Malcolm Bruce, son of Cream bassist Jack Bruce, joins us for an in-depth discussion about the legendary rock band's impact and the new acoustic tribute album "Heavenly Cream." Delve into the fascinating behind-the-scenes stories and personal reflections on the making of the album, featuring performances from renowned artists like Paul Rodgers, Ginger Baker, Joe Bonamassa and Malcolm Bruce himself.

Malcolm takes you on a journey through Cream's storied history, exploring the band’s musical journey. Get insights into the iconic band's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the complex dynamics within the group, sharing personal anecdotes and reflections on the band's legacy.

Discover how “Heavenly Cream” came to be, with Malcolm revealing the origins of the project, the collaborative selection process, and the emotional significance of the album following the passing of significant contributors. Uncover the rare creative process behind the tribute album and the organic inclusion of well-known Cream songs, alongside moving collaborations with respected musicians.

Dive into the unique recording process, featuring sessions with Joe Bonamassa, Bernie Marsden, and Paul Rodgers, at iconic the Abbey Road Studios. Learn about the personal connections that shaped the album, as Malcolm shares the influence of Cream on his life and the historical context behind the record.

The conversation also delves into the deeper themes and messages within the album, as Malcolm shares his aspirations for creating music of substance in an industry often dominated by "cookie-cutter" mentality. Plus, hear about Malcolm's new solo record "Fake Humans and Real Dolls," set for release in 2024.

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Legendary songwriter and producer Desmond Child spills all the juiciest details from his career including working with Kiss, Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, Alice Cooper and more! He shares the quirky backstories and surprising inspirations behind timeless classics such as "Living on a Prayer", "I Was Made for Loving You", "Dude Looks Like a Lady", "I Hate Myself for Loving You" and many more.

It's a fascinating look behind the curtain of a man whose records have sold half a billion copies worldwide! To find out more, check out Desmond's new book 'Living On A Prayer, Big Songs, Big Life' which is available now!

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Paul is joined by the legendary drummer Simon Phillips, known for his work with classic rock icons like Judas Priest, Toto, The Who, Jeff Beck, and many more. Simon shares captivating stories from his illustrious career, including his experiences as a session musician, his work with different bands, and the challenges he faced along the way.

Join us as Simon Phillips takes us on a journey through his remarkable musical odyssey, from his early jazz background to his foray into the world of rock and roll. He provides fascinating insights into his work with Pete Townshend, Jeff Beck, and The Who, shedding light on the unique dynamics of each collaboration. Simon also delves into his decision to join Toto and shares the challenges he encountered as a touring musician.

Get ready for an engaging and insightful conversation with a true music maestro as Simon Phillips opens up about the highs, lows, and unforgettable moments of his career. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a music enthusiast, this episode is a must-listen!

Tune in to VRP Rocks to catch all these incredible stories and more. Don't miss out on exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes insights, and the best of classic rock. Stay tuned for future episodes and join us as we celebrate the timeless allure of rock music.

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In this special Side 2 episode, Paul sits down with Stewart Copeland, the renowned drummer and co-founder of The Police, to discuss the release of his new book, "Stewart Copeland's Police Diaries." The book provides a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the formative years of The Police, chronicling their journey from struggling musicians to conquering superstars.

Get ready to hear Stewart Copeland share captivating stories from The Police's early days, including details about how he recruited Sting, and the pivotal moment when Andy Summers joined the group. Delve into the world of punk rock as Stewart describes the band's interactions with other iconic groups like The Clash and their experiences at the Roxy Club during the punk movement's genesis.

Through this riveting interview, listeners will gain insight into the challenges, successes, and enduring passion that shaped The Police's journey to international stardom. Discover the untold stories, struggles, and triumphs that paved the way for the iconic band's rise to fame.

Tune in to this episode of VRP Rocks and immerse yourself in the enthralling narrative of one of the most influential bands in music history, as told by the legendary Stewart Copeland. And if you want to hear more from Stewart Copeland, check out the extended interview Paul did with him back on Episode 72 of VRP Rocks!

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For the first time in VRP Rocks history, this episode is out on location! WinterStorm Festival 2023, held in the small west coast town of Troon in Scotland, attracted an unbelievable array of classic rock bands to the three day spectacular and Paul was there to soak up the atmosphere and mingle. Headliners included Michael Schenker, Uli Jon Roth and Graham Bonnet as well as many other classic acts like Dutch prog group Focus, original Iron Maiden singer Paul Di'Anno, Tyketto, former Rainbow singer Doogie White, UK rock radio favourites FM and Tyketto. Paul catches up with a number of acts backstage, including some of the newer bands making a name for themselves, as well as few of the gig-goers to get their take on the weekend and festivities. Hopefully this gives you a nice feel for what the 3 day event was all about!

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Known for his impressive work with bands like Dokken, Warlock and Doro, Jon Levin takes us on a journey through his musical career, sharing insights, stories, and his passion for creating authentic music.

From a young age, Jon showed his musical talent by playing various instruments but it was the guitar that captivated him and ignited his passion for rock music. Inspired by guitar gods like Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix, Jon honed his skills and pushed himself to excel. Later on, he discovered the guitar mastery of Eddie Van Halen, with "Unchained" becoming his favorite Van Halen track.

But it wasn't all smooth sailing for Jon. As he opens up about his challenges with reading comprehension, we gain a deeper understanding of the determination and resilience that define a true rock performer. Jon also shares his experiences collaborating with renowned artists such as Doro Pesch and her band, revealing his pride in Warlock's album and the impact they had on the metal scene.

In a surprising turn of events, Jon reveals that he pursued a career in law during the grunge movement. However, music never truly left his soul. Even while in law school, he would occasionally strum his guitar, but it wasn't until he received a life-changing call from Jeff Pilson that his music career reignited.

Discussing his time with Dokken, Jon shares the exhilarating story of how he joined the band. Reluctant at first, it was ultimately his father who convinced him to take the leap. Jon's talent shone through as he played two blazing guitar solos for Dokken without even hearing the tracks beforehand, proving that he had the chops to fill the shoes left by other guitarists.

Throughout the episode, Jon shows immense admiration for Ed Van Halen, praising his brilliance and recounting a brief encounter with the guitar virtuoso when their bands shared a stage. He also takes us back to his early years, recalling the moment he made the pivotal decision to drop out of college against his parents' wishes and fully commit to a career in music.

As we dive into the band's latest album, "Heaven Comes Down," Jon talks about the circumstances they faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Unable to collaborate in person, the band relied on correspondence to create the record. Jon discusses his struggle with programming drums but overcame the challenge with the help of a friend, Tommy Henriksen. With the downtime, Jon began recording demos and found that writing in the early hours of the morning worked best.

Jon explains how the album came together, with him sending Don demos and the lead singer improvising lyrics and melodies on the spot. Some songs were collaborations, while others had already been written, allowing the band to adapt and create despite the limitations imposed by the pandemic.

Throughout the episode, Jon's passion for genuine music shines through, as he shares his thoughts on creating without ripping off or forcing ideas. He explains that on "Heaven Comes Down," they managed to accomplish this organically, creating a record filled with raw emotion and strong musicality.

Don delves deeper into the creative process and discusses the band's approach to balancing new music with their iconic hits. They explore how the band's sound resonates with a modern audience and discuss the challenges and successes they encountered during the recording process.

Looking ahead, Jon Levin reveals exciting plans for the future, with more music videos in the works and a tour scheduled for 2024, potentially including stops in Europe and Japan.

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Todays very special guest, is Mike Derosier, the renowned drummer of the iconic band Heart.

Mike Derosier, a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, shares his fascinating experiences from his time with Heart, from the 1970s to the early 1980s, contributing his incredible drumming skills to multiple platinum-selling albums.

Listen in as Mike talks about his early days with Heart, joining the band, and recording under tight time constraints. Discover how the band honed their sound through electrifying live performances, playing residencies and sharing the stage with iconic bands like The Who, Rolling Stones, Bee Gees, and Rod Stewart.

As the conversation unfolds, Mike discusses the changing landscape of the music industry and reflects on the influence of platforms like YouTube and TikTok.

Not only does Mike reminisce about his time with Heart, but he also talks about his journey after leaving the band. He shares insights into his collaboration with Orion the Hunter, working with fellow musicians Barry Goudreau and Brad Delp from Boston and Richard Marx.

Throughout the episode, Mike emphasizes his love for playing classic rock and the importance of representing the songs properly. He discusses the creative process within a rock band, the significance of establishing agreements and roles, as well as his favorite songs to drum, like "Barracuda" and "Mistral Wind."

Don't miss this unforgettable episode of VRP Rocks with special guest Mike Derosier, where the magic and nostalgia of classic rock come to life. Tune in, crank up the volume, and get ready to rock out!

If you're a fan of Heart, check out episode 21 of VRP Rocks to hear another version of events from the band, with an exclusive interview with Heart's original bass player, Steve Fossen.

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Rudy Sarzo—an iconic figure in the world of rock music—opens up about his fascinating journey, from his early days playing in club bands with his brother to his professional career with renowned bands like Ozzy Osbourne, Quiet Riot, Whitesnake, Blue Oyster Cult, and Dio. An insightful and multifaceted individual, Sarzo takes us on an intriguing exploration that spans from music to quantum physics, belief systems, AI, myths, and consciousness.

Paul and Rudy engage in a thought-provoking conversation about the power of human consciousness and its potential to influence our reality. Drawing connections between quantum physics and belief systems, they touch on topics such as the manifestation of thoughts, the influence of collective consciousness on a virtual reality matrix, and the interplay of energy and frequency waves in shaping our experiences.

This intellectually stimulating dialogue takes a captivating turn as Rudy shares his insights on the Beatles' new single, reflecting on the cultural impact of music and its role in driving societal shifts and activism. He also discusses his thoughts on the intersection of technology and music production, sparking a conversation about the consciousness of artificial intelligence and the timeless simplicity of the Beatles' music.

Amidst this rich array of topics, Rudy delves into his personal journey, revealing how his genealogy and DNA exploration has influenced his health choices and sense of identity. He candidly shares how the music of the Beatles transcended social and cultural boundaries, instilling a sense of unity and hope during turbulent times, both in the United States and in his own life as a Cuban political refugee.

As the conversation seamlessly transitions to Rudy Sarzo's music career, listeners are treated to insightful anecdotes about his pivotal roles in bands such as Quiet Riot and Whitesnake. From his initial hesitation to join Quiet Riot to the band's MTV-friendly focus and their groundbreaking success with "Metal Health," Rudy provides an intimate look at his experiences and creative contributions within these influential musical collectives.

Rudy also opens up about his deep connection with fellow musicians and shares touching stories about his time with the late Randy Rhoads, emphasizing the profound impact of musical integrity and the enduring legacy of beloved artists.

From the mystical allure of Loch Ness to the pioneering spirit of the British invasion, this episode of VRP Rocks captivates audiences with a rare blend of intellectual discourse, personal reflection, and rock 'n' roll nostalgia. As Paul and Rudy wrap up their conversation, listeners are left with a renewed appreciation for the multifaceted nature of music and the pervasive influence of consciousness on our lives.

Join us in this thought-provoking exploration of music, quantum physics, and the human experience, and don't forget to subscribe to the VRP Rocks podcast for more engaging content. Let's rock on together!

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Legendary drummer Vinny Appice, known for his iconic work with Black Sabbath and Dio, has had an incredible career that spans decades and includes collaborations with some of the biggest names in rock.

In this episode, Vinny shares exclusive stories and insights about his time working with John Lennon, recalling playing with the legendary musician on his last ever live show when Vinny was just 16 years old. Vinny's anecdotes will transport you back to those magical moments, as he reminisces about Lennon's fondness for him and the hilarious incident involving Vinny's mum, John Lennon and a lasagne pan!

But that's not all! Vinny takes us behind the scenes of his journey, from quitting high school after hanging out with John Lennon to being a last-minute replacement for Bill Ward in Black Sabbath. He shares the nerve-wracking experience of auditioning for the band and the progression of their shows as the new drummer, shedding light on the dynamics and tensions within the group.

We also delve into Vinny's collaboration with Ronnie James Dio, as he discusses their creative process, the making of Dio's iconic album "Holy Diver," and the formation of the band Last in Line after Ronnie's passing. And that's just the tip of the iceberg!

If you're a rock music aficionado, this is an episode you don't want to miss. Join VRP Rocks as we dive deep into the world of Vinny Appice, exploring his fascinating career, remarkable collaborations, and iconic songs that have shaped the heavy metal genre.

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Today's special interview is with Dutch guitarist Adrian Vandenberg! In this episode, Adrian, renowned for his work with bands like Vandenberg and Whitesnake shares captivating stories from his early struggles in Holland to his time in Whitesnake, including encounters with legends like Jimmy Page, Brian May, AC/DC, and David Coverdale. You'll hear what it was like to join Whitesnake just before they exploded in North America with their self-titled 1987 album, how he was asked to provide the solo for the huge hit 'Here I Go Again' and all about the accident that prevented him from recording the follow up album 'Slip of the Tongue'. It's another episode packed with fascinating stories and insightful discussions. Don't forget to subscribe to VRP Rocks on your favorite podcast app and tune in every Monday for new episodes featuring the biggest names in classic rock!

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