Starting 2025 with a bang, Brent rejoins the podcast for this latest episode of A-SIDES as we dive into one of the most enduring and polaring rock bands, Van Halen! We shared our favorite songs from both the Sammy and David Lee Roth-fronted eras, along with our thoughts on 1995's album Balance, replacement singers that also play guitar, even Crystal Pepsi gets a mention, and several hot takes on hip hop country artists. Nothing is sacred on Episode 183!

Happy New Year and thank you for listening to this episode of A-Sides!

For this year-end episode, Brent makes his return to A-SIDES as we recap the last 12 months on the calendar. 2024 was jam-packed with great albums from both emerging artists and veteran rock acts, so listen along as we share which made our lists, if any barely missed the cut, concerts we saw throughout the year, and the usual side-bars that get us off track.

Thank you so much for listening throughout the last 12 months, and to all the amazing guests as well, both new and returning! Cheers to 2025!

The ferocious rock band, The Midnight Devils, are hot on the heels of releasing their third full-length album titled So Hard It Hurts. Frontman and bassist Sam Spade joins A-SIDES to share stories from the road, meeting and learning from several of his rock 'n roll heroes, the business side of being in a rock band, and his connections to Central Illinois.

Huge thanks to Sam for being a guest on A-SIDES and closing out 2024 as our final interview of the year. You can follow Sam and The Midnight Devils through their website and also on all social media platforms!

Thanks for listening!

2025 will start with a bang for the members of Sons Of Silver as their full-length album Runaway Emotions drops on January 10th, with a tour immediately following on January 17th! Band members Peter and Adam discuss these details and more together on Episode 180, sharing several of their favorite albums, influences, a shared history prior to Sons Of Silver, co-existing on the road and in the studio, and even a famous venue in Michigan is mentioned!

Huge thanks to Peter, Adam, and Sons Of Silver for the conversation! You can follow the band on the road and check out their wide variety of merch on their website. Don't miss the album Runaway Emotions dropping January 10th wherever you get your music. Thanks for listening!

Episode 179 features a conversation with a musician who has been on-and-off my radar for several years, drummer and DJ and more, Jerry Pentecost. While he has most recently been seen performing with Soul Asylum, he has performed alongside artists such as Bob Dylan, Amanda Shires, and even Old Crow Medicine Show. Jerry shares his upbringing, the best donut in Nashville, raising his kids, and more!

Huge thanks to Jerry for taking some time away from his busy schedule for this and thanks to everyone who listens!

You can find Jerry on social media at @jerrypentecost

Released on August 17th, 1984 the band W.A.S.P. unleashed their self-titled debut record! Kenny Wright (of The Great Affairs) rejoins A-SIDES for a conversation dedicated to this album, their preceding "Animal" import single, seeing the band live on The Last Command tour, and even sidebars into Kenny's interest in Batman and James Bond movies.

Huge thanks to Kenny for making his 6th appearance on A-SIDES and for sharing his expertise on heavy metal, comic books, and movies. Thanks to everyone for listening to this latest installment of A-SIDES.

Fresh from hitting the Midwest with the excellent Linkin Park Experience: In The End, guitarist Yohai Portal joins A-SIDES for a fun conversation. He shares how he transitioned from sports to music, moving to the USA, several of our favorite bands we have in common, concert highlights (and lowlights!), and even a memorable movie villain. Huge thanks to Yohai for his time and insight into rock music. Congratulations to Yohai and his family on the birth of his son.

You can follow along with In The End by visiting their website or their Facebook page.

As Kansas celebrates the milestone of 50 years, they are making a tour stop in my hometown of Peoria, IL for a show on the Another Fork In The Road tour. Tom Brislin joins A-SIDES ahead of this tour date to share his story with the band, which includes contributing to the recent album The Absence of Presence, writing and producing his own records, immersing himself into the world of prog rock, and the generational appeal of Kansas!

You can follow Kansas and their current tour here and you'll find their music on every streaming platform. Thank you for listening and huge thanks to Tom for being a guest!

Following episodes discussing Patrick Kennison's favorite cover songs and live albums, this time Patrick takes center stage to share details on the upcoming Heaven Below album, The Majestic Twelve, and a special acoustic EP featuring his wife Nikki Stringfield. The duo is also getting ready to embark on a Winter tour opening for Marty Friedman which will be book-ended by those releases. Other topics include Patrick's favorite holiday side dish, Bryan Adams, and his secret to maintaining a work-life balance.

Follow along with Patrick on social media @thepatrickkennison for updates on Heaven Below and make sure to stream their newest singles ("Suffer The Masses" and "Nightmare Rising") wherever you get your music!

Thanks to Patrick for returning to A-SIDES and thanks to everyone who listens!

When Zak Bellante of Death Comes Lifting made an appearance on A-SIDES in Spring '24, he mentioned his love for Rob Zombie and especially the 2010 Halloween Hootenanny tour. This time Zak returned for a follow-up into the music and movies of Rob Zombie, sharing favorite albums and songs, the revolving door of band members that shaped Zombie's records, t-shirts and merchandise, and even Pumpkin Spice Lattes!

Huge thanks to Zak for being a guest on Episode 174 of A-SIDES. You can find his horror brand of lifestyle and fitness at deathcomeslifting.com and join an e-class or buy a shirt! Of course, Rob Zombie's music is streaming wherever you get your music! Find Rob online at his website for tour dates and more.

Thanks for listening!