137. Paul Rappaport - Sr VP Columbia Records

137. Paul Rappaport - Sr VP Columbia Records

Author: VRP Rocks March 17, 2025 Duration: 1:02:30
On this episode of VRP Rocks, I sit down with Paul Rappaport, the legendary rock promotions executive who helped shape the careers of The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney, and so many more. His new book, Gliders Over Hollywood, reveals the craziest behind-the-scenes stories from the golden age of rock—some of which have never been told before! Paul shares how he: 🎸 Turned a flop live album into a gold-selling hit. 🚀 Launched unknown artists to number one, making enemies in the industry. 🔥 Manipulated the rock charts to keep The Rolling Stones at #1 for months. 💥 Fought a fencing duel with Iron Maiden’s Bruce Dickinson in the hallways of Columbia Records! It’s a wild, no-holds-barred look at the crazy world of rock promotions, where creativity, risk-taking, and sheer audacity changed the music industry forever. 📖 Gliders Over Hollywood is out April 15th—pre-order now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or your favorite bookstore! 🎧 Listen now for some of the best rock stories you’ve never heard! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There’s a certain magic in hearing the stories behind the music directly from the people who created it. VRP Rocks-Classic Rock Interviews is built on that simple idea, offering long-form conversations with the legendary artists who defined an era. Each episode features a different iconic figure, with an impressive roster that includes more than thirty Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees. Hosted by UK radio veteran Paul Stephenson, the discussions go beyond the greatest hits to explore the personal memories, studio sessions, and touring tales from the heart of rock's glory days. You’ll hear firsthand accounts of the creativity, chaos, and camaraderie that fueled classic rock, all presented with a deep respect for the genre and its history. This isn't just a series of quick promotional chats; it's a thoughtfully produced podcast dedicated to preserving these narratives. For anyone who has ever wondered about the real stories behind the anthems, this podcast serves as an essential oral history, recorded for fans who want to listen closely.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

VRP Rocks - Classic Rock Interviews
Podcast Episodes
143. Steve Ferrone - Tom Petty, Eric Clapton, George Harrison [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:20
In this episode of VRP Rocks, Paul is joined by legendary drummer Steve Ferrone — the rhythm powerhouse behind some of the most iconic names in music. From playing with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers for over two decade…
Side 2 - Backstage With Foghat in London! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:18
In this very special episode of VRP Rocks, host Paul Stephenson swaps his Highland studio for the O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire in London — joining Foghat legend Roger Earl backstage just hours before the band’s historic ret…
John McFee - My 5 Favourite Albums I Played On [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:17
He’s played with some of the biggest names in rock history and now, for the first time, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer John McFee reveals his five favourite albums that he’s played on himself! From Elvis Costello to The Doobi…
Stu Cook (CCR) & John McFee (Doobie Brothers) - Jackdawg! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:16
What happens when rock legends from two iconic bands lock themselves in a studio with no rules, no label pressure and total creative freedom? In this very special episode of VRP Rocks, Paul Stephenson sits down with Stu…
142. Stu Cook - Creedence Clearwater Revival [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:53
He was a member of one of America’s most iconic rock bands — and in this exclusive interview, Stu Cook takes us deep into the story of Creedence Clearwater Revival. From the band’s humble beginnings as a high school trio…
Roger Earl - Foghat 50th Anniversary of Fool For The City [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:15
Foghat’s Fool For the City is an iconic 70s album — and in this episode, drummer and founding member Roger Earl returns to VRP Rocks to celebrate its 50th anniversary. From the legendary anthem Slow Ride to deep cuts tha…
141. Greg T. Walker - Blackfoot / Lynyrd Skynyrd [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:07
In this brand-new episode of VRP Rocks, legendary bassist Greg T. Walker (Blackfoot, Lynyrd Skynyrd) joins Paul for an epic two-part conversation you won't want to miss. First, we dive into Greg’s new band, Two Wolf, who…
Vinny Appice - My 5 Favourite... [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:16
Legendary drummer Vinny Appice (Black Sabbath, Dio) returns to VRP Rocks to reveal his 5 favourite albums from his own incredible career. From iconic metal milestones to hidden gems, Vinny shares the stories behind the m…
Carmine & Vinny Appice - Share Memories of Rick Derringer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:20
In this special episode of VRP Rocks, legendary drummers Carmine and Vinny Appice pay tribute to their friend and former bandmate, Rick Derringer, who sadly passed away just a few weeks ago. The brothers share personal s…
Rick Derringer Remembered  - Interview with his Drummer Kenn Moutenot [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:06
This week on VRP Rocks, we pay tribute to the late Rick Derringer, the iconic guitarist, singer and songwriter behind Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo and countless other rock staples. Joining me is Kenn Moutenot, Rick’s long-…