Podcast
The Jersey Guys Podcast
Hosted by Mark Balogh & Tom Coyne · EN
Featuring in-depth discussions & guests from the worlds of hard rock, heavy metal and AOR music, Tune in and turn it up! Your hosts Tom Coyne & Mark Balogh dive deep into each episode, whether it's with a special guest or just breaking down a band or artists career in music to give you an insight into the music we all love!
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Episodes
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Episode 100: Frank Vestry of Last Temptation & Marcello/Vestry
Dec 2801:33:13Tap to summarizeFrank Vestry is a powerhouse vocalist known for his melodic rock sensibilities and soulful delivery. Following in the footsteps of his father, a classic crooner who instilled in him a deep love for melody and performance, Frank developed a voice that blends smooth phrasing with hard rock grit. Over the years, he’s fronted several notable melodic rock projects and built a reputation as one of the genre’s most passionate singers. At one point, Frank even auditioned for the legendary rock band Foreigner, competing for the lead singer role ultimately filled by Kelly Hansen. His combination of heart, range, and classic vocal style continues to make him a standout in the AOR and melodic rock scene. So check out episode 100 of The Jersey Guys Podcast to hear Frank’s story!
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Episode 99: Todd Michael Hall of Riot V, Harlet, Jack Starr's Burning Starr & Reverence
Oct 401:23:58Tap to summarizeTodd Michael Hall is best known as the powerhouse vocalist for Riot V, carrying on the legacy of the legendary metal band Riot with his soaring range and dynamic stage presence. Over the years, he’s also fronted Harlet, Reverence, and Jack Starr’s Burning Starr, earning a reputation as one of melodic metal’s most versatile and passionate singers. In 2020, Todd brought his incredible voice to a wider audience with a standout appearance on NBC’s The Voice, impressing both judges and fans alike. Beyond his band work, Todd has also launched a successful solo career, showcasing his songwriting and melodic sensibilities on releases that blend his classic metal roots with timeless rock influences. So check out his story on this episode of The Jersey Guys Podcast!
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Episode 98: Paul Lidel of Dirty Looks, Dangerous Toys & Scream Therapy
Sep 2700:48:55Tap to summarizeOn this episode of The Jersey Guys Podcast, we welcome guitarist Paul Lidel, a powerhouse player whose career has spanned some of hard rock’s most memorable bands. Paul first made his mark with the gritty, no-frills rock attack of Dirty Looks, delivering raw riffs and relentless energy that earned the band a loyal following. He later joined forces with Dangerous Toys, bringing his fiery guitar work to their sleazy, tongue-in-cheek brand of hard rock.Never one to slow down, Paul continues to keep the spirit of rock alive today with his current project, Scream Therapy, proving that his passion for loud guitars and high-octane rock ’n’ roll is as strong as ever. From the glory days of MTV Headbangers Ball to the modern stage, Paul Lidel has always delivered the goods, and he talks about it all in episode 98, so check it out now!
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Episode 97: Mitch Viegut of Airkraft
Sep 2101:06:28Tap to summarizeMitch Viegut began his professional music career in 1973, picking up his first guitar—a Fender Stratocaster—at the age of 12. By his mid-teens, he was performing steadily with the band StilRock before heading off to the University of Wisconsin (UW-Madison and UW–Eau Claire). There, he met fellow musician John Fisher, and together they formed Heros, a popular Midwest cover band that balanced nightclub performances with college life.In 1977, Viegut reunited with high school friends Dave Saindon and Dave Roll, along with Grammy nominee Peter Phippen, to form Airkraft. By 1981, he founded Ark Records and built Premiere Recording Studios in Wausau, Wisconsin, producing and recording more than 100 albums and demos for Midwest groups, including Otis and The Alligators, Howard “Guitar” Luedtke, Tuck Pence, and Crash Alley. Ark Records later evolved into Premiere Records, securing distribution through Important/Relativity Records.Between 1981 and 1998, Airkraft recorded four albums, released six singles, and toured relentlessly across the United States—performing more than 300 dates in some years. Their first two albums, released on Premiere Records, gained international distribution and strong reviews in Europe’s influential rock magazines, including Kerrang! In 1989, Airkraft signed with Curb/Capitol Records and CBS International, and the singles “Somewhere” and “85 Miles Per Hour” from the In the Red album earned Billboard “Top Song” picks and charted on over 100 stations worldwide, including in the U.S., Japan, and Europe.Alongside his work with Airkraft, Viegut continued to expand his role as a producer, engineer, and publisher under Big Snow Music. Over two decades, he produced and engineered more than 200 recordings for a wide range of artists, while also penning notable works himself—including the theme song for FOX TV’s Fire Rescue in 1990.With a career spanning performance, production, songwriting, and label management, Mitch Viegut has left a lasting imprint on both the Midwest music scene and the international melodic rock community.
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Episode 96: Tony Sciuto (AOR artist)
Sep 2101:08:11Tap to summarizeIn episode 96 of The Jersey Guys Podcast, we’re joined by an incredibly talented musician and songwriter whose career has spanned decades and crossed genres. Tony Sciuto first made waves in the early 80s with his solo debut, Island Nights, a record that found international success and showcased his gift for melody. Beyond his solo work, Tony has been a member of the legendary band Little River Band, and he’s collaborated with artists such as Player (Peter Beckett & Ronn Moss). His songs have been covered by stars like B.J. Thomas, Tina Turner, and Bay City Rollers, and his music has found its way onto both television and film. Whether he’s behind the piano, guitar, or writing pen, Tony has always delivered heartfelt, hook-laden music that resonates with fans worldwide.We’re excited to dive into his story, his music, and the incredible journey that’s still unfolding, so be sure to check this episode out!
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Episode 95: Greg Fraser of Brighton Rock
Sep 2101:23:50Tap to summarizeToday’s guest is Canadian guitarist, singer, and songwriter Greg Fraser. Born in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Greg’s musical journey began as a teenager with the local band Lennex, where he recorded an album with legendary David Bowie guitarist Mick Ronson. Though that project never saw release, it set the stage for bigger things to come.In 1982, Fraser teamed up with bassist Stevie Skreebs, eventually bringing in vocalist Gerry McGhee to form what would become Brighton Rock. With the addition of drummer Mark Cavarzan and keyboardist Martin Victor, the band broke through with hit singles like “We Came To Rock” and “Can’t Wait For The Night”, earning two gold records, three Juno nominations, and in 1988 Fraser was named Best New Guitarist at the Toronto Music Awards, surpassing even Jeff Healey.Following Brighton Rock’s breakup in 1992, Greg collaborated with members of Triumph, toured with Helix, and later co-founded Fraze Gang with Skreebs, releasing two albums. Brighton Rock reunited in 2012, and in 2017 Fraser launched his latest project, Storm Force—a band blending Brighton Rock’s melodic sensibilities with the harder-edged influence of UFO, Thin Lizzy, and Van Halen. Their debut, Age of Fear (2020), received critical acclaim across the globe.From the early days in Ontario clubs to international recognition, Greg Fraser has built a career marked by hooks, riffs, and a passion for melodic hard rock.
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Episode 94: Tommy Denander (guitarist/songwriter extraordinaire)
Aug 1601:33:57Tap to summarizeIn this episode we are joined by one of the most in-demand musicians in the world of rock and AOR — guitarist, songwriter, and producer Tommy Denander. Born and raised in Sweden, Tommy picked up the guitar at a young age and quickly turned his passion into a career that has seen him play on more than 3,000 albums. Over the years, he’s collaborated with an incredible roster of artists — from Alice Cooper and Paul Stanley to Michael Jackson and his long-standing solo project Radioactive, which always features an all-star cast of musicians from bands like Toto, Chicago, The Tubes, Santana, and so many more.What sets Tommy apart isn’t just his technical skill, but his ability to adapt and bring out the best in any project, whether it’s a melodic rock anthem, a pop hit, or a cinematic ballad. His work has become part of the fabric of modern rock history, often behind the scenes with fellow songwriters like Desmond Child (Kiss, Bon Jovi, Cher, etc.) and Andreas Carlsson (Bon Jovi, Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears, etc.) or producers such as Mutt Lange (Def Leppard, AC/DC) and Bob Ezrin (Pink Floyd, Kiss, Alice Cooper, etc.); his work is always essential in making the music world go around. We dive into the journey of a true studio legend whose guitar has been heard around the world.
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Episode 93: Kenny Kaos of Pokerface, Paul Laine & The Distance
Aug 1600:45:04Tap to summarizeGuitarist & songwriter Kenny ‘Kaos’ Holliday (aka Loney) is a high-energy player known for his searing riffs, melodic solos, and a career that’s spanned bands, albums, and countless live stages.From having played guitar and co-writing on Paul Laine’s debut album “Stick It In Your Ear” (1990) to playing on many Escape Music (UK) projects in the late 90s and early 2000s to being involved in songwriting with members of Loverboy and back to his roots in the Canadian rock scene, it all shows his relentless passion for making music. Kenny brings a mix of raw power and precision to every performance.We delve into his journey, the stories behind the music, and what he has going on today. So tune into episode 93 of The Jersey Guys Podcast now!
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Episode 92: Alan Frew of Glass Tiger
Aug 1600:58:35Tap to summarizeAlan Frew is the lead vocalist and founding member of Canadian pop-rock band Glass Tiger, known for timeless hits like “Don’t Forget Me (When I’m Gone)”—which features backing vocals by Bryan Adams—and “Someday” (both top 10 hits in the US).Originally from Scotland, Frew moved to Canada as a teen and co-founded Glass Tiger in 1983. Their debut album, The Thin Red Line, went quadruple platinum in Canada, earning them a Grammy nomination and multiple Juno Awards. The band followed up with the multi-platinum albums Diamond Sun and Simple Mission, the latter featuring the fan favorite “My Town” with guest vocals by Rod Stewart.In addition to his Glass Tiger career, Frew has released several solo albums, co-wrote the 2010 Olympic anthem “I Believe,” and authored the motivational memoir The Action Sandwich.After surviving a stroke in 2015, Frew made a remarkable recovery and continues to tour and record with Glass Tiger, who remain iconic figures in Canadian music and around the world.
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Episode 91: Mark Behn of Malice
Aug 1601:02:48Tap to summarizeMark Behn was a founding member and bassist of the American heavy metal band Malice, active during their classic era from 1981 through 1988, and part of their first reunion phase from 2006 to 2011. Originally from Portland, OR, Behn had played in local bands Fire Eye and Kharma before joining Malice. Founder Jay Reynolds recruited him and drummer Pete Laufman to move to Los Angeles in the early‑1980s to form the band's core lineup. Malice contributed two tracks—“Captive of Light” and “Kick You Down”—to the first Metal Massacre compilation in 1982, becoming the only band to appear twice on that seminal volume. Their live debut came soon after at the Troubadour in November 1982, where they headlined with Metallica opening the show!Behn played on Malice’s first two albums on Atlantic Records: In the Beginning... (1985) and License to Kill (1987), as well as the Crazy in the Night EP (1989). On the debut album, he also contributed Taurus synthesizer pedals in addition to bass. After initially departing Malice, Behn worked on other projects, including Monster (with Kharma bandmate Pete Holmes), showing his continued involvement in the metal scene.Following the band's initial breakup, Behn returned during its 2006 reunion and contributed to early sessions for the eventual 2012 comeback album New Breed of Godz.
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