When Dutch rock legend Adrian Vandenberg joined us on MetalGodZradiO, we expected some great stories—but what we got was a masterclass in passion, creativity, and authenticity. From reminiscing about his childhood to revealing the meaning behind flying sharks and green skies, Vandenberg proved to be as insightful as he is animated.
A Natural Born Performer
“I was five or six when I first started pretending to play guitar,” Adrian says, recalling his early days with a cigar box and rubber bands. “My mom reminded me recently how I used to run around the house with that thing like it was a Fender.” That spark never left. Fast forward decades later, and Vandenberg is still on fire—especially with his latest album, Sin.
“It never gets old. Every record feels like throwing your baby out into the world,” he explains. “You’ve poured your soul into it, and then you just hope people connect with it.”
Cruising With Rock ‘n’ Roll
Despite having listened to his own work countless times during production, Adrian still blasts Sin in his car. “There’s something about rock music in the car, especially late at night. Tracks like 'Hit the Ground Running' or 'Walking on Water' just hit differently when you're cruising.”
When asked if the car is his primary place for music consumption, he laughs, “Absolutely. No one’s ever asked me that, but yes. I live in eastern Holland, so everything’s a long drive.”
Politics, Passion, and the Absurd
We veered into political territory, where Adrian admitted to being a bit of a junkie for the drama. “It’s like a weird form of self-torture. You watch it, you get mad, but you can’t look away. It’s like a chess game—frustrating but fascinating.”
When asked if he’d ever run for office, Adrian didn't hesitate: “I'd love to run for President—of the U.S.! Free pizza, good music, maybe not great for the budget, but we’d have fun.”
The Meaning Behind the Art of Sin
The cover of Sin is a callback to Vandenberg's 1983 album art, featuring flying sharks—this time gliding over a green-sky New York City. “There’s symbolism everywhere. The sharks from the past are now flying into the city of sin—New York, aka 'The Big Apple.' It ties in perfectly with the theme of the album.”
Oh, and yes—it’s a hand-painted oil piece by Adrian himself. “It’s about 3.5 feet square. We’ve put it on T-shirts, and they’ve been flying off the merch tables.”
Music, Legacy, and Staying Clean
Despite living through rock’s most notorious decades, Adrian never touched drugs. “I’m a naturally optimistic guy. I never felt like I needed anything to feel better than I already did.” He adds, “Life’s a gift. I’ve seen what drugs have done to people—musicians I knew. It’s heartbreaking.”
He also emphasizes the importance of staying healthy to keep doing what he loves: “Playing music for people who care—that’s what keeps me alive.”
The Gear, The Gigs, and Gearing Up for the U.S.
Vandenberg’s signature Peavey guitar is getting re-released, with some updates like Floyd Rose tremolos and upgraded pickups. He’s been experimenting with compact gear for fly-in shows but still favors the raw, unfiltered Marshall tone when possible.
He’s also gearing up for a U.S. tour—his first since Whitesnake’s Slip of the Tongue tour in 1990. “It’s been over 30 years, and I can’t wait to get back. The energy, the fans—it’s a beautiful thing.”
Closing Thoughts: Solos and Soul
When asked about his most iconic solos, Adrian humbly cites “Here I Go Again” and “Burning Heart,” but it’s Sin’s title track that he’s most proud of right now. “That solo was spontaneous, raw. It tells a story within a story, and that’s what I always strive for.”
As the interview wrapped, it was clear: Adrian Vandenberg isn’t just reliving the glory days—he’s still living them, one riff at a time.
Stay heavy. Support the underground. Long live metal.
Want more? Follow Adrian Vandenberg on Bandcamp and Spotify and catch them live this summer.
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