The Jersey Guys Podcast

Tommy La Verdi is an American lyricist/songwriter originally from Los Angeles, CA (now residing in Norway) with a recent history of hit singles throughout Europe and Asia. Numerous top 10 hits with K-Pop Legends DBSK, CSJH, Super Junior, and Boa.

After moving to Norway he has dominated the Scandic music scene with five number-one singles in Norway and Top 10’s in Denmark, Finland, and Sweden all with different artists in a wide variety of musical genres. Newer projects include multi-platinum Norwegian Dj Tungevaag , Swedish Dj John De Sohn, and Scandinavian Boy Band sensation, Marcus and Martinus. La Verdi recently co-wrote three tracks with Mega Star DJ Alan Walker, which currently has over a billion YouTube views and Spotify streams.

But long before all that he was tabbed to sing with Casablanca recording artist A=440, whose debut was released in 1986. Touted by Donna Summers, whose guitar player Nick Brown formed A=440, the band only saw marginal success and faded away shortly thereafter. The album remains a favorite among hi-tech AOR fans.

In the late 1980’s he found his way to the band 21 Guns with Scott Gorham (guitar) of Thin Lizzy fame and a debut was eventually released in 1992, garnering acclaim from the AOR and melodic rock world, the album still finds its way into conversation today when the subject of cult-favorite AOR and melodic hard rock records comes up.

After thinking he left the melodic hard rock world behind, he was contacted in 2014 to do a project that was simply named L.R.S., which was short for La Verdi, (Josh) Ramos & (Michael) Shotton. The album had shades of Journey in its sound but a follow-up was not meant to be.

Stefan Berggren is a Swedish singer who has worked with well-known bands and artists such as Uriah Heep, Snakes In Paradise, M3-Classic Whitesnake, The Company of Snakes, Manfred Mann, and Bernie Marsden to name a few. He has had bands together with the recently deceased Lee Kerslake in the Berggren Kerslake Band (“The Sun Has Gone Hazy” 2014), and the Don Airey Band. Berggren released his first solo album “Stranger In A Strangeland” in 2016 and the aforementioned Don Airey, the current keyboard legend from Deep Purple, guest stars on the song “Wild Flowers” from his latest solo album “These Are The Time”, which was released on Grandjam Records on June 4, 2021. As 2025 goes on Berggren is working towards a new solo album as well as entertaining the idea of a new Snakes In Paradise record so keep an eye out for both! He also mentions a brand new project with an American musician in the works. Lots of good stuff to look forward to in 2025 from this great singer & songwriter!

Few musicians have achieved the broad-based success that David Rosenthal has earned as a Musical Director, Keyboardist, Synthesizer Programmer, Producer, Composer, Orchestrator and touring professional. With a musical career spanning four decades, David's talents have been continually in demand for his skilled musical precision, technical expertise, and vast experience.

David's multi-faceted career has taken him to studios and stages across the globe with many of the most prominent artists in the world. Besides his long tenure as Musical Director and Keyboardist for Billy Joel, he has also worked with Ritchie Blackmore and Rainbow, Bruce Springsteen, Elton John, Enrique Iglesias, Robert Palmer, Whitesnake, Steve Vai, Cyndi Lauper, Yngwie Malmsteen, Little Steven, and many others. His critically acclaimed work with his band Red Dawn and legendary progressive band Happy the Man also illustrate his talent for composing and producing original music.

Robbie LaBlanc has been singing and playing instruments since age 3. Robbie’s first influences (besides his dad, who was always singing and playing the guitar) were Trini Lopez and the Beatles. Shortly after, bands like Creedence Clearwater Revival and Grand Funk Railroad were further influences.

Robbie’s first break in the music business came when he met Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Felix Cavaliere of The Rascals in CT. Felix produced Robbie & Brian’s (Robbie’s brother) band Fury with a slew of great musicians in a CT studio. After the album disappeared from the charts, Robbie signed with a management company that had Michael Bolton ties and the duo recorded at least four albums worth of material at Michael’s CT studio. It still failed to generate a record deal. When that deal ended about three years later, Robbie dropped a DAT tape in Arif Mardin’s mailbox in CT. Arif called the next day, and a deal with Atlantic Records was on the table. One hurdle to go, a showcase with the new Atlantic regime. Again, it proved disappointing; no deal.

At the suggestion of a friend, a CD was sent to Frontiers Records and two “Blanc Faces” records were done in 2005 and 2009.

Robbie also sings lead vocals in a long-standing project named Find Me (along with Daniel Flores) and also provided vocals to another project called East Temple Avenue, which had its first release in 2020. ETA is comprised of members from various bands like “Work of Art” and “Cruzh” along with Darren Philips (founder) and Phil Lindstrand.

Robbie hooked up with Escape Music (UK) to do a “70s and 80s vibe” solo record, and Robbie loved the idea. The result was “Double Trouble,” which came out in 2021, written and produced by Steve Overland and Tommy Denander. The songs are fresh and vibrant, just what we need in these troubling times, with Robbie’s powerhouse vocals leading the way. Robbie furthered his association with Denander in the Vitalines project as well.

2025 will see yet another project named Blue Ambition with Frederic Slama (of “AOR” fame). And best of all might be the news that the sophomore Cannonballz record is on the way in later ’25 or 2026. The Cannonballz debut was recorded over a decade ago to great fanfare, so a new record is certainly welcome news!

When Robbie isn’t singing on one of his many projects, he can be found doing his “day job” of the last 20 years as NE Regional manager for Bogle Vineyards! So check out this great episode and Salute!

Guy Allison’s first record deal was signed with a band called Lodgic on A&M Records in 1985. This band included Michael Sherwood, Billy Sherwood, Jimmy Haun & Gary Starnes. The band was discovered by the 80's group Toto and was subsequently produced by Toto members David Paich and Steve Porcaro..

In 1987, Allison was selected by Patrick Moraz to fill the second keyboardist chair for the Moody Blues, a position he held until 1990. While touring with the Moodies he was a member of World Trade signed to Polygram Records. Recording their progressive self-titled debut album in 1988, this group included ex-Lodgic bandmate Billy Sherwood..

After the breakup of World Trade, Allison was tapped to join Air Supply in the recording studio and, ultimately on tour. This 7-year relationship generated 4 studio albums, Credited with co-writing 6 songs, 3 of these Allison/Russell co-compositions charted internationally.

During his time with Air Supply, he and ex-World Trade bandmate, Bruce Gowdy, formed the harder edge Unruly Child with singer Mark Free. Signed by Interscope Records, UC found cult status overseas yet remained undiscovered in the U.S.

After Unruly Child disbanded, Allison continued to tour with both Air Supply and also recorded an album with former Toto singer Bobby Kimball, titled “Rise Up”. He forged a musical relationship with some fellow touring members, John McFee and Keith Knudsen, which led to him joining The Doobie Brothers in 1996 as a touring keyboardist. Allison co-produced the Doobies' 12th studio album, 2000's Sibling Rivalry..

Allison released his debut solo album, A Designed Presence, in 2023.

Dutch singer Bert Heerink was the voice of Vandenberg's first three albums (1982-1985) and also sang on two albums by Dutch band Picture (1986-1987). Beyond that, Heerink has had a glorious career releasing many TV commercial songs and solo albums along with some other projects such as Undercover (with ex-Vandenberg bandmate Dick Kemper) & 2019's Royal Flush.

Having guested on many projects, tours, and albums throughout the years with names like guitarist Jan Akkerman (ex-Focus) and progressive rock band Kayak, 2025 will see a brand new Royal Flush album as well as involvement with original XYZ guitarist Bob Pieper's XYZ Revisited project, which is looking ahead to new material in 2026 with further information to be announced.

Bert Heerink is truly a legendary singer who is still going strong, so while we all await new material from him, please enjoy episode 75 of The Jersey Guys Podcast!

Fighter V thrills with catchy stadium rock anthems driven by powerful guitar riffs and vibrant keyboard sounds. The melodic rock band from Hergiswil, Switzerland is known for energetic and passionate live shows that take the audience back to the rock concerts of the 80s. As headliners in Central Europe and support for major acts like The Dead Daisies, Fozzy and Bonfire, Fighter V brings plenty of entertainment experience to the stage.

Their debut album “Fighter” was released on October 2019 on Rock Attack Records. The release was followed by an extended tour, including opening for The New Roses and Kissin' Dynamite, as well as festival shows across Europe. With the acclaimed release of their singles "Eye To Eye" and "Heart Of The Young", Fighter V announced their 2nd studio album “Heart of the Young” in the fall 2024, accompanied by an extensive European tour as support act for Axel Rudi Pell.

So, to get a full load of Stadium Rock check out Fighter V!

Web: www.fighter-v.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/fightervofficial

Instagram: www.instagram.com/fightervofficial

YouTube: www.youtube.com/fightervofficial

Recording artist, wedding singer, guitarist, metal frontman, crooner, tribute band specialist…

Todd Plant has worn many hats in his 40-something years in music, and there’s still much more in store! After graduating from Tampa’s Plant High School, Todd joined the US Navy Seabees, working in construction and entertaining servicemen and women on bases around the world. After his honorable discharge, he played in many Tampa Bay bands, honing his craft and paying his dues.

Heard by millions as the singer of the Hulk Hogan theme song “American Made” that was played on TBS/TNT networks for years, Todd has also recorded songs on literally dozens of CDs released worldwide. His original “hair bands” in the ‘90s, Eyewitness and Millenium, played London, toured Europe, and were featured on MTV Headbanger’s Ball, had their videos aired on Japanese TV, and performed on a live prime-time variety show in Munich. He also sang for original prog rock bandCryptic Vision, who released 4 CDs and played across the US in the mid 2000s.

He previously worked with tributes to the Eagles (Alter Eagles), Steely Dan (Show Biz Kids), country/southern rock band Soul Circus Cowboys, and 15 years with event/wedding bandSouthtown Fever, and played at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Lightning & Rays games atRaymond James Stadium, Amalie Arena, and Tropicana Field

In 2025, Todd continues to lead tributes to the Doobie Brothers (China Grove), Midnight Joker(the Steve Miller Band), Sting & the Police (Brand New Day), U2 (U2X), Santana(Supernatural), & 38 Special (37 Special), as well as recording on various projects & jingles. There’s even a project that has unearthed some old studio and live Eyewitness material, so keep an eye & ear out for that!

Von Groove is a Toronto-based hard rock outfit created in 1990 as a trio of lead vocalist/drummer Michael Shotten, Croatian-born guitarist Mladen, and bassist Matthew Gerrard. Shotten and Gerard had previously scored writing credits with the Canadian rock band Triumph. Cutting a series of demo sessions in the band's studio, Von Groove soon attained a deal with major label EMI Records. Session drums on Von Groove's eponymous Richie Zito-produced 1992 debut would come courtesy of Deen Castronovo, known for his work with acts such as Hardline, Bad English & Journey. Although the inaugural Von Groove record would be hailed as a bona fide classic of the genre in many circles, the group's profile suffered hugely as the tidal wave of Grunge enveloped the rock scene. The sophomore “Rainmaker”, a radical departure in sound that created undoubted controversy with the band's fanbase, would follow in 1994. Von Groove got back to their melodic rock roots with the Japanese-released “Mission Man” in late 1997. This album would find a reissue in Europe (re-named “Chameleon” and including three extra tracks). Shotten teamed up with guitarist Joey Hunting and Union bassist Jamie Hunting for the project band The Outpatience, headed by Guns N’ Roses songwriter West Arkeen. However, Arkeen would pass away in a drug-related incident in May of 1997 and the lone “Anxious Disease” album would go largely unnoticed despite having GNR members Slash, Axl Rose, Duff McKagan and Izzy Stradlin as well as Steve Stevens guesting on it. Von Groove would issue two albums in 2000, “Drivin' Off The Edge Of The World”, followed by the acoustic-driven “Three Faces Past”. Bassist Matthew Gerrard would make his exit to be replaced by Tom Lewis for the group’s 2001 album “The Seventh Day”.

Michael Shotten revitalized his connections with Rik Emmett by collaborating with the former Triumph frontman on new material. This endeavor had been branded Airtime, and they released the album “Liberty Manifesto” in 2007. In 2014, the album “Down To The Core” by L.R.S. (LaVerdi, Ramos & Shotton) would find release while Shotton kept busy with various studio work and live gigs throughout the years but now after almost 25 years, Von Groove is making their epic comeback! Frontiers Music will release a brand-new album in 2025, and the band is as refined, revitalized, and electrifying as ever so stay tuned!

Steve Rodford was one half of the British AOR act Rio, who released their classic 1985 debut, “Borderland” on the Music For Nations label. It was followed up with “Sex Crimes” (later renamed “Danger Zone” for a 2024 reissue) in 1986. After some further playing and songwriting, Rodford joined the classic 60s-era band The Zombies (who had massive AM radio hits such as “She’s Not There” and “Time of the Season”) with his father, Jim Rodford, in 2001 and played with the band until their retirement in 2024.

Steve Rodford continues to play with The Zombies member Colin Blunstone in his solo band and is also working with best mate Jon Neil from Rio while they move towards new music, so keep an eye and ear out for that! Until then, check out Steve Rodford’s story with episode # 71 of our podcast.