Reliving My Youth

I catch up with founding member and keyboardist of the 10,000 Maniacs, Dennis Drew. The Maniacs have been going strong for over 35 years now. Dennis tells me about the origins of the band, how Natalie Merchant came into the band, why she left, and why fans think she is still in the band. Outside of the Maniacs, Dennis is the general manager of a radio station in Jamestown, NY.

I catch up with actor Mark Metcalf, who portrayed the legendary Douglas C. Neidermeyer, in Animal House. Mark emulated the character in two Twister Sister video, "I Wanna Rock" and "We're Not Gonna Take It". Mark famously played Bob Cobb on Seinfeld, better known as "The Maestro". Sci-fi fans will recognize Mark from Buffy The Vampire Slayer and Star Trek Voyager.

I catch up with Brian Pastoria, founding member and former drummer of Adrenalin. Brian talks about the band's formation. Their most recognizable song, Road of the Gypsy, was featured in the movie, Iron Eagle. Brian shares the story behind the song. Adrenalin should have hit it big but fell victim to lead singer issues and record company troubles.

I catch up with Big Bad Voodoo Daddy's Scotty Morris. BBVD gained national fame from the movie, Swingers. Scotty talks about getting discovered by Jon Favreau and gives his thoughts on the movie. The band performed alongside Stevie Wonder at the Super Bowl halftime show 20 years, which was basically the end of the swing revival. Scotty talks about the decision he and the band made as the 2000s began.

I catch up with Anson Williams who played Potsie on Happy Days. Anson talks about landing the role and how he almost missed the chance to play Potsie. Various Happy Days topics come up, including Chuck, the "Jump The Shark" episode, and Robin Williams. We discuss Battle of the Network Stars and his career following Happy Days.

I catch up with actor Richard Tyson for the show's 100th episode. Richard has played some of the best antagonists in the 80's and 90's. Richard talks about heading to Hollywood and getting the role of Buddy Revell. Find out which line in Kindergarten Cop Richard added during the filming. Richard has appeared in a few of the Farrelly brothers' movies and talks about razzing Ben Stiller.

I catch up with actor/musician Demian Slade, best known for portraying Jimmy Gasparini, the paperboy, in Better Off Dead. Demian also starred alongside Matthew Perry in FOX's Second Chance. Demian talks about playing Screech before there was one. Demian just released the Apotheosis, an album of piano instrumentals.

I catch up with Richie Cannata, who played, most notably saxophone, in Billy Joel's band. Richie talks about how he met Billy, playing at Carnegie Hall and which of Billy's songs was a challenge to play. Richie is the musical director for Bernie Williams and talks about what he thought of the former Yankee great's guitar playing the first time he heard it. Richie, along with Liberty DeVitto and Russell Javors, formed The Lords of 52nd Street. The three members of Billy's original band tour, performing Billy's songs from the 70's and early 80's.

Jon Lamoreaux from The Hustle podcast and Noel count down our top ten favorite 80s movie soundtrack songs. See if your favorites made our list.

I catch up with Lawrence Gowan, the vocalist and keyboardist in Styx. Larry talks about being "the new guy" in the band. Before joining Styx, Gowan was a very successful solo artist in Canada. His hits included "(You're a) Strange Animal", "Moonlight Desires" and "A Criminal Mind." The last is now included in the Styx setlist. Larry tell me which Beatle's house he recorded his "Strange Animal" album. He also tells me why his solo albums were not released in the US and which infamous Styx's song is now back in the setlist.