50 Years of Maximum Rock n' Roll

Bob Heil will explain what he means by a six pack and what Creem Magazine has to do with that. He will share some special stories about some of the Rock n' Roll legends that he's worked with (Jimmie Hendrix) and we'll finally hear how he met Joe Walsh.

This episode is not about rock stars trashing hotel rooms or epic concerts. It is about the innovation and technology that has gone into much of Bob Heil's career. Bob has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the science of audio and we wanted to give our geeky audio fans a very special episode. 

Before ZZ Top were sharp dressed men they were just a little three piece band from Texas. With no beards. But they had "that sound" driven by Billy Gibbons unmistakable guitar and vocal. Bob Heil and Heil Sound were there on the band's early tours perfecting the live sound where, with a trio, everything mattered.

From Joe Walsh trashing hotel rooms to groupies, Bob Heil recalls some of the crazier stories that to the rest of us seem like legend.

After working at venues around the globe some of Bob Heil's favorite live sound venues were actually right in his own backyard. Bob recalls the iconic Mississippi River Fest and how Kiel Auditorium became a live testing venue for Heil Sound. 

In this episode Bob Heil sits down with Dave Hines to talk about The Who's Quadrophenia tour and how a meeting with Pete Townsend in London blossomed into the album Quadrophenia and the technology that Bob Heil developed to allow that album to be performed live the way it was intended.   

Topics

NAMM, Russ Long, Sandra McCracken, Denny Tedesco, The Wrecking Crew

Synopsis

The annual NAMM show in Anaheim, California is a must-attend event for anyone in the music products industry. It’s an opportunity to see old friends, make new connections, and get a peek at the latest innovations in music gear. As you would expect, Heil had a front-row seat to this year’s event.

In this episode, Dave and Bob chat about the highlights from this year’s NAMM show. You’ll hear about Bob’s connection to Joe Walsh through ham radio, which legendary musician helped birth the PR35 microphone, and why it is the vocal mic of choice for so many artists today. You’ll also hear from producer Russ Long, who shares tips on live tracking, as well the scoop on Sandra McCracken’s latest project. Finally, you’ll hear from filmmaker Denny Tedesco and why his documentary on The Wrecking Crew was such an important project for him.

This episode is packed full of tips and insights for musicians, storytellers, filmmakers, and everyone in between.

Links & Resources

Heil Sound

NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants)

The Wrecking Crew Film

Zildjian Cymbals

Joan Baez

Sandra McCracken

Russ Long

Topics: Pete Townshend, The Who, B.B. King, Journey, Steve Perry

Synopsis

What is it really like to be a professional touring soundman? While some might believe it’s little more than lugging gear and pushing a few buttons, Heil Sound alum Randy Burton will be the first to tell you it’s much, much more than that.

In this episode--the second half of a two-part interview--Randy dives into stories from the road and shares his perspective on what it really means to be an effective sound engineer and work effectively with artists who are often insecure. You’ll also hear about how he was hit in the head with Pete Townshend’s guitar, how he almost witnessed the demise of Journey’s frontman, Steve Perry, and why he thinks B.B. King is such a nice guy.

Randy’s stories and insights will entertain and inspire you in your own journey as a music fan, sound buff, or fan of classic rock ‘n roll.

Links & Resources

Heil Sound

Pete Townshend

B.B. King

The Who

Journey

Topics: Ozark Music Festival, Ted Nugent, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Humble Pie, The Eagles

Synopsis

Music festivals are a staple of the rock ‘n roll industry. Incredible bands, huge crowds, and a rowdy outdoor atmosphere all come together to create an environment where legends are born and history is made.

If you want a firsthand account of some of the craziest and most memorable moments in the history of rock music festivals, look no further than Heil Sound alum Randy Burton. In this episode--the first half of a two-part interview--Randy shares a soundman’s-eye view of 1974’s Ozark Music Festival in Sedalia, Missouri. You’ll hear about Wolfman Jack’s run-in with a wine bottle, Ted Nugent’s on-stage antics, and what Randy thought of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s sound engineer. Randy also shares stories about The Eagles, Sammy Hagar, and J. Geils’ run-in with Black Sabbath.

If you’ve ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of a music festival, you’ll love this episode as Randy Burton shares a unique perspective on a key moment in rock history.

Links & Resources

Heil Sound

Ozark Music Festival

The Eagles

Lynyrd Skynyrd

Ted Nugent