Seeing Them Live

This episode of Seeing Them Live features an in-depth and in-person conversation with Ray the Roadie and Hollywood Mike, hosts of the Rock and Roll Chicago podcast. Joined by producer and co-host Doug Florzak, the episode was recorded inside the Illinois Rock and Roll Museum on Route 66 in downtown Joliet, Illinois, where the Rock and Roll Chicago podcast is also recorded. 

The Rock and Roll Chicago podcast provides a platform for bands and musicians from the Chicago area, delving into the history of rock and roll in Chicago and Illinois, the current scene, and the challenges and opportunities for musicians today. Mike and Ray share humorous anecdotes, such as Mike jokingly proposing 'The Procrastinators' as a name for his next punk band, and Mike mentioning his varied musical activities, including performing with bands like Cadillac Groove and Mike and the Stillmasters, and his solo work. Mike also uncovers a rich musical heritage after meeting a cousin who fronts a Zydeco band in Louisiana, leading him to discover his extended family’s significant contributions to various facets of the entertainment industry. 

Ray recounts his multifaceted career journey, involving roadie work, being a firefighter for 28 years, and later diving back into music and podcasting post-retirement. Personal anecdotes include Ray’s memories of his first concert, seeing Chicago Transit Authority, and his best concert experience with ZZ Top, where he enjoyed backstage access and partied with the band. 

Mike fondly recalls his first concert, a Billy Squire show with Def Leppard as the opener, and his best concert experience, which was a transformative Buddy Guy performance that inspired him to become a musician. The episode concludes with Ray and Mike previewing their plans for upcoming podcast episodes and discussing the Illinois Rock and Roll Museum’s ongoing development and various exhibits, including guitars from Buddy Guy, and its status as a non-profit organization reliant on donations and memberships for support.

BANDS: 4 Non-Blondes, Alison Krauss, Billy Joel, Billy Squire, Buddy Guy, Cadillac Groove, Def Leppard, Flat Cats, Iron Maiden, Joker, Led Zeppelin, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Mabel's, Mike and the Still Masters, Outlaws, Rage Against A Machine, REO Speedwagon, REM, Robert Plant, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Train, Vulgar Boatmen, Wrought Iron Soul, ZZ Top.

VENUES:  Alpine Valley, Chicago Theater, El Macomber, Illinois Rock and Roll Museum, Illinois Rock and Roll Museum on Route 66, International Amphitheater, Mabel's, Ravinia, Rialto Square Theater, Rosemount Horizon, Route 66, Taste of Westmont, The Amphitheater, The Flat Cats, The Forge, The Riviera Theater.

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In this interview on Seeing Them Live, the guest, Ben Apatow, shares his insights and experiences in the music world. Ben is an accomplished author of the books Metallica, the $24.95 Book, and Body Count, part of the Bloomsbury 33 1/3 series. Ben's writing has been featured in various well-known music publications. He begins by recounting his first concert experience, seeing Bob Dylan and the Grateful Dead at RFK Stadium in 1995, a formative event for him. He also highlights memorable concerts, including two Prince shows at Madison Square Garden, citing Prince as an extraordinary performer. However, he also shares his most disappointing concerts: Bad Brains and a recent Jane's Addiction show, noting specific incidences that led to his disappointment with these performances. The Jane's Addiction show, in particular, was tarnished by Perry Farrell's visible struggle, which affected the overall performance quality and led to tour cancellations shortly after.

Transitioning to his literary works, Ben discusses the events around his book Body Count, which covers Body Count's controversial debut album featuring the song Cop Killer. The song elicited backlash from police unions, the Senate, and even the President, leading to its removal from the album after only three months. Ben details the dichotomy of the intense reactions to Cop Killer and the larger issues of censorship and societal fears in the early 1990s.

Regarding his book on Metallica, Ben describes its comprehensive coverage, spanning the band's history, individual members, concerts, and broader cultural impact. He also delves into the influence of punk and metal within their music. Ben emphasizes the significance of word-of-mouth and live performances in Metallica's rise to popularity and reflects on how their approach to live shows continues to engage and expand their fan base. He concludes by expressing his enthusiasm for writing these books and outlining potential future projects, including collaborations and new biographies.

BANDS: AC/DC, Bob Dylan, Body Count, Fiona Apple, Fishbone, Iron Maiden, Living Color, Metallica, Patti Smith, Prince, Slayer, Suicidal Tendencies, The Grateful Dead, The Kinks, The Ramones, Ultimate Classic Rock, Velvet Underground.

VENUES:

RFK Stadium, Madison Square Garden, Alpine Valley, Navy Pier, Salt Shed, Lollapalooza.

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In the first-ever year-end concert review show for the 'Seeing Them Live' podcast, host Charles and his panel of previous guests, including Eric Green, Jessica Catena, Doug Florzak, Steve Pothel, Summer, and Scott Patrick Wiener, review their concert experiences from 2024. The panel members take turns speaking about their most memorable shows, spanning a wide range of venues, cities, and genres, providing vivid anecdotes along the way.

Eric discusses his rich year, including covering bands like Bim Skala Bim, the Dandy Warhols, and Foo Fighters. Summer shares her experiences of attending Lollapalooza and seeing Green Day at Wrigley Field among others. Jessica details her rain-soaked yet impactful experience at the Global Citizen Festival in Central Park and makes plans for 2025. Doug recounts his concert experience joining Charles and previous guest Art Gregg seeing a Led Zeppelin cover band, Led Zeppelin II, at the House of Blues in Chicago. Doug also describes a Soraia concert where Doug and Charles recorded podcast content. Steve recounts emotional concert memories, such as traveling to see Joan Jett and the Psychedelic Furs and plans for upcoming shows.

The episode also highlights special 'podcast moments', where Charles meets listeners and potential guests at concerts he attended.

BANDS: Afghan Whigs, Alanis Morissette, Benson Boone, Bim Skala Bim, Bridget Calls Me Baby, Cat Power, Doja Cat, Dua Lipa, Eye for an Eye, Foo Fighters, Foster the People, Friko, Green Day, Harry Styles, Infinity Song, Jack White, Jane's Addiction, Jelly Roll, Jesus and Mary Chain, Joan Jett, Kim Deal, Led Zeppelin, Life on the V, Love and Rockets, Matthew Sweet, Metallica, Nothing But Thieves, Pantera, Pearl Jam, Post Malone, Psychedelic Furs, Quicksand, Raul Alejandro, Ringo Starr, Rival Schools, Sleater Kinney, Smashing Pumpkins, St. Vincent, Stevie Nicks, The Breeders, The Cannons, The Church, The Cure, The Dandy Warhols, The Deftones, The Killers, The Pixies, The Smiths, The White Stripes, Thursday, Wussy

VENUES: Central Park, City Winery, Club Passim, Fenway Park, Gillette Stadium, Grant Park, House of Blues, Leader Bank Pavilion, Liars Club, Lollapalooza, Madison Square Garden, Northerly Island, Paradise Club, Park West, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Royale, Salt Shed, Soldier Field, South by Southwest, Staples Center, Summit Music Hall, The Tender Trap, Wilbur Theater

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In the final episode of Season 2, Charles welcomes Jim Turbert, an American communication technologist and podcaster residing in Rotterdam. Jim reflects on his first concert at age 13, where Ringo Starr's performance left a lasting impression, partly thanks to his music-loving uncle who influenced his musical tastes. He recounts various memorable concerts, including a powerful Afghan Wigs show in Boston, where lead singer Greg Dooley's storytelling made the performance unforgettable, even despite later learning Dooley's on-stage declaration of being on acid was untrue.

Jim shares his appreciation for technically proficient artists like Mike Watt and Nels Cline, recounting a particularly electrifying performance that displayed exceptional guitar skills. His experiences underscore the importance of venue acoustics and crowd energy, such as how silence and attention at a Sigur Rós concert added to the immersive quality of the show. Conversely, he describes a disappointing Eagles concert during their 'When Hell Freezes Over' tour due to multiple breaks and inflated egos.

A standout anecdote involves Jim losing a shoe while crowd-surfing at a Nirvana concert, only to have Kurt Cobain toss it backstage, leaving him to navigate the chilly New England night unshod. Amid these personal stories, Jim also touches on the broader implications of concert experiences, including nostalgic reflections on hitchhiking back from a Sonic Youth concert with friends and the pure joy of witnessing an early White Stripes performance in a frat house setting.

In addition to sharing concert stories, Jim speaks about his podcast, 'Feel Free to Deviate,' which delves into people's career paths and their relationships with success. The podcast captures various personal and professional journeys, underscoring Jim's curiosity and communication skills.

BANDS: Afghan Wigs, Aerosmith, Beatles, Black Crows, Blackfoot, Breeders, Clarence Clemens, Deep Purple, Dire Straits, Dr. John, The Eagles, Joe Walsh, Led Zeppelin, Living Color, Lounge Acts, Mason Ruffner, Ministry, Minutemen, Nazareth, Nick Cave, Nils Lofgren, Otoboke Beaver, Porno for Pyros, Radiohead, Ringo Starr, Rolling Stones, Sigur Rós, Soundgarden, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Sonic Youth, Ten Years After, the Doors, U2, Walter Trout, White Stripes, Willie Preston.

VENUES: T. T. the Bears, Row Town, Lansdowne Street, Lake Compounce, University of Massachusetts, Panarchy, Orpheum, University of Vermont, Berklee Performance Center.

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In this episode of Seeing Them Live, Charles interviews Shelley Van, an experienced community builder, marketer, and manager of Tru Band Room, a music venue in Decentraland. Shelley discusses her journey from her first concert experience at the B96 Bash to managing over 1,000 performances in the virtual world.

Shelley highlights the unique aspects of virtual events, such as creating avatars, virtual merchandise, and NFTs to engage audiences globally. The conversation delves into the challenges and opportunities of Web3 and how it offers new ways for independent artists to monetize their work. Additionally, Shelley shares memorable moments from her virtual concerts, including a special Christmas event featuring Krampus and live interactions with fans from around the world.

BANDS: Aerosmith, Ash Orphan, Buffalo, Death Cab for Cutie, Deep Sea Diver, Ed Sheeran, Jessica Dobson, Kid Rock, Kings of Leon, Krampus, Mr. Swee, New Kids on the Block, Pans, Psychedelic Furs, Spottie WiFi, Stoney Eye, Tara Who, The Shins.

VENUES: Aragon Ballroom, Credit Union One Amphitheater, Decentraland, Filling Station, Kettle House Amphitheater, Liar's Club, New World Music Theater, Soldier Field, Troubadour, Tru Band Room.

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In this episode dubbed 'Seeing Them Live After Show Report,' Doug and Charles take listeners to The Liars Club in Chicago, where they record brief conversations with fans and performers at a live music event. The focus is on the band Soraia, first introduced in S02E01 by guest Dawn Fontaine, who shared how their music had a life-saving impact on her. After Dawn’s episode, Charles and Doug interviewed ZoZou Mansour from the band in S02E07. The hosts finally meet the band in person at the Liar’s Club and conduct an interview with lead singer Zuzu Mansour, who talks about the influence of music on her life and the songwriting process.

The podcast captures the dynamic energy of the concert and provides a vivid account of the live event, including attendee experiences, band interviews, and their impressions of the venue. Fans express their admiration for the bands performing that night, and discuss the club's excellent sound quality and inviting atmosphere.

BANDS: Ricky Liontones, Soraia, Tara Who?

VENUES: The Liar’s Club

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In this episode of 'Seeing Them Live,' Charles explores the multifaceted career of Ken Reid, a Boston-based comedian, former punk band member, and podcast host. Ken reflects on his diverse experiences, from his early days in the 90s punk band '30 Seconds Over Tokyo' to his extensive comedy career, which includes two comedy albums and a successful podcast 'TV Guidance Counselor.'

He humorously shares early concert anecdotes, including winning tickets through radio contests and memorable shows like the Aerosmith concert and a unique collaboration between David Bowie and Nine Inch Nails. The discussion reveals Ken's passion for live performances and his impact on the entertainment industry over two decades, underscoring his transition from music to comedy and podcasting. 

Prompted by a story Charles shares where Michael Stipe asked Charles for his Batman shirt after an REM show, Ken and Charles do a deep dive into the portrayal of Joker by Cesar Romero in the original Batman series. They explore Romero's unique take on the character, the impact it had on the show's success, and how it influenced perceptions of the Joker in pop culture.

The episode also dives into remarkable concert stories, such as The Descendants' comeback tour and intense punk shows at Boston's Rathskeller, portrayed through vivid recollections of chaotic and energetic performances. Additionally, the hosts and Ken discuss the evolving concert culture, contrasting the violent punk shows of the past with today's more positive festival atmosphere. This engaging narrative captures the spirit of live music and the raw energy of punk rock, while showcasing Ken Reid's journey from punk singer to a successful comedian and podcast host with over 700 episodes of 'TV Guidance Counselor.'

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In this episode of Seeing Them Live, host Charles welcomes Rudy Childs, an award-winning documentary filmmaker and rock photographer. Rudy shares insights into his career, highlighting his acclaimed documentaries on heavy metal music and his extensive photography work with iconic bands like Van Halen and Aerosmith. The conversation touches on Rudy's early concert experiences, notably his first Aerosmith concert at 15, which set the course for his unique approach to concert photography by sneaking cameras into shows to capture legendary moments.

Rudy also discusses the highs and lows of his journey, including curious anecdotes such as impersonating a Kerrang magazine writer for a band interview and his encounter with Sharon Osbourne when she threw him out of Ozzy’s dressing room. His passion for rock music is evident in his vivid recollections of concerts and the lengths he went to photograph and videotape these events, despite the challenges posed by his battles with drug use.

Beyond photography, Rudy describes his venture into filmmaking, with documentaries like 'The Dogmatics' and 'Tension,' exploring bands that shaped the punk and metal scenes. He details his creative process and the enthusiasm with which he pursued these projects, despite personal setbacks. His work has been celebrated, winning several awards and being featured in numerous publications.

Rudy concludes by sharing exciting updates and future plans, including a potential publication of his candid memoir 'Riff Raff and Rock and Roll,' which delves into his personal experiences with addiction and recovery. He also hints at a significant project involving a well-known band, showcasing his ongoing dedication to documenting the world of music.

BANDS: Aerosmith, Alice Cooper, Black Sabbath, Blue Oyster Cult, Cheap Trick, Chicago White Sox, David Bowie's band, Tin Machine, Elton John, Flock of Seagulls, Foreigner, J Giles, Judas Priest, Madonna, Megadeth, Men at Work, Metallica, Michael Stanley band, Motley Crue, Nantucket, Ozzie Osbourne, Pink Floyd, Quiet Riot, Rick Derringer, Scorpions, Stray Cats, Ted Nugent, The Kinks, The Outlaws, Thin Lizzy, Tom Petty, Van Halen

VENUES: Boston garden, Cape Cod Coliseum, Comiskey park, Four Seasons, Hammerjacks, Merriweather, Nassau Coliseum

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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

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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

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