Band Practice

They wanted to be the female Beatles, but ended up trapped in a cauldron of 80s pop anxiety. Spotting Waldo dissects the distinctly un-rock-and-roll legacy of The Bangles. Did The Bangles actually want to rock as hard as the boys, or were they just trying to survive the weirdest men in the 1980s music industry? We track the origins of pop-rock royalty, from their Laurel Canyon roots to their meteoric rise, and attempt to figure out why getting everything they wanted made them miserable We dive deep into the "Behind the Music" tropes, the creepy reality of LA DJ Rodney Bingenheimer, and the time Prince handed them "Manic Monday". Plus, we uncover Susanna Hoffs' side-gig in Austin Powers, Leonard Nimoy's bizarre music video cameo, and review a hilarious batch of internet covers—ranging from Green Day's quarantine session to Russian double-bass metal. Finally, we give our verdict on the ultimate tribute band hybrid: The Bangos.

Timestamps

00:00 - Plug in, tune up

04:29 - Michael Steele's rock gravitas and "Behind the Music" lore

11:51 - How John Lennon's passing became the catalyst to start the band

18:10 - Discovering the dark history of LA DJ Rodney Bingenheimer

28:40 - Trying (and failing) to identify band members in blurry 80s photos

39:20 - Vintage Japanese TV interviews and missing Rickenbacker basses

46:46 - Joan Rivers asks the Prince question & firing their manager

51:21 - Leonard Nimoy's incredibly boring music video cameo

53:48 - Susanna Hoffs' side-gig in Austin Powers as Ming-T

1:02:09 - Painful KTLA morning show reunions and Catalina Wine Mixer trivia

1:07:12 - Reviewing covers: The Russian Metal Bangles 1:11:26 - A severe hatred for ukulele covers

1:17:30 - Breaking down Susanna Hoffs' spooky "age 65" social media video

1:28:55 - Billie Joe Armstrong's awkward "Manic Monday" split-screen cover

1:34:25 - Thailand karaoke covers & baking sheet percussion

1:37:30 - Pitching the ultimate tribute band hybrid: The Bangos

1:42:07 - The Hazy Shades tribute and final wrap-up

#TheBangles #SusannaHoffs #BandPracticePodcast #SpottingWaldo #80sMusic #TributeBands #ManicMonday #WalkLikeAnEgyptian

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🎸 ABOUT SPOTTING WALDO: A podcast about all the best bands, and the bands that tribute them. Operating as the hosts and house band all wrapped into one, Spotting Waldo is a dedicated hub for rock lore obsessives and music industry cynics. We bring a ground-level perspective to music history—breaking down legendary egos, classic rock myths, the bizarre economy of tribute bands, and the ongoing plight of the modern working musician.

🔴 WE GO LIVE! Subscribe and turn on notifications to join the live chat while we record the show. Production Note: All audio, commentary, and digital puppetry on Band Practice is 100% human-created. No AI-generated scripts, no synthetic voiceovers, and no generative filler—just actual humans being highly critical of music. All sarcasm is completely natural.

Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976: Allowance is made for ""fair use"" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. All rights belong to their respective owners.

Our drummer has officially gone full Rastafari and left the band, which means it is time for auditions. In this 'freestyle' episode of Band Practice, we review drum tapes from top-tier talent including Luis J. Gomez practicing his paradiddles, Sam Talent, Andrew Dice Clay playing soft jazz, and Bill Burr holding down an AC/DC tribute with Scott Ian and Dave Kushner.

Before we get to the auditions, we break down some of the wildest music news and clips on the internet. We react to a brutal Matchbox 20 mic-stand fail, a high schooler shredding Eddie Van Halen's "Eruption," and Sammy Hagar discussing "free energy" on a St. Louis rooftop—which naturally leads to Terrence Howard's unified math theories. Plus, we highlight the "pro sports guitarist" Dr. Shred, and review some incredibly niche tribute bands, including a Norteño Blink-182 group and a Juggalo System of a Down tribute called "System of a Clown".

Chapters:

00:00 - Welcome. Plug in & Tune up..

04:36 - Matchbox 20 stage fail

07:16 - Kid shreds school talent show

09:37 - Sammy Hagar, Terrence Howard & Free Energy

21:38 - Sponsors: Dr. Salinas Saliva Mints & D'Addario Pedal Pry Bars

30:11 - Dr. Shred: Pro Sports Guitarist

36:34 - Tribute Bands: Norteño Blink-182 & System of a Clown

43:29 - Heavy Saurus (Kids Metal Band)

44:51 - Drummer Auditions: Sam Talent

50:24 - Luis J. Gomez drum audition

52:44 - Andrew Dice Clay on drums

55:01 - Bill Burr playing Bon Scott Tribute with Dave Kushner

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🎸 ABOUT SPOTTING WALDO: A podcast about all the best bands, and the bands that tribute them. Operating as the hosts and house band all wrapped into one, Spotting Waldo is a dedicated hub for rock lore obsessives and music industry cynics. We bring a ground-level perspective to music history—breaking down legendary egos, classic rock myths, the bizarre economy of tribute bands, and the ongoing plight of the modern working musician.

Production Note: All audio, commentary, and digital puppetry on Band Practice is 100% human-created. No AI-generated scripts, no synthetic voiceovers, and no generative filler—just actual humans being highly critical of music. All sarcasm is completely natural.

Copyright Disclaimer - Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976: Allowance is made for ""fair use"" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. All rights belong to their respective owners. #LuisJGomez #BillBurr #drshred #juggaloculture #freeenergy #BandPracticePodcast #Drummer #standupcomedian #SpottingWaldo #TributeBands

Is Earth, Wind & Fire actually more popular than The Beatles? On this episode of Band Practice, we break down why Earth, Wind & Fire holds the ultimate crossover crown—from wedding reception dominance to 1970s sci-fi stage shows featuring lasers, pro-wrestling villains, and Doug Henning illusion tricks. We dive deep into Maurice White's roots as a session drummer for Chicago's legendary Chess Records, Verdine White's iconic Fender bass grooves, and how their album "That's the Way of the World" shattered industry limits for Black artists on the album charts. Plus, we explore their cutting-edge 1980s studio compound "The Complex," an awkward 1980s TV interview with Brian Gumbel, Maurice's track for the cult animated movie "Rock & Rule" (and how it inspired Disney's A Goofy Movie), the secret origin of "September," and what "Ba-De-Ya" actually means!

Chapters:

00:00 - The Thesis: Is Earth, Wind & Fire More Popular Than The Beatles?

01:57 - Welcome to Band Practice: Earth, Wind & Fire Deep Dive

03:00 - The Function & Wedding Reception Power of EWF

05:00 - Sci-Fi, Egyptology, and Black Nerd Culture in 70s Funk

06:49 - Maurice White: Spiritual Healer or Ruthless Band Leader?

08:35 - Maurice White's Chicago Roots & Session Drumming at Chess Records

12:46 - Verdine White on Midwest Musical Diversity & The Fender Bass

17:56 - Ramsey Lewis, California Flower Power, and the EWF Origin Story

23:50 - "That's the Way of the World": Breaking Album Charts for Black Artists

27:13 - Intergalactic Pro-Wrestling Stage Shows & Doug Henning Illusions

36:40 - Inside "The Complex": Maurice White's Cutting-Edge Studio Compound

44:25 - "Got to Get You Into My Life" & The Beatles Comparison

50:08 - The 1980s Resurgence & The Awkward Brian Gumbel Interview

01:03:56 - Maurice White & "Rock & Rule": The Unhinged 1983 Animated Movie

01:11:13 - Did "A Goofy Movie" & Powerline Rip Off "Rock & Rule"?

01:16:54 - "Ba-De-Ya": The Origin of Earth, Wind & Fire's Made-Up Lyric

01:19:17 - Fighting AI Slop Channels & Oxford Comma Chaos

01:24:07 - The Real Story Behind "September"

01:27:03 - Rating September Covers: Netherlands Orchestras to Acoustic Covers

01:38:35 - Philip Bailey & Phil Collins: The Genius of "Easy Lover"

01:40:40 - Final Verdict: The Greatest Crossover Band in History

#EarthWindAndFire #BandPractice #MusicPodcast #MauriceWhite #70sFunk #September

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🎸 ABOUT SPOTTING WALDO: A podcast about all the best bands, and the bands that tribute them. Operating as the hosts and house band all wrapped into one, Spotting Waldo is a dedicated hub for rock lore obsessives and music industry cynics. We bring a ground-level perspective to music history—breaking down legendary egos, classic rock myths, the bizarre economy of tribute bands, and the ongoing plight of the modern working musician.

🔴 WE GO LIVE! Subscribe and turn on notifications to join the live chat while we record the show.

Production Note: All audio, commentary, and digital puppetry on Band Practice is 100% human-created. No AI-generated scripts, no synthetic voiceovers, and no generative filler—just actual humans being highly critical of music.

All sarcasm is completely natural. Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976: Allowance is made for ""fair use"" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. All rights belong to their respective owners.

NPR Tiny Desk: vulnerable, stripped-back performances crammed between filing cabinets and NPR staffers, all so indie purists can nod approvingly. But there seems to be a certain charm about it al that brings everyone together. NPR Tiny Desk: "vulnerable, stripped-back performances" crammed between filing cabinets and an NPR staffers, all so indie purists can nod approvingly. In Episode 46 of Band Practice, Spotting Waldo takes on NPR's world-famous concert series. Is the intimate format the ultimate showcase for raw musical talent, or just an over-constrained gimmick? The guys debate standouts like Post Malone and Weird Al Yankovic, investigate whether indie band Geese is an industry plant, and explore the behind-the-scenes secrets of Bob Boilen's desk. Plus, a look back at Samuel T. Herring's viral Future Islands performance on Letterman, taking on Guitar Center's corporate vibe, and breaking down a bizarre street interview with John Oates. And of course, we check out some tribune bands!

Chapters:

00:00 - Cold Open: John Oates Height Conspiracy

00:33 - Welcome to Band Practice & Intro

02:09 - Unhinged John Oates Street Interview & Facial Fillers

07:53 - Future Islands on Letterman & Patrick Swayze Energy

12:15 - Why We Hate Guitar Center Lesson Booths

16:06 - Buddy Guy Shredding & Eric Clapton Hate

18:16 - Arena Tribute Bands (REO Speedwagon & John Mellencamp)

27:41 - The NPR Tiny Desk Debate: Genius or Overrated?

34:39 - Is the Indie Band 'Geese' an Industry Plant?

37:00 - Behind the Scenes of Bob Boilen's Tiny Desk

46:38 - Best Tiny Desk Alternatives (KEXP & Chris Gethard)

50:58 - Weird Al Yankovic's Tiny Desk & Lasting Legacy

55:24 - Favorite Tiny Desk Concerts (Mac Miller, Post Malone) & Outro

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🎸 ABOUT BAND PRACTICE PODCAST: A podcast about bands, and the bands that tribute them. Operating as the hosts and house band all wrapped into one, Spotting Waldo is a dedicated hub for rock lore obsessives and music industry cynics. We bring a ground-level perspective to music history—breaking down legendary 80s egos, classic rock myths, the bizarre economy of tribute bands, and the ongoing plight of the modern working musician.

🔴 Live Sets! Subscribe and turn on notifications to join the live chat while we record the show.

THE SPOTTING WALDO NETWORK:

🌐 Official Website: https://spottingwaldo.com

👾 Twitch: https://twitch.tv/spottingwaldo

🟢 Kick: https://kick.com/spottingwaldo

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/spottingwaldo

👤 Facebook: https://facebook.com/spottingwaldo

🦋 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/spottingwaldo.bsky.social

The happy f***ing wanderers.

===============================

Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976: Allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. All rights belong to their respective owners.

Get ready to skank! This episode of the Band Practice podcast delivers a massive deep dive into the undisputed kings of ska-core, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones. SpottingWaldo breaks down the 90s Boston music scene, the origin of Ben Carr (the legendary "Dancing Guy"), and the massive crossover success of "The Impression That I Get."

Beyond the plaid suits, the conversation explores the band's wildest moments, including performances on Elmopalooza, VH1 One-Hit Wonders, controversial Dicky Barrett stories, and the sudden breakup of the band. Plus, catch up on Hall & Oates hotline news, Robert Fripp & Toyah's lunch table covers, and an exploration of Bosstones tribute bands like Toxic Toast.

Whether a diehard Bosstones fan or just discovering the ska revival, this complete breakdown has it all.

Jump to a specific topic:

00:00 - Intro: Welcome to Band Practice

02:11 - Hall & Oates Hotline: Old Business

05:30 - Robert Fripp & Toyah's Lunch Table Cover

10:21 - Deep Dive: The Mighty Mighty Bosstones

16:26 - The 90s Boston Music Scene & Band Origins

20:45 - VH1 One-Hit Wonders & The Skacore Breakthrough

23:59 - The Plaid Suits & Diehard Boston Fans

35:23 - Ben Carr: The Origin of "The Dancing Guy"

40:21 - Life After the Hit & Band Finances

44:12 - Bosstones Covers: Sweet Emotion & Detroit Rock City

48:28 - Elmopalooza 1998: The Sesame Street Performance

52:37 - Dicky Barrett's 50th Birthday Celebrity Tributes

01:00:12 - The Pulled Norwood High School Marching Band Video

01:07:24 - Politics & Anti-Racist Action (ARA) in Ska

01:09:32 - Analyzing "The Impression That I Get"

01:19:53 - Exploring Mighty Mighty Bosstones Tribute Bands

01:28:08 - Toxic Toast & Dueling Dicky Barretts

01:35:51 - Dicky Barrett Controversies & The Band's Breakup

01:47:54 - Teens React to Ska & Outro

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🎸 ABOUT BAND PRACTICE PODCAST: A podcast about bands, and the bands that tribute them. Operating as the hosts and house band all wrapped into one, Spotting Waldo is a dedicated hub for rock lore obsessives and music industry cynics. We bring a ground-level perspective to music history—breaking down legendary 80s egos, classic rock myths, the bizarre economy of tribute bands, and the ongoing plight of the modern working musician.

🔴 Live Sets! Subscribe and turn on notifications to join the live chat while we record the show.

THE SPOTTING WALDO NETWORK:

🌐 Official Website: https://spottingwaldo.com

👾 Twitch: https://twitch.tv/spottingwaldo

🟢 Kick: https://kick.com/spottingwaldo

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/spottingwaldo

👤 Facebook: https://facebook.com/spottingwaldo

🦋 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/spottingwaldo.bsky.social

The happy f***ing wanderers.

===============================

Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976: Allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. All rights belong to their respective owners.

They are the most successful duo in pop-rock history, but the story of Daryl Hall and John Oates is way weirder, pettier, and more complicated than "You Make My Dreams" would have you believe. In this episode of the Band Practice podcast, Spotting Waldo digs into the bizarre lore, legendary ego trips, and absolute bangers of the ultimate 80s hitmakers. From Michael Jackson admitting he lifted the iconic "Billie Jean" bassline directly from "I Can't Go for That", to the revelation that "Maneater" actually started out as a reggae track, the secret music history here is insane. We're breaking down the duo's strange early days—including John Oates' stint as a racecar driver—alongside Daryl Hall's bold claim that he essentially invented internet entertainment with Live at Daryl's House, and the time he almost joined Van Halen. But it's not all smooth yacht rock. We also unpack the bitter reality behind the music: why they constantly insist on the clunky "Daryl Hall & John Oates" moniker, their absolute lack of actual friendship off-stage, and John Oates confirming they will never perform together again following their recent legal battles. Plus, we explore the deep-cut pop-culture oddities: - The sacred lore and ultimate demise of John Oates' mustache (and what - Miles Davis had to do with it). - Their chaotic cameos on SCTV, Flight of the Conchords, and Garfunkel and Oates. - How 500 Days of Summer gave them a massive generational resurgence. - Much much more!

Plug in, tune up, and get ready for a heavy dose of blue-eyed soul, and music chatter. In this episode:

00:00 – Plug in & tune up.

04:10 – Old Business: Robert & Toyah Sunday Lunch

14:52 – New Business: Pop Star Fantasy Camp 28:35 – The "Elevator Story"

43:33 – Bryant Gumble

58:30 - Tommy Matolla

1:10:40 - We Are the World

1:19:18 - Daryl on "The Barber's Chair"

1:29:15 - 500 Days of Summer

1:40:30 - John Oates' Mustache Legacy

1:50:00 - Miles Davis 1:59:00 - Television Appearances

2:17:00 - Maneater was a Reggae song??

2:23:45 - The Big D

2:40:40 - Live At Daryl's House

2:49:45 - The Tribute Bands!!!

2:58:45 - Encore: Winaya covers "I Can't Go For That" (https://youtu.be/A6HxWiKXoP8?si=Ua_l1fQm2layTwSx)

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🎸 ABOUT BAND PRACTICE PODCAST: A podcast about bands, and the bands that tribute them. Operating as the hosts and house band all wrapped into one, Spotting Waldo is a dedicated hub for rock lore obsessives and music industry cynics. We bring a ground-level perspective to music history—breaking down legendary 80s egos, classic rock myths, the bizarre economy of tribute bands, and the ongoing plight of the modern working musician.

🔴 Live Sets! Subscribe and turn on notifications to join the live chat while we record the show.

THE SPOTTING WALDO NETWORK:

🌐 Official Website: https://spottingwaldo.com

👾 Twitch: https://twitch.tv/spottingwaldo

🟢 Kick: https://kick.com/spottingwaldo

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/spottingwaldo

👤 Facebook: https://facebook.com/spottingwaldo

🦋 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/spottingwaldo.bsky.social

The happy f***ing wanderers.

===============================

Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976: Allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. All rights belong to their respective owners.

Is King Crimson the greatest progressive rock band of all time, or is it just the first to try it? In this Episode of Band Practice, we are diving headfirst into the mind-bending, lineup-shifting, incredibly volatile world of King Crimson. From the absolute madness of 21st Century Schizoid Man to the structured, polyrhythmic genius of the 80s era, we are breaking down why this band continues to terrify and inspire working musicians.

We analyze the legendary leadership of Robert Fripp, his infamous ""guitar craft"" standards, and what happens when a band changes members almost as often as they change time signatures. Plus, we are doing live media reactions to some of the more complex, unhinged internet takes we could find, checking out the local prog tribute scene, and debating whether you can actually enjoy this music without a music theory degree. Plug in, tune up, and get ready for a heavy dose of gear talk, time-signature confusion, and music chatter.

00:00 Band Practice Podcast Intro: Live From Waldorf Studios

03:06 Skid Row Fan Feedback & Snake Sabo's Club

05:58 Eddie Vedder Chugging Beer at the World Cup

08:20 Sebastian Bach vs. Mick Mars: Rock Stage Names

09:47 King Crimson First Impressions & 21st Century Schizoid Man

12:31 Complex Time Signatures & Improvisation in Prog Rock

17:40 The Mellotron: Progressive Rock's Dr. Seuss Machine

28:54 Robert Fripp's Musical Philosophy & King Crimson Origins

40:30 1969 Hyde Park Concert & Jimi Hendrix's Reaction

43:48 In the Court of the Crimson King: Iconic Album Cover Art

48:49 Robert Fripp, Pyromancy, and Wiccan Magic

51:17 Bill Bruford Leaves Yes for Larks' Tongues in Aspic

01:08:27 Robert Fripp's Hiatus & J.G. Bennett's Spiritual Cult

01:16:28 Fripp's Guitar Craft Courses: Guitar Method or Cult?

01:22:12 King Crimson's 80s Return: The Discipline Era

01:28:48 Robert Fripp & Toyah Willcox's Sunday Lunch Videos

01:34:34 Adrian Belew: Guitar Techniques and Cameo Account

01:44:31 Beat: The King Crimson Tribute Band (Steve Vai & Danny Carey)

01:52:17 King Crimson Covers: School of Rock & The Claypool Lennon Delirium

01:58:50 Dave Matthews Discusses Robert Fripp's Guitar Tuning

02:04:21 Final Verdict: The True Legacy of King Crimson

===============================

🎸 ABOUT SPOTTING WALDO: A podcast about bands, and the bands that tribute them.

Operating as the hosts and house band all wrapped into one, Spotting Waldo is a dedicated hub for rock lore obsessives and music industry cynics. We bring a ground-level perspective to music history—breaking down legendary 80s egos, classic rock myths, the bizarre economy of tribute bands, and the ongoing plight of the modern working musician.

🔴 WE GO LIVE! Subscribe and turn on notifications to join the live chat while we record the show.

👇 THE SPOTTING WALDO NETWORK: 🌐 Official Website: https://spottingwaldo.com 👾 Twitch: https://twitch.tv/spottingwaldo 🟢 Kick: https://kick.com/spottingwaldo 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/spottingwaldo 👤 Facebook: https://facebook.com/spottingwaldo 🦋 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/spottingwaldo.bsky.social

Happy f***ing wanderers.

=============================== Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976: Allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. All rights belong to their respective owners.

Band Practice Episode 42 explores the wild rise and turbulent history of Skid Row, diving deep into the hair metal revolution and the controversies that defined an era of 80s rock.

This comedy and music critique episode breaks down the band's biggest moments, including the notorious Jon Bon Jovi publishing rights controversy, the infamous 1989 Springfield bottle incident, and Sebastian Bach's eventual departure for Broadway and awkward morning show interviews. The discussion also covers Dave "Snake" Sabo's signature Kramer Beretta, the revolving door of lead singers, rumors surrounding Lzzy Hale, and the ongoing debate over a potential Rock and Roll Hall of Fame reunion.

Catch full episodes, live broadcasts, and more clips across Twitch, Kick, Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram.

Chapters:

00:00 - Intro: Welcome to Band Practice

01:13 - Episode 42 Kickoff & Old Business

04:59 - Flashback Heart Attack: Orange County 80s Cover Band

17:15 - Skid Row's Hair Metal Identity Crisis

25:37 - Hair Metal Revolution & Skid Row's Rise

34:46 - The Jon Bon Jovi Publishing Rights Controversy

40:44 - Breaking Down the 1989 Springfield Bottle Incident

48:22 - Dave "Snake" Sabo's Signature Kramer Beretta

55:25 - Meet the Band: Rachel Bolan & Scotty Hill

01:06:33 - Sebastian Bach's Departure & Broadway Run

01:17:50 - Sebastian Bach's Awkward Morning Show Interviews

01:29:07 - The Revolving Door of Skid Row Lead Singers

01:36:45 - Lzzy Hale & Future Vocalist Rumors

01:49:39 - Analyzing the Official '18 and Life' Cover Challenge

01:55:57 - Exploring Skid Row Tribute Bands

02:04:26 - Will Skid Row Reunite for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?

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🎸 ABOUT SPOTTING WALDO: A podcast about bands, and the bands that tribute them.

Operating as the hosts and house band all wrapped into one, Spotting Waldo is a dedicated hub for rock lore obsessives and music industry cynics. We bring a ground-level perspective to music history—breaking down legendary 80s egos, classic rock myths, the bizarre economy of tribute bands, and the ongoing plight of the modern working musician.

🔴 WE GO LIVE! Subscribe and turn on notifications to join the live chat while we record the show.

👇 THE SPOTTING WALDO NETWORK: 🌐 Official Website: https://spottingwaldo.com 👾 Twitch: https://twitch.tv/spottingwaldo 🟢 Kick: https://kick.com/spottingwaldo 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/spottingwaldo 👤 Facebook: https://facebook.com/spottingwaldo 🦋 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/spottingwaldo.bsky.social

Happy f***ing wanderers.

=============================== Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976: Allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. All rights belong to their respective owners.

Dive into the incredible legacy and enduring music of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers on this episode of the Band Practice Podcast. Join Spotting Waldo for a deep dive into the band's origins in Gainesville, Florida, the simple yet brilliant songwriting style that defined an era, and the crucial contributions of Mike Campbell and Benmont Tench.

This episode goes beyond the hits to explore some of the wilder moments in Tom Petty history, including the 1978 acting debut in the movie "FM," iconic cameos on The Larry Sanders Show, and wild fan stories from the Tom Petty subreddit. Plus, stick around for a comedic critique of Tom Petty tribute bands, classic Rickenbacker guitars, and a reaction to Lara Trump's cover of "I Won't Back Down."

Whether a lifelong Heartbreakers fan or just discovering the classics, this music critique and comedy deep dive has something for every rock and roll enthusiast.

Chapters:

00:00 - Intro: The Return of Band Practice & Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

02:55 - Tom Petty's Simple Songwriting Style & Early Rock Influences

08:09 - Movie Soundtracks & Exploring the Tom Petty Subreddit

09:33 - Band Origins in Gainesville, Mike Campbell & Benmont Tench

16:30 - Reading Wild Fan Stories & Reviewing Tom Petty Merch

24:02 - Reviewing Tribute Bands & David Spade's SNL Impression

30:19 - Tom Petty's 1978 Acting Debut in the Movie "FM"

34:20 - Cameos on The Larry Sanders Show & The Gary Shandling Show

41:06 - Reacting to Lara Trump's "I Won't Back Down" Cover & Bob Rivers

47:42 - Cameron Crowe's 1978 Interview & Dealing with Fame

50:08 - Critiquing Tribute Band Gear, Rickenbackers & Costumes

01:04:34 - Reacting to a Seductive Drum Cover of "Breakdown"

01:11:18 - Live Tom Petty Karaoke Covers ("You're So Bad" & "Breakdown") & Outro

===============================

🎸 ABOUT BAND PRACTICE PODCAST: A podcast about bands, and the bands that tribute them. Operating as the hosts and house band all wrapped into one, Spotting Waldo is a dedicated hub for rock lore obsessives and music industry cynics. We bring a ground-level perspective to music history—breaking down legendary 80s egos, classic rock myths, the bizarre economy of tribute bands, and the ongoing plight of the modern working musician.

🔴 Live Sets! Subscribe and turn on notifications to join the live chat while we record the show.

THE SPOTTING WALDO NETWORK:

🌐 Official Website: https://spottingwaldo.com

👾 Twitch: https://twitch.tv/spottingwaldo

🟢 Kick: https://kick.com/spottingwaldo

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/spottingwaldo

👤 Facebook: https://facebook.com/spottingwaldo

🦋 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/spottingwaldo.bsky.social

The happy f***ing wanderers.

===============================

Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976: Allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. All rights belong to their respective owners.

Jack reminisces about dealing with a shoplifter, Kyle wants everyone to watch the new Queer Eye on netflix, and Spike runs into trouble trying to order of the kid's menu. Also, the boys lean on Spike's experience as a Houlihans bartender while they invent their own specialty cocktails during Segment of the week.

(This is a re-release of the original podcast from 2018.)

For more Waldo visit: www.spottingwaldo.com