The Talk Music Podcast

Hi everyone and welcome back to The Talk Music Podcast! For this episode, check out my deep dive with Aldo Nova. He’s a Multi-Platinum recording artist, a major hit songwriter, and a genius producer whose career has dominated the airwaves for more than four decades. He first exploded onto the international music scene with his 1982 self-titled debut album, which went double platinum in the US and featured the iconic hit “ Fantasy ,” - a song that helped define the sound of 1980s rock and remains a staple on classic rock radio to this day. Aldo’s genius didn't stop on the stage. Behind the scenes, he built a jaw-dropping second career crafting hits for some of the biggest icons on the planet. We’re talking about his historic, long-standing partnership with Céline Dion —co-writing her massive global hit “A New Day Has Come” and earning a Grammy Award for Album of the Year for his work as a songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist on Falling Into You . His legendary chemistry with Jon Bon Jovi runs just as deep; after Aldo co-wrote the number-one hit “Blaze of Glory,” Jon returned the favour by signing Aldo to his own label. Together, the two masterminds co-wrote and co-produced Aldo's powerhouse comeback album, Blood on the Bricks . From his deep history with Céline Dion and Jon Bon Jovi to creating chart-topping hits with Faith Hill and Clay Aiken and many others, Aldo Nova remains a well respected and influential figure in the music industry. Whether on stage or in the studio, his work continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, and our chat is a deep dive into his incredible journey, his creative songwriting process, and what he’s working on now. Enjoy the chat along with music clips from his first 3 albums, and his rock opera “The Life and Times of Eddie Gage”. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hi everyone, and welcome to another episode of The Talk Music Podcast! I’m thrilled that my guest is Barry Harris , one of the true architects of modern dance music. His project Kon Kan broke worldwide with “I Beg Your Pardon (I Never Promised You a Rose Garden)," a massive Top 5 hit on Atlantic Records US that launched his international career. After a couple of albums on Atlantic, I signed Barry to my indie Hypnotic label (via A&M), where we released the Kon Kan album Vida and saw solid success with songs "Sinful Wishes" and "S.O.L," including features on major dance compilations of the era. Barry later moved to LA and became one of the most influential remixers of all time. As part of the mix duo Thunderpuss (with Chris Cox), he helped define late-’90s/early-2000s club culture, delivering 20+ Billboard Dance #1s and reworking tracks for icons like Madonna, Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, Janet Jackson, Whitney Houston, Cher, and Celine Dion. Decades into his career, Barry is still evolving. Our chat dives into his incredible music journey, his recent successful tour of Brazil and the details behind his brand-new release, Barry Harris’ Kon Kan , proving he’s not just part of dance music history—he’s still shaping it. From his Atlantic Records breakthrough to global dancefloor domination, Barry Harris didn’t follow the culture—he helped build it. Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hi, and welcome to another episode of The Talk Music Podcast! I’m thrilled to welcome JUNO Award–winning Canadian blues guitarist STEVE STRONGMAN as my guest. We recorded this most entertaining chat on my back porch on a beautiful afternoon, so listen closely and you'll hear some birds chirping in the background. Steve is one of Canada’s top blues artists/guitarists, and his recording journey actually began back in 2004 with the album Honey , which I released successfully on my indie label via A&M Records. Reminiscing about that time working together made this conversation extra special and fun for me. Since then, Steve has built an incredible discography, including his 2013 JUNO-winning album A Natural Fact . His records highlight talented artists such as Harrison Kennedy, Jessie O’Brien, Crystal Shawanda, Rob Szabo, Dave King, Steve Marriner and many others. He’s also an acclaimed producer, having co-written and co-produced Struck Down by Kim Wilson and The Fabulous Thunderbirds—a GRAMMY-nominated project featuring Bonnie Raitt, Keb’ Mo’, Taj Mahal, and Mick Fleetwood (and we go deep into how this record came together over a 2 year period). Steve has shared the stage with legends like B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Johnny Winter, and Jeff Healey, and in this chat we delve into his musical journey up to now, the story behind his favourite guitar, and as a bonus I also feature Steve with a live solo acoustic porch performance of "Struck Down (by the Blues)." Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hi everyone, and welcome to another episode of the Talk Music Podcast. My guest this week is MICHAEL SHOTTON —drummer and powerhouse vocalist for VON GROOVE —a melodic hard rock trio packed with serious firepower. Alongside him, guitarist Mladen Alexander delivers elite technical chops, while bassist Matthew Gerrard brings the groove and a heavyweight songwriting pedigree. After a long hiatus—and now signed to the prestigious FRONTIERS Music label— VON GROOVE is back with a killer new album, BORN TO ROCK . In this episode, we dig into the band’s origins, the inspiration behind some of the songs, and feature clips that display the album’s raw, visceral, hard-hitting production that absolutely lives up to its name. Emerging from Ontario in 1990, the band built a worldwide cult following through standout releases like Rainmaker , Mission Man , and Chameleon , all driven by Shotton’s melodic instincts and commanding vocal delivery. We also dive into Michael’s incredible journey in music—spending time with Tom Scholz of Boston, recording at A&M Studios in Los Angeles, and even hanging out with Phil Spector and Ron Wood. Plus, we explore his collaborations with Rik Emmett (Triumph), Gord Deppe (Spoons) and Wes Arkeen (Outpatience), who co-wrote several songs for Guns N’ Roses. Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hi and welcome to another episode of The Talk Music Podcast ! Today’s guest is the kind of artist who reminds you why live music matters in the first place. STEVE POLTZ (born in Halifax) isn’t just a singer-songwriter—he’s a storyteller extraordinaire and a master of turning the unpredictable into something unforgettable. Whether he’s crafting deeply moving lyrics or spinning hilarious, off-the-cuff tales, Steve has a rare ability to make every performance feel like a one-of-a-kind experience. Steve Poltz first emerged from the fertile San Diego music scene as the charismatic frontman and co-founder of The Rugburns, a cult-favorite indie band known for its sharp wit, relentless touring, and offbeat songwriting. During this period, Poltz’s path intertwined with Jewel, leading to one of the defining moments of his career: co-writing her massive 1995 hit “You Were Meant for Me,” which climbed to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a massive global success. That breakthrough opened major industry doors, helping Poltz secure a solo deal with Danny Goldberg and Mercury Records. He released his debut solo album One Left Shoe in 1997, showcasing a more personal, melodic side of his songwriting while still retaining his signature eccentricity. His time with Mercury marked a pivotal transition from bandleader to solo artist and set the stage for a fiercely independent career built on artistic freedom. Since then, Poltz has carved out an unusually prolific and enduring solo career, releasing a wide array of albums—from the experimental Answering Machine , to fan-favourite records like Chinese Vacation , Dreamhouse , Shine On , and on his most recent 14th studio album JoyRide . It’s chaos, caffeine, and accidental poetry — art colliding with microphones in a glorious mess as Steve weaves his magic into songs like Son of God, Brand New Liver and JoyRide. With decades of touring, a deep catalog of music, and a fiercely loyal worldwide fanbase, Steve Poltz stands today as a truly singular figure—often cited by fans and peers alike as one of the finest live singer-songwriters working right now. Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hi everyone, and welcome to another episode of The Talk Music Podcast! Few artists embody the spirit of soul, roots, blues, and storytelling quite like my guest today, SHAKURA S’AIDA. Brooklyn-born and Swiss-raised, Shakura has spent over four decades igniting stages and connecting with audiences around the world. A three-time JUNO Award nominee and internationally celebrated performer, she has toured more than 30 countries, delivering the kind of electrifying, deeply human performances critics describe as “engaging, vivacious, and exciting.” From fronting bands to starring in theatre productions like The Nina Project , and appearing on hit TV shows such as Schitt’s Creek , Shakura’s artistry refuses to be boxed in. She is as much a storyteller and community builder as she is a vocalist—using music to connect, uplift, and move people at their core. Her career is filled with accolades that reflect both excellence and longevity: Maple Blues Award wins and nominations, JUNO nods across multiple decades, a 2023 Folk Music Ontario Award for Album of the Year and the prestigious 2024 SOCAN Foundation “Her Music” Award recognizing her lasting impact on Canadian music. In our conversation, we explore her early beginnings, the challenges she faced finding her place in the music world as a black female singer songwriter and her journey toward success in theatre, television, and on stages around the globe as one of Canada’s most respected Americana, roots, soul, and blues artists. Most recently, Shakura performed at the prestigious Chicago Blues Festival and coming up on June 19th, she’ll be performing at TD Music Hall in Toronto. P.S. A special shout out to PR genius extraordinaire Richard Flohil who initially contacted me to set up this chat! Thanks! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hi everyone, and welcome back to another episode of The Talk Music Podcast! If you love jaw-dropping guitar playing and high-octane rock then listen up, because if you haven’t discovered JACOB DERAPS yet… now is the time. Hailing from St-Georges, Quebec, Jacob has exploded onto the modern rock scene as one of the most electrifying young guitarists out there. His playing blends insane technical precision with a deep love for the golden era of hard rock—channeling legends like Eddie Van Halen while bringing a fresh, modern energy that’s completely his own. And the industry is taking notice. Guitar World—with over 1.7 million followers—recently asked: “Who’s the most exciting up-and-coming guitar player?” Their answer? Jacob Deraps. They even said they couldn’t get one of his riffs out of their head for days—and boldly claimed in one of their videos: “Jacob Deraps is here to rescue hard rock.” His rise started early—at just 13 years old, his YouTube performances went viral, stunning fans with his uncanny ability to capture the tone and feel of Eddie Van Halen. That buzz quickly turned into real recognition, including praise, support and guitar endorsement from the Van Halen camp, and admiration from Dweezil Zappa, who awarded him the prestigious Dweezil and Frank Zappa Fellowship. In this episode, we dive into his journey—from those early viral moments to signing a global publishing deal with Anthem Entertainment (home of Rush), building an impressive international following, and producing his own music. We also talk studio tips, creative process, and his latest album Viva Rock ’n’ Roll —which shot straight to #1 on the hard rock charts in Japan and scored an impressive 88/100 in Burn Magazine. After tearing it up across the U.S. on tour recently and wowing audiences everywhere, Jacob is just getting started—with plenty more shows on the horizon. Just posted, Deraps received a 10 out of 10 review from Powerplay Magazine for their Feb 6 2026 N.Y.C. show. So if you get the chance to see him live, don’t miss it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hi everyone, and welcome to another episode of THE TALK MUSIC PODCAST! I recently caught an incredible show featuring Canadian arena rock legends Triumph and April Wine—and I’m still buzzing from it. So I’m especially excited to welcome my guest: guitarist extraordinaire BRIAN GREENWAY who’s been a driving force behind April Wine’s sound since 1977! When you talk about Canadian rock royalty, April Wine is always in the mix. With 16 studio albums, multiple Gold and Platinum records in Canada and the U.S., and a catalogue stacked with radio staples, their legacy is undeniable. From anthems like "Roller" and "I Like to Rock," to hits like "Just Between You and Me," "Sign of the Gypsy Queen," and "You Could Have Been a Lady," their music helped define a generation of rock fans. Add in 20+ Top 40 singles in Canada—including six Top 10 hits—and their 2010 induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, and you’ve got a band whose impact still resonates today. In this episode, Brian and I dive into his early days, how he joined April Wine, and some great behind-the-scenes studio stories—including insights on Roller, Say Hello, and their take on 21st Century Schizoid Man by King Crimson. We also talk about life on the road, sharing stages with Rush and Styx, and even opening for The Rolling Stones. It’s a fun, wide-ranging conversation with one of Canadian rock’s true lifers! Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hi everyone, and welcome to another episode of The Talk Music Podcast. With RECORD STORE DAY happening this Saturday, April 18, I’m joined by DERRY GREHAN of HONEYMOON SUITE—this year’s Canadian ambassadors—alongside global ambassador Bruno Mars and Record Store Legend award recipient, Robert Plant. Record Store Day began in 2007 as a celebration of independent record store culture—nearly 1,400 in the U.S. and thousands more around the world. The first official event took place on April 19, 2008. In this episode, we dive into what makes Record Store Day so special: the culture, the community, and the charm of indie record shops. Derry shares stories from his early days in record stores, the staff picks that helped shape his musical taste, and why putting vinyl on a turntable is often a magical engaging listening experience. We also talk about Honeymoon Suite’s exclusive Record Store Day limited-edition release—a red translucent vinyl album titled Singles , featuring their biggest hits, including four tracks from their debut album, which I had the pleasure of producing. Plus, we wrap things up with what’s next for the band—touring, recording, and what fans can expect in the year ahead. P.S. If you’d like to check out my earlier deep-dive conversation with Derry about the band’s illustrious career, listen here . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hi and welcome to another episode of The Talk Music Podcast! What does it take to build a global rock career—from underground scenes to arena stages? This episode dives deep with WALLY VAN MIDDENDORP a powerhouse music executive whose fingerprints are all over the international rock and alternative landscape. Now based in London and working with In De Goot Management as Senior Vice President, International, with a roster that includes Shinedown, Halestorm, Black Stone Cherry, GWAR, and Canadians Theory of a Deadman, Wally shares insight into international strategy, bridging U.S. and European operations and the growing success of artists selling merch and physical goods. But his story goes far beyond management. Wally has held top roles across the industry—from SVP International at Roadrunner Records working closely with founder Cees Wessels to General Manager of Sony Music Netherlands, as well as GM of the prestigious PIAS label AKA Play It Again Sam in the Benelux where we actually met when I signed Voivod to the label for European distribution. Our chat includes his early beginnings—when, in his teenage years, he was president of the David Bowie fan club—and his time as an artist himself, fronting the pioneering Dutch post-punk band MINNY POPS who opened for Slash and Joy Division. We also touch on his time spent with Lars Ulrich and working with acts such as Ricky Martin, Julio Iglesias, Mötley Crüe, Alterbridge and many others. From leading European operations to shaping global marketing strategies, his career is a masterclass in how music moves across borders and audiences. If you’re a fan of great music stories, this episode is packed with them. Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hi everyone, welcome to another episode of The Talk Music Podcast ! This episode is a particularly special one for me on a personal level, as I take a trip back to my days as an A&R scout for RCA Records in New York —when I had the incredible opportunity to work closely with none other than GENE SIMMONS. During that time, I discovered and signed the rock band GYPSY ROSE out of Sarnia. I eventually went on to manage the band and co-produce their debut album PREY alongside my longtime friend Gary Furniss—who, for the past 32 years, has served as President of Sony Publishing in Canada. My guest for this episode is the unique sounding gravel-voiced singer songwriter from that album, MICHAEL ROSS. In our conversation, Michael and I dig deep into how we first met, how we ultimately connected with Gene himself and how I secured getting Gypsy Rose signed to RCA and Simmons Records. We also share our experiences working with him as the executive producer of Prey —and what it was really like collaborating and hanging out with Gene behind the scenes. Before we get into our deep dive, I’ll be featuring a clip of the album’s single “Poisoned by Love .” At the time, the video had gone into heavy rotation on MTV and the song was beginning to climb the U.S. charts… until, suddenly, everything came to a halt. It’s a fascinating story from a time when rock ruled the airwaves, CDs were selling in the millions, and MTV could change a band’s life overnight. A must-listen for anyone who remembers the golden age of rock. Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hi everyone, and welcome to another episode of The Talk Music Podcast! In this episode, my guest is founding member MATTHEW GILSENAN as we take a deep dive into one of Ireland’s most remarkable musical exports — The CELTIC TENORS. For over 25 years, The CELTIC TENORS have been blending classical technique, Celtic tradition and contemporary repertoire, appealing to audiences far beyond the traditional classical world. With more than one million albums sold worldwide and chart success across Ireland, the UK, Germany, North America, and Australia, their journey began with a multi-album deal with EMI Classics, and a debut release that became a bona fide international hit. Along the way, they’ve earned prestigious honours including Germany’s Echo Award, performed in renowned concert halls and festivals around the globe, and sung for world leaders and international audiences alike. Now, for the first time ever, they’re releasing a live album, recorded at the EMPIRE theatre in Belleville and currently being broadcast on the PBS network. Capturing the emotion, humour, and musical connection fans have cherished for decades, the album features traditional Irish favourites alongside classical and crossover covers — including “Perfect Symphony,” their take on Perfect by Ed Sheeran. Currently on tour — with Ontario dates coming up and a return this November and December — I absolutely loved chatting with Matthew about the band’s beginnings, how their unique sound evolved, and what it takes to sustain a career at this level for over two decades. ENJOY! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hi everyone, welcome back to another season of THE TALK MUSIC Podcast ! I’m thrilled to announce my first guest is Ben Wells from global rock powerhouse, Black Stone Cherry . Born in the backwoods of Edmonton, Kentucky, Black Stone Cherry have spent over two decades reinventing Southern rock with a vicious breed of melodic-heavy riffs and soulful grit. Formed in 2001, this four-piece brotherhood has remained remarkably consistent, only recently welcoming new bassist Steve Jewell Jr. in 2021. The band have released eight studio albums, dominated the UK Rock Charts with six consecutive #1 debuts , earned gold-certified albums , and headlined sold-out arena tours . In the U.S., they’ve had 17 singles hit the Mainstream Rock charts . With a new EP titled CELEBRATE coming soon, our chat goes deep into how the songs came together, including the title track Celebrate , which, as vocalist Chris Robertson explains, serves as a reminder to acknowledge survival, small victories, and the importance of celebrating the simple act of getting through another day. The EP also includes a powerful cover of the classic Simple Minds song “Don’t You (Forget About Me),” featuring Tyler Connolly of Theory of a Deadman . We then dive into how the songs were produced and recorded, along with an overview of the band’s incredible career so far. Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The Talk Music Podcast, my guest is the enchanting CANDICE NIGHT — the radiant voice and creative force behind Blackmore’s Night , the internationally beloved Renaissance-folk-rock project she co-founded with her husband, legendary guitarist Ritchie Blackmore (yes — that Ritchie Blackmore, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame icon who when with Deep Purple wrote one of the most famous guitar riffs in history: “Smoke on the Water” ). For more than two decades, Candice has helped shape the band’s unmistakable sound — a mesmerizing blend of medieval melodies, acoustic charm, and mystical storytelling. Her crystalline vocals and poetic lyricism are at the heart of Blackmore’s Night. But Candice’s artistry extends far beyond the band as she’s also stepped into her own creative spotlight with a solo career. Her most recent album, Sea Glass , is a deeply personal and beautifully textured work featuring introspective, uplifting and cinematic songs proving she’s a remarkable artist in her own right. In this episode, we dive into her creative world and how she brings ancient stories to life and we explore the many inspirations that shaped Sea Glass . We also go deep on how she met Ritchie when he was in Deep Purple and became a co-writer and part of his band Rainbow before the evolution of Blackmore’s Night’s signature sound. This is Candice Night fully expressive, sharing the stories behind the songs of Blackmore’s Night and her wonderful solo career - music that continues to captivate fans around the world. Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week my guest on The Talk Music Podcast is powerhouse vocalist Rick Hughes — known for fronting Canadian metal titans SWORD. (METALLICA are such huge fans they personally invited the band to open for them) With a career that blasted off in the 80s metal scene and took him around the world, Rick is now stepping forward with REDEMPTION, his first international solo album. It’s a spectacular production thats bold, authentic and heartfelt. What makes REDEMPTION especially electrifying is the sheer scale of Rick’s vision. He reunited the legendary Ozzy Osbourne Speak of the Devil lineup (Brad Gillis [currently in Night Ranger], Rudy Sarzo, and Tommy Aldridge) for his lead single “The Real Me,” a The Who cover that earned a rare 10/10 review and was praised as “a perfect journey” with a vibrant, modern sound. The album blends blistering rock energy with emotional depth, bilingual tracks and guest appearances from heavy hitters like Robby Krieger (The Doors), Lee Aaron, Amy Keys, and rising guitarist Jacob Deraps. This is Rick Hughes fully inspired, making the album he always dreamed of. We go deep into the inside story behind his powerhouse vocals, how his all-star collaborations came about, and the unstoppable passion driving REDEMPTION . You won’t want to miss this one. Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hi everyone! My Talk Music guest this week is LILY SAZZ— singer-songwriter, bandleader, and now producer of her first solo album! Her brand new record, WHAT JUST HAPPENED, has just been released, and it’s an absolute must-listen! The album features deeply personal songwriting sprinkled with refreshing humour and showcases fantastic performances from a star-studded lineup of special guests — Colin Linden, Suzie Vinnick, Harry Manx, Steve Marriner, Darcy Hepner, Mike Branton, Trombone Charlotte, Boreal, and many more. Our chat, recorded on my back porch (with a little wine involved), was indeed a fun one! We talked about Lily’s early years growing up in a farming community in the Niagara region, and how she made an abrupt life change to study classical music, majoring in piano and harpsichord. She got sidetracked during a chance encounter with a rockin’ blues band, and that experience ultimately set her course in the music lane that she’s been thriving in ever since. Lily spent ten years as musical director of the Toronto Women’s Blues Revue Band, performing annually at Massey Hall, backing up a wide array of powerful singers — everyone from Lee Aaron, Sass Jordan, Carole Pope, Jackie Richardson, Serena Ryder and Molly Johnson. She also toured with Canada’s Queen of the Blues, Rita Chiarelli. Lily co-founded and led several acclaimed bands, including Trailblazers, Groove Corporation and the Maple Blues Award–nominated Cootes Paradise. Her debut solo album What Just Happened is available now on Bandcamp and all major streaming platforms. And in some exciting recent news — Lily has teamed up with one of my favourite singer-songwriters, ROB LAMOTHE, for some upcoming shows together. Check out her website for further details. Enjoy the episode! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, my guests on The Talk Music Podcast are Darcy Ataman , Founder of Make Music Matter , and Caitlin Morrison , Executive Director of Matthew Perry House and sister of the late actor. Their organizations have joined forces to launch LIVE LOUD —a bold new partnership harnessing the power of entertainment and celebrity to amplify conversations around mental health and addiction. The initiative debuts with Live Loud LIVE , a benefit concert at Toronto’s Koerner Hall on November 14 . The event will feature performances by City and Colour, Billy Talent, Serena Ryder, Royal Wood, Amy Millan (Stars) , and members of Sum 41, Broken Social Scene, Skydiggers, and Moist. Special guest Hank Azaria will lead his EZ Street Band in a Bruce Springsteen tribute, with Tara Slone and Tom Power hosting. Limited tickets are available at rcmusic.com . Founded by Matthew Perry’s family and friends, Matthew Perry House honours his legacy by providing treatment and support for those struggling with addiction, beginning with its first facility in Ottawa. Make Music Matter uses its clinically proven Healing in Harmony program to help marginalized communities worldwide heal from trauma, reduce PTSD, anxiety, and depression through music creation—to date, empowering more than 19,000 individuals across nine countries. “ Mental health struggles divide and isolate us. Music unites us, embraces everyone, ” says Darcy Ataman, founder of Make Music Matter. “ Live Loud is about making noise—a rallying cry for change, ” adds Caitlin Morrison, Executive Director of Matthew Perry House. makemusicmatter.org matthewperryhouse.ca Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hi everybody, I’m incredibly delighted to welcome STEVE HACKETT as my guest for this episode of The Talk Music Podcast. Steve is one of the most innovative and influential guitarists to emerge from the progressive rock movement. Born in 1950, he spent a year in Vancouver at the age of seven before growing up in the UK, eventually rising to prominence as a member of GENESIS , which he joined in 1971. His debut with the band came on Nursery Cryme , where his distinctive, textured playing helped shape Genesis' unique sound during their most acclaimed era. Hackett was central to the creation of progressive rock landmarks such as Foxtrot , Selling England by the Pound , and the ambitious double album The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway . After contributing to Wind & Wuthering in 1977, Hackett left the group, eager to explore his own creative path. He was later inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2010 as a member of Genesis. Even before leaving the band, Hackett had begun forging a solo career, releasing his debut album Voyage of the Acolyte in 1975. Over the following decades, he built an extraordinary body of work, from Spectral Mornings to the darker tones of Guitar Noir , as well as forays into classical guitar with albums like Momentum . In the 2010s, he revisited his Genesis years with the Genesis Revisited projects, reintroducing the band’s 1970s masterpieces to a new generation of listeners. In total, Steve has released over 30 solo albums, the most recent being the brilliant The Circus and the Nightwhale . Steve Hackett has secured his place as one of the greats of modern guitar, never ceasing to push boundaries. It was truly an honour for me to chat with him. Genesis was one of the main reasons I entered the world of music, and I had the privilege of seeing them perform numerous times. Our conversation covers his time with Genesis, his reasons for leaving to go solo, info about his amazing fellow musicians joining him on tour and his continued passion for songwriting and performing around the world—including some upcoming Canadian dates. His current tour is titled Steve Hackett – Genesis Greats, Lamb Highlights & Solo . Enjoy the episode! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hi, everybody! I’m thrilled that my guest for this episode is Mark “WEISSGUY” Weiss, one of the most iconic rock photographers of the past four decades, whose lens has helped define the visual language of rock and metal! From capturing the raw energy of bands like Guns N’ Roses, Kiss, Metallica, Mötley Crüe, Bon Jovi, Ozzy Osbourne, Van Halen, Twisted Sister, Aerosmith and countless others, to shaping the larger-than-life imagery that dominated MTV and magazines in the ’80s and ’90s, Weiss didn’t just document a scene—he gave it an identity. His photographs have graced countless album and magazine covers, tour books, t-shirts, and posters, cementing him as the go-to photographer during rock’s golden era. His classic photos of Ozzy Osbourne are now being featured at the new Ozzy exhibition, “Working Class Hero,” in Birmingham, England. In this podcast, we get a front-row seat to his journey, including personal stories about his role as Ozzy’s photographer since 1981, along with being on stage for Ozzy’s final performance in July. We also chat about his best-selling book, The Decade That Rocked , which has been published in four languages and remains on best-selling charts in the U.S., with over 1,500 five-star Amazon reviews, with high praise from Rolling Stone, Spin , and The Washington Post . To order, go to markweiss.com . Mark also created a new mag called ROCKED, which brings classic, glossy rock magazines back to life. Check it out and snag a copy for yourself by heading over to rockedmag.com . I loved my chat with Mark as his work is a reminder of how powerful an image can be—not just as documentation, but as a cultural force that helps define an era. Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hi everyone! My fascinating guest this week is Michael Bishop , a.k.a. Blöthar the Berserker from the legendary band GWAR ! Formed in Richmond, Virginia in 1984, GWAR is known for outrageous sci-fi/horror costumes, over-the-top theatrical shows, and a wild intergalactic warrior backstory. They’re infamous for spraying audiences with fake blood, elaborate props, and comedic skits—blending metal music , B-movie aesthetics , and sharp social satire . Despite lineup changes, GWAR has thrived for decades, crafting DIY costumes and sets, lampooning politics, religion, and pop culture, and building a HUGE global cult following. Why so successful? They turned a niche concept into a full entertainment universe—music, theater, and parody like no other. Over their career, they’ve released 15 studio albums (including the new The Return of Gor Gor, with an accompanying comic), earned two Grammy nominations , and just recently even launched their own Mischief Toys line. Back in the '90s, GWAR also scored some unexpected pop-culture glory thanks to Beavis and Butt-Head . The cartoon’s dim-witted metalhead duo were huge “fans,” often watching GWAR videos, headbanging furiously, and declaring them the GREATEST band in the universe. Their fan base is as eclectic as their shows—rock icons like Dave Grohl , satirist Weird Al , TV host Jon Stewart , and metal contemporaries like Randy Blythe of Lamb of God. In our conversation, we dive into GWAR’s history and origins, the tragic loss of founder Dave Brockie to a heroin overdose, their THIS IS GWAR documentary, and what you can expect from their current tour. Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.