Now Spinning Music Magazine - Artist Interviews and Music Reviews

Ritchie Blackmore has performed with Deep Purple for the first time since 1993, joining the band at Jones Beach in New York for an unforgettable version of “Smoke on the Water.”In this video, I share my emotional response to those extraordinary six minutes—not simply the notes Ritchie played, but the smiles, affection and very human interaction between him, Ian Gillan and the rest of Deep Purple.This was not about recreating the past. Neither Ritchie Blackmore nor Deep Purple has anything left to prove. It was about old musical brothers putting their differences aside while there was still time and allowing the music to bring them together again.I also pay tribute to Candice Night, Simon McBride and everyone who helped make this remarkable moment possible.Music is the healer and the doctor.What did this reunion mean to you? Did you ever believe that we would see Ritchie Blackmore sharing a stage with Deep Purple again? Please share your thoughts and memories in the comments.
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
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Greg Hart Builds His Dream 1976 Album – 10 Tracks, Two Sides, No FillersWhat would be on your perfect ten-track album from 1976?In this special episode of the Now Spinning Magazine podcast, I am joined by Greg Hart, guitarist and songwriter with Cats in Space, to create his dream vinyl compilation from one of the most extraordinary years in music.This is not a conventional countdown. Greg has selected five tracks for side one and five for side two, carefully choosing the opening song, the final track and several unexpected deep cuts along the way.His choices move from Rainbow, Thin Lizzy and Status Quo to classic pop, soul and disco—and there are absolutely no guilty pleasures. Greg explains what these records meant to him as a young music fan and reveals how artists including 10cc, the Four Seasons, John Miles and Phil Lynott helped shape the writing, harmonies and production of Cats in Space.We also discuss the forthcoming Cats in Space album, the first from the new line-up featuring Chris Childs and Sam Wood. Greg reveals why side one will rock harder than ever, why side two contains five epics, how Thin Lizzy influenced the new guitar arrangements and why the album will receive a refreshingly straightforward physical release on classic black vinyl and CD.
Which ten songs would make your own 1976 compilation? What would open side one—and which song would bring the album to a close? Please share your track listing in the comments.
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine

Steve Hackett joins me for the sixth time on Now Spinning Magazine to discuss The Roaring Waves, his long-awaited instrumental collaboration with Marillion guitarist Steve Rothery.
Steve explains how the album became “a musical conversation between two guitarists,” with no competition and no desire to fill every available space. We discuss the importance of restraint, sustain and atmosphere; the influence of cinematic and film-noir soundtracks; and how the pair created an emotional connection without conventional lyrics.
Steve also takes us inside several of the album’s key compositions, including “The Black Sea,” “Sandsend,” “Red Dragon,” the tragic submarine story behind “K-129” and the joyful Americana of “Pacific Coast Highway,” on which he plays amplified harmonica.
We also discuss the unusual guitar sounds used throughout the record, the immersive Dolby Atmos mix and Steve’s suggestion that the response has been so encouraging that another Hackett and Rothery album may follow.
The Roaring Waves by Steve Hackett and Steve Rothery will be released through InsideOutMusic on 28 August 2026.Please share your thoughts in the comments. Are you looking forward to hearing the complete album—and would you like Steve Hackett and Steve Rothery to make another one?
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine

Deep Purple keyboard legend Don Airey joins me on the Now Spinning Magazine Podcast to discuss the band's new studio album Splat!.In this exclusive interview, Don talks about working with Simon McBride, the band's creative chemistry, recording together in the studio, Bob Ezrin's influence on the songwriting process, the role of the Hammond organ, and why Deep Purple continue to sound inspired more than fifty years into their career.Plus, Don shares stories about the making of Splat!, life on the road with Deep Purple, and how many of the album's songs could take on a whole new life in concert.If you're a fan of Deep Purple, Rainbow, Jon Lord, Ian Gillan, Ian Paice, Roger Glover or classic hard rock, this is an interview you won't want to miss.
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine

Dr. Otis Williams, founding and sole surviving original member of The Temptations, joins Phil Aston of Now Spinning Magazine for a fascinating conversation about Motown, music, friendship and legacy.
From growing up in Texas and moving to Detroit, to meeting Berry Gordy, recording My Girl, performing alongside The Four Tops, and seeing his life portrayed in the Broadway hit Ain't Too Proud, Otis shares memories from one of the most remarkable careers in popular music.
We also discuss Motown's enduring influence, the story behind Papa Was A Rollin' Stone, protecting The Temptations' legacy, and why he still loves performing these timeless songs today.
⁠If you love Motown, soul music and music history, this is an interview you won't want to miss.⁠
⁠Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine ⁠