It's 'Wang' 26 and this week on the podcast, we’re diving headfirst into one of the most divisive eras in rock history… Nu Metal!

Adidas tracksuits. Chain wallets. DJ scratches. Angsty screams. Woodstock ’99 literally going up in flames.Was it a genuine evolution of heavy music or a frat-boy fueled regression that undid everything the ‘90s stood for?

From Korn and Limp Bizkit to Linkin Park and Slipknot, we’re breaking down the good, the bad, and the genuinely ugly side of nu metal. The riffs, the rap-rock experiments, the emotional vulnerability and the misogyny, chaos, and terrible cover versions!

Did nu metal bring heavy music to the mainstream? Did it help a generation of angry teenagers feel seen or did it accidentally soundtrack the collapse of culture? Let’s find out!

Stupid & Contagious STORE https://stupid-contagious-podcast.myshopify.com

Welcome to The Stupid And Contagious podcast, a podcast focused on bringing you interviews with the bands that defined a generation!

That generation grew up in the 90s with the Grebo bands (Senseless Things, PWEI, Neds Atomic Dustbin, Mega City Four, The Wonderstuff and many more) on the UK side of the pond and quickly joined by the grunge bands (Nirvana, Mudhoney, Alice In Chains, Soundgarden and many more) on the US side of the pond.

We are not limiting ourselves to these genres though, we will chart the guitar bands from all genres throughout the decade that was the 1990s.

If you are into 1990s guitar music or just a music lover in general then this is the podcast for you!

Please also subscribe and follow the podcast on the social media links below

Stupid & Contagious Podcast

Itunes https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/stupid-contagious/id1705645715

All the Socials! https://linktr.ee/stupidandcontagious

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/stupidandcontagiouspodcast

Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfPJ5FhcYAHO7UhrRtTtgGw

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/stupidandcontagiouspodcast/

MIXTAPE https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1tzMkU6nSJ1CnSjSSH5xrw

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode 132 we bagged a chat with Chris Olley of Six By Seven, one of the most prolific and uncompromising figures to come out of the 90s British alternative scene!

From touring Germany in a caravan before they were signed to building a massive live guitar sound to going fully independent in 2004 this is a story about artistic survival 🤟🏻

We talk about the raw power of Peel Sessions, why he hated playing live despite giving everything on stage, what really happened with Britpop and why being an artist ultimately just means refusing to stop!

This is a conversation about noise, control, independence and what it actually costs to keep making music on your own terms 🤟🏻

Stupid & Contagious STORE https://stupid-contagious-podcast.myshopify.com

Welcome to The Stupid And Contagious podcast, a podcast focused on bringing you interviews with the bands that defined a generation!

That generation grew up in the 90s with the Grebo bands (Senseless Things, PWEI, Neds Atomic Dustbin, Mega City Four, The Wonderstuff and many more) on the UK side of the pond and quickly joined by the grunge bands (Nirvana, Mudhoney, Alice In Chains, Soundgarden and many more) on the US side of the pond.

We are not limiting ourselves to these genres though, we will chart the guitar bands from all genres throughout the decade that was the 1990s.

If you are into 1990s guitar music or just a music lover in general then this is the podcast for you!

Please also subscribe and follow the podcast on the social media links below

Stupid & Contagious Podcast

Itunes https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/stupid-contagious/id1705645715

All the Socials! https://linktr.ee/stupidandcontagious

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/stupidandcontagiouspodcast

Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfPJ5FhcYAHO7UhrRtTtgGw

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/stupidandcontagiouspodcast/

MIXTAPE https://open.spotify.com/playlist/59gbbdC6OqpbGElRscpw1P

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on episode 131 of the podcast, we’re joined by a true 90s survivor!

A man who’s Sat on top of a moving tour bus in Sweden with Liam Gallagher wearing nothing but a Union Jack…

Turned down the chance to join Oasis at their peak…

Played Live 8 with The Who…

And somehow lived to write a book about it!

From the chaos of Britpop to backstage madness at Knebworth… from John Peel sessions to Paul Weller’s band… from record label disasters to making one of the defining albums of the 90s completely on their own terms, this is the unfiltered story of a musician who saw it all!

It’s funny. It’s chaotic. It’s brutally honest.

And yes… Leonard Cohen really did tell him to f*** off.

This is Episode 131 with Damon Minchella, buckle up!

Stupid & Contagious STORE https://stupid-contagious-podcast.myshopify.com

Welcome to The Stupid And Contagious podcast, a podcast focused on bringing you interviews with the bands that defined a generation!

That generation grew up in the 90s with the Grebo bands (Senseless Things, PWEI, Neds Atomic Dustbin, Mega City Four, The Wonderstuff and many more) on the UK side of the pond and quickly joined by the grunge bands (Nirvana, Mudhoney, Alice In Chains, Soundgarden and many more) on the US side of the pond.

We are not limiting ourselves to these genres though, we will chart the guitar bands from all genres throughout the decade that was the 1990s.

If you are into 1990s guitar music or just a music lover in general then this is the podcast for you!

Please also subscribe and follow the podcast on the social media links below

Stupid & Contagious Podcast

Itunes https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/stupid-contagious/id1705645715

All the Socials! https://linktr.ee/stupidandcontagious

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/stupidandcontagiouspodcast

Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfPJ5FhcYAHO7UhrRtTtgGw

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/stupidandcontagiouspodcast/

MIXTAPE https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7xF4nDrW68o1PKJCIOv0Ey

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's episode 130 and this week we’re joined by Steven McDonald aka Hollywood Steve, Redd Kross founder, bassist, songwriter, and survivor of just about every phase of alternative music you can name!

From starting a band at 12 years old, playing with Black Flag, and accidentally standing at the ground zero of grunge, to navigating Britpop envy, major-label fallout, and the strange feeling of being too early for your own moment, this is a proper rock-and-roll life story.

Steven talks candidly about Redd Kross’s long road, why Nirvana thought they were “too happy,” touring with the Lemonheads, getting lost in the 80s, rediscovering joy in the 90s and what it actually takes to keep a band alive for 45 years without losing your mind!

It’s funny, brutally honest, occasionally uncomfortable, and full of the kind of music-nerd detail we absolutely live for. This is Steven McDonald, unfiltered, unromanticised, and still standing!

Stupid & Contagious STORE https://stupid-contagious-podcast.myshopify.com

Welcome to The Stupid And Contagious podcast, a podcast focused on bringing you interviews with the bands that defined a generation!

That generation grew up in the 90s with the Grebo bands (Senseless Things, PWEI, Neds Atomic Dustbin, Mega City Four, The Wonderstuff and many more) on the UK side of the pond and quickly joined by the grunge bands (Nirvana, Mudhoney, Alice In Chains, Soundgarden and many more) on the US side of the pond.

We are not limiting ourselves to these genres though, we will chart the guitar bands from all genres throughout the decade that was the 1990s.

If you are into 1990s guitar music or just a music lover in general then this is the podcast for you!

Please also subscribe and follow the podcast on the social media links below

Stupid & Contagious Podcast

Itunes https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/stupid-contagious/id1705645715

All the Socials! https://linktr.ee/stupidandcontagious

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/stupidandcontagiouspodcast

Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfPJ5FhcYAHO7UhrRtTtgGw

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/stupidandcontagiouspodcast/

Spotify MIXTAPE: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/56QCMSf17CDzHdeI3Vqtes

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week is a wang week and we’re doing what we probably should’ve avoided… an Ask Us Anything?!

We’re talking first gigs, worst gigs, bands we loved then fell out with, bands everyone else loves that we just don’t get and the ones we’ll defend forever!

There are regrets, strong opinions, questionable memories, and at least one story we legally cannot explain properly!

If you want nostalgia, hot takes, and three grown men still arguing about 90s guitar music… this one’s for you.

This is Episode 129 — Ask Us Anything?!

Stupid & Contagious STORE https://stupid-contagious-podcast.myshopify.com

Welcome to The Stupid And Contagious podcast, a podcast focused on bringing you interviews with the bands that defined a generation!

That generation grew up in the 90s with the Grebo bands (Senseless Things, PWEI, Neds Atomic Dustbin, Mega City Four, The Wonderstuff and many more) on the UK side of the pond and quickly joined by the grunge bands (Nirvana, Mudhoney, Alice In Chains, Soundgarden and many more) on the US side of the pond.

We are not limiting ourselves to these genres though, we will chart the guitar bands from all genres throughout the decade that was the 1990s.

If you are into 1990s guitar music or just a music lover in general then this is the podcast for you!

Please also subscribe and follow the podcast on the social media links below

Stupid & Contagious Podcast

Itunes https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/stupid-contagious/id1705645715

All the Socials! https://linktr.ee/stupidandcontagious

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/stupidandcontagiouspodcast

Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfPJ5FhcYAHO7UhrRtTtgGw

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/stupidandcontagiouspodcast/

Spotify MIXTAPE: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/46pLSouJf0hAtIi9PoE0iv

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode 128 we’re talking to a man who’s lived more lives than most people dream of!

He started out as a bike courier, picked up a camera, and somehow ended up photographing rock history - Lemmy, Ozzy, the Pistols, Henry Rollins, Sepultura… the list just keeps on going.

He’s shot legendary bands, directed music videos, crossed continents, and now lives full-time on a boat in the Mediterranean, because apparently normal life just wasn’t chaotic enough!

This is a proper deep dive into rock culture, DIY survival, and saying “fuck it” and doing things your own way.

This is Steve Payne or Paney, to his friends!

Stupid & Contagious STORE https://stupid-contagious-podcast.myshopify.com

Welcome to The Stupid And Contagious podcast, a podcast focused on bringing you interviews with the bands that defined a generation!

That generation grew up in the 90s with the Grebo bands (Senseless Things, PWEI, Neds Atomic Dustbin, Mega City Four, The Wonderstuff and many more) on the UK side of the pond and quickly joined by the grunge bands (Nirvana, Mudhoney, Alice In Chains, Soundgarden and many more) on the US side of the pond.

We are not limiting ourselves to these genres though, we will chart the guitar bands from all genres throughout the decade that was the 1990s.

If you are into 1990s guitar music or just a music lover in general then this is the podcast for you!

Please also subscribe and follow the podcast on the social media links below

Stupid & Contagious Podcast

Itunes https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/stupid-contagious/id1705645715

All the Socials! https://linktr.ee/stupidandcontagious

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/stupidandcontagiouspodcast

Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfPJ5FhcYAHO7UhrRtTtgGw

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/stupidandcontagiouspodcast/

Spotify MIXTAPE: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/57hiYCHcUies2xXq64FJcc

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode 127, we sit down with Andy Bollen (Captain America) and Derek McKee (Boyfriend) two key figures from the legendary early ’90s Scottish indie scene. Not only were they in two of its most revered bands, they were both in the room on the night Oasis were signed to Creation Records. Yep, that night

As if that wasn’t enough, Andy also toured with Nirvana during their Nevermind era right before they went stratospheric.

From backstage chaos to scene-defining moments, hear about their musical journeys and get an insider’s take on some truly era-defining events. Trust us, these stories are not to be missed. 🎸🔥

Stupid & Contagious STORE https://stupid-contagious-podcast.myshopify.com

Welcome to The Stupid And Contagious podcast, a podcast focused on bringing you interviews with the bands that defined a generation!

That generation grew up in the 90s with the Grebo bands (Senseless Things, PWEI, Neds Atomic Dustbin, Mega City Four, The Wonderstuff and many more) on the UK side of the pond and quickly joined by the grunge bands (Nirvana, Mudhoney, Alice In Chains, Soundgarden and many more) on the US side of the pond.

We are not limiting ourselves to these genres though, we will chart the guitar bands from all genres throughout the decade that was the 1990s.

If you are into 1990s guitar music or just a music lover in general then this is the podcast for you!

Please also subscribe and follow the podcast on the social media links below

Stupid & Contagious Podcast

Itunes https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/stupid-contagious/id1705645715

All the Socials! https://linktr.ee/stupidandcontagious

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/stupidandcontagiouspodcast

Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfPJ5FhcYAHO7UhrRtTtgGw

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/stupidandcontagiouspodcast/

Spotify MIXTAPE: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7wXNkXppBqE3ycQG60i7aQ

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode 126 we chat to Kevin Martin, the unmistakable voice behind Candlebox, one of the most enduring bands to emerge from the post-grunge era. From massive hits like Far Behind to navigating fame, backlash, and longevity in an unforgiving industry, Kevin’s career is a masterclass in resilience and authenticity.

In this episode, we talk about the realities of the grunge explosion, what it was really like coming up alongside Seattle legends, the misconceptions that followed Candlebox for decades, and how Kevin has continued to evolve as an artist and songwriter. This is an honest conversation about music, identity, survival, and what it means to stay true to yourself in a world that’s constantly trying to label you!

Stupid & Contagious STORE https://stupid-contagious-podcast.myshopify.com

Welcome to The Stupid And Contagious podcast, a podcast focused on bringing you interviews with the bands that defined a generation!

That generation grew up in the 90s with the Grebo bands (Senseless Things, PWEI, Neds Atomic Dustbin, Mega City Four, The Wonderstuff and many more) on the UK side of the pond and quickly joined by the grunge bands (Nirvana, Mudhoney, Alice In Chains, Soundgarden and many more) on the US side of the pond.

We are not limiting ourselves to these genres though, we will chart the guitar bands from all genres throughout the decade that was the 1990s.

If you are into 1990s guitar music or just a music lover in general then this is the podcast for you!

Please also subscribe and follow the podcast on the social media links below

Stupid & Contagious Podcast

Itunes https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/stupid-contagious/id1705645715

All the Socials! https://linktr.ee/stupidandcontagious

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/stupidandcontagiouspodcast

Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfPJ5FhcYAHO7UhrRtTtgGw

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/stupidandcontagiouspodcast/

Spotify MIXTAPE: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2Z379aspl0lyotVcefQ28h

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's our end of year album special! In episode 125 it's time to go off piste again as Luke chats to some of our lovely listeners about their favourite albums of 2025! We escape from the 90s just for this one episode every year and it always proves popular so defo have a listen! Get some new recommendations from likeminded musos & get involved in the comments in our socials and let us know your picks! Strap in, it's a long one, might need a couple of sittings! Happy New Year!

Episode 125 is here, and it’s time to go off piste once again. Luke chats with some of our lovely listeners about their favourite albums of 2025!

We escape the 90s just this once (it’s tradition!) and, as always, this episode is a fan favourite. Expect loads of brilliant recommendations from like-minded musos and don’t forget to jump into the comments on our socials and tell us your picks too?

⚠️ Fair warning: it’s a long one. You might need a couple of sittings… but it’s worth it!

🎧 Strap in, hit play, and Happy New Year! 🥂

Stupid & Contagious STORE https://stupid-contagious-podcast.myshopify.com

Welcome to The Stupid And Contagious podcast, a podcast focused on bringing you interviews with the bands that defined a generation!

That generation grew up in the 90s with the Grebo bands (Senseless Things, PWEI, Neds Atomic Dustbin, Mega City Four, The Wonderstuff and many more) on the UK side of the pond and quickly joined by the grunge bands (Nirvana, Mudhoney, Alice In Chains, Soundgarden and many more) on the US side of the pond.

We are not limiting ourselves to these genres though, we will chart the guitar bands from all genres throughout the decade that was the 1990s.

If you are into 1990s guitar music or just a music lover in general then this is the podcast for you!

Please also subscribe and follow the podcast on the social media links below

Stupid & Contagious Podcast

Itunes https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/stupid-contagious/id1705645715

All the Socials! https://linktr.ee/stupidandcontagious

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/stupidandcontagiouspodcast

Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfPJ5FhcYAHO7UhrRtTtgGw

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/stupidandcontagiouspodcast/

Spotify MIXTAPE: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1Xl7Nm9V5Px8TBvpDUiJJa

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alright…It's the big one, it's Dave's End Of Year Quiz!

It’s the end of the year, which means we’ve said a lot of stupid things… and today, we’re holding ourselves and you accountable!

Do you actually remember anything from this podcast in 2025? If you’ve been listening all year, this should be easy, If not… well, let's find out!

Stupid & Contagious STORE https://stupid-contagious-podcast.myshopify.com

Welcome to The Stupid And Contagious podcast, a podcast focused on bringing you interviews with the bands that defined a generation!

That generation grew up in the 90s with the Grebo bands (Senseless Things, PWEI, Neds Atomic Dustbin, Mega City Four, The Wonderstuff and many more) on the UK side of the pond and quickly joined by the grunge bands (Nirvana, Mudhoney, Alice In Chains, Soundgarden and many more) on the US side of the pond.

We are not limiting ourselves to these genres though, we will chart the guitar bands from all genres throughout the decade that was the 1990s.

If you are into 1990s guitar music or just a music lover in general then this is the podcast for you!

Please also subscribe and follow the podcast on the social media links below

Stupid & Contagious Podcast

Itunes https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/stupid-contagious/id1705645715

All the Socials! https://linktr.ee/stupidandcontagious

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/stupidandcontagiouspodcast

Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfPJ5FhcYAHO7UhrRtTtgGw

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/stupidandcontagiouspodcast/

Spotify MIXTAPE: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5JCrwUdOt9UbX9j50pffwR

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.