Audio Vault

Listen to the Scorpion's Klaus Meine discuss the final Scorpions tour.

The premiere voice of metal, Rob Halford of Judas Priest, has released an album with his band Halford called "Winter Songs." Not only does this album treat the songs with genuine respect and joy, but also with what we expect from this King of Metal! This is a must have Christmas album for rockers! Rob also talks about Priest, the British Steel Anniversary tour, Nostradamus, and coming back to Portland. He is one of the kindest people you will ever meet, which seems in direct contrast to his on stage persona. Merry Christmas from Halford!

Kansas released a DVD/CD set called "There's No Place Like Home" on October 13th, 2009. Recorded in Topeka in honor of their 35th Anniversary along with The Washburn University Symphony, it's a loving record of Kansas live. Rich Williams talks to Iris about how the concert came together, how it differs from their tour which was recently in Tacoma, how they decided on the songs, and why you probably will not be hearing any brand new songs from the band in the near future. They would however like to do more shows with local symphony orchestras in the tours to come.

Tommy cut his teeth rockin' the local Portland bar scene when we first met and he was just out of high school. From local bands, to the nationally known Black 'n Blue, and now a member of KISS, he is one of the nicest and coolest guys on the planet. Tommy talks about the KISS Alive 35 Tour coming to Portland on November 17th, the new album "Sonic Boom," his rock history, joining KISS, Gene Simmons, and giving back to the community he's from.

The founder of The Sons of Champlin and member of Chicago for 28 years goes it alone on his new CD "No Place Left to Fall" and a tour to back it up. He'll be in Portland at Jimmy Mak's on November 19th for 2 shows. He talks about making the album, leaving Chicago, moving back to Southern California, the solo tour, and even gives fans of The Sons hope about future projects. No matter what Bill does, I'll be there to support it!

The name seems familiar if you have watched HBO's "Entourage." But this is the REAL Ari Gold, and not the Jeremy Pivin character. However, there are links between the show and Ari in real life. Such as Ari plays ukulele in a band with Adrian Grenier, star of "Entourage." Adrian is also in Ari's movie "Adventures of Power" also starring Michael McKean, and a cameo from Neil Peart! With the Portland premiere this weekend, he invites the KGON audience to participate in the "air contest" that they'll have at the show. If you play "air bagpipes" he guarantees a prize!

The founder, front man, and leader of Jethro Tull is on a different kind of tour that comes to Portland's Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall on Friday, November 13th. Along with his own musicians, the Oregon Symphony will be playing with Ian as well. He talks about what it takes to do this kind of tour, about his website, the impact of travel on our environment, and his crusade to help the wild species of cats that are nearing extinction.

I'm still in awe after talking with Dr. Angelou. She's wise, warm, funny, and I'm absolutely blessed that I had this opportunity to chat with her about her book "Letter to my Daughter." The mother of only one child, a son, she writes this for all the women of the world. Also being a mother of only one son, I think it's a book that men will benefit from as well. I've read it. It's very truthful, and sometimes takes your breath away with how frank it really is. She's walked an incredible journey, and at age 81, she still laughs at life's little hardships that teach us about ourselves.

Jimmy Messina talks about how he started in music, his days with Buffalo Springfield, Poco, and how being asked to produce Kenny Loggins solo album led to Loggins & Messina's successful recording career. He talks about the 2009 tour, and how they got back together after years apart in 2004.

Harvey Kubernik is the real deal. He was born in L.A. and went to the same high school as Flea and Slash, though not at the same time. He has written the most amazing love story to a place within a place...Laurel Canyon within the madness that is Los Angeles...because of it's rich history in rock and roll. Out of that canyon came The Doors, Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, The Eagles, Jackson Browne, Joni Mitchell, Carole King, the idea for Monterey Pop, and much more.

Six gynecologic oncology surgeons from across the U.S. formed a band with the name that represents the hope that these doctors has for every patient. That at the end of treatment, their disease will be gone. Created as a cover band for a specific event, they went on to write and record a CD, with liner notes that not only celebrates the fact that Music Heals...but with very helpful information about what every woman should know about gynecologic cancer.

Iris chats with Marc Baker, board member of the Oregon Music Hall of Fame about the organization, and the event at the Roseland on October 17th. Marc got into the music world as a DJ at Oregon State, managed the Crazy 8's, and then regained his sanity and is the partner in an independant insurance company in Portland. Marc's heart is still very much with the local music scene, and the conversation is about all the unique and amazing local talent that the Portland area is blessed with. Enjoy!

With the holidays on the way, we are all looking forward to the annual visit from Trans-Siberian Orchestra, but 2009 will be even bigger and better says Paul O'Neill. There's a new CD to look forward to as the highly anticipated "Night Castle" is released on October 27th. Paul takes time to chat with Iris about the new album, the band, the tour, and our favorite charity for Kidsgiving, the Community Transitional School.

Lisa's book "Chocolate, Please" is a tell-all, funny, real life tale from one of the funniest women on the planet. She's down to earth, and honest about what she's gone through in the past. Iris and Lisa chat about the book, her new Italian boyfriend, past mistakes, and Jethro Tull. That's actually funny if you've read the book.

Oregon native, Laura Morett made it on this season of Survivor, starting 9/17/09, 8pm on CBS. She works at the Oregon State Capitol, which means she's familiar with politics, and she's a former fitness instructor who's able to keep up with anyone in a physical challenge. She hopes to "do Oregon proud" this season.

On September 3rd, 2009, Def Leppard's Phil Collen called in to talk to Gloria Johnson about everything Def Leppard and their upcoming show at the Amphitheater at Clark County on September 11th.

Def Leppard 1981

KGON fell in love with Trans Siberian Orchestra when they first started coming to Portland. It's the most amazing show! The lazers are like something you would see at a Pink Floyd show, unbelieveable pyrotechnics, things exploding, making it snow inside the Rose Garden Arena...PLUS it ROCKS! Al Pitrelli has quite a musical resume as well. He's worked with everyone from Michael Bolton to Megadeth, BOC, and Alice Cooper. Al talks about all of this and more with Iris prior to the 2008 TSO show.

This is an amazing story of a man who had it all, lost it all, and gained amazing perspective. More than that really because it's a true "riches to rags to riches" story since his book is a best seller, and Tom Hanks has optioned the rights to the story which will be directed by none other than Portland's own Gus Van Zant! In these times of layoffs, downsizing, and a very crazy economy, Michael's story has a lesson for all of us. This interview was a true gift for me. Please enjoy the message and the journey!

A conversation with RUSH from November 2008, about the Snakes and Arrows Tour, the new DVD, Plus, Shannon poses questions from the band's Portland fan base and, the boys talk about their plans for 2009 and beyond.