Interviews

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

Mötley Crüe Shredder John 5 Previews Solo Dates

2/3/2026

As guitarist for Mötley Crüe, John 5 is used to playing huge stadiums, however, he can't wait to get back in the clubs when plays his biggest ever UK solo tour in May. "I love playing small places because you're right here with the person when they're pounding on your foot or jumping on the stage", he says; "it's just so much fun". Talking about what to expect from the dates, badgering his Mötley bandmates to play deep tracks, and whether or not we can expect a new Crüe album, we sat down with the former David Lee Roth, Marilyn Manson, and Rob Zombie player. Que pasa; Eamon O'Neill.

Photo; Matt Wilson

Paul Gilbert Channels George Washington on New Album

21/2/2026

Technical chameleon and guitar virtuoso Paul Gilbert is back with 'WROC'; his first vocal album for a decade. Standing for "Washington's Rules of Civility," it's the Racer X / Mr. Big man's most outlandish offering to date. Using George Washington's Rules of Civility as the conceptual driving force, Gilbert has dared himself to think outside the box and use an etiquette guide dating back to the late 1500s as his main source of inspiration. We sat down for a chat with Paul about the album, and the end of the road for Mr. Big. Spark of celestial fire; Eamon O'Neill.

Photo; Sam Gehrke

Jackass Star Chris Pontious Talks Teaming up with Underground Metal Act Vreid For David Lynch-Inspired Video Epic.

19/2/2026

Jackass star Chris Pontius - aka PartyBoy - is diving headfirst into Norwegian metal culture, staring in the short movie for the music video for Norwegian metal legends Vreid and Djerv. Pontius takes the lead in the dark cinematic clip for 'Loving The Dead'; a collaboration with Djerv, who are known for their massive global reach through Arcane and League of Legends. We caught up with Chris and Vreid main man Jarle Kvåle to talk about how the collab came about, the video, and what to expect from the forthcoming Jackass movie. Loving the dead; Eamon O'Neill.

Photo; Jørn Veberg

Alex Skolnick on Metal Allegiance & the Post-Grungers he Almost Joined in the '90s

10/2/2026

As a member of thrash titans Testament and leader of his own jazz trio, Alex Skolnick is one of the busiest players in music. Having recently spoken to him about both, he's back with eonmusic to talk this time about Metal Allegiance; the all-star collective that has been coming together at regular intervals for over a decade. "It's just a different experience. It doesn't happen that often, so you don't get burned out on it", he says as we sit down for a chat over Zoom. Talking their latest collaboration with a member of Alice in Chains, NAMM 2026, and how he almost landed himself an unlikely gig with one of post-Grunge's most successful acts, we sat down with shredder's shredder. Pocket full of Kryptonite; Eamon O'Neill.

Photo; Darren McLoughlin

Adrian Smith on Smith Kotzen, 50 Years of Iron Maiden & Playing Metallica Legend's 'Greeny' Guitar

15/12/2025

As guitarist and song writer for Iron Maiden, Adrian Smith has forged a path as one of the most revered players in metal. His long partnership with childhood friend Dave Murray, and amigo Janick Gers has endured for decades, but in 2021 he joined up with Shrapnel shredder Richie Kotzen to form hard rock blues duo Smith Kotzen. Two and a half albums in, they show no signs of slowing. "Working with him really brings out the best in me", he affirms as we sit down for a chat over Zoom. We joined Adrian to talk about Smith Kotzen, how it felt to play Metallica man Kirk Hammet's legendary 'Greeny', deep tracks, and Maiden's 50th anniversary celebrations. Scars; Eamon O' Neill.

Photo; Darren McLoughlin

Thin Lizzy & Dare Man Darren Wharton Reveals Why He's Still a Renegade

9/12/2025

Joining Thin Lizzy in 1980, Darren Wharton added a new sonic layer to the band's tapestry. Featuring on studio albums including 'Chinatown', and 'Thunder and Lightning', he's named his Lizzy tribute act after their 1981 set 'Renegade'. The band are now set to headline a special concert in Dublin remembering forty years since Phil Lynott's passing, for what promises to be a very special event. "It's going to be a hell of a night", he enthuses, as we settle in for a chat. We caught up with Darren to talk about the show, his Thin Lizzy memories, and the highs and lows of post-Lizzy project Dare. Cold sweat; Eamon O'Neill.

Members of R.E.M, Queens of the Stone Age and Mad Season Unite as Drink the Sea

2/12/2025

The term 'supergroup' is all too freely bandied about, but in a band where its members have been involved in such towering releases as 'Automatic For The People', 'Songs For The Deaf', and the self-titled albums by Screaming Trees and Mad Season, Drink the Sea are truly worthy of the moniker. Coming together with a focus on song writing, they've released not one, but two albums ahead of their debut tour. "It was just this very natural, organic process of recording songs with some of my favourite people that also happened to be incredible musicians", says mastermind Barrett Martin casually, as we sit down for a chat. We caught up with Barret, and bandmates Peter Buck, Alain Johannes, and Duke Garwood to talk about the project, their pasts, and what lies ahead. Meteors; Eamon O'Neill.

Photo; Tad Fettig

Dave Hill Delves into Slade's History & Why He Had to Carry On Alone

22/11/2025

There's living legends, and then there's Slade. One of the biggest bands of the '70s, they scored a run of hits to rival the greats, going on to influence everyone from Oasis to Kiss to Twisted Sister. It wasn't always a given however, particularly in the wake of the horrific car crash suffered by drummer Don Powell that almost ended the band; "we survived and moved on to make more records, and we carried on together until obviously, we had a massive comeback", he says almost unbelieving as we sit down for a chat. Telling us why he's continuing the band's legacy with a new tour, and forthcoming solo album, we caught up with the guitarist and singer.

Photo; Barry Plummer

F228E85D0A0ACE75021A1BE52E6FA285