VRP Rocks - Classic Rock Interviews

What happens when rock legends from two iconic bands lock themselves in a studio with no rules, no label pressure and total creative freedom?

In this very special episode of VRP Rocks, Paul Stephenson sits down with Stu Cook of Creedence Clearwater Revival and John McFee of The Doobie Brothers to unearth the incredible lost story of Jackdawg — a band made up of three Rock & Roll Hall of Famers whose early ’90s album was shelved before it ever got a proper release… until now.

Hear how this unique project came together, why it disappeared for decades and why 2025 is finally the time for Jackdawg’s music to be heard.

📺 Love classic rock? Check out VRP Rocks on YouTube — with 35,000 subscribers and 11 million views — for even more exclusive interviews and rock history.

And if you missed it, scroll back to last week’s episode where Stu dives into his CCR days, and stay tuned for next week’s follow-up as John McFee reveals the 5 greatest albums he’s ever played on — from Van Morrison and Elvis Costello to The Grateful Dead and more.

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He was a member of one of America’s most iconic rock bands — and in this exclusive interview, Stu Cook takes us deep into the story of Creedence Clearwater Revival.

From the band’s humble beginnings as a high school trio to headlining Woodstock, scoring a UK No.1 with Bad Moon Rising and releasing six albums in just over two years — Stu shares a front-row perspective on the meteoric rise of CCR.

We talk about his friendship with Doug Clifford, the origin of the band’s name, the whirlwind recording and touring schedule and why CCR’s story is unlike any other in rock history. There’s also chat about the long-lost documentary, the late Tom Fogerty, and why Bayou Country still holds a special place for Stu.

If you love the music of CCR, this is a must-listen.

And if you want even more from the CCR universe, scroll back to episode 28 for my interview with drummer Doug Clifford, and stay tuned for part two of this conversation — where Stu returns alongside John McFee of the Doobie Brothers to discuss a long-shelved album finally seeing the light of day.

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Foghat’s Fool For the City is an iconic 70s album — and in this episode, drummer and founding member Roger Earl returns to VRP Rocks to celebrate its 50th anniversary. From the legendary anthem Slow Ride to deep cuts that helped make Foghat a household name in the U.S., this is a full deep-dive into the record that changed everything.

In this extended conversation, Roger reveals the stories behind the songs, the recording process with producer Nick Jameson, the creation of that unforgettable album cover and what it felt like to finally crack the American market. If you're a fan of Foghat or classic rock history in general, this episode is packed with insights, laughs and rock 'n' roll tales you won’t want to miss.

Be sure to check out Roger’s previous appearances on Episode 38 (career retrospective) and his Side 2 episode on the band’s latest album Sonic Mojo.

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In this brand-new episode of VRP Rocks, legendary bassist Greg T. Walker (Blackfoot, Lynyrd Skynyrd) joins Paul for an epic two-part conversation you won't want to miss.

First, we dive into Greg’s new band, Two Wolf, whose debut album is a blistering mix of southern rock and hard blues — full of raw energy, killer riffs, and rock ’n’ roll attitude. Hear the story behind the band’s formation, the new record (out now via Cleopatra Records), and how vinyl is keeping the fire burning for true rock fans.

Then, in part two, we roll back the years to celebrate 45 years of Blackfoot’s ‘Tomcattin’ — Greg’s personal favourite from the classic Blackfoot era. From the massive success of Strikes, to touring with The Who, to the band’s eventual breakup and the addition of Uriah Heep’s Ken Hensley, Greg opens up about the triumphs, challenges, and behind-the-scenes drama that shaped this southern rock powerhouse.

🎧 Whether you're a diehard Blackfoot fan or love discovering real-deal rock bands like Two Wolf, this episode is packed with stories, history, and music that matter.

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Legendary drummer Vinny Appice (Black Sabbath, Dio) returns to VRP Rocks to reveal his 5 favourite albums from his own incredible career. From iconic metal milestones to hidden gems, Vinny shares the stories behind the music, the sessions and the legends he worked with.

Plus, don't miss Vinny's full career interview back on episode 104 of VRP Rocks for even more epic tales from the world of rock!

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In this special episode of VRP Rocks, legendary drummers Carmine and Vinny Appice pay tribute to their friend and former bandmate, Rick Derringer, who sadly passed away just a few weeks ago.

The brothers share personal stories of first meeting Rick, what it was like recording and touring with him and reflect on the kind of person and musician he truly was. Carmine also reveals the details of his final conversation with Rick – a deeply moving moment that took place just hours before Rick’s passing.

Subscribe now to VRP Rocks for more interviews, tributes and stories from the legends of classic rock.

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This week on VRP Rocks, we pay tribute to the late Rick Derringer, the iconic guitarist, singer and songwriter behind Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo and countless other rock staples.

Joining me is Kenn Moutenot, Rick’s long-time drummer, manager and close personal friend. Kenn shares heartfelt memories, behind-the-scenes stories and a glimpse into the Rick that fans didn’t always get to see, fun, loyal and deeply committed to music.

It’s an honest, moving conversation filled with admiration, reflection and a real celebration of Rick’s life and music.

If you were ever touched by Rick Derringer’s music, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Plus, I want to hear from you! When interviews are hard to get, do you want episodes about classic rock topics, rather than gaps in the schedule? Do you want specials, interviews with rock journalists, rock podcasters, quizzes, Top 10 discussions or other such topics? Let me know on all the social media platforms or email me [email protected]

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This week on VRP Rocks, things take a slightly different turn! With a couple of last-minute interview cancellations and a holiday just around the corner, Paul dives into a really fun topic — "10 Supergroups and Side Projects Only Classic Rock Experts Will Remember!"

Featuring stories behind forgotten collaborations from legends like Robert Plant, Paul Rodgers, Jeff Beck, Gary Moore, David Bowie and more, this episode uncovers the hidden gems of classic rock history.

It’s packed with music trivia, surprising facts, and deep cuts that even hardcore fans might have missed. Plus, Paul shares a quick update on what’s coming up over the next few weeks.

Whether you're a casual fan or a true rock historian, you’ll love this journey through some of classic rock’s best-kept secrets!

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He’s back! Legendary drummer Simon Kirke returns to VRP Rocks for the third time, and this time it’s all about the songs that defined a band and a legacy.

In this special edition of My 5 Favourite, Simon takes us inside his world with his five favourite Bad Company songs—from the unforgettable hits to the deep cuts that still mean the world to him today. With each pick, Simon shares personal memories, behind-the-scenes insights, and the stories that shaped Bad Company’s legacy as one of the greatest classic rock bands of all time.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just discovering the magic of Bad Company, this is a must-listen for anyone who loves great music and even better stories.

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In this special episode of VRP Rocks, guitarist, singer, songwriter and producer Steve Postell joins Paul Stephenson to talk about his incredible musical journey. From his deep personal and creative connection with David Crosby to his role in the powerhouse band The Immediate Family, Steve shares stories, insights and reflections from a remarkable career.

We dive into his emotional tribute project, Our House: The Music of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young by Friends, a live show honoring the legacy of CSNY with an all-star lineup of musicians. Steve opens up about the show’s origins, the challenges of continuing Crosby’s legacy after his passing, and how the songs of CSNY resonate even more today.

Plus, Steve talks about his new solo album, Walking Through These Blues, featuring guests like David Crosby, Becca Bramlett, and Alphonso Johnson. He also discusses the upcoming Immediate Family project – a collection of classic hits they originally helped create with artists like Don Henley, Jackson Browne, and Warren Zevon.

Whether you're a fan of CSNY, The Immediate Family, or just great songwriting and musicianship, this is an episode not to miss.

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