969 and early his use of Moogs; looking for the ultimate band to play with; the idea behind Emerson, Lake & Palmer and the internal rivalries between the members; the ELP tour with a massive orchestra; the Emerson, Lake & Powell iteration with Cozy Powell on drums; the difficulty of working with Greg Lake; his plans for the near future; and the piano players he loves.
File format: mp3; file size: 57.8mb, interview length: 1h 00' 11" sound quality: *** (background noise)
Emerson, Lake & Palmer: ELP's Carl Palmer (1980)
Interview by Ian Ravendale, Rock's Backpages audio, 1980
The ELP sticksman somewhat testily describes the break-up of the band; talks about how UK press criticism meant other members refused to tour the country, and about his new (and it turns out short-lived) band PM.
File format: mp3; file size: 14.1mb, interview length: 17' 33" sound quality: *****
Brian Eno, Roxy Music: Brian Eno (1992)
Interview by Mark Sinker, Rock's Backpages audio, Fall 1992
Pop's intellectual-in-chief on youth and cultural identity; the value of pretence and pretension; useful irony, contingency, and the accident of joining Roxy Music; problems of language; minimalism and the value of the recording studio; what "culture" means; deadlines; contributing to the cultural conversation; the importance of topicality; false impositions of cultural values; reading and hearing; criticism and empathy.
File format: mp3; file size: 86.9mb, interview length: 1h 30' 28" sound quality: ***
Brian Eno, Roxy Music: Brian Eno (1998)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 13 January 1998
Eno talks about the early days of Roxy Music; the band's intersection with Glam; the impact of David Bowie; androgyny and flamboyance; leaving Roxy, and setting out on his solo career.
File format: mp3; file size: 33.5mb, interview length: 36' 36" sound quality: ** (phoner)
John Entwistle, The Who: The Who's John Entwistle (1994)
Interview by Johnny Black, Rock's Backpages audio, August 1994
The Ox talks about the making of classic Who songs such as 'I'm A Boy' and 'My Generation', naming Led Zeppelin, the endless rows, and tells a handful of great Keith Moon stories
File format: mp3; file size: 72meg, interview length: 1h 15' 00" sound quality: ****
Interview by Bill Brewster, Rock's Backpages audio, 15 October 2002
The Equals' guitarist/writer/producer remembers his first impressions of London on arrival from Guyana in 1960; the epiphany of seeing Chuck Berry live in '64; forming the Equals at school; the London black music scene; getting signed and having hits; his heart attack and the end of the band, and getting his studio.
File format: mp3; file size: 134.6mb, interview length: 2h 20' 13" sound quality: *****
The Equals, Eddy Grant: Eddy Grant (1991)
Interview by John Tobler, Rock's Backpages audio, 1991
Eddy Grant talks about forming the Equals with school friends in Tottenham; their hits 'Baby Come Back' and 'Black Skin Blue Eyed Boys'; his heart attack, and leaving the band; contractual issues with manager Edward Kassner, and regaining his copyrights; building his own studio; dying his hair white; his solo albums, and hits 'Walking on Sunshine' and 'Living on the Front Line'; moving to Barbados and building his Blue Wave studio, and about his sporting heroes and friends.
File format: mp3; file size: 131.5mb, interview length: 2h 17' 01" sound quality: *****
Interview by Howie Klein, KSAN San Francisco, 1 April 1978
The deeply batty Mr Erickson terrorizes KSAN's presenters, shouts at listener's phoning in, and breaks into "song".
File format: mp3; file size: 41.1mb, interview length: 44' 48" sound quality: ****
Interview by Charlie Gillett, Rock's Backpages audio, 1971
From his youth as an avid record collector and black music fan, up to signing Ray Charles, Atlantic Records founder Ahmet Ertegün tells the whole story.
File format: mp3; in 4 parts, total file sizes: 103.7mb; total interview length: 1h 53' 29" sound quality: ***
Eurythmics, Annie Lennox: Eurythmics' Annie Lennox (1983)
Interview by Max Bell, Rock's Backpages audio, August 1983
The Eurythmics' front woman covers subjects from veganism to feminism, via marriage, class, the nature of success, and anything else she can think of.
File format: mp3; file size: 24.9mb, interview length: 27' 12" sound quality: ****
The Everly Brothers, Phil Everly: Phil Everly (1983)
Interview by John Tobler, Rock's Backpages audio, 1983
Half of the great duo talks about his new solo album, Phil Everly: being produced by Stuart Coleman and working with players like Mark Knopfler and Pete Wingfield; working with Christine McVie, and memories of meeting her in the '60s. Then he talks about an upcoming Everly Brothers reunion after 10 years apart: how it'll work, his relationship with Don and possible plans.
File format: mp3; file size: 43mb, interview length: 28' 41" sound quality: *****
Interview by Frank Broughton, Rock's Backpages audio, 5 October 1998
From teenage dancing to Grandmaster Flowers in Brooklyn to Larry Levan at the Paradise Garage, via the early days of hip hop, making Wild Style with Charlie Ahearn, bringing uptown DJs to downtown clubs and art galleries — Freddy was there and tells all about it.
File format: mp3; file size: 74.1mb, interview length: 1h 20' 53" sound quality: ****
Fabio, Grooverider: Fabio (2005)
Interview by Bill Brewster, Frank Broughton, Rock's Backpages audio, 4 February 2005
The Drum & Bass pioneer talks about his Brixton background, blues parties and sound systems; his love soul as well as reggae, and lunchtime funk dances at Crackers; collecting records, and starting to DJ; Tim Westwood and the emergence of electro hip hop; pirate radio; Paul Oakenfold's house nights, and meeting future partner Grooverider; nights like Spectrum and Rage; techno, break beats and jungle; the dangerous jungle club nights; evolution of Drum & Bass, and Garage; taking the name Fabio, and his memories of the big outdoor raves like Sunrise.
File format: mp3; file size: 71.7mb, interview length: 1h 14' 39" sound quality: ****
The Faces, Humble Pie, Steve Marriott, The Small Faces: The Small Faces' Steve Marriott (1985)
Interview by Chris Welch, Rock's Backpages audio, 29 May 1985
The smallest Face takes us back to the band's beginning: meeting Ronnie Lane and Kenney Jones and starting the Small Faces; the Man with the Van, Jimmy Winston; signing up with manager Don Arden; sacking Winston and Ian McLagan joining; the hits, and wild times on the road; leaving Decca and Don Arden and joing Immediate; leaving the band and forming Humble Pie with Peter Frampton; his uneasy relationship with psychedelics and his cocaine years.
File format: mp3; file size: 85.2mb, interview length: 1h 28' 44" sound quality: ****
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 5 March 1993
On making Kamakiriad, NYC versus LA, favourite grooves and favourite rhythm sections, working by himself and looking back on Steely Dan
File format: mp3; file size: 78.5meg, interview length: 1h 21' 44" sound quality: ***
Donald Fagen, Steely Dan: Donald Fagen (1991)
Interview by Adam Sweeting, Rock's Backpages audio, 13 November 1991
The former Dan man talks about the New York Rock & Soul Revue; Steely Dan's influence on UK groups; the serious process of recording Dan albums; his forthcoming album Kamakiriad; The Nightfly, 'IGY' and "mock sentimentality"; writer's block and psychotherapy; Walter Becker's drug problem, and being reunited with him; his childhood, his parents and Jewishness; meeting Walter at Bard College; on '60s soul; on Prince, hip hop, and De La Soul sampling 'Peg', and on the Dan members, and catalogue reissues.
File format: mp3; total file size: 51.6mb, interview length: 53' 43" sound quality: ** (phoner)
Fairport Convention's Dave Pegg (1995)
Interview by Johnny Black, Rock's Backpages audio, June 1995
Dave Pegg talks about Liege & Lief, Unhalfbricking, the departure of Richard Thompson and the death of Sandy Denny.
File format: mp3; file size: 35.4mb; Interview length: 38' 43"; sound quality: *****
Fairport Convention's Simon Nicol (1991)
Interview by John Tobler, Rock's Backpages audio, 1991
The veteran Fairports guitarist talks about the group's evolution, from first meeting Ashley Hutchings at school to its present day line-up: Richard Thompson and Judy Dyble joining; being signed by Joe Boyd to Witchseason Productions; their first recordings; the introduction of Sandy Denny, and the move towards more traditional folk; the crash that killed drummer Martin Lamble; new members Dave Mattacks and Dave Swarbrick; albums such as Unhalfbricking and Liege and Lief; Sandy and Ashley leaving, and then Nicol's own comings and goings to and from the band, setting up the Cropredy festival, and the band's continuing existence.
File format: mp3; file size: 50.2mb, interview length: 52' 16" sound quality: *****
Interview by Mat Snow, Rock's Backpages audio, 1987
Clean, sober and philosophical: Marianne, on the up with the Strange Weather album, talks about acting, poetry, the art of interpretation, and addiction and recovery.
File format: mp3; file size: 7.5meg, interview length: 1h 13' 24" sound quality: ***
Interview by Mat Snow, Rock's Backpages audio, November 1994
Promoting her autobiography, la Faithfull talks at length about, well, just about everything really: writing the book with David Dalton; being called a witch by the Catholic Church; the aesthetics of sex, and the Rolling Stones and the Redlands bust.
File format: mp3; file size: 62.4mb, interview length: 1h 08' 10" sound quality: ***
Interview by Adam Sweeting, Rock's Backpages audio, July 1998
In Salzburg for her Seven Deadly Sins performance, the grand dame of British pop talks about her love of the Brecht/Weill canon; recording her new album Vagabond Ways; her self-destructive past and surviving it; writing Faithfull, her autobiography, with David Dalton; the '60s myths and legends about her... and not becoming a rich man's plaything.
File format: mp3; file size: 51.9mb, interview length: 54' 05" sound quality: ***
Interview by Maureen Paton, Rock's Backpages audio, 16 July 2014
The grande dame talks about her new album Give My Love to London; her relationship with manager/ex-lover François Ravard; sleeping with Keef; her friendship with Anita Pallenberg; on Broken English; her family; her Sydney suicide attempt; not seeing Jagger anymore; on Paris, fashion, and becoming a Commandeur Of L'Ordre Des Arts Et Des Lettres.
file format: mp3; file size: 53.6mb, interview length: 55' 50" sound quality: ****
The Fall's Mark E. Smith (1983)
Interview by Simon Witter, Rock's Backpages audio, 22 May 1983
Accompanied by blushing bride Brix, the splendid Mark E. Smith talks about all things Fall: getting the band together, being the 'leader', songwriting, performing, the north v south debate and much more.
File format: mp3; file size: 55.9mb, total interview length: 58' 14" sound quality: ***
The Fall's Mark E. Smith (1990)
Interview by Andy Gill, Rock's Backpages audio, September 1990
The Fall frontman picks highlights from his record collection, from Link Wray to the Mothers of Invention via the Doors, the Twilight Zone soundtrack, the Seeds, Schoenberg, Can, Black Sabbath, Bhangra and... Jethro Tull! Along the way, much else gets discussed.
File format: mp3; file size: 50mb, interview length: 52' 04" sound quality: ****
Interview by Ira Robbins, Rock's Backpages audio, 1 March 1985
Mr. Fame talks about his current activities, then looks back to his first gig, backing Gene Vincent and Eddie Cochran; being named by Larry Parnes; the Blue Flames starting as Billy Fury's backing group; playing the Flamingo, and discovering the Hammond after hearing 'Green Onions', and his first hit, 'Yeh Yeh'.
File format: mp3; file size: 11.1mb, interview length: 12' 09" sound quality: ** (phoner)
Interview by Bill Brewster, Frank Broughton, Rock's Backpages audio, 23 February 2005
The pioneering House DJ tells the whole story, from a tin bath in Notting Dale to Shoom and beyond: his youth in Slough; discovering the club Crackers; the soul all-dayers and weekenders; the warehouse scene and rare groove; the dawn of House and Ecstacy; the opening of Shoom; his and Andrew Weatherall's Boy's Own fanzine; Danny Rampling; the emergence of the superstar DJ... and House's longevity.
File format: mp3; file size: 117.9mb, interview length: 2h 02' 50" sound quality: ****
Interview by Simon Witter, Rock's Backpages audio, 1985
NYC's favourites talk about the genesis of the band, releasing THE first rap record, 'King Tim III', and how the band have survived and thrived with the funk.
File format: mp3; file size: 23mb; Interview length: 25' 09"; sound quality: ***
Interview by Martin Aston, Rock's Backpages audio, August 1985
The Felt mainman on guitarist Maurice Deebank's departure; what Felt are; the new album Ignite the Seven Cannons; the meaning of existentialism; his lack of interest in the outside world; how he writes; Deebank's contribution; his elaborate song titles; the Cocteau Twins' Robin Guthrie and Elizabeth Fraser; his dislike of his hometown Birmingham; current label Cherry Red vs. new home Creation; the Weather Prophets and Primal Scream, and being a fan of Vic Godard.
File format: mp3; total file size: 44.2mb, total interview length: 46' 05" sound quality: ****
Interview by Jonh Ingham, Rock's Backpages audio, 13 July 1976
Mr. Ferry talks about his latest solo album, Let's Stick Together: choosing material, using session men like Chris Spedding, and the ballads v rockers variety of material; he talks ablout his need for privacy and unwillingness to expose himself; his relationship with Jerry Hall; how he views himself, and being an autobiographical lyricist; his dislike of being interviewed, but being a good listener.
File format: mp3; file size: 48.5mb, interview length: 50' 33" sound quality: ***
Bryan Ferry, Roxy Music: Bryan Ferry (1993)
Interview by Mat Snow, Rock's Backpages audio, January 1993
The former Roxy frontman talks about his new album, Taxi; about doing cover versions; solo vs. groups; looks back at Roxy Music and Eno; his sensitivity to criticism; the stars he's met and his love of classic soul.
File format: mp3; file size: 111.9mb, interview length: 2h 02' 10" sound quality: **
Bryan Ferry, Roxy Music: Bryan Ferry (1993)
Interview by Adam Sweeting, Rock's Backpages audio, 4 March 1993
The old smoothie talks about "lost" album Horoscope; his new covers album Taxi and the joys of interpretation; the pleasures of working with Robin Trower and the perils of 48-track recording; his work ethic; being a family man; owning his own studio, and his lifelong interest in art.
File format: mp3; file size: 58.2mb, interview length: 1h 00' 38" sound quality: *****
The Flaming Lips: Flaming Lips' Wayne Coyne (2006)
Interview by Gavin Martin, Rock's Backpages audio, 2006
On the release of At War With The Mystics, Mr. Coyne waxes philosophical about rock'n'roll, life, drink, drugs, death and the entire meaning of it all.
File format: mp3; file size: 47.3mb, interview length: 49' 18" sound quality: *****
The Flaming Lips' Wayne Coyne (2002)
Interview by Andy Gill, Rock's Backpages audio, Fall 2002
The Flaming Lips frontperson on the new reissues; looking back on the old albums, liking what he hears; amateurism, and "will over skill"; keep changing and not being precious; Jonathan Donahue and producer Dave Fridman bringing musicality to the band; using his imagination, and writing about UFOs; sampling the Beatles; the meaning of the Jesus Egg, and being about to back Beck.
File format: mp3; file size: 24.9mb, interview length: 25' 55" sound quality: ** (phoner)
Interview by John Pidgeon, Rock's Backpages audio, March 1977
Mick Fleetwood takes us through a history of the band from 'Albatross' on, and is joined by Christine McVie and Lindsey Buckingham to talk about the Fleetwood Mac and Rumours albums.
File format: mp3; file size: 29.8mb, interview length: 32' 33" sound quality: ****
Interview by Gavin Martin, Rock's Backpages audio, April 2003
Mick Fleetwood on getting it on with Stevie Nicks, his place in the band and cocaine; Stevie Nicks on her relationship with Lindsey Buckingham, dud boob jobs, songwriting and cocaine.
File format: mp3; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 64.6mb, total interview length: 1h 10' 38" sound quality: ****
Fleetwood Mac, Mick Fleetwood: Mick Fleetwood (1990)
Interview by Mat Snow, Rock's Backpages audio, April 1990
The Fleetwood Mac drummer tells the whole story, from forming the band with Peter Green in 1967 to Behind the Mask in 1990: his close relationship with Green, and Green's departure; the Brit blues scene; taking acid with the Grateful Dead; the rocky early '70s and Bob Welch; Jeremy Spencer and the Children of God; hooking up with Lindsay Buckingham and Stevie Nicks; the huge success and attendant excess...
File format: mp3; file size: 146.6mb, interview length: 2h 32' 42" sound quality: **½
Fleetwood Mac, Mick Fleetwood: Mick Fleetwood (1995)
Interview by Johnny Black, Rock's Backpages audio, November 1995
The veteran drummer assesses the career of Fleetwood Mac, looking at key songs from their career from 'Oh Well' to 'Tusk'
File format: mp3 File size: 43.7mb Interview length: 47 minutes 46 seconds Sound quality: ****
Fleetwood Mac, Stevie Nicks: Stevie Nicks (2003)
Interview by Bill DeMain, Rock's Backpages audio, 3 March 2003
The Mac frontwoman talks about writing songs for their latest album, Say You Will; how 'Illume (9-11)' was the result of the twin towers attack; on her songwriting process and how she uses her journals; the volatility of the band and her relationship with Lindsey Buckingham; her friendships with Sheryl Crow and the Dixie Chicks, and she ends by going back to her first musical experiences.
File format: mp3; file size: 70.1mb, interview length: 1h 12' 58" sound quality: ***
Foals' Yannis Philippakis (2015)
Interview by Pip Williams, Rock's Backpages audio, 19 June 2015
The Foals frontperson talks about the band's latest album What Went Down: the progression from previous album Holy Fire; writing in Oxford but living in London; being pushed by producer James Ford; his songwriting progress; songs like 'Mountain at my Gates' and 'Knife in the Ocean'; wanting to tour again... and after which he's photographed by his interviewer.
File format: mp3; file size: 22mb, interview length: 23' sound quality: *****
Interview by Steven Rosen, Rock's Backpages audio, 10 April 1997
John Fogerty on guitar playing vs. songwriting – and how he's improved with age.
File format: MP3 File size: 883.1k<br> Interview length: 1 minute 10 seconds Sound quality: ***
Interview by Adam Sweeting, Rock's Backpages audio, Summer 1997
The former Creedence frontman looks back on the end of Creedence and his relations with the band; on Fantasy Records boss Saul Zaentz and being sued for "self-plagiarism"; on his tricky relationship with brother Tom; on not being psychedelic in San Francisco during the Summer of Love; on hearing the blues, Elvis and Bay Area R&B radio... and on life after Creedence and how much happier he is now.
File format: mp3; file size: 51mb; Interview length: 53' 07"; sound quality: ****½
Foo Fighters, Taylor Hawkins & the Coattail Riders: Taylor Hawkins (2010)
Interview by Steven Rosen, Rock's Backpages audio, 5 April 2010
The Foo Fighters drummer talks about his solo project, Taylor Hawkins & the Coattail Riders, and their new album Red Light Fever: working with guitarist Gannin Arnold; having members of Queen contribute; the album song-by-song; working with guitarists; his favourite British producers; singing on Slash's album; Chris Chaney's bass playing; using Gretsch drums; the family that is the Foo Fighters, and having his own band.
File format: mp3; file size: 26.1mb, interview length: 27' 12" sound quality: ** (phoner)
Jim Ford, Bobby Womack: Bobby Womack on Jim Ford (2005)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 6 June 2005
The Last Soul Man talks about his friend and collaborator Jim Ford: being introduced by Ford to Sly Stone, such great songs as 'Harry Hippie' and 'Point Of No Return', and writing songs with the man.
File format: mp3; file size: 19.8mb, interview length: 21' 35" sound quality: * (phoner)
Interview by Carl Wiser, Songfacts, 23 October 2009
On songwriting, production and working with stepson Mark Ronson: the Englishman in New York fills in the gaps.
File format: mp3; file size: 34.2mb; Interview length: 37' 21"; sound quality: ***
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 24 January 1997
How the band came together; touring with Smashing Pumpkins; songwriting and melodies; ...and mullets!
File format: mp3; file size: 68.8mb, interview length: 1h 15' 09" sound quality: ***
Interview by Joel Selvin, Selvin On The City, KSAN 107.7, December 2006
Frankie Valli and Bob Gaudio chat about the Jersey Boys musical, about Bob Crewe, the Disco years and the lost Seasons/Beach Boys album.
File format: mp3 File size: 31.3mb Interview length: 34' 14"; Sound quality: ***
The Four Seasons' Frankie Valli and Gerry Polci (1977)
Interview by John Tobler, Rock's Backpages audio, 1977
First we hear from Frankie Valli: the process of his leaving the Seasons; his solo career and his chronic ear problem; the anonymity of the other members and Frankie's plans for post-Seasons life. Then we hear from Gerry Polci: being recruited into the band; singing lead on 'December '63 (Oh What A Night)'; making the Helicon album... and Bob Gaudio's role as writer and producer.
File format: mp3; file size: 41mb, interview length: 42' 44" sound quality: *****
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 1993
A brief history of Hollywood (the Fowley version); growing up in L.A., and growing up fast; getting into the music biz, and the calamity that was The Beatles. The King of the Hollyweird Night tells all.
File format: mp3; file size: 110.3mb, interview length: 1h 54' 55" sound quality: ***
Interview by Hank Bordowitz, Rock's Backpages audio, 10 October 1997
The former Concetta Rosa Maria Franconero talks about her many current releases — box sets, compilations and new albums; her dissatisfaction with the MGM box set Souvenirs; the changes in her voice; lyric writing; her affinity for country music and ‘Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool’; recording albums in different languages; her complicated relationship with her father, and his shooting her beau Bobby Darin; being raped after her return to the stage in 1974; going into seclusion and losing her voice; coming back after seven years; being a perfectionist in the studio, and being essentially self-produced; plus some of her favourite songs.
File format: mp3; file size: 33.2mb, interview length: 34' 32" sound quality: ****
Frankie Goes to Hollywood's Paul Rutherford (1988)
Interview by Simon Witter, Rock's Backpages audio, 19 October 1988
Rutherford talks about the end of Frankie and life after, his move into dance music and clubbing, and working with ABC.
File format: mp3; file size: 47.6mb, interview length: 52' 02" sound quality: ***
Interview by Daryl Easlea, Rock's Backpages audio, 2 September 2005
Over a back-stage buffet in Iceland, the band talk about going from the NME tour to playing the Grammies; their new album You Could Have It So Much Better; their fans, and the music’s universal appeal; the importance of singles, and the song ‘Walk Away’; the creation of the band’s image and record artwork; their relationship with their label Domino; the band’s name; the way each member plays; the band’s internal relationships and ambitions; how they work together in the studio and on stage, and how they see their individual futures.
File format: mp3; file size: 87.3mb, interview length: 1h 30' 56" sound quality: *** (background noise)
Interview by Mat Snow, Rock's Backpages audio, March 1991
The British Blues-rock bass wunderkind talks about joining John Mayall at 15, then of his years with the fabulous Free, including the writing of the iconic 'All Right Now', and Paul Kossoff's descent into drugs.
File format: mp3; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 42.8meg, total interview length: 54' 35" sound quality: ***
Interview by Ian Ravendale, Rock's Backpages audio, June 1982
The always interesting art-rocker on Frippertronics and the artist/audience dynamic; his work with other artists (Gabriel, Bowie, Daryl Hall); on production, his Exposure album... and disco!
File format: mp3; file size: 17.1mb, interview length: 18' 39" sound quality: *****
Interview by Amy Linden, Rock's Backpages audio, 26 April 1996
Wyclef Jean, Lauryn Hill and Pras Michel discuss the limitations of debut album Blunted on Reality and the frustrations of working with a production company; their new album The Score and gaining more control, performing in the ghetto; the combination of the three and the "gimmick" of Lauryn’s beauty; how they met and evolved; the overnight success of The Score and their love for what they do; the relationships within the group; Wyclef’s beef with Vibe magazine and the media's perception of them; Wyclef’s Haitian roots; the hit cover of Roberta Flack's ‘Killing Me Softly’ and Lauryn’s roots in song; her family background and the band's future plans.
File format: mp3; file size: 51mb, interview length: 53' 06" sound quality: ***
The Fugees, Wyclef Jean: Wyclef Jean (2002)
Interview by Gavin Martin, Rock's Backpages audio, August 2002
From the Fugees to Tom Jones, Haiti's very own Wyclef Jean talks hip hop, crack vs. music, martial arts and Cab Calloway
File format: mp3 File size: 26.4mb Interview length: 28' 50" Sound quality: ****
The Fugs, Ed Sanders: Ed Sanders (1996)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 30 August 1996
Ed Sanders – Fug, poet, agitator and all round rebel-about-town talks about his life from the early '60s Lower East Side Bohemia to the late '60s LA of Charlie Manson
File format: mp3; file size: 50.7meg, interview length: 52' 48" sound quality: ****
Interview by Mick Gold, Rock's Backpages audio, 21 January 1981
On the back of his breakthrough solo hit single 'Games Without Frontiers', Gabriel talks about making Peter Gabriel 3, drum machines and technology, the influence of African music, the death of John Lennon and his take on punk, the Pistols and PiL.
File format: mp3; file size: 59.4mb, interview length: 1h 04' 53" sound quality: **
Interview by Adam Sweeting, Rock's Backpages audio, 27 July 1992
Gabriel talks about his Real World studios and record label and its association with WOMAD; his recording methods and his new album Us; being in therapy, his marriage breakup, and his children... and Rosanna Arquette; his early love of soul, and seeing Otis Redding; surviving punk; his dislike of the "World music" tag, and records soundtracks for films such as The Last Temptation of Christ.
File format: mp3; file size: 90.6mb, interview length: 1h 34' 21" sound quality: ** (wind and trains)
Interview by Mark Sinker, Rock's Backpages audio, Fall 1988
La Galás talks about the impact of the AIDS crisis on her work; her latest album You Must Be Certain Of The Devil; the motivation for her work; how it informs the format of her current show; her concern for mortality. She also talks about her voice, on training it to become "the perfect machine"; her admiration for Gore Vidal; her fear of plane crashes; English free improvisers like Derek Bailey and Evan Parker; on San Diego and Berlin, and a whole lot more.
File format: mp3; file size: 130.8mb, interview length: 2h 16' 15" sound quality: *** (background noise)
Interview by Cliff White, Rock's Backpages audio, 9 December 1978
The late Irish blues-rocker talks about the struggles involved in recording Photo-Finish; about breaking his thumb and getting a new drummer; about the recording process; about stagecraft and songwriting; about his admiration for Bo Diddley and his experience in the studio with Jerry Lee Lewis.
File format: mp3; file size: 32.6mb, interview length: 33' 54" sound quality: ****
Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff (2005)
Interview by David Nathan, Rock's Backpages audio, 2005
The making of The Sound of Philadelphia: Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff on the Philadelphia International label, and working with the diverse likes of Wilson Pickett, Dusty Springfield, Jerry Butler and Laura Nyro.
File format: mp3; file size: 31.5mb; Interview length: 24' 24"; sound quality: ***
Jerry Garcia, Grateful Dead: The Grateful Dead's Jerry Garcia (1969)
Interview by Michael Lydon, Rock's Backpages audio, May 1969
Recorded during the Dead's 1969 peak, Garcia looks back to the early days of the Warlocks, the Acid Tests, goes through the albums to date (including the soon-to-be-released Live/Dead) and expounds on the music.
File format: mp3; file size: 57.6mb, interview length: 1h 02' 57" sound quality: ****
Interview by Chris Smith, Rock's Backpages audio, 4 September 1999
Ms. Gauthier talks about her road from a tricky childhood, via addiction and alcoholism, to her place as a songwriter: ambition vs. self-destruction; her community of outsiders; the meaning of truth; her move to Boston and running restaurants; doing her first open-mic nights, and all about songwriting.
File format: mp3; file size: 30.9mb, interview length: 32' 11" sound quality: ***
Interview by Cliff White, Rock's Backpages audio, 28 September 1976
The Motown great on touring and performing; on the new I Want You and interviewer Cliff White's bad review of it; on his older material, and the difference between English and American audiences; on the meaning of life and death... and his fear of flying and spiders. Read a transcript of Cliff's interview.
File format: mp3; file size: 36.8mb, interview length: 38' 20" sound quality: ****
Marvin Gaye, The Supremes, Mary Wilson: Mary Wilson (1977)
Interview by Cliff White, Rock's Backpages audio, June 1977
With interjections from two-year-old daughter Turkessa, Mary and her husband/manager Pedro Ferrer talk about the future of the group she has just left, the Supremes; how she left them and why; the unfulfilled plans to have Marvin Gaye produce her solo album; her pregnancy; meeting Florence Ballard as a child; the prospect of performing as a solo artist; the kind of material she is looking for and her enjoyment of “mature” songs; and whether or not she stays on Motown.
File format: mp3; file size: 33.7mb, interview length: 35' 06" sound quality: ***
Generation X, Billy Idol: Generation X's Billy Idol (1978)
Interview by Howie Klein, Rock's Backpages audio, May 1978
The Generation X frontman talks about the evolution and nature of the band, and extemporises about the nature of punk rock and the power of rock'n'roll.
File format: mp3; file size: 46.6mb, interview length: 50' 54" sound quality: ***
Interview by Johnny Black, Rock's Backpages audio, September 2000
Follow You, Follow Me: Johnny Black hears from Phil Collins, Mike Rutherford and Tony Banks about Phil's joining, becoming front man, and his departure.
File format: mp3; in 4 parts, total file sizes: 81.3mb, total interview length: 1h 17' 44" sound quality: ****
Lowell George, Van Dyke Parks: Van Dyke Parks (1973)
Interview by John Tobler, Rock's Backpages audio, 9 November 1973
The great man talks about many things, including his Southern roots; Los Angeles and the California experience; acting in TV and movies as kid; his early music experiences in LA; surfing, and the Beach Boys; his first album Song Cycle; Randy Newman, Ry Cooder, Lenny Waronker, and the whole Warner Bros. Records scene; Brian Wilson, and what happened to Smile; his Discover America, and the associated lawsuit, and writing songs with Lowell George (who makes an appearance)...
File format: mp3; file size: 152.2mb, interview length: 2h 38' 33" sound quality: ****
David Gilmour, Pink Floyd: David Gilmour (2002)
Interview by Daryl Easlea, Rock's Backpages audio, September 2002
The former Floyd man talks about his DVD, David Gilmour in Concert; the musicians he works with; his first band Jokers Wild; Spain, France and London in 1966; Syd Barrett; his joining Pink Floyd; the on-the-road evolution of Dark Side of the Moon; what is and isn't in the archives, and the Live at Pompeii movie; his post-Floyd session work; his disinterest in restarting the Floyd; the troubled making of The Final Cut and the break with Roger Waters.
File format: mp3; file size: 74.3mb, total interview length: 1h 17' 22" sound quality: **½
David Gilmour, Pink Floyd: Pink Floyd's Dave Gilmour (1990)
Interview by Mat Snow, Rock's Backpages audio, August 1990
The Floyd's axe-man looks back at the making of the first post-Waters Floyd album, A Momentary Lapse Of Reason, taking the album on tour, Rick Wright's position in the band, and the ongoing grief with Roger Waters.
File format: mp3; file size: 94.6mb, interview length: 1h 43' 13" sound quality: **½
David Gilmour, Pink Floyd: Pink Floyd's Dave Gilmour (1995)
Interview by Karl Dallas, Rock's Backpages audio, 19 May 1995
The Floyd guitarist talks about family life; playing guitar; the state of the band; making the live album and video; working with Storm Thorgerson, and political and social issues in his life and songs.
File format: mp3; file size: 40.5mb, interview length: 44' 14" sound quality: ****
The Go-Betweens' Robert Forster (1988)
Interview by Martin Aston, Rock's Backpages audio, March 1988
The Go-Betweens' co-frontman talks about the band's return to their native Australia: the contrasts between London and Sydney or Brisbane; the lack of a particularly Australian music; his dislike of the London Soho/The Face mafia, and having had enough "edge"; the new album 16 Lovers Lane; the Australian fear of indulgence and artiness, and thinking of hemispheres rather than nations.
File format: mp3; file size: 67.7mb, interview length: 1h 10' 29" sound quality: ***
The Go-Betweens, Jack Frost, Grant McLennan: Grant McLennan (1995)
Interview by Ned Raggett, Rock's Backpages audio, 1995
McLennan talks about his latest album Horsebreaker Star and his cover version of the Byrds' ‘Ballad of Easy Rider’; his series of solo albums from Watershed on, and what they're about; working with singer Syd Straw and producer John Keane; his interest in country music; the Jack Frost album he made with Steve Kilbey and their forthcoming Snow Job; new projects with fellow ex-Go-Between Robert Forster and the reissues of their albums... and the continuing interest in the band.
File format: mp3; file size: 21.7mb, interview length: 22' 32" sound quality: ** (phoner)
The Go-Go's' Charlotte Caffey (1986)
Interview by Gerrie Lim, Rock's Backpages audio, 30 July 1986
The former Go-Go talks about the breakup of the band; about writing for and touring with the newly-solo Belinda Carlisle; about changes in her lifestyle in her 30s; and about how she was influenced by Debbie Harry and in turn influenced new women in pop. Plus she discovers that Belinda's solo album is in the Billboard charts with three bullets...
File format: mp3; file size: 30.4mb, interview length: 31' 39" sound quality: ***
Interview by Ira Robbins, Rock's Backpages audio, June 1994
Ms. Gore talks about her current live show, including her old hits, and the musicians she works with; being part of pop music as a teenager; how she was discovered, and being produced by Quincy Jones; 'It’s My Party’ followed by ‘Judy’s Turn To Cry’; the power of ’You Don’t Own Me’; what handclaps lend to a song, and Bob Crewe stamping his feet; the fear of performing in the early days; going to college at height of her success; beating Phil Spector to ‘It’s My Party’, and not changing her name.
File format: mp3; file size: 29.5mb, interview length: 30' 42" sound quality: ***
Grand Funk Railroad's Don Brewer (2004)
Interview by Carl Wiser, Songfacts, 2004
Grand Funk sticksman Don Brewer talks about mega-hit 'We're An American Band', choosing cover versions, and being produced by Todd Rundgren and Frank Zappa.
File format: mp3; file size: 10.2mb, interview length: 22' 11" sound quality: * (phoner)
Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five: Grandmaster Flash (2009)
Interview by Andrew Purcell, Rock's Backpages audio, 2009
Flash talks about his latest album The Bridge, but then takes us back to the Bronx in the mid-'70s, his technical innovations, experiences with Sugar Hill records, and his addiction and the lost years.
File format: mp3; file size: 61.8mb, interview length: 1h 07' 31" sound quality: ****
Interview by Bill Brewster, Frank Broughton, Rock's Backpages audio, 2 October 1998
The pioneering hip hop DJ talks about his early days, acting as Grandmaster Flash's record boy; playing his first party in 1975 with the L Brothers; inventing needle drops and scratching; the emergence of the rapping MC; the move downtown and out into the wider world, and the pleasures of touring Japan!
File format: mp3; file size: 71.7mb, interview length: 1h 14' 41" sound quality: ****
Grateful Dead, New Riders of the Purple Sage: The Grateful Dead (and the New Riders) (1970)
Interview by Ted Alvy, Rock's Backpages audio, 27 December 1970
Jerry Garcia and Bob Weir from the Dead, plus New Riders David Nelson and Marmaduke, talk about Workingman's Dead and the birth of the New Riders of the Purple Sage, while DJ Ted Alvy spins tunes and tries to keep order. Originally broadcast on KPPC-FM Pasadena in December 1970.
File format: mp3 File size: 57.8mb Interview length: 1h 00' 43" Sound quality: ****
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, September 1985
"I never did feel like a soul singer": from his youth in Texas to Nashville success, Dobie Gray talks about his crossover from R&B to country.
File format: mp3; file size: 46mb, total interview length: 47' 54" sound quality: ****
The Great Society, Jefferson Airplane, Grace Slick: Grace Slick (1976)
Interview by Jim Esposito, Rock's Backpages audio, 1976
Interviewed at the Airplane house in San Francisco, the chanteuse of psychedelia rambles in splendid style on her early days in the Great Society, writing White Rabbit, drugs and drink and much more.
File format: mp3; file size: 77.2mb, total interview length: 1h 24' 21" sound quality: ***
Interview by Simon Witter, Rock's Backpages audio, 1 May 1988
Interviewed at the Hyatt Regency in New Orleans after a storming performance at the Jazz & Heritage Festival, the Rev. ruminates on the conflict between the spiritual and the secular, his own return to the church, and the two Al Greens. Read a transcript of this interview.
File format: mp3; file size: 35.4mb; Interview length: 38' 39"; sound quality: ***
Interview by Amy Linden, Rock's Backpages audio, 12 October 1995
After explaining why his previous album Don’t Look Back wasn't released in America, Al talks about his new one, You’re Heart’s In Good Hands, his first secular record in 15 years; and about working with Fine Young Cannibals; being inducted in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame; the old Hi Records backing band... and how Willie Mitchell changed the way he sang.
File format: mp3; file size: 32.8mb, interview length: 34' 08" sound quality: ***
Interview by Roy Trakin, Rock's Backpages audio, 9 August 1995
The young pups of punk nouveau phone in about their humungous success, vast wealth, and what it means to be a punk, twenty years after the fact.
File format: mp3 File size: 33.3mb Interview length: 36 minutes 24 seconds Sound quality: **
Interview by Andy Gill, Rock's Backpages audio, October 2003
The Radiohead axeman discusses writing and recording the soundtrack to Simon Pummell's Bodysong: the way he used tape to record it; the musicians he collaborated with, including jazzman Gerard Presencer; the process of working to pictures and the arcane instruments he used, including the Ondes Martenot. Along the way he talks about playing Viola, and about being colourblind.
File format: mp3; file size: 48.1mb, interview length: 50' 09" sound quality: ****
The Groundhogs' Tony McPhee (1997)
Interview by John Tobler, Rock's Backpages audio, 1997
McPhee takes us back to the early days, turning down a gig with John Mayall's Bluesbreakers when Clapton left; his various bands between Groundhogs #1 and reviving the band; the early albums: Scratching the Surface and Blues Obituary; breakthrough album Thank Christ for the Bomb; the mental issues behind Split; subsequent albums, the sacking of drummer Ken Pustelnik, and his path to the present day.
File format: mp3; file size: 72.9mb, interview length: 1h 15' 57" sound quality: *****
The GTOs: Pamela Des Barres (1993)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 1993
The Girl Together Outrageously looks back with fondness at her time as L.A.'s Queen of the Groupies: the people — Captain Beefheart, Zappa, Gram Parsons, Lowell George, Led Zep; the scenes from the '60s Sunset Strip to Rodney's English Disco, and the transition from free love to corruption and abuse.
File format: mp3 File size: 60.3mb Interview length: 1h 05' 53" seconds Sound quality: ***
The Gun Club: Gun Club's Jeffrey Lee Pierce (1983)
Interview by Simon Witter, Rock's Backpages audio, 28 April 1983
The Gun Club head honcho talks about the revolving door band membership, the Death Party EP and more, accompanied by yawns, drumming of fingers and spinning coins on the table.
File format: mp3; file size: 23.2mb, interview length: 25' 19" sound quality: ***
The Gun Club's Jeffrey Lee Pierce and Jim Duckworth (1983)
Interview by John Tobler, Rock's Backpages audio, 18 April 1983
Jeffrey Lee Pierce talks about writing for Slash magazine; tells possible lies about his "Texas upbringing"; forming the band in Los Angeles; on people like Phast Phreddie Patterson, Alex Chilton, and the Panther Burns; running the Blondie fan club; Geoff Travis editing Duckworth off the Panther Burns album; why the band keeps changing personel; bass player Patricia Morrison, and on being produced by Chris Stein.
File format: mp3; total file size: 29.2mb, total interview length: 30' 22" sound quality: *****
Interview by Karl Dallas, Rock's Backpages audio, 22 August 2010
Arlo talks about songwriting and the folk tradition; his memories of his father, Woody Guthrie; on guitar playing; music and politics, and his family's history of Huntington's chorea.
File format: mp3; file size: 55.7mb, interview length: 1h 00' 47" sound quality: ****
Woody Guthrie: Nora Guthrie on her father Woody (1999)
Interview by Chris Smith, Rock's Backpages audio, 15 January 1999
Nora Guthrie talks about setting up the Woody Guthrie archive: discovering, preserving and cataloging old paperwork; the involvement of archivist Jorge Arevalo; setting up the travelling exhibit with the Smithsonian; taking it to Woody's home state of Oklahoma; the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame tribute concert, tribute albums by other artists, and putting Woody into a present day context with the help of artists like Billy Bragg.
File format: mp3; file size: 52mb, interview length: 54' 11" sound quality: ***
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, May 2015
The Hag tells all about signing to Capitol Records: producer Ken Nelson; the Bakersfield Sound; Glen Campbell... and having the Rat Pack as fans.
File format: mp3; file size: 17.2mb, interview length: 18' 44" sound quality: ** (phoner)
Daryl Hall & John Oates, Daryl Hall: Daryl Hall (1993)
Interview by Paul Zollo, Rock's Backpages audio, 7 September 1993
The blonde half of Hall & Oates on his Soul Alone album; the influence of Philly soul, and Thom Bell in particular; writing songs with John Oates; his Sacred Songs album with Robert Fripp, and on such songs as 'Everytime You Go Away' and 'She's Gone'.
File format: mp3; file size: 61.8mb, interview length: 33' 45" sound quality: ***
Daryl Hall & John Oates, Daryl Hall: Hall & Oates (1990)
Interview by Martin Aston, Rock's Backpages audio, September 1990
The dynamic duo talk about how there are no major points of contention between them; their new album Change of Season; their ex-manager Tommy Mottola; leaving NYC, the change of lifestyle, and moving away from urban dance music; their dislike of Beauty On A Back Street; Daryl working with Dave Stewart and Robert Fripp; the bad moves they've made; the homoerotic Daryl Hall & John Oates sleeve, and not getting into modern dance music.
File format: mp3; file size: 63.3mb, interview length: 1h 05' 57" sound quality: ***
Interview by Steve Roeser, Rock's Backpages audio, July 1983
The hard-swinging vibraphonist takes us back to the '30s LA club scene, taking up vibes, joining Benny Goodman and discovering Dinah Washington.
File format: mp3; file size: 29mb, interview length: 31' 39" sound quality: ***
Interview by Andrew Purcell, Rock's Backpages audio, November 2008
The piano great on the great '63 Miles Davis Quintet, band democracy, Buddhism, commercialism and much more.
File format: mp3; file size: 52.1mb, interview length: 56' 55" sound quality: *****
Interview by James Johnson, Rock's Backpages audio, Spring 1972
The vibrato in his body, the band in his head and the drugs in his veins: the legendary singer-songwriter in revealing, if somewhat dazed conversation.
File format: mp3; file size: 29mb, interview length: 31' 37" sound quality: ****
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, December 2012
Ms Harris talks about her latest album (a collaboration with old associate Rodney Crowell) Old Yellow Moon; looks at how she fits into the current country/folk/Americana scene, and looks back at length at her early years and her work with the legendary Gram Parsons.
File format: mp3; file size: 25.5mb, interview length: 55' 45" sound quality: * (phoner)
Emmylou Harris, Lyle Lovett, Gram Parsons: Emmylou Harris (1987)
Interview by Adam Sweeting, Rock's Backpages audio, 17 April 1987
The country-rock queen discusses the Trio album she recorded with Linda Ronstadt and Dolly Parton; her Thirteen album and her cover of Bruce Springsteen’s ‘My Father’s House’; thinking of herself as a country artist but being more than that; the impact of working with Gram Parsons and her semi-autobiographical album The Ballad of Sally Rose's; the great musicians she's surrounded herself with, including Ricky Skaggs and Rodney Crowell; the new country artists she admires and her working with Lyle Lovett; the state of country today; not being a member of the Grand Ole Opry; and her marriage to fellow songwriter Paul Kennerley.
File format: mp3; file size: 31.1mb, interview length: 32' 24" sound quality: ****
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 14 April 2004
Peej on making Uh Huh Her, songwriting, minimalism, her rock'n'roll bohemian upbringing, working with Marianne Faithfull and meeting Kurt Cobain
File format: mp3; file size: 53.9mb, interview length: 58' 49" sound quality: ***
Interview by Ira Robbins, Rock's Backpages audio, 10 July 1992
The ex-Blake Baby talks about breaking up that band; her first solo album Hey Babe; her relationship with the Lemonheads; her songwriting and confessional lyrics; her plans for her next album, and on the impact of Nirvana.
File format: mp3; file size: 34mb, interview length: 35' 24" sound quality: ****
Interview by Paul Zollo, Rock's Backpages audio, 4 June 1993
Mr. Havens talks about the return of '60s "message music"; at length about his appearance at Woodstock; Greenwich Village and Albert Grossman; his guitar style, and being an interpreter of Dylan, the Beatles... and Judy Henske.
File format: mp3; file size: 29.6mb, interview length: 32' 21" sound quality: ****
Interview by Holger Petersen, Rock's Backpages audio, 28 June 2014
The veteran rocker talks about his Arkansas childhood; putting together his first Hawks; racism in the south; his friendship with Bo Diddley; recording with Henry Glover, and 'Who Do You Love'; on Hawks Robbie Robertson and Rick Danko; Morris Levy and Roulette Records; The Last Waltz; pulling a gun in defense of Jerry Lee Lewis, and a selection of tales from the road.
File format: mp3; file size: 46.8mb, interview length: 48' 44" sound quality: *****
Interview by Maureen Paton, Rock's Backpages audio, 13 October 2006
On a taxi ride to Monsal Head in the Peak District National Park, Hawley talks about his style; the enchanted lyre and other obscure instruments; his singing voice; his Sheffield home and background, his family, and not wanting the rock star lifestyle; becoming a songwriter; being born with a cleft palate and hair lip, and learning to sing from his mother.
File format: mp3; file size: 44.4mb, interview length: 46' 14" sound quality: *** (background noise)
Interview by Ira Robbins, Rock's Backpages audio, 6 May 1995
Hayes talks about "Skip" Pitts, who played wah-wah guitar on 'Theme from Shaft'; about how modern R&B has become too explicit and how it was more subtle in his day; about his film and TV work, including In Living Color; about the day he shaved off his hair in 1964, and how he pretended to be Booker T. Jones; about moving back to Memphis from Atlanta; about his roots in the southern Baptist church and how he become a Scientologist.
File format: mp3; file size: 29.2mb, interview length: 30' 28" sound quality: ***
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 25 January 1999
From Arizona and Duane Eddy to L.A. and Nancy Sinatra: three hours of yarns and reminiscences from the irascible Lee Hazlewood
File format: mp3; file size: 178.4meg, total interview length: 3h 5' 50" sound quality: ***
Michael Head, The Pale Fountains, Shack: Shack (2006)
Interview by Gavin Martin, Rock's Backpages audio, May 2006
John Head talks about the brothers' childhood; borrowing his dad's guitar, the family being musical, and their mother's death. Mick Head talks about becoming a musician and forming the Pale Fountains; signing to Virgin, John joining the band; moving to London and the end of the Pale Fountains. Mick talks about his heroin habit and being a songwriter. They talk about returning to Liverpool and starting Shack; the albums Zilch and Waterpistol; backing Love's Arthur Lee; kicking heroin and recording H.M.S. Fable; the new album ... the Corner of Miles and Gil; getting his teeth knocked out, and signing to Noel Gallagher's label.
File format: mp3; file size: 92.4mb, interview length: 1h 36' 13" sound quality: ** (background noise)
Interview by Adam Blake, Rock's Backpages audio, 1 September 1988
Martyn Ware does most of the talking about Heaven 17's new album Teddy Bear, Duke & Psycho: about the process of recording and their use of samples; their attempts to recreate a '60s R&B sound; the problems with marketing themselves; their the European view of art; their influences; Frank Zappa and associated artists; the current appalling state of pop, especially Stock Aitken Waterman, and their dislike of hip hop and House...
File format: mp3; file size: 29.4mb, interview length: 30' 36" sound quality: ***
Interview by Steve Roeser, Rock's Backpages audio, Spring 2001
Tenor-man Heckstall-Smith takes us on a trip through the Brit blues boom with Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker, Alexis Korner, Graham Bond and Cyril Davis, through to Colosseum.
File format: mp3; file size: 38.7mb, interview length: 42' 18" sound quality: * (phoner)
Interview by Richard Cabut, Rock's Backpages audio, 23 June 2005
The former Voidoid talks at length about his latest novel, Godlike: the provocative nature of the material; the politics of identity and political correctness, poetry. He also reflects on his '70s self; why he left music, and how his new compilation CD, Spurts: the Richard Hell Story, draws a line under his life as a musician.
File format: mp3; file size: 43.2mb, interview length: 47' 13" sound quality: ** (phoner)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, September 2009
Together with his co-conspiritor Larry Campbell, the great Band drummer looks back over his recent solo activities, the people he works with, and his unique take on American music.
File format: mp3; file size: 31.5mb, interview length: 34' 27" sound quality: ****
Jimi Hendrix: David Stubbs and Mark Pringle: Hendrix's Ladyland at 50 (2018)
Interview by Mark Pringle, David Stubbs, Rock's Backpages audio, 28 September 2018
The greatest rock album ever made? David Stubbs and Mark Pringle believe so and tell you why, track-by-track. Plus a conversation about Jimi's post-Ladyland career and a spot of idle speculation about what he might have done had he lived.
File format: mp3; file size: 88.3mb, interview length: 1h 31' 58" sound quality: *****
Interview by Keith Altham, Rock's Backpages audio, 11 September 1970
In the last interview Hendrix did, a week before his death, he talks poignantly about his plans for the future, and looks back at his past.
File format: mp3 File size: 28.6mb Interview length: 31 minutes 17 seconds Sound quality: ****
Nona Hendryx, Labelle: LaBelle's Nona Hendryx (1979)
Interview by Ian Ravendale, Rock's Backpages audio, 1979
Ms Hendryx looks back at the formation, encouraged by Vicki Wickham, of LaBelle from the ashes of the Bluebelles; their new image, stage show, and groove. She also talks about going solo and her first album.
File format: mp3; file size: 9mb, interview length: 19' 42" sound quality: *****
Dan Hicks and His Hot Licks: Dan Hicks (2010)
Interview by Holger Petersen, Rock's Backpages audio, 11 July 2010
The head Hot Lick talks about his early jazz and country influences; the impact of the Jim Kweskin Jug Band, and his continuing association with Maria Muldaur; the importance of humour in his songs, and looks back at San Francisco in the '60s: the folk rock explosion, the eclectic ballroom bills, and his days as a Charlatan.
File format: mp3; file size: 29.5mb, interview length: 30' 42" sound quality: *****
Interview by uncredited writer, Rock's Backpages audio, 9 May 2013
Robyn Hitchcock and Scritti's Green Gartside, aided by ringmaster Mark Ellen, discuss and play excerpts from the Incredible String Band's The Hangman's Beautiful Daughter. Recorded in 2013 at the RBP Album Club at the Idler Academy in London.
File format: mp3; file size: 79.9mb, interview length: 1h 27' 15" sound quality: ****
Interview by David Nathan, SoulMusic.com, 2 March 2011
The Dream Girls star on her relocation to Atlanta, AIDS awareness, the reissue of her I'm On Your Side album and her breakthrough single, 'And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going'.
File format: mp3; file size: 58.7mb, interview length: 1h 04' 04" sound quality: * (phoner)
Interview by Cliff White, Rock's Backpages audio, January 1978
The disco diva on her forthcoming Queen of the Night album; on singing ballads and dance tracks; on how she works a crowd; on her gospel background and playing clubs with the Mighty Clouds of Joy... and how difficult she found the transition from gospel to secular music.
File format: mp3; file size: 22.4mb, interview length: 23' 21" sound quality: ***
Interview by Roy Trakin, Rock's Backpages audio, 7 July 1988
An avuncular (if occasionally inaudible) John Lee talks about making The Healer, doing Iron Man with Pete Townshend, his roots, and the state of the world today
File format: mp3 File size: 24.9mb Interview length: 27 minutes 12 seconds Sound quality: ***
Interview by Tony Scherman, Rock's Backpages audio, 1992
The blues veteran talks about his roots outside Clarksdale, Mississippi; the influence of his stepfather Will Moore; how his style evolved into the "boogie" rhythm; his memories of B.B. King, Howlin’ Wolf, and Sonny Boy Williamson; his first big hit 'Boogie Chillen’; hanging out with Bob Dylan in early ’60s New York; his latest album Mr. Lucky and his experiences in the studio; covering ‘I'm in the Mood’ with Bonnie Raitt; his friendship with Van Morrison... and what he's up to next.
File format: mp3; file size: 46.1mb, interview length: 47' 59" sound quality: ** (phoner)
Hot Chocolate's Errol Brown (1975)
Interview by John Tobler, Rock's Backpages audio, 16 December 1975
The Hot Chocolate frontman/songwriter talks about the good year the band have just had: about never being certain of hits and having no fixed following; working without management support; not rushing to go on the road; singles vs. albums; producer Mickie Most; being an integrated band; not being a soul act per se... and why he shaves his head!
File format: mp3; file size: 32.9mb, interview length: 34' 15" sound quality: ***
Hot Tuna, Jefferson Airplane: Jefferson Airplane's Jack Casady (1984)
Interview by Gene Sculatti, Davin Seay, Rock's Backpages audio, 1984
The Airplane bassist talks about the bands he had been in; meeting Jorma Kaukonen and joining the Airplane; the democratic band set-up; venues like the Longshoreman’s Hall and the emergence of hippies; the Acid Tests and the Warlocks; recruiting Grace Slick from the Great Society; the band's RCA contract and large advance; recording Surrealistic Pillow; ‘White Rabbit’; playing Monterey Pop; the band's vocal blend; the end of the band; forming Hot Tuna; how he developed his bass style, and playing Erma Franklin’s ‘Piece Of My Heart’ to Big Brother.
File format: mp3; file size: 53.3mb, interview length: 55' 30" sound quality: ****
How To Destroy Angels, Nine Inch Nails, Trent Reznor: Trent Reznor (2012)
Interview by Ned Raggett, Rock's Backpages audio, November 2012
Taking a break from Nine Inch Nails, Reznor talks about his How To Destroy Angels project: making their An Omen EP_ ; how he, Atticus Ross and Mariqueen Maandig work together; how the songs are constructed and recorded; how he manages his different projects, and how he’s kept evolving as an artist.
File format: mp3; file size: 26.2mb, interview length: 27' 15" sound quality: ** (phoner)
David Hudson, Ann Peebles: Ann Peebles and David Hudson (1989)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 28 October 1989
Accompanied by fellow R&B singer David Hudson, the Memphis belle talks about producer Willie Mitchell; her roots in gospel and R&B; 'I Can't Stand the Rain'... and the John Lennon Kotex incident at the Troubadour!
File format: mp3; file size: 26.2mb, interview length: 28' 35" sound quality: ***
Interview by Charles Bermant, Rock's Backpages audio, 23 August 2011
Bonkers expositions on jump blues, big band tenor players, Dylan and more, via praising fuzz-tone guitar and Tony Iommi, with regular tellings-off from wife Maud.
File format: mp3; file size: 26.7mb, interview length: 29' 09" sound quality: * (phoner)
Humble Pie, Steve Marriott, The Small Faces: Steve Marriott (1974)
Interview by Jim Esposito, Rock's Backpages audio, February 1974
The Pieman tells some splendid road stories; talks about recording their latest, Thunderbox; looks back at his schooldays and the Small Faces, and talks about his immediate plans.
File format: mp3; file size: 25.6mb, interview length: 27' 56" sound quality: ***
Interview by Maureen Paton, Rock's Backpages audio, 17 November 2017
The former Arnold George Dorsey talks about his voice; his rivavlry with Tom Jones; his new album The Man I Want to Be, and its dedication to his wife, Patricia, and her struggle with Alzheimer's; riding his Harley down the PCH; doing Bruno Mars and Ed Sheeran songs; his chilren, and duetting with his granddaughter; his signature song 'Release Me', and his wish to have duetted with Elvis.
File format: mp3; file size: 30.4mb, interview length: 31' 38" sound quality: ****
Chrissie Hynde, The Pretenders: The Pretenders' Chrissie Hynde (1986)
Interview by Mat Snow, Rock's Backpages audio, October 1986
The Pretenders' frontwoman opines on everything from animal rights to capital punishment. She also talks about music once or twice.
File format: mp3; file size: 84.7mb, interview length: 1h 32' 30" sound quality: ***
Chrissie Hynde, The Pretenders: The Pretenders' Chrissie Hynde (2010)
Interview by Paul Zollo, Rock's Backpages audio, 22 January 2010
The Pretenders frontwoman on songwriting and songs; being a band member, and an extended exposition on her vegetarianism and the brutality of the meat business.
File format: mp3; file size: 70.8mb, interview length: 1h 17' 22" sound quality: *** (phoner)
Interview by Mat Snow, Rock's Backpages audio, 1990
A press conference in which our William chats about the Oliver Stone Doors movie, breaking his leg, becoming a father and much more. Some of the questions are clipped, inaudible or missing entirely, but the answers make up for it!
File format: mp3; file size: 26.1mb; Interview length: 28' 33"; sound quality: **
Imagination's Leee John (1987)
Interview by Mat Snow, Rock's Backpages audio, 1987
The triple-e'd front man talks about UK v US producers; his band's theatricality and image; his hatred of Apartheid; hanging out with royalty, and finds time to peddle a selection of AIDS myths.
File format: mp3; file size: 54.2mb, interview length: 59' 13" sound quality: ***
Interview by Mat Snow, Rock's Backpages audio, 1992
From stately homes in Essex to luxury pads in Florida, various members of the Maiden talk about their lives off the road: playing football; drinking real ale, and whether or not they miss their (mostly) London roots.
File format: mp3; file size: 49.2mb, interview length: 51' 14" sound quality: ***
Iron Maiden's Bruce Dickinson (1988)
Interview by Simon Witter, Rock's Backpages audio, 6 March 1988
The ever-articulate Maiden frontman talks about his early influences, his cynicism towards the rock'n'roll lifestyle, songwriting, the cathartic qualities of heavy metal and...fencing!
File format: mp3; file size: 51.4mb, interview length: 56' 10" sound quality: ***
Interview by John Tobler, Rock's Backpages audio, April 1987
Pre-'Wicked Game', the proto-Americana icon talks about the process of recording; the current state of Jerry Lee Lewis, and his love of vintage rock'n'roll; working as a longshoreman; starting to play, and learning country from his brother; getting his band together; doing videos, and developing his raps; Gene Vincent and Bill Haley; meeting producer and manager Erik Jacobsen; his desire for hit records, and to get into films.
File format: mp3; total file size: 42.6mb, total interview length: 44' 25" sound quality: ****
Interview by Joel Selvin, Selvin On The City, KSAN 107.7, March 2005
The American icon, together with sidekick Kenney Dale Johnson, spins some favourites and sings a couple of tunes too!
File format: mp3 File size: 32.2mb Interview length: 35' 13"; Sound quality: *****
The Isley Brothers' Marvin Isley (1991)
Interview by Steve Roeser, Rock's Backpages audio, 1991
Second generation Isley Marvin looks back at his elder brothers' success in the late '50s, and the way he and brother Ernie and cousin Chris Jasper re-invigorated the band in the early '70s.
File format: mp3; file size: 83.8mb, interview length: 1h 31' 30" sound quality: ***
Interview by David Toop, Rock's Backpages audio, 20 April 1993
Ms. Jackson on her new album Janet., recorded with Jam & Lewis; her previous album Rhythm Nation; working with soprano Kathleen Battle and Public Enemy's Chuck D; the breadth of her audience; being produced by Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis; Sounds of Blackness; being brought up as a Jehovah’s Witness and her views of other religions; meeting Maya Angelou while making the film Poetic Justice with John Singleton... and how she looks back on her life and career.
File format: mp3; file size: 30mb, interview length: 31' 16" sound quality: ****
Interview by Ira Robbins, Rock's Backpages audio, 19 April 1989
The lanky singer-songwriter talks about his new Blaze of Glory album; songwriting and arranging; being in exile in NYC; film soundtracks and more.
File format: mp3; file size: 39.2mb, interview length: 42' 50" sound quality: ***
Interview by John Pidgeon, Rock's Backpages audio, January 1980
John Pidgeon, via a 13-year-old Janet, hears from the King of Pop about how he linked up with Motown, learned about the studio, how he sees his future and his defense of disco
File format: mp3; file size: 9.2mb; Interview length: 35' 32"; sound quality: ****
Interview by Ira Robbins, Rock's Backpages audio, 6 March 1985
The erstwhile Fujiyama Mama talks about combining singing rock'n'roll with her deeply held religious beliefs; considers cover versions of her hits, and recording her recent rockabilly album in Sweden!
File format: mp3; file size: 18mb, interview length: 19' 38" sound quality: * (phoner)
Mick Jagger, Living Colour, The Rolling Stones: Mick Jagger (1987)
Interview by Richard Cook, Rock's Backpages audio, Fall 1987
Promoting his new solo album Primitive Cool, Mick talks about why it took as long as it did to record; what the song ‘Primitive Cool’ is about, and on songwriting; his work ethic; the state of the Rolling Stones, and the value of stepping out from the band; how he views the band’s historic output; his response to criticism, the bad reviews of the Stones’ Dirty Work, and how his She’s the Boss was received; being a live performer; producing two tracks on Living Colour’s debut album; his travels, and his view of England in 1987; his unfinished autobiography, and Philip Norman’s book about the Stones.
File format: mp3; file size: 58.3mb, interview length: 1h 00' 45" sound quality: ***
Mick Jagger, The Rolling Stones: Mick Jagger (1973)
Interview by Keith Altham, Rock's Backpages audio, 26 July 1973
Ol' Rubber Lips on the reception afforded to Exile, the making of latest album Goat's Head Soup, what current music is or isn't turning him on, and the Stones' place in the scheme of things
File format: mp3 File size: 29.5mb Interview length: 32 minutes 13 seconds Sound quality: **
Interview by Cliff White, Rock's Backpages audio, 12 July 1978
Etta takes us from 'Roll With Me Henry' to the present day: Johnny Otis; Modern Records and the Biharis; the move to Chess Records and hitting with 'All I Could Do Was Cry'; the end of Chess and working with Rick Hall, and the almost complete absence of royalties in her hit-making days.
File format: mp3; file size: 73.1mb, interview length: 1h 16' 08" sound quality: ****
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 13 July 1989
Etta James tells Barney Hoskyns about her struggles with addiction, meeting Billie Holiday, making Seven Year Itch and staying contemporary.
File format: mp3 File size: 40.4mb; Interview length: 44 minutes 5 seconds Sound quality: **
Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis: Jimmy Jam (1990)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 3 September 1990
The Flyte Tyme production man talks about working with Alexander O'Neal and Janet Jackson; about his and Terry Lewis' production approach and methods, and lists some of his favourite producers.
File format: mp3; file size: 18.6mb, interview length: 20' 20" sound quality: ***
Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis: Terry Lewis (1992)
Interview by Steven Daly, Rock's Backpages audio, Fall 1992
Part One: Terry on setting up Jam & Lewis' Perspective label and producing Sounds of Blackness; what he and Jimmy ask of their acts; the duo's work ethic; looking back at The Time; on "attitude" records and revealing their artists' personalities; sustaining success and originality; race and the music business, and their role as producers. Part Two: Terry talks about producing his wife Karyn White; on what Prince and Madonna do which sets them apart; on Johnny Gill; on appealing to more than one age group; turning down established stars; on Ralph Tresvant and New Edition, and about the enduring talents of Janet Jackson.
File format: mp3; total file size: 52.4mb, total interview length: 54' 13" sound quality: ***
The Jam, The Style Council, Paul Weller: Paul Weller (2007)
Interview by Ira Robbins, Rock's Backpages audio, January 2007
The former Jam man discusses his current band, plus playing material from his back catalogue; his low commercial profile in America; relearning and singing his old songs; being an adult; the Englishness of his music; his fondness for Britpop; never being a punk; turning down a CBE and his disdain for the Royal Family.
File format: mp3; file size: 15.8mb, interview length: 16' 27" sound quality: ** (phoner)
Jan & Dean: Dean Torrence (1973)
Interview by John Tobler, Rock's Backpages audio, 12 November 1973
From high school in the late '50s to Kittyhawk Graphics in the '70s, Dean Torrence looks back at his partnership with Jan Berry: early hits such as 'Baby Talk'; being managed by Lou Adler, with Herb Alpert; the L.A. indie labels Dore and Challenge; the evolution of surf music, and collaborations with the Beach Boys from 'Surf City' to 'Barbara Ann'; surf boards, cars and fashions; Jan's accident, and going back to school to become a graphic designer; recording Brian Wilson's 'Vegetables', and the Legendary Masked Surfers album with Terry Melcher and Bruce Johnston.
File format: mp3; file size: 81mb, interview length: 1h 24' 22" sound quality: ****
Interview by Colin Harper, Rock's Backpages audio, 8 June 2000
The folk guitar wizard talks about being the subject of biography and documentary; the revival of interest in '60s folk; his most recent recordings and his upcoming planes.
File format: mp3; file size: 21.6mb, interview length: 23' 36" sound quality: ** (phoner)
Bert Jansch, Pentangle, John Renbourn: Pentangle's Jacqui McShee (1995)
Interview by John Tobler, Rock's Backpages audio, 1995
The Pentangle singer on her surname, roots, and musical background; her joining CND and her introduction to folk music; meeting Ralph McTell, Bert Jansch and John Renbourn; forming Pentangle with Renbourn and Jansch, plus jazzers Danny Thompson and Terry Cox; recording the theme music for BBC drama series Take Three Girls; the group becoming more traditional as time went on; playing the Isle of Wight festival and being manipulated by manager Jo Lustig; the break-up of the band; singing sitting down; forming the John Renbourn Band and the reformation of Pentangle.
File format: mp3; file size: 42.2mb, interview length: 43' 57" sound quality: ****
Interview by Frank Broughton, Rock's Backpages audio, 13 July 2000
The legendary DJ talks in depth about growing up black in London: the racism of the police; underground soundsystem culture, and blues parties. He goes on to recount the history of his Good Times soundsystem; the impact of visiting New York in the early '80s; the Notting Hill Carnival riot of '76, and his own involvement in Carnival from their first try as a soundsystem in '79 up until the present day, with digressions into the meaning of dance and DJ culture.
File format: mp3; file size: 91.4mb, interview length: 1h 35' 13" sound quality: ***
Jefferson Airplane, Jefferson Starship, Paul Kantner: Jefferson Airplane's Paul Kantner (1984)
Interview by Gene Sculatti, Davin Seay, Rock's Backpages audio, June 1984
Jefferson Airplane co-founder Kantner talks about being a folk singer at college and meeting other musicians who became part of the San Francisco scene; moving to the Bay Area in 1962, meeting Marty Balin and forming the Airplane; going electric, and getting noticed playing at the Matrix; acid keeping the business vultures at bay, and the whole psychedelic scene; signing to RCA; the personal dynamics of the band; singing with Signe Toly Anderson and then Grace Slick; starting to stretch out the songs; how the band eventually ended, and how the music business became corporate.
File format: mp3; file size: 28.9mb; Interview length: 30' 05"; sound quality: ***
Interview by Simon Witter, Rock's Backpages audio, 24 July 1986
The 'Move Your Body' man on the people and clubs that beget House music, the endless Trax Records rip-offs, and a definition of House itself.
File format: mp3; file size: 38.9mb; Interview length: 42' 30"; sound quality: ***
Interview by Frank Broughton, Rock's Backpages audio, 22 February 1999
The House music pioneer on the founding fathers of the music; DJs like Ron Hardy and Frankie Knuckles; the clubs — the Music Box, the Warehouse, the Power Plant; starting making tracks; key songs like 'I've Lost Control' and 'Move Your Body'; the Trax Records rip-offs, and Marshall's own definition of House.
File format: mp3; file size: 75.2mb, interview length: 1h 22' 08" sound quality: ****
Interview by Jim Esposito, Rock's Backpages audio, November 1974
Grace Slick and pals talk about getting the band together, recording Dragon Fly and being on the road, plus stuff about their individual musical histories.
File format: mp3; in 6 parts, total file sizes: 100.2mb, total interview length: 1h 49' 29" sound quality: ***
Interview by Jim Esposito, Rock's Backpages audio, November 1974
Grace Slick and pals talk about getting the band together, recording Dragon Fly and being on the road, plus stuff about their individual musical histories.
File format: mp3; in 6 parts, total file sizes: 100.2mb, total interview length: 1h 49' 29" sound quality: ***
The Jesus & Mary Chain's Jim Reid (1986)
Interview by Ira Robbins, Rock's Backpages audio, 1986
Jim Reid talks about their live show; guitar noise and pop noise; their treatment in the UK pop press; recording plans, and visiting the USA.
File format: mp3; file size: 23.8mb, interview length: 26' 02" sound quality: ***
The Jesus & Mary Chain's Jim Reid (1986)
Interview by Martin Aston, Rock's Backpages audio, Spring 1986
Jim Reid talks about his dislike of interviews; wanting to be pop rather than avant garde; making the Mary Chain's first album Psychocandy; taking the sounds to their wildest level; lyrically being both psycho and candy; replacing drummer Bobby Gillespie; Sigue Sigue Sputnik and the state of pop in 1986; a healthy-looking Johnny Thunders; refusing to explain his lyrics; the nature of showbusiness and the riots at their shows; the good and bad of the Velvet Underground; their difficult reputation... and what’s coming up.
File format: mp3; file size: 57.5mb, interview length: 59' 51" sound quality: ***
Jet (UK), Milk 'n' Cookies, Radio Stars, Sparks: Martin Gordon (1977)
Interview by John Tobler, Rock's Backpages audio, Fall 1977
From writing manuals for oil tankers to Radio Stars, Martin Gordon on his life in music: playing bass in Sparks, being heavily involved with Kimono My House; getting sacked for refusing to play a Fender Precision; the group becoming a dictatorship; forming Jet with two of John's Children and the chaotic David O'List; getting screwed by CBS, then leaving... plus his involvement with Milk 'n' Cookies.
File format: mp3; file size: 30.4mb, interview length: 31' 43" sound quality: ***
Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson (1988)
Interview by Mat Snow, Rock's Backpages audio, August 1988
The Tull front-man, in Italy to play a TV show, on performing live; the economics of salmon farming on the Skye; his relationship with Chrysalis Records; still being on the road after all these years; not socialising with other musicians; his time in tax exile, and taking part in The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus.
File format: mp3; file size: 70.4mb, interview length: 1h 13' 21" sound quality: ***
Joan Jett, The Runaways: Joan Jett (1983)
Interview by John Tobler, Rock's Backpages audio, 1983
The Blackheart talks about 'I Love Rock 'n' Roll'; her former Runaways bandmates; her new 'Album'; meeting her producer Kenny Laguna; the "girls can't play" criticism; the fuss surrounding her cover of the Stones' 'Star Star'; her love of Sly & the Family Stone and covering 'Everyday People'; her own songs not being chosen as singles, and why she has yet to break in the UK.
File format: mp3; file size: 23.6mb, interview length: 24' 34" sound quality: *****
Interview by Simon Witter, Rock's Backpages audio, 24 July 1986
The Chicago House pioneers Steve 'Silk' Hurley and Keith Nunnally on the form's origins, the rip-offs of Rocky Jones and DJ International, Farley 'Jackmaster' Funk's kleptomania, and th linksback to NYC via Frankie Knuckles.
File format: mp3; file size: 47.8mb, interview length: 52' 12" sound quality: ***
Interview by Ira Robbins, Rock's Backpages audio, 7 August 1993
The Piano Man talks at length about his last album of original material, River of Dreams: about the composition of the songs, the production process, and working with Danny Kortchmar. He also discusses his identity as an artist and his new sense of confidence and legitimacy.
File format: mp3; file size: 54.3mb, interview length: 56' 36" sound quality: ***
Interview by Larry Jaffee, Rock's Backpages audio, 1985
Da Brudda gives us his Desert Island Discs and raps about record labels, producers and the musically and politically sterile 1980s.
File format: mp3; file size: 52.2mb, interview length: 57' 02" sound quality: ***
David Johansen, New York Dolls: The New York Dolls' David Johansen (1994)
Interview by Mat Snow, Rock's Backpages audio, Fall 1994
The former Dolls frontman looks back on his life with the band and talks about working for Charles Ludlam's Ridiculous Theater; meeting the Dolls; writing songs himself and then with Johnny Thunders; the way the band dressed; travelling to England to support the Faces; making their debut album with producer Todd Rundgren; the band's use of drink and drugs; making second album Too Much Too Soon and the album's cover versions; his love of producer Shadow Morton; getting involved with Malcolm McLaren; the band's demise of and his going solo; his relationship with Johnny Thunders and Jerry Nolan, and Arthur Harold Kane’s accusations of rip-offs... and “the curse of the Dolls”.
File format: mp3; file size: 39.6mb, interview length: 41' 13" sound quality: ** ((phoner: note intermittent snippets of music playing in the background for about 20 minutes)
Interview by Rick McGrath, Mike Quigley, Rock's Backpages audio, 22 April 1971
Elton chats backstage about doing interviews; the Friends soundtrack and the 17-11-70 live album; on being hyped and the hype machine; doing TV with Andy Williams; on why he likes Canada; on Liberace; on his own style, and his hero worship of Leon Russell.
File format: mp3; file size: 11.7mb, interview length: 27' 56" sound quality: **½
Robert Johnson, ZZ Top: Billy Gibbons on Robert Johnson (1990)
Interview by Tony Scherman, Rock's Backpages audio, Fall 1990
The ZZ Topper talks about his enduring love for bluesman Robert Johnson: on first hearing Columbia's 1961 release King of the Delta Blues Singers; the dark impact of his music; the aspects of mystery surrounding Johnson; his favourite songs; Johnson's superb technique and delivery; the "pact with the Devil" myth, and being given dirt from that crossroads; the newly discovered photograph of Johnson, and his hands; his impact on ZZ Top, and the blues psychogeography of the Mississippi Delta.
File format: mp3; file size: 32.9mb, interview length: 34' 18" sound quality: ** (phoner)
Interview by Richard Cook, Rock's Backpages audio, June 1985
The Jamaican Amazon talks to the late Richard Cook about playing May Day as a "Disney cartoon" in A View to a Kill — and defends Duran Duran's theme song for said Bond film. She also talks about how she "grew into music" and went back to her Jamaican roots, describes USA for Africa's 'We Are the World' "too pretty and too sweet" and mentions the ongoing recording sessions for forthcoming album Slave to the Rhythm.
File format: mp3; file size: 45mb, interview length: 46' 21" sound quality: ***
John Paul Jones, Led Zeppelin: Led Zeppelin's John Paul Jones (2003)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 16 April 2003
Led Zep's bass player takes us back to the riotous days of 1970, and the joys of playing with Bonzo, the folk and R&B influences, and forward to 1979, and Knebworth and In Through The Out Door
File format: mp3; file size: 67.3meg, interview length: 1h 10' 08", sound quality: ***
Interview by Bill Brewster, Frank Broughton, Rock's Backpages audio, 20 March 2001
One of the first to spin the same record on two turntables, Pete DJ Jones roamed the five boroughs with his mobile set up from 1970. Here he talks about (and plays!) the records; his influence on Grandmaster Flash and the early hip-hoppers and his MCs like Lovebug Starski.
File format: mp3; file size: 61.4mb, interview length: 1h 07' 01" sound quality: *****
Interview by Mat Snow, Rock's Backpages audio, 1990
The man known as "Q" talks, between mouthfuls, about meeting Stravinsky; trying to put Michael Jackson together with Prince; the people he has known, from Dinah Washington to Colin Powell via Miles Davis and many others; and on the state of black America.
File format: mp3; file size: 39mb, interview length: 42' 37" sound quality: ***
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 23 October 1991
The boho queen talks about her covers album Pop Pop, songwriting and song choices, working with Don Was and her unlikely friendship with Scotland's The Blue Nile
File format: mp3; file size: 30.5mb; Interview length: 33' 16"; sound quality: **
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, September 2009
Ms. Jones goes album-by-album, from her eponymous debut in 1979 to 2009's Balm in Gilead. The songs, the players and producers, and the whys and wherefores of each.
File format: mp3; file size: 65.5mb, interview length: 1h 11' 34" sound quality: * (phoner)
Interview by Adam Sweeting, Rock's Backpages audio, 25 January 1989
With his version of 'Kiss' riding the charts, the kid from Pontypridd looks at where he's got to: changing labels and musical direction; being managed by his son Mark after the death of mentor Gordon Mills; the sexuality of his performance; his slightly tricky love life; getting advice from Elvis, and fighting Jerry Lee Lewis; growing up listening to the BBC; memories of the '60s, and much more.
File format: mp3; file size: 97.6mb, interview length: 1h 41' 41" sound quality: *****
Joy Division, New Order: New Order's Peter Hook (1989)
Interview by Martin Aston, Rock's Backpages audio, January 1989
The low-slung bass player discusses his dislike of interviews and the publicity game; his wanting to demystify the experience of being in a band; New Order as musical oddballs; his onstage image; incorporating electronics into New Order's sound; their current album Technique; learning from producer Martin Hannett in the early days of Joy Division, and the JD songs New Order still play; the melancholic songs he and Bernard Sumner write; his opinions on fellow Mancunians from Buzzcocks to James; the birth of Joy Division as Warsaw; Factory Records; and the band's manager Rob Gretton.
File format: mp3; file size: 44.3mb, interview length: 46' 06" sound quality: ***
Interview by Mark Sinker, Rock's Backpages audio, Fall 1986
Salif, via a translator, talks to Sinker about his most recent recordings, and who is playing with him; how his travels affect his music, and recording in different places; breaking with his family’s traditions; how he became a singer; the influence of other black music: jazz and reggae for example, while maintaining African traditions, and wanting his music to be international; his touring plans, and the rise of the political far right in France.
File format: mp3; file size: 41.4mb, interview length: 43' 08" sound quality: ** (background noise)
Interview by Maureen Paton, Rock's Backpages audio, 21 January 2010
The R&B songthrush talks about her new album, The Element of Freedom; how she copes with fame; her spirituality; being a New Yorker; her family background; being blessed with love, and about her future plans in film and sound production.
File format: mp3; file size: 29.2mb, interview length: 30' 23" sound quality: ****
Interview by Howie Klein, Rock's Backpages audio, 10 October 1978
Just having left Rufus, Chaka talks about making her solo debut (featuring 'I'm Every Woman'), her Chicago roots, her dislike of disco and her surprising love of punk rock.
File format: mp3; file size: 33.9mb, interview length: 36' 59" sound quality: ***
Chaka Khan, Rufus: Chaka Khan (1984)
Interview by David A. Keeps, Rock's Backpages audio, Fall 1984
As 'I Feel For You' enters the charts, and surrounded by her children, Chaka talks about her reservations of the record; how she started singing, and how she joined Rufus; Stevie Wonder writing 'Tell Me Something Good' for the group; her Chicago childhood; how the business has changed in the last ten years, and how she views herself as a singer.
File format: mp3; file size: 23.3mb; Interview length: 24' 15"; sound quality: ****
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, July 2002
The Chairman of the Board of Blues Singers looks back at his early days in Memphis, and on the observational nature of his songs, and their universal subject matter.
File format: mp3; file size: 10mb, interview length: 10' 55" sound quality: ****
KISS's Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley (1992)
Interview by Mat Snow, Rock's Backpages audio, Spring 1992
Gene Simmons (heard first) and Paul Stanley talk about the band’s stubbornness; their early years, their signing to Neil Bogart’s Casablanca Records and being described as his “folly”; their Marvel comics tie-in and the movie Kiss Meets the Phantom of the Park; the release of 1975's Alive! and the resulting success and excess; their not being photographed without make-up; the four solo albums released simultaneously in 1978 and the fractures within the band; the firing of Peter Criss and Ace Frehley's departure; the removal of the makeup for Lick It Up; the sale of Casablanca to Polygram and the death of Neil Bogart; Gene’s long tongue, his self-image, and his making peace with himself; the fire-breathing and his favourite inflammable!
File format: mp3; file size: 55.2mb, interview length: 57' 29" sound quality: ***
Interview by Paul Moody, Rock's Backpages audio, October 2019
The London-born soul singer-songwriter talks about his love of ’60s-‘70s music and fashion; his own afro haircut; buying soul music on vinyl; learning how to work in the studio; the impact of streaming and social media; the importance of art in difficult times and the importance of community; making his latest album Kiwanuka; his guitar playing and influences; and his favourite album What’s Going On.
File format: mp3; file size: 30.2mb, interview length: 31' 29" sound quality: ** (phoner)
Gladys Knight and the Pips: Gladys Knight & the Pips (1976)
Interview by Cliff White, Rock's Backpages audio, 22 April 1976
Gladys and the boys talks about choosing songs and working out vocal arrangements; becoming album artists and going Platinum with Imagination; doing the Pipe Dreams soundtrack album; the role of the Pips, their choreography, and being marvellously rude about the Stylistics' stage moves!
File format: mp3; file size: 26.6mb, interview length: 27' 39" sound quality: ***
Kool and the Gang: Kool & The Gang (1986)
Interview by Simon Witter, Rock's Backpages audio, December 1986
The Bell boys talk about the road from hard funk to pop-funk, changes of personnel, their jazz roots and describe a year in the life of the band.
File format: mp3; file size: 35.8mb, interview length: 39' 07" sound quality: **
Interview by Frank Broughton, Rock's Backpages audio, 30 September 1998
The pioneering DJ drives around the Bronx, pointing out the hip-hop sites while talking about the rec rooms, block parties, B-boys, breaks and everything that went into the form's invention.
File format: mp3; file size: 59mb, interview length: 1h 04' 28" sound quality: ***
Interview by Karl Dallas, Rock's Backpages audio, 1975
The Father of British Blues talks about splitting from skiffle in the late '50s; working with such luminaries as Chris Barber and Cyril Davies; his band Blues Incorporated which, at various times, included Jack Bruce, Ginger Baker, Mick Jagger and Charlie Watts; meeting Brian Jones and wet-nursing the early Rolling Stones; and talks at length about where the Stones go post Mick-Taylor.
File format: mp3; file size: 36.6mb, interview length: 39' 36" sound quality: ****
Interview by Dave Schulps, Rock's Backpages audio, 1975
The somewhat-stoned Backstreet Crawler guitarist looks back at his time in Free – Alexis Korner, Tetsu and Rabbit's involvement – and gives his opinion of Rogers and Kirk's post-Free Bad Company.
File format: mp3; file size: 14.2mb, interview length: 15' 22" sound quality: **
Kraftwerk's Ralf Hütter (1977)
Interview by Mark Bliesener, Rock's Backpages audio, 18 September 1977
Between crossed lines, the Kraftwerk co-founder talks about the group's American audiences; how the group combines the cerebral with the uptempo and the hypnotic; their classical music background; being nominated for a disco award; how they amplify their bodies; the importance of disco in Europe; on being the new post-war generation, looking to the future using electronic sound; their bad reviews from traditionalist critics; and the redundancy of tradional instruments.
File format: mp3; file size: 18.6mb, interview length: 19' 23" sound quality: ** (phoner)
Kraftwerk's Ralf Hütter (1991)
Interview by Simon Witter, Rock's Backpages audio, May 1991
Kraftwerk's co-founder talks about the group's new album The Mix and the criteria for its track selection. Plus Simon asks him about Kraftwerk's influence on dance music and his clubbing habits. They also discuss cycling, futurism, German culture, life at Kling Klang studios, the Electric Café album and the use of robots in the group's upcoming shows.
File format: mp3; file size: 103.8mb, interview length: 1h 48' 06" sound quality: ***
Interview by Ira Robbins, Rock's Backpages audio, 10 March 1985
The Detroit City axeman on working with Was (Not Was); meeting Red Rodney in prison; hanging with Johnny Thunders and, of course, memories of the MC5.
File format: mp3; file size: 25.7mb, interview length: 28' 03" sound quality: ** (phoner)
Interview by Tony Scherman, Rock's Backpages audio, March 1994
The Bluegrass Queen talks about playing in contests; on improvising and soloing; on her encouraging parents, and learning the violin as a child; on the complexities or otherwise of bluegrass; on the difference between classical violin and bluegrass fiddle; starting to sing, and forming her band Union Station; not signing to a major label, and her relationship with Rounder; on just wanting to make great records... and the influence of Pac-Man!
File format: mp3; file size: 69.2mb, interview length: 1h 12' 02" sound quality: ****
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 24 May 1990
Lenny on being away from home, his family background, the truth about the '60s copyist accusations, Prince, his band, and his Romeo Blue persona
File format: mp3; file size: 47.4meg, interview length: 49' 20" sound quality: ***
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 1987
The gal with the Big Hair talks about hitting with 'On My Own', the making of her Winner In You album, and fondly remembers the old package-tour days and her time with LaBelle.
File format: mp3 File size: 16.1mb Interview length: 17 minutes 32 seconds Sound quality: ***
Interview by Carl Wiser, Songfacts, 17 April 2013
The late progster talks about writing songs for ELP and King Crimson; writing methods; writing with Pete Sinfield; the pleasure of playing live, and one particularly hairy gig with ELP in Bologna, Italy.
File format: mp3; file size: 33.7mb, interview length: 36' 50" sound quality: *** (phoner)
Interview by Johnny Black, Rock's Backpages audio, July 1997
America's First Lady of Polysexual Song talks about the making of Drag, the art of interpretation, and of her love of all things Burt Bacharach
File format: mp3; file size: 12.9meg, interview length: 14' 06" sound quality: *****
Led Zeppelin: Nick Kent on Led Zeppelin (2011)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 14 May 2011
Legendary NME journalist Nick Kent remembers his days in the orbit of Led Zeppelin: the many highs, and quite a few lows; Peter Grant; Zep v journalists; the sleaze and the gangsters.
File format: mp3; file size: 132.8mb, interview length: 2h 25' 03" sound quality: ****
Led Zeppelin: Richard Cole on Led Zeppelin (2005)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 19 November 2005
The legendary Zep tour manager remembers meeting the band, the first US tour, the curious friendship between Bonham and Plant, all things Bron-Y-Aur, life on the road, making Led Zeppelin IV, and Girls Girls Girls!
File format: mp3; file size: 64.3mb; Interview length: 1h 10' 15"; sound quality: ***
Led Zeppelin, Jimmy Page: Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page (1977)
Interview by Steven Rosen, Rock's Backpages audio, April 1977
Jimmy Page on recording techniques, and the formation of Led Zeppelin, with Steven Rosen (1977)
File format: MP3 File size: 1.2 mb<br> Interview length: 1 minute 49 seconds Sound quality: ***
Led Zeppelin, Jimmy Page: Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page (2003)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 17 April 2003
Jimmy Page on going through the archives to assemble the monumental Led Zeppelin DVD, and on the early days of the band, on the road and in the studio, through to Knebworth in 1979
File format: mp3; file size: 47.4meg, interview length: 49' 22", sound quality: ***
Led Zeppelin, Jimmy Page/Robert Plant: Page and Plant (1998)
Interview by Frank Tortorici, Rock's Backpages audio, 1998
The ex-Zep duo talk about the more straightforward direction of their new Walking Into Clarksdale album; and about working with Steve Albini, meeting Jeff Buckley and their love of Joni Mitchell.
File format: mp3; file size: 12.9mb, interview length: 13' 25" sound quality: ***
Led Zeppelin, Robert Plant: Led Zeppelin's Robert Plant (2003)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 15 April 2003
Percy himself on Led Zep's annus mirabilis 1970 - from conquering America and playing the Royal Albert Hall, to "getting it together in the country" at Bron-Y-Aur, and the gestation of Led Zep, then fast forward to 1979, and family tragedy, recording In Through the Out Door, and playing Knebworth
File format: mp3; file size: 68.3mb, interview length: 1h11'08", sound quality: ****
Led Zeppelin, Robert Plant: Robert Plant (2003)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 18 September 2003
A somewhat wind-blown interview: on digging back into his pre-Zep archives for Sixty Six to Timbuktu; discovering his voice as a young singer; life and career post-Zeppelin.
File format: mp3; file size: 67mb, interview length: 1h 9' 44" sound quality: **
Led Zeppelin, Robert Plant: Robert Plant (2003)
Interview by Gavin Martin, Rock's Backpages audio, 2003
On life after Zep: travel, the accolades of fame, Abba, Graham Greene, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and remembering John Bonham
File format: mp3; file size: 47.8mb, total interview length: 49' 45" sound quality: ****
Interview by Roy Trakin, Rock's Backpages audio, 3 July 2012
The ex-Ten Years After guitar wrangler talks about his new album, Still on the Road to Freedom; no longer being the fastest guitar player in the West; memories of playing with Scotty Moore and Jerry Lee Lewis, and how Woodstock took him out of the small halls he preferred.
File format: mp3; file size: 26mb, interview length: 27' 06" sound quality: ** (phoner)
Arthur Lee, Love: Arthur Lee in LA (1993)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 24 June 1993
The sometime Love leader talks about growing up in Memphis and South-Central L.A. and recalls his dreams of being a musician. He also describes a gay near-miss with Jimi Hendrix, rants about hip-hop, and spouts a lot of New Age gibberish.
File format: mp3 File size: 91mb Interview length: 1h 34 minutes 45 seconds Sound quality: **
Lemmy, Motörhead: Lemmy (1991)
Interview by Mat Snow, Rock's Backpages audio, February 1991
From his arrival in swinging London in the mid-'60s, through Hawkwind and on to Mötörhead, with asides on drug dealing (and taking), the Ladbroke Grove scene, and discussions on WW2 and tattoos!
File format: mp3; file size: 93mb, interview length: 1h 41' 32" sound quality: **
Lemmy, Motörhead: Motörhead (1981)
Interview by Ian Ravendale, Rock's Backpages audio, 29 March 1981
The classic Lemmy, Fast' Eddie Clarke, Phil 'Philthy Animal' Taylor line-up talk talk about getting hammered in the press (and the studio!), staying close to their fans, and their friendship with the Damned.
File format: mp3; file size: 8.5mb, interview length: 10' 35" sound quality: *****
John Lennon, Yoko Ono: Yoko Ono (1992)
Interview by Mark Kemp, Rock's Backpages audio, Spring 1992
On the release of career-spanning compilation album Onobox, Yoko looks back at her Japanese musical roots; coming to New York and becoming part of its musical avant garde; using her voice as a musical instrument; meeting John Lennon, the resistance to what they did together, and its subsequent influence; surviving life's vicissitudes, and dealing with John’s death; allowing 'Instant Karma' to be used in a Nike ad; the possibility of making new music, and continuing to make art.
File format: mp3; file size:90.9mb, interview length: 1h 34' 43" sound quality: ****
Interview by Cliff White, Rock's Backpages audio, 9 November 1978
After 20 minutes of what-he's-up-to pablum, the Killer gets down to business: the sinfulness of rock'n'roll; how he's surely going to hell; drink, drugs and women (including cousin/ex-wife Myra). Then, after talking about his musical heroes, it's back to religion... jaw-dropping stuff.
ile format: mp3; file size: 86mb, interview length: 1h 29' 34" sound quality: ****
Interview by Steve Roeser, Rock's Backpages audio, July 2008
Buzzy tells Roeser about Dino Valenti, and getting the words to 'Get Together' wrong; he also looks back on his time at New York's Café au Go Go and its rogueish owner Howard Solomon, the Lenny Bruce bust and more; getting Son House drunk on whiskey; the failure of his band the Seventh Sons; jamming with Jimi Hendrix; getting stranded in England... and the abject failure of his solo album.
File format: mp3; file size: 40.5mb, interview length: 42' 03" sound quality: ** (phoner)
Little Axe, On-U Sound System, Adrian Sherwood: Adrian Sherwood (2002)
Interview by Andy Gill, Rock's Backpages audio, April 2002
Producer/record company boss Sherwood talks about his huge array of projects: starting the On-U Sound label; projects and artists such as African Head Charge, Tackhead and Dub Syndicate; making dub records until his friend Prince Far-I's murder; working with Keith LeBlanc, Doug Wimbish and Skip McDonald; remixing Primal Scream's Vanishing Point, and the perils and pleasures of remixing; working with Lee "Scratch" Perry, and artists like Sinead O'Connor; the 'Barmy Army' football songs; his solo album Never Trust a Hippy; recording and technology, and running a label, and quite a lot about kids' football!
File format: mp3; file size: 50.7mb, interview length: 52' 51" sound quality: ****
Interview by Cliff White, Rock's Backpages audio, April 1978
The TK Records ace session guitarist discusses his solo albums; the success of 1974's Party Down album and life on the road; his latest album When Was The Last Time; his current situation on TK Records; working with George and Gwen McCrae; Betty Wright's classic ‘Clean Up Woman’; his early days in Miami and becoming a songwriter and sessionman for TK; Bass player George "Chocolate" Perry and other studio partners; what he’s into at the moment; his singing style and his musical roots.
File format: mp3; file size: 29.2meg, interview length: 30' 24" sound quality: ***
Little Feat's Bill Payne and Paul Barrere (2008)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 26 April 2008
Messrs. Payne and Barrere look back at their time in the great Little Feat, album by album.
File format: mp3; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 64.6mb, total interview length: 1h 10' 38" sound quality: * (phone)
Interview by Joel Selvin, Rock's Backpages audio, November 1969
The Bronze Liberace looks back at songs like 'Tutti Frutti' and 'Good Golly Miss Molly'; the Beatles' cover of 'Long Tall Sally'; recording in New Orleans; Miss Ann Johnson and her Tik Tok club in Macon, Ga.; touring in the '50s and his outrageous stage act; appearing in movies such as The Girl Can't Help It; finding God in '57; returning to rock'n'roll in '62 and befriending the Beatles; on why young black audiences aren't interested in him; the Black Panthers, Black Muslims and racism, and his long experiences of police harassment...
File format: mp3; file size: 36.5mb, interview length: 38' 04" sound quality: **
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 5 March 1985
Little Richard on the demonic nature of Rock'n'Roll of which, nonetheless, he is King; on how he came out of the American South; on Otis Redding and much more. Hear him sing!
File format: mp3 File size: 50.3mb Interview length: 52' 23", sound quality: ****
Interview by Roy Trakin, Rock's Backpages audio, 18 November 1987
Little Richard, on the 'phone, talks about race, religion, Good Works, the original giants of rock'n'roll, and Prince and Michael Jackson
File format: mp3 File size: 20.3mb Interview length: 22 minutes 13 seconds Sound quality: **
Interview by Mat Snow, Rock's Backpages audio, Fall 1988
The Black Rock pioneers debate race, the reclamation of rock by black musicians, and both the tensions and the possibilities contained by the cultural melting pot that is New York's Five Boroughs.
File format: mp3; file size: 59.2meg, interview length: 1h 01' 40" sound quality: ***
Living Colour's Vernon Reid (1988)
Interview by Mark Sinker, Rock's Backpages audio, April 1988
Vernon Reid talks about Living Colour signing to Epic Records; about his other projects and producing other acts; the state of Black music in America; the life and death of disco; the importance of Prince; his early days with Ronald Shannon Jackson's Decoding Society and Defunkt; the Black Rock Coalition; negative energy, drugs and racism; and the clichéd perceptions of African-Americans.
File format: mp3; file size: 78.9mb, interview length: 1h 22' 12" sound quality: ***
Interview by Ian Ravendale, Rock's Backpages audio, 9 July 2011
The diminutive picker looks back on his lengthy, fascinating career: the struggles of Grin; playing on Neil Young's After The Gold Rush, Tonight's The Night, and further Young-led adventures; going solo, and his lengthy association with Bruce Springsteen.
File format: mp3; file size: 52.6mb, interview length: 57' 30" sound quality: ** (phoner)
The Lounge Lizards, Marc Ribot: Marc Ribot (1989)
Interview by Mark Sinker, Rock's Backpages audio, 1989
In this two-part interview, the out-there guitarist explains the concept of the Rootless Cosmopolitans; being a sideman versus being an artist; coming from Newark N.J., and teenage garage bands; moving to New York and backing R&B singers at Tramps; joining the Lounge Lizards; becoming less “straight” as a player, and improvisation; playing on Tom Waits’ Rain Dogs; being signed by Island/Antilles; other guitarists and ways of playing; his very earliest musical memories; working with John Zorn, and the Jazz Passengers; the coming gentrification of New York; the previous night’s gig, and the name “Rootless Cosmopolitans”; following Arto Lindsay in the Lounge Lizards; his long-standing love of Noise and was important about Jimi Hendrix, and attempting to escape irony.
File format: mp3; file size: 88.3mb, interview length: 1h 32' 01" sound quality: ***
Interview by Steven Rosen, Rock's Backpages audio, December 1974
Steven Rosen talks to Arthur Lee in 1974 on the influence of the Byrds on Love, and his development as an artist.
File format: MP3 File size: 1mb<br> Interview length: 1 minute 27 seconds Sound quality: ***
Interview by John Tobler, Rock's Backpages audio, 1980
The Love legend talks about new Rhino compilation Best of Love; his forthcoming solo album Arthur Lee; ripped-off tapes released as bootlegs; his hopes of reuniting the original Love; the album he did with Jimi Hendrix and how he first met him.
File format: mp3; file size: 20.3mb, interview length: 21' 07" sound quality: *****
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 9 August 1996
RBP takes a drive around Los Angeles with Arthur Lee's second-in-command, hearing all about the madness, the drugs and the whole Sunset Scene vibe - and the making of the first two, classic, Love albums.
File format: mp3; file size: 96.5meg, interview length: 1hr 40' 34" sound quality: **
The Lovin' Spoonful, John Sebastian: The Lovin' Spoonful's John Sebastian (1998)
Interview by Paul Zollo, Rock's Backpages audio, 16 March 1998
The Spoonful front-man on his music-packed upbringing in Greenwich Village; starting out playing guitar; becoming a songwriter, and talks about some of his bigger hits.
File format: mp3; file size: 42.7mb, interview length: 46' 39" sound quality: *****
Interview by Ira Robbins, Rock's Backpages audio, July 2007
The Brit rock veteran talks about his new album At My Age and what its title reflects; his desire to make "handmade" records; his love of '50s American music; his songwriting and its songwriting process; making his new album and collaborating with Chrissie Hynde; his friend Elvis Costello; not feeling part of the pop business; his ex-wife Carlene Carter and his former father-in-law Johnny Cash.
File format: mp3; file size: 41.1mb, interview length: 43' 06" sound quality: ***
Interview by Martin Aston, Rock's Backpages audio, Winter 1989
The morning after a London performance, Ms Lunch discusses herself as a spoken word performer and artist: being censored; confronting issues such as abuse of women; her pleasure at being on the margins; other spoken word performers like Henry Rollins and Karen Finley; how she came to music via lyrics, and about the confrontational nature of audiences.
File format: mp3; total file size: 45.5mb, total interview length: 47' 21" sound quality: ****
John Lydon, Public Image Ltd: PiL (1988)
Interview by Mat Snow, Rock's Backpages audio, August 1988
Live Aid? Bollocks! Mat Snow battles the airport tannoy to hear pearls of wisdom from John Lydon and band.
File format: MP3 File size: 16.1 mb<br> Interview length: 23 minute 47 seconds Sound quality: ***
John Lydon, Public Image Ltd: Public Image Ltd. (1981)
Interview by Kris Needs, Rock's Backpages audio, 1981
John Lydon, Keith Levene and (a barely audible) Jeanette Lee on: the Flowers of Romance album; what was wrong with Wobble; Satin tour jackets; the Futurists & Steve Strange; problems with Virgin Records and more.
File format: mp3; file size: 41.2mb, interview length: 45' 01" sound quality: **
John Lydon, Public Image Ltd, Sex Pistols: John Lydon (1990)
Interview by Steven Daly, Rock's Backpages audio, September 1990
John Lydon, eco-warrior, talks about — among many things — rap, NWA, and the Moral Majority; Malcolm McLaren and Bernie Rhodes; ex-bandmate Steve Jones; living in Los Angeles; punks becoming the new establishment; football and his beloved Arsenal; his take on fashion; liking Pink Floyd's Dave Gilmour and offending Joni Mitchell; the current PiL and the band's previous members; on being involved in film... and being very rude about the Clash.
File format: mp3; file size: 104mb, interview length: 1h 48' 20" sound quality: ***
John Lydon, Public Image Ltd, Sex Pistols: John Lydon (2015)
Interview by Paul Zollo, Rock's Backpages audio, 5 August 2015
The venerable (post)punk talks about how he writes, from the Pistols days through PiL: his influences, motivation and about specific songs.
File format: mp3; file size: 31.3mb, interview length: 34' 09" sound quality: ** (phoner)
Phil Lynott, Thin Lizzy: Thin Lizzy's Phil Lynott (1978)
Interview by Ian Ravendale, Rock's Backpages audio, 20 June 1978
The Lizzy front man talks about the current tour; the Live and Dangerous album; his solo plans, and ruminates on the meaning and effects of fame.
File format: mp3; file size: 13.8mb, interview length: 15' 01" sound quality: ****
Lynyrd Skynyrd's Ronnie Van Zant (1974)
Interview by Jim Esposito, Rock's Backpages audio, 1974
The southern rock icon on 'Free Bird'; recording the first three albums; the band's poor backgrounds; and thoughts about music in general and guitar players in particular.
File format: mp3; file size: 27.4mb; Interview length: 29' 56"; sound quality: **
Interview by John Tobler, Rock's Backpages audio, Spring 1989
The singer-songwriter talks about her family background; early recordings and Stiff Records; working with the Pogues and Tracey Ullman; her new album Kite and being produced by husband Steve Lillywhite; meeting the Smiths; the position of women in the arts; songwriters she admires... and writer's block.
File format: mp3; file size: 62.2mb, interview length: 1h 04' 50" sound quality: *****
Interview by Ira Robbins, Rock's Backpages audio, April 1990
The much-missed singer-songwriter talks about, well, everything: her love of collaboration and those she has worked with; her family; the UK Poll Tax riots and politics; the epiphany of 'Good Vibrations' and so much more.
File format: mp3; file size: 70.8mb, interview length: 1h 17' 16" sound quality: ****
Shane MacGowan, The Pogues: The Pogues (1986)
Interview by Mat Snow, Rock's Backpages audio, February 1986
Pogues Shane McGowan and Jem Finer talk about traditional Irish music, the band, songwriting, touring, and Shane's fantastic laugh.
File format: mp3; file size: 60mb, interview length: 1h 05' 34" sound quality: **
Shane MacGowan, The Pogues: The Pogues (1986) [excerpt]
Interview by Mat Snow, Rock's Backpages audio, February 1986
Excerpt from Mat Snow's interview with The Pogues, recorded 1986. Pogues Shane McGowan and Jem Finer talk about traditional Irish music, the band, songwriting, touring, and Shane's fantastic laugh.
File format: mp3; file size: 14mb, interview length: 14' 41" sound quality: **
Interview by Gavin Martin, Rock's Backpages audio, 20 December 2002
Chas Smash, joined by Suggs and Mike Barson, looks back at Madness then and now, Our House the Musical, reunions (theirs and others'), Buddhism, domesticity, and not doing Live Aid!
File format: mp3 File size: 42mb Interview length: 45' 50"; Sound quality: ****
Interview by David A. Keeps, Rock's Backpages audio, Fall 1984
La Ciccone talks about making Desperately Seeking Susan: wanting the part; the producers Orion's doubts; screen tests etc., and getting the part; on not being an overnight success; her next single, 'Like a Virgin', and its video, including an encounter with a lion; her plans for the next year, including touring; aspects of her personality: eroticism, vulnerability, snottiness, and how she can be wooed.
File format: mp3; file size: 40.3mb, interview length: 41' 57" sound quality: ** (background noise)
Interview by Steven Daly, Rock's Backpages audio, July 2002
La Ciccone talks about her love of foreign films; about London then and now; about her new film Swept Away and other stage and movie projects; about being slagged off as an actress; about the difference between British and American class; and about her lapsed Catholicism and her devotion to Kabbalah.
File format: mp3; file size: 82.4mb, interview length: 1h 25' 51" sound quality: ***
Interview by John Hutchinson, Rock's Backpages audio, 9 November 1982
The man born Henry St. Claire Fredericks Jr. talks about the historical perspective of his music; getting into the blues as a kid, and being part of the ‘60s blues revival; his West Indian roots and adoption of Caribbean styles; the current divisions between Black and white music in the US; what he’s listening to, and being unworried by musical fashion; being a multi-instrumentalist; his agreement with E.F. Schumacher's "Small is Beautiful" concept; his admiration for musicians from B.B. King and Muddy Waters to guitar players such as Django Reinhardt... and his love of Bob Marley.
File format: mp3; file size: 42.8mb, interview length: 44' 33" sound quality: ***
Interview by Steven Rosen, Rock's Backpages audio, 20 October 2008
The Paganini of Poodle talks about guitars, recording methods, his reputation etc... but mostly about himself.
File format: mp3; file size: 44.4mb, interview length: 48' 31" sound quality: * (phoner)
The Mamas and The Papas, Jack Nitzsche, Michelle Phillips: Michelle Phillips (1977)
Interview by Mark Bliesener, Rock's Backpages audio, 30 November 1977
On the release of her first solo album Victim of Romance, Mama Michelle talks about working with producer Jack Nitzsche and songwriter John "Moon" Martin; singing back-up for Leonard Cohen; singing, acting and songwriting; the struggle to be accepted as an actress; the Monterey Pop Festival, becoming pregnant, and the poor Mamas and Papas performance; filming Ken Russell’s Valentino and dealing with the salacious tales in the media.
File format: mp3; file size: 21.4mb, interview length: 22' 16" sound quality: ** (phoner)
Interview by Bill Brewster, Frank Broughton, Rock's Backpages audio, 3 October 1998
The Godfather of Disco takes us right back to NYC in the '70s and his legendary Loft parties: the gay/straight, black/white clientele; the search for perfect sound; the community of like-minded DJs and much more.
File format: mp3; file size: 73.5mb, interview length: 1h 20' 19" sound quality: ***
Manic Street Preachers' James Dean Bradfield (1995)
Interview by Ned Raggett, Rock's Backpages audio, February 1995
Interviewed immediately after Richey Edwards' disappearance, but before it had become clear, James Dean Bradfield talks about their latest album The Holy Bible, recorded in a demo studio and reverting to punk/indie their days; being happy to sing lyrics written by bandmates, and writing music to the words; being on a major label after being on indie labels; Richey's hospitalisation, and the morbid press interest; their stage act and image, and the idea of a band as a gang; the allure of failure, and how it can’t become their lives, and the band having its own language.
File format: mp3; file size: 28.5mb, interview length: 29' 36" sound quality: ** (phoner)
Interview by Tom Graves, Rock's Backpages audio, 1974
Interviewed by Kini Kedigh and Tom Graves just as he's starting to hit big, Manilow talks about his background in music, backing Bette Midler at the Continental Baths, and gives his opinions on just about everything under the sun.
File format: mp3; file size: 45.1mb, interview length: 49' 16" sound quality: *
Interview by Ian Ravendale, Rock's Backpages audio, 18 April 1994
Ms. Mann talks about her first band Til Tuesday; record company indifference; songwriting collaborations past and future (but not Ray Davies!); and working with Jon Brion on Whatever.
File format: mp3; file size: 18mb, interview length: 19' 41" sound quality: ****
Phil Manzanera, Roxy Music: Roxy Music's Phil Manzanera (1982)
Interview by Ira Robbins, Rock's Backpages audio, 18 February 1982
The Roxy guitar man on the current state of the band; on making his Primitive Guitar solo album; Roxy on stage and their recent albums, and on making Avalon.
File format: mp3; file size: 33.4mb, interview length: 36' 30" sound quality: **½
Bob Marley & the Wailers: Bob Marley (1975)
Interview by Karl Dallas, Rock's Backpages audio, 19 July 1975
The day after his legendary Lyceum show, Marley expounds on Babylon, Rastafari, Jamaica, his universal message, and the meaning of 'I Shot The Sheriff'.
File format: mp3; file size: 11.5mb, interview length: 25' 01" sound quality: ****
Interview by Tony Scherman, Rock's Backpages audio, 1996
The jazz trumpeter and composer talks about his impact on the form and its current state; his involvement in teaching and his proteges; where he's at, and his ambitions; on studying composition, and the nature of compositon and improvisation; his impact as a spokesman; his involvement in the Lincoln Center Jazz Program; on why he's attacked; his current projects; his luck being surrounded by good people, and some of the turning points in his career.
File format: mp3; file size: 87mb, interview length: 1h 30' 39" sound quality: ***
Interview by Andrew Purcell, Rock's Backpages audio, May 2011
The comedian/bluegrass picker Steve Martin talks about banjos, learning to play, his long association with the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and more.
File format: mp3; file size: 27.4mb, interview length: 29' 58" sound quality: *****
Interview by Chris Smith, Rock's Backpages audio, June 1998
We start with Smith's second attempt at interviewing Martyn: the Scottish bard on his covers album The Church of the One Bell; on starting out as a musician; on his influences such as Davey Graham and the impressionist composers; on writing 'Solid Air' for (and about) Nick Drake. Following that, we present Smith's first attempt at the interview, in which a soused Martyn slurs about impressionism, drink and religion, and tells incomprehensible jokes.
File format: mp3; file size: 38.2mb, interview length: 39' 49" sound quality: ** (phoner)
Interview by Andy Gill, Rock's Backpages audio, October 2005
Martyn looks back to his youth in the UK folk scene; his hero Davey Graham; Roy Harper; his "health problems"; his folk-jazz fusion, and playing with Harold McNair; living in Woodstock; Bless the Weather, using an Echoplex, and 'Glistening Glyndebourne'; slurring his vocals; his bass player Danny Thompson, and still touring and recording in 2005...
File format: mp3; file size: 30mb, interview length: 31' 12" sound quality: ** (phoner)
Hank Marvin: Hank B. Marvin (2007)
Interview by Joe Matera, Rock's Backpages audio, 27 August 2007
The chief Shadow talks about the changes in recording technology since he first went into a studio with Cliff in 1958; discusses his guitar techniques, and about getting his first Stratocaster and AC30 amplifier.
File format: mp3; file size: 18.5mb, interview length: 20' 14" sound quality: *****
Interview by Steven Daly, Rock's Backpages audio, 1991
The Bristol trio talk about the time being right for their music; what they listen to; albums vs. singles; the Bristol scene and sound, plus the influence of reggae; their recording and mixing process and the place for remixing.
File format: mp3; file size: 42.3mb; Interview length: 44' 04"; sound quality: **
Interview by Gavin Martin, Rock's Backpages audio, Spring 2003
Living in Nashville, singing for Clinton, walking dogs, pregnancy, and new album Cockerhoop; in fact pretty much anything other than Catatonia. Gavin Martin probes a recalcitrant Cerys Matthews.
File format: mp3; file size: 27.1mb; Interview length: 29' 35"; sound quality: ****
Interview by Mat Snow, Rock's Backpages audio, July 1990
British Blues legend John Mayall looks back to the start of the Blues Boom; on his guitar players Eric Clapton, Peter Green and Mick Taylor; revisits the Flamingo in Wardour Street; harp lessons from Sonny Boy Williamson and through to living in the USA and that house fire.
File format: mp3; file size: 107.3mb, interview length: 1h 51' 45" sound quality: ***
Brian May, Queen: Queen's Brian May (1982)
Interview by John Tobler, Rock's Backpages audio, May 1982
The poodle-headed plank-spanker talks about the making of Queen's latest album Hot Space: its slightly torturous recording process; the influence of black music and the Isley Brothers in particular; the failure of 'Body Language' as a UK single; their success in Argentina at the time of the Falklands War; the abuse suffered by support act Bow Wow Wow from Queen fans on tour; making 'Under Pressure' with David Bowie, and their upcoming plans.
File format: mp3; file size: 32.7mb, interview length: 34' 02" sound quality: *****
Interview by Kris Needs, Rock's Backpages audio, 21 April 1992
Detroit pioneer May discusses the state of Techno, and pays fulsome, eloquent tribute to the recently-deceased House legend Ron Hardy.
File format: mp3; file size: 18.5mb, interview length: 20' 09" sound quality: ***
Interview by Bill Brewster, Frank Broughton, Rock's Backpages audio, 30 August 2004
The techno pioneer tells the whole epic story: his childhood in Detroit; meeting Kevin Saunderson and Juan Atkins; discovering Chicago house and seeing Frankie Knuckles and Ron Hardy DJ; making 'Nude Photo' and 'Strings of Life', and being recognised in the UK. Plus a whole lot more...
File format: mp3; file size: 153.4mb, interview length: 2h 39' 48" sound quality: ****
Interview by Edward Helmore, Rock's Backpages audio, Fall 1996
Curtis Mayfield talks about the making of his new album New World Order; about director Spike Lee using his music for the soundtrack to Get on the Bus; the need to adjust how he sings following his accident; wishing he could play the guitar; being grateful for the help of Aretha Franklin and Mavis Staples; music being as big a part of his life as ever; rap culture and the death of Tupac Shakur; what inspires him now; and the importance of owning as much of your music as possible in the music business.
File format: mp3; file size: 23.8mb, interview length: 24'45" sound quality: * (phoner)
MC5: The MC5's Wayne Kramer (1994)
Interview by Roy Trakin, Rock's Backpages audio, 25 January 1994
Detroit guitar-wrangler Wayne Kramer looks back at the MC5 and departed comrades Fred Smith and Rob Tyner, drugs and jail, and his life after the Five.
File format: mp3; file size: 39.6mb, interview length: 43' 14" sound quality: *
Paul McCartney, Wings: Paul McCartney (1980)
Interview by John Tobler, Rock's Backpages audio, May 1980
John Tobler and others ask Paul about his new solo album, McCartney II: how he played all the instruments and did all the engineering; how he came up with the songs, and chose those that ended up on the record; his surprise at 'Coming Up' being a hit; the situation with Wings, and his defense of the title 'Frozen Jap'.
File format: mp3; total file size: 27mb, total interview length: 14' 03" sound quality: ****
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, November 1986
The ex-Doobies/Dan man looks back at his career, discusses his art and ruminates on the meaning of "white soul".
File format: mp3; file size: 52.2mb, total interview length: 54' 24" sound quality: ****
Kate & Anna McGarrigle: Kate McGarrigle (1982)
Interview by John Hutchinson, Rock's Backpages audio, October 1982
Kate McGarrigle talks about touring versus home life; about where she and sister Anna grew up and where each lives now; about their singing and the presentation of their songs; about using traditional instruments but not performing traditional material; about their relationship to the French language and their religious background; about being managed by sister Jane; their latest album Love Over and Over and the song ‘I Cried For Us’... and about not being overly concerned about their career. and not being overly concerned about their career. and not being ambitious or concerned about their career.
File format: mp3; file size: 23.6mb, interview length: 24' 37" sound quality: **½
Interview by John Tobler, Rock's Backpages audio, 1989
The manager/artist/impresario bemoans the state of the music business today: the conservative corporate culture; the equally conservative artists; the inability to create new Gods; becoming an artists himself, and the manager as artist; his ambitions and predictions; how England hates artists, and his optimism for Europe.
File format: mp3; file size: 26.8meg, interview length: 27' 57" sound quality: *****
Malcolm McLaren, New York Dolls: Malcolm McLaren on the New York Dolls (1997)
Interview by Nina Antonia, Rock's Backpages audio, 1997
From meeting up in London, Paris and NYC, via the Red Guards debacle, to catching the clap in New Orleans, Malcolm McLaren tells all about his time with the New York Dolls
File format: mp3; file size: 56.9mb, interview length: 59' 19" sound quality: **
Interview by Colin Harper, Rock's Backpages audio, 17 January 1996
The fleet-fingered jazz-rocker looks back to the '60s, through his time with the Mahavishnu Orchestra and Shakti, and fondly remembers his time with Miles Davis, and playing with the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck and more.
File format: mp3; file size: 52.3mb, interview length: 57' 09" sound quality: ***
Interview by John Tobler, Rock's Backpages audio, 1989
The singer/songwriter talks of his environmental concerns; being too commercial for the folk world; working in Nashville; choosing the musician's life; his association with the Weavers' Lee Hayes; his early albums including American Pie; playing with the Persuasions and Jordanaires; keeping his copyrights, and the importance of ideas.
File format: mp3; total file size: 38.4mb, total interview length: 40' 01" sound quality: *****
Interview by Charlie Gillett, Rock's Backpages audio, 1968
From Harlem in the '50s to London in the late '60s: Clyde McPhatter on Billy Ward and the Dominos, The Drifters, Atlantic Records, Alan Freed and the usual trials and tribulations of an R&B artist.
File format: mp3; file sizs: 42.1mb, total interview length: 43' 50" sound quality: ***
Interview by Cliff White, Rock's Backpages audio, May 1978
The erstwhile Marvin Lee Aday (with some contributions from collaborator Jim Steinman) talks about making Bat Out of Hell: the nature of his voice; working with Steinman; how they got their deal, and working with producer Todd Rundgren. He also talks about his theatrical background — Shakespeare, The Rocky Horror Show et al — and how he got his name; then he looks back at his early years in Popcorn Blizzard, performing in Hair, Stoney & Meat Loaf... and about his weight!
File format: mp3; file size: 71.1mb, interview length: 1h 14' 06" sound quality: ****
Interview by Gavin Martin, Rock's Backpages audio, Winter 2006
Mr. Loaf talks about his tricky relationship with Jim Steinman, collapsing onstage, acting vs. singing, his weight and... collecting teddy bears!
File format: mp3; file size: 30.9mb, interview length: 33' 42" sound quality: ****
Megadeth's Dave Mustaine (1992)
Interview by Andy Gill, Rock's Backpages audio, Fall 1992
The Megadeth leader talks about taking up Martial Arts; keeping it simple on stage; about not being such a dickhead anymore; his time with Metallica, and getting fired; his huge drug intake, and getting clean; being a father; his religious beliefs, and his view of the world and politics.
File format: mp3; file size: 55.2mb, interview length: 57' 27" sound quality: **** (after a dodgy start)
Interview by John Tobler, Rock's Backpages audio, April 1977
In London with the Eagles on the UK leg of the band's Hotel California tour, bassist Meisner talks to John Tobler about moving to L.A. from his native Nebraska, and about Poco, Rick Nelson's Stone Canyon Band – and how he joined forces with Glenn Frey, Don Henley and Bernie Leadon.
Freddie Mercury, Queen: Queen's Freddie Mercury (1976)
Interview by Robert Duncan, Rock's Backpages audio, February 1976
The fabulously flamboyant Queen frontman on 'Bohemian Rhapsody' and how it's gained them a new audience; on forming the band and getting established in the UK; on management problems and becoming more adept at business; on Queen's academic backgrounds and its blend of personalities; on his pleasure in their diverse audience; on the music press and criticism; on the 'Rhapsody' video, the band's live show and their songwriting.
File format: mp3; file size: 57.5mb, interview length: 59' 50" sound quality: ***
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, May 1998
On the eve of the album's release and success, Jonathan Donahue and Sean "Grasshopper" Mackowiak talk about it's creation, and look back at their struggles since the band's formation.
File format: mp3; file size: 57mb, interview length: 59' 20" sound quality: ***
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 6 August 2001
Jonathan Donahue and Jeff Mercel talk about band members past and present, and working with producers and arrangers such as Jack Nitzsche and Tony Visconti, plus their very own Dave Fridmann
File format: mp3; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 50mb, total interview length: 51' 19" sound quality: ***
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 24 April 1996
The Rashomon interview: all four Metallicas sit down, separately, to talk about the making of Load.
File format: mp3; in 5 parts, total file sizes: 104.6mb, total interview length: 1h 54' 21" sound quality: ***
Metallica's Lars Ulrich (1991)
Interview by Mat Snow, Rock's Backpages audio, Summer 1991
Mat Snow talks to Metallica's Lars Ulrich about his roots, the formation of Metallica and on through the history of the band. Massive.
File format: MP3 File size: 250.8 mb Interview length: 4h 33' 59" Sound quality: ***
Interview by Hank Bordowitz, Rock's Backpages, November 2011
Ensconsed in his Brooklyn rehearsal space, the master guitarist demonstrates his 19th Century-meets-21st Century one-man-band Orchestrion, along the way discussing issues such as performing for children, soundproofing his apartment, and the difficulties in negotiating Canadian border posts.
File format: mp3; file size: 55.2mb, interview length: 57' 30" sound quality: ***
George Michael, Wham!: George Michael (1987)
Interview by Adam Sweeting, Rock's Backpages audio, November 1987
On the release of his solo debut Faith, George Michael talks about his complex relationship with the press; his split from Simon Napier-Bell's management; his confidence from an early age and what excited him starting out; his run-in with miners' leader Arthur Scargill, the miners' benefit debacle and his personal politics; the crazy Wham! fame days; Boy George's attempts to out him as gay; the new album and its songs, including 'I Want Your Sex'... and his general outlook on life.
File format: mp3; file size: 59.5mb, total interview length: 1h 02' 00" sound quality: ***
George Michael, Wham!: George Michael (2007)
Interview by Steve Pafford, Rock's Backpages audio, June 2007
The man born Georgios Kyricacos Panayiotou talks at length about his family's attitudes towards homosexuality; his relationship with his mother; coming out to his parents; on his own gayness, and not being part of the gay community; on Wham! bandmate Andrew Ridgeley; on songs and videos such 'Wham Rap', 'Club Tropicana' and 'Young Guns'; manager Simon Napier-Bell's shenanigans; the L.A. cruising incident and his American career; meeting Anselmo Feleppa; meeting Kenny Goss; his love of David Bowie; the rivalry between the Brit MTV bands; the state of current pop, and how he sees his future.
File format: mp3; file size: 109.1mb, interview length: 1h 53' 40" sound quality: ***
Interview by Ira Robbins, Rock's Backpages audio, 5 February 1985
A somewhat dazed-sounding Buddy Miles talks about his time with the Electric Flag and Hendrix's Band of Gypsys; his going to jail; the ups and downs of his career... and his current projects.
File format: mp3; file size: 16.6mb, interview length: 18' 06" sound quality: ** (phoner)
Interview by Holger Petersen, Rock's Backpages audio, 6 April 2014
From a childhood with Les Paul and T-Bone Walker as family friends, through to his recent Bingo! album, Miller looks back at his career: his first bands at school; the revelation that was Paul Butterfield, and his own involvement in the Chicago blues scene; San Francisco, the Haight and the Fillmore; legendary bluesmen such as John Lee Hooker and James Cotton; hitting big with The Joker; and the death of dear friend Norton Buffalo.
File format: mp3; file size: 46mb, interview length: 50' 15" sound quality: *****
Interview by Tom Graves, Rock's Backpages audio, 3 May 2016
After talking about her life after the hits, the 'My Boy Lollipop' girl takes us back to her youth, winning a talent contest aged 12; cutting her first records in Kingston; invited to England by Chris Blackwell and recording 'Lollipop' with Blackwell and Ernest Ranglin; life as a star in the UK; writing the song 'Enoch Powell', and on the difference between bluebeat and reggae.
File format: mp3; file size: 42.5mb, interview length: 44' 14" sound quality: *** (phoner)
Interview by Dorian Lynskey, Rock's Backpages audio, 27 April 2002
The Aussie starlet on how she was perceived in the early days, and how thick-skinned she needed to be; her days with Pete Waterman and PWL and her world opening up after leaving them; her ability to be in control while being open to collaboration; the Impossible Princess album and its lyrical honesty; the sincerity of her fantasy; the public Kylie vs. the private Kylie, and work vs. life; and how she feels about her recent explosive success.
File format: mp3; file size: 31.9mb, interview length: 33' 11" sound quality: ***
Interview by Simon Witter, Rock's Backpages audio, 9 March 1983
Walford 'Puck' Tyson and pickney dem reason with Simon Witter about Africa, Rasta, Soundsystem culture and a whole lot more.
File format: mp3; file size: 50.9mb, interview length: 55' 25" sound quality: ****
Interview by Dave Zimmer, Rock's Backpages audio, February 1983
Joni talks about the Canyon scene: the people, her house, what it was like; she talks about playing the coffee house circuit in New York, and meeting David Crosby; leaving New York for Los Angeles; Crosby producing her first album; meeting the foppishly dressed Graham Nash; and Crosby, Stills & Nash getting together; she then talks about not getting to Woodstock, and subsequently writing the song.
File format: mp3; file size: 26.8mb; Interview length: 27' 54"; sound quality: **
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 14 September 1994
The First Lady of the Canyon looks at her past and present, from her Canadian youth through the Canyon days, the nightmare of the '80s and to her place in 1994. Songs, places, lovers, friends, gender and politics. Oh, and Bob Dylan's bad breath.
File format: mp3; file size: 116.9mb, total interview length: 2h 1' 46" sound quality: ***
Interview by Steven Daly, Rock's Backpages audio, August 1998
Shortly after participating in the Woodstock "Day in the Garden" concert, Joni talks about missing the original festival; not really joining in with youth culture; her youthful tangle with polio; starting smoking at nine; her musical adventures; her Canadian bolthole; her dislike of the music business; her new album Taming the Tiger; her guitars and tunings; finding Jaco Pastorius; becoming a painter... and being reunited with her daughter.
File format: mp3; file size: 126.2mb, interview length: 2h 11' 26" sound quality: ***
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, October 1985
The legendary Memphis producer talks about the rise of Southern Soul and the Memphis Sound, meeting and producing Al Green and making all those fabulous hits for Hi Records
File format: mp3; file size: 48.5mb, interview length: 50' 30" sound quality: ****
Interview by Gavin Martin, Rock's Backpages audio, March 2005
On sexuality, celibacy, girlfriends, therapy, fundamentalism, politics, his then-current Hotel album and a whole lot more: Moby reveals all.
File format: mp3; file size: 54.5mb, interview length: 56' 44" sound quality: ****
Interview by Karl Dallas, Rock's Backpages audio, 1979
The King of the bluegrass Mandolin discusses his approach to music, the influence of the blues, playing with the likes of Flatt & Scruggs, and gives his view of contemporary bluegrass artists such as the Dillards.
File format: mp3; file size: 9.4meg; Interview length: 10' 16"; sound quality: ***
The Moody Blues' Graeme Edge (1986)
Interview by John Tobler, Rock's Backpages audio, 9 May 1986
Drummer Graeme talks about touring in support of Chuck Berry in 1965; on the Birmingham band scene; why the band have stayed together for so long; Justin Hayward's never wanting to be above the band, and the intra-band dynamics; ex-members Denny Laine, Clint Warwick and Mike Pinder; outside projects with Adrian Gurvitz; playing live with the Moodys; loving the new CD technology, and the crude sound of the band's old albums.
File format: mp3; file size: 36mb, interview length: 37' 32" sound quality: ****
The Moody Blues, Jeff Wayne: The Moody Blues' Justin Hayward (1980)
Interview by Ian Ravendale, Rock's Backpages audio, June 1980
The Moody Blues' guitarist/singer talks about the current state of the band; about Mike Pinder's departure; his solo work; his association with Jeff Wayne and The War of the Worlds album; the Moodys' live show, and working with 10cc and Lonnie Donegan.
File format: mp3; file size: 9.8mb, interview length: 24' 27" sound quality: *****
Keith Moon, The Who: The Who's Keith Moon (1978)
Interview by James Johnson, Rock's Backpages audio, August 1978
With RBP mainstay Keith Altham cackling in the background, the daft Who sticksman talks about the rise of punk; the Who's investment in Shepperton Studios; the recording of Who Are You; his thoughts on marriage, and his Wild Man of Rock image.
File format: mp3; file size: 41.9mb, interview length: 45' 48" sound quality: ***
Keith Moon, The Who: The Who's Pete Townshend on Keith Moon (1980)
Interview by Keith Altham, Rock's Backpages audio, 1980
Pete describes first meeting Keith Moon and the drummer's immediate impact on the band; Moon's conflict with Roger Daltrey, mostly over women, and the changing personal dynamics within the band; the musical intuition between Townshend, Entwistle and Moon; Keith's eccentricities and lunacy; gear-smashing, women, drugs and drink... and the inevitable fist fights.
File format: mp3; file size: 25.7mb, interview length: 26' 44" sound quality: ****
Interview by Gavin Martin, Rock's Backpages audio, May 2004
On relationships, lesbianism and androgyny, predatory older men, sex, fear of and desire for fame, anxiety attacks, therapy and medication, the whole nine yards.
File format: mp3; total file size: 32.8mb, total interview length: 35' 49" sound quality: ***
Interview by John Tobler, Rock's Backpages audio, February 1979
In Belfast to play his first Ulster gig since the '60s, Van talks about his recent period of transition: resolving business issues, and Harvey Goldsmith and Bill Graham; living in the USA; leaving Norther Ireland for London, the Troubles, and being Irish in America; on Wavelength and his previous albums; on Astral Weeks; the difficulty in playing his albums live; his current road band with Peter Bardens; on Hard Nose the Highway and 'Bein' Green'; being his own producer; the live It's Too Late to Stop Now, and what he listens to at home.
File format: mp3; file size: 43.6mb, interview length: 45' 27" sound quality: ***
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 23 June 2014
Van talks about his escape to Woodstock after Bert Berns and Bang records: the Band, Albert Grossman, not recognising Bob Dylan; the making of the Moondance and Street Choir albums, and not buying into the Woodstock mythology.
File format: mp3; file size: 41mb, interview length: 44' 48" sound quality: *****
Morrissey, The Smiths: Morrissey (1989)
Interview by Mat Snow, Rock's Backpages audio, Fall 1989
Part 1 of Mat Snow's monumental interview with Morrissey in 1989.
File format: mp3; file size: 91.3mb, interview length: 1h 35' 08" sound quality: ***
Morrissey, The Smiths: Morrissey (1991)
Interview by Steven Daly, Rock's Backpages audio, Spring 1991
The professional controversialist on his new album, Kill Uncle; his refusal to explain his music, and other people's interpretations; his relationship with the music press; his hatred of Madchester; his lack of interest in pushing musical barriers; on Margaret Thatcher; lyrical taboos; working with Mary Margaret O'Hara; not suffering fools gladly, and not being a sex symbol.
File format: mp3; file size: 122.3mb, interview length: 2h 07' 04" sound quality: ***
Morrissey, The Smiths: The Smiths' Morrissey (1986)
Interview by Martin Aston, Rock's Backpages audio, November 1986
The Smiths' front man on the ins-and-outs of being interviewed; his relationship to Smiths fans; the reference points for his songs; Derek Jarman's videos for the band; his fondness for the '60s; 'Big Mouth Strikes Again', and his self-image; treatment by the tabloid press; Live Aid; the nature of the Smiths' success; The Queen Is Dead; song titles; Patti Smith; camp humour; the consequences of fame, and leaving Rough Trade for EMI.
File format: mp3; file size: 91.9mb, interview length: 1h 35' 42" sound quality: ***
Interview by Johnny Black, Rock's Backpages audio, May 1997
Purveyor of pap, or pop genius? The Rak man on 'House of the Rising Sun', Herman's Hermits, 'Hi Ho Silver Lining', Donovan and lots more
File format: mp3; file sizes: 45mb, interview length: 46' 50" sound quality: *****
The Motels' Martha Davis (2001)
Interview by Steve Roeser, Rock's Backpages audio, 1 February 2001
On the release of the Anthologyland compilation, Martha talks about how she maintains a musical career, then looks back: her influences, from folk through soul and the Beatles to Bowie; the first Motels moving from San Francisco to Los Angeles, and creating their own scene; her mother's death, and raising two kids; reforming the Motels with Jeff Jourard, and getting signed; her love of the process: playing, rehearsing, videos etc.; putting together the anthology, and the future of the Motels.
File format: mp3; file size: 39.8mb, interview length: 41' 29" sound quality: ** (phoner)
Mud, Suzi Quatro, Smokie, Sweet: Nicky Chinn (1997)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 10 December 1997
The Glam writer-producer recalls how he became a songwriter, plus his first meeting with Mike Chapman at London's Tramp nightclub; the bland pop scene of the early ’70s and how he and Mike first hooked up with Sweet; their first meeting with Mickie Most ; the importance of T. Rex, Slade and the Glam phenomenon; making fun music for teenagers; his writing relationship with Chapman; making Mud's ’Tiger Feet’ and Suzi Quatro's ‘Can The Can’; being derided by the “serious” rock press; Glam's last days; the departure of Mud and Sweet; and the music's legacy.
File format: mp3; file size: 74.5mb, total interview length: 1h 17' 39" sound quality: ****
Interview by Archie Patterson, Rock's Backpages, 23 December 2009
The man who bore the weight of being the "New Dylan" in the mid-'70s looks back at his early days, his move to Europe, and brings us up to date with where he's at in the 21st century
File format: mp3; file size: 20.9mb; Interview length: 22' 52"; sound quality: ***
Interview by Martin Aston, Rock's Backpages audio, January 1989
After discussing the critical reception of their latest album Isn’t Anything, Kevin Shields and colleagues explain why they have no wish to be “rock’n’roll” artists; talk about how they divide audiences, the dream state of their music, Creation Records and their place within the music business. We also hear why Kevin takes the lead in most MBV interviews and learn about their writing process, the noise they make live... and the making of ‘Feed Me With Your Kiss’.
File format: mp3; file size: 57.3mb, interview length: 59' 43" sound quality: ***
Interview by Adam Sweeting, Rock's Backpages audio, 8 March 2016
The ex-Hollie and CSN(Y) associate talks about his new album This Path Tonight; about seeing the Everlys in Manchester as a youth, harmony singing, the recent changes in his life; about Trump, religion and the state of the world, and his continuing love of photography; and about the tribulations of David Crosby and the health of old flame Joni Mitchell.
File format: mp3; file size: 49.5mb, interview length: 51' 35" sound quality: *****
Interview by John Tobler, Rock's Backpages audio, November 1973
A year after hitting with 'Garden Party', the former teenthrob talks about getting his new band together; his love of the pedal steel, and his steel player Tom Brumley; his new album Windfall; his against-type TV acting roles; the LA club scene and his favourite, the Palomino; leaving 'Hello Mary Lou' behind, and not being trapped by his past.
File format: mp3; file size: 41.1mb, interview length: 42' 48" sound quality: ****
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 18 October 1994
Willie Nelson – on tour in Sweden – on leaving Columbia for Liberty, his tussle with the IRS, Cowboy movies, songwriting and more...
File format: mp3 File size: 30mb Interview length: 32 minutes 43 seconds Sound quality: ****
Interview by Chris Smith, Rock's Backpages audio, 8 September 1998
The outlaw-country icon talks about what makes Texas such fertile ground for songwriters and musicians; about his discovery of the Austin scene; his early years as a writer in Nashville, and pitching 'Crazy' to Patsy Cline; the struggle to break through as an artist, and at some length about songwriting.
File format: mp3; file size: 23.9mb, interview length: 24' 51" sound quality: ****
Michael Nesmith: Mike Nesmith (1974)
Interview by Ian Ravendale, Rock's Backpages audio, May 1974
The erstwhile Monkee on being as a producer; his relationship with, and departure from RCA; his friendship with steel player Red Rhodes; a swift look back at the Monkees; songwriting and covering others' songs, and his relationship with his live audience.
File format: mp3; file size: 26.3mb, interview length: 28' 46" sound quality: *****
Neutral Milk Hotel's Jeff Mangum (1998)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, December 1998
Mr. Mangum on the journey from Ruston, LA, to Athens, GA; Elephant Six Records, and his wider musical community; art and literature projects; and his lo-fi and psychedelic influences.
File format: mp3; file size: 39mb, interview length: 42' 37" sound quality: ***
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 5 October 1989
The giant of New Orleans singers looks back at his roots in the Crescent City: the hard times and the good times, being a Neville Brother, key vocal influences and more.
File format: mp3 File size: 29.2mb Interview length: 31 minutes 55 seconds Sound quality: ***
Interview by Steven Daly, Rock's Backpages audio, August 1993
The Rashomon interview, in which Bernard Sumner, Peter Hook, and The Other Two — Stephen Morris and Gillian Gilbert — share their respective memories and offer their varying opinions on: touring the USA; recording new album Republic; their side projects Electronic and the Other Two; the chaos that was Factory Records; the Haçienda fiasco; Acid House, and their relationship with Manchester.
Bernard Sumner: File format: mp3; file size: 58.8mb, interview length: 1h 00' 54" sound quality: **½ (background noise) Peter Hook: File format: mp3; file size: 26.6mb, interview length: 29' 46" sound quality: **½ (background noise) The Other Two: File format: mp3; file size: 26.6mb, interview length: 42' 02" sound quality: ***
Interview by Simon Morrison, Rock's Backpages audio, 2001
Hooky, Stephen and, later, Barney talk about new album Get Ready, and look back at the making of Republic; Manchester and the Haçienda; surviving business disasters; dance music, and the recording of 'Blue Monday'; 24 Hour Party People; clubbing in New York, and an hilarious dissection of Tears For Fears!
File format: mp3; file size: 28.7mb, interview length: 31' 19" sound quality: *****
New Order's Bernard Sumner and Stephen Morris (1986)
Interview by Martin Aston, Rock's Backpages audio, 6 October 1986
Drummer Stephen talks about new album Brotherhood: only hearing its flaws; writing in the studio and band democracy; on the three previous albums; lyric writing, on being interviewed; Peter Saville's album covers; drumming vs. drum machines, and relationships within the band. Singer/guitarist Bernard on his dissatisfaction with the new album; music after Joy Division; starting to write lyrics after Ian Curtis' death, and first hearing Iggy Pop and others courtesy of Curtis.
Stephen: File format: mp3; file size: 32.6mb, interview length: 33' 56" sound quality: *** Bernard: File format: mp3; file size: 30.1mb, interview length: 31' 20" sound quality: ***
Interview by John Hutchinson, Rock's Backpages audio, February 1983
The songwriter talks abut storytelling; how he gets the big names to play on his albums; his latest album Trouble in Paradise, and how he writes and arranges his songs; adopting personas in songs and avoiding "naked cruelty" in his lyrics; not feeling shy on stage; his ambivalence about his country; how he become a musician, his family’s musical influence, and his old friend Lenny Waronker encouraging him to write songs; why he sells so few records; ‘I Love L.A.’ and its arrangement; New Orleans music and his deep love of Fats Domino; and songs such as ‘Sail Away’ and ‘Germany Before the War’.
File format: mp3; file size: 31.2mb, interview length: 32' 28" sound quality: ***
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 6 November 1995
The Great American Songwriter talks about his childhood, being a perennial outsider, life on Warners, the American South, racism, Los Angeles, Faust and much more
File format: mp3; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 69.8meg, total interview length: 1h 16' 17", sound quality: ***
Interview by Paul Zollo, Rock's Backpages audio, 12 December 2005
The great songwriter, sat at the piano, tells the stories behind the songs: writing in character; geography, the "untrustworthy narrator". Interviewer Zollo plays the tracks in question.
File format: mp3; file size: 108.7mb, interview length: 1h 58' 43" sound quality: *****
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, Fall 1985
A languid, laid-back chat with the man who was always there: at the start of southern soul in Memphis with the Mar-Keys, on the road with Leon Russell, in L.A. with J.J. Cale and on. On the musicians he knew, scenes he was part of, and on that thorny subject, race.
File format: mp3; file size: 85.1mb, interview length: 1h 28' 39" sound quality: ****
Interview by Joel Selvin, Selvin On The City, KSAN 107.7, 2007
Big Al takes us through life post-NRBQ, becoming songwriter to the Nashville Hat Act Stars, and looks back to the tough days on the road with NRBQ.
File format: mp3 File size: 33.5mb Interview length: 36' 25"; Sound quality: *****
Interview by Frank Broughton, Rock's Backpages audio, 7 April 1999
The superstar DJ in wide-ranging discussion about DJ'ing and dance culture, from getting into hip hop and House to stadium tours with U2; the impact of Ecstasy; the performing DJ; remixing, and the techniques behind rocking a dancefloor.
File format: mp3; file size: 52.7mb, interview length: 57' 31" sound quality: ****
Interview by Simon Witter, Rock's Backpages audio, 14 November 1984
From tailoring in Savile Row to 'Caribbean Queen' – Billy tells of his fight to break away from the cabaret circuit of his early days to score his mega-hits of the mid-'80s.
File format: mp3; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 55.1mb, total interview length: 1 h 00' 14" sound quality: ***
Phil Ochs: Van Dyke Parks on Phil Ochs (1997)
Interview by Steve Roeser, Rock's Backpages audio, September 1997
VDP on his relationship with Phil Ochs, Ochs' relationship with Bob Dylan, producing Greatest Hits, and his dislike of the Byrds
File format: mp3; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 38.2mb, total interview length: 41' 41" sound quality: * (phoner)
Interview by Chris Smith, Rock's Backpages audio, 30 August 2002
Sinead talks about "de-Enya-ing" her first album; her new album of traditional Irish songs Sean-Nós Nua; her love of American music; the cultural benefits of ethnic immigration into Ireland; the current state of Irish music; the difference between performing her own songs and covering others'; collaborating with Massive Attack and, possibly, Buju Banton!
File format: mp3; file size: 13.4mb, interview length: 14' sound quality: ** (phoner)
Interview by Martin Aston, Rock's Backpages audio, 4 March 1989
The Canadian songstress on the making of her album Miss America: how she co-produces her music; her wildness onstage; comparisons with Van Morrison and Patti Smith; disputes with Virgin Records over her recording direction, and being helped by Joe Boyd; her acting career; about herself as a singer; rock critics' views of her, and on her favourite songs on the album.
File format: mp3; file size: 61mb, interview length: 1h 03' 34" sound quality: ***
Interview by Cliff White, Rock's Backpages audio, June 1976
Band leader and sax player Clarence "Satch" Satchell talks about how the Ohio Players structure their shows and albums; their move from Westbound to Mercury; “Satch” being the ideas man; Skin Tight’s bad reviews; the Fire and Honey albums; moving from the influence of James Brown to their own style. He's then joined by drummer James "Diamond" Williams to discuss the band's outrageous album covers and the importance of their shows.
File format: mp3; total file size: 41.8mb, total interview length: 43' 35" sound quality: ***
Interview by Johnny Black, Rock's Backpages audio, 17 November 1994
The Tubular Bells man on his latest album, The Songs of Distant Earth, on using technology, digital vs. analogue, Richard Branson and more.
File format: mp3; file size: 47.4mb, interview length: 49 24" sound quality: ****
Ol' Dirty Bastard, Wu-Tang Clan: Ol' Dirty Bastard (1997)
Interview by Chris Campion, Rock's Backpages audio, 21 April 1997
On a promotional visit to London, the rapper formerly known as Russell Jones talks about what he plans to do in London; the new Wu-Tang Clan Forever album and his own solo release Return to the 36 Chambers; his change of name to Osiris; his style; his family; liking "creepy" things; L.A. vs. Brooklyn; immortality; the elite vs. everyone else; being killed three times... and wanting to be kidnapped by a UFO.
File format: mp3; file size: 23.2mb, interview length: 24' 09" sound quality: ***
Interview by Pip Williams, Rock's Backpages audio, 15 October 2015
One Direction's Harry Styles and Niall Horan on their new album, Made In The A.M.; it's release clashing with Justin Bieber's; will the All Blacks win the Rugby World Cup; why they don't behave like most rockers; their responsibilities towards their fans; why Ireland didn't beat Poland in the Euro qualifiers, and their fondness for Sweden.
File format: mp3; file size: 14.6mb, interview length: 15' 11" sound quality: *****
Interview by Mat Snow, Rock's Backpages audio, 1988
Yoko on her musical upbringing, life during wartime, the avant garde and her involvment with John and the English music scene
File format: mp3 File size: 26.6mb Interview length: 38 minutes 44 seconds Sound quality: *
Interview by Paul Zollo, Rock's Backpages audio, 30 March 1992
Ms. Ono looks back at her youth, training as a musician; her involvement in art music, jazz and meeting Ornette Coleman; her transition, with Lennon, into pop, and – at length – about her songwriting, and particular songs.
File format: mp3; file size: 65.2mb, interview length: 1h 11' 12" sound quality: ***
Interview by Mat Snow, Rock's Backpages audio, 1987
Roy Orbson on the Travelling Wilburys, the ups-and-downs of his career, the old Sun Records gang, and a whole lot more...
File format: mp3 File size: 60.1mb; interview length: 1h 02' 35" Sound quality: ***
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark (1988)
Interview by John Tobler, Rock's Backpages audio, 11 February 1988
OMD's Andy McCluskey and Paul Humphreys talk about their just released "best-of" album; its accompanying video compilation, and making videos from back in the day to now; the bad contracts they signed and their management issues; their not-very-good book; suffering a consistently bad press, their relative longevity; being seen as an electro-pop band, the ethics of sampling; not doing cover versions, and their veneration of Kraftwerk and Eno.
File format: mp3; file size: 34.7mb; Interview length: 36' 08"; sound quality: *****
Interview by Maureen Paton, Rock's Backpages audio, 23 February 2007
The now-veteran Mormon popster remembers his days touring the UK in the '70s, being pursued by screaming girls; on being a father and grandfather; his new album Love Songs of the '70s; narrowly surviving his surfing accident; being a poster boy for clean living; nearly losing everything in 1980; on his religion, and staying fit.
File format: mp3; file size: 44.4mb, interview length: 46' 16" sound quality: ***
Interview by Charlie Gillett, Rock's Backpages audio, August 1970
From Little Esther to Big Mama, "The Duke Ellington of Watts" takes us back to Central Avenue: the shysters, the talent, the clubs and record labels; the hits, the misses and the rip-offs.
File format: mp3; file size: 47.8mb, interview length: 49' 50" sound quality: ***
Interview by Steve Roeser, Rock's Backpages audio, 24 February 1990
'50s R&B King Otis talks about the songs: 'Willie and the Hand Jive', 'Hound Dog'; the artists: Little Esther, Etta James; his son Shuggie and music education; and he rails against the ravaged black ghettos, and the lie of "integration".
File format: mp3; file size: 31.4mb, interview length: 34' 17" sound quality: ****
Outkast's André Benjamin (2001)
Interview by Gavin Martin, Rock's Backpages audio, April 2001
The flamboyant Mr Benjamin on Stankonia, the influence of Brit dance music, meeting Big Boi, early influences and much more.
File format: mp3; file size: 31.8mb, interview length: 34' 43" sound quality: * (phoner)
Interview by Ira Robbins, Rock's Backpages audio, 15 February 1985
The legendary session drummer looks back at his time in Cosimo Matassa's New Orleans studio backing the likes of Fats Domino and Little Richard, through his time in the L.A. studios where he played behind just about everybody!
File format: mp3; file size: 15.2mb, interview length: 16' 36" sound quality: ***
Interview by Andy Gill, Rock's Backpages audio, 27 June 1994
The blue-eyed-soul man from Batley talks about the musicians who've crossed his path: working with Miles Davis producer Teo Macero; his first pro gig with the Alan Bown Set, followed by Dada and Vinegar Joe; his first solo album Sneakin' Sally Through the Alley, featuring the Meters and Little Feat; his Gary Numan connection, and the many other people he's worked with, from James Jamerson to The Band's Rick Danko and Garth Hudson.
File format: mp3; file size: 63.1mb, total interview length: 1h 05' 46" sound quality: ***
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 16 June 1993
Van Dyke Parks talks of his early days in Los Angeles; the folk scene; the deaths of both his brother and John F. Kennedy; on becoming an arranger and songwriter; the effects of the '60s British Invasion; the counterculture and the death of the hippie dream; being in the studio with Brian Wilson; the legendary Smile project; his own Song Cycle and much more.
File format: mp3, file size: 97.5mb, interview length: 1h 41' 36", sound quality: ****
Interview by Holger Petersen, Rock's Backpages audio, 7 August 2010
The amiable producer/arranger/artist looks back on his involvement with Ry Cooder; his friendship with Little Feat's Lowell George; the golden years at Warner Bros.; the march of technology from four to 24-tracks; being a fast worker, and his return to his folk roots with the Mississippi Sheiks Tribute Project.
File format: mp3; file size: 26.1mb, interview length: 28' 27" sound quality: *****
Gram Parsons: Phil Kaufman on Gram Parsons (2003)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 7 November 2003
From Mick'n'Keef to Emmylou; from Topanga Canyon to the Joshua Tree: Executive Nanny Phil Kaufman looks back on low lives and high times with Gram Parsons.
File format: mp3; file size: 51.9.mb, interview length: 54' 02" sound quality: ***
Interview by Gavin Martin, Rock's Backpages audio, 2005
Movies, fasting, fame and faith, plastic surgery, marriage, 9/11 and on being a gay icon: Dolly says more in twenty minutes than most do in two hours.
File format: mp3; file size: 22.1mb; Interview length: 24' 08"; sound quality: ****
Interview by Mark Dery, Rock's Backpages audio, Winter 1991
The great guitarist and inventor talks about the basis of his style; the making of 'How High The Moon'; co-inventing The Chipmunks; his influence on other musicians; the development of sound-on-sound and multitrack recording, and pays a heartfelt tribute to Mary Ford.
File format: mp3; file size: 51.4mb, interview length: 51' 06" sound quality: ***
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 29 November 1998
Messrs. Malkmus, Kannberg and Ibold on the making of the Terror Twilight album, working with Nigel Godrich, the ins-and-outs of the band... and the future of rock!
File format: mp3; file size: 60.7mb, interview length: 1h 06' 13" sound quality: **
Pavement's Stephen Malkmus (1996)
Interview by Ira Robbins, Rock's Backpages audio, December 1996
The Pavement front man talks about the avoidance of self-consciousness and planning; their live capabilities; the recording process; his and Scott Kannberg's respective roles in the band, and the curious band dynamics; the seriousness of their fans; his move to New York, and the curiosity of a band where everyone lives in different places.
File format: mp3; file size: 51.1mb, interview length: 53' 16" sound quality: ** (phoner)
Interview by Martin Aston, Rock's Backpages audio, July 1989
The DJ attempts to explain himself; argues he's more a fan than part of the machine; discusses the diversity of his listenership; touches on his kids' relationship with music; holds forth on his paymaster, Radio 1, and what gets played on it; bemoans the poor quality of current UK music; disputes his status as an indie figurehead; and ruefully answers Martin's questions about his commercial voice-overs...
File format: mp3; file size: 52.8mb, interview length: 55' 00" sound quality: ***
Interview by Ian Ravendale, Rock's Backpages audio, October 1979
Pauline Murray and Robert Blamire announce the band's split, and the reasons behind it: the relentless pressures of touring and recording and consequent internal tensions.
File format: mp3; file size: 23.9mb, interview length: 26' 03" sound quality: *****
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 16 September 1985
A short chat with the country-soul legend, talkin' about writing 'Cry Like A Baby', producing the Box Tops and the sadly MIA Eddie Hinton. (Chipping in with occasional comments: Dan's wife Linda...)
File format: mp3 File size: 9.2mb Interview length: 10 minutes Sound quality: ****
Interview by Hank Bordowitz, Rock's Backpages audio, 21 January 1992
The rockabilly icon talks about his new album Friends, Family & Legends; the all-star sessions musicians on the record, plus the guest guitarists that include Chet Atkins; how he learned to play guitar as a kid and his influence on George Harrison and Eric Clapton; his influential Black neighbour John Westbrook; playing with his brothers in clubs and honky tonks; how he started writing songs; the impact of rock’n’roll and rockabilly; having his songs covered; losing the use of some fingers, his substance abuse problems and his surviving throat cancer... and writing the classic ‘Blue Suede Shoes’.
File format: mp3; file size: 59.9mb, interview length: 1h 02' 22" sound quality: ***
Peter and Gordon, Linda Ronstadt, James Taylor: Peter Asher (2003)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 18 October 2003
The singer-turned-producer talks about returning to Los Angeles with client James Taylor; the Troubadour scene; the people: Jackson Browne, Joni Mitchell, J.D. Souther; meeting Linda Ronstadt and being turned on to C&W; fellow businessmen David Geffen and Elliot Roberts, and the rise of the Eagles.
File format: mp3; file size: 59.1mb, interview length: 1h 01' 31" sound quality: ***
Interview by Paul Zollo, Rock's Backpages audio, 1996
The folksome trio talk about the "ownership" of the folk cannon; their unique vocal blend; Bob Dylan and 'Blowin' In The Wind'; the Folk Family, and their songwriting.
File format: mp3; file size: 56.5mb, interview length: 1h 01' 41" sound quality: ***
Interview by Mat Snow, Rock's Backpages audio, August 1988
Messrs. Tennant & Lowe discuss Thatcherite anti-gay legislation and pop politics; making movies; their fans; pop associates Depeche Mode, Morrissey and George Michael; singles, albums and the music business; being starstruck by Dusty Springfield, and dressing up!
File format: mp3; file size: 83.9mb, interview length: 1h 31' 35" sound quality: ***
Pet Shop Boys' Neil Tennant (1996)
Interview by Steven Daly, Rock's Backpages audio, November 1996
Starting off with an hilarious account of how 'Go West' became a football chant, Neil Tennant goes into a treatise on British pop culture: the limitations of irony; the ideologies of the '80s against the triumphalist '90s; sexuality as cultural choice, and politics. He also looks back on his time at Smash Hits, and feeling beaten to it musically by New Order's 'Blue Monday'.
File format: mp3; file size: 56mb, interview length: 58' 17" sound quality: ***
Pet Shop Boys, Dusty Springfield: Dusty Springfield (1989)
Interview by Ira Robbins, Rock's Backpages audio, 18 May 1989
Dusty talks about leaving the Springfields and her involvement in the TV show Ready Steady Go!; about her love of Black music and its influence on her; about the film Scandal and her work with the Pet Shop Boys; her love of the Fairlight; the role of irony and cynicism in British pop; her love of Luther Vandross; her working with Richard Carpenter but not being credited; her upcoming album Reputation; how she's perceived in the UK; her reputation for being difficult to work with; her friend and manager Vicki Wickham, plus their mutual pal Nona Hendryx; and about songwriting standards today compared to the days of Burt Bacharach in the ’60s.
File format: mp3; file size: 38.6mb, interview length: 40' 12" sound quality: ** (phoner)
Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers: Tom Petty (1981)
Interview by Adam Sweeting, Rock's Backpages audio, June 1981
The head Heartbreaker talks at length about, among many other things, songwriting and lyrics; his first album; working with Stevie Nicks; bandmates Mike Campbell and Benmont Tench; his Hard Promises album; Roger McGuinn's cover of 'American Girl'; Duck Dunn and John Fogerty; the MCA lawsuit and Denny Cordell; visiting Europe, and his relationship with producer Jimmy Iovine.
File format: mp3; file size: 86.6mb, interview length: 1h 30' 13" sound quality: ***
Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers: Tom Petty (1987)
Interview by Mat Snow, Rock's Backpages audio, October 1987
The Heartbreakers' main man talks about collaborating with other artists; the band's longevity; muses about songwriting and being a bandleader.
File format: mp3; file size: 40.6mb, interview length: 44' 20" sound quality: ***
Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers: Tom Petty (1999)
Interview by Paul Zollo, Rock's Backpages audio, 3 April 1999
The Head Heartbreaker talks at length about writing and recording latest album Echo; the craft of songwriting in general; the continued pleasure of playing with his band; his youth playing covers in Florida; and how the new technologies (internet, mp3s etc.) are changing the way music is made and consumed.
File format: mp3; file size: 80.1mb, interview length: 1h 27' 28" sound quality: ***
Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, Traveling Wilburys: Tom Petty (1989)
Interview by John Tobler, Rock's Backpages audio, 1989
The lead Heartbreaker talks about the album Southern Accents; his long association with guitarist Mike Campbell; his Backstreet record label, and his previous label Shelter; his 1982-'86 sabbatical; Roy Orbison and the Traveling Wilburys; embracing the spirit of punk; his partnership with Bob Dylan; his 1979 bankruptcy; people who cover his songs; live album Pack Up The Plantation, and his current solo album Full Moon Fever.
File format: mp3; file size: 55.1mb; Interview length: 57' 25"; sound quality: ****
Interview by Ira Robbins, Rock's Backpages audio, 13 May 1993
Phair talks about soon-to-be-released landmark debut Exile in Guyville; explains what her songs are about and how she writes; discusses collaborating with producer Brad Wood and their production process; talks about having a mainstream ear and her love of pop radio; about starting to play live, being girly, writing songs all her life and recording tapes at home.
File format: mp3; file size: 24.2mb, interview length: 25' 11" sound quality: ** (phoner)
Interview by Michael Lydon, Rock's Backpages audio, May 1977
Michael Lydon meets wicked Wilson Pickett at home in Englewood, New Jersey, and asks him about his gospel roots, the Falcons, Atlantic Records, and recording in Memphis and Muscle Shoals.
File format: mp3; file size: 44.3mb, interview length: 46' 08" sound quality: ***
Interview by Gavin Martin, Rock's Backpages audio, 2006
Madam Attitude talks about politics, strippers, gender and sexuality, dogs, marriage, tattoos and more.
File format: mp3; total file size: 27.3mb, total interview length: 29' 51" sound quality: ****
Pink Floyd's David Gilmour and Nick Mason (1988)
Interview by Simon Witter, Rock's Backpages audio, July 1988
Gilmour and Mason on just about everything – Syd Barrett etc. – but most rivetingly on the rancorous split with Roger Waters.
File format: mp3; file size: 57.9mb, interview length: 1h 03' 02" sound quality: ***
Pink Floyd's Nick Mason and Rick Wright (1971)
Interview by Ted Alvy, KPPC-FM 106.7 Pasadena, 16 October 1971
A splendid radio interview with Messrs. Mason and Wright in which they talk to DJ Ted Alvy about Meddle, the Zabriskie Point soundtrack, their quadraphonic p.a. system, and playing live. Originally broadcast on KPPC-FM Pasadena in October 1971.
File format: mp3 File size: 33.8mb Interview length: 36 minutes 52 seconds Sound quality: ****
Pink Floyd, Roger Waters: Roger Waters (1990)
Interview by Martin Aston, Rock's Backpages audio, June 1990
The former Floyd man discusses the problems of producing the upcoming Berlin production of The Wall: German Green Party demands that he plants lupins after the show; Soviet co-operation in using the Red Army Choir; trying to get help from the British military but not being allowed to use an army band, and all the headaches involved in such an ambitious production.
File format: mp3; file size: 19.8mb, interview length: 20' 34" sound quality: ***
Pink Floyd, Rick Wright: Pink Floyd's Rick Wright (1997)
Interview by Jim Sullivan, Rock's Backpages audio, January 1997
The Floyd keyboard man on his solo album Broken China: writing about his wife's depression; the melancholia in his music; co-writing with lyricist Anthony Moore; Sinead O'Connor's involvement; and becoming a singer himself. He talks about what (isn't) up with Pink Floyd; his run-in with Roger Waters when recording The Wall, his dismissal from the band... and the current state of Syd Barrett.
File format: mp3; file size: 21.5mb, interview length: 22' 22" sound quality: ** (phoner)
Interview by Mat Snow, Rock's Backpages audio, 5 April 1988
The Boston indies talk about their working processes and place in the musical scheme of things; discuss their name, and more.
File format: mp3; file size: 28.6mb, interview length: 31' 12" sound quality: ***
The Pixies' Black Francis (1989)
Interview by Roy Trakin, Rock's Backpages audio, 27 March 1989
Black Francis on the telephone, talking about The Pixies' major label debut, his influences ranging from his Pentecostal background to the movies of David Lynch, and his "Black Francis" persona
File format: mp3 File size: 23mb Interview length: 25 minutes 10 seconds Sound quality: **
Interview by Gavin Martin, Rock's Backpages audio, Spring 2006
Brian Molko and pals talk about the making of their new album Meds, about songwriting, taking drugs and lots more
File format: mp3; total file size: 30.2mb, total interview length: 32' 57" sound quality: ****
Interview by Mat Snow, Rock's Backpages audio, April 1990
From the Miracles to Buffalo Springfield, Robert Plant revisits the music that most influenced his musical youth: Bo Diddley; the productions of Joe Meek; collecting records and the Black Country scene; the move from R&B to psychedelia, and blues, blues and more blues...
File format: mp3; file size: 83.7mb, interview length: 1h 31' 24" sound quality: ***
Interview by Adam Sweeting, Rock's Backpages audio, 18 June 1993
The former Led Zeppelin frontman on his current solo project: on his new band and their youthful enthusiasm; on the depth of his roots in the blues, and musical theft; how John Bonham's death meant the end of Zep; on the music that inspired his youth... and how old rockers like him can remain engaged with the present.
File format: mp3; file size: 38mb, interview length: 39' 36" sound quality: ****
Interview by Mat Snow, Rock's Backpages audio, August 1988
Mr. Pop on his current album, Instinct; on giving up his "bad habits"; on Detroit and the Stooges; his confrontational stageshow; getting his business affairs in order, and on his childhood and parents.
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 24 June 1999
File format: MP3 ; File size: 20.9mb; Interview length: 45 minutes; Sound quality: ***
Interview by Chris Roberts, Rock's Backpages audio, 5 August 1999
Iggy ruminates on growing old, marriage and divorce, and the various aspects of his life that informed his album Avenue B
File format: mp3; file size: 55.5mb, interview length: 57' 47" sound quality: ***
Iggy Pop, The Stooges: Iggy Pop on the Stooges (1977)
Interview by Stuart Grundy, Rock's Backpages audio, March 1977
Iggy Pop looks back on the Stooges: on Ann Arbour and Detroit; putting the band together; not being part of the White Panther scene; James Osterberg v Iggy Stooge; the first album, 'Not Right', 'I Wanna Be Your Dog', and John Cale; his relationship with his audience; writing Fun House; being dropped by Elektra; reforming the Stooges in 1973 with James Williamson, and Raw Power; living in the UK, meeting Bowie and recording The Idiot.
File format: mp3; file size: 29.5meg, interview length: 30' 47" sound quality: ****
Porno for Pyros' Perry Farrell (1996)
Interview by Steven Daly, Rock's Backpages audio, 17 April 1996
The Porno for Pyros frontman talks about his upcoming ENIT Festival and the ecological angle that involves tree planting, craft beers and the "spirits" of heroin and cocaine. He also looks back at his involvement with ENIT's hugely successful predecessor Lollapalooza – and how he became estranged from it. Lastly, he considers, slightly optimistically, how technology is going to change the music business...
File format: mp3; file size: 60.2mb, interview length: 1h 02' 39" sound quality: ***
Interview by Richard North, Rock's Backpages audio, Fall 1988
Mr P-Orridge talks at length about psychedelics, acid house, sexuality, ritual, Tantra, and about Psychic TV, Throbbing Gristle and Thee Temple ov Psychick Youth.
File format: mp3; file size: 125.7mb, interview length: 2h 17' 19" sound quality: ***
Interview by Mark Sinker, Rock's Backpages audio, December 1990
P-Orridge, his then partner Paula and Sinker talk about celebrating a pagan Christmas, plus the pre-Christian roots of the festival; the genocidal triumph of Christianity over the ancient religions; pre-Christian belief systems; Saturnalia and Santa's shamanistic roots.
File format: mp3; file size: 22.7mb, interview length: 23' 36" sound quality: **½
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 1985
The man who co-wrote all those great hits with Isaac Hayes remembers Memphis, and Stax, from back in the day.
File format: mp3; file size: 82.2mb, interview length: 1h 25' 36" sound quality: ***
Prefab Sprout's Paddy McAloon (1988)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, January 1988
King Sprout McAloon on the state of songwriting and production in 1988, Bruce Springsteen and Robert De Niro, Newcastle, fame, breaking America, and... Issac Hayes!
File format: mp3; file size: 18mb, interview length: 19' 40" sound quality: ***
The Pretty Things' Phil May (1995)
Interview by Johnny Black, Rock's Backpages audio, 1995
Pretty Things mainman Phil May, joined by manager Mark St. John, talk about the early days of the band, their rivalry with the Rolling Stones, their disappearing bandmates and their legal battles to regain their copyrights.
File format: mp3; file size: 52.3mb, interview length: 54' 28" sound quality: ****
Primal Scream's Bobby Gillespie (1991)
Interview by Kris Needs, Rock's Backpages audio, 1991
Primal Scream's front-man and major fanboy talks about making Screamadelica; his major influences; and music, music music.
File format: mp3; file size: 58.1mb, interview length: 1h 03' 28" sound quality: **
Prince, The Staple Singers, Mavis Staples: Mavis Staples (1989)
Interview by Amy Linden, Rock's Backpages audio, 24 May 1989
After talking about what she’s listening to today, Mavis discusses the current status of the Staple Singers; how she met Prince and made Time Waits For No One; the complex relationship between gospel and soul; singing ‘The Weight’ on The Band’s Last Waltz and filming the clip with Martin Scorsese; the Staples' relationship with the late ’60s/early ’70s rock scene; their years on Stax Records ; their early days and their meetings with Motown stars; their endless road trips and how she's survived the business; her love for gospel singers like Mahalia Jackson; and how it felt to be outsold by white artists who were influenced by soul.
File format: mp3; file size: 83.6mb, interview length: 1h 27' 06" sound quality: ***
Prince Charles & The City Beat Band (1983)
Interview by Simon Witter, Rock's Backpages audio, 18 May 1983
From the ghetto and gangs of Roxbury in Boston to the Lyceum ballroom: Prince Charles Alexander and his trusty Lyricon move on up.
File format: mp3; file size: 48mb, interview length: 52' 27" sound quality: ***
Interview by John Tobler, Rock's Backpages audio, July 1992
The singer-songwriter talks about writing a song with Phil Spector; on Bruce Springsteen and Bonnie Raitt; on songwriting; favourite songwriters; writing with Shel Silverstein; setting up his own label Oh Boy; recording in Memphis and Nashville; his friendship with Steve Goodman... and being covered by John Denver.
File format: mp3; file size: 61.3mb, interview length: 1h 03' 52" sound quality: ****
Interview by Paul Zollo, Rock's Backpages audio, 28 May 2009
The former mailman talks about how he started as a songwriter; on being a performer; on songs such as 'Angel from Montgomery'; the detailed ins-and-outs of songwriting; and looks back at his friend and collaborator Steve Goodman.
File format: mp3; file size: 93.0mb, interview length: 1h 42' 34" sound quality: ** (phoner)
Procol Harum's Keith Reid (2009)
Interview by Carl Wiser, Songfacts, 2 April 2009
Procol Harum lyricist Reid looks back at the writing of such classics as 'Whiter Shade of Pale', and brings us up to date with his current projects.
File format: mp3; file size: 19.7mb; Interview length: 42' 59"; sound quality: ***
Psychic TV's Genesis P-Orridge (2016)
Interview by Jim Sullivan, Boston Rock/Talk, 22 November 2016
The Psychic TV mainperson talks about the sonic evolution of PTV; collaboration and connectivity, fear and totalitarianism; the 1992 police raid and exile; the changing personnel, and about S/he, Lady Jaye and Pandrogeny.
File format: mp3; file size: 29mb, interview length: 31' 41" sound quality: ** (phoner)
Queen, Roger Taylor: Queen's Roger Taylor (1979)
Interview by Ian Ravendale, Rock's Backpages audio, 4 December 1979
The regal sticksman talks about why they did a live album; 'Crazy Little Thing Called Love'; plans for the next album; their rep for perfectionism; keeping to the original line-up, and refutes rumours of a split.
File format: mp3; file size: 7.2mb, interview length: 7' 49" sound quality: *****
Quicksilver Messenger Service: Quicksilver's John Cipollina (1984)
Interview by Gene Sculatti, Davin Seay, Rock's Backpages audio, June 1984
Cipollina looks back on his childhood and youth, falling in love with the electric guitar and starting his first bands; meeting Dino Valenti and the formation of Quicksilver Messenger Service; the emergence of hippies, and the early Fillmore scene; hanging out with the Charlatans; signing to Capitol, and their first recordings; the evolution of psychedelic rock, and the brotherhood of the San Francisco bands.
File format: mp3; file size: 91.5mb, interview length: 1h 35' 21" sound quality: ***
The Raconteurs, Jack White: The Raconteurs (2006)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 17 March 2006
Raconteurs Jack White, Brendan Benson, Patrick Keeler and Jack Lawrence on how they got together, making the first album, and their shared love of Led Zeppelin
File format: mp3; file size: 41.3mb, interview length: 43' 04" sound quality: ***
Interview by Ira Robbins, Rock's Backpages audio, 12 May 1993
Thom Yorke and Colin Greenwood talk about how the band started; the Oxford music scene; the naming of Pablo Honey; stardom and ambition; the group's image; playing live vs. recording; the meaning of their 'Pop is Dead' single; 'Creep' and lyrical scrutiny; how to describe the band... and Thom's "loud but inaudible" guitar.
File format: mp3; file size: 27.9mb, interview length: 29' 03" sound quality: ** (phoner)
Interview by Amy Linden, Rock's Backpages audio, 4 June 1997
Jonny Greenwood and (mostly) Thom Yorke compare new album OK Computer to previous album The Bends. Plus they talk about the bands's jitteriness; Thom’s dispute with Melody Maker and how they've insulate themselves from fame; working with engineer-producer Nigel Godrich; covers of their breakthrough hit ‘Creep’ – and the song no longer being an albatross to the band; Tibet, America and China, capitalism, world politics and noxious celebrity endorsements.
File format: mp3; file size: 34.2mb, interview length: 35' 40" sound quality: ***
Radiohead's Phil Selway (1997)
Interview by Jim Sullivan, Rock's Backpages audio, 17 August 1997
The Radiohead drummer on the OK Computer tour: on recent significant events for the band such as playing Glastonbury; making the album; whether or not they qualify as Art Rock; moving to playing larger venues; introducing new material into their set; how the band is perceived; Thom Yorke's lyrics; the remaining tour, and plans to take a break before writing the next album.
File format: mp3; file size: 18.4mb, interview length: 19' 07" sound quality: ** (phoner)
Interview by John Tobler, Rock's Backpages audio, 28 July 1977
The singer/slide-guitarist talks about how she got into blues; about her albums from her first to her most recent, Sweet Forgiveness, via Takin' My Time and Home Plate; about producers John Hall and Jerry Ragovoy; about politics, feminism and women in music; and about the process of finding songs and not writing anymore. Read a transcript of this interview.
File format: mp3; file size: 30.2mb, interview length: 31' 30" sound quality: *****
Interview by Mark Bliesener, Rock's Backpages audio, 16 March 1977
The band (Johnny heard first; Tommy second; Dee Dee third and Joey last) talk about going to England in 1976; how the Stones and similar bands have or haven’t sold out; the current New York scene; where they’ve been playing on the West Coast; their Forest Hills roots and first playing CBGBs; not being political or singing about love; the difference between their debut album and second album Leave Home; the process of recording; pop on TV; radio and magazines... and Paul Getty Jr. coming to their shows!
File format: mp3; file size: 42.1mb, interview length: 43' 54" sound quality: ***
Interview by Ian Ravendale, Rock's Backpages audio, 28 September 1978
Johnny, Joey, Tommy and Dee Dee talk about what got them together; making records; being "Ramones"; playing live, and the true meaning of Gabba Gabba Hey!
File format: mp3; file size: 11.9mb, interview length: 12' 58" sound quality: *****
Interview by Kris Needs, Rock's Backpages audio, 9 February 1980
During this swift backstage chat, the Ramones talk about working with Phil Spector on their End of the Century album. They also talk about their current UK tour, how they're doing in the USA, and discuss leather jackets and winklepickers!
File format: mp3; file size: 13.3mb, interview length: 14' 34" sound quality: **
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Mat Snow, Rock's Backpages audio, February 1985
Joey and Dee Dee talk about life for da brudders is the mid-'80s; Hardcore; chart success (or not); drugs; playing fast; New York City, and where they come from musically.
File format: mp3; file size: 45.3mb, interview length: 1h 02' 53" sound quality: ***
Interview by Abby Weissman, Rock's Backpages audio, September 1988
Joey and Marky talk about selecting songs for new compilation album Ramones Mania; their songwriting influences; recording End of the Century with Phil Spector; why Marky left, his drinking problem and his return to the band; their professionalism right back in the early days; inter-band relationships with Johnny and Dee Dee; flying to England in 1976 and the Ramones' influence on UK punk; playing CBGBs for the first time and helping to build the scene; meeting manager Danny Fields and signing to Sire.
File format: mp3; file size: 49.7mb, interview length: 51' 48" sound quality: ****
Interview by Bill Brewster, Frank Broughton, Rock's Backpages audio, 6 May 1999
The dance music legend on the power of the DJ and the club as a place or worship; his pioneering club night Shoom, and the eventual corruption of the rave scene; becoming a radio DJ, and the evolution of the Superstar DJ.
File format: mp3; file size: 27.7mb, interview length: 30' 17" sound quality: ****
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 6 October 2009
On the release of his solo debut, A Friend of a Friend, the man who (usually) accompanies Gillian Welch talks about discovering his own voice; assembling the material, including his co-write with Ryan Adams, 'To Be Young (...)'; recording the album, and the state of acoustic roots music today.
File format: mp3; file size: 33.6mb, interview length: 36' 39" sound quality: ** (phoner)
The Red Hot Chili Peppers: Red Hot Chili Peppers (1985)
Interview by Simon Witter, Rock's Backpages audio, 24 August 1985
Peppers Flea and Hillel Slovak run down the band's history, compare and contrast production methods of Andy (Gang of Four) Gill and George Clinton, chat about punk and funk, and generally rabbit on!
File format: mp3; file size: 43.3mb, interview length: 47' 18" sound quality: ***
Interview by Jeff Apter, Rock's Backpages audio, 30 November 2012
The Australian icon on her hardscrabble early years in America; her friendships with journalist Lillian Roxon, Liza Minnelli and with songwriter Peter Allen; her first hit 'I Don't Know How to Love Him', and her massive 'I Am a Woman'; feminism and her Grammy speech; her retirement, and her fascination with hypnotism and spiritualism.
File format: mp3; file size: 45.1mb, interview length: 1h 36' 07" sound quality: ** (wind, background noise)
Interview by Martin Aston, Rock's Backpages audio, January 1989
Lou talks about his new album, New York: getting the right sound; modified guitars and amps; playing with fellow guitarist Mike Rathke; producer Fred Maher, and finding the right studio; his lyrical concerns, and writing and rewriting; having Mo Tucker play on the album; on Andy Warhol, and working on Songs for Drella with fellow ex-Velvet John Cale,
File format: mp3; file size: 27.8mb, interview length: 28' 57" sound quality: ***
Interview by Larry Jaffee, Rock's Backpages audio, 25 February 2003
On The Raven, the ups and, mostly, downs of CDs, mp3s and (re)mastering and more.
File format: mp3; file size: 24.9mb, interview length: 27' 11" sound quality: ***
Lou Reed, The Velvet Underground: Lou Reed (1996)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 12 January 1996
For the first half hour, Lou talks about recording his new album Set the Twilight Reeling in his own studio and his close attention to sonics. He then explains how lucky he is to be still alive; his relationship with partner Laurie Anderson; the loss of Velvets guitarist Sterling Morrison; how his solo career developed; why his music is more than just visceral rock’n’roll; his leisure pursuits and the books he’s been reading; his relationship with New York City; his singing; the shocking impact of his lyrics for the Velvets; his post-Velvets "Phantom of Rock" image and persona; ‘Walk on the Wild Side’; his addictions and how he recovered from them; and his relationship with his back catalogue.
File format: mp3; file size: 146.6mb, interview length: 2h 32' 42" sound quality: ****
Lou Reed, The Velvet Underground: Lou Reed (1996)
Interview by Jim Sullivan, Rock's Backpages audio, January 1996
Reed talks about sonic fidelity and recording new album Set the Twilight Reeling; working with partner Laurie Anderson and their relationship; his love of “real” rock; Mitch Ryder covering the Velvets' ‘Rock & Roll’ and new bands “doing the Velvets thing”; his controversial lyrics, parental advisory stickers and Tipper Gore; a recent biography of him; and Rudy Giuliani’s New York, good and bad.
File format: mp3; file size: 52.6mb, interview length: 54' 49" sound quality: **½
Interview by Mark Sinker, Rock's Backpages audio, Summer 1993
The American composer discusses his multimedia opera The Cave in detail, including the process of creating it together with his wife, video artist Beryl Korot; his satisfaction with the performances so far in Vienna, Berlin and Amsterdam; the work's three-act structure; his interest in speech as a source of music; the impact of the microphone on singing styles in the 20th century; the political themes raised by the piece; and his influence on younger musicians including Orbital and the Orb.
File format: mp3; file size: 49.8mb; interview length: 51'52"; sound quality: **
Terry Reid on Led Zeppelin (2012)
Interview by Ian Ravendale, Rock's Backpages audio, 14 September 2012
Terry can't remember if his band supported "the New Yardbirds" at Newcastle's Mayfair Ballroom, but he remembers Jimmy Page and manager Peter Grant planning to fill the vacuum left by Cream and Hendrix. He also reminisces about having to turn down Page's offer to become Led Zeppelin's frontman... and instead recommending Robert Plant and John Bonham to Page and Grant.
File format: mp3; file size: 18.2mb, interview length: 18' 55" sound quality: ** (phoner)
Interview by Gavin Martin, Rock's Backpages audio, December 2003
Gavin Martin quizzes the R.E.M. front-man on movies, religion, his gayness, Bill Berry's departure and a whole lot more.
File format: mp3; file size: 48.7mb, interview length: 50' 45" sound quality: ****
Interview by David Stubbs, Rock's Backpages audio, 1996
The R.E.M. guitarist talks about the songs and artists that meant most to him, from Moon River to the Ramones and beyond.
File format: mp3; file size: 29.9mb, interview length: 32' 37" sound quality: ***
R.E.M.'s Peter Buck and Mike Mills (1992)
Interview by Mat Snow, Rock's Backpages audio, September 1992
The two multi-instrumentalists talk about recording Automatic for the People; writing songs for Stipe; not working with big-name musicians; favourite Beatles albums; confronting Tipper Gore; their musical heroes, and a whole lot more.
File format: mp3; file size: 57mb, interview length: 1h 02' 18" sound quality: ***½
R.E.M.'s Peter Buck and Mike Mills (1992)
Interview by Ira Robbins, Rock's Backpages audio, 17 August 1992
Messrs. Buck and Mills talks about making Automatic For The People: how they write; the optimal length of an album; Stipe as a lyricist, and the album track-by-track. They also reflect on their 10-year career; the REM organisation; parallels with U2; how they measure success; touring... or not; working with the Troggs, and Robyn Hitchcock; Peter Holsapple's relationship with the band; being out of place at the Grammies, and their Desert Island Discs.
File format: mp3; file size: 83mb, interview length: 1h 26' 26" sound quality: ****
The Replacements' Paul Westerberg (1987)
Interview by Roy Trakin, Rock's Backpages audio, 14 August 1987
Replacements kingpin Westerberg on the making of Pleased To Meet Me in Memphis with messrs. Chilton and Dickinson, and on his family background, the Minneapolis scene, hatred of the English music press, beer, football and life on the road.
File format: mp3; file size: 43mb, interview length: 44' 46"; sound quality: ***
Paul Revere & the Raiders' Mark Lindsay (1990)
Interview by Tom Graves, Rock's Backpages audio, June 1990
The Raiders' front-guy takes us back to Seattle garage-punk, the British invasion, long hair and costumes, Dick Clark's Where the Action Is... and, er, the entire history of '60s US pop!
File format: mp3; file size: 92.6mb, interview length: 1h 41' 05" sound quality: ****
Cliff Richard: Ian Samwell on Cliff Richard (1995)
Interview by Johnny Black, Rock's Backpages audio, 24 November 1995
From The 2i's, Cliff Richard and writing 'Move It', to producing America's 'Horse With No Name', this beat-boom Zelig takes us on a journey through British Rock'n'Roll history.
File format: mp3; file size: 64.9mb, interview length: 1h 07' 33" sound quality: ****
Keith Richards, The Rolling Stones: Keith Richards (1985)
Interview by Mat Snow, Rock's Backpages audio, Winter 1985
Starting with the Live Aid Dylan "fiasco", this interview moves swiftly through subjects such as guitar playing and Jeff Beck's Stones "audition", before degenerating into a row about production methods. Things get back on keel with talk of Exile and Keef's Desert Island Discs. Sound quality is, shall we say, funky.
File format: mp3; file size: 69.5mb, interview length: 1h 12' 23" sound quality: **
Keith Richards, The Rolling Stones: Keith Richards (1997)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, November 1997
The Human Riff on Exile on Main Street, Gram Parsons, rastamen in the hills and his loathing of Oasis.
File format: mp3 File size: 27.7mb Interview length: 30 minutes 13 seconds Sound quality: ****
Keith Richards, The Rolling Stones: Keith Richards (1997)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, April 1997
The Human Riff talks about his solo excursion with the X-Pensive Winos and making Talk is Cheap: sorting out the crack band with Steve Jordan, working with Bootsy and Maceo, and on being a frontman.
File format: mp3; file size: 19.2mb, interview length: 21' sound quality: *
Keith Richards, The Rolling Stones: Keith Richards (2002)
Interview by Adam Sweeting, Rock's Backpages audio, 14 August 2002
The Human Riff looks back on a life in rock'n'roll: the people — Allen Klein, Andrew Oldham, Jimmy Miller, Gram Parsons and, of course, his old mucker Mick; on the '60s music business; on starting to write, on riffs and tunings; and on his Toronto bust.
File format: mp3; file size: 106.2mb, interview length: 1h 50' 38" sound quality: ***
Keith Richards, The Rolling Stones: Keith Richards (and Anita Pallenberg) (1979)
Interview by Chris Welch, Rock's Backpages audio, January 1979
Holding court at London's Ritz Hotel – and with frequent interjections from Pallenberg – the Rolling Stones guitarist talks about the band's most recent tour; why he's back in London; being in tax exile; punk and the Pistols; Keith Moon's death; working with Peter Tosh, and reggae and Jamaica in general; the etymology of the terms "Blood Claat"; his Canadian drug bust and being a junkie; writing with Mick Jagger and the Stones' Some Girls; how he and Mick became known as "the Glimmer Twins"; Edith Grove flatmate Jimmy Phelge; Bill Wyman; his various house fires, and... enter son Marlon! (Read the resulting Melody Maker piece "An Outlaw at the Ritz")...
File format: mp3; file size: 82mb, interview length: 1h 25' 24" sound quality: ***
Interview by Jim Sullivan, Boston Rock/Talk, 3 October 2015
Andy Bell and Mark Gardener talk about why they've reunited; explore the nature of noise, abstraction and the blend of guitars; being back on tour, and singing songs written in their teens at 40. Oh, and they play, unplugged, a couple of tunes!
File format: mp3; file size: 38.2mb, interview length: 41' 11" sound quality: *****
Interview by Maureen Paton, Rock's Backpages audio, 22 August 2007
The "Bajan Beyoncé" talks about her big hit 'Umbrella'; her upbringing in the West Indies; her mother and brothers; her discovery by Evan Rogers and signing to Def Jam; her dad's cocaine problem; her collaboration with Justin Timberlake... and her hair and make-up tips!
File format: mp3; file size: 42.4mb, interview length: 44' 12" sound quality: ***
Interview by Cliff White, Rock's Backpages audio, April 1977
The trilling songthrush talks about playing Las Vegas; about live arrangements; about her collaborators; her stage background; on relationships and self-awareness; on songwriting, and at some length on her struggle with breast cancer, and winning the American Cancer Society's Courage Award.
File format: mp3; file size: 42.1mb, interview length: 44' 54" sound quality: ***
Interview by Steve Roeser, Rock's Backpages audio, 10 June 1998
The ex-Band man on Martin Scorsese and movie soundtracks, his Contact from the Underworld of Redboy album, Native-American politics and music, and looks back at Bo Diddley, the Dylan '74 tour and the great bluesmen.
File format: mp3; file size: 29.7mb, interview length: 32' 28" sound quality: * (phoner)
Interview by Paul Zollo, Rock's Backpages audio, 1998
The erstwhile Band songwriter talks about his Contact from the Underworld of Redboy album; working with Howie B; the involvement of jailed Native American activist Leonard Peltier; the Peyote religion; writing for the different voices in the Band, and writing film music for Martin Scorsese.
File format: mp3; file size: 48.7mb, interview length: 53' 20" sound quality: **½
Smokey Robinson, Smokey Robinson & The Miracles: Smokey Robinson (1977)
Interview by Cliff White, Rock's Backpages audio, November 1977
Smokey goes disco! The great singer-songwriter on producing and recording the soundtrack to the Big Time movie; giving the public what they want; his changing role at Motown; why he left the Miracles; his renewed love of performing; the uniform results of Motown's artist development department... and his current live show.
File format: mp3; file size: 36.2mb, interview length: 37' 45" sound quality: ****
Interview by John Tobler, Rock's Backpages audio, 1989
Mr. Rogers talks about re-recording his old hits; his uneasy relationship with the Country Music industry; changing labels; his time with the New Christy Minstrels; growing up listening to doowop and R&B; his huge back catalogue... and not writing (many) songs anymore.
File format: mp3; file size: 24.3mb, interview length: 25' 17" sound quality: *****
The Rolling Stones: Anita Pallenberg (1998)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, Summer 1998
The one-time consort to Keith Richards talks about the place of the women behind the men in rock'n'roll: the blondes the men went and still go for; the lack of equality in the relationships; feelings of uselessness and lack of support systems, and about Marianne Faithfull, Courtney Love and Yoko Ono.
File format: mp3; file size: 17.8mb, interview length: 18' 30" sound quality: ** (phoner)
The Rolling Stones: Mick Taylor (1989)
Interview by Tom Graves, Rock's Backpages audio, 1989
From being a fresh-faced Bluesbreaker to the Rolling Stones and beyond: guitars, the blues, Altamont, the glamour and the dark side.
File format: mp3; file size: 61.5mb, interview length: 1h 07' 16" sound quality: * (phoner)
The Rolling Stones, Charlie Watts: Charlie Watts (1997)
Interview by Robin Eggar, Rock's Backpages audio, September 1997
The beloved Stones drummer talks about marrying — and being kept sane by — Shirley Watts; and about getting into jazz in his London youth; maintaining the separation between the Stones and his home life; keeping horses; his love of Stravinsky, Picasso and Duke Ellington; becoming a drummer; his passion for clothes; touring; his lost drug-and-drink years; grandfatherhood; and recording new Stones album Bridges to Babylon.
File format: mp3; file size: 81.8mb, interview length: 1h 25' 10" sound quality: ***
The Ronettes, Ronnie Spector: Ronnie Spector (1991)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 13 February 1991
On marriage to, and escape from, Phil Spector; on being fancied by John Lennon, being a Ronette, being in Swinging London, being hit on by hero Frankie Lymon... and writing her autobiography.
File format: mp3 File size: 50.6mb, interview length: 52' 41", sound quality: ***
Interview by Maureen Paton, Rock's Backpages audio, 13 June 2007
... in which Maureen Paton takes a cab ride round the childhood haunts of the producer/DJ. After talking slightly sheepishly about his "mid-Atlantic drawl", Ronson recalls his family background; growing up surrounded by rock'n'roll and rock musicians; being tucked in bed by Robin Williams; his fondness of vintage music and production; producing Amy Winehouse; being a performer and DJ — at P Diddy's birthday party! — and being a school chum of Sean Lennon's.
File format: mp3; file size: 48.6.5mb, interview length: 60' 38" sound quality: ***
Interview by John Tobler, Rock's Backpages audio, Fall 1976
Ms Ronstadt talks about being brought up surrounded by music; moving from Tucson to Los Angeles and forming the Stone Poneys; the hit she didn't like, 'Different Drum'; her struggles with managers and producers making her first solo albums; meeting the future Eagles at the Troubadour; the move from Capitol to Asylum; getting together with producer Peter Asher, and strongly identifying with fellow women singers like Emmylou, Dolly and Bonnie Raitt.
File format: mp3; file size: 44.2mb; Interview length: 46' 01"; sound quality: *****
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 7 February 1995
The First Lady of Counry Rock on a life in music: from Tuscon to LA; the Troubadour scene; hanging out with Jim Morrison and Gram Parsons; exploring standards and Mexican music; singing, production and producers.
File format: mp3; file size: 152.1mb, interview length: 2h 28' 27" sound quality: ***
David Lee Roth, Van Halen: David Lee Roth (1995)
Interview by Steven Daly, Rock's Backpages audio, December 1995
The erstwhile Van Halen frontman talks about his youth, and his memories of uncle Manny Roth, who started the Greenwich Village Café Wha?; on being first turned on to music; his love of boats; his current gig playing Las Vegas, and the uniform blandness of the modern world. He also revisits the end of Van Halen and their legacy, and the part cocaine played in their break-up.
File format: mp3; file size: 93.8mb, interview length: 1h 37' 44" sound quality: ***
Interview by Chris Roberts, Rock's Backpages audio, 4 April 2001
Bryan Ferry and Phil Manzanera talk about their 2001 reunion, and look back to the days of zany outfits and VCS3s.
File format: mp3; file sizes: 86.1mb, total interview length: 1h 29' 39" sound quality: **
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 9 August 1997
On Todd's childhood and early musical adventures, culminating in the formation of The Nazz and a sudden immersion in the teen pop world; getting involved with Albert Grossman and the Woodstock scene, recording The Band and dressing up and taking acid: meeting the Sayles Brothers; working on Ritalin; the Concept for A Wizard, A True Star; building Secret Sound Studio in NYC and developing his recording techniques.
File format: mp3 File size: 116.6mb, interview length: 2h 01' 29", sound quality: ****
Interview by Bill DeMain, Rock's Backpages audio, 11 December 1997
America's foremost Utopian on the songwriter's job: on originality and plagiarism; the process of writing and realisation; on revisiting his old songs on With a Twist; on the emerging Internet and how it will change the way artists and songwriters work... and the tyranny of the long-form CD.
File format: mp3; file size: 34.2mb, interview length: 35' 39" sound quality: ** (phoner)
Todd Rundgren, Utopia: Todd Rundgren (2011)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 7 October 2011
The cult singer-songwriter-producer looks back to the reasons he didn’t become a huge ‘70s star, and to the cultural changes that came in the ’80s; his early embrace of computers and synthesisers; how he got into music in his youth; the British Invasion, forming (the) Nazz, and why said band failed; hooking up with manager Albert Grossman, becoming a producer and developing his songwriting; making his first solo album, moving to Woodstock and working with The Band; the music that influenced him; the making of A Wizard, A True Star; why he formed Utopia; the artists he’s influenced; the state of American politics in 2011... and his current live show. Read the MOJO article that resulted from this interview
File format: mp3; file size: 84.9mb, interview length: 1h 28' 29" sound quality: ***½ (background noise)
Interview by Kris Needs, Rock's Backpages audio, October 1986
Rock and rap, hip hop live and hip hop movies, and the struggle to get hip hop into the mainstream – the Queens Kings of Rap'n'Roll speak.
File format: mp3; file size: 31.9mb, interview length: 34' 51" sound quality: **
Interview by Steve Roeser, Rock's Backpages audio, Spring 1998
From the clubs of Tulsa, via Los Angeles, Phil Spector and the Shelter People, to Nashville and a return to country roots — Leon Russell remembers... well, some of it.
File format: mp3; file size: 55.9mb, interview length: 58' 10" sound quality: * (phone interview)
Interview by Andy Gill, Rock's Backpages audio, May 1998
The singer-songwriter-bandleader takes us from playing bars as a 14-year-old in Oklahoma to George Harrison's Concert for Bangladesh via sessions in L.A. for Phil Spector: being a part of L.A.'s Wrecking Crew; playing electric piano on the Byrds' 'Mr. Tambourine Man'; meeting Delaney & Bonnie; English producer Denny Cordell and his Shelter label; putting together Joe Cocker's Mad Dogs & Englishmen; J.J. Cale, Freddie King and Willis Alan Ramsey; the all-star cast on his first solo album; his famous songs ‘A Song For You’ and ‘This Masquerade’ becoming standards... and working with Bob Dylan and so many others.
File format: mp3; file size: 61.8mb, interview length: 1h 04' 24" sound quality: ****
Interview by Andy Gill, Rock's Backpages audio, Spring 1996
Ms. Sainte-Marie talks about making art in the digital domain: creating music and pictures on computers, the importance of technology to artists, having her own website; working online with indigenous American communities; her early musical experiences; revisiting older material on new album Up Where We Belong; on 'Soldier Blue', the song and the film; and being part of Sesame Street.
File format: mp3; file size: 49.5mb, interview length: 51' 31" sound quality: ****
Sam & Dave: Sam Moore of Sam & Dave (1985)
Interview by Simon Witter, Rock's Backpages audio, 1985
Getting together with Dave Prater; Atlantic/Stax; the Stax-Volt UK tour; meeting the Queen; working with Lou Reed: the Soul Man speaks.
File format: mp3; file size: 38.5mb, interview length: 42' 01" sound quality: ***
Santana: Carlos Santana (1977)
Interview by Steven Rosen, Rock's Backpages audio, 1977
Carlos Santana talks to Steven Rosen about his musical background. (1977)
File format: MP3 File size: 427kb Interview length: 36 seconds Sound quality: **
Santana's Michael Shrieve (2009)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, June 2009
The Santana drummer remembers the glory days — Abraxas, Woodstock etc. — and the coke, Coke Escovedo and the crumbling of the band.
File format: mp3; file size: 42.1mb, interview length: 45' 56" sound quality: * (phoner)
Santana, Carlos Santana: Carlos Santana (2010)
Interview by Steven Rosen, Rock's Backpages audio, 16 November 2010
Carlos discusses his new album Guitar Heaven: The Greatest Guitar Classics of All Time and talks about cover versions in general; recalls shows he played with Led Zeppelin in 1969 and seeing Cream in 1967; his not wishing to play as loud as the Brits and Jimi Hendrix; his love of the Doors; his use of effects pedals; the various members of Beatles and George Harrison in particular; and "the Sound of Collective Consciousness".
File format: mp3; file size: 28.5mb, interview length: 29' 43" sound quality: ** (phoner)
Interview by Andy Gill, Rock's Backpages audio, 20 October 1997
Boz goes through his recording career, starting with Jann Wenner's role in the first solo album at Muscle Shoals; the albums Moments and Boz Scaggs & Band; returning to Muscle Shoals for My Time; the Johnny-Bristol-produced Slow Dancer, featuring James Jamerson and others; Silk Degrees and 'Lowdown' as a crossover pop hit, plus producer Joe Wissert; involvement in the New York Rock & Soul Revue with Donald Fagen; his Some Change album with co-producer Ricky Fataar; the Japanese-only release Fade into Light, and his new Come on Home covers album.
File format: mp3; file size: 33.8mb, interview length: 35' 11" sound quality: ** (phoner)
Interview by Cliff White, Rock's Backpages audio, February 1976
The soulful polemicist talks about his and Brian Jackson's Midnight Band; his diverse influences and the Spirit of the Drum; being a successful musician while doing other work; how he started writing prose as a kid; how black artists and writers are not recognised in the USA; 'Johannesburg' and apartheid; the value of correct information, and 'We Almost Lost Detroit'; writing his first novel and starting to record; 'The Bottle' as message and dance groove, and finally he and Brian Jackson explain how they write together...
File format: mp3; file size: 61.8mb, interview length: 1h 02' 01" sound quality: ****
Interview by Mark Bliesener, Rock's Backpages audio, 6 January 1978
The poet and musician talks about whether social change is possible through music; art as a way of transmitting an idea; how travel informs his world view and perspective; spending time in jail; police profiling and inequality of treatment; being unable to trust public institutions as a Black person; the political situation in America; the role of the media in furthering or hindering causes; the weakening of liberation movements through their division; the current sound of disco and funk; the rise of women vocalists like Chaka Khan; South African reactions to his song 'Johannesburg'; using a samba rhythm on 'The Liberation Song'; the growing global influence of Fela Kuti and Bob Marley; the energy of punk rock; and the meaning of the term "new wave".
File format: mp3; file size: 38.3mb, interview length: 39'55" sound quality: ****
Interview by Larry Jaffee, Rock's Backpages audio, August 1986
Scott-Heron talks about music and politics, Reron and B Movie, Sun City, Clive Davis and Arista/RCA, and ruminates on favourites old and new.
File format: mp3; file size: 18.1mb, interview length: 19' 42" sound quality: * (phoner)
Scritti Politti's Green (1988)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, January 1988
Scritti's Green talks about making Provision, meeting Jacques Derrida, working with Miles Davis, Roger Troutman and Chaka Khan, hanging out with Kraftwerk and struggling to come up with an album title...
File format: mp3; file size: 57.7meg, total interview length: 1h 00' 06" sound quality: ****
Scritti Politti's Green Gartside (2006)
Interview by Adam Sweeting, Rock's Backpages audio, May 2006
The Scritti Politti man talks about returning to live work with his band of part-timers; looks back at the early Rough Trade days, and the politics and theory; at his discovery of soul and funk, and going to America to make polished pop records; at struggling with promotion and flipping out; at the process of making records, mainly his new album White Bread Black Beer; at romance, nostalgia and (lack of) memory, working with Miles Davis, and his memories of Bernie Rhodes and Malcolm McLaren.
File format: mp3; file size: 78.8mb, interview length: 1h 01' 03" sound quality: ****
Pete Seeger on Moe Asch and Folkways Records (1987)
Interview by Tony Scherman, Rock's Backpages audio, January 1987
The folk revival's elder statesman pays tribute to Folkways founder Moe Asch: talks about the label's evolution, its principles and modus operandi, and its value as a preserver of marginal musical forms. Plus he speaks about Asch's relationship with Woody Guthrie and the EP This Land is Your Land; about Asch's business practices and the issues of royalties and copyrights. Finally, Seeger sums up Asch the man...
File format: mp3; file size: 55.5mb, interview length: 57' 46" sound quality: ***
Interview by Mat Snow, Rock's Backpages audio, November 1991
The blue collar rocker talks about his early days in Detroit, and about Detroit now; expresses his admiration for, and his parallels with, Bruce Springsteen; on his life as a road warrior, and his big breakthrough with the Live Bullet and Night Moves albums.
File format: mp3; file size: 53.2mb, interview length: 58' 04" sound quality: ***
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, September 2015
The veteran rocker talks about his long relationship with Capitol Records: the wonderful building and studios; the many people who have been so supportive of him over the four decades he was on the label, and what Los Angeles came to mean to him.
File format: mp3; file size: 24.4mb, interview length: 25' 24" sound quality: ** (phoner)
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band: Alex Harvey (1975)
Interview by Ira Robbins, Dave Schulps, Rock's Backpages audio, Fall 1975
After dealing with his current stage persona Vambo – and virtually demanding the invention of punk rock – the Scottish veteran takes us back to the roots of British rock'n'roll: the showbands; Tony Sheridan; the Hamburg clubs; the rip-offs, right up to the formation of his Sensational Alex Harvey Band...
File format: mp3; file size: 55.2meg, interview length: 57' 32" sound quality: ***
Sex Pistols Sid Vicious and Johnny Rotten (1977)
Interview by John Tobler, Rock's Backpages audio, 11 November 1977
Amidst a litany of Sid Vicious' belches (and demands for cigs and tea), he and Johnny Rotten are hilariously rude about... well, almost everyone: fellow Pistol Steve Jones; ex-Pistol Glen Matlock; the Bromley Contingent; Malcolm McLaren and Vivienne Westwood; Iggy Pop; the Clash; the taxman; the press; Freddie Mercury... and each other!
File format: mp3; file size: 46.9mb, interview length: 48' 52" sound quality: *****
Sex Pistols, Sid Vicious: Sid Vicious (1978)
Interview by John Tobler, Rock's Backpages audio, Spring 1978
The former Pistols "bass player" (one uses the term advisedly) talks about his version of 'My Way'; the break up of the band; The Great Rock 'n' Roll Swindle film; Ronald Biggs; planning a band with Johnny Thunders; being managed by girlfriend Nancy Spungen, and keeping his name.
File format: mp3; file size: 12.6mb, interview length: 13' 05" sound quality: *****
The Sex Pistols: Sex Pistol Glen Matlock (2005)
Interview by Nina Antonia, Rock's Backpages audio, January 2005
From shop boy to Sex Pistol: the Pistols' key songwriter talks about the genesis of the band, the role of McLaren, goin' down the Roxy and the 100 Club Punk Festival
File format: mp3; file size: 44.4meg, interview length: 46' 15" sound quality: **
Interview by Bill Brewster, Rock's Backpages audio, 20 July 2004
The pioneering DJ and artist takes us on a journey through London's clubland and the early days of electronic dance music, from Billy's and Blitz, via the gay club scene and the introduction of Ecstasy and House music, through to hitting with S'Express.
File format: mp3; file size: 60.5mb, interview length: 1h 06' 04" sound quality: *****
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 2011
The Canadian singer-songwriter talks about being underrated and about the disillusion and "creeping pessimism" in his lyrics for Long Player Late Bloomer; about Love Shines, Doug Arrowsmith's film about him; about getting signed at the ripe old age of 31; about working on Long Player with producer Bob Rock; about how he wrote songs such as 'Strawberry Blonde'; about 'God Loves Everyone' and Westboro Baptist Church; and about repeatedly watching a live DVD by Neil Diamond.
File format: mp3; file size: 64.3mb, interview length: 1h 6' 57" sound quality: ** (phoner)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 6 November 2012
The Canadian singer-songwriter on his latest album Forever Endeavour: being reunited with producer Mitchell Froom; its contrast with his previous album, the Bob Rock-produced Long Player Late Bloomer; the recording process, Froom's production and the musicians involved, and the songs... where they came from; the moods that informed them, and how they were realised.
File format: mp3; file size: 65.8mb, interview length: 1h 8' 31" sound quality: *** (Skype)
Interview by Gavin Martin, Rock's Backpages audio, 2005
The Latino Lioness on her Oral Fixation album, writing in English, politics and poverty, and the benefits of belly dancing.
file format: mp3; file size: 22mb; Interview length: 24' 13"; sound quality: ****
The Shangri-Las: Shadow Morton (1993)
Interview by Tony Scherman, Rock's Backpages audio, Fall 1993
The legendary songwriter/producer takes us back to his days in the Brill Building: the Shangri-Las' '(Remember) Walking In The Sand'; the people who surrounded him: Leiber & Stoller, Jeff Barry & Ellie Greenwich, George Goldner, Cynthia Weill & Barry Mann, and Seymour Stein; Kama Sutra and Red Bird records; the insanity of the scene, and his personal style. He also talks about his Brooklyn and Long Island childhood, his alcoholism, his break from music and surviving his aneurysm.
File format: mp3; file size: 118.3mb, interview length: 2h 03' 14" sound quality: ** (background noise)
Interview by Ellen Sander, Rock's Backpages audio, 27 October 1983
The 'Runaway' man on the trials and tribulations of being a still-creative musician on the "oldies" circuit; songwriting; working with Jeff Lynne, Tom Petty and Dave Edmunds; and his insecurities and struggle with alcohol.
File format: mp3; file size: 50.5mb, interview length: 55' 11" sound quality: ***
Interview by Mark Dery, Rock's Backpages audio, 1990
The king of out there guitar on everything from playing on Miles' Jack Johnson album, through to Last Exit, with absolutely everything in between.
File format: mp3; file size: 143.5mb, interview length: 2h 36' 44" sound quality: ***
Interview by Frank Broughton, Rock's Backpages audio, 29 January 1999
The pioneering disco DJ remembers the revelation that was David Mancuso’s Loft; opening his own club the Gallery; DJing at Studio 54; his proteges Frankie Knuckles and, in particular, Larry Levan; and the end of the party and the rise of AIDS.
File format: mp3; file size: 62.3mb, interview length: 1h 08' sound quality: ****
Interview by Julian Henry, Rock's Backpages audio, 23 August 1985
In Part 1, Sigue Sigue founder Tony James talks about the influence of sic-fi movies like Blade Runner and Terminator etc.; the death of old rock clichés; using video and TV, and the mistakes of punk in general and his former Gen X bandmate Billy Idol in particular. In Part 2, Sputnik frontman Martin Degville on the band's style; his wigs; popular fashion, and how his former flatmate Boy George is too safe...
File format: mp3; in two parts, total file size: 57.9mb, total interview length: 1h 01' 01" sound quality: **
Interview by Adam Sweeting, Rock's Backpages audio, 21 July 1988
The singer-songwriter discusses the soundtracks to the movie Heartburn (and current project Working Girl); plus Reagan, Dukakis and Jessie Jackson, and American politics in general; growing up in the illustrious Simon (& Schuster) family; the pros and cons of Live Aid; drugs and her generation; working with Clive Davis at Arista... and her reluctance to play live.
File format: mp3; file size: 40.3mb, interview length: 41' 59" sound quality: ***
Interview by Paul Zollo, Rock's Backpages audio, 1993
Concentrating on Hearts and Bones and Graceland, Paul Simon ruthlessly re-examines such songs as 'Allergies', 'Boy in the Bubble' and 'The Late Great Johnny Ace', covering such issues truth in songwriting, heroes as subjects and musical and lyrical influences. Oh, and he really dislikes 'Slip Sliding Away' as "too simple"!
File format: mp3; file size: 80.1mb, interview length: 1h 27' 27" sound quality: **½
Paul Simon, Simon & Garfunkel: Paul Simon (1993)
Interview by Adam Sweeting, Rock's Backpages audio, 1993
In the context of his retrospective box set Paul Simon 1964/1993, the veteran singer-songwriter looks back over his relationship with Art Garfunkel; 'Bridge Over Troubled Water'; his artistic evolution in the shadow of the Beatles and Dylan; his black NYC influences; Graceland's success and controversy; accusations of cultural appropriation; his longevity and place in the world.
File format: mp3; file size: 59.7mb, interview length: 1h 02' 19" sound quality: ****
Interview by Mat Snow, Rock's Backpages audio, May 1989
The Simple Minds frontman expounds on such subjects as latest album Street Fighting Years; writing political lyrics and taking political stands; and how travel has informed his life from hitch-hiking as a kid to touring the world.
File format: mp3; file size: 61.1mb, interview length: 1h 06' 46" sound quality: ***
Simply Red's Mick Hucknall (2009)
Interview by Maureen Paton, Rock's Backpages audio, 20 January 2009
The Ginger soulster talks about the impending end of Simply Red; his winery in Sicily and salmon river in Ireland; his recent lifestyle changes; Manchester and the Gallagher brothers; his art-school days; his partner Gabriella and his daughter; his father and absent mother; the Labour Party and the Iraq war; the music scene today, The X-Factor, and his alienation from it all.
File format: mp3; file size: 50.6mb, interview length: 52' 44" sound quality: ***
Siouxsie & the Banshees (1979)
Interview by Ian Ravendale, Rock's Backpages audio, October 1979
With Siouxsie just back from hospital with what transpired to be hepatitis, Steve Severin and stand-in drummer Budgie talk about the hasty departure of drummer Kenny Morris, and guitarist John McKay. Budgie talks about leaving the Slits, and depping for Morris in the Banshees. Severin talks about the stand-in guitarist, the Cure's Robert Smith, then talks about the German version of ‘Metal Postcard’ single, and use of Nazi imagery.
File format: mp3 File size: 7.9mb Interview length: 08' 14" Sound quality: ****
Siouxsie & The Banshees (1986)
Interview by Martin Aston, Rock's Backpages audio, 1986
Aston and other journos quiz the Banshees about visiting Pompeii and writing 'Cities in Dust'; the album Tinderbox, and taking so long to record it; not looking back, and the myth of Sid Vicious; not having a grand plan; their audience, and keeping their distance from it; the importance of playing live; Siouxsie's look, and influence on young women; the movie Out of Bounds; being on Geffen, and their run-in with Bob Ezrin.
File format: mp3; file size: 43mb, interview length: 44' 50" sound quality: ***
Siouxsie & the Banshees, Siouxsie: Siouxsie & The Banshees (1978)
Interview by Ian Ravendale, Rock's Backpages audio, 30 October 1978
Messrs Severin, Morris, McKay and Sioux slag off their contemporaries, whinge about their record company, dismiss half their fans and generally have a good old moan.
File format: mp3; file size: 14.7mb, interview length: 16' 04" sound quality: *****
The Skids' Richard Jobson (2014)
Interview by Ian Ravendale, Rock's Backpages audio, 7 November 2014
The Skids' co-leader on forming the band in Dundermline; support from John Peel; issues over Nazi imagery; the complexities of Stuart Adamson; The Absolute Game and evolving faster than their audience; recording Joy and Adamson's departure, and on his life after the Skids and Adamson's death.
File format: mp3; file size: 55.6mb, interview length: 57' 57" sound quality: ** (phoner)
Interview by John Tobler, Rock's Backpages audio, May 1975
The Black Country glam-rockers discuss their struggle to break the States; the importance to them of Top Of The Pops; their first hit 'Get Down and Get With It'; singles versus albums; their Yuletide No. 1 'Merry Xmas Everybody'; Slade Alive!; looking back on their skinhead phase, and meeting manager Chas Chandler for the first time.
File format: mp3; file size: 41mb, interview length: 42' 43" sound quality: ***
Interview by Mat Snow, Rock's Backpages audio, September 1994
The sould legend from the Quad-cities, Tri-states area on Otis, Bobby Womack, his love of country music, and the making of the National Anthem of North-West Alabama, 'When A Man Loves A Woman'.
File format: mp3; file sizes: 78.4meg, interview length: 1h 21' 42" sound quality: ***
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 2010
The late, great Percy Sledge looks back at his Alabama youth; cutting the classic 'When a Man Loves a Woman'; the great songwriters and musicians – Dan Penn, Spooner Oldham et al; and talks about his favourite singers and his love of country music.
File format: mp3; file size: 65mb, interview length: 1h 11' 01" sound quality: ** (phoner)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 30 April 1998
Elliott Smith on discomfort, vocal styles, solo vs. electric bands, more discomfort, playing waltzes and art with a capital A.
File format: mp3 File size: 39.3mb Interview length: 42 minutes 57 seconds Sound quality: ***
Interview by Erik Himmelsbach, Rock's Backpages audio, 16 December 1999
The singer-songwriter talks about his upcoming album Figure 8 and its being rockier than his previous work; his love for George Harrison’s All Things Must Pass; recording at London's legendary Abbey Road; peoples’ perceptions of his happiness or otherwise; moving from Portland to New York to Los Angeles; his previous album XO being more produced and slick... and his favourite Beatles songs.
File format: mp3; file size: 46mb, interview length: 47' 57" sound quality: **
Interview by Mick Gold, Rock's Backpages audio, 10 May 1976
Ms Smith talks at length about her poetry, her influences, live improvisation, and Bob Dylan.
File format: mp3; file size: 102.8mb, interview length: 1h 51' 56" sound quality: ***
Interview by Howie Klein, Rock's Backpages audio, 14 May 1978
Ms Smith regales the listeners to KSAN, San Francisco, with stories about Tina Turner, Sandy Pearlman and the Clash; sings the praises of Fred 'Sonic Smith and Tom Verlaine; gives respect to Bill Graham. She also makes Public Service announcements, and comments on the commercials!
File format: mp3; file size: 81.9mb, interview length: 1h 29' 27" sound quality: ***
Interview by John Tobler, Rock's Backpages audio, Spring 1978
The poet/rocker on her fascination with the stars who died young, from Rimbaud to Hendrix; trying to communicate with God; her stage fall; feeling the presence of Jim Morrison in Paris; her love of UK punk and the Clash; how she and Lenny Kaye set out to change things; starting her new album, Easter; keeping rock'n'roll alive, with her guitar as her main weapon; on the death of Elvis, and her optimism for 1978 and the future.
File format: mp3; file size: 44.9mb, interview length: 46' 48" sound quality: ****
Patti Smith: The Patti Smith Group's Lenny Kaye (1986)
Interview by Mat Snow, Rock's Backpages audio, January 1986
Musician and journalist Kaye on the CBGBs scene, the differences between US and UK Punk, Patti Smith and his seminal Nuggets compilation.
File format: mp3; file size: 59meg, interview length: 1h 01' 26" sound quality: ***
Interview by Steven Daly, Rock's Backpages audio, 22 December 1993
A month after his debut album topped the Billboard charts, Calvin Broadus Jr. talks about his Compton youth; about the influence of his mother and the music he grew up hearing; about his criminal youth and the difference between the penitentiary and the county jail; and about the society he grew up in, then and now. He also addresses the subject of gangsta rap and his somewhat misogynistic lyrics.
File format: mp3; file size: 41.6mb, interview length: 43' 19" sound quality: **½
Interview by Martin Aston, Rock's Backpages audio, April 1986
The New York noisesters discuss the chronology of rock movements and their roots in No Wave; deny ripping off the Stooges; explain their name; talk about their guitar collection, their creative methods, how they carry the torch of rock'n'roll and struggle with engineers... and why they covered songs by Madonna and Kim Fowley.
File format: mp3; file size: 46.7mb, interview length: 48' 35" sound quality: ***
Interview by Richard North, Rock's Backpages audio, March 1989
A positively psychedelic interview which ranges from Karen Carpenter to the interview process itself, via strap-ons, James Joyce and acid house. When not giving interviewer North a really hard time, Thurston Moore treats us to his finest Johnny Thunders impersonation.
File format: mp3; file size: 57.2mb, interview length: 1h 02' 29" sound quality: **½
Sonic Youth's Thurston Moore (1994)
Interview by Steve Roeser, Rock's Backpages audio, 19 July 1994
From his youth in Bethel, CT., through his early days in NYC, forming Sonic Youth, through to alt.superstardom, signing with Geffen and hanging with Nirvana and Neil Young – it's all here.
File format: mp3; file size: 73.7mb, interview length: 1h 20' 33" sound quality: ** (phoner)
Soul II Soul's Jazzie B (2005)
Interview by Bill Brewster, Frank Broughton, Rock's Backpages audio, 2 February 2005
The original Funki Dread goes deep into his roots, from a family background in reggae sound systems to Soul II Soul at the Africa Centre, via bunking off school to go to Crackers; DJs like George Power and Paul 'Trouble' Anderson; setting up S II S, and the original warehouse parties. Riveting stuff.
File format: mp3; file size: 87.2mb, interview length: 1h 35' 15" sound quality: *****
Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes: The RBP Album Club on Southside Johnny (2013)
Interview by Nick Coleman, Nick Hornby, Rock's Backpages audio, 11 July 2013
Messrs. Hornby and Coleman discuss the album: who they were when they first heard it; what it meant to them; the meaning of "R&B"; all things Miami Steve van Zandt, and engage the audience in some pretty lively discussion.
File format: mp3; file size: 78.4mb, interview length: 1h 25' 40" sound quality: ****
Spandau Ballet's Tony Hadley (1984)
Interview by John Tobler, Rock's Backpages audio, 14 March 1984
The Spandau Ballet frontman on becoming a father; plans to record the band's fourth album Parade on the back of a year of solid touring; Tony Swain and Steve Jolley’s production of True, and the group's experience of other producers; their big hit 'True' being their first proper ballad, Gary Kemp as a songwriter and the band’s internal dynamics; Steve Strange, the Blitz club and the early New Romantic club scene; the band's changing image and their videos; his love of Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and other jazz singers; the group’s plans for the year and their close relation with their British fans.
File format: mp3; total file size: 34.2mb, total interview length: 35' 37" sound quality: *****
Interview by Ira Robbins, Rock's Backpages audio, July 1990
The more severe-looking of the duo runs down the band's history, song by song. Oh, and talks about being banned by French TV for looking like Hitler!
File format: mp3; file size: 58.9mb, interview length: 1h 04' 20" sound quality: ** (phoner)
Interview by Ira Robbins, Rock's Backpages audio, July 1990
The pretty half of the eccentric duo looks back to their time as Halfnelson, on food stamps and playng American Bandstand; their Anglophilia; moving to England and signing to Island. Then he takes us through their extensive discography — the songs and associated stories.
File format: mp3; file size: 77.7mb, interview length: 1h 24' 50" sound quality: ** (phoner)
Interview by Roy Carr, Rock's Backpages audio, 1975
A brief clip where Roy Carr listens as a drunk Phil Spector rants.
File format: mp3; file size: 4.3mb, interview length: 4' 29" sound quality: ***
Spencer Davis Group, Steve Winwood: Steve Winwood (1997)
Interview by Johnny Black, Rock's Backpages audio, February 1997
Winwood talks about the early days in Birmingham, from his childhood through to the start of the Spencer Davis Group, and thence to the stop-start life of Traffic, plus an overview of where he's at now
File format: mp3; file size: 114.7mb, interview length: 1h 59' 29"; sound quality: ****
Spinal Tap's Nigel Tufnel (2009)
Interview by Gavin Martin, Rock's Backpages audio, June 2009
Trout farming, raising miniature horses, a theory about Stonehenge and his complicated relationship with David St. Hubbins: the Tap man tells all.
File format: mp3; File size: 21.6meg, interview length: 23' 35" sound quality: * (phoner)
Spirit's Randy California (1981)
Interview by John Tobler, Rock's Backpages audio, 1981
Spirit's guitarist and guiding light discusses the belatedly-released Adventures of Kaptain Kopter & Commander Cassidy in Potato Land: about re-recording parts for the album why it wasn't originally released; about the album's concept and its influence on Devo. Randy also talks about meeting Jimi Hendrix and playing with him in NYC in 1966.
File format: mp3 File size: 14.6mb Interview length: 15' 14"; Sound quality: *****
Spiritualized's Jason Pierce (2001)
Interview by Steven Daly, Rock's Backpages audio, Fall 2001
Mr. Pierce talks about the making of Spiritualized's latest album, Let It Come Down: creating the orchestrations, the support of record company Arista; on making Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating in Space, and working with Jim Dickinson in Memphis; losing his old band and finding a new one; not being an autocratic bandleader; not being in competition with other bands, and the meaning of the sleeve of Ladies and Gentlemen...
File format: mp3; file size: 36.6mb, interview length: 38' 05" sound quality: ***
Bruce Springsteen on 'Born To Run' (2016)
Interview by David Kamp, Rock's Backpages audio, June 2016
The Boss digs deep into the mighty 'Born To Run'; talks about his use of rock's clichéd imagery and how he added to it; about the way the song's emotional directness connects with audiences and how personal the song is for him; how the song has grown over time; how he and the E Street Band are both pre- and post-hippie worlds; how he needed to write American music; how lyrics to be singable and musical... and how long it took to write the song.
File format: mp3; file size: 22.6mb, interview length: 23' 31" sound quality: *****
Interview by Gavin Martin, Rock's Backpages audio, April 2006
Starting with her collaboration with The Source on the dancefloor classic 'You Got The Love', this fascinating interview takes us back to racist Alabama, gospel, her marriage to Clarence Carter and her time at Rick Hall's Fame, and takes in the years of abuse and drink, and her return to the church.
File format: mp3; file size: 67.8mb, interview length: 1h 10' 39" sound quality: ****
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 25 January 2006
The gospel-soul songthrush talks about her new album, His Hands; on her move from gospel to soul in the '60s; her memories of ex-husband Clarence Carter; how 'Young Hearts Run Free' was so personal to her; on her struggle with alcohol and return to the church, and on her surprise hit 'You Got The Love'.
File format: mp3; File size: 36.2mb, interview length: 37' 42" sound quality: ** (phoner)
Status Quo's Francis Rossi (2010)
Interview by Maureen Paton, Rock's Backpages audio, 17 November 2010
The Quo co-frontman talks about why he stays on the road; his family; playing solo; his relationship with Rick Parfitt; meeting the Queen; being on Coronation Street; playing Live Aid, and his luck to miss National Service.
File format: mp3; file size: 34.7mb, interview length: 36' 07" sound quality: ***
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 9 December 1999
The dynamic duo on their comeback album, Two Against Nature; their isolation from the rock mainstream in the '70s; being a "band" in the early years; their audience, and those who don't "get" them; William Burroughs; the Katy Lied technical disaster; their collective identity and collaboration; how they view their early records, and Steely Dan's place in the modern pop world.
File format: mp3; file size: 53.7mb, interview length: 58' 40" sound quality: ***
Interview by Gavin Martin, Rock's Backpages audio, June 2003
Messrs. Fagen and Becker talk about their Everything Must Go album, William Burroughs, their time away from each other, songwriting, and a whole lot more.
File format: mp3; file size: 41mb; Interview length: 44 52"; sound quality: ****
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 5 March 2003
Messrs. Becker and Fagen discuss their L.A. years and their distance from the Laurel Canyon scene; their winning of four Grammies that should have been Eminem's; their latest album Everything Must Go; getting faster at making records; malls as the new America; 9/11, the coming war in Iraq and the grimness of the future; their ability to combine the "high vulgarian" with the "low highbrow"; becoming more approachable in their old age and their new enjoyment of performing live.
File format: mp3; file size: 48mb, interview length: 50' sound quality: **** (some glitches)
Steely Dan's Denny Dias (1995)
Interview by Andy Gill, Rock's Backpages audio, Fall 1995
The former Steely Dan guitarist recalls first meeting Becker and Fagen in New York, and starting playing music with them; enjoying the sophistication of their songwriting; joining them in Los Angeles; their exacting demands in the studio; touring with the band; going off the road, and the break up of the original band; leaving music and becoming a computer programmer; returning to music, and hard disk recording; the legacy of Steely Dan, and the record company's dislike of Countdown to Ecstasy.
File format: mp3; file size: 16.1mb, interview length: 16' 49" sound quality: ** (phoner)
Stereolab's Lætitia Sadier (1997)
Interview by Jim Sullivan, Rock's Backpages, 5 November 1997
Ms. Sadier talks about the difference between what Elektra releases and what Stereolab issue on their own Duophonic label; about their latest album Emperor Tomato Ketchup; the band's development and their exploration of multiple genres; their oblique lyrics; resisting commercial pressures and the nature of Stereolab's audience.
File format: mp3; file size: 16.1mb, interview length: 16' 45" sound quality: ** (phoner)
Interview by Andy Gill, Rock's Backpages audio, July 2005
Mr Stevens talks about his latest album, Illinois: his memories of Chicago and Peoria; reading biographies of both cities; how his writing is informed by fiction, and how fact and fiction interchange; the instruments used in making the album; his long track titles; Detroit v Chicago; the influence of Terry Riley; his Steiner School upbringing, and his addressing of the Native American genocide.
File format: mp3; file size: 19.3mb, interview length: 20' 07" sound quality: ** (phoner)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 20 December 1993
The erstwhile Gordon Sumner talks about his place in the pop world; on Paul Gascoigne and being a Geordie; being solo, in a band and the end of the Police; his relationship with Copelands père et fils; the nature of celebrity and the State of the World.
File format: mp3; file size: 57.5mb, interview length: 1h 02' 45" sound quality: ****
The Stone Roses: Stone Roses' Mani (2004)
Interview by Simon Morrison, Rock's Backpages audio, November 2004
Mr. Mountfield on all things Madchester: the Haçienda, the Stone Roses, and the impact of dance music on the scene. Hilarious!
File format: mp3; file size: 9.9mb, interview length: 10' 47" sound quality: ****
Stone Temple Pilots: Scott Weiland (2008)
Interview by Pete Makowski, Rock's Backpages audio, March 2008
The late singer recalls childhood friends Stone Temple Pilots disintegrating through success and drugs; talks about leaving STP and joining Velvet Revolver, about the latter band also falling apart, about the overdose death of his brother and about rejoining STP... and at length about his own addictions and attempts at rehab.
File format: mp3; file size: 58.6mb, interview length: 1h 01' 03" sound quality: ****
Interview by Gavin Martin, Rock's Backpages audio, March 2002
Mike Skinner talks about finding his voice, making Original Pirate Material, writing, politics, getting high and about life itself.
File format: mp3; file size: 44.2mb; Interview length: 48' 13"; sound quality: ****
The Stylistics' Herb Murrell (1976)
Interview by Cliff White, Rock's Backpages audio, 9 April 1976
Stylistic Herb Murrell on their relationship with current disco fad; UK releases better representing the group; the ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’ single, produced by Hugo & Luigi ; doing nightclub shows to “satisfy the older crowd”, but maybe losing the younger black audience; not writing much of their own material; what happens after disco; the vocal groups who influenced the Stylistics; the act’s choreography, and how Motown’s Cholly Atkins encouraged slick stage shows.
File format: mp3; file size: 18.1mb, interview length: 18' 52" sound quality: ****
The Subway Sect: Subway Sect (1977)
Interview by Ian Ravendale, Rock's Backpages audio, 20 May 1977
"The blankest of the blank generation": the pioneering punks attempt to answer the question, what is punk, why punk had to happen, the importance of lyrics and the anger at the heart of it all.
File format: mp3; file size: 10mb, interview length: 10' 54" sound quality: *****
Interview by Steven Daly, Rock's Backpages audio, Spring 1993
Brett Anderson and Mat Osman talk about being out of place and initially dismissed as a joke; about Suede's breakthrough; their non-nostalgic Englishness; the effect of Melody Maker's "greatest band" headline; being provincial; the importance of the Smiths; lyrical concerns; their relationship with the UK's Nude label while being signed to Columbia in America; how they reach their fans; the US resistance to British pop and the nature of "taking America" (or not).
File format: mp3; file size: 56.1mb; Interview length: 58' 29"; sound quality: ****
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 6 March 1997
Speaking from a Singapore hotel room, the Suede frontman talks about new album Coming Up; the band's popularity abroad; what London means to him, and looks back at Britpop.
File format: mp3; file size: 22.5mb, interview length: 24' 37" sound quality: ** (phoner)
Interview by Gavin Martin, Rock's Backpages audio, 2002
The First Ladies of the British pop charts talk about fame, boys, UK Garage, the Angels With Dirty Faces album and each other.
File format: mp3; in 3 parts, total file sizes: 64.6mb, total interview length: 1h 09' 46" sound quality: ****
Interview by John Tobler, Rock's Backpages audio, June 1978
The pioneering electro duo discuss the significance of their name; their respective musical backgrounds; how they've changed since 1972; set lengths: long vs short; their desire to make video discs; their need for a beat, and using drum machines rather drummers; re-recording 'Rocket USA'; people starting to like them, and their bafflement at getting applause.
File format: mp3; file size: 15.1mb, interview length: 15' 42" sound quality: ****
Interview by David Stubbs, Rock's Backpages audio, March 1998
Messrs. Rev and Vega discuss their legendary status and regular rediscovery; look back at their formation and NYC context; discuss their technology and methods, and contemplate their place in the greater scheme of things.
File format: mp3; file size: 76.2mb, interview length: 1h 23' 15" sound quality: **
Interview by Andy Gill, Rock's Backpages audio, 22 January 1998
After a brief chat about touring with the Clash, Alan Vega and Martin Rev go back to how they first joined forces; Martin's jazz roots; their electronic predecessors the Silver Apples; being "punk" before Punk; their relationship with New York City's music scene and not being druggies; the name Suicide; their music as confrontational; their use of electronic instruments; their lyrical concerns; their second album, produced by the Cars' Ric Ocasek; their innate futurism; DIY and the future of recording and distribution.
File format: mp3; file size: 43mb, interview length: 38' 29" sound quality: ****
Donna Summer: Casablanca Records' Neil Bogart (1976)
Interview by Jim Esposito, Rock's Backpages audio, 1976
The Casablanca Records mogul gives his record industry background, selling bubblegum, radio censorship, big-sellers Kiss and, extensively, about Donna Summer and her disco/sex smash 'Love To Love You Baby'. Read a transcript of the audio.
File format: mp3; file size: 42.8mb, interview length: 46' 45" sound quality: ***
Interview by Jim Esposito, Rock's Backpages audio, 1976
Disco Diva Donna on living and working in Europe; meeting Pete Bellotte and Giorgio Moroder; her family background in Boston and being a rebellious schoolkid, and tells us all about the making of the epochal 'Love To Love You Baby'.
File format: mp3; file size: 66.4mb, interview length: 1h 12' 28" sound quality: ***
Interview by Mark Dery, Rock's Backpages audio, March 1991
The great bandleader and cosmologist talks about everything from being a visitor from Saturn to his spiritual home in Egypt, via much about making music, improvisation and the importance of discipline.
File format: mp3; file size: 86.2mb, interview length: 1h 34' 12" sound quality: ***
Interview by Gavin Martin, Rock's Backpages audio, August 2005
Combes brothers Gaz and Rob ruminate on their then-current album Road to Rouen, their fraternal relationships, the stresses within the band, and a whole lot more.
File format: mp3; file size: 50.9mb, interview length: 53' 04" sound quality: ****
The Supremes: Berry Gordy on the Supremes (2000)
Interview by David Nathan, Rock's Backpages audio, 2000
The Motown boss looks back at signing the then-Primettes; Diana's "sparkle"; the difficulty in getting the first hits; breaking through with 'Where Did Our Love Go'; going on the road and stealing Smokey's act; hitting internationally with 'Baby Love'; the Motown assembly line and backroom team; playing the Copa and the need to broaden their audience, and their legacy.
File format: mp3; file size: 52.9mb, interview length: 55' 06" sound quality: ***
Interview by Ian Ravendale, Rock's Backpages audio, 27 January 1978
Messrs. Frantz, Harrison and (mostly) Byrne talk about the early days in NYC, the CBGBs scene, Harrison joining from the Modern Lovers, their first album and its (and their) reception.
File format: mp3; file size: 8.8mb, interview length: 21' 52" sound quality: *****
Talking Heads' Tina Weymouth (1996)
Interview by Jim Sullivan, Rock's Backpages audio, 4 October 1996
Bass player Weymouth talks about No Talking, Just Head, the album by the Heads, Talking Heads minus David Byrne; Byrne's refusal to rejoin the band; their complicated legal and personal relationship; working with other singers like Debbie Harry, Richard Hell and Andy Partridge; playing live with singer Johnette Napolitano, and on being a woman bass player.
File format: mp3; file size: 45.2mb, interview length: 47' 07" sound quality: ** (phoner)
Interview by Gavin Martin, Rock's Backpages audio, June 2004
The great lost voice of soul recounts his career, from childhood gospel in Philadelphia, through his '60s hits with Jerry Ragavoy, his leaving music behind and the dark years, right up to his recent rediscovery and revival.
File format: mp3; file size: 52.4mb, interview length: 54' 36" sound quality: ****
Interview by Holger Petersen, Rock's Backpages audio, 10 October 2014
Chips recounts how he fell in love with music as a boy and reflects on the sadness of country music; his years in New York's Brill Building and the rhythm and blues songs he began writing with Jerry Ragovoy; the song ’Try (Just a Little bit Harder)’; his signing to King Records; the writing and demoing of 'Wild Thing’; his album Last Chance and his need to tour it close to race tracks; his not being welcomed by the Nashville establishment; his becoming a professional gambler... and his eventual return to music.
File format: mp3; file size: 36.9mb, interview length: 38' 29" sound quality: *****
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 8 July 1989
Soul legend Johnnie Taylor tells Barney Hoskyns about his background in gospel with the Highway QCs and the Soul Stirrers, Sam Cooke, Stax Records, having hits in the disco era, and finding a new home at Malaco.
File format: mp3 File size: 20.8mb Interview length: 22 minutes 45 seconds Sound quality: ****
Interview by David Nathan, SoulMusic.com, January 2010
Teena picks her favourite seven tracks from her own back catalogue, and selects three by other artists that mean the most to her.
File format: mp3; file size: 72mb; Interview length: 1h 18' 39"; sound quality: ***
Television, Tom Verlaine: Tom Verlaine (1987)
Interview by Martin Aston, Rock's Backpages audio, March 1987
The former Television frontman on the making of his most recent album Flash Light; his lyrical concerns; his ignorance of current rock; on being a lead guitarist; revisiting Television's Marquee Moon and Adventure; the pleasures of making and listening to music; playing with other people, and his lack of contact with old pals Patti Smith and Richard Lloyd.
File format: mp3; file size: 73.2mb, interview length: 1h 16' 17" sound quality: ***
Interview by Frank Broughton, Rock's Backpages audio, 27 August 2000
From being a teenage record nut to the age of the superstar DJ, Tenaglia describes his travels in a lifetime in dance music: the great NYC clubs; his fellow DJs; the dynamics of the dancefloor and his philosophy on the ones and twos.
File format: mp3; file size: 94.8mb, interview length: 1h 43' 34" sound quality: ****
Interview by Cliff White, Rock's Backpages audio, 2 April 1977
Interviewed in the Evers Motel in Fayette, Mississippi, Joe Tex talks about signing to Epic; hitting big with 'Ain't Gonna Bump No More'; being an observer of people; his philosophy of life; his early career — the labels, the rip-offs, including his version of 'All I Could Do Was Cry'; his feud with James Brown; his influences, and finding his own voice; signing with Buddy Killen and cutting 'Hold What You've Got', the first of his string of hits on Dial. Finally, he talks about his conversion to the Nation of Islam and his resulting peace of mind.
File format: mp3; file size: 80.3mb, interview length: 1h 23' 38" sound quality: *****
Interview by Howie Klein, Rock's Backpages audio, 1977
Phil Lynott and Scott Gorham, mid US tour, talk about playing live, writing songs, punk, and English taxes!
File format: mp3; file size: 40.8mb, interview length: 44' 33" sound quality: ****
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 1985
Rufus Thomas, between mouthfuls, talks about his youth in segregated Memphis, Minstrelsy, Ike and Tina Turner and his long involvement with Stax Records.
File format: mp3; file size: 73.4meg, interview length: 1h 16' 25" sound quality: **
Interview by Mat Snow, Rock's Backpages audio, December 1988
Richard Thompson talks to Mat Snow about growing up in North London, learning guitar and forming Fairport Convention. Along the way he meets Sandy Denny and Joe Boyd...
File format: mp3 File size: 85.7mb, interview length: 1h 29' 15", sound quality: ***
Three Dog Night's Danny Hutton (1993)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, June 1993
First Dog Hutton takes us back to the heady '60s days on the Sunset Strip, hanging out with Van Dyke Parks, Brian Wilson and Lowell George, and Three Dog Night.
File format: mp3; file size: 80.1mb, interview length: 1h 27' 31" sound quality: ***
Interview by Mat Snow, Rock's Backpages audio, November 1986
The girls and boys on commune upbringings, parental marriages, women in rock, male v female sensibilities, Newport and Boston, having children and much more.
File format: mp3; file size: 50.9mb, interview length: 55' 35" sound quality: **½
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, October 1985
The New Orleans master talks about the music of his youth; the Second Line; the piano and Professor Longhair; black music in the south; the musicians he worked with, and what makes New Orleans music different.
File format: mp3; file size: 36.3mb, interview length: 39' 36" sound quality: ***
Interview by Simon Witter, Rock's Backpages audio, 1987
The First Gentleman of New Orleans on the city's music then and now, on Ernie K-Doe, Irma Thomas, Lee Dorsey and the Meters, and on songwriting, producing and performing.
File format: mp3; file size: 66.4mb, interview length: 1h 12' 30" sound quality: ***
Pete Townshend, The Who: Peter Townshend (1979)
Interview by Steven Rosen, Rock's Backpages audio, Winter 1979
Steven Rosen talks to Pete Townshend about developing his solo style after listening to Jimi Hendrix (1979).
File format: MP3 File size: 842kb<br> Interview length: 1 minute 11 seconds Sound quality: ***
Pete Townshend, The Who: The Who's Pete Townshend (1989)
Interview by Mat Snow, Rock's Backpages audio, 1989
Mr Townshend talks at length about what drives him creatively; the ossification of US classic rock radio; his resentment that songs like 'Won't Get Fooled Again' overshadow more personal work; his belief in the status of rock as art, and the death of the Who as a creative force.
File format: mp3; file size: 50.8mb, interview length: 55' 27" sound quality: ***
Pete Townshend, The Who: The Who's Pete Townshend (1993)
Interview by John Tobler, Rock's Backpages audio, June 1993
Framed around his just-released solo album Psychoderelict and the recent stage production of Tommy, Townshend riffs on the nature of rockers growing old; on touring with the Who and his hearing loss; on re-examining his childhood and finding an ending for Tommy; on Who's Next, Ken Russell's Tommy movie... and Keith Moon's four nipples!
File format: mp3; total file size: 55.5mb, total interview length: 57' 49" sound quality: ****
Pete Townshend, The Who: The Who's Pete Townshend (1994)
Interview by Simon Witter, Rock's Backpages audio, 1994
The man with the windmill arm goes way back to the early days of the Who, the band's politics and personalities, the Madness of Moon, the awfulness of Woodstock, Kit Lambert and Mods, and rock as art and the rock opera.
File format: mp3; file size: 52.7mb, interview length: 57' 35" sound quality: *****
Interview by Mat Snow, Rock's Backpages audio, 1988
Glamourpuss Wendy James and pals discuss their favourite Dylan songs (??), the history of the band, bitch about Sigue Sigue Sputnik, and consider their fellow late-'80s female acts.
File format: mp3; file size: 40.2mb, interview length: 43' 51" sound quality: ***
Interview by Mat Snow, Rock's Backpages audio, June 1988
The First Gentleman of New Country talks about being on the road, his North Carolina roots, the New Country boom, his youthful indiscretions, and the nature of country music.
File format: mp3; file size: 36mb, interview length: 39' 22" sound quality: ***
Interview by Steven Daly, Rock's Backpages audio, October 1996
The Bristol maverick discusses his treatment by the music press and talks about being pigeonholed; about not repeating Maxinquaye; about recording in Jamaica and what went wrong with Massive Attack; about Trip Hop and his relationship with Martina Topley-Bird; about his criminal past and his gangster uncles; about his memories of Bristol, the Wild Bunch and Smith & Mighty; and about his role in Luc Besson's The Fifth Element...
File format: mp3; file size: 74.3mb, interview length: 1h 17' 26" sound quality: ***
The Triffids' David McComb (1987)
Interview by Mat Snow, Rock's Backpages audio, Fall 1987
The head Triffid delves into Bob Dylan and how you can’t contrive outsiderdom; his band being perceived as gloomy; their new album Calenture and the song ‘Jerdacuttup Man’; the experience of playing live; his religious background and attitude towards faith; music’s past and present; the meaning of the album’s title; the willingness to change styles... and what he listens to.
File format: mp3; file size: 64.5mb, interview length: 1h 07' 12" sound quality: ***
Interview by Mat Snow, Rock's Backpages audio, 1987
Drop The Bomb! The First Citizens of the Chocolate City talk about everything Go Go: the audiences, the live thing, getting energy from the people and the Washington DC scene.
File format: mp3; file size: 42.9mb, interview length: 44' 39" sound quality: ***
Interview by Simon Witter, Rock's Backpages audio, 30 June 1986
He disapproves of drugs! He digs Yes! From being pushed by his father as a kid, via the P-Funk connection and the Ohio funk scene to his mad recording methods, Zapp frontman Roger Troutman tells all.
File format: mp3; file size: 56.5mb, interview length: 1h 01' 41" sound quality: ***
Moe Tucker, The Velvet Underground: Velvet Underground's Moe Tucker (1991)
Interview by Richard North, Rock's Backpages audio, 1991
Ms Tucker talks about the Velvet Underground, Andy Warhol and the Factory scene, and about her life post-Velvets and becoming a solo artist.
File format: mp3; file size: 43mb, interview length: 46' 58" sound quality: ***
Interview by John Hutchinson, Rock's Backpages audio, Fall 1987
The band talk about their respect for the blues and the roots of music; working with Robbie Robertson; writing ‘When Love Comes to Town’ for B.B. King; how they write and perform their songs; making The Joshua Tree — playing live in the room, sequencing the album, and mixing it; how they are perceived across different classes and cultures, and the political power of rock music; how they're judged by the press; Larry Mullen and Adam Clayton on what they do; the nature of rock criticism... and the art of rock.
File format: mp3; file size: 112mb, total interview length: 1h 56' 41" sound quality: ***
Interview by Steve Roeser, Rock's Backpages audio, 1984
The out-there guitarist talks about his early musical life; his association with Ornette Coleman; the ups-and-downs of his Columbia Records deal, and his adoption by the New Wave clubs in New York and elsewhere.
File format: mp3; file size: 37.2mb, interview length: 40' 40" sound quality: **
Interview by Ira Robbins, Rock's Backpages audio, June 1980
The mumbling Derry boys talk about pop and punk, translate their lyrics for American listeners and ruminate on what it takes to break big in the USA.
File format: mp3; file size: 45.7mb, interview length: 49' 57" sound quality: **
Interview by John Tobler, Rock's Backpages audio, 18 October 1982
Miami/Little Steve(n) talks about his life in music: playing in covers bands in New Jersey in the late '60s; first meeting Bruce Springsteen; getting sacked when Bruce got signed; the formation of the Asbury Jukes and the Stone Pony scene; joining the E Street Band during the making of Born to Run; forming the Disciples of Soul and recording Men Without Women; and being saved by rock'n'roll...
File format: mp3; file size: 55meg, interview length: 57' 17" sound quality: *****
Interview by Holger Petersen, Rock's Backpages audio, 4 January 1986
The Texas troubadour talks about his rootless youth; getting his songs covered by stars; the dangers of the road; bluesmen in general and Lightnin' Hopkins in particular; songwriting, "sky" songs and 'Pancho and Lefty'; and sharing a house with Guy Clark and Rodney Crowell!
File format: mp3; file size: 36.7mb, interview length: 40' 06" sound quality: *****
Interview by John Tobler, Rock's Backpages audio, 16 October 1987
The cult Texan troubadour talks about the difference between the pro-active Butch Hancock and his own laid-back self; making live albums and playing solo versus having a band; his sometime roommate Roky Erickson; seeing Elvis on The Ed Sullivan Show and obtaining his first guitar; his oft-covered 'Pancho and Lefty'; the UK hurricane of 1987; his pals Steve Earle, Jerry Jeff Walker and Guy Clark, and the death of "Skinny Dennis" Sanchez; plus Lyle Lovett, Chips Moman... and Scotty Moore's guitar.
File format: mp3; file size: 55.6mb, interview length: 57' 57" sound quality: ****
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, March 1989
Luther Vandross talks about growing up in the Bronx and his early bands; his big break working on Bowie's Young Americans; meeting Marcus Miller; hanging out with Chic; and on producing, recording and singing... and his privacy and sense of self.
File format: mp3, file size: 70.8mb, interview length: 1h 13' 42", sound quality: ****
Interview by John Tobler, Rock's Backpages audio, November 1973
The veteran rocker talks about his latest album — released under the name Robert Thomas Velline — Nothin' Like a Sunny Day, and his struggles with United Artists. He then looks back at the end of his first phase of popularity, touring the UK, and cutting Sings The New Sound From England! He talks about producer Snuff Garrett and how they cut his hits, and about his collaborations with the Ventures and Crickets. Finally, Bobby looks back at how Buddy Holly's death kick-started his career.
File format: mp3; file size: 39.9mb; Interview length: 41' 35"; sound quality: ****
Interview by Ian Ravendale, Rock's Backpages audio, 5 February 2014
The singer/songwriter talks about her first album in seven years, Tales from the Realm of the Queen of Pentacles; her writing process and collaboration with Gerry Leonard; the influence of spiritualism and the Tarot, and sampling 50 Cent!
File format: mp3; file size: 12.7mb, interview length: 13' 54" sound quality: ** (phoner)
Velvet Revolver's Slash (2004)
Interview by Adam Sweeting, Rock's Backpages audio, June 2004
The hairy guitar wrangler talks about his drug issues, his overdose, and being straightened out by having a child; his early influences; playing guitar with Izzy Stradlin and Dave Kushner; Duff McKagan's reinvention; getting Velvet Revolver together; Scott Weiland's drug and legal issues; the (first) end of Guns N' Roses... and much more.
File format: mp3; file size: 71mb, interview length: 1h 13' 58" sound quality: ****
Interview by Mat Snow, Rock's Backpages audio, May 1993
Messrs. Cale and Reed (with short contributions from Morrison and Tucker) talk about the current reunion and look back at the original band: the dynamics of the Reed/Cale relationship; Cale's ouster from the band; the sound of the band; and the songs they play and the characters that surrounded the band at the Exploding Plastic Inevitable.
File format: mp3; in 3 parts, total file sizes: 92.6mb, total interview length: 1h 42' 05" sound quality: ***
The Velvet Underground's John Cale (2004)
Interview by Tony Scherman, Rock's Backpages audio, Spring 2004
Recorded over two sessions in 2004 (the first on 2nd March, the second on 3rd April), the Velvets' bassist/viola player goes deep into the band's relationship with Andy Warhol; the effects on Lou Reed of shock therapy; New York scenesters such as Paul Morrissey, Bob Neuwirth, Billy Name and Edie Sedgwick; the Dom and Cinematheque; the band's members and the sessions for the first Velvets album... and the end of the band's involvement with Warhol.
File format: mp3; file size: 102.8mb, interview length: 1h 47' 02" sound quality: ** (phoner)
Interview by Martin Aston, Rock's Backpages audio, April 1986
Brian Ritchie talks about the acoustic approach of the trio's first two albums, and about getting more electric with The Blind Leading the Naked; about the instruments they use and the multitude of approaches they take in the studio. Ritchie and Gordon Gano talk about the sound of the new album, about being produced by Talking Head Jerry Harrison; about their previous album Hallowed Ground and their label Slash. Finally, Gano talks about what's important to him, his songwriting... and the existence or otherwise of God.
File format: mp3; file size: 44.7mb, interview length: 46' 35" sound quality: ***
Interview by Mat Snow, Rock's Backpages audio, 15 July 1989
Singer Janet Gardner and drummer Roxy Petrucci talk about how they survived on the road in the early days; the struggle to get a record deal; the place of girl bands in hard rock; their influences, and becoming musicians; getting the songs together for their first album; weird fans, male groupies and difficult relationships, and the lack of women in the rock business.
File format: mp3; file size: 46.1mb, interview length: 48' 04" sound quality: ***
Interview by Mark Sinker, Rock's Backpages audio, October 1988
The erstwhile Neville O'Riley Livingston ruminates on the Wailers' legacy; on returning to England after 16 years; on the poor state of reggae today and the serious side of the Jamaican genre; on Ziggy Marley as a successor to his father Bob; on political violence in Jamaica and Peter Tosh's untimely death; on the rise of African reggae and his new album Liberation.
File format: mp3; file size: 37.3mb, interview length: 38' 49" sound quality: *** (background noise)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 24 May 2001
The young poseur talks at length about his new album, Poses, and about its songs; about the effect of his musical education, his childhood and his occasional brush with homophobia.
File format: mp3; file size: 59.5mb, interview length: 1h 04' 58" sound quality: ***
Interview by Maureen Paton, Rock's Backpages audio, 14 September 2005
The younger Wainwright talks about fighting his destiny to become a musician; his musical family background and traditions; his and sister Martha's childhoods, and his relationship with his father and mother; coming out and homophobia; HIV and AIDS, and his own promiscuity and addictions; his school days; his strengths and weaknesses, and his relationship with Martha.
File format: mp3; file size: 45mb, interview length: 46' 50" sound quality: ** (phoner)
Interview by Chris Roberts, Rock's Backpages audio, 20 September 1988
Moles at Stonehenge? Umbrellas? Showbiz Shirts? Yes, it's another leap into the surrealistic world of Tom Waits
File format: mp3; file size: 52.3meg, interview length: 54' 29" sound quality: ***
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 28 January 1999
On his new album, Mule Variations; on changing labels; on his formative influences... and on edible slugs! On Beatniks, recording, songwriting, Frank Zappa and L.A.... and his first tattoos!
File format: mp3 File size: 71.4mb, interview length: 1h 14' 23", sound quality: **
Interview by Gavin Martin, Rock's Backpages audio, May 2002
On Charley Patton and James Brown, encounters with William Burroughs and Keith Richards, and being a 'rectal thermometer' for Frank Zappa...
File format: mp3; file size: 61.8mb, interview length: 1h 07' 29" sound quality: ****
Interview by Joel Selvin, Selvin On The City, KSAN 107.7, 2006
Tom Waits talks about some of his favourite artists - William Burroughs, Daniel Johnston, Johnny Cash, and being the adult when working with Keith Richards!
File format: mp3 File size: 24.7mb Interview length: 26' 56"; Sound quality: *****
The Walker Brothers, John Walker: The Walker Brothers' John Walker (2005)
Interview by Chris Welch, Rock's Backpages audio, 6 July 2005
The "brother" born John Maus talks about recording 'Love Her' with Nik Venet in L.A., and how Scott (Engel) Walker took over lead vocals; the trio's move to London, at Gary Leeds suggestion; their almost instant success; the experience of being mobbed while playing live and Scott’s struggles with teen adulation; the band's break-up and eventual reunion in the mid-’70s; the recording of No Regrets, Lines and Nite Flights; returning to California and recording his solo album You; touring again; meeting his second wife Cynthia, also a musician, and playing together; his sister doing the Twist with his first band; playing the '60s revival circuit and the Silver Sixties tour.
File format: mp3; file size: 42.2mb, interview length: 43' 57" sound quality: ***
Interview by John Tobler, Rock's Backpages audio, 1992
The 'Mr Bojangles' man talks about his current place in music; his favourite albums; his adoptive hometown of Austin, Texas; meeting the real Mr. Bojangles; his problem with studio musicians; his musical background, and becoming a songwriter; his friend Guy Clark; on "manager" Michael Brovsky; inventing his name; his long-lasting marriage; Hondo Crouch, and Luckenbach, Texas; the Lost Gonzo Band; restarting his career after trouble with the IRS, and playing golf!
File format: mp3; file size: 64.3mb, interview length: 1h 06' 56" sound quality: ****
Interview by David Toop, Rock's Backpages audio, Fall 2012
Scott talks about his new album Bish Bosch and explains why it took so long; discusses the nature of his voice on the record; how he wrote and prepared its track; the centrality of his lyrics to his music; his musicians and arrangements; the album's darkness and its demands on his voice; how he always felt more European than American; opera and other projects... and growing old as an artist.
File format: mp3; file size: 79.9mb, interview length: 1h 23' 13" sound quality: *****
Interview by Cliff White, Rock's Backpages audio, Summer 1976
Howard E. Scott and Harold Ray Brown of the funk formation War on their two-year recording hiatus; collaboration with harmonica player Lee Oskar; commercial success versus be-your-natural-self approach; the American economic ethos: investment versus bank savings, capitalist society and its effect on War, and the dreams and myths it triggers; the necessity of cooling your mind on tour, and Baptism and salvation.
File format: mp3; file size: 79.5mb, interview length: 1h 22' 47" sound quality: ***
Interview by Tom Graves, Rock's Backpages audio, May 2016
Ms. Ward talks about her Memphis upbringing and family life; making waves on the local gospel circuit as a girl; going to college and attracting attention as a singer; the rapid success of 'Ring My Bell' and her opinion of the song; being a one-hit-wonder and the slog of touring; her return to performing and belatedly getting paid... and her near-fatal car crash.
File format: mp3; file size: 86.8mb, interview length: 1h 30' 23" sound quality: *****
Interview by Steven Daly, Rock's Backpages audio, 1990
The woman Michael Bolton calls "the Hit Bitch" talks about her working practice; how a song goes from demo to hit; her favourite artists; how she persuaded Cher to record 'If I Could Turn Back Time'; seeing the Beatles as a kid, and becoming a writer; not being keen on co-writing; still being thrilled to hear her songs on the radio; not wanting to be a performer; the writers she admires... and the songs Rod Stewart turned down.
File format: mp3; file size: 43.8mb, interview length: 45' 35" sound quality: **½
Interview by Ian Ravendale, Rock's Backpages audio, 14 July 2012
The fabulously successful songwriter talks about her inspirations (Brill Building, Motown); not wanting to be a performer; breaking into the business, and the artists — from Laura Branigan to Aerosmith — who've covered her songs.
File format: mp3; file size: 33.4mb, interview length: 36' 31" sound quality: ** (phoner)
Interview by Mat Snow, Rock's Backpages audio, 1987
Don and David talk about American culture, the Kennedy conspiracies, musical juxtapositions and growing up on Detroit rock 'n' roll.
File format: mp3; file size: 86.6mb, interview length: 1h 30' 12" sound quality: ***
Interview by Andy Gill, Rock's Backpages audio, Spring 1990
Don (left channel) and David (right) Was talk about their early Detroit influences; seeing John Coltrane and Thelonious Monk; going from Island to Geffen, and Born to Laugh at Tornadoes; studio techniques and proto-sampling; their new album Are You Okay?; current American culture; singers Sweet Pea Atkinson and Sir Harry Bowens; keeping a big band on the road; comparisons with Steely Dan; becoming more cheerful than back in '81; producing Dylan's Under the Red Sky, and Don winning a Grammy for Bonnie Raitt's Nick of Time.
File format: mp3; file size: 61.5mb, interview length: 1h 04' 05" sound quality: *** (background noise in second half)
Interview by Bill Brewster, Rock's Backpages audio, 28 May 2009
The legendary DJ and producer looks back at his suburban childhood and mispent youth; starting the dance music fanzine Boy's Own; the whole acid house scene and its effects; what it means to be a DJ, and his move into the recording studio and his work with Primal Scream.
File format: mp3; file size: 49.2mb, interview length: 53' 44" sound quality: ****
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 23 March 2005
The Great American Songwriter looks back at his strict Baptist upbringing; the catastrophe of his mother's death; his love of complex chords, and how that has gone missing today; his love of Burt Bacharach and the Beatles; his early LA experiences and becoming a music copyist; the importance of Pet Sounds; his nostalgia for grace, and on his fabulous luck as a songwriter.
File format: mp3; file size: 87.5mb, interview length: 1h 31' 10" sound quality: ****
Gillian Welch and David Rawlings (1996)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 4 December 1996
The Queen of nouveau bluegrass, Gillian Welch, and her guitar pickin' sidekick David Rawlings, talk about meeting at Berklee, making the fabulous Revival album, living in Nashville and more.
File format: mp3; file size: 33.2meg; Interview length: 38' 18"; sound quality: ***
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 16 July 1987
The Girl Bros. talk about their time as part of Prince's Revolution, and their then-new career as recording artists in their own right.
File format: mp3; file size: 28.6mb; Interview length: 31' 15"; sound quality: **
Interview by Ira Robbins, Rock's Backpages audio, 1 May 1993
The newly-solo Westerberg looks back at the end of the Replacements and All Shook Down; the 'Mats' status as critics' darlings and pioneers of alternative rock, talks about songwriting and his new album 14 Songs.
File format: mp3; file size: 72.3mb, interview length: 1h 19' 01" sound quality: ****
Interview by Amy Linden, Rock's Backpages audio, Summer 2004
Kanye talks about his debut album The College Dropout: his reverence for hip hop’s past; being disrespected by the press; working with string arranger Miri Ben-Ari and bringing more musicality to hip hop; projected future albums Late Registration and Graduation; The title of The College Dropout, and what it means; his own education in the arts; his political activism and social consciousness; wanting his music to make people feel good; never sacrificing his words for his flow; the people who've supported him; bad reviews; and the lack of meaningful difference between R&B and hip hop.
File format: mp3; file size: 21.6mb, interview length: 22' 28" sound quality: *** (background noise)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, November 1985
Speaking at the Friars Club in midtown Manhattan, the great Atlantic producer recalls the black bands he loved as a kid and talks about Louis Jordan, Tiny Bradshaw and the birth of R&B. "Wex" also holds forth on the growth of urban black America; the influence of gospel on black pop; the importance of Western Swing; the other labels and white entrepreneurs involved in black music; discovering Stax and Muscle Shoals in the dog days of the early '60s; tying the knot with Stax... and getting back in the studio with Wilson Pickett.
ile format: mp3; file size: 43.7mb, interview length: 45' 30" sound quality: ****
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 30 March 1993
Smokin' weed in the MOMA courtyard: growing up in NYC and the people he grew up with; meeting the Erteguns; writing for Billboard; the early days at Atlantic and working with Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin and more...
File format: mp3; file size: 46.7mb, interview length: 48' 38" sound quality: ***
Interview by Ira Robbins, Rock's Backpages audio, 14 March 1985
The Walrus of Love talks about releasing himself and other acts on own label, and the advantage of being independent; the state of R&B today; praises Jackie DeShannon and Brenda Holloway, and talks about new album Sho You Right.
File format: mp3; file size: 14.6mb, interview length: 15' 58" sound quality: * (phoner)
Jack White, The White Stripes: Jack White (2009)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 18 August 2009
Jack White goes way back to his Detroit childhood, the evolution of the White Stripes, and through to his current workaholic agenda as the Dead Weather's drummer.
File format: mp3; file size: 53.6mb, interview length: 55' 49" sound quality: ***
Interview by Gavin Martin, Rock's Backpages audio, May 2001
On learning guitar with a broken leg; drugs and religion; poverty and outsiderdom; art vs. commerce; the dangers of cab driving: Jim White tells all.
File format: mp3; file size: 69.7mb, interview length: 1h 12' 38" sound quality: ****
Interview by Cliff White, Rock's Backpages audio, June 1977
The Louisiana Swamp God on having his best stuff rejected by Warner Bros.; selling songs to others, and his pleasure at some of their versions; Elvis doing 'Polk Salad Annie'; on songwriting; on being compared to Barry White; on going fishing with his mom, and eating catfish; his new album, Eyes, and looking back at how he got started.
File format: mp3; file size: 21.9mb, interview length: 22' 47" sound quality: *****
Interview by Ira Robbins, Rock's Backpages, 1 June 2001
Backstage at the Bowery Ballroom, the Stripes talk about their stage show: what they play; what can go wrong; having Ray Davies in the audience; great shows, and disasters; hating corporate sponsorship; being in the sights of major labels; their support acts; Jack's complicated relationship with the blues; his dislike of the rock press; dealing with hecklers; rock in Detroit, and Meg's drum kit!
File format: mp3; file size: 29.7mb, interview length: 30' 57" sound quality: ** (background noise)
Interview by Simon Witter, Rock's Backpages audio, March 1984
The Brooklyn rappers Ecstasy and Jalil on working with Thomas Dolby, touring Europe, and their loathing of the UK music press!
File format: mp3; file size: 37.6mb, interview length: 41' 05" sound quality: ***
Interview by Johnny Black, Rock's Backpages audio, 1999
The Chicago boys talk about the making of Summerteeth, and life on the road.
File format: mp3; file size: 32.8mb, interview length: 35' 47" sound quality: ****
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 2 November 1998
Ms Williams talks about the often-torturous gestation of her magnificent Car Wheels On A Gravel Road album, and about her roots and influences, musical and literary.
File format: mp3; file size: 29.8mb, interview length: 32' 29" sound quality: ** (phoner)
Interview by John Tobler, Rock's Backpages audio, June 1976
The songwriter-in-exile talks about his religious background; his stay in Munich; getting his draft notice and moving to Montreal; meeting Robbie Robertson and signing to Ampex; being managed by Albert Grossman and joining Bearsville; his recorded output; favourite covers of his songs; being supported by Joan Baez, and still not being allowed back into the USA.
File format: mp3; file size: 40.6mb, interview length: 42' 16" sound quality: **
Interview by Gavin Martin, Rock's Backpages audio, Fall 2006
The late Amy discusses her new album Back to Black and talks about meeting producer Mark Ronson; recalls the origins of hit single ‘Rehab’ and talks about the difference between producers Ronson and Salaam Remi; discusses her relationship with drugs and alcohol; and talks about what makes her cry, the fights she gets into, her proneness to depression and hanging out with Kelly Osbourne.
File format: mp3; file size: 28.7mb, interview length: 29' 55" sound quality: **** (background noise)
Interview by Martin Aston, Rock's Backpages audio, March 1987
The proto-postpunks go through their history: Graham Lewis, Colin Newman and Bruce Gilbert on making debut album Pink Flag; on their development over the subsequent Chairs Missing and 154; on touring with the Tubes and Roxy Music; on their difficulties with EMI; and on re-emerging with new album The Ideal Copy. Graham Lewis (left) answers first, followed by Colin Newman (in shades) and finally Bruce Gilbert (second from left)…
File format: mp3; file size: 44mb, interview length: 45' 47" sound quality: ***
Interview by Ian Ravendale, Rock's Backpages audio, February 1980
Andy Powell, Martin Turner and Laurie Wisefield discuss playing older Ash material onstage; moving to America, and then coming back; the U.S. influence on their music; management problems, and the impact of New Wave.
File format: mp3; file size: 12mb, interview length: 13' 05" sound quality: *****
Interview by Carl Wiser, Songfacts, 2 January 2004
A masterclass in songwriting from a master songwriter: how his songs came into being, collaborations with others and how his life experiences are reflected in his lyrics.
File format: mp3; file size: 27.4mb, interview length: 29' 59" sound quality: ** (phone)
Interview by Bill DeMain, Rock's Backpages audio, 29 March 2004
The great soul singer-songwriter talks about his classic band, the Watts 103rd Street rhythm section; about his childhood and the music around him; his late start, and his scepticism of the record industry; the magical, mystifying process of songwriting; and of growing old and the lure of daytime TV...
File format: mp3; file size: 33.3mb, interview length: 34' 42" sound quality: ** (phoner)
Interview by Cliff White, Rock's Backpages audio, 10 March 1976
After running down Ace's 'How Long' on guitar and offering a post mortem on his British stage debut, the great soul singer-songwriter recalls writing for wicked Wilson Pickett, confesses to hating his recent Safety Zone album, and reminisces about playing with white musicians at Muscle Shoals...
File format: mp3; file size: 58.9mb, interview length: 1h 01' 24" sound quality: ***
Interview by Cliff White, Rock's Backpages audio, Spring 1977
Womack talks about leaving United Artists for Columbia and cutting his recent album Home Is Where The Heart Is in Muscle Shoals; his plans for his next album Pieces, to be recorded in Detroit with producer Don Davis and Leon Ware co-writing; living in Los Angeles; his Zemaitis custom guitar; his approach to record production; his brothers the Valentinos and the European audiences’ demand for oldies like ‘It’s All Over Now’.
File format: mp3; file size: 30.7mb, interview length: 31' 56" sound quality: ****
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 20 September 1984
The great soul man looks back at his illustrious career: the Valentinos; his mentor Sam Cooke; playing gospel and on the gospel greats; his own recordings and being in the studios with many others; songwriting and much more.
File format: mp3; file size: 58.7mb, interview length: 1h 04' 04" sound quality: **/***
Interview by Amy Linden, Rock's Backpages, 30 January 1995
Stevie talks about why he keeps his personal life private; the lyrical clarity of new album, Conversation Peace’s songs; talks about the world, his political and religious ideas, and his deep connection to Ghana; the way he changed in the early ’70s, and ’Superstition’; how he senses people by their voices; how he was protected by Motown, and dealing with racism; not getting a Grammy, but an Oscar, for ‘I Just Called to Say I Love You’; on hip hop and sampling; the current music business, and being an influence on new singers; explicit lyrics in current pop, and his happiness with his current live performances.
ile format: mp3; file size: 73.1mb, interview length: 1h 16' 08" sound quality: ***
Interview by David Nathan, Rock's Backpages audio, 21 March 1995
Mr Wonder talks about why he started to write socially conscious songs: the Vietnam War, inner city unrest and deprivation; being empowered by Marvin Gaye's What's Going On; his relationship with Motown; his new album Conversation Peace — its title, and key songs and on lyrics as poetry.
File format: mp3; file size: 47.8meg, interview length: 49' 47" sound quality: **½
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 26 March 2005
From 'Fingertips' to the 21st Century, and everything in between: his classic albums; Ray Charles, Marvin Gaye and Prince; race, religion and blindness; recording and technology then and now... and he sings! he preaches! he does your horoscope!
File format: mp3; file size: 105.1mb, interview length: 1h 49' 31" sound quality: ***
Interview by Gavin Martin, Rock's Backpages audio, 12 August 2010
The tousled plank spanker on his new record, I Feel Like Playing; on getting sober and the break-up of his marriage; his solo career and his painting, plus encounters with Bob Dylan and jamming with the Yardbirds in 1964!
File format: mp3; file size: 101.6mb, interview length: 44' 23" sound quality: ****
Interview by Jim Sullivan, Boston Rock/Talk, June 2014
The "Wizard of Woo" talks about his hugely varied background in music; his time as part of P-Funk; fond memories of his association with Talking Heads; his current band and activities, and his desire to play music with whales and dolphins!
File format: mp3; file size: 26.1mb, interview length: 28' 28" sound quality: *** (phoner)
Interview by Steve Roeser, Rock's Backpages audio, 15 November 1997
The lost prophet of heavy metal remembers his early days, his legendary hit 'Rumble', being ripped-off by his own brother and keepin' on rockin'.
File format: mp3; file size: 50.2mb, interview length: 52' 19" sound quality: * (phoner)
Interview by Cliff White, Rock's Backpages audio, April 1978
Ms Wright on her upcoming live album (and road band); how her daughter has changed her life; her latest album This Time For Real; the freedom she has on TK Records to do what she wants, and her upcoming recording plans.
File format: mp3; file size: 13.5mb, interview length: 14' 02" sound quality: ****
Interview by Andy Gill, Rock's Backpages audio, August 1991
The venerable Wyatt talks about his new album Dondestan, setting his partner Alfie's poems to music and his singing voice. He also talks about sampling, his appreciation of hip hop, and his pleasure listening to Pete Tong's Radio 1 show. He then talks about leaving the Communist Party, which leads on to an extensive discussion of politics...
File format: mp3; file size: 73.1mb, interview length: 1h 16' 05" sound quality: ****
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 1 December 1998
This lengthy interview roams back and forth from Wyatt's childhood to the present day, taking in politics, Jimi Hendrix, Soft Machine, his voice and his music. Fascinating stuff.
File format: mp3; file size: 95.8mb, interview length: 1h 44' 35" sound quality: ***
Interview by Johnny Black, Rock's Backpages audio, March 1994
Childhood fears, being bullied at school, his first tentative steps as a musician up to the extended trauma of XTC, culminating in his stage fright-induced withdrawal from live playing.
File format: mp3; file size: 120.4mb, interview length: 2h 05' 26" sound quality: ****
The Yardbirds' Jim McCarty (2010)
Interview by Carl Wiser, Songfacts, 3 November 2010
Yardbird Jim looks back at the halcyon days of 'Shape of Things' – the songwriting, the guitarists Clapton, Beck and Page and much more.
File format: mp3; file size: 12mb, total interview length: 26' 15" sound quality: * (phoner)
Interview by Steve Roeser, Rock's Backpages audio, 20 November 1997
The ethereal Voice of Prog on life pre-Yes, the changes of personnel in the band, and the various break-ups and reformations that have taken place over the years.
File format: mp3; file size: 31.2mb, interview length: 34' 07" sound quality: * (phoner)
Interview by Adam Sweeting, Rock's Backpages audio, August 1985
Over the course of almost two hours, Neil talks about world politics, the state of America today, his philosophical outlook, his current country-music tour and his love of that music; and about the transition from 'Heart of Gold' to Tonight's the Night, drugs and David Crosby, meeting Charles Manson... and the event that became Farm Aid.
File format: mp3; file size: 101.2mb, interview length: 1h 45' 24" sound quality: ***
Interview by Bud Scoppa, Rock's Backpages audio, 21 August 2005
Mr. Young on his latest album Prairie Wind; his aneurysm and surgery; the great Spooner Oldham; his Archives project; the Heart of Gold movie.
File format: mp3; file size: 46.6mb, interview length: 50' 55" sound quality: ****
Interview by Paul Zollo, Rock's Backpages audio, 1988
The head Mother is brutally frank about the record-buying public and the bankruptcy of pop songwriting; on being exposed to Varese; learning to "draw" music as a kid; the difference between songwriting and composition, and deconstructs the modern pop song (and a whole lot more).
File format: mp3; file size: 81.9mb, interview length: 1h 29' 29" sound quality: ***
Interview by Andy Gill, Rock's Backpages audio, Summer 1995
Zevon talks about recording new album Mutineer using modern technology; his early musical activities including being musical director for the Everly Brothers; his various record labels; his songwriting viewpoint, and not being a cynic; his drink and drugs use, and detoxing; being happy with his career; the success of ‘Werewolves of London’; meeting Stravinsky; novelists he likes; his fascination with the dark side of society; albums like Transverse City and Mr Bad Example; classical and other modern serious music; the Oklahoma bombing; writing with Carl Hiaasen, and writing music for television.
File format: mp3; file size: 103mb, interview length: 1h 47' 16" sound quality: ****
Interview by Adam Sweeting, Rock's Backpages audio, May 2000
Taking tea in Soho's brand-new Sanderson Hotel, the great singer-songwriter talks about... well, almost everything: getting older; being perceived as a "dark" moralist; not being commercial; his good pal Jackson Browne; David Geffen; addiction, sobriety and therapy; his parents; plus songwriting and his diffidence in talking about it.
File format: mp3; total file size: 43.6mb, interview length: 45' 22" sound quality: ***
The Zombies' Colin Blunstone (1997)
Interview by Johnny Black, Rock's Backpages audio, September 1997
Colin Blunstone looks back at the Zombies, from their formation in leafy St. Albans, via their first hit 'She's Not There', on to package tours of the US and finally to the crumbling of the band and its aftermath
File format: mp3; file size: 115.9mb, total interview length: 2h 00' 43" sound quality: ****
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, May 1984
All tres hombres on Mexico, Houston, TV Dinners and what they did on their holidays; then solo Billy Gibbons ("The Reverend Billy G"), on the black roots of the Top, his love of Eno and guitar playing.
File format: mp3; file size: 52.2mb, interview length: 54' 21" sound quality: **
Interview by Tony Scherman, Rock's Backpages audio, August 1990
The hirsute guitar wonder starts off with memories of recently-deceased fellow Texan Stevie Ray Vaughan, then discusses the new ZZ Top album Recycler... plus the trio's return to a rootsier sound; the technology used on preceding albums Eliminator and Afterburner; the place of the blues in today's music; and getting to play cards with Muddy Waters.
File format: mp3; file size: 23.8mb, interview length: 24' 48" sound quality: ***
Other
Bomp Records' Greg Shaw (1979)
Interview by Gary Sperrazza!, Rock's Backpages audio, May 1979
The legendary publisher of Bomp talks about the struggles of his indie label of the same name: ungrateful musicians, dodgy business partners and thieving distributors, all of which led to the label's near collapse in 1978.
File format: mp3; file size: 43.7mb, interview length: 47' 42" sound quality: ****
Brian and Eddie Holland (1983)
Interview by John Pidgeon, Rock's Backpages audio, 17 October 1983
The Motown legends tallk about their partnership with Lamont Dozier; songwriting and production; Berry Gordy; their work with the Four Tops; crossing over to the pop market, and leaving Motown.
File format: mp3; file size: 37.2mb, interview length: 40' 35" sound quality: ****
Interview by Carl Wiser, Rock's Backpages audio, 12 October 2011
Top L.A. session bass player Kaye talks about her life in the Tinsel Town studios, laying down the low end for the likes of the Beach Boys, Monkees, Sinatra and so many more.
File format: mp3 File size: 16.1mb Interview length: 35' 13"; Sound quality: * (phoner)
Interview by Bill Brewster, djhistory.com, 5 March 1999
From Charlie's childhood in Stockton-on-Tees and his early fascination with black American music, through to his days as a journalist and broadcaster, taking in The Sound of the City, Ian Dury, Dire Straits and his increasing fascination with World Music.
File format: mp3; file size: 105.3mb, total interview length: 1h 49' 39" sound quality: **
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, Summer 1985
The legendary producer gives a history of Memphis R&B, touching on (in no particular order) Stax, James Carr, Dan Penn, Elvis, the fading of the Memphis light and the perils of Nashville.
File format: mp3; file size: 82.2mb, total interview length: 1h 25' 35" sound quality: ***
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 1985
The legendary New Orleans studio owner and producer talks about Crescent City race relations; NOLA vs. Memphis; the indie record business and, at length, about Aaron Neville, Professor Longhair, and the inability of the city's artists to sustain careers.
File format: mp3; file size: 44.7mb, interview length: 48' 47" sound quality: ****
Interview by Mat Snow, Rock's Backpages audio, July 1989
The mould-breaking Chicago groupie on her life from being a star-struck kid to pulling out Jimi's pubes, via being snogged by Andrew Loog Oldham, her discovery of the "hampton", and her ingenious way with dental plaster. Features a "cast" of thousands!
File format: mp3; file size: 56.9mb, interview length: 1h 02' 08" sound quality: ** (background noise)
Interview by Bill Brewster, Rock's Backpages audio, 21 September 1998
Fan/writer/promoter Godin remembers starting to collect records in 1953, and first hearing American R&B; the revolution of ‘The Twist’ on UK dance culture; dancing at the Lyceum; the evolution of black American music; his hatred of the Rolling Stones, and cultural appropriation; writing for Blues & Soul, and starting the Tamla Motown Appreciation Society; the complexities of Guy Stevens; writing about the northern disco scene and naming Northern Soul; clubs like Manchester’s Twisted Wheel, and amphetamine driven dancefloors; soul obscurities, and his Deep Soul Treasures compilation CDs.
File format: mp3; file size: 110.5mb, interview length: 1h 55' 09" sound quality: ***
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 5 December 2004
The mogul of Laurel Canyon on Asylum Records, managing artists and his close relationships with the likes of JD Souther, Laura Nyro, David Crosby and Joni Mitchell.
File format: mp3; file size: 25.1mb, interview length: 26' 07" sound quality: * (phoner)
Interview by Bill Brewster, Rock's Backpages audio, 25 May 1999
The late Guardian journalist and sometime Mixmag editor talks about his first awareness of dance music; the role of the DJ and the rise of the superstar DJ; dance music's punk and hippie ideals; the multiple histories of the music and the evolution of rave culture; Fatboy Slim and Prodigy et al. as "the new rock'n'roll"; how dance music liberated men; the true financial value of DJs and the art of DJing, plus female DJs and the inherent sexism of the dance scene.
File format: mp3; file size: 37mb, interview length: 59' 44" sound quality: *** (background noise)
Earl Palmer, Dave Bartholomew and Alvin "Red" Tyler (1997)
Interview by Tony Scherman, Rock's Backpages audio, March 1997
Three giants of New Orleans R&B — bandleader Bartholomew, drummer Palmer and sax player Tyler — look back on the days on the bandstand and NOLA studios: on recording with Fats Domino and Little Richard; on the characters — Lightnin' Slim, the unlucky Smiley Lewis and more; on hassles with the Musicians' Union; on Palmer leaving for L.A.; on squeezing in bebop; on the beloved Dew Drop Inn... and what made the Crescent City sound. [NOTE: The most audibly prominent voice belongs to Tyler, with Palmer's the most distant. Bartholomew's is somewhere in the middle, with the deepest register.]
File format: mp3; file size: 94.7mb, interview length: 1h 38' 35" sound quality: ***
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, November 2010
In conversation at Rough Trade East – the legendary record man on all things Elektra: folk to folk-rock; signing Love and the Doors, Paul Rothchild, the lunacy of Paxton Lodge, the MC5 and the Stooges, and through to leaving the business...
File format: mp3; file size: 61.8mb, interview length: 1h 04' 20" sound quality: ****
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, June 1993
The L.A. deal-maker on first finding Joni Mitchell in NYC and becoming her manager; on moving to L.A. and into David Crosby's orbit; on getting Joni signed to Warners; on meeting Neil Young and the end of Buffalo Springfield; on the L.A. music scene; on David Geffen; on the Eagles; on cocaine; on Tom Waits and Warren Zevon... and the end of his partnership with Geffen.
File format: mp3; file size: 48.1mb, interview length: 50' 07" sound quality: ****
Interview by Frank Broughton, Rock's Backpages audio, 4 February 1999
The pioneering disco DJ remembers the clubs, most importantly the Sanctuary; talks about his inventions: slip-cueing, beatmatching and the seamless mix; and on the scene, the drugs, the other DJs, dating Liza Minnelli and getting beaten up by the Mob!
File format: mp3; file size: 68.2mb, interview length: 1h 14' 30" sound quality: ***
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 13 May 2010
The great engineer/producer takes us from the "Surrey Delta" at the turn of the '60s through to recording Led Zeppelin and its aftermath: meeting Jimmy Page when still a kid; getting into engineering; meeting the Stones; Page and John Paul Jones as sessionmen...
File format: mp3; file size: 91.3mb, interview length: 1h 35' 05" sound quality: ***
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 1993
Mojo Navigator and Bomp founder Greg Shaw on his early days in psychedelic San Francisco, L.A. Garage Punk, The Doors, Love and Los Angeles rock.
File format: mp3; file size: 86.5mb, interview length: 1h 30' 08" sound quality: ***
Interview by Andy Gill, Rock's Backpages audio, March 1999
Between lengthy expositions on conspiracy theories and American politics, the Godfather of Gonzo Journalism expounds on the music he selected for "personal favourites" album Where Were You When the Fun Stopped: his love of Robert Mitchum; his friendship with Jimmy Buffett; and on his relationship with music and how Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas was written to the sound of the Stones' Get Your Ya Ya's Out.
File format: mp3; file size: 31.5mb, interview length: 32' 51" sound quality: * (phoner)
Island Records' Chris Blackwell (1989)
Interview by John Tobler, Rock's Backpages audio, 1989
Following the sale of his Island label to Polygram – and the end of his relationship with Sweden's Sonet Records – Blackwell gives a (slightly Scandinavian-centric) history of the label, from 'My Boy Lollipop' to U2 via, amongst others, Jimmy Cliff, King Crimson, Cat Stevens, Bob Marley and Marianne Faithfull. He ends by explaining the difficulty of remaining independent in the now-global music business, and the need to sell the company.
File format: mp3; file size: 51.5mb, interview length: 53' 36" sound quality: *****
Interview by Mat Snow, Rock's Backpages audio, March 1990
The legendary rock photographer looks back at his life and times, snapping (and hanging out with) the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Miles Davis, Janis Joplin and many, many more.
File format: mp3; file size: 46.5mb, interview length: 50' 48" sound quality: ***
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 2 October 2003
The Warner Bros., Elektra/Asylum and Capitol Records boss remembers the great days of the West Coast music industry: the Laurel Canyon scene and the Troubadour; the Eagles, James Taylor, Little Feat and others; his relationships with Steve Ross, David Geffen and Irving Azoff; Joni Mitchell and the power of the artists; and the difference in his later period at Capitol...
File format: mp3; file size: 28mb, interview length: 29' 12" sound quality: ***
Interview by Paul Zollo, Rock's Backpages audio, 1992
Over lunch at Musso & Frank, the Hollywood songwriter and arranger talks about 'The Shadow of Your Smile'; about his collaborations with musicians and lyricists, including Peggy Lee and Shirley Horn; making the Unforgettable album with Natalie Cole and the ghost of her father; the brilliance of Michael Jackson and Barbra Streisand; and writing 'Suicide is Painless' for Robert Altman's classic M*A*S*H.
File format: mp3; file size: 49.3mb, interview length: 51' 20" sound quality: ***
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, June 1993
The genius behind The Simpsons talks about the central part that music has played in his life, from his love of Zappa and Beefheart to his immersion in L.A.'s punk underground.
File format: mp3; file size: 76.1mb, interview length: 1h 19' 16" sound quality: ***
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, 9 October 2013
The man who produced the Woodstock festival talks about the importance of its name; moving to the town in 1968; the major figures around town: The Band, Bob Dylan and Albert Grossman; the notable people and places in the vicinity, including Jimi Hendrix, Tim Hardin and Fred Neil; the relationship between town and festival; his Just Sunshine label and its abiding cult signing Karen Dalton; the town's incestuousness; the Bearsville label and studio, and Todd Rundgren; the 1994 festival... and Woodstock today.
File format: mp3; file size: 65.2mb, interview length: 1h 07' 55" sound quality: ***
Interview by John Tobler, Rock's Backpages audio, 1989
The IRS chief talks about the label and its successes on both sides of the Atlantic: R.E.M., the Go-Go's, Fine Young Cannibals and more; being saved from bankruptcy by punk, and his labels Faulty Products, Deptford Fun City and others; Squeeze and the Police; IRS's relationship with Jerry Moss at A&M, then moving, via MCA, to EMI; the Night of the Guitars tour, and its participants; London v Los Angeles; how he got into the business; the current state of pop, and his predictions for its future.
File format: mp3; file size: 75.2mb, interview length: 1h 18' 19" sound quality: ****
Interview by Ben Merlis, Rock's Backpages audio, 9 March 2018
The legendary Warners exec talks about the label's involvement in hip hop, and their associtation with the Tommy Boy and Cold Chillin' labels; Quincy Jones and Back On The Block; fellow execs like Benny Medina; Reprise Records, and Frank Sinatra's resistance to rock'n'roll; Ice-T, 'Cop Killer' and the resulting pressure on the label; his career in the music business, starting with Norman Granz's Verve Records; his Brooklyn roots, and growing up in Los Angeles.
File format: mp3; file size: 56.3meg, interview length: 58' 37" sound quality: ****
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Mark Pringle, Rock's Backpages audio, 13 March 2002
High Fidelity author Hornby picks his Top Ten tracks, from Bruce Springsteen's 'Thunder Road' to Steve Earle's 'Telephone Road'.
File format: mp3; file size: 54.9mb, interview length: 59' 59" sound quality: ***
Interview by Frank Broughton, Rock's Backpages audio, 2 October 1998
The Winley Records man talks about writing for the Clovers, Ruth Brown and more for Atlantic Records in the '50s; starting his label (and being cursed out by Billie Holiday); hearing rap via his daughters; cutting Afrika Bambaataa's first sides, and putting together the Super Disco Brake's series of breakbeat albums.
File format: mp3; file size: 34mb, interview length: 37' 10" sound quality: ***
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, June 1993
The director of The Decline of Western Civilization parts I, II and III and Wayne's World talks about her recent Beverly Hillbillies flick; her southern carnival roots; starting out in film; getting into punk and making the (first two) Decline films.
File format: mp3; file size: 44.2mb, interview length: 48' 13" sound quality: ****
Interview by Larry Jaffee, Rock's Backpages audio, 2003
The legendary producer/engineer talks about the internet and file sharing, the thorny process of CD remastering of classic albums, and revisiting such classic albums as Paul Simon's Graceland and Bob Dylan's Blood on the Tracks.
File format: mp3; file size: 59.9mb, interview length: 1h 05' 28" sound quality: ***
Interview by Frank Broughton, Rock's Backpages audio, 2 February 1999
The NME's NYC correspondent on the rise of hip hop and its impact on the downtown scene; clubs like the Roxy and the Funhouse; the dancefloor movers: Bambaataa, Arthur Baker, Jellybean Benitez and more.
File format: mp3; file size: 48.8mb, interview length: 53' 19" sound quality: ****
Interview by John Tobler, Rock's Backpages audio, 12 October 1982
Christgau talks about how he became a critic and about his record rating system; the nature of his writing and why he's collected it in his Record Guide; why he doesn't interview artists and the abuse he receives from them; the importance of Black music to American culture; why the '70s were great for rock; how music isn't just for the young; British pop vs. American rock; the future of the form and the wonders of the new hip hop.
File format: mp3; file size: 26.2mb, interview length: 27' 18" sound quality: *****
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, July 1993
His arrival in Los Angeles in 1965; hanging out with the Beatles and the Stones; his legendary English Disco; the groupies — Lori, Sable and Queenie... the Mayor of the Sunset Strip looks back.
File format: mp3; file size: 29.9mb, interview length: 32' 39" sound quality: ***
Interview by Bill Brewster, Frank Broughton, Rock's Backpages audio, 5 October 1998
Sal Abbatiello, proprietor of the South Bronx club, Disco Fever, tells the tale of the DJs, MCs, hustlers, gangsters and the kids who made it the hottest club in early hip hop: Grandmaster Flash, Kurtis Blow and a cast of thousands.
File format: mp3; file size: 43mb, interview length: 46' 59" sound quality: ***
Sam Charters on Folkways Records' Moe Asch (1987)
Interview by Tony Scherman, Rock's Backpages audio, January 1987
Charters talks about his friend, colleague and mentor Moe Asch: about starting to release his field recordings through Folkways; the importance of the label; the Harry Smith anthology; Sam Goody's support for the label; the label's bankruptcy and tax problems; Asch's brilliance, but being a difficult man to work with; the magnificent catalogue, and the scene surrounding the label.
File format: mp3; file size: 56.8mb, interview length: 59' 08" sound quality: **
Interview by Adam Blake, Rock's Backpages audio, 29 September 1988
The leading pop culture commentator on his latest book, Music for Pleasure: the book as clarification, and academic life vs. rock'n'roll; showbiz vs. pop; where pop is at now; the effects of globalisation; the declining importance of rock; music and capitalism; the space for idiosyncrasy; the impact of sampling; packaging vs. product, and what constitutes bourgeois culture.
File format: mp3; file size: 20.7mb, interview length: 21' 33" sound quality: **
Stax Records' Estelle Axton (1985)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, October 1985
From Satellite Records to 'Disco Duck': Stax Records' Estelle Axton on the "recording bidness" - pre-Stax Memphis and Sun and Elvis, Rufus Thomas, the Mar-Keys, 'Last Night', Otis, Hayes and Porter, the record shop, and through to Al Bell and the downfall.
File format: mp3; file size: 86.3meg, interview length: 1h 29' 54" sound quality: ***
Interview by Frank Broughton, Rock's Backpages audio, 13 July 1998
Tony Elliott talks about founding Time Out at university as a project in 1968; reading the underground press but not being a dope-smoking hippie; his awareness of both the pop, art and political scenes, and the need to package a variety of information; extending the editorial content, and the people he interviewed; their successes and failures, and missing punk and club culture; political and investigative journalism, and run-ins with the law; increasing lifestyle emphasis after the 1981 strike, and the magazine's philosophy and brand.
File format: mp3; file size: 67.6mb, total interview length: 1h 10' 26" sound quality: ***
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages audio, September 1984
The mega producer talks about his record company ZTT: how the frustrations of producing Dollar and ABC led to his setting up the label; Paul Morley's role in it; working with Frankie Goes to Hollywood and the Art of Noise; the company's ambitions; the advantages and pitfalls of high recording technology; and his role as a producer. Plus Horn answers his own question: Did video kill the radio star?
File format: mp3; file size: 51.7mb, interview length: 53' 50" sound quality: ***
Interview by Karl Dallas, Rock's Backpages audio, 20 July 1980
The Personality Jock numero uno takes us through his entire career bestriding the airwaves: after his East Coast initiation, heading South of the Border to the big Mexican stations – pistoleros, gunfights, corruption and R&B; the move to Los Angeles, TV with Midnight Special and starring in George Lucas' American Graffiti, and he also runs down his pretty immaculate Top Ten tunes.
File format: mp3; file size: 53.1mb, interview length: 57' 59" sound quality: ***
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cassette image courtesy of Diane DiPiazza
