Interview with Autograph Founder and Vocalist Steve Plunkett
Cosmick View: Hello, Steve, and welcome to The Cosmick View. Thanks for taking some time out of your day to speak with us. It's greatly appreciated.
Steve Plunkett: Hello Mick – good to meet you and get into the Cosmick View!
Steve Plunkett: Hello Mick – good to meet you and get into the Cosmick View!
CV: How do you process not only the success of Autograph but the longevity of the band's musical impact 40 years later?
SP: It’s amazing – a real blessing. We didn’t see it at the time, but Turn Up the Radio made an impact not only at rock radio, but with fans of that music. The song still has a feel-good vibe even today – it always makes me rock. The success of that song is a huge factor in the longevity of Autograph’s music, which is why I wanted to do a 2025 version.
SP: It’s amazing – a real blessing. We didn’t see it at the time, but Turn Up the Radio made an impact not only at rock radio, but with fans of that music. The song still has a feel-good vibe even today – it always makes me rock. The success of that song is a huge factor in the longevity of Autograph’s music, which is why I wanted to do a 2025 version.
CV: Was there ever a consideration at the time that the music you were doing would have such a staying power... so much so that's it's regarded by some as one of the first to push the Heavy Metal genre into the mainstream consciousness?
SP: No – we were just doing what came naturally. That was one of the last songs to be included on the record. RCA wasn’t even that sold on it. However, it really came to life when we recorded it. Steve Lynch’s phenomenal guitar playing was a perfect hook for radio and drew listeners into the song.
SP: No – we were just doing what came naturally. That was one of the last songs to be included on the record. RCA wasn’t even that sold on it. However, it really came to life when we recorded it. Steve Lynch’s phenomenal guitar playing was a perfect hook for radio and drew listeners into the song.
CV: Many artists from the 80s have a love-hate relationship with the term "Hair Metal," feeling it's an unfair assessment to the artists and their talents. Autograph's rise to fame began long before the term held any real significance. How do you feel about the moniker and the level of negativity it holds?
SP: I don’t mind it – it really describes the time period. Not negative - we all had hair back then! The “look” of 80’s bands was part of the draw and vibe. That’s what fueled magazines like Hit Parader and Circus.
SP: I don’t mind it – it really describes the time period. Not negative - we all had hair back then! The “look” of 80’s bands was part of the draw and vibe. That’s what fueled magazines like Hit Parader and Circus.
CV: Was there ever a thought about being one kind of band over another in terms of classification...hard rock, heavy metal, glam, etc., or was it just Rock 'n Roll for you and the guys in Autograph?
SP: Each member had strong chops and attributes which somehow blended together into our ”sound”. We never thought much about pre-defining our space, but like lots of bands we had our favorite groups that influenced what we did. Of course after 48 shows as opening act, Van Halen had an influence on us. There were others like AC/DC.
SP: Each member had strong chops and attributes which somehow blended together into our ”sound”. We never thought much about pre-defining our space, but like lots of bands we had our favorite groups that influenced what we did. Of course after 48 shows as opening act, Van Halen had an influence on us. There were others like AC/DC.
CV: 40 years since the release, you have now presented a new solo version of Autograph's debut album, "Sign in Please," with "Turn Up the Radio 2025." (please note the album title) Walk us through the process of deciding to record a new version of the record. Was there a feeling that you could do things differently?
SP: It’s something I’d thought about for a while. 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 would never have tried to re- record a “sound alike” version of Sign in Please – or to improve on it. I only wanted more modern sounds and a “songwriter’s” approach. After listening so closely after years I really have to thank the original members Lynch, Randy, Keni and Ish for incredible performances – which can’t be duplicated. This album is a more basic approach.
SP: It’s something I’d thought about for a while. 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 would never have tried to re- record a “sound alike” version of Sign in Please – or to improve on it. I only wanted more modern sounds and a “songwriter’s” approach. After listening so closely after years I really have to thank the original members Lynch, Randy, Keni and Ish for incredible performances – which can’t be duplicated. This album is a more basic approach.
CV: For a veteran artist, does four plus decades offer you a new perspective on how music gets done? Or is the process still relatively the same as it's always been?
SP: It’s always a creative process and therefore needs inspiration. That can sometimes be as simple as a deadline to finish! But whatever the spark is, that’s what moves the process along. One big thing is after 40 years of songwriting, sometimes it seems like everything has already been done. So finding that new twist is very important. That’s one reason going back to the Sign in Please songs was attractive to me. I knew the songs were original and solid – all I wanted to do was re-interpret them to 2025, but not to change what worked.
SP: It’s always a creative process and therefore needs inspiration. That can sometimes be as simple as a deadline to finish! But whatever the spark is, that’s what moves the process along. One big thing is after 40 years of songwriting, sometimes it seems like everything has already been done. So finding that new twist is very important. That’s one reason going back to the Sign in Please songs was attractive to me. I knew the songs were original and solid – all I wanted to do was re-interpret them to 2025, but not to change what worked.
CV: With nostalgia being big business and with the 80s being cool again, are there any plans to hit the road and tour " Turn Up the Radio 2025?" Maybe even reuniting with guitarist Steve Lynch for a few shows? SP: Playing live is something I gave up years ago, so no. Working with Steve, or any great musician is always attractive, but not on the road! I prefer to spend my time in the studio these days.
CV: What's your thoughts on artists and bands current reliance on backing tracks to keep the live performances going? Many critics believe it's a slap in the face to fans. What do you think?
SP: If the band is still good – it shouldn’t be necessary (Def Leppard, The Who). However, I’m not opposed to the limited use of vocal samples to “fill-in” background vocals to help the live performance sound more like what the fans remember.
SP: If the band is still good – it shouldn’t be necessary (Def Leppard, The Who). However, I’m not opposed to the limited use of vocal samples to “fill-in” background vocals to help the live performance sound more like what the fans remember.
CV: As an artist, songwriter. composer, is AI something the music industry should be fearful of, or should it be embraced as another tool to help creativity prosper?
SP: Some of the stuff AI does is amazing and can be useful. But it should never be used to duplicate an artist’s voice or music and masquerade as the real thing
SP: Some of the stuff AI does is amazing and can be useful. But it should never be used to duplicate an artist’s voice or music and masquerade as the real thing
CV: What more can fans expect to see coming from you in the remainder of 2025 and beyond?
SP: Of course I’ll be promoting “Turn Up the Radio 2025!” Beyond that, I plan to continue to create music and write songs – looking for that new twist. As far as more releases – who knows. It’s all a matter of inspiration.
SP: Of course I’ll be promoting “Turn Up the Radio 2025!” Beyond that, I plan to continue to create music and write songs – looking for that new twist. As far as more releases – who knows. It’s all a matter of inspiration.
CV: Thanks again, Steve, for taking the time to share with our readers. We wish you all the best and continued success.
SP: Thank you and all the best!!
SP: Thank you and all the best!!
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My name is Mick Michaels...I'm an artist, music fan, songwriter, producer, author, show host, big dreamer and guitarist for the traditional Heavy Metal band Corners of Sanctuary. Writing has always been a creative outlet for me; what I couldn't say in speech, I was able to do with the written word. Writing has given me a voice and a way for me to create on a multitude of platforms including music and song, articles, independent screenplays, books and now, artist interviews. The Cosmick View is an opportunity to raise the bar and showcase artists in a positive and inspirational light. For me, it's another out-of-this-world adventure.
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