Showing results by author "Pete Bruen" in All Categories

When Nirvana's Kurt Cobain inadvertently took his own life he left behind an army of shock rock fans. Nirvana and Cobain were the ones to put classic trash rock firmly on the map and sow the seeds for other young pretenders to follow. They were the mentors of Seattle sub-pop - and no one can say what direction their music would have taken, had Kurt lived on. Cobain says, "I started Nirvana because I had nothing else to do. I don't like sports so a band seemed to be a last resort for something to do socially.

Punk trio Blink-182 was formed in Chula Vista, California, near San Diego, around vocalist/guitarist Tom Delonge, bassist Mark Hoppus, and drummer Scott Raynor, who subsequently left the band and was replaced by Travis Barker. Whether you consider them crass, obnoxious, foul-mouthed, or juvenile, one thing is obvious: Blink-182 are market savvy.

Liam Gallaher is a man of controversy, arguments, rivalry and sensationalism. "Fans want to see their stars shining," says Liam, "We play the game and give the fans what they want and Oasis is a real rock n' roll band". When brother Noel gave up his roadie job with Inspiral Carpets and joined the band, it was the turning point for Oasis - although Liam would never allow you to say that - and the greatest music industry sensation since the Beatles were born.

Metallica are probably the last real heavy metal band. Rounder member drummer Lars Ulrich, guitarist Rick Hammett, bass player Jason Newsted, and vocalist / guitarist James Hetfield just rock - pure and simple - and that is their purpose in life. They may have moved on, but they have not forgotten their roots.

Call it Zen Acid or Acid Punk, as guitarist Kin Thayil describes Soundgarden's music, the band realised the perfect cross between The Cult, Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin. Kim confirms that the band's taste in music crosses borders, adding, "If heavies like us, that’s cool. We are not really worried about who likes us as long as we enjoy performing what we do."

The Prodigy's claim to be the best live band in the world could well be valid. Coming form Essex in the UK they court controversy, are terrifyingly loud, and kick up more of a fuss than the likes of Nirvana did.

Shock, controversy and pathological rage are the order of the day with Eminem (Marshal Bruce Mathers the III - aka Slim Shady) . In a short few months he became one of the most provocative, outrageous and obsessive rappers in contemporary music. As Eminem rocks the rap world, the hip hop community greets him with open arms and rock stations and the fans just can't get enough.

Smashing Pumpkins must have been tempted to follow the success of Nirvana and Pearl Jam, especially as they sought the influence of Butch Vig in the studio; however they refused to follow the scene and maintained their non-image identity. In this unique and exclusive audiobiog, we hear how emotions drove the band and how essential it is to have a state of mind in the studio that allows for creative inspiration.

Jimmy Page, former Yardbirds member and session guitarist, was the founding member of Led Zeppelin, the band that invented the heavy-metal genre. This unique and exclusive audiobiog features Jimmy with David Coverdale. David leapt from nowhere to stardom when he replaced Ian Gillan as lead vocalist with Deep Purple and then went on to form Whitesnake, a band at the forefront of Britain’s new wave of heavy metal.

The Bon Jovi story is one of sheer determination and talent. Hard-rock band Bon Jovi was formed in New Jersey, USA, and fronted by Jon Bon Jovi. His four co members were Richie Sambora, David Bryan (Rashbaum), Ticco Tores, and Alec John Such. Jon Bon Jovi spent the years 1983 to 1988 establishing the band as one of the most popular hard-rock bands around. Success came in the form of platinum albums such as Slippery When Wet and New Jersey.

Radiohead have been called the Beatles true heirs, a group advancing in such leaps and bounds that their contemporaries are trailing in their wake. For a reputation and status like that you would expect a group to be something out of the ordinary.

Mansun, from Chester, UK, comprised of guitarist Paul Draper, bassist Stove King, guitarist and vocalist Dominic Chad and drummer Andy Rathbone. The band were originally called Grey Lantern but then changed their name to Mansun. The band were noted for changing ther fashion styles as quickly as they changed their musical styles. Mansun were always shrouded in controversy and the music press painted them as a band of rock n' roll excess, leaving a trail of smashed up hotel rooms in their wake.

Alternative rock band Suede kick started the Britpop movement and reinvigorated the Britisth music scene. They are considered as some to be one of the most important and influential British rock bands of the nineties. Simon Gilbert, Richard Oakes (who replaced Bernard Butler), Mat Osman, Neil Codling and Brett Anderson were hailed as the best new band in Britian and won numerous awards.

In the early days Bon Jovi were support band for KISS. This is an exclusive interview with Jon Bon Jovi and drummer Tico. Jon takes fame in his stride and refuses to accept flattery, preferring instead to let his music do the talking for him. An actor and a rock star, Jon Bon Jovi has it all , and Tico displays a dedicated youthful enthusiasm.

Ruled by numbers and into chaos, SLIPKNOT are metal's messed up hardcore sensation. Iowa used to be the middle of nowhere and then there was Slipnot. The frightening persona and barcoded number assignment, with faces shrouded in masks deliver complete brutality. Putting on the masks reveal wha s inside each of the characters, something they live 24 hours a day and an extension of their personalities.

Peter Andre's Celebrity success was inevitable from the very first time he performed on BBC's "Top of the Pops". What Peter did next always succeeded. Peter, originally from England, moved to Australia when he was ten years onld and then relocated to the UK to acquire his celebrity status.

When the going gets tough Ireland's Westlife gets going. It's hard to believe that Westlife stormed the charts and achieved success in such a short period of time and within a few years of their forming they had seven number 1's, Best New Band, Record of The Year and a biography under their belts

Spice Girls are a pop phenomenon. The mentors of "girl power" , the girls all knew they were bound for success. Mel C, Geri, Posh, Sporty, and baby Spice reveal how their success began, how they decided on artist management and what made them choose their record company.

Sepultura have always upheld their Brazilian roots. Band members Max Cavalera ( vocals / guitar), Andreas Kisser (guitar), Paolo Jr. (bass) and Igor Caverla (drums) feature in this exclusive audiobiog and share how traditional tribal music features in their writing and performances as they rose from the poverty of San Paola to become Brazil's first international music success story.

Justin Timberlake, Chris, Joey, JC, and Lansten made up the sensational 'N Sync, a genuine boy band. 'N Sync got together and were friends long before success beckoned. Although they are all from different backgrounds, have different musical tastes, and come from different parts of America, they were totally 'N Sync.