Rock's Backpages Audio
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; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 40.1meg, total interview length: 43' 48" sound quality: ***
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 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; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 45.6meg, total interview length: 49' 49" 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; in 3 parts (plus introduction), total file sizes: 72.4meg, total interview length: 1h 20' 01" sound quality: **
Interview by Keith Altham, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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: ****
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; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 53.2meg, total interview length: 58' 07" 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: ***
Otis Redding: Phil Walden on Otis Redding and more (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; in 4 parts, total file sizes: 96.1mb, total interview length: 1h 44' 59" 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; in 6 parts, total file sizes: 157.1mb, total interview length: 2h 51' 32" sound quality: ***
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: ****
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: ****
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: ****
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: ***
Mick Jagger, Rolling Stones, The: Mick Jagger (1973)
Interview by Keith Altham, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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 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: *
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 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 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: ****
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 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; in 3 parts, total file sizes: 75.6meg, total interview length: 1h 22' 29" sound quality: ***
Marc Bolan, T. Rex: Marc Bolan, parts 1 & 2 (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; Part 1: file size: 26.2mb; length: 28 minutes 37 seconds. Part 2: file size: 28.1mb; length: 30 minutes 43 seconds.Sound quality: ***
Interview by Mick Gold, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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 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 Mick Gold, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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, 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: ****
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<br> Interview length: 36 seconds Sound quality: **
Interview by John Pidgeon, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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: ****
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: ***
Interview by Michael Lydon, Rock's Backpages Audio, May 1977
After Michael Lydon's swift intro, an avuncular Wilson Pickett talks about his gospel roots, The Falcons, hooking up with Atlantic and working in Memphis and Muscle Shoals.
File format: mp3; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 42.3mb, total interview length: 46' 10" sound quality: ***
Clash, The: 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: ***
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 Howie Klein, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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: ***
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: 10' 01"; sound quality: ****
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 Kris Needs, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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 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: **
Beatles, The: AUDIO: Gypsy Dave with The Beatles in India (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: **
Interview by Mick Gold, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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 Steve Roeser, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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 Simon Witter, Rock's Backpages Audio, March 1983
Walford 'Puck' Tyson and pickney dem reason with Simon Witter about Africa, Rasta, Soundsystem culture and a whole lot more. ...
Interview by Simon Witter, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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: ***
The Gun Club: Gun Club's Jeffrey Lee Pierce (1983)
Interview by Simon Witter, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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: ***
Prince Charles & The City Beat Band: Prince Charles (& The City Beat Band) Alexander
Interview by Simon Witter, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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: ***
Fall, The: The Fall's Mark E. Smith (1983)
Interview by Simon Witter, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 53.3mb, total interview length: 58' 13" 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; in 3 parts, total file sizes: 83.9meg, total interview length: 1h 31' 41" sound quality: ***
Robert 'Bumps' Blackwell: Robert "Bumps" Blackwell
Interview by John Pidgeon, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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 John Pidgeon, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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 Ellen Sander, Rock's Backpages Audio, October 1983
Te '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 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 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 Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages Audio, May 1984
A two parter: firstly, 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; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 49.8meg, total interview length: 54' 22" sound quality: **
Interview by Simon Witter, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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: ***
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: ***
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: ***
Ramones, The: Joey Ramone (1985)
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: ***
Fatback Band, The: The Fatback Band (1985)
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: ***
James Carr, O.V. Wright: Roosevelt Jamison on James Carr (and O.V. Wright) (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; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 47.2mb, total interview length: 51' 37" sound quality: ***
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; in 3 parts, total file sizes: 78.3mb, total interview length: 1h 25' 36" 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; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 57.1mb, total interview length: 1h 02' 15" 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; in 3 parts, total file sizes: 70meg, total interview length: 1h 16' 23" sound quality: **
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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; in 3 parts, total file sizes: 81.1meg, total interview length: 1h 28' 39" sound quality: ****
Ramones, The: The Ramones in London, part 1 (1985)
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), and much more.
File format: mp3; File size: 30.6 mb Interview length: 44 minutes 36 seconds, sound quality: ***
Ramones, The: The Ramones in London, part 2 (1985)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Mat Snow, Rock's Backpages Audio, February 1985
Joey and Dee Dee talk about drugs, playing fast, New York City, and where they come from musically.
File format: mp3; File size: 12.5 mb Interview length: 18 minutes 16 seconds, sound quality: ***
Little Richard speaks, part 1 (1985)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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: 26.3mb Interview length: 28 minutes 47 seconds Sound quality: ****
Little Richard speaks, part 2 (1985)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages Audio, March 1985
Mr Penniman on God, Gospel, Sex, Drugs & Rock'n'Roll. Phew!
File format: mp3 File size: 21.5mb Interview length: 23 minutes 30 seconds Sound quality: ****
Interview by Simon Witter, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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; in 3 parts, total file sizes: 85.7mb, total interview length: 1h 33' 37" 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; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 43.9mb, total interview length: 47' 54" sound quality: ****
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages Audio, September 1985
A short chat with the country-soul legend, talking about writing 'Cry Like A Baby', producing the Box Tops, and on the sadly MIA Eddie Hinton
File format: mp3 File size: 9.2mb Interview length: 10 minutes Sound quality: ****
Willie Mitchell, Memphis Magician (1985)
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; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 46.2meg, total interview length: 50' 30" 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; in 3 parts, total file sizes: 82.4meg, total interview length: 1h 29' 53" sound quality: ***
Rolling Stones, The: 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; in 3 parts, total file sizes: 66mb, total interview length: 1h 12' 03" 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; in 3 parts, total file sizes: 78.3mb, total interview length: 1h 25' 33" sound quality: ***
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages Audio, 1986
The ex-Dan/Doobies man looks back at his career, discusses his art and ruminates on the meaning of "white soul".
File format: mp3; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 49.9mb, total interview length: 54' 25" sound quality: ****
Patti Smith: The Patti Smith Group's Lenny Kaye on NYC punk (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; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 56meg, total interview length: 1h 01' 06" sound quality: ***
Interview by Simon Witter, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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: ***
Interview by Simon Witter, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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 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)
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; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 41.8meg, total interview length: 45' 56" sound quality: ***
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: **
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 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: ***
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; in 3 parts, total file sizes: 82.6mb, total interview length: 1h 30' 18" 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 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; in 3 parts, total file sizes: 67.3meg, total interview length: 1h 13' 30" 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; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 40.8mb, total interview length: 44' 24" 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 sizes: 17.8 and 17.9mb Interview lengths: 31:08 and 31:26 Sound quality: ***
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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: **
Replacements, The: The Replacements' Paul Westerberg (1987)
Interview by Roy Trakin, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 50mb, total interview length: 44' 46"; sound quality: ***
Interview by Roy Trakin, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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: ****
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; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 57mb, total interview length: 1h 02' 14" sound quality: ***
Interview by Roy Trakin, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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, 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: *
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; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 55meg, total interview length: 1 hour, sound quality: ****
Interview by Mat Snow, Rock's Backpages Audio, February 1988
Laughing Lennie talks to Mat Snow about songwriting, meditiation and religion, the collapse of literary culture, and the misperception of him as a Gloom Merchant.
File format: mp3 File size: 22.7mb Interview length: 24 minute 48 seconds Sound quality: ***
Interview by Mat Snow, Rock's Backpages Audio, February 1988
In this part of Mat Snow's interview, Lennie talks about music as therapy, ambiguity, songwriting and 'My Way': Sinatra vs Vicious
File format: mp3 File size: 28.1mb Interview length: 30 minutes 42 seconds Sound quality: ***
Interview by Mat Snow, Rock's Backpages Audio, February 1988
Lennie talks to Mat Snow about 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: 27.3mb Interview length: 29 minutes 48 seconds Sound quality: ***
Iron Maiden's Bruce Dickinson (1988)
Interview by Simon Witter, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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 Simon Witter, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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.
File format: mp3; file size: 35.4mb; Interview length: 38' 39"; 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: ***
Interview by Roy Trakin, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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: ***
Public Image Ltd: PiL in Estonia, part 1 (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: ***
Interview by Chris Roberts, Rock's Backpages Audio, September 1988
Moles at Stonehenge? Umbrellas? Showbiz Shirts? Yes, it's another leap into the surrealistic world of Tom Waits
File format: mp3; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 49.7meg, total interview length: 54' 14" sound quality: ***
Frankie Goes to Hollywood's Paul Rutherford (1988)
Interview by Simon Witter, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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: ***
Richard Thompson, part 1 (1988)
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: 35.8mb<br>Interview length: 39 minutes 11 seconds Sound quality: ***
Richard Thompson, part 2 (1988)
Interview by Mat Snow, Rock's Backpages Audio, December 1988
Richard Thompson on Islam, divorce, songwriting, Fairport reunions... and his problem with The Pogues!
File format: mp3 File size: 45.8mb Interview length: 50 minutes 3 seconds Sound quality: ***
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: ***
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; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 43.5mb, total interview length: 47' 30" 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; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 56.5meg, total interview length: 1h 01' 39" sound quality: ***
Earth Wind and Fire: Earth, Wind and Fire's Maurice White and Philip Bailey (1988)
Interview by Simon Witter, Rock's Backpages Audio, Fall 1988
Maurice White and Philip Bailey talk about latest album Touch The World, changes in the band, outside producers and record company politics. Plus a treatise on Egyptology!
File format: mp3; file size: 22.6mb, interview length: 24' 40" 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 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: ****
Rolling Stones, The: 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)
Luther Vandross, part 1 (1989)
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 and hanging out with Chic.
File format: mp3 File size: 33.6mb Interview length: 36 minutes 48 seconds Sound quality: ****
Luther Vandross, part 2 (1989)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages Audio, March 1989
A master at work: Vandross talks to Barney Hoskyns about producing, recording and singing... and his privacy and sense of self.
File format: mp3 File size: 33.7mb Interview length: 36 minutes 54 seconds Sound quality: ****
Pixies, The: The Pixies' Black Francis (1989)
Interview by Roy Trakin, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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 Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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 Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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 Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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: **
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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: ***
Blue Nile, The: The Blue Nile (1989)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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 Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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: ***
Morrissey interviewed, part 1 (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: 25.8mb<br> Interview length: 37 minute 42 seconds Sound quality: ***
AUDIO: Morrissey interviewed, part 2 (1989)
Interview by Mat Snow, Rock's Backpages Audio, Fall 1989
Revenge is his motive and shaved are his armpits.
File format: MP3 File size: 20.3mb, Interview length: 22 minutes 10 seconds, Sound quality: ***
AUDIO: Morrissey interviewed, part 3 (1989)
Interview by Mat Snow, Rock's Backpages Audio, Fall 1989
On topicality and politics in songwriting, his depressions, and touring and audiences.
File format: MP3 File size: 32.3mb, Interview length: 35 minutes 15 seconds, Sound quality: ***
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: **
Interview by Larry Jaffee, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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 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 The Internationale album, and really rather a lot about Margaret Thatcher!
File format: mp3; file size: 30.1mb, interview length: 32' 54" sound quality: ****
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 45.2meg, total interview length: 49' 21" sound quality: ***
Eric Burdon, Animals, The: AUDO: Eric Burdon on The Animals (1990)
Interview by Steve Roeser, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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: ***
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; in 4 parts, total file sizes: 102.2meg, total interview length: 1h 51' 38" sound quality: ***
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: **
Isley Brothers, The: AUDIO: 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: ***
AUDIO: Velvet Underground's Mo 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: ***
AUDIO: Ozzy Osbourne Speaks! Part 1 (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. Drugs! Drink! Management Rip-Offs! It's all here.
File format: mp3 File size: 30.1mb Interview length: 43 minutes 55 seconds Sound quality: ***
AUDIO: Ozzy Osbourne Speaks! Part 2 (1991)
Interview by Mat Snow, Rock's Backpages Audio, 1991
Sacked by Sabbath, saved by Sharon, going solo: Ozzy tells all about the ups, the downs, the addiction and alcoholism.
File format: mp3 File size: 30.7mb Interview length: 44 minutes 47 seconds 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: **
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: **
AUDIO: Ronnie Spector, part 1 (1991)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages Audio, February 1991
On marriage to, and escape from, Phil Spector, being fancied by John Lennon and on being a Ronette - Ronnie Spector tells all.
File format: mp3 File size: 21.1mb Interview length: 23 minutes 6 seconds Sound quality: ***
AUDIO: Ronnie Spector, part 2 (1991)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages Audio, February 1991
Ronnie goes to Swinging London, gets hit on by hero Frankie Lymon, drinks rather a lot and writes a book. Top girl!
File format: mp3 File size: 27.1mb Interview length: 29 minutes 38 seconds Sound quality: ***
AUDIO: Free's Andy Fraser (1991)
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: 40.7meg, total interview length: 44' 26" sound quality: ***
Ronnie Hawkins, Band, The: AUDIO: Ronnie Hawkins (1991)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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; in 3 parts, total file sizes: 81mb, total interview length: 1h 18' 25" sound quality: ***
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages Audio, August 1991
Hired and fired by the New York Post, having that "total phoney" Andy Warhol steal the Velvets from him, running with Dylan and, extensively, his dealings with The Band – the "blacklisted journalist" Al Aronowitz vents his not-inconsiderable spleen.
File format: mp3; in 3 parts, total file sizes: 68.7meg, total interview length: 1h 16' 43" sound quality: ***
Band, The: AUDIO: Elliott Landy on Photographing The Band (1991)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 46.7mb, total interview length: 50' 57" sound quality: ****
Band, The: AUDIO: Bill Graham on The Band (and Dylan) (1991)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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: ****
AUDIO: Rickie Lee Jones (1991)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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: **
AUDIO: 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 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: ***
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: ***
Beastie Boys, The: AUDIO: The Beastie Boys (1992)
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: **
Interview by Kris Needs, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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 Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages Audio, 1993
Mojo Naviagator 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; in 3 parts, total file sizes: 82.6mb, total interview length: 1h 30' 07" 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; in 4 parts, total file sizes: 105.2mb, total interview length: 1h 54' 48" sound quality: ***
AUDIO: Donald Fagen, parts 1 & 2 (1993)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 74.8meg, total interview length: 80' 36" sound quality: ***
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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 the great Ray Charles
File format: mp3; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 44.5meg, total interview length: 48' 40" 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; in 3 parts, total file sizes: 72.5mb, total interview length: 1h 19' 17" sound quality: ***
AUDIO: Van Dyke Parks, part 3 (1993)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages Audio, June 1993
Van Dyke Parks talks about being in the studio with Brian Wilson, the legendary Smile project, his own Song Cycle and much more
File format: mp3 File size: 34.7mb Interview length: 37 minutes 56 seconds Sound quality: ****
AUDIO: Van Dyke Parks, part 1 (1993)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages Audio, June 1993
Van Dyke Parks talks of his early days in Los Angeles, the folk scene, and the deaths of both his brother and John F. Kennedy
File format: mp3 File size: 32.4mb Interview length: 35 minutes 21 seconds Sound quality: ****
AUDIO: Van Dyke Parks, part 2 (1993)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages Audio, June 1993
On becoming an arranger and songwriter, the effects of the '60s British Invasion, the counterculture and the death of the hippie dream.
File format: mp3 File size: 25.9mb Interview length: 28 minutes 18 seconds Sound quality: ****
Love: AUDIO: Arthur Lee in LA, part 1 (1993)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages Audio, June 1993
Arthur Lee tells Barney Hoskyns about growing up in Memphis and Los Angeles and his dreams of being a musician. Some of the time.
File format: mp3 File size: 35.5mb Interview length: 39 minutes 54 seconds Sound quality: **
Love: AUDIO: Arthur Lee in LA, part 2 (1993)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages Audio, June 1993
An increasingly cantankerous Arthur Lee describes a gay near-miss with Jimi Hendrix, rants about hip-hop, and spouts New Age gibberish to a palpably startled Barney Hoskyns
File format: mp3 File size: 50.2mb Interview length: 54 minutes 51 seconds Sound quality: **
AUDIO: Rodney Bingenheimer (1993)
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: ***
Nirvana: AUDIO: Kurt Cobain (1993)
Interview by Jon Savage, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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 Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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: ****
AUDIO: Jackson Browne in London, part 1 (1993)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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.
File format: mp3 File size: 28.9mb Interview length: 31 minutes 35 seconds Sound quality: ****
AUDIO: Jackson Browne in London, part 2 (1993)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages Audio, October 1993
JB 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: 36.4mb Interview length: 39 minutes 46 seconds Sound quality: ****
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages Audio, November 1993
The legendary songwriter on his early years: L.A. cruisin', high school jazz, getting odd jobs in the music biz, playing piano for Johnny Rivers and starting to write songs, up to the breakthrough with the 5th Dimension and 'Up, Up And Away'.
File format: mp3; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 44.1mb, total interview length: 48' 08" sound quality: ****
Beach Boys, The, Linda Ronstadt: AUDIO: 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; in 3 parts, total file sizes: 103.6mb, total interview length: 1h 53' 08" sound quality: ***
AUDIO: 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: ***
AUDIO: XTC's Andy Partridge (1994)
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; in 4 parts, total file sizes: 114.8mb, total interview length: 2h 05' 24" sound quality: ****
AUDIO: Sonic Youth's Thurston Moore (1994)
Interview by Steve Roeser, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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)
Who, The: AUDIO: 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; in 3 parts, total file sizes: 68.7meg, total interview length: 1h 14' 58" 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; in 3 parts, total file sizes: 74.8meg, total interview length: 1h 21' 39" sound quality: ***
AUDIO: Joni Mitchell at 50 (1994)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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; in 4 parts, total file sizes: 111.4mb, total interview length: 2h 1' 41" sound quality: ***
AUDIO: Willie Nelson in Stockholm (1994)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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 Johnny Black, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 45.2meg, total interview length: 49 25" sound quality: ****
Pretty Things, The: AUDIO: The Pretty Things' Phil May (1995)
Interview by Johnny Black, Rock's Backpages Audio, 1995
Chief Pretty Thing Phil May, along with manager Mark St John, on the early days of the Pretties, their rivalry with the Rolling Stones, disappearing bandmates and the legal battles to regain their copyrights.
File format: mp3; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 49.8meg, total interview length: 54' 27" sound quality: ****
Cure, The: AUDIO: The Cure's Simon Gallup (1995)
Interview by Johnny Black, Rock's Backpages Audio, 1995
The Cure's bass player Simon Gallup's take on the Lol Tolhurst affair, getting married, plus stories from the road.
File format: mp3; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 44.7mb, total interview length: 51' 03" sound quality: ****
Cure, The: AUDIO: The Cure's Robert Smith (1995)
Interview by Johnny Black, Rock's Backpages Audio, 1995
Johnny Black quizzes the Cure frontman on being childlike, on the album Disintegration, his 30th birthday crisis, stories from the touring front, and the exit of Lol Tolhurst.
File format: mp3; in 4 parts, total file sizes: 103.4mb, total interview length: 1h 53' 04" sound quality: ****
AUDIO: 10cc's Graham Gouldman (1995)
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 Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 145mb, total interview length: 2h 28' 24" sound quality: **
AUDIO: 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: *****
Interview by Roy Trakin, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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 Simon Witter, Rock's Backpages Audio, October 1995
The Great Dame talks at length about art, role playing, 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: *****
AUDIO: Fleetwood Mac's 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: ****
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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: ***
Band, The: AUDIO: The Band's Rick Danko (1995)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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: ****
Cliff Richard: AUDIO: Ian Samwell on Cliff Richard (1995)
Interview by Bill Black, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 61.7mb, total interview length: 1h 07' 15" 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: ****
Cowboy Junkies: AUDIO: 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 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; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 41.2meg, total interview length: 44' 58" sound quality: ***
Jeff Buckley, Esquivel: AUDIO: Jeff Buckley interviews Esquivel (1996)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages Audio, April 1996
Jeff Buckley asks the questions, and Esquivel gives us a glimpse of his happy half-century of music making.
File format: mp3; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 40.6meg, total interview length: 44' 20" sound quality: **
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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: ***
AUDIO: Love's Bryan MacLean (1996)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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; in 3 parts, total file sizes: 92meg, total interview length: 1hr 40' 34" sound quality: **
Lemonheads, The: AUDIO: The Lemonheads' Evan Dando (1996)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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; in 3 parts, total file sizes: 68.2meg, total interview length: 1h 14' 29" sound quality: ****
AUDIO: Ed Sanders of The Fugs (1996)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 48.4meg, total interview length: 52' 46" sound quality: ****
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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: 31mb<br> Interview length: 45 minutes 14 seconds Sound quality: ***
AUDIO: Gillian Welch and David Rawlings (1996)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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: ***
New York Dolls: AUDIO: Malcolm McLaren Remembers The New York Dolls, parts 1 & 2 (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; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 54.3meg, total interview length: 59' 19" sound quality: **
AUDIO: Beck in Los Angeles, part 1 (1997)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages Audio, January 1997
Beck talks to Barney Hoskyns about hip hop, folk, blues and the making and success of Odelay.
File format: mp3 File size: 27.6mb Interview length: 40 minutes 18 seconds Sound quality: ****
AUDIO: Beck in Los Angeles, part 2 (1997)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages Audio, January 1997
Beck talks to Barney Hoskyns about country music, Los Angeles, his artist grandfather, Tom Waits and more.
File format: mp3 File size: 24.4mb Interview length: 35 minutes 39 seconds Sound quality: ****
AUDIO: Fountains of Wayne (1997)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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: ***
AUDIO: Steve Winwood, parts 1-4 (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; in 4 parts, total file sizes: 109.4meg, total interview length: 2 hours; sound quality: ****
AUDIO: Keith Richards on Talk is Cheap (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: *
John Fogerty: AUDIO: Steven Rosen talks to John Fogerty (1997)
Interview by Steven Rosen, Rock's Backpages Audio, April 1997
John Fogerty on guitar playing versus songwriting, and how he's got better.
File format: MP3 File size: 883.1k<br> Interview length: 1 minute 10 seconds 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; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 42.8meg, total interview length: 46' 50" sound quality: *****
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: *****
Todd Rundgren: AUDIO: A Wizard, A True Star: Todd Rundgren, part 1 (1997)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages Audio, August 1997
On Todd's childhood and early musical adventures, culminating in the formation of The Naz and a sudden immersion in the teen pop world
File format: mp3 File size: 38.5mb Interview length: 42 minutes 06 seconds Sound quality: ****
Todd Rundgren: AUDIO: A Wizard, A True Star: Todd Rundgren, part 2 (1997)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages Audio, August 1997
On getting involved with Albert Goldman and the Woodstock scene, recording The Band and dressing up and taking acid
File format: mp3 File size: 39.6mb Interview length: 43 minutes 15 seconds Sound quality: ****
Todd Rundgren: AUDIO: A Wizard, A True Star: Todd Rundgren, part 3 (1997)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages Audio, August 1997
Meeting the Sayles Brothers, working on Ritalin, the Concept for A Wizard, A True Star, building Secret Sound Studio and developing his recording techniques
File format: mp3 File size: 33.1mb Interview length: 36 minutes 09 seconds Sound quality: ****
Zombies, The: AUDIO: 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; in 4 parts, total file sizes: 106.7meg, total interview length: 1h 56' 26" sound quality: ****
Phil Ochs: AUDIO: Van Dyke Parks on Phil Ochs (and the Byrds) (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)
Keith Richards, Rolling Stones, The: AUDIO: 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: ****
Interview by Steve Roeser, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 47.9mb, total interview length: 52' 19" sound quality: * (phone interview)
AUDIO: Yes' Jon Anderson (1997)
Interview by Steve Roeser, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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 Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages Audio, 1998
On Otis and the making of 'Dock of the Bay', the disputed history of 'Green Onions', and on 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)
AUDIO: Robbie Robertson (1998)
Interview by Steve Roeser, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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 Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages Audio, April 1998
Elliott Smith on discomfort, vocal styles, solo vs. electric bands, more discomfort, playing waltzes and Art, Capital A.
File format: mp3 File size: 39.3mb Interview length: 42 minutes 57 seconds Sound quality: ***
Band, The: AUDIO: The Band's Levon Helm (1998)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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; in 3 parts, total file sizes: 81.1meg, total interview length: 1h 28' 37" sound quality: **
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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: **
Neutral Milk Hotel's Jeff Mangum
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 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; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 52.2mb, total interview length: 58' 08" sound quality: * (phone interview)
Big Star: AUDIO: Jim Dickinson on the making of Big Star's Third/Sister Lovers (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; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 53.6mb, total interview length: 58' 34" sound quality: * (phone interview)
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, 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; in 6 parts, total file sizes: 169.7meg, total interview length: 3h 5' 39" sound quality: ***
AUDIO: Tom Waits, part 1 (1999)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages Audio, January 1999
On his new album, Mule Variations; on changing labels; on his formative influences... and on edible slugs!
File format: mp3 File size: 26.6mb Interview length: 38 minutes 52 seconds Sound quality: **
AUDIO: Tom Waits part 2 (1999)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages Audio, January 1999
Beatniks, recording, songwriting, Frank Zappa and L.A.... and his first tattoos!
File format: mp3 File size: 24.3mb Interview length: 35 minutes 29 seconds Sound quality: **
Interview by Gavin Martin, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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; in 4 parts, total file sizes: 106.3mb, total interview length: 1h 56' 08" sound quality: **
AUDIO: David Bowie, part 1 (1999)
Interview by Chris Roberts, Rock's Backpages Audio, July 1999
The Dame, surrounded by some splendid NYC ambience, talks about where he's at today, his workaholism, being part of Tin Machine and some of the personae he has adopted.
File format: mp3 File size: 27.5mb Interview length: 30 minutes 02 seconds Sound quality: ***
AUDIO: David Bowie, part 2 (1999)
Interview by Chris Roberts, Rock's Backpages Audio, July 1999
DB 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: 24.3mb Interview length: 26 minutes 21 seconds Sound quality: ***
Interview by Chris Roberts, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 52.9mb, total interview length: 57' 23" sound quality: ***
AUDIO: Moby Grape's Bob Mosley (1999)
Interview by Steve Roeser, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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)
AUDIO: Cocteau Twins' Liz Fraser (2000)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages Audio, July 2000
Ms Fraser on singing and singers; on being a Cocteau Twin; her relationship with Robin Guthrie; friends and conspiritors such as Peter Gabriel, Damon Albarn and Jeff Buckley.
File format: mp3; file size: 72.9mb, interview length: 1 h 19' 38" sound quality: ***
AUDIO: Genesis - The Phil Collins Years (2000)
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: ****
Black Crowes, The: AUDIO: The Black Crowes (2001)
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; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 49.7mb, total interview length: 54' 15" sound quality: ****
Bee Gees, The: AUDIO: Bee Gee Barry Gibb (2001)
Interview by Johnny Black, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 60meg, total interview length: 65' 29" sound quality: ****
Bee Gees, The: AUDIO: The Bee Gees' Maurice Gibb (2001)
Interview by Johnny Black, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 60.3meg, total interview length: 1h 5' 51" sound quality: ****
Bee Gees, The: AUDIO: The Bee Gees' Robin Gibb (2001)
Interview by Johnny Black, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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: *****
AUDIO: 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)
AUDIO: Roxy Music's Phil Manzanera and Bryan Ferry (2001)
Interview by Chris Roberts, Rock's Backpages Audio, April 2001
The Roxy chaps talk about their 2001 reunion, and look back to the days of zany outfits and VCS3s.
File format: mp3; in 3 parts, total file sizes: 82.1mb, total interview length: 1h 29' 37" 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; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 66.5mb, total interview length: 1h 12' 38" sound quality: ****
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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, August 2001
All about making Gold; rages against the (record company) machine; the Stones and Keef; plays new album tracks... and dreaming about Snoop Dogg's pig joke!
File format: mp3; file size: 84.7mb, interview length: 1h 32' 34" sound quality: ***
AUDIO: Cream's Jack Bruce (1999)
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: ****
AUDIO: Dick Heckstall-Smith (2001)
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)
Cream: AUDIO: Pete Brown on Cream (and more) (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 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 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: ****
Streets, The: AUDIO: The Streets (2002)
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: ****
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 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: ****
Interview by Gavin Martin, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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 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; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 45.5mb, total interview length: 49' 43" sound quality: ****
Interview by Larry Jaffee, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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: ***
Paul McCartney, Beatles, The: AUDIO: Paul McCartney (2003)
Interview by Johnny Black, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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; in 3 parts, total file sizes: 75.8mb, total interview length: 1h 22' 44" sound quality: ****
AUDIO: Fleetwood Mac's Mick Fleetwood and Stevie Nicks (2003)
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: ****
AUDIO: Depeche Mode's David Gahan, part 1 (2003)
Interview by Chris Roberts, Rock's Backpages Audio, April 2003
David Gahan talks about doing his solo album, songwriting and being Martin Gore's mouthpiece
File format: mp3 File size: 28.4mb Interview length: 30 minutes 59 seconds Sound quality: ***
AUDIO: Depeche Mode's David Gahan, part 2 (2003)
Interview by Chris Roberts, Rock's Backpages Audio, April 2003
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: 25.1mb Interview length: 27 minutes 22 seconds Sound quality: ***
AUDIO: Led Zeppelin's Robert Plant (2003)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 65.2meg, total interview length: 1h11'08", sound quality: ****
AUDIO: Led Zeppelin's John Paul Jones (2003)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 64.2meg, total interview length: 1h10'7", sound quality: ***
AUDIO: Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page (2003)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 45.2meg, total interview length: 49'22", sound quality: ***
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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: **
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: ****
AUDIO: Blondie's Debbie Harry (2003)
Interview by Chris Roberts, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 64.7meg, total interview length: 1h 10' 38" sound quality: **
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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; in 3 parts, total file sizes: 63.8mb, total interview length: 1h 9' 44" 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: **
Gram Parsons: AUDIO: Phil Kaufman remembers Gram Parsons (2003)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 49.4.mb, total interview length: 54' 01" sound quality: ***
AUDIO: R.E.M.'s Michael Stipe (2003)
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; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 46.4mb, total interview length: 50' 45" sound quality: ****
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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: ***
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 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; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 50mb, total interview length: 51' 16" 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: ****
Interview by Gavin Martin, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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: ****
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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: ***
Corrs, The: AUDIO: The Corrs (2004)
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: ***
AUDIO: Alanis Morissette (2004)
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 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; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 50mb, total interview length: 54' 36" sound quality: ****
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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 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 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: ****
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: ****
AUDIO: Kenny Gamble & 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: ***
Sex Pistols, The: AUDIO: 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; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 42.3meg, total interview length: 46' 08" 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; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 51.9mb, total interview length: 56' 34" sound quality: ****
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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; in 4 parts, total file sizes: 100.3meg, total interview length: 1h 49' 29" sound quality: ***
Ry Cooder: AUDIO: The Ry Cooder Interview, parts 1-3 (2005)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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; in 3 parts, total file sizes: 76.2meg, total interview length: 83' 11" sound quality: ***
Jim Ford, Bobby Womack: Bobby Womack on Jim Ford (2005)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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 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; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 48.6mb, total interview length: 53' 03" sound quality: ****
Interview by Bud Scoppa, Rock's Backpages Audio, August 2005
Mr. Young on the Prairie Wind album; his aneurysm and surgery; the great Spooner Oldham; his archive project; and the Heart of Gold movie.
File format: mp3; file size: 46.6mb, interview length: 50' 55" sound quality: ****
AUDIO: Led Zeppelin Tour Manager Richard Cole (2005)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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: ***
AUDIO: 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; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 45.1mb, total interview length: 49' 18" sound quality: *****
AUDIO: 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; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 63.5mb, total interview length: 1h 9' 25" 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: ****
Kinks, The, Ray Davies: AUDIO: 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; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 53.4mb, total interview length: 58' 21" sound quality: ****
Raconteurs, The: AUDIO: The Raconteurs (2006)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 39.5meg, total interview length: 43' 04" 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; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 64.7mb, total interview length: 1h 10' 40" 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: ****
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: ****
AUDIO: Yngwie Malmsteen (2008)
Interview by Steven Rosen, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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)
AUDIO: Little Feat's Bill Payne and Paul Barrere (2008)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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 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: *****
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: ****
Alice In Chains: 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)
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)
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)
White Stripes, The: Jack White (2009)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages Audio, August 2009
Jack White goes way back to his Detroit childhood, the evolution of the White Stripes, and through to his current workaholic agenda
File format: mp3; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 51.1mb, total interview length: 55' 48" sound quality: ***
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: ****
Black Keys, The: The Black Keys (2011)
Interview by Andrew Purcell, Rock's Backpages Audio, May 2010
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: ***
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; in 2 parts, total file sizes: 58.9mb, total interview length: 1h 04' 21" 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: *****
Led Zeppelin: Nick Kent on Led Zeppelin (2011)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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: ****
Interview by Charles Bermant, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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)
Interview by Carl Wiser, Rock's Backpages Audio, 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)
Beach Boys, The: The Beach Boys (2012)
Interview by Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages Audio, February 2012
Messrs Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, Bruce Johnstone 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: ****
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