253. Bernard Fowler: John Lydon, Steve Vai, Ozzy Osbourne & PiL | Part 2
27 May 2026
About This Episode
How do you become John Lydon's vocal coach when you've never coached anyone before?
That's the situation Bernard Fowler found himself in when producer Bill Laswell invited him to work on Public Image Ltd's groundbreaking 1986 record, Album.
In Episode 253 of The Ireland Podcast, Bernard joins Fender Jackson for Part 2 of an extraordinary four-part conversation about his life in music.
Bernard recalls working with John Lydon on his phrasing, breathing and vocal delivery, explaining why he considers the former Sex Pistols frontman's performance on Album among his finest.
He also takes listeners inside Electric Lady Studios, where he witnessed Steve Vai recording his remarkable guitar solo on Ease. The experience left Bernard profoundly moved, and the performance continues to affect him decades later.
The conversation explores Bill Laswell's unconventional approach to assembling musicians, Ginger Baker's unexpectedly mellow behaviour in the studio, and an unrealised musical project with legendary drummer Tony Williams.
Bernard also recounts doubling Lemmy's vocals on Motörhead's Orgasmatron, impersonating Ozzy Osbourne in recording sessions, and his work with Alice Cooper.
As a musician himself, Fender explores the technical side of Bernard's work, including vocal doubling, arrangements and the extraordinary musical personalities involved in these recordings.
The episode continues with a tantalising introduction to Bernard's adventures at Ronnie Wood's home in County Kildare - a story continued in Part 3.
The Ireland Podcast - Episode 253 | Bernard Fowler, Part 2
Presented by Fender Jackson.
Recording The Island.
Bernard Fowler
Bernard Fowler is an American singer, songwriter and recording artist best known for his decades of work with The Rolling Stones.
His extensive career spans rock, funk, soul and experimental music, with collaborations involving Philip Glass, Bill Laswell, Public Image Ltd, Herbie Hancock, Motörhead, Alice Cooper and numerous other influential artists.
Fowler performed backing vocals on Public Image Ltd's Album (1986) and worked as John Lydon's vocal coach during the recording sessions. He has also released solo recordings, including Inside Out, featuring spoken-word reinterpretations of Rolling Stones songs.
Links
https://www.instagram.com/bernardfowlersings/
https://www.facebook.com/p/Bernard-Fowler-100044847466209/
Watch the full conversation on YouTube or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other major podcast platforms.
Continue the four-part Bernard Fowler series on The Ireland Podcast:
Part 1: Philip Glass and Paul Simon (Episode 252)
Part 2: John Lydon, Steve Vai and Public Image Ltd (Episode 253)
Part 3: Ronnie Wood, Kildare and a Very Irish Taxi Story (Episode 254)
Part 4: The Rolling Stones: Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Beyond (Episode 255)
Subscribe to The Ireland Podcast for more in-depth conversations about music, history, culture and the people whose stories deserve to be recorded.
Recording The Island.