MuchMusic’s Denise Donlon asked Steven Tyler of Aerosmith about their brand new video, “Dude (Looks Like a Lady)”. This broadcast was the first time my friends and I ever heard the song!
Set your time machine back to fall 1987 and check out this funny interview.
This one goes out to good pals Mars and Sarca Sim! I know they love the nostalgia of old MuchMusic bumpers. Here’s a collection of them that I assembled into one mega-bumper!
The bumpers are generally somebody saying, “Hi, I’m [insert name] from [insert band], and you’re watching the Power Hour on MuchMusic!” Some flub their lines (Craig Goldy), some put in that extra 10% (Poison) and some do both (Anvil).
It’s either they got only one take, or these are the best ones!
Check out these hilarious rock star ads below, including (in order): Mark Metcalf, Motorhead, Poison, Lita Ford, Anvil, Dio, Rik Emmett, David Coverdale and a couple surprises.
“The object of being an artist is to stir the minds of men…Unless you’re saying something musically, lyrically, or you’re touching people emotionally somehow, you are not an artist. You are a factory that makes records.” — Blackie Lawless
Erica Ehm was never gun shy about her distaste for W.A.S.P., yet she helmed the best interview I’ve ever seen with frontman Blackie Lawless. It’s not a shorty either, so grab a beverage.
Blackie was doing press for W.A.S.P.’s “get serious” album The Headless Children. He was invited to co-host the Pepsi Power Hour (live!) in 1989. Erica wasn’t about to throw softball questions, but it’s quite clear that Lawless wins her over. Blackie is remarkably forthright, with a dash of humour. He also picked the tunes for the show, and you’ll find out what songs he chose and why.
The myriad subjects discussed:
The Headless Children is the main focus, and for good reason. It’s an amazing record, and a terrific interview.
MuchMusic introduced me to Sword when they premiered the white hot “F.T.W.” back in 1987. When Rick Hughes stopped by the Pepsi Power Hour a few months later, I was ready to record!
With sometimes-host Christopher Ward, Rick discussed touring with Motorhead and what Lemmy’s really like. He also touches on the long awaited second Sword album, on-stage injuries, and what the metal scene was like in Montreal at the time.
Check out this smashing live interview with the always cool Rick Hughes!
I always liked this interview clip. Jeff Pilson seemed so friendly and enthusiastic. Don, meanwhile, didn’t even know how many songs were slated for the Back for the Attack album! I think he forgot “Mr. Scary”.
Back for the Attack wasn’t out yet, so Laurie Brown asked Dokken about Under Lock & Key. Check it out!
MuchMusic’s Laurie Brown took over the Pepsi Power Hour in 1988, and for me personally, a lot of their best shows were from her era.
This interview with the young rockers named Duff McKagan and Slash (from some band called Guns N’ Roses) is definitely an anachronism. Cigarettes lit, the guys seem fairly sedated though refreshingly authentic. Their naivete is interesting in hindsight. They clearly did not see themselves becoming the mega-phenom that they are. “Guns N’ Roses is five kids, who pretty much don’t have a whole lot of influence on the rest of the world, as far as we know.”
Duff and Slash offer insight about their early years, getting signed, and touring with Iron Maiden. It’s quite obvious they are not having a good time with Iron Maiden! Laurie also asks them about the original cover to Appetite For Destruction. “We didn’t see any rape thing going on,” insists Duff. “Her bra fell off, what?” laughs Slash. Slash mockingly relents. “OK, alright fine. We were generally promoting rape…I mean come on.”
What do you think of this old Guns interview?
Once upon a time, John Roberts was J.D. Roberts. He wasn’t a political pundit on Fox News, he was the host of the Pepsi Power Hour! The year was 1986 and Yngwie J. Malmsteen was in the studio.
J.D. asked him about his Classical influences, and then a dumb question about turning Bach into Rock. Check it out.
While out promoting 1987’s Dream Evil, Ronnie James Dio and Craig Goldy sat for an interview with MuchMusic’s Erica Ehm. She asked him about Satanism in rock lyrics and videos.
“Woah, that’s real cinema.” – Robert Palmer
Michael Olivieri recently left Leatherwolf leaving them with only one original member! Back in ’88, they were firing on all cylinders with Olivieri and original guitarist Geoff Gayer. The pair sat down with Erica Ehm on the Pepsi Power Hour to talk about their second album, Leatherwolf.
The guys discuss recording in the Bahamas, Robert Palmer, the Triple Axe Attack, live performances, “The Calling” video concept, and where that “edge” comes from.
Leatherwolf were a great band when these two guys were in it. Check out the live clips in this interview, and hear what they had to say back in the day!
You’re right Tommy; that car accident was a “misfortune”.
Rest in peace Razzle Dingley.
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