Vintage Rock Pod – Classic Rock Stories By Vintage Rock Pod

Imagine growing up surrounded by rock royalty! Your father produced records for Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones and Van Halen, your uncle worked with The Beatles and The Who, and Eric Clapton helped you learn to play guitar! That's the extraordinary background of this week's guest, British blues guitarist and singer Will Johns. Will's father was legendary producer Andy Johns, his uncle is Glyn Johns, and through his aunt Pattie Boyd, he grew up with close connections to George Harrison and Eric Clapton. But behind those famous names was a childhood that wasn't always as glamorous as you might imagine. In this fascinating conversation, Will shares stories of growing up around rock legends, learning guitar from Clapton, his father's unusual production methods with Gary Moore, the encouragement he received from Jack Bruce, and his experiences performing with Sons of Cream. We also discuss his remarkable life story, told in his autobiography Blues Daddy: Born into Noise, Raised on Chaos and Saved by the Blues, and his latest album, On Top of the World. An entertaining, revealing and sometimes moving conversation about family, music and finding your own path in the shadow of rock and roll legends. Find out more at willjohns.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former Rainbow keyboard player David Rosenthal joins VRP Rocks to share incredible stories from his career working with Ritchie Blackmore, Steve Vai, Robert Palmer, Whitesnake, Cyndi Lauper and Billy Joel. David reveals how he landed the Rainbow job at just 20 years old, recalls Ritchie Blackmore's practical jokes and how he played with Steve Vai as a teenager. He also discusses why he refused to tour with Whitesnake, the madness of performing 56 concerts in 56 cities on 56 consecutive nights with Robert Palmer, and his remarkable 30-plus years working alongside Billy Joel. A fascinating journey through more than four decades of rock history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Survivor founder and legendary songwriter Jim Peterik returns to VRP Rocks for a second appearance, sharing incredible stories from a career spanning more than six decades. The Grammy-winning songwriter, also known for his work with The Ides of March and 38 Special, reveals how a surprise phone call from Sylvester Stallone led to the creation of Eye of the Tiger, how he wrote Heavy Metal with Sammy Hagar, and the story behind 38 Special's classic Hold On Loosely. Jim also takes us behind the scenes of Survivor, discussing the decision to replace Dave Bickler, the unforgettable audition of Jimi Jamison, the overlooked Caught in the Game album, and his relationship today with Frankie Sullivan. Plus, stories about Burt Bacharach and Ron Nevison, and the enduring friendship of The Ides of March. Jim also discusses his new album, River of Music: The Power of Duets, Volume 2, featuring collaborations with Toby Hitchcock, Cathy Richardson, Bree Gordon and his son Colin Peterik. A fascinating and fun conversation with one of melodic rock's greatest songwriters. For more Jim Peterik stories, check out his first VRP Rocks appearance in episode 27, recorded back in 2021. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Legendary songwriter and producer Desmond Child returns to VRP Rocks for a second time, sharing more incredible stories from his career. Desmond discusses his new live album, Desmond Child Rocks the Parthenon, and reveals how Bonnie Tyler's If You Were a Woman became Bon Jovi's smash hit You Give Love a Bad Name, as well as the real-life inspiration behind Livin' on a Prayer. He also opens up about his extremely difficult experience producing Meat Loaf's Bat Out of Hell III, working with Todd Rundgren and Ratt, assembling the all-star Dudes of Wrath with Paul Stanley, Vivian Campbell, Rudy Sarzo and Tommy Lee, and reinventing his career with Ricky Martin and Livin' la Vida Loca. Plus, a hilarious story involving John Lennon, Yoko Ono and Clive Davis, and much more! Another fascinating, funny and revealing conversation with one of the greatest hitmakers in music history. For even more Desmond Child stories, check out his previous VRP Rocks appearance in episode 109. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Legendary Megadeth guitarist Marty Friedman joins Paul Stephenson for a fascinating journey through one of the most extraordinary careers in rock and metal. From discovering KISS as a teenager to forming Cacophony with Jason Becker, Marty recalls his early struggles, auditioning for Ozzy Osbourne before Zakk Wylde got the job, and joining Dave Mustaine in Megadeth. He reveals his contributions to the classic Rust in Peace album, discusses his legendary Tornado of Souls guitar solo, why he left Megadeth and the emotional reunion with Dave Mustaine at Tokyo's Budokan. There are also stories about Uli Jon Roth, his musical influences and the remarkable decision to move to Japan where he reinvented himself as a solo artist and television personality. Plus, Marty discusses his latest album Drama, future music plans, and his revealing autobiography, Dreaming Japanese. An honest, entertaining and insightful conversation with one of heavy metal's greatest guitarists. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices