In this electrifying episode of Live From the Grotto, Greg Hanna and Neil Haley sit down with two powerhouse creators in the music industry: Jimmy McGorman and Robb Vallier, the brilliant duo behind the new band Flight to London.

After decades of shaping hits for iconic artists — including Goo Goo Dolls, Sabrina Carpenter, Dave Stewart, Weezer, and more — the pair finally stepped from behind the curtain to create their own artistic vision.

Their upcoming debut album, Instructions for Losing Control, represents:

• A return to 80s-inspired, emotionally rich, intellectual pop
• A fusion of nostalgia and modern production
• A creative project free of industry pressure
• A collaboration 30 years in the making

Jimmy and Robb unpack how their careers, friendship, and shared musical DNA led them to finally build a band of their own — and why now is the perfect time for creators to launch their own projects.

They discuss:

• How Flight to London began during a songwriting trip in Napa
• The role of letting go, not chasing hits, and trusting instinct
• Why nostalgia + innovation = the new wave of pop music
• Their influences (Tears for Fears, Peter Gabriel, Scritti Politti)
• Collaborating with legendary musicians from The Who, Foo Fighters, and Tim McGraw’s band
• Making music without industry gatekeepers
• The upcoming album release and live show

This is a must-listen for fans of modern synth-pop, 80s soundscapes, artistic reinvention, and the creative journey.

• Reconnected after years of industry work
• Writing trip in Napa Valley sparked the inspiration
• “Why aren’t we doing this for ourselves?”
• A promise to finally finish what they’d started decades ago

• Met in the 90s at Berklee College of Music
• Shared musical tastes, but careers pulled them apart
• Reunited 13+ years ago — and the spark returned instantly

• “Nostalgia-pop” meets modern production
• Inspired by Tears for Fears, Peter Gabriel, 80s intellectual pop
• Guardrails: strict creative boundaries to maintain cohesion
• No chasing hits — only making honest, cinematic music

• Why the title reflects modern life
• Letting go vs. losing control
• Embracing uncertainty, risk, and creative freedom
• Writing songs they couldn’t write for other artists

• No more gatekeepers
• Social media = direct-to-fan access
• Artists can start at any age
• “It’s the best time ever to create art”

World-class session legends contributed, including:

• John Button – Bassist for The Who
• David Levita – Guitarist for Tim McGraw & Faith Hill
• Members of the Foo Fighters
• Saxophone contributions from Australia
• Additional production support from Dr. Mix (Europe)

A global creative collaboration — pulled together by genuine friendships.

Robb:
• Learning to let go
• Stop forcing everything
• Choose battles wisely
• Peace comes from surrender, not control

Jimmy:
• “This too shall pass”
• It’s better to finish than be perfect
• Ask: “Will this matter in 5 years?”
• Always chase what makes you feel alive

Website: flighttolondonmusic.com
Spotify / Apple Music: Flight to London
Debut Single Available Now: “No One’s Forgiven”
Full Album Release: November 21
Album Release Performance: November 22 – Westlake Village, CA

The music video for “No One’s Forgiven” (featuring unforgettable puppets) is available on YouTube.

“Letting go changed my life — it changed how I sleep, how I work, and how I create.” — Robb Vallier

“We didn’t chase hits this time. We chased what felt true.” — Jimmy McGorman

“Nobody cares how old you are. People just want great music.” — Jimmy McGorman

“It’s the creator’s time. Corporations don’t control creativity anymore.” — Neil Haley

Jimmy McGorman – Guitarist, songwriter, producer, and longtime touring member of Goo Goo Dolls.
Robb Vallier – Multi-instrumentalist, producer, and songwriter with decades of studio and touring credits.
Together, they form Flight to London — a modern synth-pop act with deep roots in classic 80s artistry.