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Published by O3L Media
Only Three Lads is a lively podcast celebrating the Golden Age of Alternative Music from the '70s, '80s & '90s. Join Uncle Gregg, Brett Vargo, and a variety of ”Third Lads” as we share our Top Fives, stories, and news about the music we love, and have a lot of fun along the way! Whether you‘re into indie, punk, new wave, Britpop, power pop, synth pop, shoegaze, grunge...or whatever...there is going to be something for you to discover and love. Part of Pantheon Podcasts.
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Hey you! Not so F.A.S.T.!** This week, we welcome one of the coolest people on the planet, Nicole Laurenne, to talk about one of the coolest instruments on the planet...the organ! Nicole has been working double duty this year, constantly touring and turning in amazing albums with both of her projects. All-female garage punk band The Darts released the riotously fun, fiendishly campy rock n' roll blast of Halloween Love Songs, while Nicole's smoky, jazz-soaked project Black Viiolet weighed in with the velvety, soulful record Dark Blue. Both records wonderfully capture two sides of Nicole's musical personality. Sure, you'll get a condensed history of the organ from aqueducts and pipes to modern electronics, but we, of course, focus on music that RAWKS! Plus, we also talk doorbells, body positivity, tofu, vegan cheese, life on the road, famous fans, movie ideas, pizza and more. Also, to celebrate Nicole's past life, we play a brand new world-famous O3L game "Here Comes the Judge!" Y'know, just the kind of high-brow commentary you would expect from not just one, but TWO Phoenix New Times award winners! **Farfisa All Silicon Transistor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week, Uncle Gregg, Brett, and Third Lad Stephen Hunking (guitarist/vocalist of cult '80s/'90s band Hypnolovewheel) dig into albums that critics raved about...but the record-buying public just didn't show up for. Stephen joins the show to talk about Hypnolovewheel's history — from a hilarious and chaotically-worded "drummers wanted" flyer that started it all, to their new reissue campaign kicking off with the compilation Parallel Universe (out now on streaming and Bandcamp), to reclaiming their masters decades later, and their reunion performance at Dromfest in the Catskills over Labor Day weekend. From the comic book store to the flower fields (and with plenty of Gregg bile), this is a fun-filled joyride that critics love...and you WON'T want to ignore! Featured tracks: "Wow" and "Everywhere and Nowhere Girl" (both available on Parallel Universe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Surrender to the rhythm as we drink up the Pub Rock scene with author Mark Wilkerson! U.K. , early 1970s: In response to the glitz of glam and the pomp of prog there emerged a DIY, back to basics scene known as pub rock: no-fuss, grass roots rock’n’roll bands playing in tight, sweaty rooms to packed throngs in the Victorian pubs of north London. Pub rock was a relative flash in the pan, lasting only a handful of years, but it produced a seismic shift, bridging the gap between rock’s Baroque period and the ensuing punk and new wave scene, and crucially, restoring the visceral connection between artist and audience. Through trailblazing artists like Brinsley Schwarz, Dr. Feelgood and Kilburn and the High Roads, pub rock paved the way for countless acts of monumental stature including the Clash, Madness, the Sex Pistols, Blondie, and the Pretenders. Mark Wilkerson's new book, Pub Rock (33 1/3 Genre series, Bloomsbury Academic) explores the genre’s hardscrabble evolution, and examines its significant and enduring legacy. Mark is also the author of Who Are You: The Life of Pete Townshend, Tomas Young's War, and Hollywood Dream: The Thunderclap Newman Story, and the co-author of the New York Times bestseller Pearl Jam Twenty. Do anything you wanna do...especially if that "anything" includes O3L! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
During last week's episode, Jon Langford from The Mekons joined us on the heels of Horror-ble, their newly released dub reimaging on their 2025 album Horror. While we’ve got dub on the mind, we were reminded that we have been sitting on a long lost interview with pioneering English producer, remixer, and label owner Adrian Sherwood. Throughout his career, Adrian has worked with reggae greats such as Lee "Scratch" Perry and Mikey Dread, Depeche Mode, Nine Inch Nails, Blur, Primal Scream, Sinead O’Connor, KMFDM, Ministry, Skinny Puppy, Einsturzende Neubauten, and so many others, formed the early ‘80s post-punk dub collective New Age Steppers with members of The Slits, The Pop Group, and Public Image Limited, as well as industrial hip-hop group Tackhead in the ‘90s. His record label On-U Sound System has been one of the most beloved and respected labels for dub, reggae, and experimental electronic music since 1979. As a solo artist, the record we were focused on for our chat was his 9th album, 2025’s The Collapse of Everything. This meticulously constructed record sees Adrian move beyond the mixing desk and take centre stage, pushing his ever adventurous sound into new frontiers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ahoy, mateys! This week, we hoist the sails for a swashbuckling, deadline-fueled speed date with a genuine punk legend: Jon Langford of The Mekons (as well as The Three Johns, Waco Brothers, and Men of Gwent). We catch up with Jon somewhere in upstate New York next to a farm stand selling tomatoes and honey (which Jon assures us is "quite civilized"). The Mekons are going on 50 years as a band, from their chaotic early days on the Leeds art-punk scene to classic records like 1985's Fear and Whiskey and 1989's The Mekons Rock n' Roll. And they're still making great and very relevant music. Jon dives into their new dub companion album Horror-able — a wild reimagining of 2025's Horror - by Tony Maimone (Pere Ubu), done with zero input from the band on what the songs were "supposed" to sound like. We go full nautical with our list of Songs of the Sea this week — including a shockingly filthy history lesson and the mythology of sirens and selkies. Special thanks to Josh Mills from It's Alive Media for the introduction and coordination. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What's going on, you ask? Well, we can't make any promises, but we have a sneaking suspicion that we're gonna make you sweat, gonna make you groove...because this week we focus on the classic albums of 1971! Our Third Lads love the music of 1971 as much as we do, as evidenced by their sparkling jangle pop and harmony-drenched folk-rock - the Scottish father/son combo Kevin and Scott Robertson! The pair have been recording music for a nearly a decade as part of the band The Vapour Trails, and now have treated us to their first album as a duo, simply entitled Robertson. Separately, Kevin and Scott have also released terrific solo records (Kevin appeared as a Third Lad during Episode 159 on the heels of his marvelous 2023 album Magic Spells Abound). Feel the family love as we talk about the joy and pride of recording together, being a first time grandad (Kevin) and uncle (Scott), and...huge spoiler alert...we pick the World Cup winner! (Second spoiler alert: yeah, we know it's already over. We recorded this episode before though.) (Third spoiler alert: we got it wrong.) Turn and face the strange! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We're back with a brand new Weekend Six Pack, bringing you six fresh tracks that have made us feel warm and fuzzy inside. This time out, Brett welcomes Swedish singer/songwriter David Myhr, formerly of the band The Merrymakers, who released two albums in the '90s including the pristine pop classic Bubblegun (which was released in the U.S. on past Third Lad Dean Brownrout's Big Deal label). David has a new album on tap for September 18th (physical) and October 2nd (digital) called Everything Is All About You, and we've got the joyous forthcoming single "Say Yes" on tap. Plus, five other cool tunes, including a track from the newly released Strawberry Alarm Clock LP Where's One? to cap off an exciting SAC Week on O3L! In this Six Pack: 1) David Myhr - "Say Yes" (from the forthcoming LP Everything Is All About You, Oglio Entertainment) 2) The Roadhouse Rebels with Tony Valentino - "Fury and Dust" (single) 3) Paper Tigers - "Go Out" (from the LP East Coaster...out next Wednesday!) 4) British Birds - "Lie Down with Dogs, Stand Up with Fleas" (from the upcoming album Murmurate, Oscillate, Skep Wax) 5) Joel Cusumano - "Buying Time" (from the Appendix EP, Dandy Boy Records) 6) The Strawberry Alarm Clock - "I'm Not The One" (from the psych-pop legends' first new album of all-original material since 1969 Where's One?, Big Stir Records) "Say Yes" to this Six Pack! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Whoaaaaaa, man. This might be the nutmeg tea talkin', but we're seeing double. Two episodes with twice the requisite amount of Lads. It's time for the exciting conclusion of our conversation with '60s psych-pop pioneers the Strawberry Alarm Clock. in which we discuss our Top 5 songs that best represent the psychedelic era. Bassist George Bunnell, keyboardist Mark Weitz, drummer Randy Seol, and guitarist/multi-instrumentalist/producer Steve Bartek (also a founding member of Oingo Boingo!) join us to discuss the band's history, the music of their peers, and - perhaps most importantly - the first new SAC album of original material since 1969, Where's One? , out on Big Stir Records on August 7th! The band will also be headlining the final night of the Tiki Oasis festival in San Diego on Sunday, August 9th. Far out! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Pass time with the SAC...as we welcome '60s psych-pop pioneers the Strawberry Alarm Clock to O3L for a very special two parter! During part 1, bassist George Bunnell, keyboardist Mark Weitz, drummer Randy Seol, and guitarist/multi-instrumentalist/producer Steve Bartek (also a founding member of Oingo Boingo!) join us to discuss the band's history, the creation of one of the greatest and biggest hits of the psychedelic era, "Incense and Peppermints", the underappreciated second album, unscrupulous managers, and - perhaps most importantly - the first new SAC album of original material since 1969, Where's One? , out on Big Stir Records on August 7th! The band will also be playing the final night of the Tiki Oasis festival in San Diego on Sunday, August 9th. Stay tuned for Part 2 - where we discuss our Top 5 Songs That Best Represent the Psychedelic Era! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It's BANDAMANIA as we welcome Brazil’s sensational pop combo Banda AL9 to celebrate the release of their new album, Hey! Hey! We’re Banda AL9, on Wicked Cool Records. Known for their dazzling harmonies, retro-inspired style, and infectious melodies, Banda AL9 have quickly become one of the most exciting new acts in modern pop. This is the audio edit of our very first livestream event, where we were joined by an international group of fans, including representation from Brazil, Japan, Mexico, and the U.S. Even if you didn't catch it live, you can experience this one-of-a-kind interactive event packed with behind-the-scenes stories, games, and discussions on everything from hair metal to fast food to Disney princesses to Miley Cyrus to what it's like to have rock legend/label boss Little Steven write a song for them. The boys also treated us to a live acoustic version of "Indigo Skye" (albeit captured in very lo-fi quality). Many thanks to Mike Cubillos from Earshot Media for his incredible coordination for this event, and to the Wicked Cool Records crew for the vinyl and CDs we gave away during the show! Proudly part of the Pantheon Podcasts family. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Some artists are forever defined by their hits — even when they don't tell the whole story. This week, we welcome returning Third Lad Jackson Reed to celebrate the bands and artists whose deepest cuts, overlooked albums, and adventurous careers are far cooler than the songs that made them famous. From one-hit wonders with hidden masterpieces to chart-toppers whose signature song barely scratches the surface, you can expect passionate defenses, surprising picks, and plenty of recommendations for listeners ready to dig beyond the obvious. Oh yeah, and a whole lotta other things like hockey, Canadian politics, and meditating with an indie pop icon. Since this week's topic is all about cool, we happen to think that Jackson Reed is pretty dang cool. This young Calgary based singer/songwriter/guitarist and his band The Silverbirds have been building a solid reputation across North America for their '80s melodic sensibilities, arena sized hooks, modern pop production techniques, and dynamic, explosive live sets. Their new EP and concert film, Live in '25, captures an electrifying live set opening for rock n' roll legends Nazareth in Edmonton, playing a repertoire of new anthems that heretofore have not appeared anywhere else. As a bonus, fans are treated to a couple of new studio tracks. https://jacksonreedofficial.bandcamp.com/album/live-in-25-ep Jackson is also a fellow podcaster, hosting the Guess That Record show. Over the course of more than 50 episodes, Jackson has welcomed esteemed guests such as Midge Ure, Phil Manzanera (Roxy Music), and Andy Summers (The Police). https://guessthatrecordpodcast.com/ Ayyyyyyy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Brothers! Sisters! Comrades! You say you want a revolution? Alright, shoo-be-do-wa. Well, you can count us out…in…cuz this week we're talking about songs of revolution! For example, how about the 1980 debut single by New Orleans band Red Rockers, “Guns of Revolution”? And the band does indeed come out guns ablazin…it’s a sub-2 minute blast of resistance, rebellion, and a call to action to shake things up. It's a fiery anthem that captures the frustration, idealism, and spirit of the era, a track that had the punk rock press falling over themselves to dub Red Rockers as America’s answer to The Clash. Red Rockers would aptly open their explosive 1981 debut album, Condition Red, with the track, and now it serves as the fitting closer to out the brand new live album It’s In Our Blood, out now on Liberation Hall - which documents our heroes reunited for a powerful hometown gig in 2023, performing the Condition Red album in its entirety along with choice covers. Of course, after the debut, the powder keg punkers would go on to release two more polished albums, receiving radio and MTV exposure with hits like “China”, “Good As Gold” and their cover of “Eve of Destruction.” So, it's only fitting that our Third Lad this week is none other than Red Rockers' lead singer and guitarist John Thomas Griffith! Following the band's initial split, JTG released a string of Americana-tinged solo records and as a folk duo with guitarist Paul Sanchez. He also co-founded another alternative music institution, one that has been going strong for well over three decades now and who still provides one of the best live experiences in all of music, the mighty Cowboy Mouth. Special thanks to Randy Haecker from Prime Mover Media for his introduction and coordination. P.S. Some episodes earn that "Explicit" tag more than others. Just fair warning in case you're listening whilst taking the kids to soccer practice or something. It's In Our Blood: https://redrockerslive.bandcamp.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It's time for another Weekend Six Pack bonus - the show within the show where we bring you half a dozen new tunes, including: Taxi Girls - 'Midnight Mixtape' (from the LP Static, Stomp Records) My Raining Stars - 'Fine' (from the album Toy Club, Too Good To Be True) The Prongs - 'Stanley Milgram Says' (single) Fuses - 'Garden of Ashes' (from Sawdust in the Transmission, Having Fun Records) The Pretty Graves - 'Walkin'' (from their self-titled debut LP) Tangients - 'The Ether' (from the album Embers) Proud members of the Pantheon Podcasts family. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week, we place our focus on songs that one established artist wrote for another artist. And what better ceremonial Third Lad than Robert Ellis Orrall, a songwriter who has not only penned his own hits ("I Couldn't Say No" with Carlene Carter - #32 Pop, 1983; "Boom! It Was Over" - #19 Country, 1992; "A Little Bit of Her Love" - #31 Country, 1993) but has also written many hits for other artists like Shenandoah ("Next to You, Next to Me" - #1 Country, 1990), Clay Walker ("What's It to You" - #1 Country, 1993), Reba McEntire ("What If It's You" - #15 Country, 1997), Olivia Newton-John ("I Don't Wanna Say Goodnight", 1998), Lindsey Lohan ("Ultimate", from the 2003 Freaky Friday soundtrack), and many more. What more, you ask? Oh yeah, REO was also instrumental in the formative years of an up-and-coming artist named Taylor Swift (you may have heard of her), co-writing and/or co-producing a number of songs including "A Place in This World" and "I'm Only Me When I'm With You" from her 10x platinum debut album. Even with all of the great songs he's written for other artists, Orrall's latest album, Wonderland, is a vital reminder that he's saved plenty of great songs from himself. The album collects nine previously unearthed unrequited love songs from his seemingly endless creative vault, plus an introspective new version of "I'm Only Me When I'm With You," performed through the lens not of a teenage girl, but as a man 45 years into a loving marriage. REO continues to record and tour with the same band he had on his string of '80s albums for RCA - which featured an eclectic bunch of new wave songs inspired by Elvis Costello, Nick Lowe, Todd Rundgren, and Joe Jackson, and found them opening for U2, The Kinks, Psychedelic Furs, and countless others. He also co-founded the label Infinity Cat Records with sons Jake and Jamin, who make up the beloved indie rock band JEFF the Brotherhood. Plus, REO comes with a bonus Top 5: the Top 5 Songs He Wishes He Had Written. It's O3L...in Wonderland! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week, we're slaying the proverbial demons of jangle pop with Andy Jossi (Switzerland) and Gretchen DeVault (USA) from transatlantic "jangle gaze" duo The Blue Herons! The Blue Herons create wistful dreampop with a cinematic sense of space and emotion, lit by sparkling layers of guitars and clear, expressive vocals. Since their debut in 2020., their music has drawn comparisons to The Sundays, Alvvays, Hatchie, and Sea Lemon. Their latest album, Demon Slayer (Shelflife Records), broadens their sonic palette and emotional range. Written over the course of a year, the album took shape through an inspired back-and-forth between two prolific songwriters trading sketches, melodies, and ideas across time zones. The result feels immediate and deeply collaborative: two distinct musical voices weaving texture and melody into something greater than the sum of its parts. What emerges is a sound rooted in melody but driven by feeling. Plus, join in on a brand new O3L game - "Jingle Jangle" - in which your favorite jangle pop artists meet commercial jingles. Not to give any spoiler alerts, but...point for Andy! Thanks to Ed Mazzucco from Shelflife Records for the introduction. Jangle on, friends! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Are you ready to rumble?!? Very few topics seem to provoke as much heated debate as power pop - what (and who) is power pop? This week, we dare tackle our Top 5 Power Pop Songs of the '90s. Raise your pitchforks! Nah, we're not worried...because, truth be told, power pop during the decade would have looked drastically different without our Third Lad this week, Dean Brownrout. As the co-founder of the crucial indie label Big Deal, Dean is responsible for releasing some of the greatest power pop records of the era, including The Wondermints, Gladhands, The Vandalias, the indispensable four volume compilation series Yellow Pills, and many more. Dean recounts his quarter century’s worth of adventures in the music business in his witty, nostalgic, honest memoir No Big Deal (Guernica Editions Inc.). From his beginnings promoting metal and hardcore shows to running pivotal labels, No Big Deal offers a revealing glimpse into the triumphs, tribulations, and tragedies of the last of the record industry’s glory days. No big deal, eh? It's a REALLY big deal 'round these parts, buddy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In the '60s, thousands of young rock n' roll hopefuls picked up instruments and took to the garage to play music that was loud, raw, primitive, and spiked with attitude. It was a sound that was later branded as "garage rock", and it became massively influential when these wild records were rediscovered by a new generation of bands through seminal compilation albums like the Lenny Kaye-curated Nuggets compilation (Elektra, 1972). Many bands included garage rock staples in their repertoire and released cover versions, which is our focus today. One of the songs on the Nuggets album that grabbed younger listeners by the jugular was "Let's Talk About Girls" by The Chocolate Watchband, with its driving rhythm, fuzzed-out guitar, and snarling vocals. What many didn't realize was that the Watchband's version was a cover of a 1967 song by Tucson, Arizona garage punks The Grodes (released under the name of The Tongues of Truth), written and sung by the band's guitarist/songwriter and this week's Third Lad Manny Freiser. From 1965-1968, The Grodes racked up a series of local hits and future garage classics, including the oft-covered "Cry A Little Longer", "Uh Huh Girl", and "Love Is A Sad Song". After the demise of the band, Manny and his second wife Patti McCarron headed west to LA to record as the folk-rock duo Fire & Rain, best known for their Billboard Top 100 version of Barbara Lewis's "Hello Stranger". While working as a record executive for A&M Records in the '80s, he also recorded as the mysterious Ian Messenger, and continues to write and record new material. If that weren't enough (oh yeah, did we also mention he was an attorney?!?!), he's recently chronicled his life through the end of the '60s in his memoir Tracks in the Sands of Time. It's a warm, witty, nostalgic, and sometimes lascivious tale of the other side of the era - from the perspective of someone who didn't quite "make it big" but has plenty of stories to tell. It's an entertaining and fascinating page turner that will leave you thinking, "what happened next?" Fortunately, Volume 2 is coming soon! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In the 1980s, college radio served as a vital alternative to increasingly corporate and playlist-driven commercial radio. These stations became incubators for emerging alternative genres, provided early exposure for artists who would later become influential acts, and championed independent labels, local scenes, and adventurous programming. In a tenth anniversary book issued in 1989, CMJ, the trade journal for college radio, published a list of the Top 250 most played songs from the publication's first decade (1979 - 1988). These week, we are picking our Top 5 lists from the CMJ chart. The full list is here: https://pulsemusic.proboards.com/thread/171053/cmjs-top-singles-1979-1989? Joining us is an indie rock icon who is no stranger to college radio airplay. Tammy Ealom is the force of nature behind one of the coolest indie bands ever to roam the earth and part of the Elephant 6 collective, Denver's Dressy Bessy. After a few singles and EPs, Dressy Bessy released their classic 1999 debut, Pink Hearts Yellow Moons, which many listeners discovered through prominent placement in Jamie Babbit's cult film But I'm A Cheerleader (starring Natasha Lyonne). In 2017, Tammy played a solo gig at the Athens Popfest under the name of The Tammy Shine; in February 2026, the first album by The Tammy Shine, OK Shine OK, was released by Happy Happy Birthday To Me Records. It's a showcase of Tammy's "clutterpunk" vision, balancing toughness with vulnerability, and grit with melodic charm. Plus...the single dumbest O3L game? You be the judge, as the gang TRIES to get through the radio call letter game "KO3L". Thanks to Mike Turner from HHBTM for the introduction, and John Hill (Tammy's husband, Dressy Bessy bandmate, and Apples In Stereo guitarist) for the coordination! Proud members of the Pantheon Podcasts family. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week, we grab the reins on a discussion of self-produced albums; that is, records on which the artist takes control over their own vision and not only performs the music, but takes responsibility for the final production as well. Joining us on this an exploration is a singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist and pop craftsman who has been a vital part of the New York City music scene, George Usher. George was a member of Beat Rodeo on their second and final album from 1986, Home in the Heart of the Beat, he’s written with Richard Barone from The Bongos, and has led or played in bands like The Decoys, The Schramms, and House of Usher during the ‘80s & ‘90s. It only takes one listen to his two disc anthology, The End and The Beginning 1990-2009, to recognize that George Usher has amassed a jaw-droppingly great catalogue of Byrdsy folk-rock jangle, melodic power pop, and brilliant chamber pop over the years. After a couple of gorgeous records with singer/songwriter Lisa Burns over the past decade, George is back with Stevensonville, a multi-media project that’s a long time in the making - a 12-part illustrated song-cycle moving through a fictional town and its residents. But don’t go looking for Stevensonville on streaming services right now - this is an experience to be enjoyed on vinyl LP and its accompanying 28 page booklet through georgeusher.bandcamp.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Climb aboard the mothership...because we wants to funk YOU up! This week, we celebrate the music of the P-Funk universe - revolving around the nucleus of the George Clinton-led Rock & Roll Hame of Fame bands, Parliament and Funkadelic. Joining us as our Third Lad is none other than "Kidd Funkadelic" himself, P-Funk guitar hero Michael Hampton! Led by visionary bandleader George Clinton, the wildly influential collective known as Parliament and Funkadelic — together dubbed “P-Funk” — revolutionized funk music in the 1970s by blending deep grooves, psychedelic rock, outrageous sci-fi mythology, and fearless social commentary into a universe all their own. Featuring an ever-evolving cast of legendary musicians including Bootsy Collins, Bernie Worrell, Eddie Hazel, Michael Hampton, and Maceo Parker, P-Funk produced a staggering run of groundbreaking albums and hits that helped shape funk, hip-hop, R&B, rock, and electronic music for generations to come. Equal parts musical movement, cosmic philosophy, and extravagant stage spectacle, P-Funk remains one of the most creative and influential forces in popular music history. After receiving his first guitar at age 10, a determined Michael became self-taught with the help of his bedroom radio, spending days on end playing along with Jimi Hendrix, Wes Montgomery and B.B. King records. After studying jazz guitar in high school, an impromptu backstage audition for George Clinton in 1974 earned 17-year-old Michael a seat on the Parliament mothership alongside the immortal Eddie Hazel, under the name “Kidd Funkadelic”. Hampton has spent the past half-century playing nearly 400 shows with the band, in 25 countries across 6 continents. Among Hampton’s Funkadelic writing credits are group staples like “Who Says a Funk Band Can’t Play Rock?!” and “Funk Gets Stronger”, both released during the group’s late-’70s/early-’80s hit run. His lead guitar is also embedded in the DNA of 90s hip-hop’s G-Funk movement—Dr. Dre’s “Let Me Ride” samples Parliament’s “Mothership Connection”, Ice Cube’s “Bop Gun” borrows elements of Funkadelic’s “One Nation Under a Groove”, while De La Soul’s “Me Myself and I”, Digital Underground’s “Kiss You Back”, and Snoop Dogg’s “What’s My Name?” all draw from Funkadelic’s “(Not Just) Knee Deep”. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Apple Podcasts rankings via the Mato Topic Intelligence Platform.
Observed September 12, 2026. Cached outside the daily freshness window; the positions keep the date they were taken on.
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