In this powerful conclusion to our four-part Legends of the Cue series with Mark Kendall, guitarist and founding member of the platinum-selling rock band Great White, we dive deep into the stories that shaped his life both on stage and at the pool table. From the adrenaline rush of performing for hundreds of thousands of fans to the quiet intensity of a one-on-one pool match, Kendall reflects on the parallels between music and cue sports — focus, rhythm, and that elusive flow state where everything just clicks.

Joined by co-hosts Allison Fisher, Mark Wilson, and Mike Gonzalez, Kendall shares how decades in the rock world forged his resilience, taught him humility, and kept him grounded through life’s toughest moments — including personal loss and rediscovery. Listeners will hear hilarious behind-the-scenes tales from the road, late-night jam sessions that turned into lifelong lessons, and his encounters with legendary pool players like Nick Varner, CJ Wiley, and Mike Massey.

But this final chapter also takes a more reflective turn. Mark opens up about what he’s learned after a lifetime of chasing perfection — in music, in pool, and in himself. His answers to our signature three closing questions reveal the wisdom of a man who has lived fully, loved deeply, and still finds joy in the simple act of hitting a clean shot or nailing the perfect riff.

Filled with laughter, insight, and inspiration, this episode celebrates the artistry of a true original — a rock star with a cue in his hand and gratitude in his heart.

🎧 “Mark Kendall: Rock, Rhythm & the Road to the Table” — the unforgettable finale of a story that hits every note.

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Music by Lyrium.

About

"Legends of the Cue" is a pool history podcast featuring interviews with Pool Hall of Fame members, winners of major championships and other people of influence in and around pocket billiards. We also plan to highlight memorable pool brands, events and venues. Focusing on the positive aspects of the sport, we aim to create and provide an engaging and timeless repository of content that listeners can enjoy now and forever. Co-hosted by WPA and BCA Hall of Fame member Allison Fisher, Mosconi Cup player and captain Mark Wilson, our podcast focuses on telling the life stories of pool's greatest, in their voices. Join Allison, Mark and Mike Gonzalez for “Legends of the Cue.”

In this third installment of Legends of the Cue’s four-part conversation with Mark Kendall, the legendary guitarist and founding member of Great White, we explore the deep parallels between two of his lifelong passions — music and pool. Joined by hosts Mike Gonzalez, Mark Wilson, and Allison Fisher, Kendall opens up about the rhythm of discovery that links his guitar playing to his cue stroke, and how both crafts demand timing, creativity, and relentless discipline.

From his early days pounding the pavement with posters and dreams to headlining arenas, Kendall reflects on how technology reshaped the music industry — and how he’s adapted from analog grit to digital hustle. His stories of the 1980s rock scene are laced with humility and gratitude, as he recalls the raw determination that took him from backyard jam sessions to platinum records.

But it’s Kendall’s honesty about personal growth and recovery that resonates most. He speaks candidly about overcoming alcoholism, finding purpose in helping others, and channeling that same energy into his practice at the pool table. Whether chasing his dream of a 100-ball run or mentoring a struggling friend, Mark’s philosophy is rooted in perseverance and giving back.

Along the way, he and the hosts swap memories about training with top players, the nerves of competition, and the enduring joy of mastery — whether on stage or in the billiards hall. Blending rock ‘n’ roll authenticity with cue sport precision, this episode captures the heart of an artist who continues to find rhythm, redemption, and meaning in every note and every shot.

“When the lights go down, whether it’s a concert or a match, it’s the same rush — you just want to play your heart out.”

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Music by Lyrium.

About

"Legends of the Cue" is a pool history podcast featuring interviews with Pool Hall of Fame members, winners of major championships and other people of influence in and around pocket billiards. We also plan to highlight memorable pool brands, events and venues. Focusing on the positive aspects of the sport, we aim to create and provide an engaging and timeless repository of content that listeners can enjoy now and forever. Co-hosted by WPA and BCA Hall of Fame member Allison Fisher, Mosconi Cup player and captain Mark Wilson, our podcast focuses on telling the life stories of pool's greatest, in their voices. Join Allison, Mark and Mike Gonzalez for “Legends of the Cue.”

In this second installment of Legends of the Cue with Mark Kendall — famed guitarist, songwriter, and founder of the multiplatinum rock band Great White — we journey deeper into the fire and rhythm of a life shaped by equal parts grit, melody, and cue chalk. From his early days strumming in garages and dreaming beyond backyard gigs, to the electric moment when fate and a record label executive collided in a smoky L.A. club, Mark shares the unlikely path that led him from factory shifts and cover sets to international stages alongside Whitesnake and Judas Priest.

With his trademark humility and humor, Mark recounts the grind behind the glamour — five-set club nights, demo tapes financed by his singer’s father, and the relentless work ethic that kept him chasing opportunity long before the spotlight found him. Alongside co-hosts Mike Gonzalez, Allison Fisher, and Mark Wilson, we explore how passion for both guitar and pool intertwined to fuel his creative energy, and how lessons from the felt mirrored those from the stage: precision, patience, and performance under pressure.

Kendall reflects on the rise of MTV, the shift of the music scene in the ’90s, and the enduring connection with fans who’ve grown up with Great White’s anthems. He also opens up about his love of the cue game — trading riffs for runouts, and late-night rock shows for all-night pool halls with legends like Grady Matthews.

This episode captures the drive, discipline, and sheer joy of a man who never stopped learning — whether from Hendrix or Hall, Morrison or Mosconi. Mark Kendall’s story reminds us that greatness is earned one note, one stroke, and one dream at a time.

Give Allison, Mark & Mike some feedback via Text.

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Follow our show and/or leave a review/rating on:

Our website: https://www.legendsofthecue.com

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/legends-of-the-cue/id1820520463

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Za0IMh2SeNaWEGUHaVcy1

Music by Lyrium.

About

"Legends of the Cue" is a pool history podcast featuring interviews with Pool Hall of Fame members, winners of major championships and other people of influence in and around pocket billiards. We also plan to highlight memorable pool brands, events and venues. Focusing on the positive aspects of the sport, we aim to create and provide an engaging and timeless repository of content that listeners can enjoy now and forever. Co-hosted by WPA and BCA Hall of Fame member Allison Fisher, Mosconi Cup player and captain Mark Wilson, our podcast focuses on telling the life stories of pool's greatest, in their voices. Join Allison, Mark and Mike Gonzalez for “Legends of the Cue.”

In this first installment of a captivating four-part series, Legends of the Cue welcomes Mark Kendall — the soulful guitarist and founding member of the multi-platinum rock band Great White, and one of the most accomplished celebrity pool players in the world. Known for his passionate guitar riffs and humble nature, Kendall opens up to hosts Mark Wilson, Mike Gonzalez and Allison Fisher about the fascinating intersections of music, family, and the game of pool that shaped his life.

Born into a musical household in Southern California, Mark’s journey began with jazz records spinning in the background and a deep appreciation for rhythm and melody passed down from his trumpet-playing father and singer mother. By age nine, a neighbor’s garage band sparked a lifelong love affair with the guitar — one that would eventually propel him to international rock stardom. But just as powerful was his discovery of the pool table in the family garage, igniting another lifelong passion.

Kendall recounts his early years juggling baseball, music, and pool, his formative experiences at California’s famed Westminster Family Billiards, and his first brushes with the competitive world of straight pool and nine-ball. With his trademark humility and humor, he reflects on lessons learned from early defeats, the thrill of live performance, and the shared intensity between the stage and the pool hall.

From neighborhood jam sessions to his first electric guitar on Christmas morning, from teenage tournaments to facing future pros, this episode paints a vivid portrait of a natural talent driven by curiosity, competition, and pure love of craft.

Tune in as Mark Kendall begins his journey — where cue balls meet power chords, and the rhythm of the game mirrors the heartbeat of rock ’n’ roll.

Give Allison, Mark & Mike some feedback via Text.

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Follow our show and/or leave a review/rating on:

Our website: https://www.legendsofthecue.com

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/legends-of-the-cue/id1820520463

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Za0IMh2SeNaWEGUHaVcy1

Music by Lyrium.

About

"Legends of the Cue" is a pool history podcast featuring interviews with Pool Hall of Fame members, winners of major championships and other people of influence in and around pocket billiards. We also plan to highlight memorable pool brands, events and venues. Focusing on the positive aspects of the sport, we aim to create and provide an engaging and timeless repository of content that listeners can enjoy now and forever. Co-hosted by WPA and BCA Hall of Fame member Allison Fisher, Mosconi Cup player and captain Mark Wilson, our podcast focuses on telling the life stories of pool's greatest, in their voices. Join Allison, Mark and Mike Gonzalez for “Legends of the Cue.”

In the riveting conclusion of our four-part Legends of the Cue series with Keith “El Diablo” McCready, the legendary shot-maker and showman opens up about the artistry, heart, and hard lessons behind his unforgettable career. From his early days hustling in rough-and-tumble pool halls to his fearless showdowns with icons like Efren Reyes, Keith reflects on the fearless attitude and creative flair that made him both a crowd favorite and a feared opponent.

Joined by co-hosts Mike Gonzalez, Mark Wilson, and Allison Fisher, Keith takes listeners inside his singular approach to the game — the “twisting” of balls, the mastery of cue-ball speeds, and the instinctive genius that made his play “poetry in motion.” He shares candid reflections on learning through combat, staying out of his comfort zone, and how he found magic not through mechanics, but through pure feel.

Off the table, McCready speaks with honesty and humor about his journey through triumphs and turbulence — from the high-stakes gambling life to lessons learned from age, injury, and self-discovery. In his unmistakable style, Keith reveals what he would and wouldn’t change, the one “mulligan” he might take, and how he wants to be remembered: as an entertainer, a fighter, and one of the best “for the money.”

It’s Keith McCready unfiltered — colorful, insightful, and full of soul. A true original whose stories, passion, and spirit capture what makes the greats of the game timeless.

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Our website: https://www.legendsofthecue.com

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/legends-of-the-cue/id1820520463

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Za0IMh2SeNaWEGUHaVcy1

Music by Lyrium.

About

"Legends of the Cue" is a pool history podcast featuring interviews with Pool Hall of Fame members, winners of major championships and other people of influence in and around pocket billiards. We also plan to highlight memorable pool brands, events and venues. Focusing on the positive aspects of the sport, we aim to create and provide an engaging and timeless repository of content that listeners can enjoy now and forever. Co-hosted by WPA and BCA Hall of Fame member Allison Fisher, Mosconi Cup player and captain Mark Wilson, our podcast focuses on telling the life stories of pool's greatest, in their voices. Join Allison, Mark and Mike Gonzalez for “Legends of the Cue.”

In this third installment of our four-part Legends of the Cue conversation with the legendary Keith McCready, we dive into one of the most fascinating chapters of his extraordinary life — his unforgettable role as Grady Seasons in Martin Scorsese’s 1986 classic, The Color of Money.

Keith takes us behind the scenes of how a real pool hustler from the road found himself sharing the screen — and trading lines — with Paul Newman and a young Tom Cruise. From a serendipitous encounter at the 1985 U.S. Open 9-Ball Championship in Norfolk, Virginia, to a whirlwind Hollywood audition, Keith recounts how his fiery personality, quick wit, and unmistakable flair caught the eye of Scorsese and his casting team.

Listeners will hear incredible first-hand stories about life on the movie set — helping Cruise look more like a real pool player, watching Newman prepare for his Oscar-winning performance, and the chaos of shooting pool scenes that sometimes took 37 takes to perfect. Keith’s memories spill out with his trademark humor and honesty — from “borrowing” a few cues on set to the moment his ad-libbed line became one of the film’s most quotable.

But this episode isn’t just about Hollywood magic. It’s about the crossroads of pool and pop culture — and how The Color of Money reignited America’s love affair with the game. Keith reflects on the movie’s lasting legacy, his brush with fame, and how the hustler’s life and the Hollywood spotlight briefly collided in a way that only “Earthquake McCready” could make happen.

A must-listen for any fan of the film or the golden age of pool.

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Music by Lyrium.

About

"Legends of the Cue" is a pool history podcast featuring interviews with Pool Hall of Fame members, winners of major championships and other people of influence in and around pocket billiards. We also plan to highlight memorable pool brands, events and venues. Focusing on the positive aspects of the sport, we aim to create and provide an engaging and timeless repository of content that listeners can enjoy now and forever. Co-hosted by WPA and BCA Hall of Fame member Allison Fisher, Mosconi Cup player and captain Mark Wilson, our podcast focuses on telling the life stories of pool's greatest, in their voices. Join Allison, Mark and Mike Gonzalez for “Legends of the Cue.”

In this second installment of Legends of the Cue featuring the incomparable Keith “Earthquake” McCready, the stories get wilder, the stakes higher, and the characters larger than life. With his trademark wit and fearless honesty, Keith takes us deep into the gritty underworld of American pool during its most colorful era — where the lights never dimmed, the games never stopped, and the money was always on the line.

From marathon gambling sessions at California’s legendary Billiard Palace to encounters with icons like Minnesota Fats, Ronnie Allen, and Danny DiLiberto, McCready recalls a time when skill, nerve, and street smarts were the only currencies that mattered. He shares how his early years were a “mini-laboratory” for learning to play under relentless pressure — and the sometimes-questionable methods players used to keep going for days on end.

Listeners will hear Keith’s hilarious and heartbreaking tales of triumph and trouble: falling asleep under pool tables with cash in his pockets, only to wake up robbed; being “jarred” mid-match by opponents looking for an edge; and hustling through the West Coast’s roughest rooms armed with nothing but talent and charm.

Co-hosts Mike Gonzalez, Allison Fisher, and Mark Wilson bring warmth and insight as they guide Keith through these vivid memories — from his friendship with the greats to the challenges of vision loss that ended his playing days far too soon.

Equal parts humor, danger, and heart, this episode captures the essence of a man who lived pool at full throttle and left an indelible mark on the game.

🎱 Join us for Part 2 of “Earthquake” Keith McCready — the stories only he could tell, from a life lived at the edge of the table.

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Follow our show and/or leave a review/rating on:

Our website: https://www.legendsofthecue.com

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/legends-of-the-cue/id1820520463

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Music by Lyrium.

About

"Legends of the Cue" is a pool history podcast featuring interviews with Pool Hall of Fame members, winners of major championships and other people of influence in and around pocket billiards. We also plan to highlight memorable pool brands, events and venues. Focusing on the positive aspects of the sport, we aim to create and provide an engaging and timeless repository of content that listeners can enjoy now and forever. Co-hosted by WPA and BCA Hall of Fame member Allison Fisher, Mosconi Cup player and captain Mark Wilson, our podcast focuses on telling the life stories of pool's greatest, in their voices. Join Allison, Mark and Mike Gonzalez for “Legends of the Cue.”

In this first installment of our Legends of the Cue four-part series, hosts Mike Gonzalez, Allison Fisher, and Mark Wilson sit down with one of pool’s most electrifying personalities—Keith McCready—to trace the raw, unfiltered beginnings of a life that could only be described as cinematic.

Born in Elmhurst, Illinois, and raised under the California sun, Keith’s early years were anything but ordinary. By age ten, while most kids were trading baseball cards, he was already gambling, running pool tables, and learning the delicate art of survival. After losing his mother at a young age, Keith found refuge in the game—and in the smoky glow of California pool halls where legends like Louis Lemke and “Cowboy” Jimmy Moore tested his growing talent.

Adopted at 13 by Bob Wallace, the owner of a local poolroom, Keith’s new family gave him both stability and access to the best action on the West Coast. By fifteen, he was on the road, matching up against future world champions, and earning a nickname that captured his fearless spirit—El Diablo. His stories of those days—standing on Coke crates to reach the table, running 56 balls at age twelve, winning thousands at the racetrack before eighth grade, and learning from icons like Ronnie Allen—paint the portrait of a natural-born competitor with an edge as sharp as his stroke.

This episode captures the roots of a player whose talent, charisma, and streetwise grit later caught the eye of none other than Martin Scorsese, who cast him as Grady Seasons in The Color of Money. Join us as Keith McCready takes us back to where it all began—before the fame, before the film—when the hustle, the game, and the gamble were one and the same.

🎱 A story only Keith could tell, and only pool could create.

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Our website: https://www.legendsofthecue.com

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Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Za0IMh2SeNaWEGUHaVcy1

Music by Lyrium.

About

"Legends of the Cue" is a pool history podcast featuring interviews with Pool Hall of Fame members, winners of major championships and other people of influence in and around pocket billiards. We also plan to highlight memorable pool brands, events and venues. Focusing on the positive aspects of the sport, we aim to create and provide an engaging and timeless repository of content that listeners can enjoy now and forever. Co-hosted by WPA and BCA Hall of Fame member Allison Fisher, Mosconi Cup player and captain Mark Wilson, our podcast focuses on telling the life stories of pool's greatest, in their voices. Join Allison, Mark and Mike Gonzalez for “Legends of the Cue.”

In this concluding episode of our four-part series with the incomparable Mike Massey, we journey through a defining chapter of his extraordinary life in pool. Already recognized as the game’s premier trick shot artist, Mike reflects on the mid-2000s when his career transitioned from peak competition to enduring legacy.

We begin with his collaboration with noted author Phil Capelle on Mike Massey’s World of Trick Shots, a groundbreaking instructional book blending precision diagrams, insider tips, and colorful travel stories. From near-miss train rides in Europe to unforgettable exhibition moments, Mike brings his adventures vividly to life.

The discussion turns to honors befitting a master: induction into the Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame in 2005 and, more recently, the inaugural class of the Artistic Pool Hall of Fame alongside Tom Rossman and George Middleditch. Mike shares candid reflections on what those accolades meant, the pioneers who paved the way, and the responsibility of carrying pool’s entertainment tradition forward.

Yet, beyond titles and trophies, Mike reveals his other passions—music, poetry, and faith. A self-taught country singer with a catalog on ReverbNation, he describes storytelling through song as both a creative outlet and a spiritual calling. He also speaks openly about challenges, redemption, and the lessons he hopes others might learn from his journey.

As always, we close with our signature three questions, where Mike offers timeless advice to young players, contemplates the “do-over” shots that still linger in memory, and reflects on how he would like the pool world to remember him.

This episode is not only about one man’s remarkable career but also about resilience, integrity, and leaving a legacy that transcends the table.

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Music by Lyrium.

About

"Legends of the Cue" is a pool history podcast featuring interviews with Pool Hall of Fame members, winners of major championships and other people of influence in and around pocket billiards. We also plan to highlight memorable pool brands, events and venues. Focusing on the positive aspects of the sport, we aim to create and provide an engaging and timeless repository of content that listeners can enjoy now and forever. Co-hosted by WPA and BCA Hall of Fame member Allison Fisher, Mosconi Cup player and captain Mark Wilson, our podcast focuses on telling the life stories of pool's greatest, in their voices. Join Allison, Mark and Mike Gonzalez for “Legends of the Cue.”

In this third installment of our four-part conversation with Mike Massey—BCA Hall of Fame inductee, Artistic Pool Hall of Fame member, and the greatest trick shot artist of all time—we continue charting the incredible journey of one of the game’s most colorful and accomplished legends.

Mike takes us inside one of his proudest achievements: a grueling 24-hour marathon in Austria where he recorded an astonishing 330 break-and-runs in nine-ball, a feat witnessed live on national television that helped billiards gain recognition as a sport in Austria. From charity marathons pocketing thousands of balls to exhibitions that inspired young players like Jasmine Ouschan, Mike reflects on how endurance, creativity, and sheer love for the game have shaped his legacy.

We also revisit his early Mosconi Cup experiences—battling the likes of Jimmy White and a teenage Ronnie O’Sullivan—and hear how those high-stakes moments showcased both the rivalry and camaraderie between pool and snooker greats. Along the way, Mike shares vivid memories of iconic figures such as Minnesota Fats, Luther Lassiter, Steve Mizerak, Buddy Hall, and Earl Strickland, offering candid insights into their personalities, strengths, and quirks at the table.

The episode closes with a warm look back at Pool School in Paradise, the innovative training experience he co-created with Allison Fisher and Gerda Hofstätter that blended world-class instruction with unforgettable camaraderie in Hawaii and Vancouver.

From epic matches and world-class runs to bicycles in Vancouver and late-night storytelling, this chapter of Mike Massey’s life captures the spirit of a man who has not only mastered the cue but elevated the game for fans and players around the globe.

Give Allison, Mark & Mike some feedback via Text.

Support the show

Follow our show and/or leave a review/rating on:

Our website: https://www.legendsofthecue.com

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/legends-of-the-cue/id1820520463

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Za0IMh2SeNaWEGUHaVcy1

Music by Lyrium.

About

"Legends of the Cue" is a pool history podcast featuring interviews with Pool Hall of Fame members, winners of major championships and other people of influence in and around pocket billiards. We also plan to highlight memorable pool brands, events and venues. Focusing on the positive aspects of the sport, we aim to create and provide an engaging and timeless repository of content that listeners can enjoy now and forever. Co-hosted by WPA and BCA Hall of Fame member Allison Fisher, Mosconi Cup player and captain Mark Wilson, our podcast focuses on telling the life stories of pool's greatest, in their voices. Join Allison, Mark and Mike Gonzalez for “Legends of the Cue.”