Part 2 of my conversation with author Greg Renoff as we discuss the rise and fall of the guitar hero.

Show notes:

• Recorded via Skype

• Buy Greg's book Van Halen Rising at Amazon or get a signed copy from the Van Halen Store

• Flash guitar in the '80s: VH, Motley Crue, Ratt, Quiet Riot

• Ratt was once replaced on a bill by Molly Hatchet

• Billy Squier's downfall

• Molly Hatchet unsuccessfully tried to pull a "ZZ Top"

• The hair metal bubble burst

• The '80s shredder trend

• Fast forwarding to the solos

• Oh, Vinnie Vincent

• Looking for the new Warrant

• The influence of Guitar Hero

• Learning about Slash

• We need guitars

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The opening and closing theme of Completely Conspicuous is "Theme to Big F'in Pants" by Jay Breitling. Find out more about Senor Breitling at his fine music blog Clicky Clicky. Voiceover work is courtesy of James Gralian.