Interviews

Forty Years on from 'The Touch' Stan Bush is Battle-Ready for Transformers' 40th Anniversary

22/9/2025

The king of the fist-in-the-air anthem, Stan Bush made his name soundtracking Transformers The Movie and a clutch of Jean Claude Van Damme movies in the 1980s. From 'The Tough' to 'Dare' to 'Fight to Survive', his uplifting songs struck a chord with a generation who remain hooked on his hits. Back with a new album which doesn't stray far from the blueprint, we caught up with Stan to talk about 'Born to Battle', his eighties' success, and plans to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Transformers The Movie in 2026. Taking the heat; Eamon O'Neill.

John Bush Delves Deep into His Anthrax History Ahead of Solo Shows

19/9/2025

For many fans, the prospect of John Bush doing a live set of his Anthrax material has been a tantalising dream. First mentioned in a chat with this very site back in 2017, the Armored Saint front man has always skirted around the idea, until now. Set to play three historic shows in December 2025 where he'll delve deep into 'Sound of White Noise', 'Stomp 442', 'Volume 8' and 'We've Come For You All', the singer is as excited as the fans are. "I love those tunes, and I want to play these songs live", he tells us as we sit down for a chat over Zoom; "I've been practicing them, and they sound pretty awesome". Telling us what to prepare for - and hinting at some former bandmates joining him - as well as going deep into his Anthrax history, we caught up with John Bush. In a zone; Eamon O'Neill.

Photo; Press.

Nick Van Eede Talks Cutting Crew's Hits & Longevity, and How he Came to Write with Marillion

12/9/2025

Formed in London in the mid 1980s, Cutting Crew conquered the UK and America with monster hit '(I Just) Died in Your Arms'. Featuring singer Nick Van Eede, and guitarist Kevin MacMichael, the band scored a number of hits before splitting in the 1990s. Revived in the 2000s, following the sad passing of MacMichael, they're back and busier than ever, with new material planned for release shortly. We caught up with Nick ahead of the band's set at Rewind South, for a chat about success, song writing, and his work with Marillion. Broadcast; Eamon O'Neill.

Photo; Gerry Driver.

Dizzy Reed Steps Out From Guns n' Roses for Solo Album

8/9/2025

A Rock and Roll Hall of Famer who used his illusion on the street of dreams, Dizzy Reed is out to explain why 'Rock n Roll Chose Me' with his new solo album. His second solo work is a deeply personal one, but his priority still lies with Guns n' Roses, of whom he's been a member for three and a half decades. "Number one for me is always G N' R", he clarifies; "It's because of G N 'R that I can do things like this and I've been so fortunate to be able to play rock and roll music for a living". Discussing the new album and its themes including mental health, unity, and positive change, we sat down with the multi-instrumentalist. Dust n' bones; Eamon O'Neill.

Photo; press.

Andrew Roachford on the Influences That Drove Cuddly Toy

5/9/2025

We're at Rewind 2025 in Henley On Thames, and as a celebration predominantly of all things '80s, Andrew Roachford has every reason to be here. Released in 1989, his song 'Cuddly Toy' was a smash hit, peaking at number four and spending a further nine weeks inside the top 75. His signature song, it's been covered by Beverly Knight and Gary Barlow (among others), and featured predominantly in the 'Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa' movie. We caught up with Andrew following his performance at Rewind to talk about the song's creation. Lion's den; Eamon O'Neill.

Photo; Eamon O'Neill.

D-A-D on Mainstream Success, Grunge's Impact & How Humour Has Kept Them Sane

4/9/2025

Stonedead Festival 2025, and hot off the stage from their afternoon slot, three of the four members of Danish Cowpunks D-A-D have joined me for a chat. Ever in good humour, they're exhausted, but looking forward to the imminent arrival of a post-gig curry. "We're gasping here!". says frontman Jesper Binzer. "We are called Disneyland After Dark, so it's unfair to put us on in broad daylight", deadpans bass player Stig Pedersen. Together for over four decades, and mega stars in their home country, D-A-D have survived hair metal, weathered the storm of Grunge, and come out smiling. We caught up with Jesper, Stig, and drummer Laust Sonne to find out where it all went so right. Day of wrong moves; Eamon O'Neill.

Photo; Per Morten Abrahamsen.

Carol Decker Rewinds to Her '80s Heyday & Reveals Plans for T'Pau's 40th Anniversary

20/8/2025

We're just in the door at Rewind South 2025, and Carol Decker greets us. Not due on stage until the following day, the T'Pau powerhouse has decided to amble down to the festival which happens to be on her doorstep; "I'm socializing today. I live in Henley, so I get to come and hang", she says. The face and voice behind the '80s giants, Carol has lost none of abilities, or indeed her charm; "I've still got most of the pipes", she says, modestly; "I am a bit older, but just you have to look after yourself". Talking that first burst of success, working with Queen producer Roy Thomas Baker, and plans to celebrate the 40th anniversary of 'Bridge of Spies', we sat down with the heart and soul of the '80s giants. Between the lines; Eamon O'Neill.

Photo: Eamon O'Neill.

Beyond the Thunder: Luke Morley Talks Walking on Water

23/7/2025

Luke Morley has spent the last three and a half decades as the guitarist and main song writer for Thunder; the band he formed back in 1989 with lifelong friend and singer Danny Bowes. With Bowes in recovery following a fall that left him with a serious head injury after suffering a stroke, Luke has busied himself with a number of projects, and is about to release a brand new solo album. "You've got to keep moving forward", he tells us as we sit down for a chat. Talking 'Walking on Water', his love of guitars, and his hopes for future for Thunder, we caught up with the Luke Morley.

Photo: Jason Joyce.

Mikee Goodman Looks Back at Working with Adrian Smith in Primal Rock Rebellion

15/7/2025

Back in 2012 Iron Maiden's Adrian Smith teamed up SikTh front man Mikee Goodman to unleash Primal Rock Rebellion; a modern metal monolith that dropped just one album. Although releasing a number of music videos, there were no gigs, and the project disappeared after the release of their excellent album 'Awoken Broken'. "It's one of my regrets", confesses Mikee as we sit down for a chat at Download Festival; "but I was more grateful that I had the opportunity". Chatting working with Smith, his latest project The Sad Season, and SikTh's plans to commemorate their twentieth anniversary, we caught up with Mikee. Friendly neighbour; Eamon O'Neill.

Photo: Press Shot by John McMurtrie.

Savatage Return! We Talk To Chris Caffery & Johnny Lee Middleton

2/7/2025

Rising though the 1980s, Savatage were serious metal contenders until tragedy struck. Following the untimely passing of Criss Oliva in 1993, the Florida band soldiered on, regrouping and releasing a string of albums before the phenomenon of Trans Siberian Orchestra ended them, seemingly for good. Their return in 2025 then, is perhaps their most surprising turn yet. We joined bassist Johnny Lee Middleton and guitarist Chris Caffery for a chat at Hellfest about their comeback, and plans for the future. The unholy; Eamon O'Neill.

Photo: Adrian Hextall Mindhex Media.

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