Steve Newton
@earofnewt.bsky.social
freelance music-writer and journalist for 40+ years; author of the 2018 beer-table book Gord Downie; owner of the website earofnewt.com; check out over 600 of my audio interviews with rock legends since 1982 on my Patreon page: www.patreon.com/c/earofnewt
just posted my 2008 interview with #DankoJones for the first time:
“I’ve been compared to Phil [Lynott] ever since we started the band,”
He plays the Pearl in #Vancouver on Feb. 7
@thepearlvancouver.bsky.social @modoliveofficial.bsky.social
“I’ve been compared to Phil [Lynott] ever since we started the band,”
He plays the Pearl in #Vancouver on Feb. 7
@thepearlvancouver.bsky.social @modoliveofficial.bsky.social
Danko Jones wears his Thin Lizzy influence on his sleeve on Never Too Loud
Jones describes the music on Never Too Loud as more melodic than his previous three CDs, and more of a nod to some classic-rock acts.
earofnewt.com
January 30, 2026 at 3:28 AM
just posted my 2008 interview with #DankoJones for the first time:
“I’ve been compared to Phil [Lynott] ever since we started the band,”
He plays the Pearl in #Vancouver on Feb. 7
@thepearlvancouver.bsky.social @modoliveofficial.bsky.social
“I’ve been compared to Phil [Lynott] ever since we started the band,”
He plays the Pearl in #Vancouver on Feb. 7
@thepearlvancouver.bsky.social @modoliveofficial.bsky.social
in celebration of #JonnyLang's 45th birthday, here's 10 minutes of me interviewing him when he was just 22:
"Ever since I can remember I’ve always wanted to be a singer."
"Ever since I can remember I’ve always wanted to be a singer."
Jonny Lang, October 20, 2003 | Ear of Newt
Get more from Ear of Newt on Patreon
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January 29, 2026 at 11:11 PM
in celebration of #JonnyLang's 45th birthday, here's 10 minutes of me interviewing him when he was just 22:
"Ever since I can remember I’ve always wanted to be a singer."
"Ever since I can remember I’ve always wanted to be a singer."
on this day in 1987 #NRBQ played the Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver, and it was pretty awesome
NRBQ tars-and-feathers Vancouver, leaves the Cabbage Patch Kids alone
Not a lot of people showed up for NRBQ's Commodore Ballroom date last Thursday, but of the 500 or so who did, few went home disappointed.
earofnewt.com
January 29, 2026 at 10:20 PM
on this day in 1987 #NRBQ played the Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver, and it was pretty awesome
just posted the full audio of my second interview with #KimMitchell, recorded three weeks after the release of his Shakin' Like a Human Being LP
That album boasted the hit single "Patio Lanterns", and went triple platinum in Canada
That album boasted the hit single "Patio Lanterns", and went triple platinum in Canada
Kim Mitchell, July 2, 1986 | Ear of Newt
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www.patreon.com
January 29, 2026 at 3:17 AM
just posted the full audio of my second interview with #KimMitchell, recorded three weeks after the release of his Shakin' Like a Human Being LP
That album boasted the hit single "Patio Lanterns", and went triple platinum in Canada
That album boasted the hit single "Patio Lanterns", and went triple platinum in Canada
on this day in 1998 the #RollingStones played #Vancouver on the Bridges to Babylon Tour, and it was a real headscratcher
@rollingstonesdata.bsky.social @rollingstonesfan.bsky.social @keithrichards.bsky.social @classicrockpics.bsky.social @classicrockmag.bsky.social @rocksbackpages.bsky.social
@rollingstonesdata.bsky.social @rollingstonesfan.bsky.social @keithrichards.bsky.social @classicrockpics.bsky.social @classicrockmag.bsky.social @rocksbackpages.bsky.social
The Rolling Stones go from bogus to brilliant as the Bridges to Babylon Tour hits Vancouver
I’ve seen my fair share of B.C. Place rock concerts over the years, but none that have left me as perplexed as last Wednesday’s Stones show.
earofnewt.com
January 28, 2026 at 11:43 PM
on this day in 1998 the #RollingStones played #Vancouver on the Bridges to Babylon Tour, and it was a real headscratcher
@rollingstonesdata.bsky.social @rollingstonesfan.bsky.social @keithrichards.bsky.social @classicrockpics.bsky.social @classicrockmag.bsky.social @rocksbackpages.bsky.social
@rollingstonesdata.bsky.social @rollingstonesfan.bsky.social @keithrichards.bsky.social @classicrockpics.bsky.social @classicrockmag.bsky.social @rocksbackpages.bsky.social
hey #Vancouver music fans: do yourselves a favour and go see #Odds at the #Commodore on February 20, but get there early enough to see #StrippersUnion, 'cause they're awesome
Craig Northey calls his Strippers Union cohort Rob Baker a very deep musician
The Strippers Union features a couple of guys from two of Canada's best-ever bands, the Tragically Hip and the Odds.
earofnewt.com
January 28, 2026 at 2:15 AM
hey #Vancouver music fans: do yourselves a favour and go see #Odds at the #Commodore on February 20, but get there early enough to see #StrippersUnion, 'cause they're awesome
Here's ten Vancouver-area concerts that you should consider seeing in February, and almost all of them feature Canucks
Remember, when it comes to live music, buy Canadian.
@rickshawtheatre.bsky.social @foxcabaret.bsky.social @thesadiesofficial.bsky.social @cityofvancouver.bsky.social
Remember, when it comes to live music, buy Canadian.
@rickshawtheatre.bsky.social @foxcabaret.bsky.social @thesadiesofficial.bsky.social @cityofvancouver.bsky.social
Newt's top 10 Vancouver concerts to check out in February 2026
Vancouver rock 'n' roll legend Rich Hope plays the Rickshaw Theatre on February 20, with guests Janky Bungag and Runner.
earofnewt.com
January 28, 2026 at 1:22 AM
Here's ten Vancouver-area concerts that you should consider seeing in February, and almost all of them feature Canucks
Remember, when it comes to live music, buy Canadian.
@rickshawtheatre.bsky.social @foxcabaret.bsky.social @thesadiesofficial.bsky.social @cityofvancouver.bsky.social
Remember, when it comes to live music, buy Canadian.
@rickshawtheatre.bsky.social @foxcabaret.bsky.social @thesadiesofficial.bsky.social @cityofvancouver.bsky.social
40 years ago today I did my first interview with #RoyBuchanan, one of the greatest guitarists of all time
@fenderguitarsamps.bsky.social @guitarcenter.bsky.social @guitarplayer.com.web.brid.gy @bluesrockreview.bsky.social @rocksbackpages.bsky.social
@fenderguitarsamps.bsky.social @guitarcenter.bsky.social @guitarplayer.com.web.brid.gy @bluesrockreview.bsky.social @rocksbackpages.bsky.social
Roy Buchanan on turning down the Rolling Stones, loving Van Halen, and being flattered by Jeff Beck
Not many guitarists can say they were invited to join the Rolling Stones. Not many can say they turned the offer down either.
earofnewt.com
January 26, 2026 at 10:55 PM
40 years ago today I did my first interview with #RoyBuchanan, one of the greatest guitarists of all time
@fenderguitarsamps.bsky.social @guitarcenter.bsky.social @guitarplayer.com.web.brid.gy @bluesrockreview.bsky.social @rocksbackpages.bsky.social
@fenderguitarsamps.bsky.social @guitarcenter.bsky.social @guitarplayer.com.web.brid.gy @bluesrockreview.bsky.social @rocksbackpages.bsky.social
remembering #EddieVanHalen, born on this day in 1955 in Amsterdam
40 years later his big brother Alex told me when he first realized that Eddie had the makings of a guitar legend
@rocksbackpages.bsky.social @guitarplayer.com.web.brid.gy @guitarworld.com.web.brid.gy @classicrockmag.bsky.social
40 years later his big brother Alex told me when he first realized that Eddie had the makings of a guitar legend
@rocksbackpages.bsky.social @guitarplayer.com.web.brid.gy @guitarworld.com.web.brid.gy @classicrockmag.bsky.social
That time I asked Alex Van Halen when he first knew that Eddie had the makings of a guitar legend
It was clear right away that the guy creating the six-string racket on "You Really Got Me" had the makings of a guitar legend.
earofnewt.com
January 26, 2026 at 8:23 PM
remembering #EddieVanHalen, born on this day in 1955 in Amsterdam
40 years later his big brother Alex told me when he first realized that Eddie had the makings of a guitar legend
@rocksbackpages.bsky.social @guitarplayer.com.web.brid.gy @guitarworld.com.web.brid.gy @classicrockmag.bsky.social
40 years later his big brother Alex told me when he first realized that Eddie had the makings of a guitar legend
@rocksbackpages.bsky.social @guitarplayer.com.web.brid.gy @guitarworld.com.web.brid.gy @classicrockmag.bsky.social
just posted my 2004 interview with #PhantomPlanet frontman #AlexGreenwald for the first time
Anybody remember Phantom Planet?
They're still touring and making albums, apparently
Anybody remember Phantom Planet?
They're still touring and making albums, apparently
Phantom Planet frontman Alex Greenwald has been getting back into metal lately
"I used to listen to metal as a teenager, and I felt like revisiting it, in particular Slayer. That first Slayer record is really good."
earofnewt.com
January 26, 2026 at 7:51 PM
just posted my 2004 interview with #PhantomPlanet frontman #AlexGreenwald for the first time
Anybody remember Phantom Planet?
They're still touring and making albums, apparently
Anybody remember Phantom Planet?
They're still touring and making albums, apparently
just posted the full audio of my 2004 interview with Canadian rocker and actor #HughDillon
Always loved talkin' to that guy
Always loved talkin' to that guy
Hugh Dillon of the Hugh Dillon Redemption Choir, May 16, 2004 | Ear of Newt
Get more from Ear of Newt on Patreon
www.patreon.com
January 25, 2026 at 11:52 PM
just posted the full audio of my 2004 interview with Canadian rocker and actor #HughDillon
Always loved talkin' to that guy
Always loved talkin' to that guy
remembering #WarrenZevon, born on this day in 1947 in Chicago
He once told me that he managed to have a long and remarkably distinguished career and still remain poor
@warrenzevon.bsky.social @warrenzevon.com
He once told me that he managed to have a long and remarkably distinguished career and still remain poor
@warrenzevon.bsky.social @warrenzevon.com
Warren Zevon talks Vancouver's Odds, "Werewolves", scoring films, and managing to remain poor
Once upon a time, there were four young men who played in a band called Dawn Patrol at a Vancouver bar called the Roxy.
earofnewt.com
January 25, 2026 at 12:41 AM
remembering #WarrenZevon, born on this day in 1947 in Chicago
He once told me that he managed to have a long and remarkably distinguished career and still remain poor
@warrenzevon.bsky.social @warrenzevon.com
He once told me that he managed to have a long and remarkably distinguished career and still remain poor
@warrenzevon.bsky.social @warrenzevon.com
#MenWithoutHats play the casino in Coquitlam tomorrow (Saturday) night
No idea what they're like now, but when I interviewed singer #IvanDoroschuk back in '84 they were doin' alright
@menwithouthats.bsky.social @canadianmusicblog.bsky.social
No idea what they're like now, but when I interviewed singer #IvanDoroschuk back in '84 they were doin' alright
@menwithouthats.bsky.social @canadianmusicblog.bsky.social
Ivan Doroschuk says that Men Without Hats are trying to prove that a synth band can kick ass
"We're not into haircuts, we're not into clothes, we're not into being on the cover of magazines. We're just into making good rock and roll."
earofnewt.com
January 23, 2026 at 11:58 PM
#MenWithoutHats play the casino in Coquitlam tomorrow (Saturday) night
No idea what they're like now, but when I interviewed singer #IvanDoroschuk back in '84 they were doin' alright
@menwithouthats.bsky.social @canadianmusicblog.bsky.social
No idea what they're like now, but when I interviewed singer #IvanDoroschuk back in '84 they were doin' alright
@menwithouthats.bsky.social @canadianmusicblog.bsky.social
#BadReligion opens for the #Offspring in #Vancouver tomorrow (Saturday) night, which is weird because they're a better band
Here's the interview I did with singer #GregGraffin 30 years ago
@badreligionband.bsky.social @epitaphrecords.bsky.social
Here's the interview I did with singer #GregGraffin 30 years ago
@badreligionband.bsky.social @epitaphrecords.bsky.social
Bad Religion frontman Greg Graffin is more impressed by D.O.A. than the Sex Pistols
“All I knew was that throughout its history," says Bad Religion's Greg Graffin, "punk was always given a lot less credit than it deserved."
earofnewt.com
January 23, 2026 at 11:22 PM
#BadReligion opens for the #Offspring in #Vancouver tomorrow (Saturday) night, which is weird because they're a better band
Here's the interview I did with singer #GregGraffin 30 years ago
@badreligionband.bsky.social @epitaphrecords.bsky.social
Here's the interview I did with singer #GregGraffin 30 years ago
@badreligionband.bsky.social @epitaphrecords.bsky.social
a new video game-based horror flick called Return to Silent Hill opens in theatres today, but if it's anything like the last one I'd stay the fvck away
@fangoria.bsky.social @bdisgustingpod.bsky.social @dreadcentral.bsky.social @unclecreepy.bsky.social @horrormakesushappy.com
@fangoria.bsky.social @bdisgustingpod.bsky.social @dreadcentral.bsky.social @unclecreepy.bsky.social @horrormakesushappy.com
Silent Hill: Revelation 3D is so numbingly awful it tries to scare you with a Kellogg's Frosted Pop-Tart
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON OCT. 26, 2012 By Steve Newton When I walked into the Vancouver media screening of Silent Hill: Revelation 3D the other day, there was a handful of movie critics sitting around ...
earofnewt.com
January 23, 2026 at 9:56 PM
a new video game-based horror flick called Return to Silent Hill opens in theatres today, but if it's anything like the last one I'd stay the fvck away
@fangoria.bsky.social @bdisgustingpod.bsky.social @dreadcentral.bsky.social @unclecreepy.bsky.social @horrormakesushappy.com
@fangoria.bsky.social @bdisgustingpod.bsky.social @dreadcentral.bsky.social @unclecreepy.bsky.social @horrormakesushappy.com
remembering #LynyrdSkynyrd guitarist #AllenCollins, who died on this day in 1990 at the age of 37
Seven years later #RickeyMedlocke told me that he was hired to play Collins's guitar parts in Skynyrd
@skynyrdpod.bsky.social @lynyrdskynyrd.bsky.social @guitarworld.com.web.brid.gy
Seven years later #RickeyMedlocke told me that he was hired to play Collins's guitar parts in Skynyrd
@skynyrdpod.bsky.social @lynyrdskynyrd.bsky.social @guitarworld.com.web.brid.gy
That time Rickey Medlocke told me that he was hired to play Allen Collins' guitar parts in Skynyrd
Back in 1997 Lynyrd Skynyrd was headed to Vancouver for a show with Paul Rodgers, so you bet your ass I was gonna go.
earofnewt.com
January 23, 2026 at 8:24 PM
remembering #LynyrdSkynyrd guitarist #AllenCollins, who died on this day in 1990 at the age of 37
Seven years later #RickeyMedlocke told me that he was hired to play Collins's guitar parts in Skynyrd
@skynyrdpod.bsky.social @lynyrdskynyrd.bsky.social @guitarworld.com.web.brid.gy
Seven years later #RickeyMedlocke told me that he was hired to play Collins's guitar parts in Skynyrd
@skynyrdpod.bsky.social @lynyrdskynyrd.bsky.social @guitarworld.com.web.brid.gy
just posted my 2004 interview with Adam Renshaw of the Forty-Fives for the first time
Anybody remember the Forty-Fives?
They're still around, actually
@yeproc.bsky.social @stevenvanzandt.bsky.social
Anybody remember the Forty-Fives?
They're still around, actually
@yeproc.bsky.social @stevenvanzandt.bsky.social
The Forty-Fives' Adam Renshaw has been rockin' out to Creedence on a portable 8-track player
When I call Adam Renshaw up the drummer for the Forty-Fives is cruising through Sacramento in his band's van, enjoying a game of Scrabble.
earofnewt.com
January 22, 2026 at 10:05 PM
just posted my 2004 interview with Adam Renshaw of the Forty-Fives for the first time
Anybody remember the Forty-Fives?
They're still around, actually
@yeproc.bsky.social @stevenvanzandt.bsky.social
Anybody remember the Forty-Fives?
They're still around, actually
@yeproc.bsky.social @stevenvanzandt.bsky.social
just posted the full audio of my 2004 interview with #Atomic7 guitarist #BrianConnelly, who was also in Shadowy Men on a Shadowy Planet, the old house band for TV's The Kids in the Hall
@thekidsinthehall.bsky.social @fireflyguitar.bsky.social @livemusiccda.bsky.social
@thekidsinthehall.bsky.social @fireflyguitar.bsky.social @livemusiccda.bsky.social
Brian Connelly of Atomic 7, July 13, 2004 | Ear of Newt
Get more from Ear of Newt on Patreon
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January 22, 2026 at 9:13 PM
just posted the full audio of my 2004 interview with #Atomic7 guitarist #BrianConnelly, who was also in Shadowy Men on a Shadowy Planet, the old house band for TV's The Kids in the Hall
@thekidsinthehall.bsky.social @fireflyguitar.bsky.social @livemusiccda.bsky.social
@thekidsinthehall.bsky.social @fireflyguitar.bsky.social @livemusiccda.bsky.social
remembering #INXS singer #MichaelHutchence, born on this day in 1960 in Sydney, Australia
I interviewed him when he was just 23:
"America had its turn, England had its turn in the late seventies, and now it’s time for Australia."
@michaelhutchence.bsky.social @inxs.bsky.social
I interviewed him when he was just 23:
"America had its turn, England had its turn in the late seventies, and now it’s time for Australia."
@michaelhutchence.bsky.social @inxs.bsky.social
Michael Hutchence says INXS hopes to fill up the space between Men at Work and the Birthday Party
INXS are a six-piece modern rock band from Sydney, Australia. The group's third album, Shabooh Shoobah, was released last year.
earofnewt.com
January 22, 2026 at 8:17 PM
remembering #INXS singer #MichaelHutchence, born on this day in 1960 in Sydney, Australia
I interviewed him when he was just 23:
"America had its turn, England had its turn in the late seventies, and now it’s time for Australia."
@michaelhutchence.bsky.social @inxs.bsky.social
I interviewed him when he was just 23:
"America had its turn, England had its turn in the late seventies, and now it’s time for Australia."
@michaelhutchence.bsky.social @inxs.bsky.social
on this day in 1994 #RobertCray and #TajMahal played the Commodore Ballroom, and it was heaven for #Vancouver blues fans
@tajmahalblues.bsky.social @fenderguitarsamps.bsky.social
@tajmahalblues.bsky.social @fenderguitarsamps.bsky.social
Taj Mahal and Robert Cray deliver soulfully smokin' blues to a sold-out Commodore crowd
If there’s one thing that’s a sure cure for the sad-eyed, rain-soaked January blahs, it’s a blues show at Vancouver's Commodore Ballroom.
earofnewt.com
January 21, 2026 at 9:44 PM
on this day in 1994 #RobertCray and #TajMahal played the Commodore Ballroom, and it was heaven for #Vancouver blues fans
@tajmahalblues.bsky.social @fenderguitarsamps.bsky.social
@tajmahalblues.bsky.social @fenderguitarsamps.bsky.social
saddened to hear that #MidnightOil drummer #RobHirst has died at the age of 70
I really enjoyed interviewing him 25 years ago
@midnightoilpodcast.bsky.social @aussiemusic.bsky.social @australianmusician.bsky.social @aussiemusicfan.bsky.social
I really enjoyed interviewing him 25 years ago
@midnightoilpodcast.bsky.social @aussiemusic.bsky.social @australianmusician.bsky.social @aussiemusicfan.bsky.social
Rob Hirst of Midnight Oil, October 26, 2001 | Ear of Newt
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January 20, 2026 at 9:09 PM
saddened to hear that #MidnightOil drummer #RobHirst has died at the age of 70
I really enjoyed interviewing him 25 years ago
@midnightoilpodcast.bsky.social @aussiemusic.bsky.social @australianmusician.bsky.social @aussiemusicfan.bsky.social
I really enjoyed interviewing him 25 years ago
@midnightoilpodcast.bsky.social @aussiemusic.bsky.social @australianmusician.bsky.social @aussiemusicfan.bsky.social
just posted the full audio of my 2004 interview with #RickMiller of #SouthernCultureOnTheSkids
Anybody wanna hear me shootin' the shit with Rick Miller for 12 minutes?
@southernculture.bsky.social @nodepression.bsky.social
Anybody wanna hear me shootin' the shit with Rick Miller for 12 minutes?
@southernculture.bsky.social @nodepression.bsky.social
Rick Miller of Southern Culture on the Skids, April 15, 2004 | Ear of Newt
Get more from Ear of Newt on Patreon
www.patreon.com
January 20, 2026 at 3:02 AM
just posted the full audio of my 2004 interview with #RickMiller of #SouthernCultureOnTheSkids
Anybody wanna hear me shootin' the shit with Rick Miller for 12 minutes?
@southernculture.bsky.social @nodepression.bsky.social
Anybody wanna hear me shootin' the shit with Rick Miller for 12 minutes?
@southernculture.bsky.social @nodepression.bsky.social
happy 58th birthday to #UglyKidJoe singer #WhitfieldCrane
Anybody remember Ugly Kid Joe?
@uglykidjoe.bsky.social @rocksbackpages.bsky.social
Anybody remember Ugly Kid Joe?
@uglykidjoe.bsky.social @rocksbackpages.bsky.social
Ugly Kid Joe's smash hit "Everything About You" was spawned by tinkering on the piano
Ugly Kid Joe’s career skyrocketed on the strength of just one song, the humorous little ditty “Everything About You”.
earofnewt.com
January 19, 2026 at 10:14 PM
happy 58th birthday to #UglyKidJoe singer #WhitfieldCrane
Anybody remember Ugly Kid Joe?
@uglykidjoe.bsky.social @rocksbackpages.bsky.social
Anybody remember Ugly Kid Joe?
@uglykidjoe.bsky.social @rocksbackpages.bsky.social
35 years ago today I went and saw #Poison at the Pacific Coliseum in Vancouver
What the hell was I thinking?
What the hell was I thinking?
Poison's vacuous array of tunes would be outrocked by Loggins & Messina
There was good news and bad news going into last Saturday’s Poison gig at the Coliseum. The bad news was that Poison was still headlining.
earofnewt.com
January 19, 2026 at 9:17 PM
35 years ago today I went and saw #Poison at the Pacific Coliseum in Vancouver
What the hell was I thinking?
What the hell was I thinking?