Seeing Them Live

In this special episode of Seeing Them Live: After Show Report, host Charles welcomes back previous guests Eric Green, an award-winning filmmaker and blogger, and Scott Patrick Wiener, an artist and art teacher. Both friends, bonded by their love for Jane's Addiction, recount their experiences at a recent controversial Jane's Addiction concert in Boston where frontman Perry Farrell attacked guitarist Dave Navarro on stage. They reflect on attending the show together, reminiscing on their long friendship, shared history with the band, and involvement in each other's creative projects.

Eric and Scott delve into the details of the concert, describing both the high points of the performance and the troubling behavior exhibited by Perry Farrell, who appeared inebriated. They discuss the band's instrumental prowess and some standout moments from the night, juxtaposed with the unraveling tensions among the band members leading up to the on-stage altercation. The friends offer insights into the darker troubled history of Jane's Addiction, emphasizing the volatility that has characterized the band's trajectory.

Throughout the episode, the two guests also share their perspectives on the broader context of the band's enduring legacy, the personal significance of Jane's Addiction's music in their lives, and their mutual admiration for bassist Eric Avery's contributions to the band's sound. They recount the immediate aftermath of the event, how the altercation was reported by major media outlets, and their reactions to the incident.

The episode concludes with reflections on the meaningful moments of the night despite the dramatic turn of events. Eric and Scott mention their interest in future concert reviews and collaborations, encapsulating their deep bond and mutual passion for live music.

BANDS: Bruce Springsteen, Empire Records, Jane's Addiction, Lollapalooza, Lollapalooza, Love and Rockets, Nine Inch Nails, Pearl Jam, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Ringo Starr and His All-Star Band, The Beatles, The Monkees, Van Halen, Prince

VENUES: Aragon Ballroom, Fenway Park, Grant Park, Hammerstein Ballroom, Hanscom Middle School, Harbor Lights, Leader Bank Pavilion

PATREON:
https://www.patreon.com/SeeingThemLive

Please help us defer the cost of producing this podcast by making a donation on Patreon.

WEBSITE:
https://seeingthemlive.com/

Visit the Seeing Them Live website for bonus materials including the show blog, resource links for concert buffs, photos, materials related to our episodes, and our Ticket Stub Museum.

INSTAGRAM:
https://www.instagram.com/seeingthemlive/

FACEBOOK:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550090670708

In this episode of Seeing Them Live, host Charles welcomes Scott Patrick Wiener, an artist and lifelong skateboarder who currently teaches art at Hanscom Middle School in Massachusetts. The conversation kicks off with Scott reminiscing about his first concert experience in 1991 at the Walter Brown Arena, where he saw the Red Hot Chili Peppers with opening acts Pearl Jam and Smashing Pumpkins. Scott recounts the electrifying atmosphere and the impact that punk rock had on his life following his discovery of skateboarding in 1988.

The episode delves into Scott's diverse music tastes, ranging from hip hop to industrial, and his favorite bands like Sonic Youth and the Dead Kennedys. He shares insightful stories about attending Lollapalooza in 1992 and how Ministry's intense performance left a lasting impression. Scott also talks about the local hardcore scene in Boston during the early 90s, highlighting shows by bands like Chillmark that gave him a sense of community. A particularly touching moment comes when Scott describes taking his daughter to her first concert to see Wussy, a band whose songs he used to sing to her as lullabies. This episode is a nostalgic journey through Scott's vibrant musical history, marked by memorable concerts and the unifying power of music.

BANDS: A Tribe Called Quest, Beastie Boys, Beastie Boys, Bob Dylan, Burn, Circle Jerks, Dead Kennedys, Descendants, Dinosaur Jr., Dirty Rotten Imbeciles, Gang Starr, Heroin, Ian Mackaye, Ice Cube, Jane's Addiction, Jello Biafra, King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, Kingpin, Lou Barlow, Lush, Megadeth, Metallica, Ministry, Mogwai, Nirvana, Palehead, Pearl Jam, Public Enemy, Red Hot Chili Peppers, REM, Ritchie Havens, Run D.M.C., Said and Done, Sebadoh, Sex Pistols, Sick of It All, Slayer, Smashing Pumpkins, Smiths, Sonic Youth, Suicidal Tendencies, The Alcoholics, The Cure, The Goats, The Pharcyde, The Smiths, The Who, Tribe, U2, Wrecking Crew

VENUES: 930 Club, Aragon Ballroom, First Baptist Church, Great Woods, Lollapalooza, Middle East, Smith College, The Rathskeller, Walter Brown Arena, Woods Hole

PATREON:
https://www.patreon.com/SeeingThemLive

Please help us defer the cost of producing this podcast by making a donation on Patreon.

WEBSITE:
https://seeingthemlive.com/

Visit the Seeing Them Live website for bonus materials including the show blog, resource links for concert buffs, photos, materials related to our episodes, and our Ticket Stub Museum.

INSTAGRAM:
https://www.instagram.com/seeingthemlive/

FACEBOOK:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550090670708

In this episode of Seeing Them Live, hosts Charles and Doug welcome Jim, known as the Podcast Sherpa and host of Too Many Podcasts, a podcast dedicated to exploring other podcasts. Jim shares his unique experiences attending various concerts, beginning with his first concert in 1980, where he saw The Police at Madison Square Garden during their Zenyatta Mondatta tour. He reminisces about the electrifying atmosphere and how the concert left a lasting impression on him as a high school student.

The discussion also touches on other memorable shows, including Tina Turner's powerful performance as the opening act for Lionel Richie in 1984, where her high-energy stage presence captivated the audience. Jim also recalls seeing Elton John at Madison Square Garden during the Leather Jackets tour in 1986 and dispels a rumor about the singer allegedly assaulting a fan. He goes on to describe the experience of attending Billy Joel’s record-setting 12 Gardens residency at Madison Square Garden, which also happened to be his wife’s first concert, highlighting the shared joy of live music.

The conversation takes a humorous turn as Jim recounts some lighter concert memories, including a prank involving "pre-concert mooing" at a Joan Jett concert in 1983 and a surprising encounter at a Samantha Fox show in 1989. Charles and Doug also share their own concert anecdotes, with Doug emphasizing the consistent quality of Billy Joel’s performances and Charles recalling a chaotic food fight during a Joan Jett set at a Police concert. The episode is filled with entertaining stories and insights, reflecting the hosts' and guest’s deep appreciation for live music and the unforgettable moments that concerts create.

BANDS: Bare Naked Ladies, Billy Joel, Clint Black, Coolio, Elton John, Joan Jett, Lionel Richie, Prince, Samantha Fox, Sheila E, The Police, Tina Turner, Wynonna Judd.

VENUES:  Jones Beach, Madison Square Garden, Manchester Apollo, Orpheum Capitol Theater, The Marquee Club.

PATREON:
https://www.patreon.com/SeeingThemLive

Please help us defer the cost of producing this podcast by making a donation on Patreon.

WEBSITE:
https://seeingthemlive.com/

Visit the Seeing Them Live website for bonus materials including the show blog, resource links for concert buffs, photos, materials related to our episodes, and our Ticket Stub Museum.

INSTAGRAM:
https://www.instagram.com/seeingthemlive/

FACEBOOK:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550090670708

In this episode of Seeing Them Live, Charles welcomes award-winning writer, director, and producer Eric Green. They dive into Eric's concert experiences, starting with his first concert at age 12 when he saw Debbie Gibson thanks to his mom. Eric reflects on other notable concerts, including several Lollapalooza festivals in the 90s, and iconic shows by Green Day, Aerosmith, and Ringo Starr. The discussion also covers his most surprising and disappointing concert moments. Eric talks about his background in filmmaking, highlighting his documentary 'Life on the V,' which explores the story of the short-lived Boston music video TV station V66. He delves into the significance of V66 in promoting local music and its addition to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's library and archives. The episode concludes with Eric sharing insights about his pop culture blog, Greens Party, where he reviews concerts and features interviews with musicians.

BANDS: ACDC, Aerosmith, Beck, Ben Folds Five, Black Crows, Body Count, Brian Johnson, Butthole Surfers, Claypool Lennon Delirium, Cypress Hill, Debbie Gibson, Del Fuegos, Dinosaur Jr., Eagles, Eddie Van Halen, Elastica, Extreme, Foo Fighters, Garbage, George Harrison, Ghost of the Sabretooth Tiger, Green Day, Hole, Horde, Ice T, Jake Giles band, Jane's Addiction, John Bonham, John Lennon, Kiss, Letters to Cleo, Lilith Fair, Living Color, Lollapalooza, Metallica, Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Moby, Nine Inch Nails, Paul McCartney, Pavement, Pearl Jam, Primus, Ramones, Rancid, Ringo Starr, Rolling Stones, Rollins Band, Ruby, Screaming Trees, Sonic Youth, Sound Garden, The Beatles, The Cars, The Clash, Vans Warped, Yoko Ono

VENUES: Avalon, Boston Calling, Box Center, Citi Field, Fenway Park, Hat Shell, House of Blues, Madison Square Garden, Mansfield, Massachusetts, Orpheum Theater, Paradise, Wilbur Theater, Worcester Centrum

PATREON:
https://www.patreon.com/SeeingThemLive

Please help us defer the cost of producing this podcast by making a donation on Patreon.

WEBSITE:
https://seeingthemlive.com/

Visit the Seeing Them Live website for bonus materials including the show blog, resource links for concert buffs, photos, materials related to our episodes, and our Ticket Stub Museum.

INSTAGRAM:
https://www.instagram.com/seeingthemlive/

FACEBOOK:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550090670708

In this episode of Seeing Them Live, host Charles welcomes Amy Hill, a nurse and avid music fan, to discuss her rich history of attending live concerts. Amy shares the story of how she first met Charles at a bar before a Jonathan Van Ness show and discusses her lifelong passion for music. She reminisces about her first concert experience seeing Poison, a love for music that she surmises began even before her birth, and her diverse musical tastes ranging from Goth industrial to Luke Bryan.

Amy talks in depth about her unique experiences on Gothic music cruises, her encounters with bands like Combichrist and Empathy Test, and the close-knit community that forms on these trips. She also describes taking her mom to concerts, including a memorable 30 Seconds to Mars show in Lake Tahoe. Throughout, Amy emphasizes the unifying power of music, sharing personal stories that underline the joy and connections sparked by live performances.

BANDS: 30 Seconds to Mars, Aesthetic Perfection, Amy Hill, Anthrax, Bauhaus, Beyonce, Combichrist, Empathy Test, Freddie Mercury, God Module, Gothsicles, Jane's Addiction, Jonathan Van Ness, Luke Bryan, Ministry, Motley Crue, Nine Inch Nails, Pantera, Pearl Jam, Poison, Project Pitchfork, Queen, Sisters of Mercy, Skid Row, Skinny Puppy, Social Distortion, Steven Perkins, System Synning, Taylor Swift.

VENUES:  Alpine Valley, Bottom Lounge, Carnival (cruise line), Four Seasons Hotel, Lollapalooza, Mira Luna, MSC (cruise line), Norwegian (cruise line), Royal Caribbean (cruise line), Soldier Field, Vic Theater.

PATREON:
https://www.patreon.com/SeeingThemLive

Please help us defer the cost of producing this podcast by making a donation on Patreon.

WEBSITE:
https://seeingthemlive.com/

Visit the Seeing Them Live website for bonus materials including the show blog, resource links for concert buffs, photos, materials related to our episodes, and our Ticket Stub Museum.

INSTAGRAM:
https://www.instagram.com/seeingthemlive/

FACEBOOK:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550090670708

In this episode of Seeing Them Live, Charles and Doug welcome Stephen Pitalo, a music video historian and creator of the Music Video Time Machine. The discussion explores the golden age of music videos from the 80s and 90s, touching on Stephen's website, magazine, and blog that highlight iconic music videos and upcoming events. They reminisce about Stephen's first concert experience with Ratt and Bon Jovi in 1985, his fascinating encounters with musicians, and the influential music video directors he has interviewed for his upcoming book. The conversation also delves into memorable concerts attended by Stephen, from an unforgettable Joey Ramone show to a spectacular Prince performance, while also addressing the surprising disappointment of Billy Bob Thornton's Boxmasters. The episode offers a compelling look into the historical and cultural significance of music videos and live music experiences.

BANDS: Alice In Chains, Bad Manners, Big Country, Billy Bob Thornton, Blondie, Bon Jovi, Cheap Trick, Crazy Town, Criss Cross, Dixie Chicks, Duran Duran, EMF, Fontaines D.C., Foo Fighters, Garbage, Guns and Roses, Guns N Roses, Henry Rollins, INXS, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Joey Ramone, L7, Lap Daddy, Madness, Marshmello, Morris Day and the Time, Motley Crue, Primus, Queen, Ratt, REM, Rick Springfield, Rod Stewart, Ronnie Spector, Soraia, Spin Doctors, Taylor Swift, Tears for Fears, The Boxmasters, The Dictators, The Independence, The Knuckle Sandwiches, The Meters, The Pristines, The Ramones, The Runaways, Twisted Sister, U2, Whitesnake, Whitney Houston, ZZ Top.

VENUES: Bowery Ballroom, Brownies, Continental Club, CBGB, Coast Coliseum, Coney Island High, Continental Club, Continental Club, Gulf Coast Coliseum, Hank's, Mississippi Gulf Coast Coliseum, Pussycat Lounge, Starplex Amphitheater, Starplex Amphitheater, Tramps, Westbeth Theater, Westbeth Theater.

PATREON:
https://www.patreon.com/SeeingThemLive

Please help us defer the cost of producing this podcast by making a donation on Patreon.

WEBSITE:
https://seeingthemlive.com/

Visit the Seeing Them Live website for bonus materials including the show blog, resource links for concert buffs, photos, materials related to our episodes, and our Ticket Stub Museum.

INSTAGRAM:
https://www.instagram.com/seeingthemlive/

FACEBOOK:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550090670708

In this episode, Charles welcomes Paul Peterson, a retired technology manager and lifetime audiophile who created, hosts, and produces the podcast "An Avid Listener" available on Spotify. Paul shares his experiences attending concerts since 1969, starting with his first concert seeing The Doors at the Auditorium Theater in Chicago. He reminisces about the vibrant music scene of the late '60s and early '70s, recounting memorable performances by legendary bands like The Beatles, The Doors, and Paul McCartney and Wings. Paul vividly describes the concert atmospheres, such as the excellent acoustics of the Auditorium Theater, and the more challenging sound environments of larger venues.

Charles and Paul discuss various concert experiences, including Paul’s attempt to attend Woodstock and the Kickapoo Creek Rock Concert, which ended in unexpected adventures and challenges. Paul humorously recalls falling asleep at a Deep Purple concert and shares an anecdote about receiving a cigarette pack from Paul McCartney at a Wings concert. They also delve into Paul’s memorable experience at Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon tour, highlighting the unique and powerful visual and auditory effects of the show.

Charles and Paul exchange stories of their favorite concerts, mentioning notable performances by artists such as Pink Floyd, REM, Jane’s Addiction, and The Lumineers. They reflect on the evolution of live concert experiences, noting improvements in acoustics and stage production over the years. Paul talks about his podcast, "An Avid Listener," where he connects musical dots by exploring the interconnected histories of albums and artists, providing listeners with fascinating insights and lesser-known backstories. The episode wraps up with a discussion on the value of sharing music and concert experiences, emphasizing the enduring joy and connection music brings to fans and audiophiles alike.

PATREON:
https://www.patreon.com/SeeingThemLive

Please help us defer the cost of producing this podcast by making a donation on Patreon.

WEBSITE:
https://seeingthemlive.com/

Visit the Seeing Them Live website for bonus materials including the show blog, resource links for concert buffs, photos, materials related to our episodes, and our Ticket Stub Museum.

INSTAGRAM:
https://www.instagram.com/seeingthemlive/

FACEBOOK:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550090670708

In this episode of Seeing Them Live, host Charles Zona introduces a new segment called Ticket Stub Stories, inspired by his memoir, Ticket Stub Stories: A Memoir of Live Music. Charles recounts a vivid memory from a U2 concert he attended in 1985 at the UIC Pavilion, where Bono lost his voice mid-performance. He delves into the background of the concert, detailing the unique perks for UIC students and sharing his personal experiences leading up to the show. Charles also highlights the editorial process that unearthed a bootleg recording of the concert, offering a fresh perspective on his memories. By featuring these segments, he hopes to encourage listeners to share their own concert stories. For those interested in becoming a guest on the show, Charles provides an open invitation and details for participation. The episode invites listeners to reminisce about live music and the powerful memories that concerts create.

Link to audio recording mentioned in this episode (U2 - Live In Chicago - March 22nd, 1985): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJAcaN2SMBI

VENUES MENTIONED: UIC Pavilion (Chicago)

BANDS MENTIONED: U2

PATREON:
https://www.patreon.com/SeeingThemLive

Please help us defer the cost of producing this podcast by making a donation on Patreon.

WEBSITE:
https://seeingthemlive.com/

Visit the Seeing Them Live website for bonus materials including the show blog, resource links for concert buffs, photos, materials related to our episodes, and our Ticket Stub Museum.

INSTAGRAM:
https://www.instagram.com/seeingthemlive/

FACEBOOK:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550090670708

In this engaging episode of Seeing Them Live, hosts Charles and Doug welcome ZouZou Mansour. Along with drummer Brianna Sig and bassist Travis Smith (both musical and visual artists in their own right), ZouZou is the dynamic lead singer and lyricist of Philadelphia's rock band Soraia. Among other artists, ZouZou has co-written songs with Steven Van Zandt and Jon Bon Jovi.

Join Charles and Doug as we explore these and other topics with ZouZou:

- What was ZouZou’s first concert?

- What artist influenced ZouZou to change the course of her career?

- What happened when she and her band met Alice Cooper backstage at a Bruce Springsteen concert?

- What is it like to work with Steven Van Zandt?

- What is Soraia’s methodology for naming their albums?

- What influenced the naming of their “Bloom” album?

- Why is ZouZou attracted to the horror genre?

- Why does Soraia like to record cover songs?

- What is the Soraia “Vault”?

- Why does ZouZou love hot dogs?

The discussion charts ZouZou’s musical journey, beginning with her early concert experiences seeing Hall and Oates to a transformative Iggy Pop performance that reshaped her artistic approach. We delve into Soraia's unique blend of 90s influences and 60s garage rock, their evolution over three impactful albums produced under Little Steven Van Zandt's Wicked Cool Records, and the band’s dedicated fan base. ZouZou shares insights into her songwriting process, the raw, uninhibited spirit of rock and roll, and her penchant for horror-themed music videos. Fans can also look forward to Soraia's re-release of 'Shed the Skin' on vinyl and upcoming shows. The light-hearted conversation wraps up with a fun note on ZouZou's love of hot dogs, and where fans can find Soraia's music and merchandise online.

BANDS MENTIONED: Alice Cooper, Bee Gees, Billy Falcon, Brianna Sig, Bruce Springsteen, Clarence Clemons, Concrete Blonde, Daryl Hall, E Street Band, Elvis Presley, Hall and Oates, Iggy Pop, Joan Jett, Jon Bon Jovi, Nirvana, P. J. Harvey, The Pretenders, Prince, Soraia, Steven Van Zandt, Stooges, The Kills, Travis Smith, Tropical Fuckstorm, ZouZou Mansoor.

VENUES MENTIONED: CBGB (New York), Le Poisson Rouge (New York), Liar's Club (Chicago), Spectrum (Philadelphia)

PATREON:
https://www.patreon.com/SeeingThemLive

Please help us defer the cost of producing this podcast by making a donation on Patreon.

WEBSITE:
https://seeingthemlive.com/

Visit the Seeing Them Live website for bonus materials including the show blog, resource links for concert buffs, photos, materials related to our episodes, and our Ticket Stub Museum.

INSTAGRAM:
https://www.instagram.com/seeingthemlive/

FACEBOOK:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550090670708

In this episode of Seeing Them Live, Charles and Doug welcome members of the eclectic New York City band Mad Meg: Ilya Popenko, Dan Vexler, Jason Laney, and Igor Reznik. The conversation starts with an introduction to Mad Meg’s unique sound, characterized by a blend of various music genres and fronted by Ilya's distinct vocals. The band members recount their formation story within the Russian-speaking community of New York City, with Jason humorously describing his determined efforts to join the band despite not speaking Russian. 

The discussion then shifts to the band’s concert experiences, highlighting an unusual and memorable performance at a women's correctional facility in Lithuania. Charles praises the energy of the live recording from this concert, drawing a comparison to Johnny Cash's iconic Folsom Prison performance. The band members reflect on the spontaneous nature of the prison show, which was organized in just a few days due to a canceled gig, and the exceptional audio quality captured by their sound engineer, Augustine.

The episode also delves into the band's live performance history in New York City, specifically their residency at New Blue 151, where they have built a strong local following. They talk about their 2022 album, Who Deserves Balloons and Medals, which was notable for having videos accompanying many of the songs. Ilya shares insights into the creative process behind these videos, emphasizing the importance of maintaining artistic control and integrating visual elements to expand the dimensions of their music.

The band’s creative versatility extends beyond their music to filmmaking. Ilya, a skilled filmmaker, directed several of Mad Meg’s music videos and completed a feature-length documentary about Jeffrey Lewis and the antifolk scene in New York. This film, which premiered at SlamDance Film Festival and was nominated for Best Documentary, showcases Ilya's multifaceted talents and the band's commitment to creative storytelling across different mediums.

Throughout the episode, the members of Mad Meg share anecdotes and behind-the-scenes stories, offering listeners a deep dive into their artistic journey and the dynamic synergy that fuels their innovative work. This conversation not only highlights the band's musical achievements but also their ability to merge music with compelling visual narratives, making for an engaging and multifaceted artistic experience.

BANDS MENTIONED: Adrian Baloo, Blonde Redhead, Frank Zappa, Genesis, Iron Maiden, Johnny Cash, King Crimson, Kino, Lounge Lizards, Mad Meg, Nine Inch Nails, Rolling Stones, Social Distortion, The Bears

VENUES MENTIONED: 930 Club (Washington, D.C.), Gramercy Theatre (New York City), Happy Ending (Lower East Side, New York City), New Blue 151 (New York City), Penevėžys Women's Correctional Facility (Lithuania)

PATREON:
https://www.patreon.com/SeeingThemLive

Please help us defer the cost of producing this podcast by making a donation on Patreon.

WEBSITE:
https://seeingthemlive.com/

Visit the Seeing Them Live website for bonus materials including the show blog, resource links for concert buffs, photos, materials related to our episodes, and our Ticket Stub Museum.

INSTAGRAM:
https://www.instagram.com/seeingthemlive/

FACEBOOK:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550090670708