In this very special episode of VRP Rocks, host Paul Stephenson swaps his Highland studio for the O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire in London — joining Foghat legend Roger Earl backstage just hours before the band’s historic return to the UK stage for the first time since 1973!
Invited as a special guest by Roger and his wife/manager Linda, Paul takes you behind the scenes of a truly unforgettable night — from soundcheck to dressing room stories, right through to showtime.
Roger talks about what it means to finally play in the UK again, reflects on five decades of Foghat, and shares stories of growing up in London. And if you missed it, don’t forget to scroll back and listen to the full 50th anniversary deep-dive into Fool for the City – a must-hear celebration of the album that made them stars.
Hit play and join Paul backstage for a unique moment in rock history.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
--------
18:18
--------
18:18
John McFee - My 5 Favourite Albums I Played On
He’s played with some of the biggest names in rock history and now, for the first time, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer John McFee reveals his five favourite albums that he’s played on himself!
From Elvis Costello to The Doobie Brothers, Van Morrison to Huey Lewis and the News, John’s guitar, pedal steel and production work have shaped decades of classic rock, country rock and Americana.
In this exclusive VRP Rocks interview, John looks back on his incredible career sharing inside stories from the studio, memories of the sessions and what made these albums so special to him.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
--------
30:17
--------
30:17
Stu Cook (CCR) & John McFee (Doobie Brothers) - Jackdawg!
What happens when rock legends from two iconic bands lock themselves in a studio with no rules, no label pressure and total creative freedom?
In this very special episode of VRP Rocks, Paul Stephenson sits down with Stu Cook of Creedence Clearwater Revival and John McFee of The Doobie Brothers to unearth the incredible lost story of Jackdawg — a band made up of three Rock & Roll Hall of Famers whose early ’90s album was shelved before it ever got a proper release… until now.
Hear how this unique project came together, why it disappeared for decades and why 2025 is finally the time for Jackdawg’s music to be heard.
📺 Love classic rock? Check out VRP Rocks on YouTube — with 35,000 subscribers and 11 million views — for even more exclusive interviews and rock history.
And if you missed it, scroll back to last week’s episode where Stu dives into his CCR days, and stay tuned for next week’s follow-up as John McFee reveals the 5 greatest albums he’s ever played on — from Van Morrison and Elvis Costello to The Grateful Dead and more.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
--------
23:16
--------
23:16
142. Stu Cook - Creedence Clearwater Revival
He was a member of one of America’s most iconic rock bands — and in this exclusive interview, Stu Cook takes us deep into the story of Creedence Clearwater Revival.
From the band’s humble beginnings as a high school trio to headlining Woodstock, scoring a UK No.1 with Bad Moon Rising and releasing six albums in just over two years — Stu shares a front-row perspective on the meteoric rise of CCR.
We talk about his friendship with Doug Clifford, the origin of the band’s name, the whirlwind recording and touring schedule and why CCR’s story is unlike any other in rock history. There’s also chat about the long-lost documentary, the late Tom Fogerty, and why Bayou Country still holds a special place for Stu.
If you love the music of CCR, this is a must-listen.
And if you want even more from the CCR universe, scroll back to episode 28 for my interview with drummer Doug Clifford, and stay tuned for part two of this conversation — where Stu returns alongside John McFee of the Doobie Brothers to discuss a long-shelved album finally seeing the light of day.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
--------
39:53
--------
39:53
Roger Earl - Foghat 50th Anniversary of Fool For The City
Foghat’s Fool For the City is an iconic 70s album — and in this episode, drummer and founding member Roger Earl returns to VRP Rocks to celebrate its 50th anniversary. From the legendary anthem Slow Ride to deep cuts that helped make Foghat a household name in the U.S., this is a full deep-dive into the record that changed everything.
In this extended conversation, Roger reveals the stories behind the songs, the recording process with producer Nick Jameson, the creation of that unforgettable album cover and what it felt like to finally crack the American market. If you're a fan of Foghat or classic rock history in general, this episode is packed with insights, laughs and rock 'n' roll tales you won’t want to miss.
Be sure to check out Roger’s previous appearances on Episode 38 (career retrospective) and his Side 2 episode on the band’s latest album Sonic Mojo.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The ultimate classic rock podcast with big name interviews on every episode including 30+ Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees! If you love classic rock and want to hear stories of the glory days from the guys who were at the heart of the action then you'll LOVE this comprehensive classic rock podcast, hosted by UK radio veteran, Paul Stephenson!
Check out the VRP Rocks YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@VRPRocks
Proudly part of Pantheon Podcasts Network.
Australia