Mark McStea
Mark is a freelance writer with particular expertise in the fields of ‘70s glam, punk, rockabilly and classic ‘50s rock and roll. He sings and plays guitar in his own musical project, Star Studded Sham, which has been described as sounding like the hits of T. Rex and Slade as played by Johnny Thunders. He had several indie hits with his band, Private Sector and has worked with a host of UK punk luminaries. Mark also presents themed radio shows for Generating Steam Heat. He has just completed his first novel, The Bulletproof Truth, and is currently working on the sequel.
Latest articles by Mark McStea
By Mark McStea last updated
After a six-year absence, the Cult are back with an LP that finds them returning to their mid-‘80s roots
By Mark McStea Published
Video Robert Smith revels in exploring, expanding and demolishing the boundaries of what the Cure should sound like in this mid-‘80s classic
By Mark McStea Published
Guitarists Andy Partridge and Dave Gregory turned the new wave rule book on its head
By Rod Brakes, Mark McStea Published
Video Reunited, the band are greeted on stage with rapturous applause
By Mark McStea Published
Video For lovers of the unconventional and unpredictable, this Australian band’s music is endlessly rewarding
By Mark McStea Published
From freight trains to wild horses, Vai reveals the influences behind some of his most significant cuts
By Mark McStea Published
The guitarists discuss their epic ‘Celebrating David Bowie’ show
By Mark McStea Published
Video The neo-psychedelia stalwarts have remained unwaveringly true to their original artistic vision
By Mark McStea Published
Find out what went on in the studio as the British band crafted their 1987 hit
By Mark McStea Published
With 22 Grammys, 20 studio albums and more than 40 charting singles under his belt, the country music legend says, “I’ve always wanted to be moved by music rather than impressed by it”
By Mark McStea Published
Their expansive quadruple album project explodes with joy, power and positivity
By Mark McStea last updated
Following a seven-year absence, Phil Collen explains how the band got it on like the old days.
By Mark McStea last updated
The guitarist reveals the tales behind his deepest cuts, from the U.K. glam-metal scene to Def Leppard’s blockbuster hits.
By Mark McStea Published
The slide master shares the secrets to heavenly tone and technique
By Mark McStea last updated
The blues superstar reveals his “survival rig” as he tells the tales behind a handful of favorites from his catalog.
By Mark McStea last updated
With thousands of sessions to his name the guitarist talks definitive solo records and collaborations from his multi-genre catalog.
By Mark McStea last updated
First came the house fire. Then heart surgery. Now Ritenour bounces back with his first ever solo guitar record.
By Mark McStea last updated
Bach transcriptions, power chords and grasshoppers. Steve Morse reflects on inspired tracks from his long career.
By Mark McStea last updated
Rockabilly's most effectual top cat takes a trip down memory alley and discusses his discography's most significant cuts.
By Mark McStea Published
From the greatest song Jerry Lee Lewis never wrote to a powerful tune that features Bruce Springsteen, these are some of the legendary singer/songwriter's finest recordings.
By Mark McStea Published
The Porcupine Tree frontman and guitarist discusses his complicated relationship with the prog-rock genre, and the band's ferocious comeback album, 'Closure/Continuation.'
By Mark McStea Published
The guitar great reflects on his time with Danger Danger, tackling the Fab Four's magnum opus, and how some kind words from Steve Vai made him re-think his recording approach.
By Mark McStea last updated
Video The friends jam out in this epic rendition of the Mountain classic “Mississippi Queen.”
All the latest guitar news, interviews, lessons, reviews, deals and more, direct to your inbox!