Joey at the Hotel—Photo courtesy of Phil Solem
Molland, Solem & Miller brings together three seasoned rock musicians united by a shared love of Chuck Berry: the late Joey Molland, guitarist and vocalist for legendary British rock band Badfinger; Phil Solem, founding member of pop-rock duo The Rembrandts, best known for the Friends theme song, "I'll Be There for You"; and singer-songwriter and guitarist Jeff Miller. Their friendship and musical chemistry grew out of Minneapolis benefit shows and acoustic performances, eventually leading to a long-in-the-making, 12-song tribute to Chuck Berry. With Molland's passing in 2025, the project has become a tribute to both Berry's legacy and a cherished musical friendship.
Joey, Phil, and Jeff—Photo courtesy of Phil Solem
Phil, tell us about the just-released Chuck Berry Tribute. You, of course, are a fan of his music.
We released the first single for Chuck’s 100th birthday, and the whole album will be available in 2027.
What was it like working with the late Joey Molland? How did you meet to discuss the tribute?
We met several times since the late 90s and became friends. One of Joey’s dreams was to one day make a record of Chuck Berry songs, which he had played many of them since childhood… he was his favorite musician and inspiration.
Do you have a favorite Chuck Berry song that you really wanted to perform?
Not particularly, but they all have a depth of character that sets him apart from the pack.
Tell us about your new band T.H.R.U.S.H.
Well, if being formed in 1994 makes us new… so be it! We certainly are to anyone coming across our works today. We were 3 friends in different projects that were very specific, and we were talking about how much fun it would be to have a side gig where we could just punk out and rock hard. Michael Bland was in The New Power Generation with Prince, John Fields was a bassist and producer at Funkytown Studio, and I was neck-deep in touring with The Rembrandts. We cut an 11-song record in a day, and did some local Minneapolis appearances. Over the years, we made about 4 or 5 albums worth of music, but really never got behind it business-wise. So, at some point we need to get that stuff out to the world as it’s all about what’s happening now. I think it will surprise people.
What can we expect to hear from them? Tell us about writing "Where Do We Go From Here"?
You can find various versions of T.H.R.U.S.H. on YouTube. They pop up in my algorithms on occasion. We’ll have to make a specific channel for that band one day.
Meanwhile, about a year ago I wrote that anthem for the planet we live on, after seeing a news clip on YouTube showing a hockey game at which the U.S. national anthem was playing, and what with
the political garbage that had been going down, people were booing intensely. I had a melody in my head for years that I thought was too big for whatever else I’d been writing about, but at that moment, lyrics started flowing, and I felt the need for a world anthem as opposed to a national one.
Molland, Solem, and Miller —Photo courtesy of Phil Solem
What are The Rembrandts currently working on?
Top secret information!
What was it like writing the theme from Friends? Did you expect the song to be popular?
It was like a dream in reverse.
And absolutely, kind of. The show was obviously a smash; I could tell before it came out. Back then, it was not cool for guys like us to get involved in TV shows, but somebody had to do it. Now it’s de rigeuer!
Any future plans and projects for you, Phil?
Yes, my solo record will be exposed to air in the coming weeks, so get the popcorn poppin’!
Oh, and I’m mixing a record for my friends, Pig Lipstick, which rocks, so keep an ear out for them… and an eye, as they’re releasing a video soon.
How was it like to a political song "Where Do We Go From Here"?
Writing it was akin to a seismic shift, and releasing it was very necessary.
Molland, Solem, and Miller—Photo courtesy of Phil Solem
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