August, 1982: John “J.D.” Roberts on The New Music (pre-MuchMusic) sat down with the Mob Rules lineup of Black Sabbath (Geezer Butler, Tony Iommi, Vinnie Appice – no Dio this time) to ask about the fuss involving Satanic lyrics. While Geezer admits to using Satan a bit as a lyrical device, he also points out that it’s only one facet of his writing. Stopping wars, he points out, is one of their big topics.
Great little clip that shows the laid back band at their most laid back.
A young Steve Anthony, just starting on his MuchMusic career, but not yet known as the on-screen madman he’d become, chatted with Aerosmith right when they were hot again, in 1987 on the Permanent Vacation tour. He opens by mentioning how sick they must be talking about the “drug thing”, and then asks about the “Toxic Twins”, a strategy that worked in getting some good comments out of Steven Tyler and Joe Perry.
Joe Perry discusses the 1984 reunion tour, and the risk of going out without a new album to promote. Common today, rare then.
An interesting flash from the past as we remember Aerosmith!
In 1994, Rush were inducted to the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, after a mere 20 years as a recording band. Not bad for three nerds from Southern Ontario. I had my VCR running that night, and this is the whole segment, complete and uncut, with all introductions and fades, unlike other copies on YouTube. Tom Cochrane was selected to induct them.
“Tonight we’re here to blow the lid off our three friends,” says Cochrane.
This 17 minute segment includes interviews with Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, and Neil Peart. Tom Cochrane narrates the story of the unstoppable band with the rock solid fanbase. It’s funny in hindsight to hear Neil talking about having fans as old as 40. There is testimony from fans both young and old.
Celebrity fans also appear with awesome stories and tributes:
Mike Myers (Wayne’s World)
Sebastian Bach (Skid Row)
Tyler Stewart, Andy Creegan, Jim Creegan, and Ed Robertson (Barenaked Ladies)
Peter Collins (producer)
The Tragically Hip (performing “Limelight”)
Kim Mitchell (Max Webster)
Joe Carter & Paul Molitor (Toronto Blue Jays)
Les Claypool, Larry Lalond & Tim Alexander (Primus)
Vernon Reid (Living Colour)
Chris Cornell & Kim Thayil (Soundgarden)
Ben Mink
Sam Sniderman (Sam the Record Man)
Ray Danniels (Rush Manager)
As a precursor to things Alex Lifeson would say and do in the future, he is the comedy relief here. His son Justin also has a comedic bit, proving it’s in the genes. Poignantly though, Alex wishes for another 20 years…which, sadly, is all they got.
This is a beautiful tribute to Canada’s greatest export. Watch the whole thing; you will not regret the 17 minutes.
These Gil Moore interviews that I have are all from a MuchMusic Spotlight. Therefore, all the original information about the time and location of the interview are now lost to me. It looks like this was recorded on the west coast, which would make the interviewer Terry David Mulligan (“TDM”). It is some time in the mid-80s. Gil is asked about the “essence” of rock and roll, and he argues that it has a lot to do with the live experience. Check it out!
Short and sweet video here today, featuring Triumph drummer and vocalist Gil Moore. Possibly from The New Music in 1983, in this interview Gil discusses Triumph’s famed light show. In their early days, Moore was the man who brought in the light show, and here he talks a little bit about what it’s like to play on stage with such a complex show, and the dangers involved. Have a look.
January, 1991. Faith No More were huge. MuchMusic’s Kim Clarke Champniss asks the question: How do you feel about being classified as a metal band? Does Faith No More even care? “Epic” was a huge hit. Would it have been even without the record company phone calls made to MTV? Check out Roddy Bottum’s answers.
Meanwhile, Mike Patton grins and Mike Bordin plays hide & seek.
On April 26 1991, AC/DC brought The Razors Edge to Dublin, Ireland. MuchMusic were there!
Two lucky contest winners (Jerry and Kulwinder) got to co-host the Pepsi Power Hour backstage with Dan Gallagher, Angus Young, and Brian Johnson. Not only that, but they got to do it from Dublin! Brian is jovial, and Angus often lets him answer. The time is brief, but this interview covers the following subjects. The answers are almost always comical, so be sure to watch this excellent tape!
How does Brian maintain the energy levels on stage?
Is it loud on stage?
What video Angus wants to see.
What fans can expect at Donington.
What do you get out of playing live?
How does Brian keep his voice conditioned so well?
Watch Brian get the MuchMusic name wrong, twice! This interview is light, comedy gold. Enjoy!
A sharp looking Brian Vollmer was accompanied by new Helix guitarist Greg Fraser (Brighton Rock) in a Slayer shirt for this acoustic performance! The show was Start Me Up on Saturday afternoon, and Natalie Richard was the host. It’s A Business Doing Pleasure was the new album, and it was a slightly more acoustic affair for the band.
Topics discussed:
Inspiration for writing the new songs, and working with Marc Ribler.
Special guests on the new album.
Sleepin’ in the doghouse again!
Doing an album after losing Paul Hackman.
Touring the new album.
A stunning acoustic version of “Tug of War” from the new album (and the only performance available with Frase on guitar).
Brian’s morning routine (which he still maintains today).
The super-8 videos used in “That Day Is Gonna Come”, and what inspired the song.
The very first platinum album that MuchMusic received – Walkin’ the Razor’s Edge by Helix!
Alice Cooper was back in Toronto in 1991, promoting his new album Hey Stoopid in a big way: by playing on top of the iconic HMV building at 333 Yonge St! Shades of Let It Be, but with long hair and mascara, Alice’s band rocked the streets below.
Cooper also spoke to MuchMusic’s Michael Williams about the new album, and collaborating with L.A. friends such as Axl Rose. He dropped a tidbit about their new album and a certain song called “The Garden”.
There’s also a segment here of Alice meeting fans from Operation Rock N’ Roll that same year. Check it out1
Out promoting his big new album Trash, MuchMusic’s Terry David Mulligan spoke to Alice Cooper 35 years ago, in April of 1989. Subjects discussed include Desmond Child, and a return to the sound of Billion Dollar Babies. Have a watch.