The Tapes Archive: Recent Episodes

Osiris Media

A podcast that unearths never-before-heard conversations with world-class musicians and comedians.

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In this episode, we have one of the greatest heavy metal vocalists of all time, Ronnie James Dio. At the time of the interview in 1985, Dio was 43 years old and was promoting his Sacred Heart album and tour.

In the interview, Dio talks about filling Ozzy Osbourne’s shoes in Black Sabbath, a mystical experience that almost killed his wife, his thoughts on Ritchie Blackmore’s playing, and his metal all-star project Hear ‘n Aid.

The interview is conducted by a new Tapes Archive contributor, Canadian music journalist and author Steve Newton. During his four decades as a freelance music writer, he has interviewed everyone from AC/DC to ZZTop. We highly recommend that you head over to his Patreon page patreon.com/earofnewt and check out over 340 of his exclusive interviews. For only $5, you get full access. We are not paid for this endorsement; we truly feel it’s money well spent.

Link to Newton's Patreon page: https://bit.ly/3WQBr9S

For zero money, you can head over to Newton’s website, earofnewt.com, where he has posted more than 3,000 of his interviews, album reviews, concert reviews, and horror movie reviews.

Link to Newton's website: https://bit.ly/3ij9GIa

00:00 - Intro

01:41 - Start of the Ronnie James Dio interview

01:53 - The Sacred Heart tour

02:42 - His project Hear ’n Aid and whose playing on it

04:05 - How he writes music while watching sports

04:33 - What his first instrument was and if he liked it

05:10 - His love for classical music and how it relates to guitar players

06:21 - Why anyone can like classical music

07:15 - What other singers he admires

08:12 - How well Sacred Heart is doing sales wise

08:58 - If the PMRC has affected him

09:24 - If he’s interested in the occult

09:53 - His strange mystical experience while recording Rainbow’s “Long Live Rock ’n’ Roll”

10:15 - An evil spirit who tried to kill his wife, Wendy Dio

10:55 - Filling Ozzy Osbourne’s shoes in his former band Black Sabbath

12:50 - What he thinks of Ozzy’s solo music

13:37 - If he thinks Heaven and Hell paved the way for a resurgence of heavy metal

13:49 - His favorite tunes he did with Black Sabbath

14:19 - If he wants to produce other bands

14:55 - If it’s true he has a degree in Pharmacy

15:05 - If he’s still friends with Ritchie Blackmore and what he thinks of his guitar playing

15:41 - His thoughts on Yngwie Malmsteen

16:05 - His kindness to Steve Newton

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In this episode, we have Black Sabbath’s guitarist and the godfather of heavy metal, Tony Iommi.

At the time of the interview in 1984, Iommi was 36 years old and was promoting Black Sabbath’s Born Again album and tour.

In the interview, Iommi talks about Ian Gillian joining Black Sabbath and blowing up his boat, thoughts on Ozzy Osbourne remaking old Sabbath tunes, the Born Again live show, Randy Rhoads, and how he really did disturb the priest.

The interview is conducted by a new Tapes Archive contributor, Canadian music journalist and author Steve Newton. During his four decades as a freelance music writer, he has interviewed everyone from AC/DC to ZZTop. We highly recommend that you head over to his Patreon page patreon.com/earofnewt and check out over 340 of his exclusive interviews. For only $5, you get full access. We are not paid for this endorsement; we truly feel it’s money well spent.

For zero money, you can head over to Newton’s website, earofnewt.com, where he has posted more than 3,000 of his interviews, album reviews, concert reviews, and horror movie reviews.

00:00 - Intro

01:44 - Start of Tony Iommi Interview

02:07 - Ian Gillian joining Black Sabbath

02:21 - Playing Deep Purple’s Smoke on the Water

03:02 - Why Ronnie James Dio left Black Sabbath

03:22 - The addition of Bev Bevan from ELO

03:58 - If former Sabbath drummer Bill Ward will be back

04:13 - The story behind Black Sabbath’s song Disturbing the Priest

04:50 - Blowing up Ian Gillian’s boat

05:18 - The comparison between Black Sabbath’s debut album and Born Again

06:10 - His thoughts about former bandmate Ozzy Osbourne’s music

06:22 - What he thought of Randy Rhoads

06:34 - On Ozzy remaking old Black Sabbath songs

07:06 - Black Sabbath’s influence on other bands

07:46 - What music does he listen to

08:11 - A very surprising favorite song of Iommi’s

08:23 - Talks about Born Again’s live show.

09:33 - Iommi plays a bit of a joke on Newton

09:58 - Why growing up he did not think he would play the guitar

10:26 - His main influences on guitar

10:48 - How he doesn’t actually play a Gibson SG

11:58 - His current amps

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In this never before-heard 2016 interview, Vai talks with author Greg Renoff about the landmark David Lee Roth album Eat ‘Em and Smile. At the time, it was the 30th anniversary of the iconic album.

In the interview, Vai talks about the song he thought he wrote but didn’t, the jock that wasn’t happy with Vai, the rumored Kim Mitchell song, and the infamous Lucky Strike reunion show that didn't happen.

The interview is conducted by Greg Renoff. Renoff is the author of two Amazon best-sellers and a must-read for music fans. Van Halen Rising: How a Southern California Backyard Party Band Saved Heavy Metal and Ted Templeman: A Platinum Producer's Life in Music. If you haven't read these books, do yourself a favor and go get them now.

Read Greg Renoff's article based on this interview over on Guitar World. https://bit.ly/3eMS1Xf

00:00 - Intro Steve Vai interview

01:20 - Start of Steve Vai interview

02:00 - The first time David Lee Roth called Vai

02:17 - Pete Angelus and the Fabulous Picasso Brothers

02:42 - Who was involved with the choreography

03:19 - If Aerosmith was involved

04:44 - Was the Kim Mitchell song Kids in Action recorded?

05:16 - Other possible guitar players

05:56 - What Vai has no memory of

06:58 - The song Vai thought he wrote, but didn’t

09:39 - What Roth’s name for Kids in Action was and why

10:18 - Leaking to the press

10:53 - Getting a hold of Roth

12:25 - Early memories with Roth

13:54 - The jock vs Vai story

15:00 - The very first Roth concert he played

16:23 - How Roth was his final mentor

17:49 - If Roth’s movie was originally for Van Halen

18:34 - If he’d do a reunion with the Eat ‘Em Smile band

19:27 - The infamous Lucky Strike concert

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The documentary has hundreds of Vai-centric facts and stories that even the most ardent fan will not have known. Complete with a Vai’esque quirky sense of humor, the video covers Vai’s life growing up, attending Berklee College, playing with several artists like Frank Zappa, Alcatrazz, the David Lee Roth band, and Whitesnake, the recording of both his solo albums Flex-Able and Passion and Warfare, plus Vai’s role in the movie Crossroads, and how he helped create the JEM guitar.

To watch the video version https://youtu.be/ui_kEJ7C3O0

Other information, photos, etc. can be found here: https://bit.ly/3B9P0ZH

Link to Arlen Roth's SoundCloud https://bit.ly/3cLQHTL

You can watch the video version here. https://youtu.be/A6GTf6rOepQ

We take a look at Black Sabbath's masterful third album Master of Reality.

For more information including other credits, articles, and images, please go here. https://bit.ly/385aj2L

If you'd like to support the channel and get a cool Sweet Leaf sticker please go here. (Only $5) https://bit.ly/3OPTlWV

Timestamps:

00:00 - Start

00:43 - Intro

01:19 - Evil Woman and Paranoid

02:29 - Changing Management

03:07 - Jim Simpson is fired

03:37 - Sabbath plays Top of the Pops

04:22 - Was Sabbath a bubblegum band?

05:13 - John Peel hates on Sabbath

06:04 - Sabbath’s Peel Sessions

06:35 - John Peel talks about Sabbath

07:05 - Sabbath’s ban on singles

07:41 - Sabbath and Satan

08:54 - First attempt going to the US

10:14 - Confusion with Black Widow

11:31 - Sabbath using Satan for their benefit

13:08 - Coming to America

13:55 - The trial of Charles Manson

14:35 - Arriving in the United States

15:01 - Sabbath’s first concert in the United States

16:20 - Blowing the Small Faces off the stage

16:43 - Playing the West Coast

17:02 - Smoking Angel Dust with Joe Walsh

17:55 - Was there a parade in Sabbath’s honor?

18:40 - Ending the year 1970

20:06 - First day in the studio

20:42 - Spanish Sid

21:14 - Weevil Women 71

21:30 - Paranoid comes out in the United States

21:52 - Myponga Festival

22:13 - Denied entry to Japan

22:44 - The Four Musketeers

23:10 - Touring the United States for Paranoid

23:50 - Playing Union Catholic High School

25:53 - Returning to England

26:31 - Ozzy and his first family

28:10 - Master of Reality will be heavy

29:05 - Tunning down

30:17 - Why they called the album Master of Reality

30:37 - Sweet Leaf

33:51 - Ghost Titles

34:28 - After Forever

34:49 - Geezer Butler as a priest

37:59 - Children of the Grave

39:15 - Mars Bringer of War

40:13 - The Haunting

41:04 - Orchid

42:07 - Lord of this World

44:14 - Solitude

45:52 - Tony Iommi in Jethro Tull

47:35 - Into the Void

49:09 - Soundgarden does their version of Into the Void

51:35 - Various versions of Master of Reality

53:25 - Master of Reality Radio promo

54:02 - Black Sabbath’s Golden Ticket

55:01 - Reception of Master of Reality

55:46 - Nobody but the public digs Sabbath

57:00 - Outro

57:36 - Credits

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Go here to watch the video version

https://youtu.be/CH8c4TKrIOo

Sabotage is the sixth studio album by metal pioneers Black Sabbath, released in 1975. It was recorded in the midst of litigation with their former manager Patrick Meehan. The stress that resulted from the band’s ongoing legal woes infiltrated the recording process, inspiring the album’s title.

This documentary looks at all the drama surrounding the band at the time and how shady managers took advantage of Sabbath’s kind nature. The video also examines every song on the album and offers up unearthed facts some fans may have never known.

– Intro

– Writing and Recording Sabotage

– The Tale of the Mangers

– Why Sabbath needed to break away from their first manager

– Don Arden’s thugs

– Jimmy Page gets Threatened

– Don Arden making moves

– The introduction to Patrick Meehan Jr.

– Jim Simpson sues the band

– Some Sabbath Success

– Sabbath starts to crack

– Tony Iommi collapses

– A religious freak tries to stab Tony

– Manipulation by Management

– California Jam Festival

– Quotes from Ozzy/Geezer/Tony on Meehan

– The dark reality of their finances

– The worst part

– Does Sabbath even need a manager?

– Don Arden comes back

– The shadow cast from Patrick Meehan

– Crap Compilations

– Meehan robbing Sabbath

– Sabbath is beginning to fracture

– Crank it up! “Hole in the Sky”

– “Don’t Start (Too Late)”

– Symptom of the Universe

– “Megalomania”

– “Thrill of It All”

– “Supertzar”

– “Am I Going Insane (Radio)”

– “The Writ”

– The band Queen diss track

– “Blow on the Jug”

– The Making of Sabotage’s Album cover

– Reception of Sabotage

– One more stick in the gut by Meehan

– Closing thoughts

– Who made this video?

Credits:

Editor/Writer/Voice/Producer: Alan Berry

Co-Writers:

Mark Enochs

Jason C, aka Godshifter

For all credits go here https://www.thetapesarchive.com/black-sabbath-sabotage-documentary/

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In this episode, we have the Ramones’ frontman, Joey Ramone. At the time of this interview in 1988, Ramone was 37 years old and was in Japan for a tour.

In the interview, Ramone talks about whether he considers The Ramones a punk band, the most exciting time in music history, how most bands lack originality, and whether rock and roll have paid him back for all of The Ramones' contributions.

The interview is conducted by Steve Harris. To learn more about Steve, please check out our podcast-only interview with him, which is out now. You can find the podcast at thetapesarchive.com.

In the interview, Ramone talks about:

The distinctive sound of The Ramones
How most bands lack originality
The most exciting period for music
His admiration for David Byrne
What The Ramones did with their influences
Why he loved The New York Dolls
His thoughts on David Johansen
Whether he considers The Ramones a punk band
Whether he considers himself a punk
How the Ramones are commercial without trying to be commercial
How he feels about bands like Bon Jovi and Poison
Whether there is a flaw in the kids that likes that type of music
How The Ramones are a multi-dimensional band
Why they wrote "Bonzo Goes To Bitburg" and participated in “Sun City”
Ramones Aid
Whether decades from now will he be still singing “Blitzkrieg Bop”
Why the Rolling Stones can go on forever
How The Ramones are always changing
His reaction to hearing that The Ramones are a big influence in Japan
Whether he thinks rock and roll has sufficiently paid him back for all The Ramones’ contributions

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A never-before-published and first known interview with Boston's original singer Brad Delp.

At the time of this interview in 1978, Delp was 27 years old and was in the midst of recording Boston’s second record.

Two years earlier, Boston released what would become the best-selling debut album of all time until Guns ‘N Roses’ first album.

Full transcript The Tapes Archive

In the interview, Delp talks about how the second album is coming along, if the band Boston is a democracy, his feelings on a recent insult from Elvis Costello, and his self-doubt.

00:00 - Intro

01:04 - Where is the new album? (Start of interview)

01:42 - The flooding of Tom Scholz’s basement

02:59 - Whether the band has recorded any new songs

04:28 - What happens when Tom gets a song idea

05:22 - How the record company feels about a two-year delay between albums

06:51 - Whether he was surprised by the success of the first album

07:17 - His self-doubt

08:45 - The history of Boston and how he got involved in the band

10:40 - The cover songs they played

11:08 - His love for the Beatles

12:42 - How they got signed to Epic Records

14:59 - What type of record deal they got

16:14 - Their “horrendous” early concerts

17:16 - Playing with Black Sabbath

17:59 - What his thoughts on Elvis Costello saying about Boston, “They may sell 9 million records, but they’re about as exciting as a plate of tripe.”

19:21 - Looking up to Rick Derringer

20:40 - How many overdubs were made on the first album

22:03 - What kind of an audience Boston has

23:30 - How the Beatles got him into music

24:16 - Whether the band Boston is a democracy

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A never-before-published interview with Adrian Belew from 1981.

Full transcript The Tapes Archive

In this episode, we have a multi-instrumentalist and the secret weapon for so many bands, Adrian Belew. At the time of this interview in 1981, Belew was 31 years old and was promoting King Crimson’s album Discipline. In the interview, Belew talks about various aspects of playing with the Talking Heads, Frank Zappa, David Bowie, and King Crimson. He goes in-depth on King Crimson’s Discipline, he tells the story about when he got jumped by a gang and finishes the interview telling Marc about his deep love for his family.

In the interview, Belew talks about:

What brought him to King Crimson
Where is currently with the Talking Heads
How he expresses his own personality in the band
The “D” section of Elephant Talk and the meaning behind it
His part in the writing of the album
How he gets that elephant sound
What the lyrics in the song Indiscipline represent
The song Matte Kudasai
What Frame by Frame is about
How his being in the band frees up Robert Fripp
How well Fripp and drummer Bill Bruford get along
If King Crimson as a band has malice and ill will as a constant part of its daily diet
The dynamics of King Crimson
His own plans for solo work
The meaning of the song Thela Hun Ginjeet and how he was beaten up by a gang
Why they don’t play 21st Century Schizoid Man
Younger audiences
What he thinks is attracting new fans to King Crimson
What his solo albums will be like and who’s playing with him
His fascination with rhinos
Where he grew up
Starting with David Bowie
His assessment of the King Crimson’s show at the Metro
How he looks like Mark Knopfler
How he was blasted the night Fripp called him
His surprise when Fripp wanted to call the lineup King Crimson
The very beginnings of his career
His first band
If he is the most famous alumnus from his high school
If Frank Zappa was tough to work for
His Bob Dylan impersonation
If had any problems with Zappa’s lyrics
Why he left Zappa’s band
His deep love for his family

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In this episode, we have a founding member of The Who, Pete Townshend. At the time of this interview in 1996, Townshend was 51 years old and was promoting his greatest hits record. In the interview, Townshend talks about his plan to no longer make records, the remixing process of Quadrophenia, what’s now important to him, and finding a Jimi Hendrix master in his warehouse.

The interview is conducted by Steve Harris. To learn more about Steve please check out our podcast-only interview with him, which is out now.

Full transcript

00:00 - Intro

01:00 - Start of Pete Townshend interview

01:38 - His non-defined image of himself

04:19 - His ability to write story-oriented albums

05:41 - Why it’s very hard to write songs

06:51 - His plan to no longer make records

08:26 - Why he is releasing a compilation album

09:33 - The notion that he hates the Japanese

11:30 - Developing Quadrophenia for a concert theater piece

12:57 - Which album he thinks is The Who’s best

15:08 - The backstory of when The Who revived ‘Quadrophenia’ for Prince’s Trust Concert

18:58 - Remastering old Who albums

20:23 - Writing chamber plays

21:32 - The difficulty of working in movies

22:26 - His lack of enjoyment for music theater

23:28 - What connects music from the ’50s and animation

24:37 - What’s important to him now

26:12 - The remixing process of Quadrophenia

26:57 - The previous poor mastering process of Who records

28:36 - Finding a Jimi Hendrix master in his warehouse

29:38 - The unfinished rock opera “Lifehouse”

32:04 - The mods 30 years later

33:35 - What he found hypocritical playing Black music

37:39 - Chapter 25

39:01 - The songwriting that went into “My Generation”

41:32 - Kurt Cobain and the song “My Generation”

43:18 - Seeing Jimi Hendrix a couple of weeks before he died

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A never-before-published interview with Roger Daltrey from 1994.

In the interview, Daltrey talks about:

Whether he has gotten his due from his solo albums
Which album was a writing breakthrough for him
Why he thinks fans have a hard time accepting him outside of The Who
What’s great about The Who’s music
Why The Who isn’t touring
How hard it is singing Who songs
How anger changes in middle age
If he feels competitive with Pete Townshend
If he knew Townshend was competing with him
How Tommy really became a hit record
Why Townshend is the way he is about The Who
Why it was a constant struggle to make more records
How he feels everyone in the band but Pete did not get the recognition they deserved
The chemistry in the band
What was something he was proud of from the Carnegie Hall gig
Playing with the Spin Doctors on the Dave Letterman show.
How his upcoming concert differs from the Carnegie Hall show
What Townshend said to him after the Carnegie show
The challenges with the Carnegie Hall concert
The bad sound at Carnegie Hall
When he knew he was going to take the show on the road
Whether he ever considered hitting the road with a three-member rock band
Whether they considered playing Woodstock ‘94
The story of how he started spinning the microphone
How the music biz is so “bloody corporate”
Whether he thinks he will ever just sit back and relax
Whether he goes to see his contemporaries in concert
Whether he worries he’s going to disappoint fans
Why didn’t the Who do encores

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In this episode, we have Guns N’ Roses frontman Axl Rose. At the time of this interview in 1987, Rose was 25 years old and was promoting an upcoming tour of Japan. Appetite for Destruction hadn’t even cracked the top-selling 50 albums, and it would be at least another seven months before the band really took off. In the interview, Rose talks about growing up in Indiana, the making of Appetite for Destruction, whether he murdered a dog, and which band is the biggest sellout.

The interview is conducted by Steve Harris. To learn more about Steve, who is new to The Tapes Archive team, please check out our podcast-only interview with him which is out now.

In the interview, Rose talks about:

Going back home to Indiana
How closed off Indiana is
What he draws from conservatism
How he left home at age 16
Whether he murdered a dog
Guns N’ Roses’ early success in England
How the crowds are different in the United States
Gaining more confidence as a live band
Fred Coury, Cinderella, playing for Steven Adler
How he stays fit for concerts
Whether he’s ready for a long tour
People he aspires to be
Mötley Crüe
The recording process for Appetite for Destruction
What would he change on the album
Producers who were considered before Mike Clink
Paul Stanley of KISS as a potential producer
His vision for the record
What success means to him
Whether it bothers him to be compared with Faster Pussycat and Poison
How long it took to get the right lineup for Guns N’ Roses
The tepid response so far to Appetite for Destruction
The limited radio and video play the band was getting
What happens if Appetite for Destruction sells poorly
Slash drinking and driving
What he will do if he leaves the music biz
Working with Izzy Stradlin
When he is happiest
When he is most frustrated
Why he feels Guns N’ Roses is not getting played on the radio
What band he thinks is the biggest sellout
His hopes that Sweet Child O’ MIne will be a hit
Whether he objects to being labeled as heavy metal
His love for the band Queen
Robert Plant, Jimmy Page and Pete Townshend
His thoughts on fellow Hoosier John Mellencamp
How he and Izzy cannot wait to play Japan
Some ‘80’s racist comments that were not considered racist at the time

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Today we are releasing two interviews -- one with Axl Rose and one with the man who interviewed him, Steve Harris.

Steve grew up in San Francisco but went to Japan as a college exchange student and loved it there. He felt like it was the place for him. After graduating in 1980, he started to work as a freelance translator in Tokyo. Through one of his college buddies, he got connected to a music magazine that needed an interpreter. This led to Harris conducting interviews himself. Over the next 17 years, Steve would interview the biggest of names in the music world. Recently, we asked if we could publish some of those interviews here on the Tapes Archive and he agreed. Over the next couple of months, we will be publishing some of his most notable interviews.

Marc Allan, our usual interviewer, called Steve to talk about his life as an ex-pat working for a Japanese music magazine.

They talked about:

The magazine Steve worked for and its unique place in the market
His worst interview and some of his best
His personal musical hero he was able to interview
His thoughts on interviews with Axl Rose, David Lee Roth, Pete Townshend, and more.
Why he kept these recordings and why he is allowing us to publish them
How some questions would get lost in translation and would lead to awkward moments.
His frustrations when he interviewed “slacker genius” Beck
What led him to leave the music scene in 1997
A very funny conversation with Brian Eno about Russian women
He clears up the question of whether Cheap Trick is big in Japan
Marc tells the story of when he was called “old man” at a Rage Against the Machine concert and how he got his job at the Indianapolis Star

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A never-before-published interview with guitarist Warren Haynes from 1992.

In the interview, Haynes talks about:

Moving out of Duane Allman's shadow
How it feels to play Duane's licks
Whether Duane was an influence
His connection to Memphis and Motown
Going to see concerts when he was a kid
The musical differences between him and Duane
His love for fusion rock and what it did for his playing
The difference between his playing and Dickey Betts’ playing on lead and slide
How his older brothers introduced him to jazz and blues
What jazz player he would recommend to a young guitar player
Whether he had any formal music training
His experience with country singer David Allan Coe
What he learned from country musicians
Some advice for younger guitar players
The Allman Brothers latest record
The pleasure of recording live
The coincidence that happened 21 years earlier
A breakdown of whether it’s him or Betts soloing
The similarities between him and Betts and Coltrane and Cannonball Adderly
How Duane ended up using a slide on Dreams
Whether he enjoys playing rhythm as much as lead
Who's a good rhythm player?
The Les Paul he uses
His Soldano amps
What, if any, effects he uses in the studio recording
How things are going with the band
Whether tension in a band leads to better playing
If he sees The Allman Brothers continuing
The similarities in the Allmans’ fan base and the Grateful Dead’s fan base
Their next live album

In this episode, we have The Allman Brothers Band guitarist Warren Haynes. At the time of this interview in 1992, Haynes was 32 years old and was promoting the album An Evening with the Allman Brothers Band: First Set. In the interview, Haynes talks about the similarities and differences with Duane Allman and whether he sees The Allman Brothers Band continuing. He also takes a deep dive into their current live album and he offers advice for young guitar players.

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A never-before-published interview with guitarist Paul Barrere from 1992.

In this episode, we have Little Feat guitarist Paul Barrere. At the time of this interview in 1992, Barrere was 44 years old and was promoting Little Feat’s upcoming concert at Deer Creek Music Center. In the interview, Barrere talks about his fond memories of Little Feat founder Lowell George, how well the band is playing, and what bugs him about the music biz.

In the interview, Barrere talks about:

Co-headlining with George Thorogood
Classic blues songs he loves to play
Why Little Feat will never be accused of being an alt-rock band
How he doesn’t want to be the “Vinny Van Gogh” of the radio
Their rockin’ set
Friendly competition with George Thorogood
His new record label
The joy of playing with Little Feat
Fond memories of playing with Lowell George
Theories on why Little Feat has never become a major commercial act
What bugs him about the music business
His favorite lyric about love

A never-before-published interview with Dimebag Darrell from 1992.

In this episode, we have metal guitar legend Darrell Abbott, also known as Dimebag Darrell. At the time of this interview in 1992, Dimebag was 25 years old and was out on tour in support of Pantera’s album “Vulgar Display of Power.” In the interview, Dimebag talks about his guitar trick that he wants everyone to learn; how Randy Rhoads, Eddie Van Halen, and Ace Frehley were his influences; how great his dad was; and how Pantera writes their music.

00:00 - Intro Dimebag Darrell Interview

01:11 - Being banned from a local guitar competition as a teenager

03:20 - Whether being from Texas affects his playing

04:36 - What he listened to when he was younger

05:12 - Being influenced by Randy Rhoads and Ace Frehley

07:20 - What guitar scales he knows

07:42 - Who taught him to play guitar and the first song he played

08:30 - How great his dad was

09:42 - Wanting his own guitar tone

11:02 - Yelling at his brother to keep it down

11:21 - The guitar trick he wants everyone to learn

12:40 - His new whammy pedal

13:15 - The way he writes solos

15:07 - Whether he plays a lot of acoustic guitar

15:43 - Whether he thinks he’s a good enough player for thrash music

16:45 - How he traded a joint for a guitar pick-up

18:07 - His guitar chops

18:46 - Why he loves Dean Guitars

22:19 - Playing with his brother Vinnie

23:34 - Playing the Moscow concert in front of 1.6 million fans

26:32 - Whether he’s ever been hurt at a gig

27:10 - How Pantera writes their music

28:26 - Whether he has any ideas for the next album

28:59 - His top five essential guitar albums

This week’s episode also introduces a new interviewer to The Tapes Archive. The interview you are about to hear was conducted by Pete Prown. Pete is a veteran music journalist and has interviewed the world’s top guitarists for over 35 years. He’s currently Music Editor at Vintage Guitar magazine and editor of the "Legends of Rock Guitar" Facebook page. His work has appeared in Guitar Shop, Guitar for the Practicing Musician, and Guitar Player magazine, among other titles.

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A never before published interview with Sammy Hagar from 1991.

In this episode, we have the Red Rocker himself, Sammy Hagar. At the time of this interview in 1991, Hagar was 44 years old and was promoting Van Halen’s upcoming concert at Deer Creek Music Center. In the interview, Hagar talks about his experience with UFOs, the secret to Van Halen, his father’s death, and his advice for Axl Rose.

In the interview, Hagar talks about:

His advice for Axl Rose
What he expects for Van Halen’s latest record
Why Van Halen fans trust them
The secret to Van Halen
The meaning behind the songs “Man on a Mission” and “Poundcake”
The dream that’s over
The guy who’s trying to build a house on the beach
What an artist’s job is
When he thinks Van Halen fans accepted him
His prediction for when and if David Lee Roth would reunite with Van Halen
His belief in UFOs
His experience being abducted by a UFO
Why he’s adamant that each man should take care of themselves but everyone needs compassion
His father’s death
What fans can expect at the Van Halen concert
His Red Rocker clothing line
The secret song they will be playing in concert
Why they don’t play “Everybody Wants Some”
If music is better or worse today

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A never before published interview with Flea from the Red Hot Chilli Peppers in 1996

In the interview, Flea talks about:

If it’s strange to think of the Red Hot Chilli Peppers as an arena band
If this is the band’s best lineup
Was it a goal for the band to become this big
What made him pick up the bass
What other instruments he plays
The meaning behind the song Pea
Whether he is different offstage
His pro-mosh-pit stance
How to be a good father
What kind of musician he will be when he’s 50 years old.
Where John Entwistle might have gone wrong
If he regrets his past drug use
Does he care if he gets into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
His love for Iggy Pop

In this episode, we have the bassist and founding member of the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Flea. At the time of this interview in 1996, Flea was 34 years old and was promoting the band’s upcoming concert with new guitarist Dave Navarro. In the interview, Flea talks about what made him pick up the bass, the meaning behind the song “Pea,” and if he regrets his past drug use.

https://www.thetapesarchive.com/zappa-plays-sabbath

Are you a Black Sabbath or Frank Zappa fan? Or like me both? I would consider myself a super fan of both, yet I just found out that Frank was a big fan of Black Sabbath something I never knew. So I decided to make a video with the backstory including the night that Frank was supposed to play with them.

Unfortunately, you will have to go over to our Youtube channel to see and hear the episode. “Zappa plays Sabbath.

The reason we cannot release it as a podcast is because of the copyrighted music we use. Over on Youtube, the copyright holders can make their royalties when their music is played where as in the podcast world there is no simple way to do that.

A never before published interview with Rick Wakeman of Yes from 1999.

In the interview, Wakeman talks about:

Going on the 700 Club
Why he did not go out with Yes’s last tour
How he has never stopped making records
Being homeless
Working with independent labels
Owning up to your own truths
What he should have done to hold onto his money
The cost of making his new album
Working with Ozzy Osbourne
How Return to the Center of the Earth compares with his new record
What he learned from King Crimson’s Robert Fripp
The genre of Art Rock
Who’s better -- Keith Emerson or Rick Wakeman
His upcoming tour with Emerson
Who would be in his dream band
The cost of touring in the 90’s
The cost of touring in the 70’s
His lows in the 80’s

In this episode, we have one of prog rock’s greatest keyboardists, Rick Wakeman. At the time of this interview in 1999, Wakeman was 50 years old and was promoting his new album, “Return to the Center of Earth.” In the interview, Wakeman talks about being homeless, who’s better -- Keith Emerson or him -- what he learned from Robert Fripp, and owning up to your own truths.

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A never before published interview with Hank Aaron from 1995.

In the interview, Aaron talks about:

His job at CNN
His involvement with the documentary Chasing the Dream
How much of the film was accurate
How he wants people to remember him
Speaking out on things that are wrong in the world
How people are uncomfortable with the truth
If he was able to enjoy his accomplishments
If we have made progress on race issues in the United States
The respect he had for Malcolm X
Playing for the Indianapolis Clowns
His humility
His top salary and current ballplayers salaries
What we have to do to get kids playing baseball
His hunger to play baseball

In this episode, we feature baseball icon, Hank Aaron. At the time of this interview in 1995, Aaron was 61 years old and was promoting the upcoming premiere of the documentary based on his life, “Chasing the Dream.” In the interview, Aaron talks about his hunger to play baseball, the importance of speaking up about wrong in the world, and how he wants to be remembered.

A never before published interview with Bill Bruford (Yes/King Crimson) 1980.

The challenges of commercial radio
The advantage of making a name for himself in bands like Yes, Genesis, and King Crimson
The problems with playing in big-name bands vs. as a solo act
His thoughts on touring with Genesis
What attracts him to the U.S. market
What he wants to tell people about his music
Why he left Yes to join Robert Fripp and King Crimson
How and why Fripp tried to cancel King Crimson’s July 1, 1974, Central Park concert
How he sees himself
Whether he’s wealthy
His thoughts on progressive rock supergroup UK
What music he was listening to
Whether he would sacrifice a song to sell a million records
Could there be a record company that existed on goodwill?

In this episode, we have one of prog rock’s greatest drummers, Bill Bruford. At the time of this interview in 1980, Bruford was 31 years old and on tour with his solo band supporting his album Gradually Going Tornado. In the interview, Bruford talks about why he left Yes, how Robert Fripp tried to cancel the King Crimson’s 1974 Central Park concert, and the advantage of making a name for himself in bands like Yes, Genesis, and King Crimson.

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A never before published interview with Neil Peart (Rush) 1994

00:00 - Intro

00:44 - Start of Neil Peart interview

01:02 - What kind of difference can one person make?

01:44 - The western idea of heroism

04:06 - The luxury he enjoys

06:04 - How people react to him asking them to think

10:42 - What he learned from Paul Simon

11:39 - Why he agrees with Frank Zappa that love songs are destructive

12:25 - How he’s a dreamer and an idealist

13:36 - What characteristic he has that has enabled him to be successful

16:01 - His thoughts on Rush Limbaugh

18:03 - His play on words that no one gets

19:11 - Who he thinks Rush’s audience is

21:06 - If he thinks his audience is smart

22:24 - Existential questions he asks himself

23:33 - Thoughts on Rush’s album progression

25:52 - How long it took for him to master the drums

27:47 - His pick for young and upcoming bands

In this episode, we have our third and final interview with Rush’s drummer, Neil Peart. At the time of this interview in 1994, Peart was 42 years old and was promoting Rush’s album Counterparts and their concert in Indianapolis. In the interview, Peart talks about how Rush progressed over its first 18 albums, why he agrees with Frank Zappa that love songs are destructive, and what characteristic he has that has enabled him to be successful.

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Steve Sybesma, a longtime concert promoter and one of the partners in the creation of Deer Creek Music Center outside Indianapolis. Sybesma hopped on a call with Marc to tell him about his newly created Indiana concert archive website, indianarockhistory.com, and about his concert promotion journey

https://indianarockhistory.com/

00:00 - Intro

00:56 - His new archive website indianarockhistory.com

01:54 - Payouts for some of the biggest bands

03:03 - The first time he wrote a check for a million dollars

04:18 - How he and his partners built their business

04:38 - Sunshine Promotions' competitors

06:41 - The Rolling Stones role in his career

07:28 - Why the Rolling Stones avoided Indianapolis for decades

08:01 - More about indianarockhistory.com

09:10 - The history of Deer Creek Music Center

09:21 - The inspiration to build an outdoor amphitheater

12:09 - What he did after leaving Sunshine Promotions

12:57 - Why he sold out his shares of Sunshine Promotions

15:19 - His plans on writing a book

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A never before published interview with Angus Young (AC/DC) from 1996.

In the interview, Young talks about:

What it’s like to come back after a five-year layoff
The ever-changing landscape of rock ‘n’ roll
The key to AC/DC’s success
How Bob Dylan compares to AC/DC
Why AC/DC was considered a punk band in England
One of his hobbies
The making of the Ballbreaker album
How AC/DC comes up with the setlist for concerts
How the schoolboy outfit came to be
His thoughts on Butt-head from Beavis and Butt-head wearing an AC/DC shirt
His thoughts on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Can we ever expect an AC/DC rock opera?

In this episode, we have the original problem child, AC/DC’s Angus Young. At the time of this interview in 1996, Young was 40 years old and was promoting AC/DC’s album Ballbreaker and their upcoming tour. In the interview, Young talks about how his schoolboy outfit came to be, the reason AC/DC took a five-year hiatus, Beavis and Butthead, and the key to all of AC/DC’s success.

A never before published interview with Geezer Butler (Black Sabbath) from 1992.

In the interview, Butler talks about:

What happened to his solo career
Why he left the Ozzy band
How he reconnected with Dio
The difficulty in finding a vocalist
The making of the Wayne’s World soundtrack
The bleak outlook of the Dehumanizer album
A rare Black Sabbath press kit
His thoughts on all the Black Sabbath’s critics
Whether he thinks Sabbath was the first heavy metal band
Black Sabbath’s musical influences
Whether it feels right to be in Sabbath at age 43
What he thinks about Ozzy retiring.
Spinal Tap

In this episode, we have Black Sabbath bassist and lyricist Geezer Butler. At the time of this interview in 1992, Butler was 43 years old and was promoting Sabbath’s new album and an upcoming concert date in Indianapolis. In the interview, Butler talks about what happened to his solo career, why he left Ozzy’s band, what he thinks about music critics, and the Wayne’s World soundtrack.

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A never before published interview with Robert Pollard (Guided By Voices) from 1995

In the interview, Pollard talks about:

His creative time of the day
Upcoming records to be released
Working with Matador Records
What makes him happy
Giving hope to all other garage musicians
The collectability of his records and “hoarding” a few himself
Luna Music in Indianapolis
The business side to making money in the music biz
His love for The Beatles when they are “goofing around”
Whether he thinks kids are getting dumber
What he has tortured himself with over the years
What it’s like being a musician and living in Dayton, Ohio
Who he thinks is a “fucking creep”
Working in the studio
How the band Ween acted like rock stars
Writing a song for Tom Hanks

In this episode, we have one of the most prolific songwriters of the past 30 years, Guided By Voices’ Robert Pollard. At the time of this interview in 1995, Pollard was 37 years old and was promoting an upcoming concert date in Indianapolis. In the interview, Pollard talks about the collectability of his records and “hoarding” a few himself; the business side of making money in the music biz; who he thinks is a creep; and how he gives hope to all other garage musicians.

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A never before published interview with Vince Welnick (Grateful Dead)

In the interview, Welnick talks about:

-His love for Bob Marley

If being in the Grateful Dead was anything like he imagined
His vision as a child that came true
What it was like auditioning for the Grateful Dead
The differences between being with The Tubes and being in the Grateful Dead
The time Robin Williams performed with him
How he integrated himself to the Grateful Dead’s way of playing live
His songs that the Grateful Dead will be playing live
If it was tough to fit in
The luxury of being in such a popular band
Working with Todd Rundgren
Bruce Hornsby handing off the “baton” to him

In this episode, we have Grateful Dead and The Tubes keyboardist Vince Welnick. At the time of this interview in 1992, Welnick was 41 years old and was promoting the Grateful Dead’s two sold-out shows at Deer Creek Music Center in Indiana. In the interview, Welnick talks about what it was like auditioning for the Grateful Dead; his former band The Tubes; and how being in the Grateful Dead felt like being a part of a “big, old, wonderful family.”

A never before published interview with Paul Stanley (KISS) from 1996

In the interview, Stanley talks about:

How the 1996 tour is going to be a better Kiss concert than the 1974 shows.
The familiarity of playing with Ace Frehley and Peter Criss
Parasitic friends and business associates
If there will be more reunion tours
How fast tickets are selling
How KISS fans are the greatest fans in the world
His thoughts on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
The founding of the Kiss Army and Bill Starkey, the founder

In this episode, we have the Starchild, Kiss guitarist Paul Stanley. At the time of this interview in 1996, Stanley was 44 years old and was promoting the Kiss reunion tour. In the interview, Stanley talks about the Kiss Army and its founder, Bill Starkey; the familiarity of playing with Ace Frehley and Peter Cross; and how Kiss fans are the greatest in the world.

A never before published interview with Kurtis Blow from 1997

In the interview, Blow talks about:

Whether he thinks God cares about pop music
How he had it all and now has nothing
What hip-hop fans should go back and listen to
How early hip-hop had a code of ethics not to use swear words
Why he got out of the music business
How he foresaw how big hip-hop would get
The language of a rap
Why rap artist don’t typically have long careers
Why white America has gravitated toward rap
The first time rap was used for a commercial
How Don Cornelius, host of Soul Train, broke Kurtis’ heart
If he became the overlord of music, what the first thing he’d change would be

In this episode, we have hip-hop pioneer Kurtis Blow. At the time of this interview in 1997, Blow was 38 years old and was promoting his three-CD compilation, “The History of Rap.” In the interview, Kurtis talks about how Don Cornelius, host of Soul Train, broke his heart; what hip-hop fans should go back and listen to; and how he foresaw how big rap music would become.

A never before published interview with Lars Ulrich (Metallica) from 1997

In the interview, Ulrich talks about:

Pat Boone’s version of “Enter Sandman”
Metallica’s songwriting process
How the internet can be a “frightening instrument.”
Being on the Ferrall on the Bench show and whether he and Scott Ferrall are friends
What motivates him
The challenges of touring with a huge stage
The cover art for “Load”
The weirdest encounter he has ever had with a fan
Whether he’s enjoying himself on tour
How he’s looking forward to “some of that horseradish down at the old St. Elmo’s joint” (an Indianapolis insider tidbit)

In this episode, we have Metallica’s co-founder and drummer Lars Ulrich. At the time of this interview in 1997, Ulrich was 34 years old and was promoting the band’s concert date in Indianapolis. In the interview, Lars talks about Metallica’s songwriting process, the weirdest encounter he has ever had with a fan, what motivates him, and how the internet can be a “frightening instrument.”

A never before published interview with David Crosby from 1998

In the interview, Crosby talks about:

Meeting his son after 30 years
Writing and playing music with his newly found son
How he is the happiest “walrus” you’d meet
Why his son is a better musician than he is
His feelings toward The Doors’ Jim Morrison
Mistakes he has made in life
The story behind his new record label, Samson Music
How he doesn’t make music for the money
How Music of Bulgaria is the best record no has heard

In this episode, we have singer-songwriter David Crosby. At the time of this interview in 1998, Crosby was 56 years old and was promoting his tour with his new band, CPR. In the interview, Crosby talks about mistakes he’s made in his life, how he connected for the first time with his 30-year old musician and bandmate son, and how he is the happiest “walrus” you’d meet.

A never before published interview with Ringo Starr (The Beatles) from 1992

In this episode, we’re celebrating the 80th birthday of Ringo Starr by playing Marc’s interview with the Beatles’ drummer from 1992. At the time of this interview, Ringo was 52 and was on tour with his All-Starr Band. Back in those days, Ringo would do five-minute interviews, so this conversation is much shorter than normal. So let’s skip our normal preamble and get right to the interview.

A never before published interview with Robby Krieger (The Doors) from 1991.

In the interview, Krieger talks about:

Going all-instrumental without Jim Morrison

-What he thought about Oliver Stone’s movie “The Doors”

Why keyboardist Ray Manzarek wanted nothing to do with the film
The truth about The Doors
What it was like making records after Morrison died
Whether he feels the Doors have come to symbolize the ’60s
How the music of today compares with the music of the ’60s
How Jim Morrison should be remembered

In this episode, we have The Doors’ guitarist, Robby Krieger. At the time of this interview in 1991, Krieger was 45 years old and was promoting his own band, The Robby Krieger Band. In the interview, Krieger talks about his thoughts on Oliver Stone’s movie “The Doors,” why Doors keyboardist Ray Manzarek wanted nothing to do with the film, and how thinks Jim Morrison should be remembered.

A never before published interview with Ray Manzarek from 1998.

In the interview, Manzarek talks about:

The death of Jim Morrison
Whether he feels that he lives in Morrison’s shadow
Whether Morrison is in heaven or hell
Whether Iggy Pop was considered to replace Morrison
The early days of touring with the Doors
How he wants to inform the youth about the ‘60s
His belief in an ancient Egyptian religion
His thoughts on The Who
Whether it was difficult playing bass parts on the keyboard
His feelings about Oliver Stone’s movie about the Doors
If it’s better to burn out or to rust
His dislike of David Crosby
His connection to The Knack

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A never before published interview with Tracy Morgan from 2007.

In the interview, Morgan talks about:

His new movie with Ice Cube
If Tracy Jordan and Tracy Morgan are the same person
The dynamics of 30 Rock
Whether he was happy with the 30 Rock episode where Jordan was shown to be illiterate
His famous family members
Working with white writers
If he feels stereotyped

In this episode, we have Emmy-nominated comedian Tracy Morgan. At the time of this interview in 2007, Morgan was 39 years old and was promoting the TV show 30 Rock and his upcoming movie "First Sunday." In the interview, Morgan talks about the dynamics of 30 Rock, working with white writers, how Tracy Jordan and Tracy Morgan are two different people, and his famous family members.

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A never before published interview with Peter Buck (R.E.M.) 1989

In the interview, Buck talks about:

Is R.E.M. commercial or inaccessible
If the album Green is supposed to be uplifting
Why he is angrier than ever
His love for Lou Reed
The misunderstanding of Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the USA”
The trappings of success
The early days in R.E.M.
State of radio at the time
How R.E.M. picks where to record
Why Athens, Georgia, was a hotbed for bands at the time
Paying cash for a new Jeep

In this episode, we have R.E.M. guitarist Peter Buck. At the time of this interview in 1989, Buck was 33 years old and was starting to tour for the band’s sixth album, “Green.” In the interview, Buck talks about the early days of R.E.M., his love for Lou Reed, the trappings of success, and whether R.E.M.’s music is commercial or inaccessible.

A never before published interview with Keith Emerson from 1992

In the interview Emerson talks about:
How technology has changed the way he plays
If it felt right getting back together with ELP
How the reunion came to be
Why he thinks he was overlooked as a solo artist
The stigma attached to keyboardist
How ELP pioneered the classical rock movement
If he felt competitive with other contemporary keyboardists
How he felt that ELP was not a rock band
How ELP came to play Pictures at an Exhibition
His thoughts on rap music

In this episode, we have arguably the best keyboardist in rock music history, Keith Emerson. At the time of this interview in 1992, Emerson was 48 years old and was embarking on a reunion tour with his old bandmates, Greg Lake and Carl Palmer. In the interview, Keith talks about how Emerson, Lake, and Palmer came to play Pictures at an Exhibition, the stigma of being a keyboardist, and his belief that ELP was not a rock band.

A never before published interview with Little Richard from the year 2000

In the interview Little Richard talks about:

Who he really wanted to play him in the movie
His desire that you understanding him
Why he wore make-up
If he considers himself gay
Whether he ever wore a bra
How he was the first African American to be on white radio
What’s accurate and not accurate in the movie
How his Daddy beat him
And more...

In this episode, we have one of the pioneers of rock and roll--the recently departed Little Richard. At the time of this interview in the year 2000, Richard was 67 years old and was promoting the TV movie based on his life called “Little Richard.” In the interview, Richard talks about why he wore make-up, if he considers himself gay, how he was the first African American to be on white radio, and how he discovered the Beatles, Jimi Hendrix and, The Rolling Stones

A never before published interview with Ozzy Osbourne 1997.

In the interview Ozzy talks about:

His love for his fans
The legacy of Ozzfest
How the Sabbath reunion came to pass
Why Bill Ward was not included on the tour
His thoughts on Marilyn Manson
His record label Ozz Records
Best Buy and censorship
Being in Howard Stern’s movie

In this episode, we have The Prince of Darkness, Ozzy Osbourne. At the time of this interview in 1997, Osbourne was 49 years old and was promoting his multi-band tour Ozzfest. In the interview, Ozzy talks about his love for his fans, how the Sabbath reunion came to be, Marilyn Manson, and the legacy of Ozzfest.

For transcripts to this episode

This episode is brought to you by the award-winning true-crime documentary Dead Man's Line.

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None

A never before published interview with Primus' Les Claypool 1994.

In the interview Claypool talks about:

Why Rush and Primus makes for a good concert
The hardest bass line for him when he first started
What made him wanna play bass
His bass technique
Headlining Lollapalooza
Pork Soda
Best Buy and Primus
His record label Prawn Song Records

In this episode, we have Primus’s frontman and bassist, Les Claypool. At the time of this interview in 1994, Claypool was 31 years old and was promoting his band’s fourth album Pork Soda. In the interview, Les talks about what made him wanna play the bass, headling Lollapalooza, the parallels of Rush and Primus, and his record label.

For transcripts to this episode

This episode is brought to you by the award-winning true-crime documentary Dead Man's Line.

Watch the trailer

Watch for free on Amazon Prime

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

None

A never before published interview with America author Kurt Vonnegut from 2000.

In the interview Vonnegut talks about:

If technological progress has been good.
His love for the ACLU.
Posting the ten commandments in schools.
If he believes in God.
His affection for Indianapolis.
Being captured by the Germans in WWII.

In this episode, we have American Author Kurt Vonnegut. At the time of this interview, Vonnegut was 77 years old and was in Indianapolis for an ACLU fundraising event. In this wide-ranging interview, Vonnegut talks about freedom of speech and censorship, civil rights and war, God and religion, ethical suicide parlors and dying.

For transcripts to this episode

This episode is brought to you by the award-winning true-crime documentary Dead Man's Line.

Watch the trailer

Watch for free on Amazon Prime

None

A never before published interview with John Prine from 1997.

In the interview Prine talks about:

His record label, “Oh Boy”
Why his songs have “simple messages”
How at the time of the interview he was in such a good place that he’ll “probably be writing all zippity-doo-da songs”
John Mellencamp and other Indiana connections
His yet-to-be-made duet album
Touring smaller venues
And more...

In this episode, we have the great singer-songwriter, John Prine. At the time of this interview in 1997, Prine was 50 years old and was out on tour with Los Lobos. In the interview, Prine talks about his record label, Oh Boy, his Indiana connections, touring, and his yet-to-be-made duet album.

For transcripts to this episode

This episode is brought to you by the award-winning true-crime documentary Dead Man's Line.

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Watch for free on Amazon Prime

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None

A never before published interview with John Entwistle, bassist for The Who, from 1996.

In this episode, we have the great singer-songwriter, John Prine. At the time of this interview in 1997, Prine was 50 years old and was out on tour with Los Lobos. In the interview, Prine talks about his record label, Oh Boy, his Indiana connections, touring, and his yet-to-be-made duet album.

In the interview Entwistle talks about:

Why he picked up the bass
His sometimes forgotten contributions to The Who’s music
How he made his first bass
How he mistakenly developed his bass-playing style
If he admires any other bass players
His thoughts on Tommy the broadway show
What he thinks about the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
The backstory of his hearing problem (It wasn’t from concerts)
He indulges Marc and states five of his best songs
His cartoon character art

For transcripts to this episode

This episode is brought to you by the award-winning true-crime documentary Dead Man's Line.

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None

In the interview Aykroyd and Belushi talk about:

They talk in-depth about their yet to be made film The Blues Brothers.
How democratic Saturday Night Live is.
The greatness of performing on live tv.
How they met and Second City days.
How the Blues Brother’s look came to be.
Aykroyd reveals how he came up with the SNL skit the Coneheads.
The inspiration for Belushi’s Samurai character.
Auditioning for SNL
Thoughts on one of their next films, 1941.

In this episode, we have an interview you might have heard before but probably not. In the crate of Marc's tapes are some unmarked interviews that Marc did not do. One of those tapes has an interview with Dan Ackroyd and John Belushi from 1978. I couldn't find the interview anywhere online, so I thought "this is too good not to be heard" and decided to make it public.

At the time of this interview, Aykroyd was 26 years old, and Belushi was 29. In the interview, they talk in-depth about their two upcoming films, “The Blues Brothers” and Stephen Spielberg’s “1941.” Also in the interview, Belushi reveals how he came up with the Samurai character he played on Saturday Night Live, and Aykroyd tells where he found the inspiration for the SNL skit the Coneheads.

For transcripts to this episode

This episode is brought to you by the award-winning true-crime documentary Dead Man's Line.

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A never before published music interview with Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine) from 1993.

In the interview Morello talks about:

The diversity of Rage Against the Machine’s audience
The band’s intent not to preach to the converted
The pushing of pushing an anti-censorship agenda
The threat of the PMRC
Boycotting record stores that don't believe in in the first amendment
The Lollapalooza t-shirt debacle
And more...

In this episode, we have the first of two interviews with Rage Against the Machine’s Tom Morello. At the time of this interview in 1993, Morello was 29 years old and was out on tour supporting his band’s self-titled first record. In the interview, Tom talks about the pushing of an anti-censorship agenda, the Lollapalooza t-shirt debacle, and how Rage Against the Machine is not like Public Enemy for white kids.

For transcripts to this episode

This episode is brought to you by the award-winning true-crime documentary Dead Man's Line.

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A never before published interview with John Mellencamp from 1991.

In the interview Mellencamp talks about:

Hows he’s given up on trying to save the world
How big corporations don’t give a shit about your town
In-depth with his album “Whenever We wanted”
Turning 40
How the world is run by men we never hear of
His thoughts on a friend that loves Ronald Reagan
The movie he directed what it was like making his first film

For transcripts to this episode

This episode is brought to you by the award-winning true-crime documentary Dead Man's Line.

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None

A never before published interview with Alex Van Halen from 1980.

In the interview Van Halen talks about:

• Van Halen days before being signed

• Working with Ted Templeman.

• The best heavy metal band he ever saw play live

• The future of Van Halen

• And more...

Show Note: In the interview, Marc asks if it's true that Van Halen has in their rider that there are to be no brown M&Ms backstage. It wasn't until years later that David Lee Roth revealed the real reason behind their no brown M&Ms rule.

For transcripts to this episode

This episode is brought to you by the award-winning true-crime documentary Dead Man's Line.

Watch the trailer

Watch for free on Amazon Prime

None

A never before published interview with Izzy Stradlin from 1993. (Formerly w/Guns N' Roses)

In the interview Izzy talks about:

• Growing up in Indiana.

• If he’s still friends with his ex-bandmates.

• How he loves the drums.

• Recording with the JuJu Hounds

• And more...

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A never before published interview with Ace Frehley from 1994.

In the interview Frehley talks about:

• What “sucks” about rock’n’roll.

• His side gig in computer graphics.

• The possibility of a KISS reunion.

• Playing while sober.

• His influence on other guitars players.

• And more...

For transcripts to this episode

This episode is brought to you by the award-winning true-crime documentary Dead Man's Line.

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A never before published interview with Dave Matthews from 1996

In the interview Matthews talks about:

• His fancy footwork

• His band’s first live performance.

• Why we should teach children varied philosophies.

• The making of his album “Crash”.

• Why we want freedom.

• Whether he cares or not if he makes it into the Rock and Roll Hall of fame.

And more...

For transcripts to this episode

This episode is brought to you by the award-winning true-crime documentary Dead Man's Line.

Watch the trailer

Watch for free on Amazon Prime

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A never before heard interview with Neal Peart from the band Rush in 1991.

In this episode, we have our second of three interviews with drummer Neal “The Professor” Peart of the band Rush. At the time of this interview in 1991, he was 39 years old and was out on tour with Geddy and Alex in support of the band’s 14th studio album Roll the Bones. In the interview, Neil talks about how he has become comfortable with a random universe, the strength of the individual, talking philosophy with his friends, and how he convinced the band to add a rap to one of their songs.

For transcripts to this episode

This episode is brought to you by the award-winning true-crime documentary Dead Man's Line.

Watch the trailer

Watch for free on Amazon Prime

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A never before published interview with Frank Zappa from 1991.

Transcript for this episode.

When I asked Frank Zappa if he had any regrets about the first 25 years of his career, he was blunt, as he always was.

"There are certain things I might have said in a different way," he said. "But basically, there it is."

And that's why Frank Zappa was and is still revered by his fans—because he said and did what he believed and never let commercial considerations deter him.

In this 1991 interview from The Tapes Archive, Zappa, then 50, talked about standing up to the Parents' Music Resource Center and its warning labels on record albums, how he stepped into Eastern Europe to help American businesses establish ties in formerly communist countries, and why he refused to apologize for songs such as “Jewish Princess,” which offended some organizations.

There’s also talk about his anti-bootlegging project, “Beat the Boots,” and he tells a classic story about one of his greatest songs, “Black Napkins.”

A couple of items that need context:

-At the beginning of the interview, when he mentions “swine,” he’s referring to a show at the Indiana State Fairgrounds where he remembered seeing the Swine Barn.

-Later, when I refer to “the book,” I’m talking about “The Real Frank Zappa Book,” which was published in 1989.

More about Frank Zappa is at https://www.zappa.com/.

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A never before heard interview with Dweezil Zappa from 1995.

Transcript for this episode.

In the story I wrote in 1994 based on this interview with Dweezil Zappa, the lead paragraph summed up the conversation pretty well: “His father treated life as if it were a wave of stupidity he could somehow contain. Dweezil Zappa prefers to smirk and ride the tide.”

"There's not much use in being negative 24 hours a day," he said. "I can spend a few minutes of my day being negative, but ultimately I like to enjoy things more than I like to promote my disdain for things.”

Dweezil was 24 at the time. He was touring with his band Z in support of the record Shampoohorn, and he also has been acting, with roles in a sitcom called “Normal Life” and a cartoon called “Duckman.” We talk about those things, as well as his love for terrible TV shows and movies, and the state of the music industry. Of course, there’s also some discussion about his father, Frank, who died in December 1993, a couple of months before this interview was recorded.

"You had to be on your toes to talk to him,” Dweezil said. “You didn't want to just talk to him about something unless it was goofy and guaranteed for a laugh. He wanted to learn something every time you talked to him. He was great for that."

More about Dweezil is at https://www.dweezilzappa.com/.

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A never before heard interview with Shannon Hoon of the band Blind Melon from 1995 one month before he died.

Shannon Hoon transcript can be found here.

When I spoke to Shannon Hoon in September 1995, he and his band, Blind Melon, were on the verge of stardom. Their first album yielded the massive hit single “No Rain,” they had played Woodstock ’94, and they were excited about their new album, “Soup.”

We talked about the new album and how different it was from the band’s debut, about his growing up in Lafayette, Indiana, and about parenthood. His girlfriend Lisa Crouse had just given birth to their daughter, Nico Blue, two months earlier.

About a month after this interview, Hoon was dead, victim of a cocaine overdose. He was 28.

It was hard to understand his death then, and it’s still difficult today—especially after listening to this conversation again. In 1995, Hoon had a great life to look forward to. He was upbeat, funny, and enjoying his family life.

Now it’s 2019, and he’s been dead almost as long as he was alive.

A few notes:

-We discuss Hoon’s friend and fellow musician Mike Kelsey, a great guitarist whose work has long deserved a much wider audience. Check him out at https://www.michaelkelsey.com/

-At one point, Hoon brings up a negative review of Soup that appeared in the Indianapolis Star. The reviewer wrote: “With a better singer, this band could have some staying power.”

-Hoon references the morning radio team Bob & Tom, which at the time were heard only in the Indianapolis area. Since then, the show has expanded nationally to more than 100 stations.

-Blind Melon continued on without Hoon until 1999, when the group disbanded. After an eight-year hiatus, it teamed up with singer Travis Warren for the album “For My Friends.” Over the next 10 years, the band performed occasionally, and in 2018 they decided to get back together permanently.

More about Blind Melon is at blindmelon.com.

For more info please visit our website.

The Tapes Archive is part of the Osiris network. For more podcasts and experiences, please visit Osiris.

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A never before heard interview with comedian Bill Maher from 1994

Bill Maher transcript can be found here.

Bill Maher is a huge part of the comedy and talk-show landscape, thanks to his HBO show Real Time, which is now in its 17th season.

But in 1994, when this interview was recorded, Maher, then 38, really was just taking off. His Comedy Central show “Politically Incorrect” was about to start its third season, he was an occasional correspondent on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” and he had just released a comic novel called “True Story.”

In this interview, we talked a lot about those subjects, as well as politics. In listening to the tape, what’s striking is how we’re still debating the same political issues we were in 1994—especially healthcare and gun control.

One thing I particularly like about this interview is Maher himself. It’s generally hard to make a comedian laugh. But if Maher thinks something is funny, he laughs. I was happy to make him laugh a couple of times.

Also, it’s great to see how consistent he’s been over the years. In the interview, I asked him if it’s accurate to describe him as a disillusioned Democrat who liked Ross Perot’s ideas but knew he could never carry them out, who thinks government is too intrusive and that people are much too dependent on government, who thinks people have gotten fat, lazy and unwilling to accept responsibility.

He liked that description.

I’d say it’s still entirely apt today.

For more info please visit our website.

The Tapes Archive is part of the Osiris network. For more podcasts and experiences, please visit Osiris.

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A never before heard interview with Jeff Tweedy of the band Wilco from 1997

Jeff Tweedy transcript can be found here.

Jeff Tweedy is often described as a reticent interview subject, but I found him to be relaxed and easygoing when we spoke in 1997.

At the time, Tweedy and his band Wilco were touring behind their second record, “Being There,” and he was learning to balance the responsibilities of career and fatherhood.

Our talk is largely about music and musical influences, and about Wilco getting away from the “alt-country” label. The funniest part of the conversation is near the end, where Tweedy tells stories about weird interactions with fans.

As fans know, Tweedy wrote a memoir, “Let’s Go (So We Can Get Back),” that came out in 2018, and Wilco’s 11th album, “Ode to Joy,” is scheduled for release on October 4.

More about Wilco is at wilcoworld.net.

For more info please visit our website.

The Tapes Archive is part of the Osiris network. For more podcasts and experiences, please visit Osiris.

A never before heard interview with Neil Peart of Rush from 1990.

Neil Peart transcript can be found here.

I interviewed Neil Peart several times over the years and thoroughly enjoyed every conversation. In addition to being a great drummer, he’s a smart, thoughtful, articulate gentleman whose worldview extends well beyond rock ‘n’ roll.

This interview, recorded in 1990, was the first of our talks. Nearly 30 years later, I’m still amazed by his interest in visiting art museums and bicycling around the United States, his desire to become a prose writer, and his simple explanation for why Rush had been able to stay together for so long. (“We’ve retained not only respect but also affection for each other over the years.”) When we talked, Rush was touring behind Presto, its 13th studio album, so there’s also a lot of conversation about songs on that album.

A bit of context:

-Early on, we talk about—but don’t name—Rush’s first drummer. He was John Howard Rutsey, who left the group in 1974. He died in 2008.

-We also discuss the Meech Lake Accord, which would have recognized Quebec as a ''distinct society'' in the body of the Canadian constitution. The accord ultimately failed.

For more about Rush, visit rush.com/band/, where the group’s credentials are laid out nicely: “More than 40 million records sold worldwide. Countless sold-out tours. A star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Officers of the Order of Canada. And that's all very nice. But for these three guys, it's all about the music, their friendship, and the fans.”

For more info please visit our website.

The Tapes Archive is part of the Osiris network. For more podcasts and experiences, please visit Osiris.

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A never before heard interview with Rick James from 1997.

Rick James transcript can be found here.

When I spoke to Rick James in 1997, he had already been a megastar, a prisoner, and a recipient of royalties for the use of his “Super Freak” bassline in MC Hammer’s “U Can’t Touch This.”

At the time, he was about to start a tour to promote his first album in nine years, “Urban Rhapsody,” and was in the midst of writing his autobiography, “The Confessions of Rick James: Memoirs of a Super Freak,” which eventually came out in 2007—three years after his death.

In this interview, James, then 49, talked freely about his drug use, how prison turned out to be a good thing for him, what he thought of rap (not much), and his friendships with Neil Young and Joni Mitchell. You’ve gotta like someone who says, “A lot of things I had done over the years, I can't remember if I did 'em or not. But they sort of sound great."

I think you’ll enjoy this interview.

As for the concert, it was OK. My review started like this:

"This is not a concert tonight; this is a reunion," Rick James announced early in his set Friday night at the Indiana Convention Center. Actually, it was both a concert and a reunion, as well as a throwback to an era when performers favored sexual innuendo (rather than outright vulgarity) and identified people by their Zodiac signs. James led his Stone City Band through an imbalanced, sporadically invigorating set in his return to action after two years in prison on a drug and assault conviction, plus years of inactivity due to drug addiction.

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A never before heard interview with Joan Rivers from 1990.

Joan Rivers transcript can be found here.

Joan Rivers was a great interview, and quotes like this are the reason why: “I think one of the

reasons (people) do like me, those that like me, is because I really never bullshit them. I always say exactly what I truly think and believe, including when Elizabeth Taylor was fat. She was fat!”

At the time of this interview, Rivers, then 57, was hosting her own daytime talk show, “The Joan Rivers Show,” and was on the road doing standup comedy. She was a few years removed from “The Late Show with Joan Rivers,” a nighttime talk show the Fox network created to try to compete with “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson,” as well as her husband’s suicide.

But she was already a legend—a pioneering female comic (when there were few) who rose to become the permanent guest host of “The Tonight Show” in 1983. And she was fearless.

A couple of notes about this interview:

-Our exchange about Angie Bowie and Howard Stern requires some context. Both Bowie and Stern were guests on the same episode of "The Joan Rivers Show." When Bowie started acting coy, Stern jumped in and got her to talk about her husband's relationship with Mick Jagger.

-It’s surprising that she names the person who served as her go-between with Elizabeth Taylor. (Actor Roddy McDowall.) Unlike most celebrities, she was unafraid to name names.

-“The Joan Rivers Show” ended in 1993. In 1990, she won a Daytime Emmy as Outstanding Talk Show Host.

-At the end of the interview, she invites me backstage to say hello. I don’t remember why, but I didn’t end up meeting her. I wish I had.

For more about Joan Rivers: http://www.joanrivers.com/all-about-joan/

For more info please visit our website.

The Tapes Archive is part of the Osiris network. For more podcasts and experiences, please visit Osiris.

Intro music by the Budos Band

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A never before heard interview with Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull from 1993.

Ian Anderson transcript can be found here.

For more info please visit our website.

The Tapes Archive is part of the Osiris network. For more podcasts and experiences, please visit Osiris.

Intro music by the Budos Band

A never before heard interview with Trey Anastasio from 1993.

Trey Anastasio transcript can be found here.

I have a long, strange history with Phish. I’m an admirer—nobody dares do what Phish does routinely, which is to play a completely different show and challenge its audience—and a skeptic, because sometimes, they step on their dicks.

In 1997, after the August 10 Phish concert at Deer Creek Music Center in Noblesville, Indiana, I wrote one of the most negative reviews I ever wrote about anyone. The oft-quoted line is this: “To be blunt (and paraphrase the title of a popular book), Phish could urinate in its fans' ears and tell them it's music. The fans, in turn, would be there with tape recorders to capture the moment.”

There was not much Internet to speak of at the time, so the review made its way around the Phish world slowly. Angry letters trickled in for the next year or so.

But to his everlasting credit—and one of the reasons I’ll always be a Phish fan—Trey Anastasio responded like this.[See link below]

At the time of this interview, in 1993, I was strictly an admirer, and Trey and I had a great conversation. The band had put out “A Picture of Nectar,” its third studio album, the previous year, and was about to play in Indianapolis at the 2,400-seat Murat Theatre. But most of our talk was about jamming and taping and the phenomenon that Phish was about to become.

In rereading the transcript after all these years, it’s funny to think that Phish was, at the time, being compared with the Spin Doctors, a band that bit the dust (commercially) not long after. With the benefit of hindsight, we now know that no one compares with Phish.

Trey's response to Marc Allan's review

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A never before heard interview with Billy Joel from 1994.

Billy Joel transcript can be found here.

For more info please visit our website.

The Tapes Archive is part of the Osiris network. For more podcasts and experiences, please visit Osiris.

Intro music by the Budos Band

A never before heard interview with George Carlin from 1989.

George Carlin transcript can be found here.

At the time of this interview, in 1989, George Carlin was 52 years old, a 30-year veteran of standup comedy, and in the middle of yet another tour. He also had a role that year in the movie “Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure,” and in the subsequent TV show, “Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventures.”

By this point in his career, Carlin was already considered one of the two or three greatest standup comics of all time. His credits included performing on the very first episode of “Saturday Night Live,” and his “Seven Dirty Words You Can Never Say on Television” routine had been part of a landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision on the use of obscene language.

For more info please visit our website.

The Tapes Archive is part of the Osiris network. For more podcasts and experiences, please visit Osiris.

An introduction to the podcast, and a little bit of background on how and why this podcast was created.

The podcast is a collaboration between documentary filmmaker Alan Berry (“Dead Man’s Line”) and his longtime friend, journalist Marc Allan, who conducted and recorded the interviews decades ago. Allan recorded these interviews via phone, and the podcast provides a unique, intimate look into music, culture and these artists’ careers at specific moments in time. Most interviews were conducted between 1985-1995.

Berry and Allan curated a 12-episode season that will include interviews with Neil Peart of Rush, Frank Zappa, Ray Charles, Joan Rivers and more.

The Tapes Archive is part of the Osiris network. For more podcasts and experiences, please visit Osiris.

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