146. Carmine Appice - Star Studded Return!

146. Carmine Appice - Star Studded Return!

Author: VRP Rocks March 30, 2026 Duration: 31:22
In this episode of VRP Rocks, Paul Stephenson welcomes back legendary drummer Carmine Appice — one of rock’s most enduring and well-connected musicians. Carmine returns to talk about the brand new Cactus album, Temple of the Blues 2, a powerful blues-rock release packed with an incredible all-star lineup. Featuring contributions from Dee Snider, Joe Lynn Turner, Billy Sheehan, Rudy Sarzo, Tracii Guns, Bumblefoot, Pat Travers, Ted Nugent and many more, this is a record built on collaboration, creativity and serious musical firepower. In the interview, Carmine reveals how the album came together, from hand picking the songs and players, to building each track layer by layer, and managing a project that brings together some of the biggest names in rock. We also dive into standout moments from the album, including “The Red Rooster”, and the story behind its eye-catching video, plus how this project evolved from the success of the first Temple of the Blues release. If you love bluesy hard rock, great musicianship, and behind-the-scenes insight into how major collaborative albums are made, this is one you won’t want to miss. 🎸 Temple of the Blues 2 is released April 3rd — available to pre-order now on CD, vinyl and digital formats. 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: 100

VRP Rocks - Classic Rock Interviews
Podcast Episodes
147. Chris Poland - Megadeth/Nuclear Messiah [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:30
In this episode of VRP Rocks, Paul Stephenson is joined by guitarist Chris Poland, best known for his time in Megadeth. Chris is back with a major new project, Nuclear Messiah, and the album Black Flame — a star-studded…
145. Matt Backer - Elton John, Joe Cocker, Marcella Detroit [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:50
In this episode of VRP Rocks, Paul Stephenson is joined by acclaimed guitarist Matt Backer, a musician whose playing has appeared alongside some remarkable artists including Alice Cooper, Marcella Detroit, ABC, and many…
Suzi Quatro - My 5 Favourite... [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:12
In this episode of VRP Rocks, Paul Stephenson is joined by the original Queen of Rock and Roll, Suzi Quatro. In the first half of the episode, Suzi talks about her brand new album Freedom, due for release on March 27th,…
144. Brian Vollmer - Helix [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:08
In this episode of VRP Rocks, Paul chats with the voice of Canadian hard rock legends Helix – frontman Brian Vollmer. With a career spanning over 50 years, Helix have lived through the highs and lows of the rock world —…
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…