On November 12, 2025, Canadian rock icon Rick Hughes sat down with Jason Saulnier to discuss his powerful new solo album Redemption, his career-spanning journey, and the remarkable reunion behind his explosive new single, “The Real Me.”
Best known as the commanding vocalist of Sword and Saints & Sinners, Rick Hughes has built a legendary reputation as one of Canada’s most powerful rock singers. With hundreds of performances across Canada, the United States, Europe, and Japan, Hughes has shared stages with Metallica, Motörhead, Alice Cooper, and Black Label Society, earning widespread respect for his voice, intensity, and stage presence.
During the interview, Hughes spoke in depth about the making of Redemption, his first international solo album. Determined to deliver something special, he teamed up with legendary producer John Webster (Aerosmith, Mötley Crüe, AC/DC) and recorded at Vancouver’s iconic HippoSonic Studios (formerly Little Mountain Studios). The result is a hard-hitting, modern rock album rooted firmly in classic rock tradition.
A major highlight of the conversation was Hughes’ first single, a blistering cover of The Who’s “The Real Me,” released on September 5, 2025. The track reunites Ozzy Osbourne’s classic 1982 touring lineup—Brad Gillis on guitar, Rudy Sarzo on bass, and Tommy Aldridge on drums—the same band that completed the Diary of a Madman tour and recorded Speak of the Devil. Hughes described the collaboration as a once-in-a-lifetime moment that brought together true rock legends.
The song’s cinematic music video, directed by Matthew Lucas at L.A. Castle Studios with post-production by Jean-Marc Laurin, was also discussed, with Hughes calling “The Real Me” a cornerstone of the album and a heartfelt tribute to the golden era of 1970s rock.
Set for worldwide release on October 24, 2025, via Deko Entertainment, Redemption will be available on CD, vinyl, and digital formats. The album features an impressive lineup of collaborators including Brad Gillis, Robby Krieger (The Doors), Lee Aaron, Amy Keys, Jacob Deraps, and Lulu Hughes. Blending English, French, and bilingual material, the album delivers a diverse yet cohesive hard-rock statement across ten tracks.
Collectors will also want to note the limited edition bundle (100 copies), which includes a signed 7” vinyl of “The Real Me,” autographed by Rick Hughes, Brad Gillis, Rudy Sarzo, and Tommy Aldridge.
This interview offers a rare, in-depth look at Rick Hughes at a defining moment in his career—honoring his past while boldly stepping into a new chapter with Redemption.
