I Love Rock & Roll Podcast: Recent Episodes
I Love Rock & Roll Podcast
Each week we take deep dives into some of the most wild and bizarre stories from music history. From the artists you've never heard of, to the stories you think you know but don't, each episode is a wild ride through music history. Hosted by stand up comedians Ken Krantz and Chip Chantry, guests include comics and the musicians who lived the stories themselves.
Singer songwriter Ben Kweller makes his ILRR debut and brings the heat! He talks about starting his first band at twelve, dropping out of the ninth grade so he could sign to a major label and tour the world at fifteen, getting the call to go on tour with Evan Dando, joining Foo Fighters on a record and on stage, and what it was like break out of the early 2000s NYC rock scene, alongside the Strokes and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.
Writer/director Kieran Turner returns to the show, alongside legal expert Nic, to discuss predatory pop songs. Why were so many Seventies artists so obsessed with underage girls? Which songs are open to interpretation, and which feel more like confessions? Who is Benny Mardones, and why did he make the creepiest, cringiest video of all-time? All this and more on a brand new ILRR!
Comedian KP Burke joins Ken and his daughter to convince Lyla of the greatness that was the Band. How did a group comprised almost entirely of Canadians become the quintessential American band? What did Dylan see in them that made him risk his career to tour with them? Why was The Last Waltz truly the end of touring for the original lineup? When Lyla saw Kidz Bop live, did they pay tribute to Robertson? All this and more on a brand new ILRR!
Comedians Jenny Saldana and Mike Sicoli join Ken to talk about the career and legacy of one of the all-time best selling artists, Michael Jackon. They discuss his groundbreaking videos, his abusive father, the lasting impact of his music, and of course, those pesky allegations. Give it a listen!
Singer and Producer Rachel Burns joins the show to promote her hilarious new EP "What a Nasty Woman" and talk about surviving cancer, surviving Trump, playing in an eleven piece band with her best friends and husband, and channeling her grandmother through song. It's a funny and moving episode! Listen up!
Drummer Alvin Taylor returns to pay tribute to his dear friend and former boss Tina Turner. He talks about recording the classic "Nutbush City Limits", what Ike was really like behind the scenes, seeing his friend become the first black female rock star to play to stadiums, and helping to set the "Private Dancer" album in motion. Tune in!!
Johnny Goodtimes returns to the show to talk about one of the original Kings of Rock and Roll, Little Richard. How did he switch back and forth between gay icon and conservative Christian his whole life? Why was he so underappreciated by the very industry he helped to create? What tricks did he employ to make it tough for Pat Boone to sing his songs? He liked to read WHAT at orgies? Tune in and find out!
Recorded live in front of an audience at the Red Bank Comedy Festival, Ken and Chip are joined by Brian O'Halloran and KP Burke to discuss actors turned musicians, including Jared Leto, Steven Seagal, Corey Feldman and more. Why do so many actors try their hand at music, and why so many of them so, so bad at it? This one was an absolute blast to record! Have a listen!
Ken, Chip and Kahuna are joined by Ken's seven yar old daughter Lyla. She talks about her love of the Gorillaz. De La Soul, Sub Urban and Melanie Martinez. She explains how kids her age find new music these days, schools Kahuna on Michael Jackson, Huey Lewis and Ghostbusters, and reacts to the songs that were big when Ken and Chip were seven.
Kahuna, Chip and Ken take a look at some of the wildest stories in rock history, from Ozzie Osbourne snorting a line of fire ants to Eddie Van Hal showing up in a tank to reclaim equipment Fred Durst stole from him, from Steven Tyler adopting a 14-year-old girl so he could date her, to Christ Bearer cutting off his own... well, you'll just have to listen and find out.
Billy Amendola (Drum Channel) drops in to talk about the tragic story of Jim Gordon, the recently deceased legendary session drummer who succumbed to the voices in his head and murdered his own mother. He also left behind a staggering body of work that can't be denied and we take a deep dive into some of the all-time classics he played on. How did his mental health go unchecked for so long, and how much more amazing music could he have brought into the world with the proper diagnosis and treatment? Give it a listen and find out!
Writer/director Kieran Turner (Jobriath AD) drops in to give the history of the most maligned category in the most maligned awards show, the Best New Artist Grammy. How have they so consistently gotten it wrong over the years? A Taste of Hiney beat out whom?? Why was Mili Vanilli stripped of their Grammy when the academy had a history of nominating KNOWN lip-synching acts? How did so many of these winners shine brightly for a short time and then disappear just as fast? It's a fun one! Listen in!
Creem Magazine is back, and original editor Jaan Uhelszki (1970-1979) and current CEO John Martin join the show to talk about Creem's wild sex, drugs and rock n roll past, and their unlikely 2020s comeback. Why did the magazine move from the slums of Detroit to a commune in the middle of nowhere? What was it like to work and live with your colleagues 24/7? What made Lester Bangs such a wildcard? What's it feel like for a rock journalist to don the KISS makeup and perform with them on a sold-out show? Iggy Pop did WHAT to end an interview early? And lastly, why is Creem Magazine needed now more than ever, and how did they pull off their own resurrection? It's a wild one! Tune in!
Rapper Reef the Lost Cauze, writer and producer John Morrison, and comedian Darin Patterson join Ken to pay tribute to the greatest rap group of all-time, De La Soul. Why was their image as the "hippies of hip-hop" so misguided and wrong? How was their music in the Library of Congress but not available on Itunes for over twenty years? How did three childhood friends from Long Island, with only one platinum album to their name and zero presence on digital platforms, end up as one of the most influential groups of all-time? Listen in and find out!
Comedian and host of the "TV Guidance Counselor" podcast Ken Reid stops by to talk about being the teenage lead singer of Boston area punk band "30 Seconds Over Tokyo", the stories behind some of TV's most well known theme songs, and the best musical guest stars in television history.
Comedian Aaron Hertzog pops in to talk about Rolling Stone Magazine's recently updated Top 200 Singers List. Who did they get right? Who did they get wrong? Who was snubbed? Listen in and find out!
East Brunswick, NJ Natives Ed Guarnieri and John Matthews join fellow EBHS Alum Ken in breaking down ginker culture, which only seemed to exist in this one town for a period of 20-30 years. What exactly was a ginker, and why were most students scared of them? How big a factor was the music ginkers listened to? What was about them that seemed so scary it prompted John Matthews to write the only known ode to the lost lifestyle? And what, exactly, was Holly Rock? Strap in for our most inside-baseball episode yet
Journalist and author Anna Goldfarb drops by to share her love of legendary NYC rap and punk group, The Beastie Boys. How did their first album, which was supposed to be a joke, both sell over ten million copies and nearly end their careers? How did they follow up with a masterpiece second album that hardly anyone at the time even heard? What made them so undeniably cool in the Nineties? Listen in!
Trews guitarist John-Angus MacDonald joins Ken and guest co-host Max Antonucci to talk about touring in the time of Covid, what it's like to be in the same band for over twenty years with your brother, his love of the Black Crowes, opening for the Stones in a tiny club, jamming with Springsteen, and why Canada so consistently churns out amazing comedians.
Rapper Reef the Lost Cauze stops by to discuss the career of Luther Campell and 2 Live Crew. How did a block party DJ become first a hip hop pioneer and then a champion of free speech? Why was he willing to go to prison for his beliefs? Why did Bruce Springsteen allow Luther to sample "Born in the USA" at a time when he was famous for never licensing his music? Reef's mom likes WHICH 3 Live Crew song the most? Listen up!
Author Barbara Bellisi Zito drops in to promote her excellent debut novel "Lucky Stiff" and to discuss her lifelong love of Boy George and Culture Club. How did Boy George go from club kid to one of the biggest pop stars on the planet in the space of a year or so? How was he able to hide his romantic relationship with drummer Jon Moss for so long? Why did America freak out after he called himself a drag queen at the Grammys? All this and more on a brand new ILRR!
"Clerks III" star Brian O'Halloran and comedian Pat House return to the show to remember all the musicians we lost in 2022. It's sad and funny all at once, like a McDLT of emotions.
Found Footage Festival creator Joe Pickett joins Ken and Chip to discuss the seminal Christmas song "Do They Know It's Christmas" by British super group Band Aid. How was Bob Geldof able to assemble so many rock superstars so quickly? Is it the cringiest holiday song ever written? Did the money raised really end up in the hands of Russian arms dealers? Listen in and find out!
David Weitzman, Publishing Partner for Primary Wave Music, drops in to discuss his decades long career which includes being part of Sublime's original mgmt. team, working with the Black Crowes, being in charge of music supervision for Jackass, and his current work for Primary Wave, where he is part of the team that helped to sell Julian Casablancas, Huey Lewis, and Joey Ramone's publishing rights. What does any of this even mean? You have to listen to learn! This one is for the real music nerds!
Legendary Miami Horns trumpet player Tony Pallagrosi stops by the studio to talk about recording with Southside Johnny in the early days, touring with Bruce Springsteen, starting Concerts East, getting involved with the Light of Day Foundation, and how to date a model on $150 a week.
Bryn and Alex from rock band Bang Camaro join Ken and guest co-host Mike Sicoli to talk about forming in Boston in 2005 as kind of a goof but quickly grabbing national attention, playing legendary venues, having ten lead singers, and how a call from someone representing James Gunn landed their music in the hit show "Peacemaker" and paved the way for their first new music in over a decade!
"Jobriath AD" director and unofficial third co-host Kieran Turner drops in to tell the story of Latina powerhouse singer, Irene Cara. Why did a singer/actress with an Oscar, Grammy and Golden Globe disappear as quickly as she arrived on the scene? How did she score a "Best New Artist" nom at the Grammys despite not having an album out? Did her label hold her back, or was she difficult to work with? And can that "Jesus Christ Superstar" story possibly be true? Listen in!
Drummer Matt Sorum (Guns N' Roses, Velvet Revolver, The Cure, Kings of Chaos) joins Ken and guest co-host Don Jamieson (That Metal Show) to talk about his amazing new book, "Double Talkin' Jive", the hilarious text exchange when Lemmy asked him to do a tour with Motorhead. why Axl sometimes had to delay GNR shows for hours, getting Iggy Pop to recite lyrics on an answering machine for Billie Joe Armstrong, idolizing Keith Moon for the wrong reasons, and his excellent new single "Judgement Day".
Rick Allen and Lauren Monroe return to promote their amazing 12 Drummers Drumming auction and are joined by Shannon Larkin (Godsmack), Billy Amendola, Alvin Taylor, Matt Starr (Ace Frehley, Mr. Big), Larry Broughton (former Green Beret) to talk about the healing power of music, why it's impossible to have a great band with a bad drummer, and how when Rick Allen throws up the Bat Signal, everyone answers.
J&R Music World (1971-2014) owner Rachelle Friedman makes her ILRR debut to discuss owning and operating a NYC institution for the better part of five decades. How did a five hundred square foot electronic store that was only supposed to help pay some extra bills turn into a three hundred thousand square foot compound that took up an entire city block? What made Joe Walsh's in-store performance so special? Why did Michael Jackson use a different voice when conducting business? This one is for real music nerds!
Toadies and Bowling for Soup frontmen Vaden Lewis and Jaret Reddick join Ken and Chip for their 100th episode. The four discuss the magic behind The Stone Pony in Asbury Park, their love of Willie Nelson, their respect of Townes Van Zandt, Kanye, The Jerky Boys, the vulnerability of putting down the guitar and just singing, Diff'rent Strokes, and much much more!
Ghost Hounds bassist Bennett Miller returns to talk about the extraordinary life of The Rolling Stones bass player, Darryl Jones. How did playing with Miles Davis help secure him a job with the World's Greatest Rock and Roll Band? Why, after thirty years, isn't he a full-fledged member? What exactly is a pocket and the art of weaving? Bennett breaks it all down for us! Give it a listen!
Drummer Alvin Taylor makes his ILRR debut to talk about joining Little Richard's band at the age of thirteen, being the opening act for Elvis in Vegas and meeting kings, queens and presidents, recording with George Harrison and Stevie Wonder, and having Ronnie Wood name an album after him. Alvin has led an amazing life and stayed humble through it all! These stories are not to be missed!
Comedian Bonnie McFarlane joins Chip and Ken to talk about the turbulent life and career of Sinead O'Connor. Why did controversy seemingly follow her at every turn? Why did she consider tearing up a picture of the pope on SNL a triumph when everyone said it was career suicide? How come she refused to have the National Anthem played before a concert in NJ? Why did Prince insist on feeding her soup when they first met? Listen up!
Musician Joe Moore stops by to talk about the strange history of the quintessential Halloween novelty song, "Monster Mash". How did a struggling TV actor write and record a number one hit in less than thirty minutes? Why was a novelty song about monsters dancing bannedin the UK? What's his connection to the Beach Boys and Eddie Van Halen? Listen in and make sure to check out Joe's album of Halloween novelty songs, "The Mummy Forgot the Chips".
Ken and guest co-host Chris Covert welcome glam rocker Jimmy Maddon to the show all the way from the UK to talk about releasing his self-titled 2020 debut album in the height of the pandemic, his love of Queen, why America is still mecca for musicians, and who he would recruit to form a supergroup.
Comedian and author Doogie Horner stops by to talk about one of the most prolific artists in rock history, Neil Young. Why did he retreat from the massive success of "Harvest" and record "the Ditch Trilogy"? How come Geffen Records sued him shortly after signing him to a huge contract? What was behind his feud with Donald Trump, and why were some Trump supporters trying to have him canceled? How did the man who wrote "Ohio" end up stumping for Ronald Reagan? It's a good one! Listen up!
Musician and producer Dave Brandwein makes his ILRR debut to discuss forming the band Turkuaz with his friend in college and taking the funk band all the way to Red Rocks and Bonnaroo, the fallout of their very public breakup, rising up from the ashes with not one but two excellent new projects, playing a Paul McCartney and Wings set with original Wings member Denny Laine at Jazzfest, his love of Talking Heads and stand up comedy, and much more!
Comedian and Elvis superfan Mike Sicoli joins Kahuna and Ken to trade the wildest Elvis stories you never heard. How did Elvis stop a plane from taking off with nothing but a phony badge? Who were the Memphis mafia and what is a time consultant? Who was Scatter and how did he meet his untimely death? Does Mike Sicoli have an actual scarf signed by the King? No, no he does not. This was a wild one!
Podcaster Steve Cooper makes his ILRR debut to talk about The Police. How did a band that only lasted for seven years land four of their five records in Rolling Stone's top 500 albums? How did the biggest band in the world at the time break up with no one knowing? Did Sting ever really want to be in a group? Listen in and find out!
Comedian Rich Vos joins ken and guest co-host John Moses to talk about the dumpster fire that was Woodstock '99. Rich, who was an MC for the festival on the west stage, compares how the performers were treated versus how the attendees, which included Ken and John, were treated. Why were bottles of water but not drugs confiscated? Why were the promoters, twenty years on, still trying to blame the performers for their mistakes? What do Rich and James Brown have in common? It's a fun one! Listen in!
For the first time in ILRR history, Ken and Chip turn hosting duties over, as director Kieran Turner (Jobriath AD) takes the lead on a tribute to Olivia Newton-John. Why was she loved by country fans, shunned by country artists, and then ultimately embraced by Nashville. Why was "Grease" the only movie that ever really worked for her? What song was deemed far too sexual for airplay in Utah and got banned from the radio? She sold HOW MANY albums? It's a great one! Tune in!
No new episode this week so here's one from the ILRR vaults. Comedian Sean Donnelly stops by to talk about all things Monkees. Did Mike Nesmith basically invent MTV? Did they even play their own instruments? Do they get too little, or too much respect from other musicians? Recorded the day Mike Nesmith died, enjoy this never before heard episode!
Shuli Egar makes his ILRR debut to discuss the legendary all-time great Pink Floyd and founder Roger Water's troubling (for some) politics. Is it easy to separate the art from the artist? Should Jews consider boycotting his concerts? Was the Syd Barret era actually any good? Just HOW good a guitar player is Dave Gilmour? All this and more! Check it out!
Roxx Revolt of the great new rock band Roxx Revolt and the Velvets makes her show debut to discuss her love of glam rock, why she thinks it's poised to make a comeback, coming to America to chase her dreams, trying to find a band in the open mic circuit, and why being an opener is an uphill battle.
Musician Matt O'Ree returns to the show to talk about his love of blues legend Stevie Ray Vaughn. How did a fourteen year old kid catch the attention of ZZ Top? Exactly how close was he to forgoing a career in the blues to become David Bowie's sideman? How did he wind in the helicopter instead of Eric Clapton on the day he died? Listen in and go see Matt at The Vogel in Red Bank NJ on July 28th!
Comedian Kevin Gootee drops in to talk about the wild career of all-time great American band Guns N Roses. How did they set out to make the best-selling debut of all-time and actually accomplish it? What's the real reason Izzy Stradlin left the band at the height of their fame? Why did Axl always insist on being late to gigs, even if it meant causing riots? What was at the root of the alleged racism and homophobia behind the song "One in a Million"? Listen in and find out!
Menudo super fans Kyle Ocasio and Jenny Saldana come on to talk about their love of the original boy band, explain just how much their music meant to thousands of bi-lingual teen age girls in 1980s NYC and shine some light on just how much of a monster founding promoter Edgardo Diaz was.
Comedian Erik Bergstrom joins the show to talk about the early years of David Bowie, Why isn't his first album considered canon? What was he really trying to say about Andy Warhol and Bob Dylan? What was his obsession with the occult? Check it out!
Actor, playwright and musician Vincent Pastore makes his ILRR debut to talk about his days managing rock clubs, hanging out with Dion and Bono, running on stage with Bruce Springsteen, and why the music in The Sopranos was always so impeccable.
Comedian James Hesky joins the show to talk about one of the original fathers of rock and roll, the Killer, Jerry Lee Lewis. How was he able to survive the career suicide of marrying his thirteen year old cousin? Why did Elvis have him arrested at the gates of Graceland? How did he convince his bass player to rejoin his band after shooting him in the chest, twice? Did he murder at least one of his seven wives and get away with it? It's a wild one!
Friend of the show and actor Brian O'Halloran joins in to talk about the musical career of Johnny Depp. How did a guitarist in an early 80s punk band become a teen heart throb to millions? Who were the original Hollywood Vampires and why does their legacy survive even to this day? How did a Rolling Stone fluff piece on Johnny Depp and Keith Richards go so horribly off the rails? Listen in and find out!
Comedian Christian Finnegan joins the show to talk about the legendary Prince. What made him so iconic? Why is he so underrated as a guitar player? What was the beef between him and Rick James? What was Larry King's suggestion for a new moniker for him? Listyen up and don't forget to check out Christian's newsletter, "New Music for Olds".
Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes bandleader Jeff Kazee drops in to promote his outstanding new album "Thanks for Checking In" and to talk about sitting in for Paul Schaffer on the "Letterman" show and meeting his childhood hero Pete Rose, playing his first Southside Johnny gig on the Jersey Shore with two huge special guests, and what The Cars might sound like if Bruce Springsteen had written their songs.
Hatebreed drummer Matt Byrne joins the show for the first time to talk about turning what he thought would be a onetime summer tour into a twenty plus year career, his love of Poughkeepsie, creating his own beer during lockdown, and why playing with Dimebag Darrell and opening for Tiffany was equally thrilling. It's a fun one! Listen in!
Fan favorite Johnny Goodtimes returns to the show to talk about the legendary drummer of The Who, Keith Moon. How did he turn destroying hotel rooms into a legitimate art form? What were some of his best pranks? Why did Steve McQueen hate him so much? These are some of the best stories we've covered yet. Tune in!
Comedian and musician Vin Brue stops by to talk about the enduring career of 80s megastar Huey Lewis. How did a guy in his thirties become one of the biggest stars of the decade after languishing in obscurity for years? What made his videos so great? How did someone with nineteen top ten hits get so little recognition from the industry? What was the new drug he was in search of? All this and more on a new ILRR!
Serious Matters guitarist and ILRR engineer Criss Madd Jr. stops by to promote the Beers for Tears Festival in Red Bank, NJ on May 14, explain what The Backstreet Boys taught him about rock, and the band's excellent 2020 release, "Mistaking Wasps for Dragonflies".
Chip and Ken are joined by Kahuna and star of the upcoming "Clerks III" Brian O'Halloran to talk about Kahuna's father, Prince Be of the hugely influential P.M. Dawn. What's it like having an entire album named after you? How did an out of the blue phone call from Eddie Murphy lead to writing and performing a song with Elton John? What did Questlove say about him after his untimely death? Just how cool is it growing up the son of Prince Be? Listen in and find out!
Singer songwriter Eric Harrison stops by to promote his new John Prine inspired "Dear John" EP and share his love of one of the admired songwriters in American history. How did his career as a mailman prepare him for his first album? How did a review in a Chicago newspaper by Roger Ebert change his life? Why wasn't he scared that having stage 4 neck cancer would ruin his singing career? This story is wild! Listen up!
Vakili Band frontwoman Lily Vakili makes her ILRR debut to discuss her excellent new album "Walking Sideways", her globe-trotting childhood, the excitement of shooting a music video in Asbury Park, NJ and how her love of deep-fried hot dogs led to the writing of a feminist anthem.
Show favorite comedian Pat House stops in to pay tribute to the legendary Taylor Hawkins. What were some of his best performances? Just how good is his solo work? How did he deal with the pressure of being a rock drummer when his boss was one of the greatest rock drummers who ever lived? Why did everyone who met him seemingly fall in love with him? What is the most bizarre theory surrounding his death? Listen in and find out!
Musician/actor Thomas Nicholas of TIN Band and "American Pie" pops in to talk about collaborating with Bowling for Soup's Jarret Reddick, what it was like to record an album using Dave Grohl's guitar in Foo Fighter's famous 606 Studio, the generosity of Taylor Hawkins, earning Mickey Rourke's respect, and why living above a busker who plays "Stairway to Heaven" ten times a day isn't all it's cracked up to be.
Bowling for Soup's Jaret Reddick returns with another hilarious appearance to promote his excellent new country album "Just Woke Up", talk about his love of Willie and Waylon, how to take the piss out of critics and deal with hecklers, why you should never tell a performer what not to say, and correctly identifies "Diff'rent Strokes" as the greatest TV show of all-time. This one was so much fun!
Show favorite Kieran Turner returns to take a deep dive into the unknown in America but HUGE in Germany Kelly Family. Were they a family band, religious cult, or a little bit of both? How did they go from living on a double decker bus to buying their own castle? Is "Fell in Love with an Alien" the most batshit crazy video ever made? Listen in and find out!
Singer Songwriter Lauren Monroe and her husband Rick Allen join the show to promote their upcoming collaborative shows, the amazing charitable work they do for veterans for their Raven Drum Foundation, the healing power of music, Rick's upcoming tour with Poison, Motley Crue and Joan Jett, and why more women need to be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
DBS Podcast host Sergio Chicon stops by to talk about the career and mental health struggles of Kanye West. How does his career parallel Mike Tyson's? Why didn't anyone recognize the talent staring them in the face when Kanye decided to be a rapper? What's his best album? Why has Ken thought Donda West died in Pennsylvania for fifteen years? Listen in!
Toadies front-man Vaden Lewis drops in to talk about the writing and recording of their landmark 90s album, "Rubberneck". Why were they lumped in with all the grunge bands of the day when they had clearly made a straightforward rock album? How did they manage to sell a million copies despite a record company that seemed to be working against them? Why did Vaden assume he'd be back working his day job at a record store within a year of signing with Interscope? Why did their equally great follow-up album take almost a decade to come out? What's the strangest thing he's seen thrown on stage? All this and more on a brand new ILRR.
Drummer, songwriter and producer Billy Amendola drops in to talk about the Beatles "Get Back" doc and his own twenty-five-year friendship with Ringo Starr. How have people's opinion on Yoko Ono changed since the film premiered? Why was Phil Spector's finished product so different from Paul's original vision? What's it like being on called on stage to perform with a Beatle? Listen up!
Drummer Rick Marotta stops by to talk about his incredible career in music and television, and why he can't remember exactly which John Lennon album he played on, trying to get through a dinner with Bill Murray without being interrupted, playing with Steely Dan, Al Kooper, James Taylor and countless others, and being the author of the most sampled drum loop in history.
Comedian John Moses, host of "Fight Stories" stops by to talk about the time Johnny Cash fought an eight foot ostrich and barely lived to tell about it. What started the long-standing feud between man and beast? What other birds did Johnny Cash endanger? Who would win in a fight between The Traveling Wilburies and The Spice Girls? You gotta listen in to find out.
The host of NewsNation's "Banfield" Ashleigh Banfield stops by to talk about her days as the lead singer in various rock bands, why she loves Neil Young's stance but doesn't think Joe Rogan should be canceled, her love of 80s metal, why The Tragically Hip are a Canadian National Treasure, and teaches us the right way to pronounce "Ocasek".
Comedian and actor Jimmy Shubert joins Ken and guest co-host John Moses to discuss what it was like working with and being mentored by comedy legend Sam Kinison. What was it about Sam that drew rock stars to him? How could you expect to get sober with Ozzy Osborne and Steven Tyler as your sponsors? What was touring with comedy's "Wild Thing" really like? Listen up and find out!
Comedian Tim Butterly drops in to talk about the wild and strange career of Meat Loaf. How did an album that NOBODY wanted become one of the best selling records of all-time, outselling even The Beatles? Why did he change his name to Michael? Why is the narrator of "Two Out of Three Ain't Bad" such a jerk? When does a slutly aunt become family? Listen up and find out! It's one of our funniest shows yet!
Philadelphia legend Kenn Kweder stops by to discuss his fifty-year career in music. He talks about getting fired by Tom Waits, telling Clive Davis to go to hell, playing with Cheap Trick and AC/DC, and reveals the most hilarious inspiration behind writing a song we've ever heard.
Ken and guest co-host Dave Landau are joined by Fox Business personality Kennedy who talks about her time being a VJ during the golden years of MTV, snowboarding with the Beastie Boys, witnessing history in the making at the taping of Nirvana's "Unplugged", her love of San Diego punk, her hatred of Spin Doctors videos, breaking the news of Jerry Garcia's death to David Bowie, and fist fighting Oasis. It's a wild one! Listen in!
Ken and guest co-host Max Antonnuci are joined by bassist Tim Lefebvre who opens up about playing on David Bowie's final masterpiece "Blackstar", performing for Russian oligarchs overseas as part of Sting's band, and how Covid ruined his plans to tour the world with The Black Crowes.
Singer/Songwriter/Producer Robert Allen drops in to discuss cutting his teeth at CBGB'S in the Seventies, playing with Jim Croce, Bonnie Raitt and John Prine, his new album due out January 21st, and why he thinks Rock and Roll could be finally dying off.
Philly Rapper Reef the Lost Cauze drops by to talk about getting his start battle rapping and why he felt he had to leave it behind, being big in Europe, his love of De La Soul, how Covid has stopped touring in its' tracks, and the meaning of a "True MC".
Comedian Pat House returns to the show to talk about the King of the Eighties, Phil Collins. How did he go from only ever wanting to be the drummer in a band to becoming the frontman of one of the bestselling groups of all-time? What does he have in common with Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson? How is it even possible he isn't in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist? We break down one of the busiest, most illustrious careers in the history of music. It's a fun one, listen up!!
"American Loser" host KP Burke drops by the studio to talk about one of the greatest guitarists who ever lived, Eric Clapton. How was he able to run off with George Harrison's wife with George's blessing? Why did he keep quitting bands just as they became popular? Is he an anti-vaccine conspiracy theorist, or a misunderstood target of the media? Its a good one, listen in and find out!
Gotham Comedy Club manager Andrew Schwartztol drops in to discuss the tragic life and times of INXS singer Michael Hutchence. How did such a beloved band fall from grace so fast? How did an act of road rage violence change the course of his life forever? How did THAT rumor about his death get started? This one is fascinating! listen in and find out!
Chip and Ken are joined by Kahuna for a discussion about his excellent new Christmas album, "In the Key of Christmas" and what went into crafting a legit classic Christmas song. They talk about their favorite holiday rockers, hold a year-end review of their favorite episodes, and look toward the new year and which stories they want to cover for 2022.
Actress and comedian Jenny Saldana drops by to share her love of the greatest pop duo of all-time, Daryl Hall and John Oates. How did an act of gun violence bring them together and change the course of pop history? Why do they hate being called Hall and Oates? Were they the Beatles of the 80s? Why did they sue a granola company? It's a fun one, listen in and find out!
Longtime friend of the show, Johhny Goodtimes returns to discuss the tragic and hilarious life of Outlaw Country pioneer, Billy Joe Shaver. How did a threat of violence convince Waylon Jennings to record an album of his songs? Why did he marry two different women a total of six times? What was the advice Willie Nelson give him the day his son and bandleader died of an overdose? How was he able to get away with shooting a man in the face and writing a song about it? This one is wild! Listen in!
Ken is joined by "No Dogs in Space" host Carolina Hidalgo to discuss David Bowie and Iggy Pop's time in Berlin with a focus on 1977 and the release of FOUR landmark albums in ONE year. What led up to the pair needing to escape from LA? Why was Bowie so obsessed with the occult and black magic? Who exactly did Iggy write "China Girl" about? How did Brian Eno help create The Berlin Trilogy? It's a good one! Listen up and find out!
Ken is joined by guest co-host Tracey Carnazzo and Jaret Reddick of Bowling for Soup to discuss his love of Teen Mom, an awkward encounter with Aaron Lewis of Staind, hurting Fred Durst's feelings, why he doesn't like Billy Gibbons or Troy Aikman, the art of making hilarious videos, working with Hanson, and so much more. This is one of the funniest episodes yet! Check it out!
Drummers Rick Allen and Zac Hanson join the show to promote the 12 Drummers Drumming charity auction for The Raven Drum Foundation. They discuss helping veterans deal with PTSD through drumming, starting their careers in music as children, the genius of Charlie Watts, getting Ringo Starr to sign a drum kit, getting a standing ovation at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, playing in a band with family, why the Bon Scott lineup of AC/DC was one of the best live bands ever, and so much more! Go to 12Drummersdrumming.org for a chance to bid!
Ken welcomes Bennett Miller and Johnny Baab of the band Ghost Hounds to the show to discuss their love of three chord rock and roll, what it's like to open for The Rolling Stones before and after the death of Charlie Watts, why they chose to cover such an iconic Bruce Springsteen song on their new album "A Little Calamity", signing autographs in the super-market and so much more!
Chip and Ken welcome singer/songwriter Dan Bern to the show to discuss writing the songs for "Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story" and what it was like seeing John C. Reilly perform them on the big screen, meeting Bruce Springsteen after writing a song about him, baseball songs, and why going down on Madonna could backfire.
Comedian Kyle Ocasio joins Ken and Chip to talk about Madonna's early years in New York City. Did she really start out to front a rock band called The Breakfast Club and ditch them when pop stardom came calling? How did Madonna try and replicate the success of David Bowie's "Let's Dance" with her "Like a Virgin Album"? Was her most iconic moment on MTV really an improv due to a wardrobe malfunction? All this and more! Listen in and find out!
Comedian Chris Coccia joins Chip and Ken to talk legendary new wave band Devo. What exactly is devolution? How did The Kent State shootings play a role in their formation? What happened the night they met The King of Cool, Miles Davis? How did a so-called gimmick band influence Nirvana, Soundgarden, David Bowie, Iggy Pop, Neil Young and countless others? Listen up and find out!
Ken, Chip and Kahuna are joined by actor Brian O'Halloran (Clerks 1-3)to review the long lost Seventies rock horror musical, Son of Dracula. How was a rock movie starring Ringo Starr, Harry Nilsson, Keith Moon, John Bonham, Peter Frampton, Leon Russell and Bobby Keys at the height of their fame unable to find distribution? How is it no one has ever even heard of this movie? Were there any drugs left in the UK by the time they wrapped shooting? Listen up and find out! And go see "Clerks 3" when it's in theaters next year!
Chip and Ken welcome G Love to the show to talk about his love for John Hammond, the Philly street musicians of his youth, playing a private backyard show to two dudes on mushrooms, and his new Christmas album, available everywhere November 26th!
Ken is joined by Chris Covert and musician Ryan Gregg to discuss the life of Mac Rebennack, AKA Dr. John. How did an act of violence force him to transition from guitar to piano? Why did he decide to adopt a voodoo persona for a one off album that he was never able to shake? How was he able to be both the ultimate front man and side man at the same time? This is a good one, listen up!
In one of the funniest episodes yet, Ken is joined by comedians Joe Praino and Gareth Reynolds to discuss the life of Suge Knight and the creation of Deathrow Records.. How did he go from NFL wannabe to a music mogul making 100M a year? How did he get Vanilla Ice to sign over the royalties to "Ice Ice Baby"? Why exactly were Tupac and Biggie feuding? Who TF was Coo Coo Cal? Listen up and find out!
Ken welcomes back comedian James Mattern to talk about the influential American rock band, Iggy and The Stooges. How did a band with such a short life span influence SO many great artists? How did their second album Funhouse, recorded in just thirteen days and totaling just seven songs, become such a masterpiece? What was it about Iggy that terrified critics and fans alike? Listen up and find out!
Ken is joined by Kahuna and comedian Sergio Chicon to talk about Russell Jones, AKA Ol' Dirty Bastard. What made him such a mythical figure in hip hop? Who were his influences? How did he beat the NYPD at their own game? This one is hilarious! Listen and find out!
Chip and Ken are joined by Jobriath AD director and friend of the show Kieran Turner to talk about the long forgotten mime rock group, The Hello People. Whose idea was it to start a rock band made entirely of mimes? How were they able to have a longer career than The Beatles? What did Todd Rundgren see in them that made him want to produce their albums and take them on tour? What did they do to get banned from the radio? This is a wild one, so listen and find out!
Ken and guest co-host Chris Covert welcome New Jersey's own Matt O'Ree to the show, who discusses how listening to Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughn sent him down a path of blues that saw him play with BB King, Buddy Guy, and what it's like to get a call from Bon Jovi to pack your bags, you're coming on tour. Plus he lays out his love for Van Halen and Billy Squire. This is a fun one!
Chip and Ken welcome founding member and Bon Jovi keyboardist David Bryan to discuss what it's like to play Giants Stadium and drive home afterwards, winning four Tony Awards, composing "Diana: The Musical", and his love of stand up comedy.
Ken and Chip are joined by comedian Dave Temple to conclude their series on true crime with a deep dive into the life and death of Marvin Gaye. Why did his father murder him, and was it really a suicide? Was his father justified? Was Motown The Devil's music? Listen and find out
Ken is joined by comedians Dan LaMorte and Mike Sicoli to discuss the tragic lives and deaths of Sex Pistols bassist Sid Vicious and his girlfriend, Nancy Spungen.
Ken and Chip take a look at the life and career of Charlie Watts, one of the greatest drummers who ever lived. How was a jazz drummer able to anchor The World's Greatest Rock Band for almost sixty years? How did he surround himself with drug addicts and drunks and come out virtually unscathed? What did he do the night Mick Jagger famously referred to him as "my drummer"? Listen and find out!
Chip and Ken welcome true crime author Rachel Rear to discuss the double murders of Sue Jory and Dave Navarro's mom Connie, and to promote "Catch the Sparrow", her new book about the murder of her own step-sister. How preventable and senseless were these murders? How was Dave able to channel so much pain into amazing music with Jane's Addiction? What was Ken like in high school? Listen and find out!
Ken and Chip are joined by drummer Stephen Perkins to talk about playing jazz versions of Iggy and the Stooges songs, the studio magic of Jane's Addiction, the future of Porno for Pyros, and why Woodstock '94 was so special to him.
Ken and Chip are joined by Richard Marx and Daisy Fuentes to talk about Richard's excellent new book "Stories to Tell," MTV, "Richard Marxing" things into existence, what it's like to get voicemails from a Beatle, and much more!
Ken is joined by guest host comedian Chris Covert to interview Jersey Shore guitar legend Bobby Bandiera who tells us about playing lead guitar in Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes for twenty six years. jamming at The Stone Pony with Bruce Springsteen, fronting his own band, and playing at the White House with Eric Clapton, BB King and Stevie Wonder. And for the first time ever, a song is performed live in studio on ILRR. Some wild stories in this one!
Fan favorite Johnny Goodtimes returns to kick off true crime month with a look into the violent life of Phil Spector. Why was this brilliant producer of some of the most famous love songs of all-time also such a monster? Who was Lana Clarkson and how did their paths cross on the night she was murdered? What absolutely insane gift did Phil buy his then wife Ronnie Spector one year for Christmas? You'll have to listen to find out!
Ken and Chip are joined by comedian J.L. Cauvin who discusses how his killer Trump impression led him to an on-line friendship with Richard Marx during the pandemic, his hilarious sketch idea for him, and Richard's excellent new auto-biography, "Stories to Tell".
Ken and Chip are joined by Broadway star and 2006 American Idol Winner, Taylor Hicks, who talks about winning the show, meeting the president one and one in the oval office, jumping on stage with Willie Nelson at Red Rocks and with The Allman Brothers at The Beacon Theater, and so much more! This one is a must listen!
Ken is on vacation this week, so here's one from the archives. The boys are joined by The Legend himself, comedian Rich Vos. It's one of the very first episodes and never released until now. The trio discusses the rise and fall of the trailblazing New York Dolls, what it was like for Rich to host Woodstock '99, and so much more!
Ken and Chip are joined by comedian Dave Juskow to discuss his movie "Turbocharge: The Unauthorized Story of The Cars" and what inspired to him to write, direct and star in a comedy about the classic new wave band, Cars fans' reaction to the movie, Phil Collins, Live Aid, his love for Amy Heckerling, and so much more!
The boys welcome comedian Julia Scotti to talk about the life and death of the true King of Rock & Roll, Chuck Berry. They discuss how he was able to achieve crossover success, his influence on The British Invasion, payola, and his many, many run-ins with the law.
It's the 4th of July, and what better way to celebrate than hearing about severed fingers? Ken and Chip are joined by comedian Jon DelCollo to discuss the recent Kentucky disaster that was The Redneck Rave, and The Motor City Madman himself, Ted Nugent. Did Ted adopt a seventeen year old girl so he could sleep with her? Did Ted threaten a sitting president? Did Ken really sit through an hour long Alex Jones and Ted Nugent interview? Listen and find out! But also the answer is yes on all three.
Ken sits down with the boys from the great American Loser Podcast to discuss the life and times of Mark David Chapman. the man who murdered John Lennon. This is a wild ride that covers JD Salinger, James Taylor, Johnny Carson and David Bowie. Listen to find out why Chapman remains one of the biggest losers in American history.
Chip and Ken welcome comedian Ted Alexandro to promote his brand new Lost Album, and to discuss lost albums by Prince, Pink Floyd, Mick Jagger, Paul McCartney, Marvin Gaye and more!
Chip is on vacation this week so Ken is joined by comedian James Mattern to interview DJ Ravidrums about his career which includes working with Paula Abdul, inventing the art of live remixing while playing percussion, how the movie Minority Report inspired his gear, how NASA scientists designed his drums, being Hugh Hefner's personal DJ at the Playboy Mansion, opening for Foo Fighters, and being nominated for an Emmy. You don't want to miss this one!
Chip and Ken are joined by comedian Chris Covert and guitarist George Cummings who discusses founding the legendary Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show, writing songs with Shel Silverstein, opening for The Grateful Dead, landing the cover of Rolling Stone, getting high with a Dr. John, and a story about Dustin Hoffman that's just, well, nuts.
Chip and Ken welcome comedian Blake Wexler to chronicle the rise and fall of Twisted Sister, including their battle with the Washington DC.
Ken and Chip welcome comedian David James to discuss the life and death of The King of Soul, Otis Redding.
Ken and Chip are joined by Jobriath AD writer and director Kieran Turner to discuss the making of his movie, and what it's like to have single handedly resurrected Jobriath's music.
Ken and Chip welcome guest Pat House to take a deep dive into Live Aid and the insanity that surrounded it.
Chip and Ken are joined once again by Johnny Goodtimes to dissect the career of the influential girl group, The Shangri-Las
Chip and Ken welcome Philly's premier quizzmaster, Johnny Goodtimes, to the show to talk about Spade Cooley, The King of Western Swing, and a cold blooded murderer. This story is wild!
Ken and Chip welcome guest comedian Adrienne Iapalucci (Netflix) to the show to discuss the great American Hoax that was Milli Vanilli.
Ken and Chip take a deep dive into the life of Jobriath, The True Fairy of Rock & Roll. This story must be heard to be believed.
Comedian Max Anonucci joins Ken and Chip to talk about the Beach Boys and their connection to Charles Manson.
In this episode, we take a deep dive into the life of Bobby Keys, an American sax player who got thrown out of The Rolling Stones for partying too hard.