LifeMinute In Studio With Podcast

Grammy and Oscar-nominated singer-songwriter Patty Smyth on Joann Butler In Studio With talks Scandal stories, Eddie Van Halen, life with husband John McEnroe. Plus Andy Kaufman, breaking  MTV, performing with Bill Murray, and her Café Carlyle debut with a special five-night engagement in New York City.

Ian Gillan is still very much in the moment. In a new interview on Joann Butler in Studio With..., the Deep Purple frontman says the band’s current tour is “probably the best we’ve ever done,” calling the schedule intense, even “insane,” but still exciting after all these years. One of the biggest moments came when Ritchie Blackmore joined Deep Purple onstage in New York. Gillan says Blackmore reached out beforehand asking if he could “step up in ‘Smoke,’” a request that instantly made him smile. He describes the reunion as warm and magical, adding that whatever problems existed between them had been put behind them years ago. Gillan also gets into Deep Purple’s new album, Splat!, and why the current lineup feels so connected to the band’s classic sound. He says guitarist Simon McBride has brought a more grounded approach and that the new songs fit seamlessly alongside the older material live. The band’s creative process remains refreshingly old-school too: they jam together, shape the songs as a group and record much of the album live in the studio. Of course, Joann also takes Gillan back into Deep Purple history. He recalls “Highway Star” coming together on a bus ride to Brighton after a journalist asked how the band wrote songs — and says they played it that same night. “Smoke on the Water,” meanwhile, grew out of the real-life Montreux fire and eventually became one of the most played rock songs on radio. He also looks back on the early days of Deep Purple coming together, the instant chemistry he felt with Roger Glover, the story behind Child in Time, how the band reunited over curry and a phone call to Jon Lord, and the camaraderie that once connected Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath. This is a LifeMinute with Ian Gillan. 

Roger Daltrey has spent more than six decades as one of rock’s most unmistakable voices, but these days he’s thinking about what comes next. In a new conversation on Joann Butler in Studio With..., while on his current tour, A Great Night Out!, the 82-year-old frontman says this solo run could possibly be his last, as he looks forward to a more ordinary life and continued charity work. That doesn’t necessarily mean The Who are done. Daltrey reveals that he and Pete Townshend recently rehearsed with longtime drummer Zak Starkey to see whether the band could possibly play shows next year. He also recounts the early days of how the band came together and the moment Keith Moon joined the group and instantly changed everything. Daltrey also revisits the famous stutter in “My Generation,” explaining how an accidental vocal moment became part of one of The Who’s most iconic songs. He gets candid about AI too, particularly the unsettling reality that technology can now replicate his voice. The conversation isn’t all rock history. Daltrey also confirms the wild story connecting Jimi Hendrix to his wife Heather, reflects on their 55-year relationship, and shares the simple philosophy that still drives him: music should move people. This is a LifeMinute with Roger Daltrey.

Forty-five years after forming Mötley Crüe, Nikki Sixx says the band’s longevity still amazes him. “30 years, 40, and now 45. I don't know, man. It's crazy. I never saw this coming,” Sixx told us on the most recent episode of Joann Butler In Studio With... The band is celebrating the milestone with The Return of the Carnival of Sins Tour, marking the 20th anniversary of Carnival of Sins with a 33-date North American summer tour. The shows feature a refreshed setlist, including songs the band hasn’t performed live in decades, while continuing to deliver the hits that made Mötley Crüe a rock powerhouse. Sixx says some of those songs have taken on a meaning beyond what he originally wrote. Discussing “Kickstart My Heart,” which was inspired by his heroin overdose and recovery, Sixx explains that the song’s impact has grown beyond its original story. “The songs have outgrown the lyrics,” he says, noting that fans often experience the song through its energy and emotion rather than just its lyrical meaning. That connection with fans remains at the center of Mötley Crüe’s journey, whether through live performances or special releases like Crücial Crüe: The Studio Albums 1981–1989, a box set celebrating the band’s early catalog. After more than four decades in music, Sixx says creativity continues to drive him. For Mötley Crüe, the ability to evolve while staying connected to generations of fans is what keeps the music alive. “To be creative and stay creative—not just in music but in other things that I do—is very exciting,” he says. “That’s why I’m on this planet.” For Sixx, the journey continues to be about staying open to new ideas and finding new ways to create.

When you ask Stewart Copeland about his drumming, he says he likes to “bang stuff.” Well his art of “banging stuff” has made him one of the most important and influential drummers and artists of all time. He’s a composer, an innovator, and a musical force who helped redefine what a rock drummer could do — and on this episode of Joann Butler In Studio With…, we sat down with the seven-time Grammy winner to talk about all of it. Copeland walks us through how The Police came together, what first drew him to Sting, why he was convinced the band had to stay a three-piece, and how those early instincts shaped one of rock’s most iconic groups. He also gets candid about where he is now, telling us he considers himself “kind of retired from show business” — still making music, still performing, but only for the projects that genuinely excite him. Life beyond The Police: The “Have I Said Too Much” tour: Stepping back from the traditional grind of the industry hasn’t stopped Copeland from connecting with audiences — it’s just changed the format. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee is bringing his first North American spoken-word tour, “Have I Said Too Much – The Police, Hollywood, and Other Adventures,” to cities across the country. Expect personal stories, photos, video, and live audience Q&A — a genuine behind-the-scenes look at a career that spans from the formation of The Police to his adventures well beyond music. How Stewart Copeland formed The Police: One of our favorite moments in the conversation is Copeland’s own account of how The Police came to be. We asked him what caught his attention about Sting, why he pushed for a three-piece lineup, and how guitarist Andy Summers completed the chemistry that defined the band’s sound. His answer is part strategy, part instinct — a mix of practical thinking and the musical influences that shaped one of rock’s greatest bands. The Police album that means the most to him: When we asked Copeland which Police record means the most to him, he didn’t hesitate: Reggatta de Blanc. He tells us why that era marked a creative high point for the band, and why the album still holds a special place for him decades later. A childhood in the Middle East that shaped his music: Copeland’s path into music started early — and unusually. Raised in the Middle East by a father who worked for the CIA and moonlighted as a musician, he tells us music was simply part of the air he breathed growing up. He remembers just wanting to “bang stuff” as a kid, and shares the surprising story of his first drum teacher — an experience that left a permanent mark on his playing. From Neil Peart and Taylor Hawkins to Buddy Rich: Stories from a legendary career: We couldn’t resist asking about the drummers who shaped him and the ones he’s shaped in turn. Copeland shares memories of jamming with Neil Peart and Taylor Hawkins, and tells us one of his proudest career stories: the time jazz legend Buddy Rich asked him for an autograph. He also reveals the origin of his signature technique — the “orthodox grip” he still uses today, taught to him by his first drum teacher, a drummer from an Armenian strip club in Beirut. The legacy of one of rock’s most innovative drummers: Across the whole conversation, Copeland brings the humor, honesty, and hard-won wisdom of a decades-long career — giving us an inside look at the music, friendships, and choices that built his legacy. Watch the full interview with Stewart Copeland on Joann Butler In Studio With..., for more info on his speaking tour “Have I Said Too Much” visit StewartCopeland.net.

For more than four decades, Lee Greenwood's iconic anthem "God Bless the U.S.A." has been part of some of America's most meaningful moments. As the nation celebrates its 250th birthday, the country music legend sits down with Joann Butler In Studio With... to reflect on the song's lasting legacy, the inspiration behind it, and why its message still resonates today. The country star shares the story behind writing the beloved classic, recalls unforgettable performances for U.S. troops and presidents, and opens up about the moments that have defined his remarkable career. He also talks about the importance of bringing Americans together, previews his upcoming gospel album, and reveals what the American flag means to him after a lifetime of representing it on stages around the world. From heartfelt memories to a few behind-the-scenes stories along the way, it's a conversation filled with history, gratitude, music, and optimism. Lee Greenwood looks back on an extraordinary career and the song that has become a timeless soundtrack for generations of Americans. This is a LifeMinute with Lee Greenwood.

Lawrence Gowan of Styx has spent nearly three decades helping carry one of classic rock’s most enduring legacies—both onstage and in the studio. In a wide-ranging conversation on Joann Butler In Studio With…, Gowan reflects on the band’s 54-year journey, their creative process, and what keeps their music alive for generations of fans. Gearing up to tour with Chicago on a major summer run, Styx continues to bring its signature blend of progressive rock, powerhouse vocals, and theatrical live energy to arenas across the country. For Gowan, the experience is less about nostalgia and more about continuity. “We continue to try to exceed whatever we did last year, last week, last night,” he says. “There seems to be an insatiable demand to see Styx and embrace classic rock. I don’t think it’s ever been stronger.” A highlight of every show remains “Renegade,” a song Gowan doesn’t sing, but closely watches from the stage. He describes how the performance evolves each night, shaped by both the band and the audience. “It’s a different song every day,” he says, likening it to a familiar work of art revealing new meaning over time. After more than five decades, Gowan says the power of music lies in its ability to unite people emotionally. Styx continues to thrive on that connection—proving that rock music remains a shared language that brings audiences together night after night. This is a LifeMinute with Lawrence Gowan...

Iconic drummer Carmine Appice has lived the kind of life most musicians only dream about. Sitting down with Joann Butler on Joann Butler In Studio With..., he shared stories spanning six decades of rock history—from his groundbreaking work with Vanilla Fudge, Cactus, and Beck, Bogert & Appice to co-writing Rod Stewart classics “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?” and “Young Turks”—while crossing paths with everyone from Prince and Ozzy Osbourne to John Bonham and John Lennon. The conversation was packed with unforgettable moments. Appice spoke about Ozzy Osbourne, calling him “a good guy,” and recalled the surreal experience of discovering Prince in his own home, laughing, “Prince was in my bed,” while describing him as shy offstage, but magnetic onstage. There’s also a classic story about his younger brother, Vinny Appice. After working around John Lennon as a teenager and joining Rick Derringer's band, Vinny ended up touring with Aerosmith at just 16 years old. When a teacher woke him up in class and asked why he was tired, Vinny’s response was priceless: "Is anyone else in the class working with John Lennon?" From Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath, to Rod Stewart and Prince, Appice's stories are a masterclass in rock-and-roll history. He also shared updates on his current work, including Cactus' recently released Temple of the Blues II, and a new music video featuring Dee Snider, proving that more than six decades into his career, he's still making new music. This is a LifeMinute with Carmine Appice.

Drumming powerhouse Cindy Blackman Santana joined us on Joann Butler in Studio With… to talk about her new album Coherence, an adventurous collection of music featuring Carlos Santana, John McLaughlin, Matt Garrison, and more. Blackman Santana says the album takes listeners on a variety of musical journeys, blending powerful performances, rich textures, and creative storytelling. Coherence is available for pre-order today June 5, as well as her new single "Illumination." The full album will be released July 31. The legendary musician also opened up about working and touring with husband Carlos Santana, calling him an incredible bandleader who inspires both musicians and audiences. She shared how their relationship thrives through mutual support, independence, and a shared love of music, spirituality, and creativity. From her years with Lenny Kravitz to her current projects, Blackman Santana remains driven by curiosity and constant growth. Whether she's practicing drums, writing music, or finding inspiration in nature, she believes creativity connects us all. "Music helps people communicate," she said. "It feels like prayer when I'm playing." This is a LifeMinute with Cindy Blackman Santana.

Long before Soundgarden helped shape the Seattle grunge movement, Kim Thayil says the band sensed they were creating something that “didn’t really sound like anything else.” In a revealing conversation with Joann Butler on Joann Butler In Studio With…, the guitar great discusses his new memoir, A Screaming Life: Into the Superunknown with Soundgarden and Beyond, and reminisces on early days jamming with Chris Cornell and Hiro Yamamoto in Seattle, the moment they realized their chemistry was undeniable, and why nobody in the scene actually liked the word “grunge.” Thayil also discusses Cornell’s evolution from drummer to frontman, the emotional responsibility of finishing unreleased Soundgarden recordings, and his experience with synesthesia, describing how he associates music with colors and shapes. He shares how his perspective on the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame changed over time and recalls the surprising moment Soundgarden collectively decided to turn down Gene Simmons, despite being longtime Kiss fans. Thoughtful, funny, and deeply reflective, Thayil offers a rare inside look at one of rock’s most influential bands — and the stories behind the music that shaped a generation. This is a LifeMinute with Kim Thayil.