147. Chris Poland - Megadeth/Nuclear Messiah

147. Chris Poland - Megadeth/Nuclear Messiah

Author: VRP Rocks April 6, 2026 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 release featuring an incredible lineup including Arthur Brown, William Shatner, Rick Wakeman, Joe Lynn Turner, Sebastian Bach, Bumblefoot, Marty Friedman, Pat Travers and many more. In the interview, Chris talks about how this ambitious record came together, the unusual and inspired cover song choices, and what it was like hearing so many iconic musicians bring their own style to the album. He also shares his thoughts on standout tracks, working around such a huge cast of players, and why the finished record feels so special. And of course, the conversation also turns to Chris’s early years in Megadeth — recording the first two albums, the story behind These Boots, memories of Peace Sells, and why he ultimately chose not to return for Rust in Peace. A fascinating chat with one of metal’s most distinctive guitarists. 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
Simon Kirke - My 5 Favourite Bad Company Songs! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:27
He’s back! Legendary drummer Simon Kirke returns to VRP Rocks for the third time, and this time it’s all about the songs that defined a band and a legacy. In this special edition of My 5 Favourite, Simon takes us inside…
140. Steve Postell - David Crosby / The Immediate Family [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:15
In this special episode of VRP Rocks, guitarist, singer, songwriter and producer Steve Postell joins Paul Stephenson to talk about his incredible musical journey. From his deep personal and creative connection with David…
Nathan East - My 5 Favourite... [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:10
He’s back! After a brilliant deep-dive into his incredible career on last week’s episode, legendary bassist Nathan East returns to VRP Rocks – this time to take on My 5 Favourite. In this special episode, Nathan reveals…
139. Nathan East - Eric Clapton/Phil Collins [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:54
You've heard his basslines your whole life — you just didn’t know it. In this incredible episode, Nathan joins Paul to share jaw-dropping stories from his decades at the top of the music industry. Hear how he got his sta…
138. Russ Ballard - Breaks Down His Iconic Hits [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:49
Russ Ballard is back on VRP Rocks! In this exclusive interview, the legendary singer, songwriter, and musician talks to Paul about his brand new double album Songs from the Warehouse: The Hits Rewired. Russ opens up abou…
137. Paul Rappaport - Sr VP Columbia Records [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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 m…
136. Peter Holsapple - The dB's / R.E.M. / Hootie [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:04
On this episode of VRP Rocks, Peter Holsapple joins me to talk about his incredible career in music—from co-founding The dB’s, touring and recording with R.E.M., and spending 20 years with Hootie & the Blowfish, to his b…
135. Tracii Guns - LA Guns [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:06
On this episode of VRP Rocks, I’m joined by legendary guitarist Tracii Guns—founder of L.A. Guns and an early member of Guns N’ Roses. From the Sunset Strip’s wildest days to the release of L.A. Guns’ brand-new album Leo…
134. Tony Butler - Big Country [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:08
In this episode of VRP Rocks, I sit down with Tony Butler, best known as the bassist for Big Country and a musician with an impressive career spanning collaborations with Pete Townshend & The Pretenders. Tony shares fasc…
Guy Pratt - My 5 Favourite... [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:47
Legendary session bassist Guy Pratt returns to VRP Rocks to share his five favourite albums that he’s played on and the stories behind them. With a career spanning decades, Guy has worked with some of the biggest names i…