The Voices Of Russ Ballard Podcast

Ian and Sven kick off Podcast Number Ten (and the first launched via a multi platform format) with probably Russ’s oldest friend in music, Bob Henrit (Roulettes, Kinks, Argent, Ringo Starr, Don Mclean, amongst others).

Hear about Bob’s VERY famous neighbour as a schoolboy (even though they don’t talk anymore…), saving Russ’s life (Adam Faith did that too apparently), falling asleep while having dinner with Noel Coward, trying to play the drums with Chinese shoes on and many more humorous and informative stories.

“We got paid five pounds, fifteen shillings and sixpence and it sold two million copies”

Bob on playing drums on “Concrete and Clay” when with Unit 4 Plus 2

“New Zealand was a long way away and now it’s even further!” Bob on touring and getting on aeroplanes

Ian and Sven conclude their exclusive interview with Russ with a bumper two hour special featuring lots of  great RB music, some questions probably never posed to him before and lots more.

Find out how Russ nearly died on stage in Germany, writing “Hope” the theme song for the South African World Cup, being invited to link up with Barack Obama, Oprah Winfrey and Nelson Mandala in the process, as well as flying First Class to LA to write with Alice Cooper and chat with Gene Simmons and Michael Bolton by the swimming pool....

“I’ve been a pianist since I was 8 years old, when I write songs I write them on the piano, I want to play more  piano when I go on tour"

Russ Ballard

I was the only one writing melodies and using overdriven guitars, most bands weren’t getting played on the radio and it took years before they did it”

Russ Ballard on the period in his career where he was writing countless hits for other artists and had unparalleled success.

“Maybe Frida from ABBA can do the Voices Podcast”

Russ Ballard

Originally released on 1st of April 2021

Ian and Sven recommence the Podcasts following the sad passing of our previous guest and friend,  Peter Thorp and the show starts with a deserved tribute to the man himself.

This is the second of three shows featuring our conversation with Russ in late 2020. Hear him talk about the "Voices" Russ Ballard album and "The Fire Still Burns" as well as great stories of touring and recording with Roger Daltrey of The Who.

Look out for passionate and emotional renditions  from "The Book of Love" album before we finish with a Voices of Russ Ballard  exclusive, a new song never heard anywhere in the world before. (Our gratefully thanks fo Russ for allowing us to use the track).

Songs featured, "The Fire Still Burns", New York Groove", "Crazy World" and "The One Who Breathes Me".

"Everything on the album was a signpost on the way to looking for love"

Russ talking about his album "The Book of Love".

Originally released on 14th of February 2021

A real positive end to 2020 with a Christmas Eve Podcast featuring Ian and Sven in lengthy conversation with none other than Russ Ballard himself at his home in Hertfordshire. This is part one of three Podcasts, the others to follow in early 2021 and will include a World Exclusive.... hear for the time anywhere..... a brand new Russ song.

In this Podcast we play some of Russ’s most famous hits including “Hold Your Head Up”, God Gave Rock And Roll To You”, “Since You Been Gone” and “You Can Do Magic”.

We start with the early days and his audition at age 16 for Adam Faith’s Roulettes (where he never even got to demonstrate his guitar skills!) before progressing to anecdotes about amongst others, Elton John, Santana, Rainbow, Three Dog Night and America.

Russ closes the Podcast with a special Christmas message to all his fans all over the world.

Al Gallico (Legendary New York Music Publisher, talking about Russ’s ability in the recording studio) “Russ don’t make demos, he makes masters!)

Russ Ballard on Elton John “He told us that “In Deep” was his favourite album”

Originally released on 24th of December 2020

A chance for everyone to banish those “Lockdown” blues and join us in conversation with Peter Thorp, arguably the founder member of The Roulettes. Peter’s fascinating story starts right from the early days when he was asked to join Adam Faith (who incidentally lived just round the corner) and play live at the Royal Albert Hall in 1961.

Recognised by his peers as a consummate musician and songwriter, whilst telling his story on the show Peter even takes a call from Russ live on air.....

"If anyone deserves success it's him"

Peter on RB

Originally released on 1st of December 2020

We conclude our exclusive interview featuring the wonderful John Verity (JV) with a bumper edition which includes some great music, including tracks from JV’s latest album “Passion”.

Learn how he nearly joined Michael Schenker, Ted Nugent, Asia and an Aerosmith “side project” band. Also, some fascinating revelations around Russ’s hit “I Surrender” by Rainbow (JV played on the demo) and how he probably recorded the first “tribute” album…. full of Led Zeppelin classics.

“He was a great inspiration to me”

“My songwriting definitely went up a notch after spending time in the studio with him”

JV on Russ Ballard.

Originally released on 15th of November 2020

We continue our “Voices” Podcast Show and celebrate Russ’s birthday with a special Halloween edition.

Our Spooktacular hour long version features the multi talented John Verity, the man who replaced Russ in Argent (Russ recommended him personally for the spot!).

In this first part of an exclusive chat with JV, the music business revelations continue with him waxing lyrical about Jimi Hendrix, Phil Collins, Bob Henrit, Rod Argent and many more.

Learn how JV and other musicians are attempting to cope with these difficult Covid times and hear four excellent tracks from the early part of his wide and successful career.

Fangs for listening!!!

“You have to be in the right place at the right time and I was just lucky to be in the right place at the right time” JV on himself.

“When Genesis were a three piece Phil Collins told me they weren’t sure their new album was going to be any good” JV on Phil Collins and Genesis

“You have to look in the mirror and see yourself “ JV on Punk

Originally released on 31st of October 2020

For the third podcast, we feature the second part of our interview with John “Mod” Rogan. Mod continues to entertain us in only the way he can! Tap Dancing, Cabaret, Sandie Shaw, Dusty Springfield (a kiss for bottle of Vodka), it’s all here. Mod also gives an emotional tribute to the late Jim Rodford.

In addition we play in full, our first piece of Russ related music as we showcase our next Podcast….

“Mod, you sound more like Adam Faith than I do” Adam Faith.

Originally released on 15th of October 2020

Our second Podcast is part one of an interview we did recently with John George Rogan, otherwise known as "Mod" (and he will tell you how he got that nickname too...).

A really honest, humorous and fascinating insight into the world of Showbiz. Mod talks about growing up with Wayne Sleep, how he joined Adam Faith & the Roulettes against all the odds and even how he invited Adam Faith home for tea....

And who did actually write "Since you Been Gone" and "God Gave Rock and Roll To You"? Find out here.

Originally released on 1st of October 2020

The Voices of Russ Ballard Podcast is a series of podcasts with several, well known musicians, which are all linked to Russ Ballard.

Episode 1 is the introduction to the concept and your hosts.

Originally released on 15th September 2020