The Return of Oba Frank Lords: Secret Society Reunion & Fallout, Chaos In The Veil & More | Part II ////////

Join us as we welcome back Oba Frank Lords of Secret Society / Latin Express! Frank first appeared on the podcast in February 2021, and he’s back to share what’s been happening in his world since then.

In Part II, Frank opens up about the reunion of Miami freestyle pioneers Secret Society with founding member Rudy Gil. After reconnecting at Criteria Studios in Miami, FL, they began writing new music and performing live, though the reunion lasted just under a year.

Frank never slowed down, though. He talks about his ongoing musical projects, including collaborations with Carlos Torre (Torre and Lords) and Diego Sanchez (DMS12), and stories from remixing music for iconic artists like Gloria Estefan (Miami Sound Machine), Stevie B, Pitbull, and the “Princess of Salsa” India.

He also dives into his current band, Chaos In The Veil, featuring members of fellow 80s Miami band Erotic Exotic. Highlights include the backstory behind their cover of Bauhaus’ 1979 goth classic, “Bela Lugosi’s Dead”, performing at Propaganda in Palm Beach County, and their unique fusion of Goth and Tropicalia.

The Untold Ruby Cadilac Story: From NY to South Florida, The Spanish Dogs, and a Life in Music /////////////////

Ruby Cadilac shares her untold journey from Staten Island, New York to the heart of South Florida’s punk and rock scene. Picking up a guitar at just five years old, she started with lessons and a kiddie girl group before moving to Miami, diving into the disco nightlife and discovering heavier sounds from AC/DC to Van Halen.

Ruby tells how she joined The Spanish Dogs, where she was given the name “Cynthia Pin,” an experimental rock band blending punk, reggae, and new wave. She also shares the story of forming her all-girl hard rock band Ruby Cadilac, influenced by Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Joan Jett, Lita Ford, Eric Clapton, and Heart.

Hear about her recordings with both bands, the creation of “10 Seconds to Hell” and “Your Daughter,” the highs and lows of the 1980s party scene, the influence of her parents, and her current surf rock and rockabilly project Six Foot Swell. This is a story of music, resilience, and South Florida rock history. This episode is dedicated to the members of The Spanish Dogs and Ruby Cadilac (band) who have passed away.

John Urban of Brat on the early 1980s Tampa Bay Metal and Hard Rock Scene ////////

In this episode, John Urban of Brat and Urban Vault takes us through the early Tampa Bay hard rock and heavy metal scene.

Originally from Cleveland, OH, John moved to Tampa Bay in 1981 and shares memories of the many clubs, bars, and venues he frequented and where Brat performed. From Mr. T's Club 19, 49th Street Mining Company, Mark Twain's (later the Tampa Bay Power Club), London Victory Club, Ruby's, The Ritz Theater, Rock-It Club, and more, John talks about the heavy cover band scene of the early 1980s and the emerging hard rock and heavy metal scene featuring bands like Avatar (later Savatage), Argus, and Nasty Savage.

He discusses the origins of Brat, becoming the first band signed to Par Records (original home to Savatage and Crimson Glory), recording sessions, and the highs and lows of the band including interpersonal conflicts, a contract offer from Metal Blade Records, and recording at Morrisound Studios, which would become iconic for the Tampa death metal scene and one of Florida’s most legendary recording studios. John also recalls his try‑out for Savatage during this period.

We also explore John’s other projects, such as the short lived Urban Vault, his writing for several local, national, and international zines, and his job as a music reviewer and interviewer for the Tampa Tribune, where he interviewed legends like Gene Simmons, Ronnie James Dio, and Joey Ramone.

In addition to music, John, known in the Bigfoot community as “Famous” John Urban, has also published books on Bigfoot.

Danny Lore of Against All Authority: Florida Punk & Hardcore History, Tour Stories & More

In this episode, Danny Lore of Against All Authority takes us on a journey through South Florida punk history and beyond. Growing up in Princeton, just outside Homestead, Danny shares memories of his earliest concert experiences and influences, including a life-changing Bad Brains show at the Cameo Theatre in 1986.

From attending local gigs at venues like The Deaf Club and the Cameo, Danny reflects on the vibrant scene he came up in, the bands that shaped him, and his first punk/funk band Grover Snatch. We explore the origins of Against All Authority, his relationship with co-founding guitarist Joe Koontz, and memorable touring stories like breaking down in rural North Carolina, sleeping in unusual places, and life aboard the AAA bus.

Danny shares memories of playing iconic Florida venues including The Kitchen Club, Cheers, and Churchill's, as well as AAA shows at The State Theater in St. Pete, Sluggo's in Pensacola, The Blue Chair in Ybor City, and numerous Gainesville spots like The Covered Dish and Hardback Café. He also talks about the DIY spirit of the scene, including playing generator shows and punk shows in people's homes.

He walks us through the band’s discography, recording, and his move to Gainesville. Outside of music, Danny talks about what he’s been up to lately, including his newest skate-punk band, Valterra Dragons. This episode is packed with stories, history, and heart.

From Milkshed to Subculture Threat — The Story Of Joe Caro

Joe Caro is best known as the vocalist and rhythm guitarist for Milkshed, one of Miami’s most beloved late-90s skate-punk bands. In this episode, we dive into Milkshed’s lineup, discography, and recording history, as Joe shares stories from that defining time in Miami’s punk scene.

Joe also talks about his early days in bands like Knucklehead and The Bastards, and his time as the vocalist for Where Fear and Weapons Meet. He reflects on his experiences playing alongside bands like New Found Glory and Caught Inside.

Along the way, Joe shares stories of iconic South Florida venues like Cheers, Churchill’s, and Club Q, as well as places like The Hungry Sailor, Fantasy Land, and Miami Skate Park.

Today, Joe keeps the hardcore spirit alive as the vocalist of Subculture Threat.

////// Joey Wrecked Maya: From Miami’s Early Punk Scene to NYC, Writing, and More //////

"The Drummer From Miami Beach" Joey Wrecked Maya shares his story through Florida’s punk and hardcore scenes—starting with his very first band Eclipse, and continuing with his main Florida band The Reactions. He also played in a number of other Florida punk bands including The Spinouts, Roach Motel, Menstrual Cycles, Crank, and more.

Joey talks about growing up in Miami’s early punk underground of the late 1970s and 1980s, the night Joey Ramone sang with The Spinouts at The Blitz in Hialeah, and later playing CBGBs with Battalion of Saints—a night he describes as both terrifying and one of the greatest experiences of his life.

He also reflects on his time playing with the New York sleaze rock band Circus of Power alongside fellow South Florida alum Gary Sunshine (Screaming Sneakers), and his writing process behind his first book The Drummer from Miami Beach, as well as his unpublished follow-up, A Punk on Wall Street.

///////// Michael Bales' Orlando Story: Lovegods in Leisure Suits, Rocket 88 & More /////////

Nearly 40 years of Florida sound and style. Michael Bales’ musical journey spans hardcore punk, funk, swing, and rockabilly — from the raw energy of Lovegods In Leisure Suits, to the retro grit of Rocket 88 and Knock Down Drag Out. He’s shared stages with Jerry Lee Lewis, The B-52’s, Dick Dale, Wanda Jackson & countless more — a deep dive into one of Florida’s most eclectic voices and creative forces.

Trash Monkeys and Stun Guns: A Miami Punk Story

Join us as we explore the history of two seminal Miami bands, Trash Monkeys and Stun Guns, with George Kelley on bass guitar and Mark Feehan on guitar. George and Mark will take us through the origins of both bands, from the earliest days pre-Trash Monkey days of performance art band Verbal Circus.

Trash Monkeys were once the house band at Churchill's, one of Miami's most iconic venues. The Stun Guns played throughout Florida and toured, even making it to the infamous Gilman Street punk club in Southern California. They recorded with the late Hal Spector at Sync Studios, wJeremy DuBois and Dan Destructo of No Fraud. Expect plenty of fun stories, laughs, and more!

Behind The Metal: Mark Rodriguez on Tampa's Silent Scream and More

Mark shares his story of growing up in Tampa, from his early days as a surf punk attending concerts at the Bayfront Center and Lakeland Civic Center, to discovering the local bay-area music scene at venues like the Ruby's, Sunset Club, and the Brass Mug. He recounts the origins of Silent Scream, including recording three demo cassettes ('Endless Cries', 'Pieces of Reality', and 'Beyond Belief'), playing venues such as the Sunset Club, Brass Mug, Volley Club, Rocket Club, The Ritz, and opening for notable bands like Pantera, Type O Negative, Yngwie Malmsteenheand, the Plasmatics. Mark also reflects on the emerging Tampa death metal scene, centered around Morrisound Studios, playing shows in Tallahassee, Jacksonville, and Orlando, and insights into his art, creations, and more.

South Florida's Punk Roots: Mike 'Milo' Lesser and Gay Cowboys In Bondage

For the first time, Mike 'Milo' Lesser, a South Florida punk pioneer, shares his story. As the vocalist of Gay Cowboys In Bondage, one of the region's earliest hardcore punk bands, Mike recounts his early days attending iconic venues like the Hollywood Sportatorium and Finders, where he saw in their infancy, influential bands like Black Flag and Misfits. He dives into the formation of Gay Cowboys In Bondage, who initially went by Social Risk, and their notable appearances, including infiltrating a Battle of the Bands at Piper High School (Broward County) and opening for the Minutemen at Flynn's in Miami Beach. Mike also reminisces about playing with Roach Motel, recording at Sync Studios, and the significance of Open Books and Records. He fondly recalls friends and bandmates, including Libby Bentley, Charlie Pickett, Malcolm Tent, and Pete Moss (R.I.P.). The story also covers the band's discography, including their debut demo "We're Not Gay But The Music Is" (1983), the 7" EP "Owen Marshmallow Strikes Again" (1984), and a 2005 CD compilation of their work from 1983-1984.