94-3 The Drive Podcasts: Recent Episodes
94-3 The Drive
94-3 The Drive Podcast features the best of Tom & Kerri with Vicki, the Classic Rock Files with Kelly Parker, the latest from Alix Michaels and more. Listen live at www.943thedrive.ca.
Steve Perry says that after his long layoff from recording that ended a couple of years back, he thinks there's a lot more to come, Ace Frehley crushes the lead vocal on his cover of The Beatles' "I'm Down", and a wild story about a guy who woke up from a coma, and one of his favourite bass players was the respiratory tech!!
On the 40th anniversary of John Lennon's death, several artists reflect on where they were when they heard and how they reacted, Krist from Nirvana reflects on the band's place in pop culture, and Roger and Brian say that although he was near death at the time, Freddie loved how "Bohemian Rhapsody" was used in the "Wayne's World" movie.
Why AC/DC chose Steven Tyler to induct them into the Rock Hall in 2003, Motley Crue releases a new line of hot sauces (and Tommy Lee goes Tommy Lee to promote it), and Steve Perry says Van Halen blew them off the stage when VH opened for Journey on VH's first tour.
Brian Johnson of AC/DC tells the story of how his iconic cap came to be his trademark, Gene Simmons says that a show in Antarctica is likely going to be a part of the final 150 dates of the KISS Farewell Tour, and a couple of intriguing tidbits from a new Jimmy Page interview.
On Dec. 3/1965, The Beatles released the album that signalled a maturation of the band in terms of approach, lyric writing, musicianship and studio experimentation that would be the hallmark of the band's final years together. I tell the story of the album as we make it the latest inductee into the Drive Rock of Fame.
Paul McCartney reveals that he still isn't over the trauma of John Lennon's murder, David Lee Roth references Sammy multiple times (hint: none of them make much sense) in his latest cartoon, and Billy Idol talks about how his trademark blonde, spikey hair was an accident.
Wolfgang Van Halen has offered some interesting insights into that potential 2017 "Kitchen Sink Tour", as well as what it's been like to handle all of the PR around his single release in the wake of his dad's passing, and how he's been (entertainingly) shooting down "stupid" rumours...a Heart biopic is in the works, and clips of Miley Cyrus's collaborations with Joan Jett and Billy Idol. (Photo: heart-music.com)
Paul McCartney, Bruce Dickinson and Ozzy on using teleprompters onstage to help with lyrics, Tommy Lee says he welcomed the grunge era with open arms eben though it hurt his band, and SAGA has a new album on the way.
Queen's 39-year-old Greatest Hits album enters the Top 10 on Billboard's album chart for the first time, Ozzy has been spending his downtime shootin' at stuff in his back yard, and Metallica;s recent stream has raised over a million dollars for charity as the band is - according to Lars - deep into writing and recording its next album.
A Flea (not the bass player) bit Johnny Rotten on the ween, KISS is going to perform a massive new year's Eve show in Dubai for a worldwide virtual audience, and Neil Peart's drum kit from the classic RUSH era has hit the auction block.
On November 21, 1975, Queen released the album that would launch the band to worldwide superstardom, A Night At The Opera. I tell the story of the album as we make it the latest inductee into the Drive Rock Of Fame.
Lars Ulrich doesn't care if you think here's a crappy drummer (but his producer agrees!), Wolf Van Halen says an Eddie charity tribute concert is a possibility, but you can forget about any form of Van Halen playing in the future, and Steve Lukather of Toto and the Rock Hall are not in a good place.
Jimmy Page says that the pandemic has him thinking he wants to play live again, Wolf Van Halen says that the 2019 tour was to have included Roth, Hagar & Cherone, and Metallica adds surprise full-electric performances to its streamed charity acoutic show last night.
Why Don Henley called Eagles manager Irving Azoff, "Satan", Sammy Hagar would sing at a Van Halen tribute show, but won't have any part of rumours that one might happen, and AC/DC releases another single as it finally releases its new album "PWR UP" today.
Ticketmaster (US) clarifies a report published yesterday saying that when concerts resume, proof of vaccination and a negative test within 72 hours of the event would be required for admission, Lars says the Metallica guys are fighting technical issues while trying to record the new album, and Brian Johnson praises Axl Rose's AC/DC fill-in work.
The Rock Hall induction ceremony happened on Saturday night, Kirk Hammett says the Metallica's 1991 "Black Album" was the band's "Back In Black", and a new Foo Fighters album release date is confirmed - hear a clip of the lead single.
Iron Maiden's Adrian Smith says had Eddie Van Halen been around when he started playing, he just would have copied him. What would Maiden have sounded like with Eddie? How Tom Petty's "The Waiting" was inspired by Janis Joplin, and are we close to getting a 10th Foo Fighters album?
Phil Collins' ex has been ordered to get out of his Miami mansion and to take her new husband with her, Chris Jericho talks about what was going on under the stage (in Winnipeg?) at one stop on Van Halen's 2004 reunion tour, and AC/DC teases another song from its upcoming album.
Kirk and Robert think the writing process for the next Metallica album will be more collaborative than the last, Jimmy Page said that the disappointment we all felt that CDs didn't live up to their promise led to the 1990 Led Zeppelin box set, and David Lee Roth releases a new song in tribute to Eddie VH.
Rush's album visual designer, Hugh Syme, says that the band's "Exit...Stage Left" live album (released 39 years ago today) was supposed to have an entirely different cover,,,but lawyers, Robert Plant tells the story of why he once proclaimed himself, "a golden god" (and takes the piss out of himself in the process), and Jimmy Page says that the 9th Led Zep album would have gone where none of the others had before.
Keith Richards compares Mick Jagger to James Brown (who Mick has already outlived by 4 years, btw), Stevie Nicks says she almost died in the days following her 2019 induction and performance at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame gala, and Brian May feels luck to be alive after what he calls "a catalogue of disasters" with his health this year.
Brian Johnson tells the story of the night he and Malcolm Young tried to find the Loch Ness monster (using fireworks), Tommy Lee tells the epic, legendary (and very distasteful) Ozzy snorting ants story, The Hoff has a metal album coming, and a new tune from Kim Mitchell.
Keith Richards talks about how he's handling the pandemic, and what's happening with the Stones' new music and tour plans, Angus Young lays out how Brian, Cliff, and Phil all came to rejoin AC/DC, and a clip of Nancy Wilson's new cover of Springsteen's, The Rising. (Photo: Nancy Wilson/Facebook)
Paul McCartney announces a new album made using some iconic musical gear, the AC/DC boys hated the Non-disclosure Agreements (NDAs) they had to sign to keep the new album secret for two years, and Ann Wilson releases a new cover of a Steve Earle song. (Photo: paulmccartney.com)
Phil Collins' love life is a complete mess, Eddie Van Halen's pretty incredible gift at Dimebag Darrell's funeral. and Sebastian Bach takes another swipe for no apparent reason at Jericho...and gets owned. (Phil Collins photo/story: https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2020/10/phil-collins-ex-wife-lawsuit-vacate-mansion-emergency-injunction)
Stevie Nicks on her 1979 abortion, her 8-year addiction to a tranquilizer, and Fleetwood Mac's "world mission" (wow), Jimmy Page says that Led Zep's 9th album would have been keyboard-based, and more rockstar on rockstar crime...this time between Ted Nugent and Tommy Lee.
Pete Townshend says Michael Jackson invited him to play on "Beat It" first, Metallica releases a new "sound-enhanced" whiskey, and Elton John & Rod Stewart are embroiled in a hilarious bitch fest.
Tommy Shaw gets inducted into the "Cravers Hall Of Fame", Tonu Iommi says Black Sabbath's "Paranoid" album almost didn't get made after the band was attacked on the street just before they were to record it, and Robert Plant says he's embarrassed by some of the music he made in the 80s.
The Australian Mint releases a set of AC/DC coins, Nuno Bettencourt of Extreme talks about the last coversation he had with Eddie Van Halen, and new music clips (kind of) from Elton John, Metal Allegiance covers Fleetwood Mac, Stevie Nicks releases a new song, and Greta Van Fleet releases a smokin' new tune.
Van Halen's manager confirms that a 2019 stadium tour with the classic lineup (including Michael Anthony) was going to happen but Eddie's health problems prevented it, Iron Maiden's Adrian Smith says he fought depression as a result of joining Iron Maiden, and what Ozzy bought with his first Black Sabbath royalty cheque.
How family members and former Van Halen colleagues publicly shared their grief at the death of Eddie Van Halen, my own reminiscences of seeing Eddie and Van Halen in their prime on their first couple of visits to Winnipeg, and Tom's epic story of hanging with the Sammy-era VH backstage at Wembley Stadium in London. (Photo: Facebook/Vintage Winnipeg)
AC/DC/s Cliff Williams talks about why he came out of retirement, and what it was like to get back into the studio with the boys to record the new album, Brian Johnson talks about how he feels about the Back In Black album today, hear Eagles' live version of "Take It Easy" released in advance of the new live album coming out next week, and an Alberta loogan hilariously sings "Bohemian Rhapsody" in the back of a police cruiser.
On Oct. 5th/1970, Led Zeppelin released its third album. A progression in the band's sound, it was initially met with a lukewarm reception, but has since become a classic. I tell the story of the making of Led Zeppelin III, as we make it the latest inductee into the Drive Rock of Fame.
AC/DC releases a 30-second tease of their first new music in six years, Bruce Dickinson says that Iron Maiden is writing and recording new music, and Ace Frehley says that outside of business, he and Gene have always been tight, and tells how Gene saved his life...twice.
AC/DC confirms the worst-kept secret in rock, Nikki Sixx hasn't just been visiting Wyoming for the last few months, he's left LA and moved there permanently, and Ace Frehley says Paul and Gene missed out on a lot of fun by not partying in the 70s. (Photo: AceFrehley.com)
On Oct 3, 1980, The Police - with two successful albums under its belt - released its third, Zenyatta Mondatta, recorded in just four weeks under tremendous label pressure, and amid increasing tensions within the band. I tell the story of the making of the album as we make it our latest inductee into the Drive Rock of Fame.
Hope for Soundgarden fans, the latest breadcrumb drops on the AC/DC rumours, and Paul McCartney says he still runs his new songwriting through the What Would John Think Filter.
Today on the CRF, Rob Halford thinks he might actually have metal (not just iron) in his blood, something's up in the ACDC camp, and Van Halen's original basist dies.
On September 20th, 1980, Ozzy Osbourne struck out on his own after being sacked by Black Sabbath. He was a mess physically and psychologically, but Sharon Arden, the daughter of Sabbath manager Don Arden, saw something in him, and began to push. What resulted was "Blizzard of Ozz", a debut solo album that set the stage for everything that we know as - from a 2020 perspective - Ozzy. I tell the story of the making of the album, as we induct it into the Drive Rock of Fame.
On September 18, 1970, Black Sabbath released its second album, Paranoid. I tell the story of the making of the album, as we make it the latest inductee into the Drive Rock of Fame.
On September 12/1975, Pink Floyd - after starting one project and shelving it, and starting again, amidst growing tensions in the band - released Wish You Were Here, conceived by Roger Waters based on a growing sense of isolation and disconnectedness within the band...and as a response to his grief at the "loss" of his childood friend, Pink Floyd co-founder Syd Barrett. I tell the story of the album, as we induct it into the Drive Rock of Fame.
On Sept. 10, 1975 Casablanca Records issued the 4th KISS release after three duds. KISS Alive! would save the company, and the band's faltering career. I tell the story of the making of KISS Alive! as we make it the latest inductee into the Drive Rock of Fame.
Floyd called the Drive Line at 204-780-9430 to chat Winnipeg concerts after I mentioned the legendary Eagles show at the Downs (July 27/78) on their Hotel California Tour. Image from the story: https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/arts-and-life/entertainment/music/country-rockers-a-winning-13-bet-at-the-track-31-years-ago-41138912.html
On August 25th, 1975, Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band released one of the truly great rock & roll albums, Born To Run. Here's the story of the making of the album, as we make it the latest inductee into the Drive Rock of Fame. (Photo: BruceSpringsteen.net)
Walter Kinsey and his partners are the ones who came up with this idea of having bands perform live shows - pay-per-view, really - for fans to watch at Drive-In theatres across North America. Tom and I spoke with him by phone from Texas this morning.
I mentioned this morning that KISS (w. Cheap Trick) in July of '77 at the old arena was my first concert ever. Steve called in to share a story of being in the front row, and also meeting KISS downstairs during the intermission. First I've heard that the band did this. (Photo: Kissoline.com)
Harlequin's George Belanger has got stories for days. My favourite of any of them is this one, where - during the recording of either the "Victim Of A Song" or "Love Crimes" album - George was in the lounge of The Hit Factory studio in New York City late one night when the phone rang...he picked up. (Photo: Harlequin)
Kim Mitchell has a new song out called "Wishes", his first new album in 13 years ready to go, memories of Neil Peart, a vicious guard dog named "Webster", and at least one story very few fans have ever heard. We cover it all in our first chat in a couple of years.
KIm Mitchell has a new album in the can. I caught up with him last week, and he confirmed a rumour I had heard about Neil Peart secretly playing onstage every night with Max Webster when MW and Rush toured together. (Photo: Youtube)
A Sebastian Bach - Chris Jericho Twitter war update, a couple of little-known but well-respected rock side players have died, and we get some insight from Sharon about what the end of Ozzy's live performance career might look like.
July 25th, 1980, just 5 months and 6 days after the death of Bon Scott, AC/DC - although its star had been steadily on the rise - released a "comeback album" of sorts. Singer Brian Johnson, who wasn't even a lyricist, was plucked from relative obscurity, given a pen and paper and told to go to it. What resulted was one of the biggest-selling rock albums in history, an album that many - Slash among them - credit with saving rock & roll. That's why Back In Black becomes our latest inductee into the Drive Rock Of Fame.
Sebastian Bach and Chris Jericho get into it on Twitter. Result: A. Jericho owned Bach, and 2. Challenged Bach to a "sing-off". Meanwhile, Skid Row guys say they essentially "forgot" to tour that album on its 30th anniversary last year (except that Bach said in January that they'd been very close to reuniting last summer before he had to eventually tour it himself), and Nike is releasing a line of sneaks for Deadheads.
A certifiable genius has come up with a random festival concert generator, Kesha owns a T-Rex song for an upcoming tribute album, and Metallica releases music from its upcoming massive release of the "S&M2" concerts last year with the San Francisco Symphony. (Photo: Ian Dickson/Wikipedia)
In July, 1970, Creedence Clearwater Revival released its most commercially successful (and jammed with hits) album, "Cosmo's Factory". We tell the story or the album as we make it our latest inductee into the Drive Rock of Fame.
Wolfgang Van Halen is trying to manage expectations about what his first solo record will sound like, David Lee Roth is keeping busy with his art (and making sure everyone knows that he's carrying the VH torch now), Classic Rock is dominating the pandemic streaming charts, and Bret Michaels is training to star in an upcoming action thriller? (Photo: YouTube: BretMichaelsOfficial)
A couple of the Nickelback guys recently guested on Chris Jericho's "Talk Is Jericho" podcast, and Jericho brought up this ridiculous hate that gets piled on the band. (Photo: WebIsJericho.com)
Ozzy, Jack & Sharon Osbourne are coming back to TV, Black Stone Cherry and Monster Truck release a song they created online in front of fans, and a new song from the upcoming Deep Purple album with a gawdawful name.
Metallica gets involved in an operation to buy up classic rock music rights, the Rock Hall induction ceremony won't be live, but it is coming up in the fall, and the Rolling Stones release an (old) new song to promote the upcoming release of the "Goats Head Soup" box set.
Eagles, Pearl Jam, Guns N Roses and other bands apply for and recieve millions in government pandemic grants, and Mike has something to say about! Metallica did not apply for that money, but continues to give away money to the needy, Joe Porcaro, who played on Floyd's The Wall, and was the father of the Porcaro brothers of Toto passes at 90, and Tommy Shaw teams with a youth orchestra for a fantastic new version of the Styx classic, "Fooling Yourself" (Photo: Styx/Youtube).
Roger Taylor says he doesn't see a "Bohemian Rhapsody" movie sequel happening...or does he? A band releases a pretty wicked cover of the Queen songs "Flash" and "The Hero", and the guy who has been an unknown member of Eagles for almost 20 years sparks a discussion about bands not accepting long-time replacement players as full members.
Charlie Daniels dies. The guy who wrote Metallica's walk-on music (and some of the best movie soundtracks of all time) dies. Slash says the Guns boys are working together on new music, and David Gilmour releases a new song that Mike loves, but (mega Floyd fan ) Kel, not so much.
On July 11, 1975, Fleetwood Mac released its second self-titled album, but the first with the now-familiar lineup of John and Christine McVie, Mick Fleetwood, Lindsay Buckingham, and Stevie Nicks. The album spawned several singles, sold five million copies, and set the stage for the monster success of "Rumours" two years later. We tell the story of how the lieup came together, and the making of the album, as we make it our latest inductee into The Drive Rock Of Fame.
It's been rumoured for well over a year, and it's usually Slash who says something, and then ends up walking it back. He says in a new interview with Sweetwater that the guys are writing together as best they can during the lockdown, so there's that at least.
He'd already produced "Welcome To My Nightmare" for Alice Cooper, and KISS's "Destroyer" album, and many others (how he got that far is a story all by itself), but Pink Floyd's The Wall was just ahead for Canadian producer Bob Ezrin. He told podcast host Bob Lefsetz how he came to produce the Floyd masterpiece. Hint: It's another right place-right time story. The Caroline he refers to was a Brit who was a staffer at NImbus 9 in Canada (formed by Ezrin and Guess Who producer Jack Richardson), and Steve O'Rourke is Pink Floyd's manager.
Bob Dylan sets a new record with his latest just-released album, one of the best of the legendary Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section passes away, Corey Taylor from Slipknot pulls off a power move that we're both fans of, and a couple of notable Juno winners from the virtual awards show last night that nobody knew about. Note: Mike is on his trash talking game in this episode!
To mark the 50th anniversary of the now-legendary Festival Express train and tour that came through Winnipeg to play the stadium on Canada Day, I spoke to Winnipeg music historian John Einarson about what the Winnipeg stop was like, before and after the concert - including Janis Joplin's famous dip in the Memorial Park fountain - and at the show itself, which John attended, featuring The Band, The Geateful Dead, Buddy Guy (and even Randy Bachman for a minute there). Great conversation with lots of Winnipeg tidbits!
Mike lays out the little-known details of why politicians who use artists' music at their rallies without permission probably aren't doing anything wrong, Blue Oyster Cult announces a new album on the way, and Chris Jericho's "Kuarantine" band releases a cover of KISS' "Heart Of Chrome" featuring Bruce Kulick.
Sammy Hagar walks back (stumbles back?) his earlier comments about being willing to die to play big shows again pre-vaccine, Neal Schon suspects that industry politics have prevented a reunion with Steve Perry, and a wicked Sevendust Soundgarden cover.
Updates on strike one against the Wisconsin rock fest set for three weeks from now, and the best Metallica song ever bracket winner, AC/DC drummer Chris Slade on his shock at Brian Johnson's firing, and Axl stepping in, and Lamb Of God has a creative marketing idea.
Sammy Hagar is willing to die to save the concert industry, Wisconsin goes Wisconsin by scheduling a three-day, 15-band rock festival for mid-July, Nick Cave explains why his songs don't get political, and an update on the absolutely opposing political views by Serj and John from System Of A Down (also brothers in law).
Historians have determined that Penny Lane in Liverpool (made famous by The Beatles) is not named after a slave trader, and Queen is honoured by Britain's Royal mail with a commemorative set of stamps.
Kurt Cobain's MTV Unplugged guitar gets a record price at auction, while Prince's iconic guitar definitely does not, Paul McCartney plays the trumpet(?) at a virtual charity show, and you can now buy edible Grateful Dead arm charm.
I was talking on the show a couple of days ago about John Douglas, the Aerosmith drum tech who had 6 hours to learn the whole set when he stepped in for Joey Kramer last summer. Turns out, Fitzy was in town and listening, busted me a text to tell me that Douglas is one of his best buds (and his own drum tech), and we decided to set up a call to catch up. Great convo as always. (Photo: Brent Fitz)
A new rock star-studded documentary telling the story of Creem magazine is on the way, Dennis DeYoung has released a new song that we...oh, let's use the term "critique", and Funk Turkey is back, this time with a AI/bot created "Nirvana" tune, and just like the previous "Metallica" and "AC/DC" tunes he created with the bot, it's pretty good!
Lemmy is getting a biopic, Aerosmith drum tech says he had 6 hours to learn the band's 17-song setlist when he stepped in for Joey Kramer last summer,and an IG post by System Of A Down's Serj Tankian sparks a discussion about separating the art from the artist, and in music, the message from the song.
The inspiration for The Beatles classic "Penny Lane" is the subject of further research about whether the street was named after a slave trader, which could cause the name to be changed, Nuno Bettencourt tells the story of being offered his dream gig with Ozzy, and how it became a reminder that timing is everything, and we've got a clip of Neil Young's new/old song from his lost, post-"Harvest" album that comes out Friday.
The first-ever Beatles recording at Abbey Road Studios (pre-Ringo) is the subject of a new lawsuit, Styx and Ace Frehley have actually scheduled new summertime concert dates in the U.S, and Rage Against The Machine albums experience sales surge in the current BLM climate...but at least one fan was hilariously clued out that RATM was a political band.
Elton John tops the lsit of rockers on Forbes' 2020 Highest Earning Entertainers list, and we also have the runners-up, Neil Young says it's ridiculous that we're still dealing with the same issues he sang about 50 years ago in "Southern Man", and Tommy Lee releases two new songs that we can not get behind.
Don Henley testifies to Congress about antiquated copyright laws, Elton John live tweets commentary during a "Rocketman" watch party, and Nick Cave makes a funny donation to a charity to help a club struggling during the lockdown.
Styx is well into the work of a new album, but should travel restrictions be relaxed so musicians like Gowan can get to the US to record, System Of A Down is a stupid band (just ask them), and Bumblefoot has a new acoustic covers album out this week.
The Stadium Tour is finally postponed, Brandi Carlile records with the remaining members of Soundgarden, and highlights from the upcoming series of Record Store Days.
SpaceX astronauts rock to ACDC on the way to the pad, Alex Lifeson says he's lost his motivation to play guitar since the passing of The Professor, Bob Kulick dies, and Paul Stanley impresses with his voice in a new release with his band, Soul Station.
Neil Young turns the tables on the bootleggers by announcing the release of "official" bootlegs from his own master tapes, Metallica sets up a bracket for fans to determine the greatest Metallica song of all time, RUSH's 40th anniversary release of Permanent Waves is available on digital platforms today, and new releases from Tea Party and Neil Finn (with Stevie Nicks and Christine McVie).
Adrian Smith of Maiden has written a book combining his life in rock with his passion for fishing, and the press release is gold!!, Rob Halford has set a date for the release of his autobiography, and Sammy & The Circle with another wicked entry from their "Lockdown Sessions".
Kirk Hammett talks about guilt around using one of the riffs from his earlier band Exodus later on with Metallica, so we discuss that creative grey area, and you can now buy stock in Warner Music, but would you want to buy stock in the industry at all?
Black Crowes & The Trews will be featured on the debut of a new made-in-Canada screen concert series, an L.A. production company comes up with a suit (pictured) that will allow you to safely go to future concerts, which sparks the discussion...where do you draw the line on restrictions that would keep you away from future concerts if they never get back to "normal", and Aldo Nova resurfaces with a rockin' new song.
Brian May's recent ripped buttock, shoulder issues, and minor heart attack, Journey announces two new members amid all the dramaaaaa, and Sammy Hagar pledges to never announce his retirement or a final tour, sparking a discussion about whether any artist should ever do that.
Michaels was talking to TMZ about how badly he wants to get back to live performance, but he underlines that there has to be a responsible approach. When he does get the go-ahead, though, he told them what he'd be prepared to do in order to get back on stage.
James Hetfield has such a unique vocal delivery that "Het" has actually become an adjective, as in, ..."we just need a little more "Het" in this vocal." (Canadian) mega-producer Bob Rock used it during the recording of the single, "Unforgiven", as captured in the documentary, "A Year In The Life Of Metallica". It's such a thing, that on the ID10T podcast, the hilarious David Duchovny and the host Chris Hardwick were talking about 90s bands, and Duchovny had a hilarious story/impression about a buddy's outgoing voicemail greeting, Both are in this clip.
Over 50 years ago, Milton Keane put together an outfit called Jazz Sabbath, and its debut album, "Changes", was set for UK release in 1970. Had that happened, Jazz Sabbath could have been music legends. Instead, just before the album's release Milton had a heart attack, and as fate would have it, that was just the first of a string of events that ended the band's hopes for success. But that's just the beginning of the tragic, fascinating story. A must listen.
The lawsuit over the Kurt Cobain guitar that's about to go up for auction, the son Melissa Etheridge had (thanks to David Crosby's sperm donation) has died, Queen is posting the 1992 Freddie Mercury Tribute concert to Youtube, Sammy & The Circle cover Buffalo Springfield, and the Rock Hall posts 1000s of clips from past inductions.
Klaus Meine says "Nein!" to the speculation that the CIA wrote the Scorpions hit Wind Of Change, a band in Arkansas becomes the first to try to perform a concert in front of a heavily regulated live audience (and what concerts might look like when they return), and a quarantine RUSH cover.
Bryan Adams gets himself into hot water, and then walks back his rant, Ian Anderson reveals that "his days are numbered" with an incurable lung condition, Kurt Cobain's "Unplugged" guitar is coming up at auction, and a horrifying (but verified) piece of music memorabilia is available on eBay - the cake topper from Slash's wedding...complete with actual Slash hair.
Tomorrow is the 50th anniversary of the release of the Beatles documentary, Let It Be. There were only about 20 people on the roof that day (including the band), and Ken Mansfield - as the head of Apple Records U.S. - was one of them. That's him in the white coat. He told me how, after a few days of preparation to shoot the performance for the ending of the documentary, it came this close at the last moment to not happening at all. I'll post the full, fascinating conversation tomorrow.
Ken Mansfield was the head of the U.S. branch of the Beatles' own Apple Records label. He happened to be in London on label business the week that the band staged the infamous rooftop concert as a way to end the Let It Be documentary. His association as a Beatles insider was about five years, beginning in 1966, and his stories are fascinating. The documentary was released on May 13th, 1970, so I gave Ken a buzz to talk about his time with The Beatles, and what it was like being on the roof that day (he's "The Man In The White Coat" in the photos). It's one of the most fascinating interviews I've ever had the pleasure of doing. Enjoy.
We dedicate this episode of the pod to Little Richard, and the tributes that continue to pour in from rockers of all eras.
Wednesday marks the 50th anniversary of the release of the Let It Be documentary. I interviewed Ken Mansfield recently. He's known as "The Man In The White Coat", seen in the film of the Beatles legendary rooftop (final) performance. As the head of Apple Records U.S., he was a band insider, and the conversation is one of the most fascinating I've ever had. I'll post the whole thing Wednesday, but a couple of teasers first. It was Ken's job to drive the boys around Hollywood to show them the sights. The band was staying at a rented home, and Ken told me this story that shows even up in the hills, in a walled yard, the Beatles weren't safe from the fans.
Queen + Adam Lambert release an alternate version of "We Are The Champions" to pay tribute to healthcare front-liners, Eddie Vedder announces your chance to play onstage with Pearl Jam, Megadeth is taking care of its "road family", and another kick ass cover from Sammy & The Circle.
Although it was recorded before Abbey Road, The Beatles final album release - Let It Be - was on May 8/1970. We tell the story of the album - including clips of John Lennon talking about it in the famous Rolling Stone "lost interview" - as we make Let It Be the latest inductee into the Drive Rock Of Fame.
We have the story of what Wolf Van Halen's first rehearsal as a member of the band was like (and the thing that made him most nervous), Duff's wife says the new GnR music she's hearing is "epic", and Noel Gallagher releases a lost Oasis tune (sparking more of the inevitable, entertaining twitter sniping from Liam).
Jeff Scott Soto says he was considered as Queen's new lead singer, a record label is auctioning off the rpyalty rights to a couple of albums, The Doobies release an at-home performance of "Black Water" and Parker shares the story of how he embarrassed himself when he met the band, and a new release from Scorpions.
A story we never expected to cover...Did The CIA write "Winds Of Change" for Scorpions?, King Diamond (& friends) have a kick-ass new twist on the quarantine performances, and Dave Grohl (arguably the best guy ever) surprises a super-fan with a one-on-one acoustic performance.
Mick Jagger has a retort to his buddy Paul MCartney's argument that The Beatles were better than The Stones, Miley Cyrus covers Pink Floyd on SNL, Post Malone crushes a set of Nirvana songs for charity, and Winger with a guest-packed version of their optimistic 2014 track, "Better Days Comin':
We bring you what may be the single greatest rock n roll story ever told, starring Eddie Van Halen, Fred Durst and a gun, Bret Michaels is releasing an autobiography, all of the details of which are a trip, man...and a new song by Wang Chu-eeerrrrr, The Killers.
Roger Waters thinks you may have seen the last of older artists if concerts aren't back by next summer, The Stones release their first new song in 8 years, and it could easily be from their classic 70s era, at-home streams from Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi, and a British all-star charity recording of Foo Fighters' "Times Like These" will get you in the feels.
The Robinson brothers want to see how the Black Crowes tour goes before making a decision on a new album, classic Yes valbum artist Roger Dean is live-streaming his creation of the next Yes cover, Iggy Pop covers Sly & The Family Stone, Van Halen producer Ted Templeman calls Sammy Hagar the best rock singer in the world, and another entry in the "Lockdown Sessions" from Sammy & The Circle.
Bon Jovi cancels tour so fans can get refunded cash back into their budgets, don't look for any more new music from System Of A Down, a cool cover of Ozzy's "Crazy Train", and Puddle Of Mudd does a cover of Nirvana's "About A Girl" that goes viral for all the wrong reasons.
Live Nation (Ticketmaster) bows to public pressure to tweak its ticket refund policy, but Mike doesn't think it clarifies anything, handwritten Dylan lyrics expected to fetch bonkers cash at auction, and Paul McCartney presents his argument for why the Beatles were better than The Stones (and we disect it).
We're up to our armpits in new muisc from the likes of Matt Cameron (Pearl Jam/Soundgarden), Jeff Beck & Johnny Depp, metal supergroup BPMD, Dylan, and a Canadian band with a Winnipeg connection, Protest The Hero.
Live Nation's CEO clarifies the company's refund policy (including for its Ticketmaster side) regarding postponed shows that caused such an uproar among fans earlier in the week, Jon Bon Jovi explains why he's turned down the Super Bowl halftime show in the past (and why he'll never play it), and Five Finger Death Punch has come up with a great alternative the now-constant stream of at-home performances.
Ian Anderson agrees (in a very entertaining way) that Tull didn't deserve to beat AC/DC, Metallica and others for the first-ever rock Grammy, Brian May announces that he's planning to become a "preachy vegan", and we've got new music from Kansas, The Pretenders, and Sammy & The Circle post the latest entry in their "Lockdown Sessions"...a truly rockin' cover of Van Halen's, "Good Enough".
We address the "controversy" that broke yesterday around Ticketmaster's change of policy regarding refunds for postponed shows, Arcade Fire has a new album in the works, and Linkin Park (?!) is one of the most streamed bands in Youtube's history.
Don McLean comes out of the woodwork to yell at clouds, extensive (too extensive?) Iggy Pop box set coming, Paul McCartney's hand-written studio notes for the "Let It Be" session fetch big bucks at auction, and Eddie Money's final album will finally come out this week, and we have a clip of the title track.
Bob Dylan goes number one for the first time ever...with his new 17-minute song, several notable streaming shows will happen over the next couple of days, including from the Farm-Aid collective, Radiohead, and the grateful Grateful Dead concert films, and David Gilmour and family do a surreal show from home to help launch mom Polly Sampson's new novel.
We talk John Prine, who we lost yesterday, there's a new rock documentary coming about studio engineer Eddie Kramer - who worked with Hendrix, The Beatles, the Stones and Led Zeppelin, and Joe Walsh shares his regret at not being able to help his friend John Entwistle at the end.
Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull answers a question that it's possible no one has ever asked, a host of rock legends will perform on an upcoming pandemic benefit special, and three new at-home performance videos from Sammy Hagar & The Circle, Tears For Fears' Curt Smith and his daughter Diva, and Billie Joe Armstrong with Suzanna Hoffs, who we agree we are both still in love with.
Rock Hall member Bill Withers dies at 81, John Taylor of Duran Duran, Marianne Faithful, and Christopher Cross all diagnosed with COVID-19, bands getting creative with vitually connecting with their fans, and new music from The Strokes and Skynyrd.
COVID-19 takes Adam Schlesinger of Fountains Of Wayne, Phish held a virtual home listening party last night for its new album (which is streaming today), and updates on ex-Metallica members Dave Mustaine (who has written a book), and Jason Newstead, who talks about wrecking his back and neck doing all of that headbanging on stage.
On April 8, 1975, Aerosmith released its third album, "Toys In The Attic". This is the story of the album, as we make it our latest inductee into the Drive Rock of Fame.
Fun discussion/debate today. Ticket brokers (including StubHub) lobby for a government bailout, a new survey says a surprising number of people will not be joining concert crowds after the crisis is over (and how odd does this photo look, now?!), and a new pandemic-related single from Kings of Leon.
Ozzy's treatment trip to Switzerland cancelled, Steve Vai doing two live Q & A sessions on Facebook Live this week, Matt Heafy from Trivium is making more streaming random content from home of his Twitch channel than the band makes from streaming its music, and rockin' new music and art from the upcoming Kansas album.
Music sales are hurting in the pandemic, even though people have more time than ever to isolate and consume it(?), COVID-19 claims the man who wrote Joan Jett's biggest hit, and Sammy Hagar and The Circle get innovative to record a new song from their respective homes.
Jon Bon Jovi rolls up his sleeves in the community kitchen he runs, and a couple of unlikely reunions: Dennis DeYoung appeals to his former Styx bandmates for one last tour for the fans, and Liam Gallagher calls out brother Noel on Twitter to reunite Oasis to aid in pandemic relief. (Photo: @jbjsoulkitchen on Instagram)
Devin Townshend needs your help (again), a chance for you to plsing on Mike Shinoda's (Linkin Park) new song, and an unknown singer tells the amazing rock & roll fantasy story of auditioning with AC/DC after they canned Brian Johnson.
After (unwisely) announcing its lineup last week, the huge UK Glastonbury Music Festival finally announces cancellation of the event, The Recording Industry Assoc. of America (RIAA) has set up a fund to help small independent artists through this crisis, and Bono shares a song online that was inspired by the balcony singers in Italy.
Canadian Metallica producer Bob Rock says he "didn't get it" when the band wanted to release "Enter Sandman" as a single, a local Ozzy/Sabbath cover band records an Ozzy-esque original, a new song from Chrissy Hynde & The Pretenders, and the growing list of artists doing free performances online from their homes amid the COVID-19 crisis.
David Crosby could lose his home, a song from 1987 returns to the Billbaord HOT 100 thanks to COVID-19, and a band returns with new music after a 12-year hiatus.
A U.S. brewery has released a Neil Peart craft brew for charity (which sparks a discussion of why we ever thought his name was pronounced "Pert"), and several coronavirus music industry updates.
Director Peter Jackson's new Beatles documentary culled from 55 hours of previously unreleased footage for the Let It Be sessions gets a release date, a surprise from a Danish band that overtakes U2 on a key sales record, and we have a preview of the new Killers tune featuring Lindsay Buckingham.
Sammy Hagar and Neil Young (& Crazy Horse) cancel tours, while a bunch of B-List 80s rock acts announce a tour together, Neil Young announces release dates for several archive projects, and the latest in a line of guitarists begging to get into the Judas Priest lineup.
The debut album by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young was released on March 11, 1970, and on its 50th anniversary, we look into the background, making of, and cultural significance of the album as we make it our latest inductee into the Drive Rock Of Fame.
Led Zeppelin wins the latest round in the copyright lawsuit accusing it of ripping off "Stairway To Heaven", a huge figure in the muisc biz passes...and you've probably never heard of him, and Sammy Hagar is planning a guest-packed Vegas residency.
New details in the Jouney lawsuit detail the incredible deal that has the band paying Steve Perry a lot to NOT perform with them, Tony Iommi confirms that Michael Bolton was considered as a replacement for RJ Dio, and Bruce Dickenson calls out lead singers for using teleprompters on stage (and we disagree).
David Crosby will now critique your joint rolling technique on Twitter, a bunch of Aussies set a new mass air guitar Guiness Record in honour of AC/DC, and highlights of special releases coming up for Record Store Day.