It’s just days days before the release of Russ Ballard’s long awaited new double album “Songs from the Warehouse/The Hits Rewired” and Ian talks to Russ in depth about the new album(s).
Expect to hear some stunning new tracks alongside reworked versions of 13 hits from his back catalogue.
Ian presents Part 2 of his chat with Ray Greene when the focus moves on to Santana and his solo career. A great insight into how Ray joined Santana (with a little help from Social Media), as well as some excellent music and commentary relating to the new album “Stay”.
“He is just the best….”
Ray Greene on working with Carlos Santana
The final episode with special guest Paul Shortino features a live chat between him and his friend from the “Rock Meets Classic” tour of Germany, Russ Ballard himself.
A fascinating insight into their views on the music scene today and how technology is shaping the industry, together with hilarious stories guaranteed to make you smile. Oh and a couple of surprises along the way….don’t miss it!
“Russ, I love you like a brother from another….”
Paul Shortino
“Paul, I feel the same way…..”
Russ Ballard
The second part of Ian’s chat with Paul Shortino in which he gives us a fascinating insight to his landmark appearance at Hear N’Aid (America’s rock equivalent to Band Aid), as well as detailing the close association with his mentor, Ronnie James Dio. Apart from Paul’s infectious personality, enjoy more good music and commentary from his solo career and numerous collaborations including Carmine Appice’s band, King Kobra.
“That has changed recently. Russ Ballard gave me chills every night on Rock Meets Classic when I heard him sing “You Can Do Magic”. It has have to be his version, no one else’s version of song. “
Paul Shortino’s response when asked “what is your favourite song of all time?”
Sven is taking a break from the show so Ian kicks off a new series chatting to the legendary Paul Shortino from his home in Las Vegas.
Part 1 features Paul’s climb to stardom from a young age, his role as “Duke Fame” in the movie “This is Spinal Tap”, Rough Cutt, Quiet Riot and much more. He also talks passionately about his recent tour of Germany on “Rock Meets Classic” and his affinity with Russ Ballard and all the other performing artists on that stage.
“I’m sure Russ Ballard could have written a hit song for me!”
Paul Shortino
Join Ian and Sven for a one off Voices of Russ Ballard special featuring the legendary drummer Bob Henrit (Kinks, Argent, Unit 4 Plus 2, Adam Faith and the Roulettes).
Bob talks about his new project “Borough Beats” which is a local exhibition celebrating many of the talented musicians who grew up in the Borough of Broxbourne including Cliff Richard, The Shadows, The Roulettes, Russ Ballard and of course, Bob himself.The exhibition runs until June 2024.
Ian and Sven complete their conversation with Steve Rodford with a Podcast dedicated to the life of his father, Jim Rodford. This coincides with the publication of a book about his life called “Jim Rodford Sideman, The Jim Rodford Story”.
Enjoy some brilliant anecdotes along the way as well as an exciting exclusive…..Steve reveals a lost track he recently found by the GB Blues Company featuring the Argent rhythm section (Jim and Bob Henrit) and the Mike Cotton Sound Horn Section. It’s called “ No Place” and you can hear it here for the first time anywhere in the world.
“I’d like to think that Dad was a big part of bringing rock and roll back to the Kinks” - Steve Rodford speaking about Jim Rodford.
“It”s What I do” - Jim Rodford on himself playing live gigs.
Ian and Sven conclude their exclusive interview with Russ with a bumper two hour special featuring lots of great RB music, some questions probably never posed to him before and lots more.
Find out how Russ nearly died on stage in Germany, writing “Hope” the theme song for the South African World Cup, being invited to link up with Barack Obama, Oprah Winfrey and Nelson Mandala in the process, as well as flying First Class to LA to write with Alice Cooper and chat with Gene Simmons and Michael Bolton by the swimming pool....
“I’ve been a pianist since I was 8 years old, when I write songs I write them on the piano, I want to play more piano when I go on tour"
Russ Ballard
I was the only one writing melodies and using overdriven guitars, most bands weren’t getting played on the radio and it took years before they did it”
Russ Ballard on the period in his career where he was writing countless hits for other artists and had unparalleled success.
“Maybe Frida from ABBA can do the Voices Podcast”
Russ Ballard
Originally released on 1st of April 2021
Ian and Sven recommence the Podcasts following the sad passing of our previous guest and friend, Peter Thorp and the show starts with a deserved tribute to the man himself.
This is the second of three shows featuring our conversation with Russ in late 2020. Hear him talk about the "Voices" Russ Ballard album and "The Fire Still Burns" as well as great stories of touring and recording with Roger Daltrey of The Who.
Look out for passionate and emotional renditions from "The Book of Love" album before we finish with a Voices of Russ Ballard exclusive, a new song never heard anywhere in the world before. (Our gratefully thanks fo Russ for allowing us to use the track).
Songs featured, "The Fire Still Burns", New York Groove", "Crazy World" and "The One Who Breathes Me".
"Everything on the album was a signpost on the way to looking for love"
Russ talking about his album "The Book of Love".
Originally released on 14th of February 2021
A real positive end to 2020 with a Christmas Eve Podcast featuring Ian and Sven in lengthy conversation with none other than Russ Ballard himself at his home in Hertfordshire. This is part one of three Podcasts, the others to follow in early 2021 and will include a World Exclusive.... hear for the time anywhere..... a brand new Russ song.
In this Podcast we play some of Russ’s most famous hits including “Hold Your Head Up”, God Gave Rock And Roll To You”, “Since You Been Gone” and “You Can Do Magic”.
We start with the early days and his audition at age 16 for Adam Faith’s Roulettes (where he never even got to demonstrate his guitar skills!) before progressing to anecdotes about amongst others, Elton John, Santana, Rainbow, Three Dog Night and America.
Russ closes the Podcast with a special Christmas message to all his fans all over the world.
Al Gallico (Legendary New York Music Publisher, talking about Russ’s ability in the recording studio) “Russ don’t make demos, he makes masters!)
Russ Ballard on Elton John “He told us that “In Deep” was his favourite album”
Originally released on 24th of December 2020
A chance for everyone to banish those “Lockdown” blues and join us in conversation with Peter Thorp, arguably the founder member of The Roulettes. Peter’s fascinating story starts right from the early days when he was asked to join Adam Faith (who incidentally lived just round the corner) and play live at the Royal Albert Hall in 1961.
Recognised by his peers as a consummate musician and songwriter, whilst telling his story on the show Peter even takes a call from Russ live on air.....
"If anyone deserves success it's him"
Peter on RB
Originally released on 1st of December 2020
We conclude our exclusive interview featuring the wonderful John Verity (JV) with a bumper edition which includes some great music, including tracks from JV’s latest album “Passion”.
Learn how he nearly joined Michael Schenker, Ted Nugent, Asia and an Aerosmith “side project” band. Also, some fascinating revelations around Russ’s hit “I Surrender” by Rainbow (JV played on the demo) and how he probably recorded the first “tribute” album…. full of Led Zeppelin classics.
“He was a great inspiration to me”
“My songwriting definitely went up a notch after spending time in the studio with him”
JV on Russ Ballard.
Originally released on 15th of November 2020
We continue our “Voices” Podcast Show and celebrate Russ’s birthday with a special Halloween edition.
Our Spooktacular hour long version features the multi talented John Verity, the man who replaced Russ in Argent (Russ recommended him personally for the spot!).
In this first part of an exclusive chat with JV, the music business revelations continue with him waxing lyrical about Jimi Hendrix, Phil Collins, Bob Henrit, Rod Argent and many more.
Learn how JV and other musicians are attempting to cope with these difficult Covid times and hear four excellent tracks from the early part of his wide and successful career.
Fangs for listening!!!
“You have to be in the right place at the right time and I was just lucky to be in the right place at the right time” JV on himself.
“When Genesis were a three piece Phil Collins told me they weren’t sure their new album was going to be any good” JV on Phil Collins and Genesis
“You have to look in the mirror and see yourself “ JV on Punk
Originally released on 31st of October 2020
For the third podcast, we feature the second part of our interview with John “Mod” Rogan. Mod continues to entertain us in only the way he can! Tap Dancing, Cabaret, Sandie Shaw, Dusty Springfield (a kiss for bottle of Vodka), it’s all here. Mod also gives an emotional tribute to the late Jim Rodford.
In addition we play in full, our first piece of Russ related music as we showcase our next Podcast….
“Mod, you sound more like Adam Faith than I do” Adam Faith.
Originally released on 15th of October 2020
Our second Podcast is part one of an interview we did recently with John George Rogan, otherwise known as "Mod" (and he will tell you how he got that nickname too...).
A really honest, humorous and fascinating insight into the world of Showbiz. Mod talks about growing up with Wayne Sleep, how he joined Adam Faith & the Roulettes against all the odds and even how he invited Adam Faith home for tea....
And who did actually write "Since you Been Gone" and "God Gave Rock and Roll To You"? Find out here.
Originally released on 1st of October 2020
The Voices of Russ Ballard Podcast is a series of podcasts with several, well known musicians, which are all linked to Russ Ballard.
Episode 1 is the introduction to the concept and your hosts.
Originally released on 15th September 2020