Chuck Shute Podcast

Episode 81 - Jordan Griffin- singer/guitarist of Them Evils! This band is definitely one to keep an eye on. They have toured with the Pretty Reckless, Pop Evil, and Zakk Wylde. They describe their music as classic rock with a modern roll. I would also add their songs are very catchy extremely well written and performed with high end production. Learn all about the band in this episode including how they formed, where the name came from, road stories and much more.  Plus I make a bold prediction for the band at the end of the episode. 

00:00 - Intro 
00:53 - Early Influences 
02:22 - Meeting Bass Player Jake in Vegas
03:05 - Meeting Drummer David in California 
04:25 - Them Evils Name 
05:45 - Blasko Asking for an Autograph
06:50 - Touring with Zakk Wylde 
08:27 - Exit 111 Festival  with Tyler Bryant
09:35 - Touring with Pretty Reckless 
11:10 - Cover Songs 
12:55 - Recent Collaborations 
14:55 - Playing Songs Live & Possible 2nd Guitarist 
16:00 - Partying on the Road 
18:53 - Rock Music Popularity 
20:30 - Newer Rock Bands 
21:22 - Writing Songs & New Songs
22:15 - New Song Called "Pour Out Another One" 
23:45 - Licensing & Publishing Music 
24:40 - Dream Collaborations 
25:25 - Possible Overseas Tour
25:50 - Staying Busy 
26:22 - Living in Huntington Beach 
27:03 - Bartending at Perks 
27:33 - Southern California Bulldog Rescue 
28:45 - Wrap Up 

Jordan Griffin Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/jordangriffinn/

Them Evils Website:
https://themevils.com

Southern California Bulldog Rescue:
https://socalbulldogrescue.org

Chuck Shute Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/chuck_shute/

Support the show

Thanks for Listening & Shute for the Moon! 

Episode 80 - Steve Riley! Steve has played the drums for Steppenwolf, Keel and W.A.S.P. Of course he is most well known for being the drummer of L.A. Guns for over 30 years. In this episode we do a deep dive into Steve’s whole amazing career with all his bands. We’ll also talk about the new album he has out called “Renegades” with founding LA Guns member Kelly Nickels. He also explains why there are two versions of the band. He discusses some exciting movie projects he has coming out as well. And I get his reactions to the comments his ex bandmate Phil Lewis recently made in the press about Vince Neil. All this and more! 

00:00 - Intro
01:00 - Early Days with Frank DiMino
02:40 - Early Musical Inspiration 
03:45 - Todd Rungren & Roadmaster
06:35 - Touring with Steppenwolf 
07:20 - The B'zz, Keel & W.A.S.P. 
11:58 - P.M.R.C. & Censorship
15:15 - Wishing W.A.S.P. Stayed Together Longer
16:50 - Guns 'n Roses & L.A. Guns 
20:25 - Peak of Popularity of L.A. Guns
21:55 - Break from L.A. Guns & Session Work (92-94)
24:40 - Classic L.A. Guns Lineup Breaks Up & Two L.A. Guns 
28:38 - Phil Lewis & Tracii Guns Not Getting Along 
29:53 - Changing the Name "L.A. Guns" 
32:48 - Steve's Reaction to Phil & Tracii's Mud Slinging 
35:12 - Phil Badmouths Vince Neil 
37:05 - Forming Steve's Version of L.A. Guns
40:04 - Mick Cripps, Jizzy Pearl, Michael Grant, Stacey Blades 
41:35 - New Album as a Promotional Item 
43:10 - "Renegades" New Album & Songs 
45:14 - Kelly Nickels Singing & Pissing Off Phil 
48:45 - Horror Movie "Rightful" 
50:00- Documentary on 90s Grunge Singers 
52:05 - Possible W.A.S.P.  Reunion? 
53:35 - Promotional Items & Autographed Drumhead 
55:35 - Future Live Shows 
56:35 - City of Hope Charity 
57:20 - Wrap Up 

L.A. Guns Website:
https://www.laguns.net

City of Hope
https://www.cityofhope.org

Chuck Shute Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/chuck_shute/

Support the show

Thanks for Listening & Shute for the Moon! 

Episode 79 - All or Nothing! I found this band while doing research for Beau Lastavich and True Villains. They performed with him and have also shared a stage with Puddle of Mudd and Broken Rail. They describe themselves as high energy and no frills. I really like the music they’ve put out so far and more music will be coming out soon. I think they are an extremely talented band, nice guys and fun to chat with! Hear all about living in the south, performing for Vince Neil & Johnny Galecki, and what they made Jacob do for a band initiation!

00:00 - Intro
01:11 - Band Member Introductions
01:45 - Life in Alabama 
02:52 - Traveling Out of Alabama 
03:48 - Rock Influences 
04:46 - Connecting to Music 
06:35 - Learning to Play Music 
07:05 - Early Bands & Crowd Surfing
08:45 - Cover Songs
09:28 - Band Formation 
10:45 - Band Initiation 
13:45 - Dedication to the Band 
14:52 - All or Nothing Logo & Name 
17:32 - Mauled by Jackalopes 
18:25 - One Big Party,  Freakshow 
19:50 - Napalm & Getting Heavier
21:00 - True Villains & Beau Lastavich 
22:11 - Broken Rail & Trapt 
23:33 - Puddle of Mudd 
24:03 - Thunderstruck 
24:45 - Vince Neil, Badflower & Johnny Galecki 
28:33 - Short Film "I Remember It Raining"
30:19 - Trolls & Social Media Comments 
33:50 - College Football in Alabama 
35:45 - Future Shows
37:22 - Kevin Langley - Producer
37:58 - Strategy to Grow the Band 
38:50 - Save the Music 
39:42 - Wrap Up

All or Nothing Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/officialallornothing/

Save the Music
https://www.savethemusic.org

Chuck Shute Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/chuck_shute/

Support the show

Thanks for Listening & Shute for the Moon! 

Episode 78- David Ellefson and Drew Fortier!!!! David Ellefson is the bass player for Megadeth, one of the biggest rock bands in the world. With the band he has toured the world, sold 38 million records and won a Grammy. Drew Fortier was the guitar player in Bang Tango and also made a great documentary of the band called “Attack of Life.” Together David and Drew have a few new projects in the works. They wrote a book called “Rock Star Hitman” about a musician who is also a killer. They also have a band called “Lucid” along with Vinnie Dombroski (Sponge) and Mike Heller (Fear Factory). Finally, they also made a found footage horror movie called Dwellers that will be out next year as well. Hear all about these projects and much more!



0:00:00 - Intro
0:01:35 - Drew's Musical Background
0:02:30 - Meeting the Bang Tango Singer
0:05:03 - "Attack of Life" Bang Tango Movie
0:11:17 - Chuck Mosley (ex Faith No More singer)
0:12:40 - "Dark, Depressing & Hilarious" Book
0:14:40 - Drew Proposing to Wife On Set
0:16:25 - Welcome David Ellefson!
0:16:50 - David Meets Drew
0:18:20 - Moving to L.A. & Meeting Dave Mustaine
0:22:00 - Formation of Megadeth
0:26:02 - Tenacity of Staying in Megadeth
0:28:22 - Dimebag Darrell & Slash in Megadeth?
0:32:34 - Sobriety & Addiction
0:34:20 - "Countdown To Extinction" & Vic
0:36:05 - "The Killing Road" Song
0:37:17 - Break from Megadeth & Peavy Job
0:44:09 - New Megadeth Album
0:44:53 - "Rock Star Hitman" - Book
0:48:16 - "Dwellers" - Movie
0:48:53 - "Lucid" Supergroup
0:53:03 - Work Ethic & Juggling Projects
0:57:02 - Ellefson 'No Cover' Album
0:58:06 - David Ellefson Youth Music Foundation
0:59:10 - Mental Health
1:01:10 - David Doing Interviews
1:03:18 - Toys For Tots
1:04:20 - Zen From Mars
1:08:04 - Book, Music & Movies
1:10:30 - Wrap Up

David Ellefson Website:
https://www.davidellefson.com

David Ellefson Youth Music Foundation:
http://ellefsonyouthmusicfoundation.org

Drew Fortier Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/drewfortier/

Toys for Tots
https://www.toysfortots.org

Chuck Shute Instagram: 
https://www.instagram.com/chuck_shute/

Support the show

Thanks for Listening & Shute for the Moon! 

Episode 77- Vinnie Dombroski of Sponge! In this interview I discuss Vinnie’s whole career. He grew up in Detroit and started out playing the drums. He eventually switched to singing and formed Sponge. The band’s debut album Rotting Piñata went gold and spawned 3 singles on rock radio including “Plowed” and “Molly (16 Candles Down The Drain).” The band went on to make a lot more great music and has a new album coming out soon. Vinnie has also been part of two supergroups- Spys4Darwin with members of Alice In Chains & Queensryche as well as a new band with Dave Ellefson from Megadeth. We’ll discuss all of in the interview plus the meaning of their hit song "Plowed", Howard Stern and more! 

00:00 - Intro 
00:49 - Growing Up In Detroit 
02:00 - Early Musical Influences 
04:41 - The Cryptons - Prog Rock Duo
06:15 - LoudHouse 
09:10 - Sponge vs Electric Cattle Gods
10:15 - Recording First Album 
12:28 - "Plowed" Song 
16:46 - "Molly (16 Candles)" Song 
20:05 - Lollapalooza 
23:07 - Playing with Kiss & Alice In Chains 
24:45 - Crossing Paths With 80s Bands 
27:02 - Touring With Iggy Pop 
29:20 - Original Members Leaving Sponge 
31:20 - Spys4Darwin Supergroup 
32:35 - Destroy the Boy 
34:15 - Licensing Songs 
35:00 -"Orbitsuns" Honky Tonk Band
36:10 - Cover Songs 
36:53 - New Sponge Record Coming Out Spring 
37:21 - Performing on Howard Stern 
40:48 - Leaving Germany Mid-Tour 
44:40 - Drinking Alcohol & Health 
48:44 - Price For Success 
50:35 - Side Project - "Lucid" 
52:10 - Censorship 
54:50 - Social Media 
55:35 - Pope Francis Center 
57:05 - Wrap Up

Sponge Website:
http://www.spongetheband.com/#store

Pope Francis Center:
https://popefranciscenter.org

Chuck Shute Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/chuck_shute/

Support the show

Thanks for Listening & Shute for the Moon! 

Episode 76- Of Limbo! I have 3 of the 4 members of the band on this episode - Jake Davies (singer), Luke Davies (guitarist) and Rob Graveley (bass). Drummer Christopher “Bug” Bristol is the fourth member. Together the band had done shows with Blue Oyster Cult, Wolfmother, Hinder, Filter, Adelita’s Way, Joyous Wolf and more. Their latest EP - "Nothing But Now" - was recorded with producer Mike Pepe at Barefoot Studios in Hollywood. The band has a nice eclectic range of songs that showcases their exemplary songwriting and musical talent. Besides their musical talent they are hilarious and I think you will enjoy this episode. Hear all about how the band came to be, how they almost met their demise in a van crash, winning over Blue Oyster Cult’s sound guy, conspiracy theories and much more!

00:00 - Intro
01:30 - Band Introductions 
02:15 - Covid and Doing Shows 
03:10 - Early Beginnings 
04:11 - Michael Jackson & Eclectic  Influences 
05:45 - Rock Music Scene 
06:49 - Tall Poppy Syndrome & Music Scene in Australia 
10:52 - Berklee School of Music 
11:37 - Forming "Of Limbo" 
13:00 - On Stage Antics 
15:25 - Rob's Theater Background & Wardrobe 
18:42 - Opening for Blue Oyster Cult 
22:26 - Big Shows & Little Shows 
24:50 - Surviving a Van Crash in Oklahoma 
28:03 - Perseverance & Band Growth 
30:10 - Social Media 
33:00 - Producer Mike Pepe 
36:15 - "Nothing But Now"
37:18 - Songwriting Process 
38:04 - Covid Restrictions 
39:03 - Potential Band Tours
41:30 - TV & Movie Poster Design 
45:10 - Conspiracy Theories 
47:16 - Golden Earring "Twilight Zone" Cover
49:03 - St Jude's Children's Hospital  
50:02 - Wrap Up 

Of Limbo Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/oflimbo/

St. Jude's Children's Hospital: 
https://www.stjude.org

Chuck Shute Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/chuck_shute/

Support the show

Thanks for Listening & Shute for the Moon! 

Episode 75 - Beau Lastavich, singer of True Villains! Beau grew up in the small town of Big Lake, Minnesota but eventually moved to Nashville to join the True Villians. The band has a couple new killer songs out with producer Nick Raskulinecz (Foo Fighters, Alice In Chains) and plan to release more soon. Hear all about Beau’s journey including his American Idol try out, breathing fire on stage and much more!

00:00 - Intro 
01:02 - Welcome Beau!
01:41 - Big Lake, Minnesota 
02:30 - Piano to Guitar & Rock 
03:13 - Influenced by Kix 
04:38 - Stephen Pearcy from Ratt 
05:23 - Vocal Range 
07:07 - Parents Influence 
08:18 - Dirty Circus & Ivy Stone
09:10 - American Idol Tryout 
13:30 - Moving to Nashville 
18:13 - Joining True Villains 
20:05 - Look & Logo of the Band 
21:05 - Attitude & Range of Singer
23:15 - Fire Breathing On Stage 
24:20 - Opening for Steel Panther 
26:22 - Songwriting 
27:57 - Nick Raskulinecz as Producer 
29:12 - True Villains' Songs 
32:35 - Doing Cover Songs 
35:20 - Balancing Work with Music 
37:55 - Deal with Producer 
39:50 - Future of the Band 
42:35 - Newer Bands 
46:35 - MusiCares
48:53 - Wrap Up 

Beau Lastavich Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/beaulastavich/

True Villains Website:
https://www.truevillainsnashville.com

MusiCares:
https://www.grammy.com/musicares/donations

Chuck Shute Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/chuck_shute/

Support the show

Thanks for Listening & Shute for the Moon! 

Episode 74- Nick Reese from Joyous Wolf! Joyous Wolf is a newer rock band and while they may have some older influences, do not call them a throwback! They are a modern rock band with a very complex sound that is still evolving as the band continues to grow. The band has toured with Deep Purple, Slash and Fozzy and also done many large festivals. While their cover of Mississippi Queen has over 2 million listens on Spotify, the original music they’re putting out is brilliant and quickly gaining ground as is the band as a whole. I’m so thankful to Nick for doing this interview now because in a few years this band will be huge and he likely will be too busy! 

00:00 - Intro 
01:18 - Welcome Nick! 
02:08 - Socially Distanced Shows
02:40 - Nick's Early Influences 
05:43 - James Brown 
08:23 - Making Way Through Musical Decades 
09:25 - Meeting Drummer Robert Sodaro in Middle School 
12:00 - Meeting Guitarist Blake Allard at Guitar Center 
13:40 - Adding Bass Player Greg Braccio 
16:10 - Coming Up the Name "Joyous Wolf" 
17:08 - Pay to Play 
19:20 - Playing with Bad & Good Bands 
21:20 - Playing Festivals 
22:23 - Being Signed to Roadrunner Records 
23:20 - Cover Songs & "Mother Rebel" 
29:45 - Modern Rock & Rival Sons 
32:20 - The Term "Throwback" 
34:55 - Stage Moves 
35:31 - Sia & Voices That Express Emotion 
36:50 - Making New Music 
40:40 - New Shows Planned or Potential Tours 
42:02 - Take on Chris Jericho Vs Sebastian Bach 
43:10 - Singing Deep And High 
44:17 - New Rock Bands 
46:50 - I Support ANYONE Playing Rock Music 
48:54 - St Jude's Children's Hospital 
50:38 - Wrap Up 

Joyous Wolf Website:
https://motherrebel.joyouswolf.com

Nick Reese Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/justnickreese/

St Jude's Children's Hospital:
https://www.stjude.org

Chuck Shute Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/chuck_shute/

Support the show

Thanks for Listening & Shute for the Moon! 

Episode 73- Keith Coogan! Keith is the grandson of legendary actor Jackie Coogan, one of the biggest child movie stars of all time and also played Uncle Fester in The Addam’s Family. Keith was quite the legend in his own right however, guest starring in almost every big TV show of the 80s including Love Boat, Fantasy Island, Growing Pains, Knight Rider, Chips and my personal favorite Silver Spoons. He went on to star in feature films including Adventures in Babysitting, Fox & The Hound, Toy Soldiers and of course Don’t Tell Mom The Babysitter’s Dead. It was a blast chatting with him about his amazing resume and working in Hollywood. He is down to earth, funny and has great insight and stories!

0:00:00 - Intro
0:01:04 - Welcome Keith!
0:01:39 - Making People Laugh & Stand Up
0:03:18 - Keith's Grandfather Jackie Coogan
0:06:10 - Deciding To Be An Actor
0:10:45 - River Phoenix
0:12:36 - "Silver Spoons"
0:14:34 - Working On TV Shows, Fans & Trolls
0:15:46 - Teen Magazines
0:16:34 - Avoiding The Pitfalls Of Child Actors
0:19:45 - "Fox & Hound" Voice Role
0:22:54 - "Stand By Me"  & Will Wheaton
0:25:30 - Being a Kid On Set
0:27:30 - Working on Sit-Coms With Live Audiences
0:28:28 - "Adventures In Babysitting" & Bad Words
0:33:45 - Rolling Stones "Gimme Shelter"
0:34:25 - Role In "Don't Tell Mom The Babysitter's Dead"
0:36:15 - House & Set on Don't Tell Mom
0:39:15 - "Toy Soliders", Sean Astin & Will Wheaton
0:42:19 - "Tale Of The Two Coreys" & Corey Feldman
0:46:33 - Friends With Jake Busey
0:49:03 - Reboots
0:50:18 - "Don't Tell Mom The Babysitter's Dead" Reboot
0:51:20 - Current Projects
0:53:25 - Comi-Cons
0:54:34 - Bobcat Goldthwait
0:56:24 - "The Dishes Are Done, Man"
0:59:13 - Reading is Fundamental
1:04:25 - Wrap Up

Keith Coogan Website:
https://keithcooganonline.com/index.html

Reading is Fundamental:
https://www.rif.org

Chuck Shute Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/chuck_shute/

Support the show

Thanks for Listening & Shute for the Moon! 

Episode 72: Rick Ruhl - singer/songwriter from Every Mother's Nightmare.  Rick has fronted EMN since 1987. The band had videos on MTV, tours with Cheap Trick and Van Halen, and even an appearance on the Joan Rivers Show. When the music scene changed Rick fell on hard times, but now he’s back with a new album- “Resurrect The Faithful.” The latest single “Breathe” currently has over 175,000 views on YouTube and both the new single and album are getting rave reviews. 

00:00 - Intro
01:07 - Welcome Rick & Musical Background 
02:33 - Life in Nashville 
04:05 - Shit On Shingles 
04:48 - Every Mother's Nightmare in Memphis 
05:48 - Clive Davis 
07:49 - Self-Titled Debut Record & Music Videos 
08:47 - Tora Tora & Other Memphis Bands 
09:32 - Opening for Cheap Trick 
10:36 - Opening for Dream Theater 
11:31 - Van Halen & David Lee Roth 
13:25 - Blackie Lawless of W.A.S.P.  Gets Mad at Rick 
15:07 - Appearing on the Joan Rivers Show 
16:34 - Trouble At The Playboy Mansion 
18:03 - Second Record "Wake Up Screaming" 
20:15 - Touring Off The Second Record 
21:15 - Motorcycle Racing 
21:52 - Crystal Meth 
24:01 - Doing Side Work to Pay the Bills 
25:15 - Grind EP With Shinedown & Saliva Members 
28:34 - Bill Chavis Pulling Rick Out of a Bad Spot 
30:55 -" Resurrect The Faithful" New Album 
34:55 - New Single "Breathe" 
40:28 - Haven't Been Paid for Touring 
42:15 - Country Record, "Truck Stop Love" 
43:34 - Tour Dates Lined Up 
44:09 - Wounded Warriors 
47:44 - Wrap Up 

Every Mother's Nightmare IG:
https://www.instagram.com/emnband/

Wounded Warrior Project:
https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org

Chuck Shute Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/chuck_shute/

Support the show

Thanks for Listening & Shute for the Moon!