Now Spinning Music Magazine - Artist Interviews and Music Reviews

Guitar legend Steve Hackett returns to the Now Spinning Magazine Podcast for our fifth conversation. We talk candidly about health, the healing power of music, his packed 2025–2026 touring schedule, 38 minutes of new studio material, band lineup changes (Nick D’Virgilio, Felix Lehrmann, L.A. Lawson), the Dolby Atmos experience of The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway, and the long-form magic of Foxtrot, Selling England by the Pound, and “Supper’s Ready.”Steve also addresses the big question: could there be a future classical-leaning collaboration with Tony Banks and other Genesis members? His answer: “Never say never”—if it serves a greater purpose and the music.Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine

Guitar legend Steve Howe (Yes, Asia) returns to Now Spinning Magazine for the 3rd time! to go deep on the new reissues of Portraits of Bob Dylan (1999) and Natural Timbre (2001). We discuss how he chose the songs, why he avoided the obvious Dylan hits, arranging with taste (and restraint), performances with Jon Anderson, Annie Haslam, PP Arnold, Phoebe Snow, Allan Clarke, Max Bacon, Keith West, and the elegant drumming of Dylan Howe.We also explore the acoustic architecture of Natural Timbre—fingerstyle breakthroughs (“Dream River”), sequencing as storytelling, and knowing when to put the brushes down. Plus: Steve hints at a new Dylan-related EP, Signals Crossed, bringing the Portraits spirit into the present.Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine

Derek Trucks - Exclusive Interview It’s not every day you get to sit down with one of your all-time favourite guitarists. Derek Trucks — slide innovator, bandleader, and co-captain (with Susan Tedeschi) of the mighty Tedeschi Trucks Band — joined me to talk about the long-awaited release of Mad Dogs & Englishmen Revisited (Live at LOCKN’), the legacy of Joe Cocker and Leon Russell, the telepathy of sharing a band with your spouse, Indian classical music as a nightly compass, and the quietly radical idea of being a joyful, human big band in turbulent times.The conversation traces how a one-off 2015 tribute bloomed into a definitive live album, why “Space Captain” helped launch TTB itself, what happened when a rehearsal room turned electric with 20 original Mad Dogs, and why Derek’s red SG keeps calling him home. Along the way we touch on grief, gratitude, and the kind of communal music-making that makes ushers stop in their tracks at soundcheck.Thank you for all your supportPhil AstonNow Spinning Magazine

“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, and the shocking collapse when Gillan disappeared into Black Sabbath – McCoy holds nothing back.We cover his work with Zzebra, Samson, Mammoth, Angel Air Records, and his enduring legacy in British rock. Essential viewing for fans of Deep Purple, Gillan, and the entire Purple family tree.“When I first worked with Bernie, he blew my mind. He wasn’t like anyone else – punk attitude, Hendrix fire, and just wild. I knew immediately he was the one. He gave the band that danger and rawness it needed.” John McCoyPhil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine

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, over-tight inners… and some truly excellent, silent pressings too. I explain what I mean by a “great pressing,” why 180g and half-speed stickers don’t guarantee results, and how packaging/shipping choices make a huge difference.Most importantly, I want your experiences. I’ll compile your comments and send a summary to labels and pressing plants so your voices are heard. Are you returning more records? Which labels get it right? Has price vs reliability changed your buying?Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazinewww.nowspinning.co.uk

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 drum sound at Salvation Studios, and the bonus covers on the CD edition. The band also share plans for live shows.If you’ve missed the first episodes, catch up on the full story of Cats in Space’s first ten years on the Now Spinning Magazine channel.PLEASE SUPPORT 'NOW SPINNING MAGAZINE'Become a Patron (free trial -cancel anytime) https://www.patreon.com/nowspinningor Join the YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnZSsMr4k8ZVlrJ8MUYR4GA/joinGet a Now Spinning Magazine T-Shirt and Mug - The Merch Shop is now open! https://nowspinningmagazine.co.uk/

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 might just be the definitive Made in Japan.➡️ Part two will cover Richard Digby Smith’s remixes of all three nights.➡️ Part three will look at the massive 10LP vinyl box set.If you love Deep Purple, live albums, or the art of remixing classic recordings, you won’t want to miss this.👉 Subscribe for more reviews, interviews, and music chat.👉 Become a Patron or YouTube member for exclusive content and community perks.Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine

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 BaconThis time, Greg Hart and Steevi Bacon take us inside the making of Kickstart the Sun – the band’s stunning 2022 double album that became one of my all-time favourites. We discuss the inspiration behind its ambitious scale, the challenges of creating such an epic work, plus the stories behind the songs.Thank you for all your supportPhilPLEASE SUPPORT 'NOW SPINNING MAGAZINE'Become a Patron (free trial -cancel anytime) https://www.patreon.com/nowspinningor Join the YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnZSsMr4k8ZVlrJ8MUYR4GA/joinGet a Now Spinning Magazine T-Shirt and Mug - The Merch Shop is now open! https://nowspinningmagazine.co.uk/Now Spinning Magazine - MAC Upgrade Fundhttps://ko-fi.com/nowspinningmagazinewithphilaston

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 of Cats in Space interview series, I’m joined by Greg Hart and Steevi Bacon to explore the making of the band’s 2020 album Atlantis. This was a pivotal release — a new singer, a global pandemic, and personal challenges all shaped its creation. Hear how Damien Edwards joined the band, how Stevie recorded before major heart surgery, and how Atlantis became one of the band’s most cinematic and uplifting albums.🎧 Featuring stories behind I Fell Out of Love with Rock and Roll, Sunday Best, Spaceship Superstar and more.Thank you for all your supportMagazine

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 heart🎵 The accidental disco hit “Thunder in the Night”🎵 Creating the collectible “Narnia Box” and selling out in days🎵 The pressures of recording, financing, and keeping creative vision alive🎵 The end of the Paul Manzi era – and what came nextFull of behind-the-scenes stories, humour, and heartfelt reflection – this is the definitive Narnia conversation.