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: 50

VRP Rocks - Classic Rock Interviews
Podcast Episodes
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-…
Supergroups Only Rock Experts Will Remember [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:02
This week on VRP Rocks, things take a slightly different turn! With a couple of last-minute interview cancellations and a holiday just around the corner, Paul dives into a really fun topic — "10 Supergroups and Side Proj…