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News Commentary
Since 1996, THE CLASSIC METAL SHOW has been the ultimate destination for honest, no-holds-barred talk about hard rock, heavy metal, and everything in between. This isn't just another channel. It's an uncensored community. On our paid tier, you get commercial-free access to all of our daily episodes, plus bonus content, behind-the-scenes insights, and the opportunity to interact with us directly. If you're tired of corporate music media and you want the truth from two guys who have been doing this for over two decades, this is your new home. Disclaimer: If you can't handle opinions that aren't your own, you're in the wrong place. We're not here to make friends. We're here to talk metal. Deal with it, crybabies! cmspn.substack.com
We called up Don Dokken for a routine update, but ended up getting a masterclass in classic rock survival and zero-compromise attitude. From fighting with home phone connections to breaking down why modern digital payouts are a joke for heritage acts, Don didn’t pull a single punch. If you want to know what the rock business actually looks like for a veteran frontman, this conversation lays it all out. If you’re watching this here, you’re already late. The full episode, exclusive third segment, and early interviews are already on Locals: https://classicmetalshow.locals.com Casual fans skip this. Real fans don’t. Dokken - Up From The Ashes (CD): https://amzn.to/3SpiFcz The Classic Metal Show Judge Akin Official Tee: https://classicmetalshow.creator-spring.com/listing/judge-akin-is-set-to-rule?product=2408&variation=106758 Inside Metal: The LA Thrash Scene 2: https://amzn.to/4g2glSu The Dirt: Confessions of the World’s Most Notorious Rock Band (Book): https://amzn.to/43VF1F1 Dokken - Dysfunctional (Vinyl): https://amzn.to/4uY8uct This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cmspn.substack.com/subscribe
The second this call connected, the entire show went off the rails. What was supposed to be a standard heavy metal catch-up with YouTube creator Jericho Green instantly morphed into an entirely different kind of debate. GET A CMS SKULL CAP HERE: https://classicmetalshow.creator-spring.com/listing/cms-winter-skull-cap?product=2152&variation=105989 Jericho didn't hold a single thing back. From calling out the hidden motives behind modern cultural language to breaking down why certain media segments are intentionally designed to keep people divided, this conversation exposed a massive rift that a lot of long-time fans are still arguing about in the comments.When you bypass the corporate scripts and let regular people speak their minds live on the air, things get weird, fast. Some listeners think the show went too far into cultural commentary—others are saying it’s the most honest segment we’ve ever broadcasted. Something about the way legacy formats handle these topics just feels incredibly off, and this call proved it.If you’re watching this here, you’re already late.The full uncensored episode, the exclusive third segment, and early interviews are already live on Locals:👉 https://classicmetalshow.locals.com WHAT WE COVERED: - The sudden shift that completely changed the episode's dynamic.- Why alternative formats are leaving corporate legacy channels in the dust.- The raw truth about personal responsibility that mainstream outlets refuse to broadcast.- A breakdown of why the comment section is currently a war zone. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cmspn.substack.com/subscribe
Most people know Blaze Bayley from Iron Maiden. But this conversation isn’t really about Maiden. It’s about what happened after. GET ALL THE BEST CMS MERCH HERE: https://classicmetalshow.creator-spring.com/ Blaze opens up about management problems, record label disputes, rebuilding his band, and why he believes fans are finally giving his music another chance. The public clip barely scratches the surface. If you’re watching this here, you’re already late. The full episode, exclusive third segment, and early interviews are already on Locals: https://classicmetalshow.locals.com Some fans see a comeback story. Others think the questions never really went away. What do you think? #BlazeBayley #IronMaiden #ClassicMetalShow This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cmspn.substack.com/subscribe
Morning TV is supposed to be wholesome, clean, and totally fake. But in 1980, a massive rock institution walked onto the set of Good Morning America and delivered an absolute masterclass in live television disasters. One guy is so chemically altered he can’t even figure out his own earpiece, while his brother sits next to him sporting a dead-eyed stare that looks like a mugshot. The rest of the band is visibly seething, and the host is just reading off a cue card pretending the ship isn’t sinking. It is painful, pathetic, and utterly hilarious. Plus, we dive into the corporate carcass of a certain heavy metal act trying to tour under an alter ego with a brand new singer who is basically an attention whore. It’s total car crash behavior all around. Watch commercial-free and without a publishing delay by becoming a CMS VIP at https://classicmetalshow.locals.com . All comments are merely the opinions of the people speaking them, are for comical performance, and are in no way stated as factual. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cmspn.substack.com/subscribe
Former members from one of Sweden’s biggest metal exports are back... but they’re not interested in copying the past. They explain why chasing nostalgia is a trap, why today’s melodic death metal scene has gotten stale, and why this new band refuses to become another clone. GET THE NEW SINGLE FROM FIMBUL WINTER - “WHEN THE SUN COMES OUT AT NIGHT” HERE: https://amzn.to/4yuoqGv If you think you’ve already heard everything Swedish death metal has to offer... you might want to think again. Watch now and decide if Fimble Winter is building the future... or challenging the past. GET ALL OF YOUR CMS MERCH HERE: https://classicmetalshow.creator-spring.com/ Watch CMS commercial-free with no publication delay by becoming a CMS VIP at https://classicmetalshow.locals.com Disclaimer: All comments are merely the opinions of the people speaking them, are for comical performance, and are in no way stated as factual. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cmspn.substack.com/subscribe
We grew up worshiping these bands, but watching them crawl across a massive stadium stage in 2026 is just downright painful. Between icons wandering around looking for teleprompters, singers who completely forgot how to perform in time with the music, and stadium-level draws playing to half-empty outdoor sheds, the rock and metal industry has officially entered a bizarre twilight zone. We’re digging into the latest live tape disasters, the tracking rumors, and the complete lack of shame currently dominating the touring circuit. You either die a hero or live long enough to become a sad live experience that your kids laugh at. Watch commercial-free and without a publishing delay by becoming a CMS VIP at https://classicmetalshow.locals.com . All comments are merely the opinions of the people speaking them, are for comical performance, and are in no way stated as factual. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cmspn.substack.com/subscribe
Eddie Trunk is back on his soapbox tearing into Steel Panther, claiming they aren’t “credible real music”—because apparently, fun in rock and roll is strictly forbidden. But Trunk’s elitist rants are just the tip of the iceberg. Stevie Rachelle drops in to call out full-blown live lip-syncing scandals, fake blood, and the massive egos polluting the scene. Are classic rock fans being conned by backing tracks and high-and-mighty gatekeepers, or has the joke been on the audience all along? GET YOUR CMS MERCH HERE: https://classicmetalshow.creator-spring.com/ Watch commercial free and without delayed publishing by becoming a CMS VIP at https://classicmetalshow.locals.com GET STEEL PANTHER’S FEEL THE STEEL ON VINYL HERE: https://link.amazon/B03qg87kW All comments are merely the opinions of the people speaking them, are for comical performance, and are in no way stated as factual. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cmspn.substack.com/subscribe
The local scene is panicking because an unknown singer just threw his hat in the ring for one of the most volatile vacant mic spots in heavy rock. The tape is out, the text messages are flying between actual rock royalty, and the comment sections are already a warzone. We pull back the curtain on why this sudden development has the industry completely flipped upside down, why the modern audition process is a total joke, and why the harsh reality of show business means talent is only half the battle. Watch commercial-free and without a publishing delay by becoming a CMS VIP at https://classicmetalshow.locals.com . All comments are merely the opinions of the people speaking them, are for comical performance, and are in no way stated as factual. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cmspn.substack.com/subscribe
Everybody keeps saying they want “real rock” back. Then a band like Dirty Kings shows up with twin guitars, big riffs, live-in-the-room energy, and people still act like nothing good has been made in 30 years. SUPPORT THE BAND BY SHOPPING ON THEIR BANDCAMP: That’s where this conversation takes a turn. Andrew Sample joins Chris Akin to talk about Dirty Kings 3, but it quickly becomes something much bigger than a record promotion interview. They get into why fans keep saying there’s no new music worth hearing, why the touring business doesn’t develop younger bands anymore, why legacy acts stopped pulling up the next generation, and why independent bands have to do everything themselves. If you’re watching this here, you’re getting the edited version. The full uncensored episode, exclusive segments, and early releases are available for our VIP members on Locals: https://classicmetalshow.locals.com GET YOUR CMS MERCHANDISE HERE: https://classicmetalshow.creator-spring.com/ If you’re tired of hearing people complain that rock is dead, this conversation might change your mind. Maybe the music isn’t missing. Maybe people just stopped looking. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cmspn.substack.com/subscribe
What happens when a veteran hard rock bassist gets sick of the music industry grind and decides to launch a parody clothing line for toddlers? You get a wildly offbeat discussion about rock parodies, licensing loopholes, and the absolute absurdity of selling heavy metal gear to infants. From touring with massive 80s acts to launching a bizarre side hustle, this interview takes a hilariously unexpected turn when the hosts realize exactly who they’re talking to—and why the whole idea might just be crazy enough to work. GET ALL YOUR CMS MERCH HERE: https://classicmetalshow.creator-spring.com/ Watch commercial free and without delayed publishing by becoming a CMS VIP at https://classicmetalshow.locals.com All comments are merely the opinions of the people speaking them, are for comical performance, and are in no way stated as factual. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cmspn.substack.com/subscribe
Everybody loves the convenience of smartphones... until they start giving away more information than you ever intended. This week on THE CLASSIC METAL SHOW, Neeley and Chris dive into the growing obsession with location tracking, why so many couples are spying on each other, and how the technology that’s supposed to make life easier can quickly become a relationship nightmare. They also tear into the latest insanity from the rock and metal world, take aim at the headlines everyone else is afraid to touch, and deliver six hours of uncensored, no-filter conversation that only CMS can provide. If you’ve ever wondered who’s really watching your every move—or if you’ve ever been caught because of your phone—you won’t want to miss this one. In this episode: 📍 The dark side of live location sharing🍺 When your phone becomes your worst enemy🎸 The latest rock and metal news🤬 Unfiltered opinions, laughs, and absolute chaos🔥 Six hours of classic CMS mayhem Subscribe for weekly uncensored rock talk, interviews, commentary, and the most politically incorrect conversations in heavy metal. #ClassicMetalShow #LocationSharing #Privacy #RockPodcast #HeavyMetal #Relationships #Smartphones #Podcast #LiveShow #MetalHeads This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cmspn.substack.com/subscribe
Everybody gets excited when the hype starts. Big announcements, huge promises, legendary careers... then the album drops and you’re sitting there wondering what the hell happened. GET ALL YOUR BEST CMS MERCH HERE: https://classicmetalshow.creator-spring.com/ This list isn’t about the worst records of the year. These are the albums that had every reason to be great—and somehow still managed to leave a bad taste. Some just played it safe. Others completely missed the mark. Either way, these are the biggest letdowns of 2026 so far. Watch commercial free and without a publishing delay by becoming a CMS VIP: https://classicmetalshow.locals.com Disclaimer: All comments are merely the opinions of the people speaking them, are for comical performance, and are in no way stated as factual. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cmspn.substack.com/subscribe
Hair metal is having one hell of a week... and we’re breaking it all down LIVE. John Corabi is OUT of The Dead Daisies. Jizzy Pearl has officially WALKED AWAY from Quiet Riot. But that’s just the beginning. Tonight on THE CLASSIC METAL SHOW, we dive headfirst into the growing controversy surrounding a singer who tried out for the Quiet Riot gig online, the backlash involving Jizzy Pearl, and whether this entire situation has become a complete circus. We’ll also tackle Tesla’s announcement of yet another covers album. Is this a creative dead end, an easy cash grab, or exactly what fans want? We’ll tell you what we think. And because it’s CMS... expect plenty of uncensored opinions, brutal honesty, laughs, insults, and the kind of conversations the mainstream rock media won’t touch. Tonight’s Topics:🎤 John Corabi fired from The Dead Daisies⚡ Jizzy Pearl quits Quiet Riot🔥 Quiet Riot audition controversy explodes🤘 Plus all the usual CMS chaos and mayhem LIVE Saturday Night – No Scripts. No Filters. No Apologies. If you’re tired of sanitized rock commentary, you’ve found your home. 👉 Subscribe, hit the notification bell, and join us LIVE in the chat. #JohnCorabi #JizzyPearl #QuietRiot #TheDeadDaisies #TeslaBand #HairMetal #ClassicMetalShow #HeavyMetal #HardRock #RockNews #MetalNews #LivePodcast #CMSLive This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cmspn.substack.com/subscribe
JD DeServio wasn't just playing with Black Label Society.He was launching an entirely different band while touring, doing clinics, handling meet-and-greets, and living one of the most insane schedules imaginable.GET CYCLE OF PAIN HERE: https://amzn.to/4vyAPac The question wasn't whether he was busy.The question was why he was pushing himself this hard.And once you hear his answer, it raises even more questions.If you're watching this here, you're already late.The full episode, exclusive third segment, and early interviews are already on Locals: https://classicmetalshow.locals.com VIP members saw the complete breakdown first.The public clip barely scratches the surface. #BlackLabelSociety #JDDeServio #CycleOfPain #ClassicMetalShow This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cmspn.substack.com/subscribe
Philip Anselmo sat down with The Classic Metal Show during one of the most controversial periods of his career. GET SUPERJOINT’S CAUGHT UP IN THE GEARS OF APPLICATION ON VINYL HERE: https://amzn.to/4ewgwmD What started as a discussion about Superjoint quickly turned into something much bigger. He addressed the backlash. He explained his perspective. He apologized. But was that enough? A lot of fans still aren’t sure what to make of this conversation. If you’re watching this here, you’re already late. The full episode, exclusive third segment, and early interviews are already on Locals: https://classicmetalshow.locals.com The public clip barely scratches the surface. VIP members already saw the complete discussion. #PhilipAnselmo #Pantera #Superjoint #MetalNews #ClassicMetalShow This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cmspn.substack.com/subscribe
Jason Newsted is back on stage, but it isn’t the heavy metal comeback everyone wanted. His latest project with the Chop House Band has people scratching their heads and turning off the speakers. It turns out that trying to turn classic tracks into weird, non-metal acoustic interpretations while using death metal vocals doesn’t exactly work. On the flip side, Airbourne is dropping a new record that proves some bands still know exactly how to copy the AC/DC blueprint and turn the volume up to eleven. We break down the absolute trainwreck of one former rock icon and the massive stadium anthems of another. Watch commercial-free and without a publishing delay by becoming a CMS VIP at https://classicmetalshow.locals.com . All comments are merely the opinions of the people speaking them, are for comical performance, and are in no way stated as factual. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cmspn.substack.com/subscribe
Chris Akin sits down with Johnny Lee Middleton to dig into a release that’s been sitting in the vault for decades... and the stories behind it are every bit as wild as you’d expect. From the band’s return to the stage to the truth about the old days, image, MTV, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and where Savatage goes next, this conversation goes places you probably won’t expect. KILLER PRICE ON SAVATAGE’S MADNESS REIGNS FROM THE GUTTER 1990 ON VINYL: https://amzn.to/4wM0fle If you’ve ever wondered why this band still has fans packing venues all over the world, this one answers that question without pulling any punches. GET YOUR CMS MERCH HERE: https://classicmetalshow.creator-spring.com/ Watch CMS commercial free with no publishing delay by becoming a CMS VIP at https://classicmetalshow.locals.com Disclaimer: All comments are merely the opinions of the people speaking them, are for comical performance, and are in no way stated as factual. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cmspn.substack.com/subscribe
Jon Bon Jovi is back on stage after major throat surgery, but the internet is already losing its mind over the footage. The guys break down the multi-night Madison Square Garden residency to figure out if he is actually delivering real vocals or just talk-singing through a massive wall of pitch enhancement. Meanwhile, Richie Sambora is on an absolute tear on X, claiming his account was hacked twice in two weeks while dropping brutal gems about John’s “plastic throat”. Is it a bitter ex-bandmember drunk texting from a theater gig, or is there an ugly truth being hidden from the casual fans? Watch commercial-free and without a publishing delay by becoming a CMS VIP at https://classicmetalshow.locals.com . All comments are merely the opinions of the people speaking them, are for comical performance, and are in no way stated as factual. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cmspn.substack.com/subscribe
American rock crowds have gone completely soft while overseas fans are still blowing the roof off venues. When an active rock band sits down with a hitmaking producer to fix their sound, the truth about the modern music industry comes out fast. Is the American scene officially dead, or are rock bands just doing it wrong? Watch this segment to see what actually happens behind studio doors and on the road. GET ALL YOUR CMS MERCH HERE: https://classicmetalshow.creator-spring.com/ Watch commercial-free and without a publishing delay by becoming a CMS VIP at https://classicmetalshow.locals.com . All comments are merely the opinions of the people speaking them, are for comical performance, and are in no way stated as factual. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cmspn.substack.com/subscribe
Classic rock singers are hitting a wall, and some are handling it a hell of a lot better than others. While Mike Tramp figures out a way to rework things within his range, other artists are flat-out canceling their own massive hits because they can’t handle the lyrics anymore. From bizarre self-censorship to aging rockstars pretending they still live in a small town, the entire scene is starting to look like a circus. We break down the real reason your favorite performers can’t—or won’t—deliver the goods like they used to. Watch commercial-free and without a publishing delay by becoming a CMS VIP at https://classicmetalshow.locals.com . All comments are merely the opinions of the people speaking them, are for comical performance, and are in no way stated as factual. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cmspn.substack.com/subscribe
