Now Spinning Music Magazine - Artist Interviews and Music Reviews

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.

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 studio gear, writing “259” and “Time Bomb,” and the emotional real-life drama that unfolded during rehearsals.🔧 Studio freedom🔥 Arena gigs with Deep Purple & Thunder🎨 Hidden meanings in the album art❤️ A near-death moment saved by instinct🎶 And why Scarecrow was the moment everything changed...Magazine

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 on how the meaning of songs changes over time.Emotional, candid, and full of rare insights, this conversation is essential for any Wishbone Ash fan.“Everybody Needs a Friend was written to comfort my wife after she lost her mum. I never imagined how many people it would help.” Martin Turner

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 with Frontiers RecordsA potential return to the soul and funk of Feel and F.U.N.K.Reflections on loss, love, and legacy — from Tommy Bolin to Ozzy OsbourneThis is one of the most candid interviews Glenn has ever given, and it’s a powerful portrait of an artist who remains a force of nature, still reaching for truth through music.📅 Album out Sept 5, 2025Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine

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 speaking out on men's health topics like prostate exams and DVT awareness. He also shares strong thoughts on AI in music and the importance of preserving artistic legacy with integrity.🎶 Plus: Will we ever hear “In Brief Visitation” live? Could it feature in a future Christmas concert?📌 Watch now for rare insights from one of rock's most enduring and articulate voices.Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine

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 formation—along with the birth of their unmistakable sound and unforgettable name. Packed with personal stories, musical insights, and reflections on a remarkable journey, this is where it all began.🎧 Featuring stories behind tracks like “Mr. Heartache,” “Stop,” “Greatest Story Never Told,” and “Unfinished Symphony.”👨‍🚀 Plus the real reason they’re called Cats in Space...🪐 Subscribe for the full six-part journey!Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine

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 who made us feel seen.I talk about my own memories growing up in Birmingham, the way Ozzy's music helped me through tough times, and why he meant so much to so many of us.Please feel free to share your thoughts and stories in the comments. I’ll be compiling selected memories on the Now Spinning Magazine website to honour Ozzy’s legacy.Rest in peace, Ozzy. You were never an ordinary man.Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine

"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 longtime collaborator Roger King, and the way music transcends genre, language, and even mortality.This is Steve Hackett as you’ve never heard him—reflective, bold, and still taking musical risks at the highest level.Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine

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 sharing space and sound. From pop stars to metal gods, everyone knew this mattered.Back to the Beginning wasn’t perfect — it was far more than that. It was real. Messy, beautiful, loud, and human.Thank you Ozzy.Thank you Sabbath.Thank you Birmingham.Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine