Interview by: John Wisniewski
After decades of touring arenas with Van Halen and Mötley Crüe, Autograph frontman Steve Plunkett is back with a fresh take on the band’s beloved catalog. His new solo album “Turn Up the Radio 2025” isn’t just a nostalgic trip—it’s a songwriter’s reimagining of classic rock anthems for a new generation.
What was it like recording the new album?
It’s something I’d thought about for a while – 2025 versions of those songs. I didn’t know how it would turn out, but I let the songs dictate what I did, and that’s what was different. I knew I couldn’t improve on Sign in Please, so I focused on a “songwriter’s” approach with more modern sounds. The original band’s 1985 performances were incredible and intricate and I didn’t try to duplicate them. That record was a classic.
What inspires you to write your music?
It’s always something different. Maybe a song title, maybe a guitar riff, maybe even a deadline. But whatever it is, there has to be that initial spark to get it going. Once that’s there, it usually flows.
Any favorite rock and metal bands?
Some of my favorite bands/artists are Def Leppard, AC/DC, and Lari Basillio.
“I DIDN’T WANT TO TRY AND DUPLICATE STEVE LYNCH’S KILLER GUITAR PARTS”
What was it like recording the new version of “Turn Up the Radio” on the new album?
It was great because I love that song. I pretty much took the “don’t fix it if it works” direction for the arrangement this time. I didn’t want to do any major changes to something that everyone knows. I also didn’t want to try and duplicate Steve Lynch’s killer guitar parts. So I reached out to my friend and awesome guitarist Tim Pierce and ask him to play whatever he felt was right for today. He came up with some great melodic performances that are perfect for my new version.
Did you expect to have a hit with “Turn Up the Radio” back in the day?
No. We had no idea it would click. RCA wasn’t even that wild about the song, but chose it as the 1st single. It really started to catch on when RCA suggested we edit the song to start with Steve Lynch shredding on guitar. So we went back in the studio and added the long intro and Lynch really stepped up with some killer guitar playing! Then rock radio responded and eventually the song was top 5.
THE WILD RIDE OF THE ’80S
Who did Autograph open for during the 1980s?
We basically toured non-stop for several years. 48 shows with Van Halen, 43 with Mötley Crüe, 20+ with Heart, many with Aerosmith as well as other bands, plus we headlined a lot ourselves.
How did the members of Autograph get together?
We were all friends and had played together in other bands over the years. So at one point, I had a batch of new songs and I asked everyone if they would play on them. We were all thinking of forming a band and this was a great opportunity to see what we sounded like together. Luckily it all worked out and Autograph was born!
What was that first tour like for Autograph?
Crazy! We had never played a live show other than rehearsals. Our first gigs were opening for Van Halen with sold out shows – we were pretty freaked out. Everyone in the band really stepped up and we began to “gel” with the live show very quickly. We were driving ourselves every night in a motor home at first – so that was tough, with very little sleep, but eventually we got a bus which made it much better. We were signed by RCA backstage at Madison Square Garden and the rest is rock history.
BEYOND THE SPOTLIGHT
You’ve worked as a music producer, writing for and producing many artists. What was that like?
I spent many years as a songwriter and producer for other projects. I love that creative process and have been involved in lots of cool projects. Step one is always to focus on what works for each situation and set personal preferences/styles aside. I’ve been blessed to work with lots of great artists such as Graham Nash, The Go-Gos, Cindy Lauper, Edgar Winter and Vixen as well as many up and coming bands. I’ve also written songs for over 100 movies.
“THIS IS NOT A RE-DO, IT’S A NEW VIEW”
What has the reception been for your latest album? Any future plans and projects?
So far “Turn Up the Radio 2025” has received a great reception. I hope rock fans will like this new album and see it as my interpretation of those great Autograph songs… as the songwriter, 40 years later. This is not a re-do, it’s a new view – not Autograph, but a solo album. As far as future plans, I try not to “plan” what’s next creatively, I just wait for the juices to flow and let that lead me. I’m always writing new music and recording it, so hopefully that leads to something good.
“Turn Up the Radio 2025” is available now on all major streaming platforms.
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