Medium Rare Interviews

Rare classic rock interviews by Redbeard from the vast In the Studio archive

Grateful Dead’s Bob Weir Passed at 78

The Grateful Dead's "other one", Bob Weir, has died from cancer at 78.

Mark Knopfler- Solo Best pt 1

"Dire Straits' success came with a lot of baggage...I think a sense of humor is critical to doing this," reveals guitarist/singer/songwriter Mark Knopfler in part one of his solo best of, including "Sailing to Philadelphia" (2000), "The Ragpicker's Dream" (2002), and 2004's " Shangri La". Mark Knopfler is my thoughtful guest here In the Studio for part one of his post-Dire Straits 21st century output.

Alex Lifeson- Victor 30th Anniversary

The January 1996 solo project release "Victor"  by Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson was a highly personal rock Rorschach test for the gestalt guitarist, primal scream therapy with a beat. Alex Lifeson lies down on the couch here In the Studio on the album's thirtieth anniversary.. 

R.E.M.- Fables of the Reconstruction- Michael Stipe, Peter Buck

With R.E.M. lead singer Michael Stipe and lead guitarist Peter Buck in my classic rock interview. Includes the earliest days of the Athens GA band, with songs from their first four full albums Murmur, Reckoning, Fables of the Reconstruction, & Life's Rich Pageant.

Spirit- Twelve Dreams of Dr Sardonicus 55th- Jay Ferguson

In order to explore the best of Spirit plus the concept album "The Twelve Dreams of Dr. Sardonicus", we sat down with singer/ songwriter/ keyboard player Jay Ferguson to hear "I Got a Line on You", "Dark-Eyed Woman", "Animal Zoo"," Mr Skin", and "Nature's Way".

The Kinks- Sir Ray Davies

For "Lola", Kinks singer/songwriter Sir Ray Davies In the Studio discussing those essential Kinks recordings.

The Outlaws- Ghost Riders- Henry Paul, the late Hughie Thomasson

November 1980 The Outlaws released "Ghost Riders". Henry Paul and the late Hughie Thomasson, the only musician to perform on every Outlaws album, joined me In the Studio for this classic rock interview in what sadly turned out to be Hughie's final one.

Todd Snider, Prolific Songwriter, Gone at 59

So many of my personal friends and music business professionals who I love and respect clearly loved singer/songwriter Todd Snider.To them and to all of Todd Snider's fans, I offer my 2007 conversation with him where Todd is very much alive.

J Geils Band- Peter Wolf

To mark the 55th anniversary of their debut album, it is only fitting that we throw down a J Geils Band house party, hosted by lead singer Peter Wolf In the Studio.

Alan Parsons Project- Turn of a Friendly Card

The real-life backstory inspiration for the Alan Parsons Project's million-seller album "Turn of a Friendly Card", released in November 1980, is pretty interesting. Alan Parsons is my guest In the Studio.

Rock Hall Righteous Recognition: Joe Cocker!!!

Certainly the late Joe Cocker was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame years ago, right? Joe Cocker who sang definitive versions of "Feelin' Alright","With a Little Help from My Friends","The Letter","Cry Me a River","Unchain My Heart","You Can Leave Your Hat On","Up Where We Belong","She Came in Through the Bathroom Window","Delta Lady","When the Night Comes", and "You Are So Beautiful" must have been a first ballot lock for Rock Hall induction, right? Listen here and consider how such an egregious omission could have continued until now.

Joe Cocker- Mad Dogs and Englishmen- with Leon Russell

...So when it took 36 years after Cocker's iconic coming-out party at the Woodstock Festival for me to get access, understandably I was anxious as to what I would get. As you'll hear, Joe Cocker was a lovable gentle soul who was a great conversationalist , sometimes endearing , often hysterically funny. And the addition of guest Mad Dogs & Englishmen musical director Leon Russell answered a lot of questions about both of their subsequent careers after this tour, double live album , and feature film. Redbeard

Warren Zevon- Excitable Boy

Warren Zevon, the gambler's son who wrote and sang "I'll Sleep When I'm Dead", presumably is indeed resting in peace, having passed away far too soon in 2003...Here is my rare interview with Warren Zevon for “Excitable Boy".as he is inducted posthumously into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Soundgarden- Rock & Roll Hall of Fame- the late Chris Cornell

Soundgarden lead singer/songwriter the late Chris Cornell sifted through the myths and legends here In the Studio to outline the essence of the time, place, and people who enabled Soundgarden eventual entre' into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Simple Minds- Once Upon a Time- Jim Kerr

... the story of Simple Minds’ breakthrough 1985 album "Once Upon a Time" . We have lead singer/ lyricist Jim Kerr here In the Studio.