ALL ACCESS LIVE WITH TOBY RAND (THE FELL / ROCKSTAR SUPERNOVA)

Australian-born Toby Rand is a singer, songwriter, and creator known for his powerful vocals and magnetic stage presence. First breaking out on CBS’s Rockstar: Supernova, he has since signed international record deals, toured the globe, and shared the stage with icons from Bruno Mars to Rod Stewart.

Toby’s new endeavour “THE FELL” spotlights his dynamic voice, presence and brings him together with some of modern rock’s greatest talent. THE FELL’s powerhouse lineup features legendary bassist Billy Sheehan (Mr. Big, David Lee Roth, Sons of Apollo), multi-platinum producer, songwriter, and guitar player Mike (K.) Krompass (Smash Mouth, Nelly Furtado, Everybody Loves an Outlaw, Dead Romantic), and vocal powerhouse Toby Rand (Rockstar: Supernova, Juke Kartel, Ashen Moon), whose dynamic voice soars over a backdrop of “Killswitch”’s grinding riffs and thunderous grooves. Sheehan delivers his signature low-end firepower with acrobatic flair, while Krompass’s massive guitar tones and razor-sharp production elevate the track to arena-sized proportions. Rounding out the lineup is elite session drummer Nick Chiarore (Dead Romantic), whose explosive drumming brings relentless precision and raw intensity. Chiarore’s chops can be heard on recordings with Slash and Steve Vai.

METAL DRUM GIANT JASON BITTNER JOINS ALL ACCESS LIVE WITH KEVIN RANKIN (PART 2)

Metal drum phenom Jason Bittner has WAY too many stories for just one episode for All Access Live with Kevin Rankin, so he’s back for round 2! We’ll discuss his amazing new group Category 7, Shadows Fall, Anthrax, Overkill, Flotsam & Jetsam and his guilty pleasure – 80s new wave music!

JASON BITTNER OFFICIAL SITE CATEGORY 7 SITE

METAL DRUM GIANT JASON BITTNER JOINS ALL ACCESS LIVE WITH KEVIN RANKIN (PART 1)

Jason Bittner is the drummer for Shadows Fall and Category7. He first came to prominence as a member of the Massachusetts metal band Shadows Fall, with whom he recorded and toured with from 2001 -2014 (band re-active again in 2021). He was the most recent drummer for OVERKILL from 2017 to August 2024.

JASON BITTNER OFFICIAL SITE CATEGORY 7 SITE

ALL ACCESS LIVE WITH BELOUIS SOME!

 

Belouis Some is a British singer, songwriter and musician. He had UK and worldwide hits in the 80s with “Some People”, “Imagination” and “Round, Round”, the hit song from the John Hughes film Pretty in Pink. Singles “Animal Magic” and “Let It Be With You” were both US Top 10 Dance and Radio Hits in 1987.

Belouis Some has released three albums (so far!)…”Some People” in 1985, “Belouis Some” 1987 and “Living Your Life” 1993.

I had the pleasure to have toured alongside Neville (aka Belouis Some) in the phenomenal Lost 80s Live Tour this summer, and had a blast getting to know more about this remarkable human!

BACKSTAGE WITH LIVERPOOL’S CHINA CRISIS

Liverpool originals China Crisis have always made music that’s far easier to love than to define. For more than four decades now Gary Daly and Eddie Lundon, collectively better known as China Crisis, have been writing and performing some of the most distinctive, catchy and sophisticated pop songs out there, from “Wishful Thinking”, “Black Man Ray”, and “King in a Catholic Style” to “Christian”, “Arizona Sky” and “Down Here on Earth”. The band originally emerged in 1981 from their native Kirkby as the songwriting duo of vocalist/keyboardist Daly and guitarist/vocalist Lundon, who have been working together ever since.

Citing influences as varied as Brian Eno, Davie Bowie, Stevie Wonder, Eric Satie and Talking Heads, it’s not surprising that their sound was quickly distinguishable amongst their peers, combining synthpop with reggae, country and other styles with their own unique melodies and harmonies to create distinctively sophisticated but catchy pop in a style all its own. Their 2024 release China Greatness (featuring elevated, cinematic new arrangements of the songwriters’ own favourite tracks from across their catalogue, and mixed by multiple-Grammy award winner Mark Phythian) peaked in the album charts at record-setting levels for the band, and their recent tours around the globe have served to both build the loyalty of existing fans and entice new legions ardent new followers in the process. Truly beloved for their live performances which combine their engaging music with a healthy dose of Scouse humor, and with the clear kinship the band have with their fans, audiences always leave China Crisis shows the all the happier for having been part of the moment.

Check out China Crisis on Instagram
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BACKSTAGE WITH NEW WAVE RADIO PIONEER RICHARD BLADE

Richard Blade is a British-American radio, television, and film personality, best known for his work in Los Angeles radio during the 1980s and 1990s. He was a prominent figure on KROQ-FM, hosting the popular morning drive show and interviewing numerous musicians. Blade also hosted various TV shows and appeared in films, including “Girls Just Want to Have Fun”. He has also authored an autobiography, “World In My Eyes”. Join me and Richard backstage at Mahaffey Center in St. Petersburg before the Lost 80s Live festival.

ALAN CROSS JOINS ALL ACCESS LIVE WITH KEVIN RANKIN

Alan Cross is an internationally known broadcaster, writer, blogger and speaker. In his 30 years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music. He’s also written four reference books on alt-rock, recorded four audiobooks, written liner notes for dozens of CDs and contributed to magazines and other publications in Canada and the US. He’s also a sought-after college and university lecturer, writes a weekly national music column for Metro and travels to music festivals all over the world. His new radio show is The Secret History of Rock, which runs across Canada and in the US. Alan has been deeply involved exploring the present and future relationships between music, technology and social networking.

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MIKE MANGINI JOINS ALL ACCESS LIVE WITH KEVIN RANKIN

Mike Mangini is more than just a drummer—he’s a living legend behind the kit:

For 13 years, Mike was the drummer for DREAM THEATER – Progressive metal giants and GRAMMY® winners
Former Extreme and Steve Vai Drummer – A master of both groove and shred
World Record Holder – Once held 5 WFD World’s Fastest Drummer records
Berklee Professor – Former educator shaping the next generation of elite players
Solo Artist & Innovator – Author, clinician, and drumming thought leader

We will dive into Mike’s wild ride through fame, failure, faith, and ferocity behind the drums, and the LIVE CHAT OPENS UP so YOU can ask Mike your questions in real-time!

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TOQUE’S TODD KERNS JOINS ALL ACCESS LIVE WITH KEVIN RANKIN

TOQUE is a world-class Rock act, comprised of 4 incredible Rock musicians:

  • Todd Kerns,(Slash’s Conspirators, Age of Electric)
  • Brent Fitz, (Slash’s Conspirators, Phil X, The Dead Daisies)
  • Shane Gaalaas (B’z – Japan)
  • Cory Churko (Kelly Clarkson, Shania Twain)

This summer TOQUE is playing across Canada starting in July of 2025 at festivals  alongside Def Leppard, Joan Jett, Bret Michaels, Foreigner, Streetheart & more. In addition to the exciting live shows, TOQUE will be touring in support of their new single “FIGHTERS” which will be released JULY 9th via DECM Group.

Previous singles include, “BROKEN” which debuted last fall, with the song’s energetic LIVE video. “Broken” was co-written by Honeymoon Suite’s – Derry Grehan. The band’s LIVE show staple, & Fan Favorite “Never Enough” is Featured in the # 1 Netflix film – AFTERMATH in 2025.

In June, TRIUMPH’s reunion show in Edmonton during Game 2 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final was backed by TOQUE’s Brent Fitz and Todd Kerns, along with our friend, Phil X of Bon Jovi. Since their inception in 2012, TOQUE’s live set includes classic hits by legendary Canadian Rock acts like April Wine, Loverboy, and Rush.  Many of their shows also include Special Surprise Guest appearances including: Dallas Smith, Jeff Neill, Corb Lund, Jason McCoy, Darby Mills, Paul Dean, John Donnely.

When not on tour, writing, & producing with other Major acts, TOQUE’s members can be found in many eclectic projects. Todd Kerns and Brent Fitz call Las Vegas home, & appear regularly on Rock’s daily authoritarian program “The Eddie Trunk Show on Sirius XM. Brent Fitz is featured in the film “DEANER 89” playing the part of Dokken’s Jeff Pilson, and is currently touring with The Dead Daisies.  Shane Gaalaas and Cory Churko, based in LA are the masters of all the band’s music videos. Cory also produces the band’s material.

ALL ACCESS LIVE WITH FOURONESIX

If the name hasn’t given it away, they call Toronto their home. A musical duo featuring singer/songwriter Brent Lunney and percussionist Dan Todd (formerly of Platinum Blonde). Inspired by the melodic hooks of the 80’s their songs are instant singalongs highlighted by authentic experiences often delivered tongue in cheek.

By keeping their live shows simple and direct with their rock/pop acoustic energy and rich harmonies, they make every room feel like it’s your backyard with a group of family and friends. It’s all about creating an intimate atmosphere while crafting a feel good spirit that brings everyone a little closer together.

FourOneSix was one of the featured artists on the Spoons tribute album Echoes (2021) along with appearances by Gowan, Alan Frew (Glass Tiger), Jean-Mark Pisapia (The Box), Strange Advance among others. Since 2023 they have been playing sold out shows with such artists as Glass Tiger, XTC, Saga, Midge Ure, Modern English, Streetheart, Art of Noise and The Spoons. In September 2024 they toured with Strange Advance, The Box and Images in Vogue and were one of the acts featured at the 8th annual McBowl Concert Series in May 2025 in Mississauga, ON.

FourOneSix is a hybrid of genres and influences; a musical recipe of sorts. A dash of singer-songwriter, a pinch of folk, a sliver of psychedelia, a sprinkle of new wave, all blended with generous portions of well-crafted pop.

FourOneSix began as an unrealized concept by singer/songwriter Brent Lunney, former member of the award winning rock band The Apollo Effect. For Brent, the intent of his latest musical endeavour was to grow it slowly, naturally, organically; a complete 180 from his days in The Apollo Effect . Jams began to happen with new friends, old friends, former bandmates and complete strangers. When something special began to happen Brent called upon friend and producer Michael Borkosky (Alannah Myles, Sass Jordan, Ill Scarlett, Saga. Rough Trade) to work on new material and that’s when the songs began to flourish.