Interviews

"If There's Not a Smile on Our Faces, It's Not Right": Woody Weatherman on the New Era of Corrosion of Conformity

17/7/2026

Returning with the sprawling double album 'Good God, Baad Man', Corrosion Of Conformity are once again proving why they've remained one of heavy music's most enduring bands. Back at Donington Park for another appearance at Download Festival, we caught up with guitarist Woody Weatherman to discuss the band's latest record, navigating major line-up changes, fond memories of first playing the legendary site with Metallica in 1995, and a relentless touring schedule that shows no signs of slowing down. Baad Man; Eamon O'Neill.

Photo: Danin Drahos

Ginger Wildheart Discusses Terminal Cancer, New Music and Why He's Embracing Every Moment

1/7/2026

Backstage at Download Festival, Ginger Wildheart is in remarkably high spirits. Just months after revealing that he has been diagnosed with terminal cancer, the Wildhearts frontman is not dwelling on mortality but embracing life with an infectious optimism that is as disarming as it is inspiring. Joined by his beloved dog Maggie, Ginger reflects on the overwhelming support he has received, the perspective his diagnosis has given him, and why he genuinely believes he has never been happier. With new Wildhearts album 'Northern Spirit' on the horizon and a career-spanning birthday celebration ahead, he talks candidly about resilience, proving doubters wrong and his determination to keep creating music on his own terms. Fishing for luckies; Eamon O'Neill

Photo; Enda Madden

Ash Look Back on Their Roots, Growth & the Explosion of '1977'

1/7/2026

Few debut albums capture a moment quite like '1977'. Three decades after its release, Ash are still celebrating the record that transformed three Northern Irish teenagers into one of the UK's most enduring rock bands. As the anniversary tour gathers pace, we caught up with bassist Mark Hamilton at Download Festival to reflect on the album's lasting legacy, the thrill of early support from heroes like Therapy?, unexpected Star Wars connections, the highs and lows that followed, and how '1977' continues to resonate with audiences old and new. A life less ordinary; Eamon O'Neill.

Photo; Louise Phillips

The Biggest Band That Never Made It; Ray Haller on Sweet Savage, Metallica, and a Second Life in Heavy Metal

16/6/2026

Sweet Savage founder Ray Haller is fresh from the stage at Download Festival when he sits down to reflect on the band's remarkable journey. From rehearsing in a Belfast garden shed during the Troubles to earning the admiration of Metallica and sharing stages with some of rock's biggest names, Haller looks back on the twists and turns that shaped Sweet Savage's legacy. He discusses the band's early days alongside Vivian Campbell, the impact of Metallica's cover of 'Killing Time', and in an exclusive, reveals that Campbell is returning to work with the band for the first time in more than four decades. Eye of the storm; Eamon O'Neill.

Photo; Mark Hylands

The Last Great Quireboys Reunion: Spike, Chris & the Late Guy Bailey Get Thirsty

29/5/2026

The Quireboys burned brightly in the late '80s and early '90s, before disappearing in a haze of smoke and whisky. Although since returned in various incarnations, the original line-up remains the most cherished, not just to the fans, but to frontman Spike and piano player Chris Johnstone. "We had the best time when me, Chris, Nigel, and Guy was together. The last time the four of us were together, it was just hysterical!", says Spike as we sit down for a chat. Reunited under the banner of Thirsty Quireboys, Spike and Chris have reworked Guy Bailey's Thirsty catalogue into something truly special in memory of the guitarist who passed away in 2023. We caught up with the pair to discuss the project, and the past. A bit of what you fancy; Eamon O'Neill

From Skid Row to Solo: Rachel Bolan Steps Out on His Own

22/5/2026

After four decades as the driving force behind Skid Row, bassist and song writer Rachel Bolan steps forward with his first-ever solo album under the name Bolan. 'Gargoyle of the Garden State' is a bold, deeply personal debut rooted in the grit, attitude, and the storytelling spirit of his New Jersey upbringing, but, as he reveals, was also a lot of fun to record. We sat down with Rachel for a chat about the album, his infamous face chain, the search for a new singer for Skid Row, and his love of collecting. Into another; Eamon O'Neill.

Photo; Anabel DFlux

Dodgy Return With ‘Hello Beautiful’ as Band Celebrates 30 Years of Britpop Legacy

15/5/2026

One of the defining bands of the '90s British guitar boom, Dodgy scored big success with singles 'Staying Out For The Summer', 'In a Room', and 'Good Enough', and albums 'Homegrown' and 'Free Peace Sweet'. Now back with seventh set, 'Hello Beautiful', their first album in a decade sees them return to that classic Dodgy sound of summery hits with big harmonies. "I wanted to make an album that sounds like Dodgy", admits singer Nigel Clark, as we sit down for a chat. Talking the new album, why it took so long, their early days and chart success, we caught up with Nigel and drummer Mathew Priest. Staying out for the summer; Eamon O'Neill.

From Megadeth Fallout to Nuclear Messiah: Chris Poland’s Next Chapter Unleashed

28/4/2026

One of the most revered lead guitarists in metal, Chris Poland seared his way through the first two Megadeth albums, 'Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good!' [1985], and 'Peace Sells... but Who's Buying?' [1986]. Leaving the band in an explosion of acrimony - "man, yeah, he [Dave Mustaine] was really upset with me", he confesses as we sit down for a chat. We joined Chris over Zoom to talk about new project Nuclear Messiah, his on / off time with Megadeth, and plans for his autobiography, OHM, and the rerelease of his 1990 solo album 'Return to Metalopolis'.

Photo; Cleopatra Records

Bruce John Dickinson Explains Why Little Angels are Big, Bad & Back!

10/3/2026

Going out at the top of their game with a No.1 album and a sold out show at London's Royal Albert Hall in 1994, Little Angels burned brightly for a short time. The changing musical landscape, as well as changes in their own personal lives put the band on ice for over two decades, aside from a brief reunion in 2012. All that has changed with the announcement of the 'Big Bad & Back' tour, which kicks off in Dublin in November 2026. "We're enjoying it so much", says guitarist Bruce John Dickinson as we sit down for a chat. We spoke to Bruce about the tour, why he's a sucker for old school gear, and his iconic Gibson Les Paul. Product of the working class; Eamon O'Neill.

Photo; Ray Burmiston

Eric Johnson on Returning to the UK & Plans for a New EP

6/3/2026

One of the most outstanding instrumentalists in rock, Texas guitarist Eric Johnson was already a legend before he recorded his first album, partially in thanks to his session work with he likes of Carol King and Christopher Cross. With the release of his highly anticipated 1986 solo debut 'Tones', the underground guitar legend finally emerged onto the scene fully formed, leading to a Grammy win for 'Best Instrumental Performance' in 1992. Since then he's been part of G3 with Joe Satriani and Steve Vai, recorded numerous solo albums, and played countless world tours. Finally embarking on a full UK and Europe trek in 2026, we caught up with the guitar legend to talk about the dates, and his storied career. Up close; Eamon O'Neill.

Photo; Max Crace

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