Episodes
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Today’s guest made me feel…liked. I was fortunate enough to talk with actor French Stewart. And it wouldn’t have happened without the kindness of two wonderful people, Laurel Green and Matt North. Thank you both so much. French’s story is wild. His acting stems from a mix of a high school elective and having a con man for his biological father. He had no idea he was going to college, let alone for acting, until his mom told him so. But his talent shone through and soon he was in LA doing Professor Bodywise’s Traveling Menagerie. French reveals how he got his SAG card, got fired from that job, rehired, pulled over in the Flintstones mobile, and got fired again.
He did a lot of work prior to his big break, like the Stargate movie, The New WKRP in Cincinnati, and Glory Daze. But he tells me the special something that got him the part of Harry Solomon on 3rd Rock. He has a ton of great stories from all of his roles and he was happy to share them, including some of the roles he was offered that didn’t exactly stretch his acting chops. But he’s so much more than a comedic actor who only does variations on the Harry Solomon theme. If you want proof, check out the Jennifer Lynch movie Surveillance, his work with the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, his guest spot on Psych, or one of his most recent films, Bob Trevino Likes It. That movie is something special. So follow French on Instagram or Facebook. He’s pretty easy to find. Follow us @PerformanceAnx. Pick up merch at performanceanx.threadless.com or just send money through ko-fi.com/performanceanxiety. And I hope you enjoy this episode with French Stewart as much as I did on Performance Anxiety on the Pantheon Podcast Network.
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Today’s guest has made a career playing with some of the most avant garde musicians in the world. But he didn’t start off with music in mind. Welcome drummer Bob Bert to the podcast. He grew up in a house that wasn’t super musical. In fact, his father, Angelo, was more into sports than music. He was so into sports that he won the Heisman trophy in 1943. But Bob had other ideas.
Bob played some drums but was more interested in fine art, eventually printing for Andy Warhol. His music career began when his wife volunteered him for an impromptu gig. Bob talks about how he got the Sonic Youth gig, was fired, and then rehired. He talks about some other projects he was in and how Thurston Moore named one of them. Bob discusses his time in Pussy Galore, Chrome Cranks, Jon Spencer & The Hitmakers, Lydia Lunch’s Retrovirus, and more.
Bob has released his first true solo album called Beach Bongo Bloodbath. And the consensus is…it’s a fun album. It’s a mix of covers and originals and highlights Bob’s singular take on music, like his guitar-free version of Mountain’s Mississippi Queen. It’s out on Bar None Records. Find it, buy, it, stream it, whatever you need to do. And follow Bob @therealbobbert on Instagram. Follow us @PerformanceAnx and grab some merch at performanceanx.threadless.com. Or just slide us some money at ko-fi.com/performanceanxiety. Now please welcome Bob Bert on Performance Anxiety on the Pantheon Podcast Network.
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Today’s guest is almost like talking to myself from a parallel universe. Welcome Cento Threeo’s Don Cento. Don’s been creating music for decades in all kinds of ways, all kinds of styles, and in all kinds of roles. He played guitar about as seriously as any teenager until he ran across a flamenco guitar player who performed at his school. That changed everything.
When he was considering colleges, there was an odd coincidence that set his path in motion. And it turns out that a relative ended up working at that same college a few years into Don’s time there!
He really had no plans after college but ended up falling into a graphics design career due to the needs of the bands he was in. He’s learned a lot from every band he’s been in. He talks about those bands, different genres, and how all of that has helped him in his career. He has formed a cool band called Cento Threeo and their debut album is about to come out. It’s called Halfway To Mellowtown and is filled with exquisite music. Don reveals the thought behind the band name and the reason they spend two whole days recording the album. So go check it out, order it on bandcamp, stream the music, and support awesome music like Cento Threeo. Check out centothreeo.com for more info and social media links, even though they’re pretty easy to find. Follow us @PerformanceAnx on socials. Grab merch at performanceanx.threadless.com or just send some money to ko-fi.com/performanceanxiety. And now, may I present Don Cento of Cento Threeo on Performance Anxiety on the Pantheon Podcast Network.
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Today’s guest began his career as a musician but worked his way behind the scenes, managing some of the biggest tours on the planet. Welcome Larry McNeny. He’s just released a book about his career as a tour manager called Blood, Guts, and No Glory. Larry discusses his early aspirations to become a rock star, his encounters with musicians including Pete Townshend, Roger Daltrey, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, and the Bee Gees, and his work managing tours for various bands. He detailed his experiences managing Eric Clapton's early tours, including memorable moments like touring Europe on a train with Eric Clapton and Muddy Waters, working behind the scenes for The Band’s final show, which became The Last Waltz. He also shared stories about managing the Bee Gees on their world tours, working with Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne (including planning their Maui wedding).
Larry also talks about his philanthropic work, his many writing projects, and a whole lot more. This ais a fascinating look behind the scenes of some huge tours of the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s. And I want to thank our mutual friend, the incredible Mr. Simon Davies, formerly of Teen Cancer America, for connecting us. Check out Larry’s book on TCU Press. Find him on Facebook, Find us @PerformanceAnx of socials. Grab merch at performanceanx.threadless.com. Send money through ko-fi.com/performanceanxiety. Now grab a glass of Courvassier and get ready for a sampling of touring stories from Larry McNeny on Performance Anxiety on the Pantheon Podcast Network.
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This guest is NOT a musical chameleon. He’s a Johnny Iguana. And he’s the keyboardist/pianist for Chicago’s The Claudettes. They have a jaw-dropping new album coming out in June.But we start by talking about his early work. He’s got an unusual reason for starting piano lessons. Johnny talks about early bands and how he began playing for one of his heroes. He reveals why he left that gig and how he started The Claudettes. He tells me how the band got their name, working remotely for a high profile company for two decades before it became cool, and playing with two singers before Rachel Williams joined the band. Johnny talks about scoring for the hit show, The Bear, the importance of chord changes and we answer the age old question of “What makes post punk different from punk”? Give them a follow on socials. Go to theclaudettes.com for more information and links and preorder the new album, Garage Glamour. Follow us @PerformanceAnx on socials. Grab merch at performanceanx.threadless.com or just send money to ko-fi.com/performanceanxiety. And prepare to be blown away by Johnny Iguana from The Claudettes on Performance Anxiety; part of the Pantheon Podcast Network.
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This episode is a little different. It’s still about music, but from a very particular perspective. My guest is author Daniel Rachel. He’s written some fantastic books like Isle of Noise (about UK songwriters) and The Lost Album of The Beatles. His latest release may be his most controversial. It’s called This Ain’t Rock ‘n’ Roll: Pop Music, The Swastika, & The Third Reich. In it, Daniel explores the fascination musicians have had with Nazi imagery, symbolism, and paraphernalia. There are some connections you’ve probably heard of, like Jimmy Page and Lemmy. But there are others that you might not be aware of, like The Human League and Nick Cave. Daniel and I talk through how the British, especially in the 60’s and 70’s, used symbols as a way of mocking Nazi-ism. We also talk about a seeming resurgence in the symbolism, particularly through artists like Kanye West.
The book gives facts and tells stories. But, importantly, it lets the readers draw their own conclusions. It was a fascinating read, especially if you like music & history. I recommend picking it up. It’s available from Akashic Books at https://www.akashicbooks.com/catalog/this-aint-rock-n-roll-pop-music-the-swastika-and-the-third-reich/
Follow Daniel @danielrachelauthor on Instagram. Follow us @PerformanceAnx on socials. Grab merch at performanceanx.threadless.com. You can also send coffee funds to ko-fi.com/performanceanxiety. Now prepare for a history lesson with Daniel Rachel on Performance Anxiety on the Pantheon Podcast Network.
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Today’s guest is a legacy and I’ve had many of his family members on the show. Welcome Patrick Michot to the podcast. Patrick may come from a legendary Louisiana zydeco family but he’s forging his own path while paying homage to his family’s legacy. So this is NOT a zydeco episode. I’m so thankful that Patrick’s cousin, Louis Michot, introduced me to the music. It’s been a wild journey, listening to a cajun version of black metal. But that’s not all he does. How do ocarina and classical guitar covers of video game music sound to you? I KNOW! I thought it was awesome, too. I’m only scratching the surface here. If you like dichotomy, Patrick is your guy. He started playing triangle at age 3 in his father’s zydeco band. He switched to guitar and got into black metal. He moved from Louisiana to Dallas-Fort Worth and has been immersed in the black metal scene there for years. He’s even gotten recognition from one of his musical influences! He’s played in some non-metal bands. In fact, he made a suggestion in one of them that MAY have gotten him kicked out of the band!
This is a heavy, fun episode. I’m hoping you all enjoy it as much as I did. Go to extraterrestrial.network to get all of Patrick’s projects, contacts, and social media pages. Follow us @PerformanceAnx on socials. Merch is at performanceanx.threadless.com. Money for coffee can be sent to ko-fi.com/performanceanxiety. Prepare for some musical whiplash with Patrick Michot on Performance Anxiety on the Pantheon Podcast Network.
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This guest has just fulfilled a long-term dream. Welcome stalwart of the NYC music scene, George Usher to the podcast. But before moving to New York, he was stealing Beatles songs in Cleveland. He moved to NYC knowing no one and waited a year before playing out. But once he did, he played some legendary venues like CBGB’s and Max’s Kansas City. He became a hired gun in the 80’s and reveals the difficulties of marketing yourself, pre-internet. And’s that’s when his Stephensonville project began. George explains why it’s taken 30 years for the album to come out and the circumstances that gave it life after so long. With it taking so long, it is practically required listening. That means going to bandcamp and buying the limited edition vinyl because it isn’t available on streaming services yet. Follow himon Facebook for more information. Go to @PerformanceAnx to follow us. Go to performanceanx.threadless.com for merch or ko-fi.com/performanceanxiety to send us monet, presumably for coffee. And I hope you enjoy this satisfying story of a fulfilled dream with George Usher on Performance Anxiety on the Pantheon Podcast Network.
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This episode is Truly unique. I’m welcoming back an early guest (episode #3) and a new guest because they are in the same band. Welcome back Robert Roth and welcome for the first time, Hiro Yamamoto. Truly is a band everyone should know. Not only is the pedigree amazing, they write the music to back it up and have for 35 years. Robert and Hiro talk about their musical backgrounds; Robert with Storybook Krooks & Hiro with Soundgarden, They both talk about the state of flux in the Seattle music scene in 1989. Robert talks about almost joining Nirvana and Hiro discusses his departure from Soundgarden. But they met through mutual friend and Truly drummer, Mark Pickerel. The band has gone through almost every trial and tribulation imaginable and they are more excited than ever about touring and recording new music. Hiro’s also a 2x Hall of Fame inductee. There are so many stories packed into this episode. Follow Truly @truly_band on Instagram or go to trulyband.com for more information, music, & merch. Speaking of merch, get ours at performanceanx.threadless.com or just send money at ko-fi.com/performanceanxiety. I hope you’re as excited as I was for Truly on Performance Anxiety on the Pantheon Podcast Network.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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As the episode title says, this episode is all about the band Genesis. My brother Scott has written two in depth articles about the band’s early years for The Strange Brew blog. Both he and long-time podcast friend Jordon Zadorozny of Blinker The Star join me to discuss the history of Genesis, from Peter Gabriel all the way through Ray Wilson. Check out Scott’s work at scottsheaauthor.com. Check out Jordon’s music at blinkerthestar.bandcamp.com. Follow them on socials (@scottsheaauthor & @blinkerthestar). Follow us @PerformanceAnx. Merch is at performanceanx.threadless.com. Support us with caffeine at ko-fi.com/performanceanxiety. Without further ado, Scott Shea & Jordon Zadorozny on Genesis on the Pantheon Podcast Network.
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Today’s guest is deliberate. He’s that way with his music, his lyrics, and his touring. Welcome singer/songwriter Robert Deeble to the podcast. He’s recently released his latest album, The Space Between Us, and it’s a very easy listen. Robert talks about the themes behind the album, how he wrote the music, and who else is on it.
Growing up, he struggled with music in several different ways; from playing piano from memory to his unusual entry into singing, to being a hot shot drummer who could solo like mad but had trouble slowing down. He changed his instrument and his approach and has never looked back. He’s had some great musical influences and collaborators like Victoria Williams. He’s now considered literary folk pop and I’m here for it. Check out robertdeeble.com for ways to hear the album, social media links, and to join the email list. Follow us @PerformanceAnx on socials. Grab merch at performanceanx.threadless.com or support our coffee habit at ko-fi.com/performanceanxiety. Now slow down and listen to Robert Deeble on Performance Anxiety on the Pantheon Podcast Network.
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Today’s guest is fiery. And I have to thank Ian Ottaway for introducing me to her. Welcome Erika Switchblade from The Devils to the podcast. Erika is Italian, in southern Italy. International episodes are always interesting. And Erika sets expectations early. She’s pretty sure this will be the worst podcast I’ve ever done. I disagree.
Erika talks about the first song she ever remembers hearing, playing in her own bands by 14, and then getting kicked out of them. She met her current bandmate, Gianni Blacula and formed The Devils so they couldn’t get kicked out of any more bands. They’ve been together for over 10 years and we talk about how the band has changed.
We talk about the appearance of Mark Lanegan, the influence of Alain Johannes, and the importance of Magic Sam. Check out their latest album, Devil’s Got It. It’s a wild collection of blues and soul covers. Follow them on Instagram @thedevilsinsta. Follow us @PerformanceAnx on socials. Merch is at performanceanx.threadless.com. Send money to ko-fi.com/performanceanxiety. Now say some prayers because I’m talking with Erika Switchblade of The Devils on Performance Anxiety on the Pantheon Podcast Network.
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Welcome super nice guy Smitti Supab to the podcast. He’s a bass player for a lot of people. And we talk about a lot of them today. But he’s got his own band, Captain Buckles, that’s released their debut album called Hurry Up. Smitti has had quite an adventurous life and not all of it revolves around music. In fact, music was almost an accident! He went to China to teach, played in ex-pat bands, managed a SCUBA resort, lived with a legendary Chinese dub reggae artist, played monkey shows, and finally wound up in New Orleans.
That’s where Captain Buckles started. His career has been wild so it’s no surprise Captain Buckles’ debut is wild, as well. There’s a LOT in this episode, so I don’t want to waste too much time with an intro. Follow Smitti and the band @captainbuckles on social media. Pick up the album! Follow us @PerformanceAnx. Money will get you merch at performanceanx.threadless.com. Or send us a cup of coffee at ko-fi.com/performanceanxiety. Now get ready to be chill and excited all at the same time with Smitti Supab of Captain Buckles on Performance Anxiety on the Pantheon Podcast Network.
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Today we’re talking about family bands with two guys who know a thing or two about them; Louis Michot and Corey Ledet. Both of these gentlemen are parts of families with deep musical roots. And they both give us a brief rundown of where they fit in the family tree. Corey’s great grandfather was an early jazz pioneer while Louis’ grandmother was a professional whistler! And Louis talks about their supernatural book connection. We talk about life in family bands; where it makes things better and where it’s more difficult. Is touring with the fam harder than with unrelated bandmates? Louis & Corey give us the good, the bad, and the ugly about working with family in the music business.Louis had to go part way through this, but not to worry, Corey sticks around to talk about his first ever live album: Corey Ledet Zydeco & Black Magic Live In Alaska. And while I was hoping it was the first live album from Alaska, it turns out there are others. Not many, but a couple. Anyway, it’s a killer performance from a super-hot band. Check it out on Bandcamp, Spotify, Apple, or wherever you buy music. Follow Corey & Louis on socials (@coreyledetzydeco & @louismichotmusic) to stay up to date on music & tours. Follow us @PerformanceAnx. Support us through performanceanx.threadless.com and buy something or ko-fi.com/performanceanxiety and keep me going with a cup of coffee. So let’s hear about some family bands on Performance Anxiety on the Pantheon Podcast Network.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Today’s guest may be one of the hardest working guests I’ve ever had. Please welcome, straight from Normandy, France, Stephane Schuck. Stephane talks about the music that inspired him as a kid. It isn’t your standard rock and roll background. Maybe part of that is growing up in France, maybe part is just Stephane’s unique angle on music.
He formed a group that eventually came to known as The Salt Collective. But that isn’t his day job. Instead of music, Stephane went into medicine. Both hemispheres of his brain are constantly working! He talks about working with some of his heroes with his own music, changing his band’s name, and what happened when he was diagnosed with leukemia.
The Salt Collective has a new album out called A Brief History of Blindness. It features Mike Mills, Aimee Mann, Pat Sansone, and former podcast guests Chris Stamey and Django Haskins (among others). It’s a wonderful album that you can stream in the usual places or buy it on Bandcamp or thesaltcollective.propellersoundrecordings.com. Follow the group @thesaltcollective on Instagram & Facebook. Follow us @PerformanceAnx. Support us through performanceanx.threadless.com or ko-fi.com/performanceanxiety. Now let's get salty with Stephane Schuck on Performance Anxiety on the Pantheon Podcast Network.
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Today’s guest is just a badass. I’m so excited about this one that I don’t even want to do too long of an intro. I just want her to tell her story. Welcome Wendy Rae Fowler to the show. She’s got such an interesting story. She plays bass for Humanist in addition to her own music. But her first love was dance. She talks about all her creative endeavors from dance, to acting, to bass, and more.She collaborated with Queens of the Stone Age, Earthlings?, Mark Lanegan (that collaboration included a wedding), and more. She reveals the one project she’ll never get over, who Katie Cruel is, and how she wrote an ambient film soundtrack. She tells the story of how she started playing with Rob Marshall and Humanist and how the music transformed once it was played live.
Honestly, I could listen to her for hours. She’s wonderful and I want to take a second and thank Rob Marshall of Humanist for the introduction. Go to wendyraefowlerofficial.com for more information. She’s active on Instagram @wendyraefowler. Her music is also available on Bandcamp. Keep an eye open for some new releases. Follow us @PerformanceAnx. Grab merch at performanceanx.threadless.com. Just send money to ko-fi.com/performanceanxiety. And let’s get right into the story with Wendy Rae Fowler on Performance Anxiety on the Pantheon Podcast Network.
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It took me about 7 years to get today’s guest. That’s because he was too busy helping other artists with their public relations. Welcome one of my oldest podcasting friends, Howard Wuelfing. Howard was instrumental in kicking off the DC punk scene early on. But he wasn’t originally from the area. Howard talks about growing up just outside of NYC and how that influenced his entire life. He was getting into the nascent NYC punk scene when an opportunity arose in DC that he could not pass up. But instead of wondering what was going on in New York, he decided to help build a scene in Washington DC. He tells some great stories about some of the dingier venues he’s played, some of the iconic people he’s played with, and how they all came together to help each other out in true DIY fashion.
Howard founded two seminal DC zines back in the early 80’s called Descenes and Discords and has compiled them all in a limited release. He tells the story of how they started, who was involved, and what happened to them. It’s a crazy story. Go to www.diwulf.com to pick up a signed copy. Check out performanceanx.threadless.com for podcast merch or ko-fi.com/performanceanxiety to send us coffee money.
And, on a personal note; thank you for everything you’ve done for this podcast, Howard. It truly would not be the same without you. Please enjoy Howard Wuelfing on Performance Anxiety on the Pantheon Podcast Network.
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Welcome photographer and musician Josh Hight to the show. Josh’s story is near and dear to me because it centers around two of my passions: music and photography. And Josh’s story is not a straightforward one, either. Although his parents were both creative (his dad was in advertising and his mom was an interior designer) visual art came later. His first love was music. He’s from Detroit and so its natural that he’s into garage and punk rock. He joined up with another friend of the podcast, Toddrick Spalding, and played with The Detachment Kit. But, in true punk rock fashion, he heard London calling and moved to the U.K., where he attended school for graphic design. But his love for music was always there, working with Glen Johnson and Piano Magic, Tullia Benedicta, and others musically and visually. Once he met Richard Norris, the seeds of a new band, Pines, were sown. And that’s where we find Josh now. He has released an EP with collaborations from artists like Andy Bell and more. The album is light and heavy, dreamy and scary. It’s a must-hear collection of music. Find it on a multitude of streamers, on Bandcamp at www.richardnorris.bandcamp.com. Follow the Instagram accounts @p.i.n.e.s (underscores at the beginning and end) and @josh._.hight for more information. Follow us @PerformanceAnx. Grab some merch at performanceanx.threadless.com or just throw cash at us at ko-fi.com/performanceanxiety. Now let’s get into it with Josh Hight of Pines on Performance Anxiety on the Pantheon Podcast Network.
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Today’s guest is a true family man. Or is it family band? You know what? It’s both. Please welcome Lucas Ward of The Silver Snails to the show. He take a moment from traveling with his family to talk to me about his unusual musical path. It definitely hasn’t been straightforward. But it’s been incredibly fruitful. He discusses growing up and being friends with Elliot Smith, back when he was known and Steven. He talks about the album that flipped the musical switch in his mind. We also talk about mistaken credits, the vulnerability of singing, and starting The Silver Snails after moving to Italy with his family.
After writing, recording, and releasing a “kitchen sink” debut album, there was a gap of over ten years until the sophomore release. He Lucas also talks about the unusual way the band got their name. Go check out Speed of Light, the sophomore release by The Silver Snails. Stream it or check out thesilversnails.com for ways to buy physical copies. Follow them on Instagram & Facebook for show dates and more. Follow us @PerformanceAnx. Grab merch at performanceanx.threadless.com. Send money to ko-fi.com/performanceanxiety. And I hope you enjoy Lucas Ward as much as I did on Performance Anxiety on the Pantheon Podcast Network.
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This isn’t exactly a Christmas episode, although it certainly leans heavily into the season. That’s because my guest today is an 80’s icon who has released a Christmas song. Welcome Limahl to the podcast. You may remember him from the 80’s band Kajagoogoo, and the track playing underneath all this intro stuff. Or you might remember him from the international #1 hit The Neverending Story from the movie of the same name. Limahl’s story is fascinating. He got into music as a kid and even released a Christmas single in 1980! He tells me how he and the band Art Nouveau found each other and became Kajagoogoo. We even learn how the band name came about. Limahl tells the story of meeting Nick Rhodes from Duran Duran and how he got involved in the band’s debut and how he (Limahl, not Nick) was fired at the height of their popularity.
He didn’t let that keep him down. He tells the story of The Neverending Story and how it was #1 in 17 countries! We’re in a time crunch with this episode, but we do manage to discuss his recent cover of America’s A Horse With No Name and his holiday single, One Wish For Christmas, which has it’s own great, possibly neverending, story. Go to limahl.com for more information and links to his socials (try limahloffcial on your favorite platforms). Go listen to, stream, and buy One Wish For Christmas. It’ll definitely get you in the holiday spirit. Check us out @PerformanceAnx. Merch is at performanceanx.threadless.com (great holiday gifts). Or just send money to ko-fi.com/performanceanxiety. I’ll leave the Too Shy jokes to the man, himself…Limahl on Performance Anxiety on the Pantheon Podcast Network.
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