Episodios
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In this episode on Seeing Them Live, Charles shares one of his ticket stub stories taken from the pages of his book, Ticket Stub Stories: A Memoir of Live Music’. This story details his experience at a Nirvana concert in October 1993. Charles recounts the second show of a Nirvana concert he attended where the band, upset by a critical review in the Chicago Tribune, did not perform their hit 'Smells Like Teen Spirit.' Discover how Kurt Cobain's frustration led to a memorable, albeit puzzling, night for fans, and learn how an intriguing interview with the Greg Kot of the Chicago Tribune, may have subtly influenced Kurt Cobain's behavior and actions at the concert.
BANDS: MEGG, Nirvana, The Used, U2
VENUES: Aragon Ballroom, Chicago
PATREON:
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WEBSITE:
https://seeingthemlive.com/Visit the Seeing Them Live website for bonus materials including the show blog, resource links for concert buffs, photos, materials related to our episodes, and our Ticket Stub Museum.
INSTAGRAM:
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In this episode of 'Seeing Them Live,' Charles interviews Zach Paradis, a Cleveland-born artist now based in Los Angeles, known for blending pop, hip hop, and R&B influences. Zach discusses the overwhelming success of a viral video he did with Crash Adams, which garnered millions of views across various platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. He delves into his early music experiences, including his first concert at a music festival called Alive and his best concert experience seeing Allen Stone at the Grog Shop in Cleveland.
Zach also recounts his career beginnings at Reach Records in Atlanta, working as a recording engineer, and how that shaped his musical journey. He reveals that he transitioned from attempting to rap to finding his true voice in singing, which he has been developing since. Zach mentions various collaborations with other artists and highlights how these partnerships have significantly influenced his career.
He discusses his recent release 'Hurricane,' a song that explores the idea of finding calm amidst life's chaos. Zach reflects on the different interpretations of the song by listeners, highlighting the subjective nature of music. Finally, Zach talks about his current tour, his upcoming debut album, and his plans to continue producing and releasing new music.
BANDS: Alive, Allen Stone, Benny, Chris Jameson, Crash Adams, Drake, Future, Jalen Sean, Kevin Chung, Migos, Roy Woods, Tadashi, WHATUPRG.
VENUES: Clay's Park, Grog Shop, Hotel Cafe, Phillips Arena, Shuba's Tavern, Subterranean.
PATREON:
https://www.patreon.com/SeeingThemLivePlease help us defer the cost of producing this podcast by making a donation on Patreon.
WEBSITE:
https://seeingthemlive.com/Visit the Seeing Them Live website for bonus materials including the show blog, resource links for concert buffs, photos, materials related to our episodes, and our Ticket Stub Museum.
INSTAGRAM:
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In this interview episode of Seeing Them Live, Charles interviews singer BB from BB & The Honey. BB is an American singer and songwriter who has been an integral part of the Chicago music scene for 20 years. Audiences say her voice is a blend of Brandy Carlisle, Janice Joplin, Patsy Klein, Stevie Nicks, and Amelda May. Her powerful interpretations range from blues, funk, soul, classic country to jazz, rockabilly, and classic rock. BB & the Honey have released a new EP of original songs called Reckless Heart, which is available on all major streaming platforms.
BB reminisces about her first concert at age five, seeing Sean Cassidy at Navy Pier in Chicago, and shares memorable concert experiences with Mumford and Sons, contrasting them with a lackluster performance by Bob Dylan she attended in the early 90s.
She discusses a formative experience in her music career when she and a friend were invited to join Arise Records after singing 'Amazing Grace' in a Chicago subway. This fortuitous event laid the groundwork for BB's extensive music journey, performing with various bands and writing a wide range of musical genres from blues, funk, soul, classic country, to jazz and rock.
The episode also dives into BB’s musical projects, from her early involvement with hip hop group Schmoov and the Family to later bands like Super D, The Jesters, and Seeking Wonderland. BB elaborates on how she transitioned into learning the piano during the COVID-19 pandemic, which allowed her to contribute more dynamically to her current band. BB & The Honey recently released a new EP called 'Reckless Heart,' comprising four original songs. The interview touches on the practicalities of their live performances, noting the flexibility in band size depending on the venue. BB delves into the recording process of the EP, aiming to capture the live energy of their performances. The episode wraps up with BB talking about their upcoming release party, their ongoing music journey, and where fans can find their music and live performance updates.
BANDS: BB & the Honey, Bob Dylan, C&C Music Factory, Chicago, Full Moon Vixen, Groove X, Kris Kross, Lucinda Williams, Modern Day Romeos, Mumford and Sons, Poi Dog Pondering, Santana, Sean Cassidy, Seeking Wonderland, Stock Boy, Super D, The Dead, The Jesters, ZZ Top
VENUES: Abbey Pub, Alpine Valley, Bacon Fest, beer fest in Kenosha, Baker House, Crystal Lake, Dole Mansion, Double Door, Goose Island, Hard Rock Cafe, Lake Como, Lou's Lounge, Mars Resort, Naperville, Navy Pier, Riviera, Riviera in Chicago, Ryman, Ryman Theater, Ryman Theatre, Sean Cassidy concert, Subterranean, Tinley Park, Walworth County Fair
PATREON:
https://www.patreon.com/SeeingThemLivePlease help us defer the cost of producing this podcast by making a donation on Patreon.
WEBSITE:
https://seeingthemlive.com/Visit the Seeing Them Live website for bonus materials including the show blog, resource links for concert buffs, photos, materials related to our episodes, and our Ticket Stub Museum.
INSTAGRAM:
https://www.instagram.com/seeingthemlive/FACEBOOK:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550090670708 -
This episode features an interview with the artist MEGG, who combines her love for pop music with her punk rock background to create a unique sound for a diverse audience of tomboys, romantics, and misfits. Born and raised in LA's South Bay, MEGG has achieved significant milestones such as performing at Dodgers Stadium, headlining at Saint Rocke Music Venue, and opening for bands like The Used. This summer, she will be playing at Van's Warp Tour in Long Beach, California.
The conversation begins with MEGG recalling her first concert experience, a Madonna show, attended with her parents and a friend, which left a lasting impression on her as a child. They discuss various best concerts she has attended, including performances by Beyonce, Alicia Keys, and Missy Elliot. This inspires MEGG to share how these experiences shaped her musical career, leading her to attend the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts and later the University of Southern California's Popular Music Performance Program.
MEGG recounts forming several bands along the way, including Runway MMC with her friends, supported by her mother's visionary clothing line idea, and Party for One, a pop-punk band she started with her buddies from USC. MEGG's career took significant turns with these projects, growing from performing at college parties to headline venues like Saint Rocke. MEGG delves further into pivotal moments such as playing the Musink Tattoo Music Festival, opening for The Used, and the journey to secure a spot at Warped Tour 2025.
MEGG's experiences exhibit her resilience and dedication to her craft amidst various challenges and the evolving music industry landscape. Towards the end of the interview, MEGG discusses her musical influences, her recent single releases, and plans for upcoming projects, such as an EP to be released in the fall following her performances at Warped Tour. She emphasizes the importance of staying true to her musical style while being versatile across different genres. As an added treat, the interview includes a live acoustic rendition of MEGG’s 'The Hangover Song.'
BANDS: Blink 182, Every Time I Die, Fleetwood Mac, Guns N Roses, Hot Water Music, Mumford and Sons, Nirvana, No Doubt, Paramore, Pennywise, Pennywise, Spice Girls, Sum 41, Taking Back Sunday, The Used, Tomorrow's Bad Seeds, Tomorrow's Bad Seeds
VENUES:
Break Room, Dodger Stadium, Forum, Musink Tattoo Music Festival, Redwood Bar, Saint Rocke, Staples Center, Warped Tour.
PATREON:
https://www.patreon.com/SeeingThemLivePlease help us defer the cost of producing this podcast by making a donation on Patreon.
WEBSITE:
https://seeingthemlive.com/Visit the Seeing Them Live website for bonus materials including the show blog, resource links for concert buffs, photos, materials related to our episodes, and our Ticket Stub Museum.
INSTAGRAM:
https://www.instagram.com/seeingthemlive/FACEBOOK:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550090670708 -
This episode features Benny, a musician and producer who performs under the name Muted Circus. Benny, originally from Orange County, California, is currently based in Brooklyn, New York. He spent seven years in Tokyo, Japan, and attended the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston. The discussion starts with Benny sharing the story of his first rock concert at the age of 13, where he saw The Get Up Kids in a small, intimate venue in his hometown. This concert sparked his lifelong passion for live music, leading him to attend concerts frequently, including during his college years and time in Japan. Benny reminisces about the DIY music scene of Orange County in the '90s and shares anecdotes about attending shows with his older brother and friends. He also recalls a memorable yet disappointing encounter with Dave Mustaine from Megadeth during a concert in Tokyo, juxtaposing it with a positive experience meeting Marty Friedman, a former Megadeth guitarist.
The conversation then shifts towards Benny's musical project, Muted Circus, a deeply personal undertaking inspired by the death of his father. The project comprises 10 EPs with 50 songs, each featuring his father's visual artwork on the covers. Benny explains how creating this music helped him process his grief and reflect on his relationship with his father. He delves into the themes explored in his music, often revolving around the impact of his parents on his life. Benny shares the challenges and emotional journey of writing and recording these songs over several years. He also introspects on the nuances of live vs. recorded music and the emotional resonance that well-produced music can often deliver.
During the interview, Benny performs 'Disconnection,' a song from his final EP in the Muted Circus series. The song captures the sentiment of final phone calls with a loved one and reflects Benny's extensive relationship with his father through daily check-ins on the phone. The episode concludes with Benny discussing his future plans for more music releases under different projects and emphasizing the therapeutic power of music in processing complex emotions. Listeners can explore Benny's work on platforms like Bandcamp, Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.
BANDS: No Doubt, The Get Up Kids, Jimmy Eat World, Real Big Fish, Gwen and Eric Stefani, Megadeth, NSYNC, Metallica, Slayer, Marty Friedman, Dave Mustaine.
VENUES: Makuhari Messe (Japan), Koos Cafe, The Chain Reaction, Madison Square Garden.
PATREON:
https://www.patreon.com/SeeingThemLivePlease help us defer the cost of producing this podcast by making a donation on Patreon.
WEBSITE:
https://seeingthemlive.com/Visit the Seeing Them Live website for bonus materials including the show blog, resource links for concert buffs, photos, materials related to our episodes, and our Ticket Stub Museum.
INSTAGRAM:
https://www.instagram.com/seeingthemlive/FACEBOOK:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550090670708 -
The podcast episode features Jesse Rifkin, the owner of Walk on the Wildside Tours NYC, a music history walking tour company in New York City, and the author of the book 'This Must Be the Place: Music, Community, and Vanishing Spaces in New York City.' Rifkin shares his background, including his consultancy roles as a pop music historian and his 12 years as a touring musician. They discuss his first concert experience, watching Bob Dylan with Ani DiFranco as the opening act at the Filene Center in Vienna, Virginia, and the interesting intersections his life has had with notable music historians like Alan Lomax.
Rifkin recounts his experience attending a unique U2 concert at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, highlighting how seeing a globally famous band in an intimate venue was a surreal and memorable experience. He emphasizes the different dimensions of enjoying massive arena shows versus small, underground music scenes. He talks about his favorite bands, particularly Akron Family and other experimental groups, often performing at DIY venues like Silent Barn and emphasizing how these experiences felt more personal and impactful.
The conversation shifts to Jesse’s walking tours, which often focus on the punk and post-punk scenes in NYC, featuring iconic sites like CBGB. He discusses the importance of understanding the human and local context behind legendary music and bands, offering a more tangible and relatable connection to this history. His tours aim to demystify the grandiosity of famous musicians by highlighting their humble beginnings in intimate settings.
Finally, Jesse talks about his book and its evolution from his extensive tours and Instagram presence, which caught the attention of his editor in 2019. He details the content of the book, which spans 60 years of music history, categorizing different NYC music scenes, and offers practical insights into creating community-driven music venues. Jesse’s mission is to show that music and performance spaces can be accessible and transformative, urging people to see the possibility within DIY approaches to music and community building.
BANDS: Akron Family, Bad Brains, Beastie Boys, Blondie, Bob Dylan, Castanets, The Cure, Elephant 6 Recording Company, Grateful Dead, Lynyrd Skynard, Neutral Milk Hotel, New York Dolls, Olivia Tremor Control, Patti Smith, Ramones, Sonic Youth, Talking Heads, U2, Velvet Underground, Wooden Wand and the Vanishing Voice, Woods.
VENUES: 171A, Apollo Theater, Bowery Ballroom, CBGB, Death by Audio, Jelly NYC, Silent Barn, Tonic, Uncle Paulie's, Wolf Trap.
PATREON:
https://www.patreon.com/SeeingThemLivePlease help us defer the cost of producing this podcast by making a donation on Patreon.
WEBSITE:
https://seeingthemlive.com/Visit the Seeing Them Live website for bonus materials including the show blog, resource links for concert buffs, photos, materials related to our episodes, and our Ticket Stub Museum.
INSTAGRAM:
https://www.instagram.com/seeingthemlive/FACEBOOK:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550090670708 -
In this episode of Seeing Them Live, we are thrilled to have Jose Rivera, founder, manager, and lead vocalist of the band Five Guys Named Moe. Jose shares his extraordinary journey from a budding musician to a prolific performer. He narrates how his fascination with the trumpet began in his early childhood and flourished during his time as a section leader and soloist for the United States Marine Corps. Jose describes his experiences performing before U.S. Presidents and numerous heads of state from 1972 to 1977.
He shares captivating anecdotes about sharing stages with trumpet legends like Doc Severinsen and Al Hirt, and his early inspirations such as Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass, and Bill Chase. One particularly memorable story includes a chance encounter with Chase the night before he left for Marine Corps basic training, which solidified his passion for high register trumpet playing. Jose also talks about the devastating impact of the plane crash in 1974 that tragically ended the lives of several members of the band Chase, and the emotional 40-year reunion concert that followed, filled with nostalgia and respect for the members who were lost.
Jose reflects on his post-Marine Corps life and the formation of Five Guys Named Moe in 1988. The band quickly gained popularity with their unique style and vibrant performances, playing at numerous gigs across the Midwest every year. Jose's attention to professionalism and the importance of band dynamics and promotions are evident as he speaks about managing the band over the years. The impact of the Moe Heads, the band's loyal fans, is also a testament to their ongoing success.
Jose underscores the hard work, dedication, and strategic planning required to sustain a band’s longevity in the competitive music industry. As an experienced musician, he offers valuable insights about balancing artistic integrity with crowd-pleasing performances and the reciprocal importance of venue support in promoting events. By mingling with fans and maintaining a professional band practice, Jose ensures that Five Guys Named Moe remains a staple of vibrant live music in the Midwest.
BANDS: Al Hirt, Bill Chase, Blood, Sweat, and Tears, Blues Brothers, Chicago, Chase, Doc Severinsen, Five Guys Named Moe, Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass, Lovecraft, The Kind, United States Marine Corps
VENUES: CD and Me, Cousins, North and Maple, Tailgaters, Ballydoyle, Buddy Pals, Q Bar, Poplar Creek, Superdome
PATREON:
https://www.patreon.com/SeeingThemLivePlease help us defer the cost of producing this podcast by making a donation on Patreon.
WEBSITE:
https://seeingthemlive.com/Visit the Seeing Them Live website for bonus materials including the show blog, resource links for concert buffs, photos, materials related to our episodes, and our Ticket Stub Museum.
INSTAGRAM:
https://www.instagram.com/seeingthemlive/FACEBOOK:
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Jamie James, guitarist, singer, and songwriter, joins Charles on Seeing Them Live to discuss his musical journey and new album Straight Up, released on Oglio Records.
Jamie reflects on his early musical influences, growing up in Woodstock, Ontario, and his transition from aspiring hockey player to musician after a knee injury. He shares how he taught himself guitar on a damaged acoustic and recalls receiving his first real guitar as a Christmas gift in 1966.
The conversation turns to Jamie’s formative concert experiences, including seeing Tommy James and the Shondells, Deep Purple, Sly and the Family Stone, The Who, and an early performance by Queen in a small London club. Jamie describes how these shows influenced his approach to live performance.
He recounts his time in the 1970s rock scene, playing with various bands before joining the New Steppenwolf in 1977. After leaving the New Steppenwolf, Jamie formed The Kingbees, an ‘80s rockabilly trio that gained a cult following.
A favorable review in LA Weekly helped them gain popularity, attracting large crowds to their shows. He discusses their unique rockabilly-inspired style, which predated the Stray Cats and MTV, and his personal shift toward a Buddy Holly-influenced guitar approach. Jamie also shares anecdotes about the LA music scene, recalling interactions with The Blasters and Blackie Dammett, father of Anthony Kiedis, who became an informal emcee for The Kingbees.
Additionally, he recounts signing with RSO Records in 1980, initially seeing little success until their song My Mistake gained radio traction in Detroit. This newfound exposure led to major performance opportunities, including a replacement slot at the Toledo Speedway Jam alongside ZZ Top, AC/DC, and Sammy Hagar; a wild gig that took an unexpected turn involving a whiskey bottle that injured an audience member.
After the Kingbees disbanded in 1981, Jamie pursued a solo career, but his EP failed to resonate with him. A chance encounter with actor Harry Dean Stanton at a July 4th gathering led to a close friendship and musical collaboration that lasted for years. Jamie formed a band with Stanton, regularly performing at The Lighthouse and The Mint. Later, he connected with actor Dennis Quaid, leading to the formation of The Sharks, a band that endured for nearly 20 years.
A severe health scare in 2020 prompted Jamie to recommit to songwriting, leading to the creation of new music during the Covid pandemic. Despite financial challenges, his bandmates were eventually drawn in by the strength of his songs, paving the way for his latest album, Ain’t No Big Thing (https://oglio.com/).
Jamie’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and an enduring love for making music.
PATREON:
https://www.patreon.com/SeeingThemLivePlease help us defer the cost of producing this podcast by making a donation on Patreon.
WEBSITE:
https://seeingthemlive.com/Visit the Seeing Them Live website for bonus materials including the show blog, resource links for concert buffs, photos, materials related to our episodes, and our Ticket Stub Museum.
INSTAGRAM:
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In this episode of Seeing Them Live, host Charles Berman interviews Giuliana Funkhauser, a transdisciplinary artist known for her innovative blend of digital code and synthesized audio to create immersive art installations. Giuliana, based on the U.S. East Coast, completed her graduate studies at the San Francisco Art Institute, concentrating on art and technology, with a particular interest in sound synthesis. Besides her artistic endeavors, she teaches courses on data sonification and video game development. Her collaborative projects include working with musical artist Elizabeth Verosa and visual artist Alison Tannenhaus, performing excerpts from their EP '2021' in events such as the 2022 New England Synthesizer Festival. Additionally, Verosa and Funkhauser's track is featured in the Rewoven Transmissions collection, a remix of Cathode Raytube's works.
Giuliana's shares how she got introduced to music and her unique concert experiences, ranging from middle school outings to witnessing legendary bands like Everclear, Judas Priest, and Iggy Pop. She recounts attending the Radio 104 Fest and vividly describes how Everclear was not her favorite but ended up being the main act she saw due to time restrictions. A humorous and memorable moment emerges from a misunderstanding that led to her attending a performance by Mono of Japan instead of the expected European band Mono, a life-changing encounter that profoundly influenced her musical tastes
Giuliana also narrates her experiences at the Halloween Industrial Music Fest during Hurricane Sandy, where she saw numerous notable acts like Author & Punisher and Theologian in an incredibly intense, weather-challenged environment. Her story culminates in recounting the remarkable Sunn O show, a visceral and intense performance where the sheer power of the sound and visuals led to a memorable audience connection.
Throughout the discussion, Giuliana elaborates on her creative process, revealing how she and her collaborators use data sonification and visual cues to guide their live performances and improvisations. Listeners are invited to explore Giuliana's work further on her website gfunkhouser.com and through various platforms like Bandcamp that feature her recordings.
BANDS: Animals, Author and Punisher, Big Brave, Bohemia, Butthole Surfers, Candlebox, Cathode Ray Tube, Cracker, David Linton, Dead Voices on Air, Dear Woman, Dishwalla, Everclear, Flock of Seagulls, Freeze Pop, Go Go's, Harpy, Iggy pop, Inkanti, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, King Gizzard, Lady Purge, Local H, Lush, Mogwai, Mono, Otto von Schirach, Police, Semisonic, Snowbeasts, Stabbing Westward, Sunn, The Pretenders, Theologian, Tony the Floyd Dementia, Uriah Heep
VENUES:
Club X, Radio 104 Fest
PATREON:
https://www.patreon.com/SeeingThemLivePlease help us defer the cost of producing this podcast by making a donation on Patreon.
WEBSITE:
https://seeingthemlive.com/Visit the Seeing Them Live website for bonus materials including the show blog, resource links for concert buffs, photos, materials related to our episodes, and our Ticket Stub Museum.
INSTAGRAM:
https://www.instagram.com/seeingthemlive/FACEBOOK:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550090670708 -
In this conversation, John Dominguez, co-founder and chief strategist of Songbird Collective, discusses his extensive background in music and his initiative within the Metaverse aimed at creating immersive and collaborative environments for artists. Songbird Collective has facilitated over 1000 live concerts in the Metaverse, allowing artists to showcase their work, even during the pandemic when live music was largely inaccessible. The initiative has also opened new revenue streams for musicians through NFTs and virtual performances, providing a unique and innovative way to engage with global audiences.
He recalls the exciting early days of music exploration via the internet in the mid-90s, highlighting moments when he discovered influential music essays and participated in emerging online music communities. One of his notable memories includes attending his first concert, an NWA show in 1989, where he experienced both the thrill and cultural impact of live hip-hop music. He reminisces about various concert experiences, including attending Kings of Leon at Johnny Depp's Viper Room and the Troubadour in Los Angeles, and describes the unique atmosphere of historical music venues. He also recalls his experience attending the Tibetan Freedom Concert in 1996.
Dominguez also values personal interactions with musicians, sharing stories about his early online exchanges and meetings with avant-garde musicians Nels Cline and Joe Baiza. Despite the modern shift towards digital music consumption, Dominguez advocates for the irreplaceable magic of live performances and encourages music enthusiasts to support local independent shows. In wrapping up, he stresses how vital it is for fans to support smaller live music venues, highlighting how these spaces provide essential platforms for artists and memorable experiences for audiences. Dominguez's dedication to music culture and innovation through Songbird Collective exemplifies the evolving landscape of live music and virtual experiences.
BANDS: Aerosmith, Beastie Boys, Ben Steller, Creeper Lagoon, Dr. Dre, Fontaine's DC, Ice Cube, Jet, John Lee Hooker, Killers, Kings of Leon, Mud Honey, New Jack's Swing, No Doubt, NWA, Oasis, On the Speakers, Ornette Coleman, Pavement, Pixies, Porno for Pyros, Rage Against the Machine, Smashing Pumpkins, Sonic Youth, Stooges, Tribe Called Quest
VENUES: Celebrity Theater, Constellation Room, Castaic Lake, El Rancho Grande, Johnny Depp's Viper Room, Observatory, Rainbow, Roxy, Salt Shed, Troubadour, Mr. T's Bowl
PATREON:
https://www.patreon.com/SeeingThemLivePlease help us defer the cost of producing this podcast by making a donation on Patreon.
WEBSITE:
https://seeingthemlive.com/Visit the Seeing Them Live website for bonus materials including the show blog, resource links for concert buffs, photos, materials related to our episodes, and our Ticket Stub Museum.
INSTAGRAM:
https://www.instagram.com/seeingthemlive/FACEBOOK:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550090670708 -
This episode of Seeing Them Live features an in-depth and in-person conversation with Ray the Roadie and Hollywood Mike, hosts of the Rock and Roll Chicago podcast. Joined by producer and co-host Doug Florzak, the episode was recorded inside the Illinois Rock and Roll Museum on Route 66 in downtown Joliet, Illinois, where the Rock and Roll Chicago podcast is also recorded.
The Rock and Roll Chicago podcast provides a platform for bands and musicians from the Chicago area, delving into the history of rock and roll in Chicago and Illinois, the current scene, and the challenges and opportunities for musicians today. Mike and Ray share humorous anecdotes, such as Mike jokingly proposing 'The Procrastinators' as a name for his next punk band, and Mike mentioning his varied musical activities, including performing with bands like Cadillac Groove and Mike and the Stillmasters, and his solo work. Mike also uncovers a rich musical heritage after meeting a cousin who fronts a Zydeco band in Louisiana, leading him to discover his extended family’s significant contributions to various facets of the entertainment industry.
Ray recounts his multifaceted career journey, involving roadie work, being a firefighter for 28 years, and later diving back into music and podcasting post-retirement. Personal anecdotes include Ray’s memories of his first concert, seeing Chicago Transit Authority, and his best concert experience with ZZ Top, where he enjoyed backstage access and partied with the band.
Mike fondly recalls his first concert, a Billy Squire show with Def Leppard as the opener, and his best concert experience, which was a transformative Buddy Guy performance that inspired him to become a musician. The episode concludes with Ray and Mike previewing their plans for upcoming podcast episodes and discussing the Illinois Rock and Roll Museum’s ongoing development and various exhibits, including guitars from Buddy Guy, and its status as a non-profit organization reliant on donations and memberships for support.
BANDS: 4 Non-Blondes, Alison Krauss, Billy Joel, Billy Squire, Buddy Guy, Cadillac Groove, Def Leppard, Flat Cats, Iron Maiden, Joker, Led Zeppelin, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Mabel's, Mike and the Still Masters, Outlaws, Rage Against A Machine, REO Speedwagon, REM, Robert Plant, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Train, Vulgar Boatmen, Wrought Iron Soul, ZZ Top.
VENUES: Alpine Valley, Chicago Theater, El Macomber, Illinois Rock and Roll Museum, Illinois Rock and Roll Museum on Route 66, International Amphitheater, Mabel's, Ravinia, Rialto Square Theater, Rosemount Horizon, Route 66, Taste of Westmont, The Amphitheater, The Flat Cats, The Forge, The Riviera Theater.
PATREON:
https://www.patreon.com/SeeingThemLivePlease help us defer the cost of producing this podcast by making a donation on Patreon.
WEBSITE:
https://seeingthemlive.com/Visit the Seeing Them Live website for bonus materials including the show blog, resource links for concert buffs, photos, materials related to our episodes, and our Ticket Stub Museum.
INSTAGRAM:
https://www.instagram.com/seeingthemlive/FACEBOOK:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550090670708 -
In this interview on Seeing Them Live, the guest, Ben Apatow, shares his insights and experiences in the music world. Ben is an accomplished author of the books Metallica, the $24.95 Book, and Body Count, part of the Bloomsbury 33 1/3 series. Ben's writing has been featured in various well-known music publications. He begins by recounting his first concert experience, seeing Bob Dylan and the Grateful Dead at RFK Stadium in 1995, a formative event for him. He also highlights memorable concerts, including two Prince shows at Madison Square Garden, citing Prince as an extraordinary performer. However, he also shares his most disappointing concerts: Bad Brains and a recent Jane's Addiction show, noting specific incidences that led to his disappointment with these performances. The Jane's Addiction show, in particular, was tarnished by Perry Farrell's visible struggle, which affected the overall performance quality and led to tour cancellations shortly after.
Transitioning to his literary works, Ben discusses the events around his book Body Count, which covers Body Count's controversial debut album featuring the song Cop Killer. The song elicited backlash from police unions, the Senate, and even the President, leading to its removal from the album after only three months. Ben details the dichotomy of the intense reactions to Cop Killer and the larger issues of censorship and societal fears in the early 1990s.
Regarding his book on Metallica, Ben describes its comprehensive coverage, spanning the band's history, individual members, concerts, and broader cultural impact. He also delves into the influence of punk and metal within their music. Ben emphasizes the significance of word-of-mouth and live performances in Metallica's rise to popularity and reflects on how their approach to live shows continues to engage and expand their fan base. He concludes by expressing his enthusiasm for writing these books and outlining potential future projects, including collaborations and new biographies.
BANDS: AC/DC, Bob Dylan, Body Count, Fiona Apple, Fishbone, Iron Maiden, Living Color, Metallica, Patti Smith, Prince, Slayer, Suicidal Tendencies, The Grateful Dead, The Kinks, The Ramones, Ultimate Classic Rock, Velvet Underground.
VENUES:
RFK Stadium, Madison Square Garden, Alpine Valley, Navy Pier, Salt Shed, Lollapalooza.
PATREON:
https://www.patreon.com/SeeingThemLivePlease help us defer the cost of producing this podcast by making a donation on Patreon.
WEBSITE:
https://seeingthemlive.com/Visit the Seeing Them Live website for bonus materials including the show blog, resource links for concert buffs, photos, materials related to our episodes, and our Ticket Stub Museum.
INSTAGRAM:
https://www.instagram.com/seeingthemlive/FACEBOOK:
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In the first-ever year-end concert review show for the 'Seeing Them Live' podcast, host Charles and his panel of previous guests, including Eric Green, Jessica Catena, Doug Florzak, Steve Pothel, Summer, and Scott Patrick Wiener, review their concert experiences from 2024. The panel members take turns speaking about their most memorable shows, spanning a wide range of venues, cities, and genres, providing vivid anecdotes along the way.
Eric discusses his rich year, including covering bands like Bim Skala Bim, the Dandy Warhols, and Foo Fighters. Summer shares her experiences of attending Lollapalooza and seeing Green Day at Wrigley Field among others. Jessica details her rain-soaked yet impactful experience at the Global Citizen Festival in Central Park and makes plans for 2025. Doug recounts his concert experience joining Charles and previous guest Art Gregg seeing a Led Zeppelin cover band, Led Zeppelin II, at the House of Blues in Chicago. Doug also describes a Soraia concert where Doug and Charles recorded podcast content. Steve recounts emotional concert memories, such as traveling to see Joan Jett and the Psychedelic Furs and plans for upcoming shows.
The episode also highlights special 'podcast moments', where Charles meets listeners and potential guests at concerts he attended.
BANDS: Afghan Whigs, Alanis Morissette, Benson Boone, Bim Skala Bim, Bridget Calls Me Baby, Cat Power, Doja Cat, Dua Lipa, Eye for an Eye, Foo Fighters, Foster the People, Friko, Green Day, Harry Styles, Infinity Song, Jack White, Jane's Addiction, Jelly Roll, Jesus and Mary Chain, Joan Jett, Kim Deal, Led Zeppelin, Life on the V, Love and Rockets, Matthew Sweet, Metallica, Nothing But Thieves, Pantera, Pearl Jam, Post Malone, Psychedelic Furs, Quicksand, Raul Alejandro, Ringo Starr, Rival Schools, Sleater Kinney, Smashing Pumpkins, St. Vincent, Stevie Nicks, The Breeders, The Cannons, The Church, The Cure, The Dandy Warhols, The Deftones, The Killers, The Pixies, The Smiths, The White Stripes, Thursday, Wussy
VENUES: Central Park, City Winery, Club Passim, Fenway Park, Gillette Stadium, Grant Park, House of Blues, Leader Bank Pavilion, Liars Club, Lollapalooza, Madison Square Garden, Northerly Island, Paradise Club, Park West, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Royale, Salt Shed, Soldier Field, South by Southwest, Staples Center, Summit Music Hall, The Tender Trap, Wilbur Theater
PATREON:
https://www.patreon.com/SeeingThemLivePlease help us defer the cost of producing this podcast by making a donation on Patreon.
WEBSITE:
https://seeingthemlive.com/Visit the Seeing Them Live website for bonus materials including the show blog, resource links for concert buffs, photos, materials related to our episodes, and our Ticket Stub Museum.
INSTAGRAM:
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In the final episode of Season 2, Charles welcomes Jim Turbert, an American communication technologist and podcaster residing in Rotterdam. Jim reflects on his first concert at age 13, where Ringo Starr's performance left a lasting impression, partly thanks to his music-loving uncle who influenced his musical tastes. He recounts various memorable concerts, including a powerful Afghan Wigs show in Boston, where lead singer Greg Dooley's storytelling made the performance unforgettable, even despite later learning Dooley's on-stage declaration of being on acid was untrue.
Jim shares his appreciation for technically proficient artists like Mike Watt and Nels Cline, recounting a particularly electrifying performance that displayed exceptional guitar skills. His experiences underscore the importance of venue acoustics and crowd energy, such as how silence and attention at a Sigur Rós concert added to the immersive quality of the show. Conversely, he describes a disappointing Eagles concert during their 'When Hell Freezes Over' tour due to multiple breaks and inflated egos.
A standout anecdote involves Jim losing a shoe while crowd-surfing at a Nirvana concert, only to have Kurt Cobain toss it backstage, leaving him to navigate the chilly New England night unshod. Amid these personal stories, Jim also touches on the broader implications of concert experiences, including nostalgic reflections on hitchhiking back from a Sonic Youth concert with friends and the pure joy of witnessing an early White Stripes performance in a frat house setting.
In addition to sharing concert stories, Jim speaks about his podcast, 'Feel Free to Deviate,' which delves into people's career paths and their relationships with success. The podcast captures various personal and professional journeys, underscoring Jim's curiosity and communication skills.
BANDS: Afghan Wigs, Aerosmith, Beatles, Black Crows, Blackfoot, Breeders, Clarence Clemens, Deep Purple, Dire Straits, Dr. John, The Eagles, Joe Walsh, Led Zeppelin, Living Color, Lounge Acts, Mason Ruffner, Ministry, Minutemen, Nazareth, Nick Cave, Nils Lofgren, Otoboke Beaver, Porno for Pyros, Radiohead, Ringo Starr, Rolling Stones, Sigur Rós, Soundgarden, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Sonic Youth, Ten Years After, the Doors, U2, Walter Trout, White Stripes, Willie Preston.
VENUES: T. T. the Bears, Row Town, Lansdowne Street, Lake Compounce, University of Massachusetts, Panarchy, Orpheum, University of Vermont, Berklee Performance Center.
PATREON:
https://www.patreon.com/SeeingThemLivePlease help us defer the cost of producing this podcast by making a donation on Patreon.
WEBSITE:
https://seeingthemlive.com/Visit the Seeing Them Live website for bonus materials including the show blog, resource links for concert buffs, photos, materials related to our episodes, and our Ticket Stub Museum.
INSTAGRAM:
https://www.instagram.com/seeingthemlive/FACEBOOK:
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In this episode of Seeing Them Live, Charles interviews Shelley Van, an experienced community builder, marketer, and manager of Tru Band Room, a music venue in Decentraland. Shelley discusses her journey from her first concert experience at the B96 Bash to managing over 1,000 performances in the virtual world.
Shelley highlights the unique aspects of virtual events, such as creating avatars, virtual merchandise, and NFTs to engage audiences globally. The conversation delves into the challenges and opportunities of Web3 and how it offers new ways for independent artists to monetize their work. Additionally, Shelley shares memorable moments from her virtual concerts, including a special Christmas event featuring Krampus and live interactions with fans from around the world.
BANDS: Aerosmith, Ash Orphan, Buffalo, Death Cab for Cutie, Deep Sea Diver, Ed Sheeran, Jessica Dobson, Kid Rock, Kings of Leon, Krampus, Mr. Swee, New Kids on the Block, Pans, Psychedelic Furs, Spottie WiFi, Stoney Eye, Tara Who, The Shins.
VENUES: Aragon Ballroom, Credit Union One Amphitheater, Decentraland, Filling Station, Kettle House Amphitheater, Liar's Club, New World Music Theater, Soldier Field, Troubadour, Tru Band Room.
PATREON:
https://www.patreon.com/SeeingThemLivePlease help us defer the cost of producing this podcast by making a donation on Patreon.
WEBSITE:
https://seeingthemlive.com/Visit the Seeing Them Live website for bonus materials including the show blog, resource links for concert buffs, photos, materials related to our episodes, and our Ticket Stub Museum.
INSTAGRAM:
https://www.instagram.com/seeingthemlive/FACEBOOK:
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In this episode dubbed 'Seeing Them Live After Show Report,' Doug and Charles take listeners to The Liars Club in Chicago, where they record brief conversations with fans and performers at a live music event. The focus is on the band Soraia, first introduced in S02E01 by guest Dawn Fontaine, who shared how their music had a life-saving impact on her. After Dawn’s episode, Charles and Doug interviewed ZoZou Mansour from the band in S02E07. The hosts finally meet the band in person at the Liar’s Club and conduct an interview with lead singer Zuzu Mansour, who talks about the influence of music on her life and the songwriting process.
The podcast captures the dynamic energy of the concert and provides a vivid account of the live event, including attendee experiences, band interviews, and their impressions of the venue. Fans express their admiration for the bands performing that night, and discuss the club's excellent sound quality and inviting atmosphere.
BANDS: Ricky Liontones, Soraia, Tara Who?
VENUES: The Liar’s Club
PATREON:
https://www.patreon.com/SeeingThemLivePlease help us defer the cost of producing this podcast by making a donation on Patreon.
WEBSITE:
https://seeingthemlive.com/Visit the Seeing Them Live website for bonus materials including the show blog, resource links for concert buffs, photos, materials related to our episodes, and our Ticket Stub Museum.
INSTAGRAM:
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In this episode of 'Seeing Them Live,' Charles explores the multifaceted career of Ken Reid, a Boston-based comedian, former punk band member, and podcast host. Ken reflects on his diverse experiences, from his early days in the 90s punk band '30 Seconds Over Tokyo' to his extensive comedy career, which includes two comedy albums and a successful podcast 'TV Guidance Counselor.'
He humorously shares early concert anecdotes, including winning tickets through radio contests and memorable shows like the Aerosmith concert and a unique collaboration between David Bowie and Nine Inch Nails. The discussion reveals Ken's passion for live performances and his impact on the entertainment industry over two decades, underscoring his transition from music to comedy and podcasting.
Prompted by a story Charles shares where Michael Stipe asked Charles for his Batman shirt after an REM show, Ken and Charles do a deep dive into the portrayal of Joker by Cesar Romero in the original Batman series. They explore Romero's unique take on the character, the impact it had on the show's success, and how it influenced perceptions of the Joker in pop culture.
The episode also dives into remarkable concert stories, such as The Descendants' comeback tour and intense punk shows at Boston's Rathskeller, portrayed through vivid recollections of chaotic and energetic performances. Additionally, the hosts and Ken discuss the evolving concert culture, contrasting the violent punk shows of the past with today's more positive festival atmosphere. This engaging narrative captures the spirit of live music and the raw energy of punk rock, while showcasing Ken Reid's journey from punk singer to a successful comedian and podcast host with over 700 episodes of 'TV Guidance Counselor.'
PATREON:
https://www.patreon.com/SeeingThemLivePlease help us defer the cost of producing this podcast by making a donation on Patreon.
WEBSITE:
https://seeingthemlive.com/Visit the Seeing Them Live website for bonus materials including the show blog, resource links for concert buffs, photos, materials related to our episodes, and our Ticket Stub Museum.
INSTAGRAM:
https://www.instagram.com/seeingthemlive/FACEBOOK:
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In this episode of Seeing Them Live, host Charles welcomes Rudy Childs, an award-winning documentary filmmaker and rock photographer. Rudy shares insights into his career, highlighting his acclaimed documentaries on heavy metal music and his extensive photography work with iconic bands like Van Halen and Aerosmith. The conversation touches on Rudy's early concert experiences, notably his first Aerosmith concert at 15, which set the course for his unique approach to concert photography by sneaking cameras into shows to capture legendary moments.
Rudy also discusses the highs and lows of his journey, including curious anecdotes such as impersonating a Kerrang magazine writer for a band interview and his encounter with Sharon Osbourne when she threw him out of Ozzy’s dressing room. His passion for rock music is evident in his vivid recollections of concerts and the lengths he went to photograph and videotape these events, despite the challenges posed by his battles with drug use.
Beyond photography, Rudy describes his venture into filmmaking, with documentaries like 'The Dogmatics' and 'Tension,' exploring bands that shaped the punk and metal scenes. He details his creative process and the enthusiasm with which he pursued these projects, despite personal setbacks. His work has been celebrated, winning several awards and being featured in numerous publications.
Rudy concludes by sharing exciting updates and future plans, including a potential publication of his candid memoir 'Riff Raff and Rock and Roll,' which delves into his personal experiences with addiction and recovery. He also hints at a significant project involving a well-known band, showcasing his ongoing dedication to documenting the world of music.
BANDS: Aerosmith, Alice Cooper, Black Sabbath, Blue Oyster Cult, Cheap Trick, Chicago White Sox, David Bowie's band, Tin Machine, Elton John, Flock of Seagulls, Foreigner, J Giles, Judas Priest, Madonna, Megadeth, Men at Work, Metallica, Michael Stanley band, Motley Crue, Nantucket, Ozzie Osbourne, Pink Floyd, Quiet Riot, Rick Derringer, Scorpions, Stray Cats, Ted Nugent, The Kinks, The Outlaws, Thin Lizzy, Tom Petty, Van Halen
VENUES: Boston garden, Cape Cod Coliseum, Comiskey park, Four Seasons, Hammerjacks, Merriweather, Nassau Coliseum
PATREON:
https://www.patreon.com/SeeingThemLivePlease help us defer the cost of producing this podcast by making a donation on Patreon.
WEBSITE:
https://seeingthemlive.com/Visit the Seeing Them Live website for bonus materials including the show blog, resource links for concert buffs, photos, materials related to our episodes, and our Ticket Stub Museum.
INSTAGRAM:
https://www.instagram.com/seeingthemlive/FACEBOOK:
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In this special episode of Seeing Them Live: After Show Report, host Charles welcomes back previous guests Eric Green, an award-winning filmmaker and blogger, and Scott Patrick Wiener, an artist and art teacher. Both friends, bonded by their love for Jane's Addiction, recount their experiences at a recent controversial Jane's Addiction concert in Boston where frontman Perry Farrell attacked guitarist Dave Navarro on stage. They reflect on attending the show together, reminiscing on their long friendship, shared history with the band, and involvement in each other's creative projects.
Eric and Scott delve into the details of the concert, describing both the high points of the performance and the troubling behavior exhibited by Perry Farrell, who appeared inebriated. They discuss the band's instrumental prowess and some standout moments from the night, juxtaposed with the unraveling tensions among the band members leading up to the on-stage altercation. The friends offer insights into the darker troubled history of Jane's Addiction, emphasizing the volatility that has characterized the band's trajectory.
Throughout the episode, the two guests also share their perspectives on the broader context of the band's enduring legacy, the personal significance of Jane's Addiction's music in their lives, and their mutual admiration for bassist Eric Avery's contributions to the band's sound. They recount the immediate aftermath of the event, how the altercation was reported by major media outlets, and their reactions to the incident.
The episode concludes with reflections on the meaningful moments of the night despite the dramatic turn of events. Eric and Scott mention their interest in future concert reviews and collaborations, encapsulating their deep bond and mutual passion for live music.
BANDS: Bruce Springsteen, Empire Records, Jane's Addiction, Lollapalooza, Lollapalooza, Love and Rockets, Nine Inch Nails, Pearl Jam, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Ringo Starr and His All-Star Band, The Beatles, The Monkees, Van Halen, Prince
VENUES: Aragon Ballroom, Fenway Park, Grant Park, Hammerstein Ballroom, Hanscom Middle School, Harbor Lights, Leader Bank Pavilion
PATREON:
https://www.patreon.com/SeeingThemLivePlease help us defer the cost of producing this podcast by making a donation on Patreon.
WEBSITE:
https://seeingthemlive.com/Visit the Seeing Them Live website for bonus materials including the show blog, resource links for concert buffs, photos, materials related to our episodes, and our Ticket Stub Museum.
INSTAGRAM:
https://www.instagram.com/seeingthemlive/FACEBOOK:
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In this episode of Seeing Them Live, host Charles welcomes Scott Patrick Wiener, an artist and lifelong skateboarder who currently teaches art at Hanscom Middle School in Massachusetts. The conversation kicks off with Scott reminiscing about his first concert experience in 1991 at the Walter Brown Arena, where he saw the Red Hot Chili Peppers with opening acts Pearl Jam and Smashing Pumpkins. Scott recounts the electrifying atmosphere and the impact that punk rock had on his life following his discovery of skateboarding in 1988.
The episode delves into Scott's diverse music tastes, ranging from hip hop to industrial, and his favorite bands like Sonic Youth and the Dead Kennedys. He shares insightful stories about attending Lollapalooza in 1992 and how Ministry's intense performance left a lasting impression. Scott also talks about the local hardcore scene in Boston during the early 90s, highlighting shows by bands like Chillmark that gave him a sense of community. A particularly touching moment comes when Scott describes taking his daughter to her first concert to see Wussy, a band whose songs he used to sing to her as lullabies. This episode is a nostalgic journey through Scott's vibrant musical history, marked by memorable concerts and the unifying power of music.
BANDS: A Tribe Called Quest, Beastie Boys, Beastie Boys, Bob Dylan, Burn, Circle Jerks, Dead Kennedys, Descendants, Dinosaur Jr., Dirty Rotten Imbeciles, Gang Starr, Heroin, Ian Mackaye, Ice Cube, Jane's Addiction, Jello Biafra, King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, Kingpin, Lou Barlow, Lush, Megadeth, Metallica, Ministry, Mogwai, Nirvana, Palehead, Pearl Jam, Public Enemy, Red Hot Chili Peppers, REM, Ritchie Havens, Run D.M.C., Said and Done, Sebadoh, Sex Pistols, Sick of It All, Slayer, Smashing Pumpkins, Smiths, Sonic Youth, Suicidal Tendencies, The Alcoholics, The Cure, The Goats, The Pharcyde, The Smiths, The Who, Tribe, U2, Wrecking Crew
VENUES: 930 Club, Aragon Ballroom, First Baptist Church, Great Woods, Lollapalooza, Middle East, Smith College, The Rathskeller, Walter Brown Arena, Woods Hole
PATREON:
https://www.patreon.com/SeeingThemLivePlease help us defer the cost of producing this podcast by making a donation on Patreon.
WEBSITE:
https://seeingthemlive.com/Visit the Seeing Them Live website for bonus materials including the show blog, resource links for concert buffs, photos, materials related to our episodes, and our Ticket Stub Museum.
INSTAGRAM:
https://www.instagram.com/seeingthemlive/FACEBOOK:
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