Seeing Them Live

In this episode of Seeing Them Live, host Charles welcomes back Paul Peterson, a retired technology manager and lifelong audiophile who hosts the podcast 'An Avid Listener.' They delve into the intriguing topic of how bands evolve through lineup changes and the impact these shifts have on live performances. With personal anecdotes and examples from renowned bands like The Beach Boys, The Doors, AC/DC, and Grand Funk Railroad, they explore whether it's the original members or the music itself that draws fans to concerts. The discussion also touches on tribute bands, live recording experiences, and the importance of researching band lineups before attending shows. Join them for a deep dive into what truly makes a live music experience memorable.

Part two of our 2025 year-end concert review features incredible stories from Andy, Jessica, Steve, and superfan Dawn Fontaine. The show kicks off with Dawn who attended 55 shows this year and now books concerts for her favorite band Soraia. Dawn shares her unbelievable experience flying on the Rolling Stones' private jet in 2002, meeting Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and the band, and hearing them play her favorite song the next night. Steve recounts seeing Lady Gaga's mind-blowing performance in Vegas (ranking it in his top 10 all-time), plus St. Vincent, Joan Jett, and Adele. Andy highlights Mdou Moctar's incredible guitar work, the surprise hit of Joe Russo's Almost Dead in Vegas, and Neil Young performing at Meigs Field. The crew also discusses the challenges of presales, the magic of small venues, and their most anticipated 2026 shows including Rush, Iron Maiden, Radiohead, and Guns N' Roses.

Welcome to the second annual Seeing Them Live Year End Concert Review show, where a panel of returning guests shares their favorite live music experiences from 2025. Eric Green discussed notable concerts he attended such as seeing Aerosmith's Tom Hamilton's side project band Close Enemies, Kim Deal's solo performance, and seeing Joe Perry of Aerosmith in his side project. Jessica Catena covered her experiences, including attending a Samara Joy jazz concert, watching 'Moulin Rouge' on Broadway, and attending iHeartRadio's Jingle Ball. Summer recounted her experiences at Lollapalooza, a Yungblud concert, and a special operatic rendition of Smashing Pumpkins' music. Art Gregg shared his delightful encounters with Burton Cummings of The Guess Who, Michael Schenker of UFO, and Robert Plant at a small venue, highlighting the intimate and memorable nature of these performances. The episode concluded with mentions of upcoming concerts in 2026.

Charles rounds out the discussion by mentioning his own concert experiences at new Chicago venues including Space in Evanston where he saw Mdou Moctar and The Old 97s, the female-focused Motoblot festival at Beat Kitchen, an incredible Buddy Guy performance at the Rialto Square Theater where the 89-year-old blues legend walked through the aisles playing guitar, shows at the new Garcia's venue and City Winery, and his anticipation for an upcoming Iron Maiden show. The episode concludes with a teaser for part two, which will feature Dawn's private jet experience with the Rolling Stones, Andy's Bonnaroo adventure, and Steve's concert highlights.

In this Season 3 closer, Charles interviews the core members of the Chicago-based punk band, Horace Pinker, share fascinating stories from their extensive touring history and music career. Originating in Tempe, Arizona, Horace Pinker has shared stages with legendary bands such as Green Day, Fugazi, and Blink 182, while also touring internationally. The band recounts memorable concert experiences, including Scott Eastman's first show seeing Duran Duran, best and surprising concerts, and even mishaps like falling through a stage while performing. The highlight of the interview is when Bryan describes the time, he had dinner with David Grohl of Foo Fighters and John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin but missed an opportunity to start a conversation with John Paul Jones. The discussion also covers the band's formation, the significance of the punk scene, and their latest album, 'Now and the Future.' Scott, Bryan, and Greg provide an authentic and lively insight into the life of a punk band on the road.

In this episode, Charles and Doug welcome back Andy, a schoolteacher and avid music fan, to give an After Show Report on the 2025 Bonnaroo Music Festival. Andy shares his adventurous experience, from a nine-hour drive to the festival and an unexpected encounter with law enforcement, to dealing with torrential rains, flash floods, and a canceled show. He recounts his dedication to seeing his favorite bands, notably King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, and the camaraderie among festivalgoers amidst the chaos. Tune in to hear Andy's vivid storytelling and reflections on navigating one of the most challenging yet memorable music festivals.

In this engaging episode, Charles and Doug explore the intersection of True Crime with Rock and Roll with renowned guest Jim Berkenstadt, known as the Rock and Roll Detective. Jim shares captivating stories from his career, including explosive concert experiences and his eighth-grade first 'case' involving Beatles conspiracy theories. Jim discusses his bestselling works such as 'The Beatle Who Vanished,' being adapted into a movie, and 'Mysteries in the Music: Case Closed,' which delves into various rock and roll mysteries. He also touches on his role in consulting for rock documentaries and his detailed research into enigmatic stories like the FBI's investigation into 'Louie Louie.' Wrapping up, Jim reveals intriguing details about his other projects, including a forthcoming documentary, 'If These Walls Could Rock.'

In this episode of 'Seeing Them Live,' concert photographer Matt Carmichael shares captivating stories from his extensive career. From a memorable first concert at the Jackson 5 to wild backstage moments with Poi Dog Pondering and Mark Grace, Matt takes us through his journey. He also discusses his work with iconic venues like Metro and bands like Blind Melon, Zoe Keating, and the Rolling Stones. Find out why the Rolling Stones is the best band to photograph and how his work was featured in a Swedish postage stamp. Additionally, Matt talks about his website, RocknRoll.net where he showcases his concert photography and fascinating encounters with various artists.

In this special anniversary episode of Seeing Them Live, producer and co-host Doug steps in for Charles to celebrate the podcast's third year. Highlighting their journey, Doug recounts memorable moments from some of the podcast's episodes, featuring stories from notable guests like Tom Fitzer, Roger Merlot, Dawn Fontaine, Jamie James, and more. From wild concert escapades to life-changing musical experiences, this episode curates eight standout clips, providing a sampler for new listeners. Doug also shares fascinating podcast statistics, top episodes, and the powerful impact music has had on guests and fans alike.

Join Charles on Seeing Them Live for a ticket stub story from a Nirvana concert in October 1993. Charles recounts an event he documented in his book, ‘Ticket Stub Stories:  A Memoir of Live Music’, when he attended the second show at the Aragon Ballroom and the band, upset by a critical review, did not perform their hit 'Smells Like Teen Spirit.' Discover how Kurt Cobain's frustration led to a memorable, albeit puzzling, night for fans, and learn about the backstory involving Chicago Tribune writer Greg Kott. Tune in to explore the connection between rock legends and journalistic critique.

In this episode, artist Zach Paradis discusses his rise from Cleveland to Los Angeles, blending pop, hip hop, and R&B in his music. Zach recounts live music experience including his first concert at a music festival called Alive and his best concert experience seeing Allen Stone at the Grog Shop in Cleveland. Zach also discusses his time at Reach Records in Atlanta where he worked as a recording engineer, and his collaboration with artists like 1K Phew and Tadashi. He shares insights into his songwriting process, notable performances, and viral moments, including a video with Crash Adams that amassed millions of views. Zach also talks about his new single 'Hurricane' and upcoming plans for his debut album and tour.