Now Spinning Music Magazine - Artist Interviews and Music Reviews

“Where Are the Accounts?” – John McCoy on the Collapse of GillanIn this explosive interview, John McCoy – the powerhouse bassist of the Gillan band – tells the inside story of one of rock’s most volatile and exciting groups. From the chaotic birth of the band after the Ian Gillan Band faltered, to the raw energy of Mr. Universe and Glory Road, the wild stage antics, the brilliance of Bernie Tormé,...

I don’t usually go click-baity, but here we are. Lately I’ve had a wave of messages from viewers saying their new LPs arrive scratched, noisy, warped or covered in paper dust. Do Modern Vinyl Pressings Suck? My Honest Take (and Yours!)Is modern vinyl quality slipping—or am I just unlucky? In this video I share real examples from my recent purchases: factory scratches, split seams, noisy sides, ove...

The final episode in our six-part journey with Rock Band Cats in Space. I am joined once again by Greg Hart and Steevi Bacon to talk about the band’s latest album Time Machine, their new record deal with Cherry Red, the challenges of following Kickstart the Sun, and their ambitions for the future. We discuss the making of the album, standout tracks like My Father’s Eyes and Velvet Rush, the epic d...

Deep Purple Made in Japan: Steven Wilson Remix : The Ultimate VersionSteven Wilson remix of Deep Purple’s legendary Made in Japan. This is part one of a three-part detailed look into the 2025 super deluxe edition. In this episode I unbox the CD/Blu-ray edition, exploring the packaging, and give a personal reaction to the new mix – explaining why, after decades of collecting every version, this mig...

Join me for episode five of my special interview series with Cats in Space. “Every band has an Out of the Blue or a Physical Graffiti in them – Kickstart the Sun is ours.” – Greg Hart “We weren’t just pushing the boat out… we were pushing out the boat, the harbour, and the tide!” – Steevi Bacon This time, Greg Hart and Steevi Bacon take us inside the making of Kickstart the Sun – the band’s stunni...

Episode 4 of the six-part From Gods to Time Machines series with Cats in Space. Greg Hart recalls first hearing Damien Edwards audition recordings:“He could sing like a 13-year-old Donny Osmond or Freddie Mercury… and then he sends back four lead vocals in a day. Ian Capel just sat there and said, ‘Well, he’s the best singer I’ve ever recorded in my career.’”In this fourth episode of my 10 Years o...

Episode 3 of the six-part From Gods to Time Machines series with Cats in Space.“We had cabin fever, no money, and a double album to finish… the only option was to go big or go home.” – Greg HartI’m joined by Greg Hart and Stevie Bacon to discuss the making of Day Trip to Narnia – their most ambitious album yet. We cover:🎵 The birth of Johnny Rocket and the 27-minute rock musical at the album’s he...

In Episode 2 of From Gods to Time Machines, we dive into the making of Scarecrow (2017) — the bold and cinematic second album from Cats in Space. Join Phil Aston (Now Spinning Magazine) in conversation with founding members Greg Hart and Steevi Bacon as they reveal how Scarecrow took the band from a promising studio project to a full-blown live phenomenon. Hear the inside stories behind legendary...

Wishbone Ash Special - In this in-depth interview, I talk to Martin Turner — founding member, bassist, vocalist, and songwriter for Wishbone Ash — about the acclaimed Madfish box sets, the creation of Argus, There’s The Rub, New England, and more. Martin shares personal stories behind “The King Will Come,” “Everybody Needs a Friend,” and “Lifeline,” discusses his classical influences, and reflects...

Glenn Hughes joins me for an exclusive in-depth interview about CHOSEN, his first solo album in nine years — and possibly his final rock album. In this emotional and deeply personal conversation, Glenn opens up about:The spiritual themes behind ChosenWriting from a place of recovery and awarenessPreserving his iconic voice through breathwork and Buddhist practiceWhy this might be his last album wi...

In this exclusive Now Spinning Magazine interview, I sit down with Ian Anderson from Jethro Tull for a wide-ranging conversation covering the Curiosity concert series, setlist creation across 24 albums, upcoming deluxe box sets, and the spiritual significance of the annual Christmas concerts. Ian opens up about the physical demands of performance, his views on health and aging, and why he's speaki...

Episode 1 - From Heartache to Harmony – The Birth of Cats in SpaceIn this first episode of our exclusive six-part series celebrating the 10th anniversary of Cats in Space, I sit down with founding members Steevi Bacon and Greg Hart to revisit the making of their iconic debut album, Too Many Gods. We explore the chance encounters, musical turning points, and emotional moments that led to the band’s...

Ozzy Osbourne has sadly passed away. In this heartfelt video, I reflect on the immense impact Ozzy had—not only on music, but on generations of fans around the world. This is a personal tribute, but it’s also for you—the fans. Whether you discovered Black Sabbath through your parents, or found Ozzy’s solo albums on your own journey, we all share something: a connection to an extraordinary artist w...

"Don't Fall Off the Musical Tightrope" – Steve Hackett Interview 2025Guitar legend Steve Hackett returns to Now Spinning Magazine for an exclusive and deeply personal interview about his new live release: The Lamb Stands Up – Live at the Royal Albert Hall. We discuss the magic of the show, the emotional weight of playing for family, the evolution of his playing, the retirement of lon...

Growing up in Birmingham, Sabbath were part of my DNA. I carried their albums like talismans. They were protection, identity, defiance. Hearing those songs now is like reading diary entries etched into vinyl grooves. At this concert, I saw not just my past, but my present and future reflected back. What struck me most was the sheer humanity of it all. Musicians just having fun. Young and old shari...

Black Sabbath - What if your teenage rock heroes became your real-life friends? In this special episode of the Now Spinning Magazine Podcast, I speak with Pat Renau, a lifelong Black Sabbath fan whose passion and timing led to unforgettable access to the band in the 1970s. From sneaking a photo at 17 to sharing lunch with Ozzy Osbourne, attending gigs across multiple tours, and even mixing Ozzy’s...

Black Sabbath Farewell Show – A Personal Message to Ozzy Fans EverywhereThis is a personal update on the Back To The Beginning Black Sabbath show — what will likely be Ozzy Osbourne’s final public performance and part of a film celebrating his life and career. There’s been a lot of discussion online about the stream, the pricing, the two-hour delay, and Ozzy’s health. I wanted to take a step back...

Why Gentle Giant’s Music Is More Popular Now Than Ever – Kerry Minnear InterviewJoin me and Sue Aston of Now Spinning Magazine as we chat with Kerry Minnear, the legendary keyboard player and multi-instrumentalist from the iconic progressive rock band Gentle Giant. With the celebrated reissue and remix of the band's classic live album 'Playing The Fool', Kerry discusses the band’s unex...

Russ Ballard on ‘Songs from the Warehouse’ and the Hits That Shaped RockDiscover the music and magic of legendary songwriter Russ Ballard in this in-depth interview! Best known for writing chart-topping hits like “Since You’ve Been Gone” (Rainbow), “Winning” (Santana), “I Surrender” (Rainbow), and “God Gave Rock and Roll to You” (Kiss), Russ opens up about his incredible career, his iconic modifie...

Join me, Phil Aston of Now Spinning Magazine, as I sit down with the wonderful Candice Night—singer, songwriter, and wife of legendary guitarist Ritchie Blackmore. In this revealing interview, Candice opens up about the deeply personal inspiration behind her new solo album, Sea Glass (out April 25th). She delves into stories of love, family, and loss, and explains how nature became her guiding lig...

Sixteen in ’75: The Records That Shaped My Life Ep 2 : Thin LizzyThin Lizzy : Fighting : 1975This a new brand-new video series called “Sixteen in ’75.” This year, a lot of Channels are celebrating albums turning 50, and that includes an incredible batch from 1975. But for me, there’s a personal twist—1975 was the year I turned 16 and left school to start my first job. It was a tough time of transi...

Tim Durling on Y&T, Kansas, and Sammy HagarTim is the author of several books exploring beloved (yet often undersung) rock acts, including Y&T, Kansas, and Sammy Hagar. In our chat, Tim shares how his love of liner notes, a keen ear for undiscovered gems, and a few twists of fate led him to pen these in-depth guides. Get access to the Private Facebook Group, What's App Group and invite...

An exclusive chat with former Scorpions drummer Herman Rarebell as he unveils his uplifting new album, What About Love. Discover how he and a talented cast of friends re-envision iconic 80s tracks—blending rock nostalgia with an inspiring message of unity, positivity, and timeless appeal. Become a Patron (free trial -cancel anytime) supporting me. Phil :) Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine

This a new brand-new Podcast series called “Sixteen in ’75.” This year, a lot of Channels are celebrating albums turning 50, and that includes an incredible batch from 1975. But for me, there’s a personal twist—1975 was the year I turned 16 and left school to start my first job. It was a tough time of transitions, factory dust, and figuring out who I was. This series is all about the albums that g...

I sit down with producer and audio specialist Richard Whittaker to discuss the brand-new Thin Lizzy Acoustic Sessions album. Richard shares how he unearthed forgotten elements in the master tapes, recorded new guitar parts with Eric Bell, and balanced vintage authenticity with modern production. We also dive into his work on the 1976 Thin Lizzy Box Set, Robin Trower’s Bridge of Sighs, and The Who’...