VHS Archives

VHS Archives #80: Accept interview (1989)

When Udo left Accept, it was was hard to imagine the German metal pioneers without him.  After a false start (including a photo session) with a singer named Rob Armitage, Accept finally settled on American David Reece.

Here Wolf and David tell MuchMusic why Reece was the guy after more than 200 applicants for the job. The album was called Eat the Heat, with lead single “Generation Clash”.  It’s an interesting interview considering the hindsight that the lineup ultimately did not work and Accept broke up, before reuniting with Udo in 1993.

VHS Archives # 79: Badlands interview (1989)

Badlands were one of the hottest new rock acts of 1989, notable because they were bringing in this influence called “the blues” that had been absent from the scene lately.

Find out what Ozzy thought of the blues when Jake E. Lee and Ray Gillen sit down with MuchMusic at Rock N’ Roll Heaven! Raw video of their live set included.

VHS Archives #78: Ian and Billy from The Cult chat about roots (and U2)

Quick clip from a 1991 interview with Ian Astbury and Billy Duffy. This was recorded off a Cult “Spotlight” on MuchMusic; the interviewer is Michael Williams.

Here, The Cult talk about rediscovering their roots and take a couple shots at U2.

VHS Archives #77: Brian Vollmer of Helix co-hosts the Power Hour (1987)

One of the best early Power Hour co-hosts.  Helix mainman Brian Vollmer stopped by the Pepsi Power Hour with Laurie Brown to discuss their new album Wild in the Streets.  He also brought with him a Helix “Rockumentary” filmed at the Capitol Records building.

Topics covered:

  • The album cover
  • Jagger
  • AC/DC
  • Touring
  • A mythical future Helix album called Blood, Guts & Beer
  • The next video

Added bonus:  stay tuned to the end for a Music World TV ad for Wild in the Streets!

 

VHS Archives #76: David Lee Roth discusses change and disses Ozzy (1994)

Here’s David with Avi Lewis talking about the 80s, change, and dissing Ozzy Osbourne.

VHS Archives #75: The craziest Iron Maiden interview you’ll ever see (1988)

Bruce Dickinson is extra naughty and caffeinated here with bandmate Dave Murray and Power Hour host Erica Ehm!

Seventh Son of a Seventh Son was brand new and the music video hadn’t even come out yet.  Bruce and Dave discuss:

  • The concept
  • The video
  • Lucifer
  • Whether Deep Purple are good football players or not
  • Recording
  • Bruce’s forthcoming book The Adventures of Lord Iffy Boatrace
  • Going folk?

This hilarious interview is a must-watch for Maiden fans worldwide.

VHS Archives #74: Weird Al Yankovic – TV ad for The Ultimate Collection (1993)

One of my favourite things to find on old VHS tapes are the TV ads. Here’s one you forgot about – Weird Al’s first video compilation! The Ultimate Collection and Alapalooza were brand new in 1993.  It’s a special Christmas offer and you can even get your own “Yankasaurus”!

VHS Archives #73: Killer Dwarfs interview + Bruce Dickinson rips off Darrell Dwarf’s undies! (1989)

“‘Arry wants it…’Arry gets it.” – Killer Dwarfs

You won’t believe this got broadcast on daytime television!

Laurie Brown talked to the Killer Dwarfs in rehearsal for their excellent fourth LP Dirty Weapons. Additionally you will hear a preview for a new song called “Nothing Gets Nothing” live in concert, plus some behind the scenes footage.  The band talk about the music scene in Canada at the time (not good) and touring with Iron Maiden.  “What Harry wants, Harry gets,” they tell us.

But the real reason you’re watching this video is to see Bruce Dickinson rip the pants right off Darrell Dwarf.  It was the last night of the tour and therefore prank night!  Enjoy seeing “all of Darrell” as the audience did that night!

 

VHS Archives #72: The Best of Don Williams (1985)

Do you love TV ads for old records? Do you enjoy country crooners? Check out this TV spot for The Best of Don Williams!  (“The gentle giant!”)  In stores now!

 

The video tape is actually my dad’s.  The Don Williams ad was recorded when he was taping The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938) starring Errol Flynn.  (Also on this tape:  Lives of a Bengal Lancer (1935) and Last of the Mohicans (1936).)  Finding the Don Williams ad was pure chance.  The reason I have this VHS tape is very special.  When my Grampa Ladano died, we found an old 8mm film in his house.  We converted it to VHS around 1984, at a video store in Stanley Park Mall.  It’s an old film from 1946 and it has my dad, grandfather and grandmother on it.  I never met my grandmother – she died when my dad was a little boy.  So the video tape itself is very special and now my Grampa is digital forever.

VHS Archives #71: Angus Young of AC/DC – MuchMusic rooftop interview Part I (1988)

MuchMusic’s Michael Williams asked Angus Young about his famous “school suit”.  Circa Blow Up Your Video.  Much split up the interview into several pieces.  When I find them all, I’ll upload them.  For now, enjoy Part I.