In this episode of Sultans of Slack, we sit down with Neal from Royal Bliss for an unscripted, honest, hilarious deep dive into 28 years of touring, underground rock culture, and the small towns that built a band.From Pocatello, Twin Falls, and Southern Idaho to sketchy bowling alleys, beer fights in Midwest clubs, autograph signings gone sideways, and stories that definitely shouldn’t be forgotten — this one’s packed with real talk, laughter, and love for rock music done the right way.Neal talks about:The resurgence of real rock & roll (and why kids are shredding again)Playing live vs backing tracks & AI musicRaising kids who shred guitars instead of playing sportsNew music, upcoming shows, and what’s next for Royal Bliss…and yes, the infamous Kid Rock wrestling story 🥊🍻This isn’t a polished PR interview — it’s a real conversation about music, family, chaos, and why rock & roll should make you feel something.🎸 If you love honest music, underground scenes, and bands that built it the hard way — this one’s for you.👇 Drop a comment:What small venue show do you still talk about?Do you think rock is really coming back?Acoustic sets, backing tracks? Let’s argue.👍 Like, subscribe, and share!Go give Royal Bliss some lovin:https://www.instagram.com/royalblissband/https://open.spotify.com/artist/2DntubHirEICSdXa23WNpVhttps://www.facebook.com/royalbliss/https://music.apple.com/us/artist/royal-bliss/151633533https://tiktok.com/@royalblissbandhttp://twitter.com/royalblissLocation: Vintage Vinyl & Antiques. Go check them out:https://www.facebook.com/vintagevinyl.idaho/ #RoyalBliss #RockAndRoll #Podcast #SultansOfSlack #LiveMusic

From deep philosophy to total chaos — this Sultans of Slack interview with The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus at Aftershock Festival has everything.

Frontman Ronnie Winter breaks down the meaning behind their powerful lyrics (“Be right or be happy”), dives into the story behind “X’s For Eyes,” and opens up about spirituality, addiction, and what happiness really means in 2025.

Then things take a hard left turn — into Idaho nuclear meltdowns, All-American Rejects sightings, and a startup idea for onstage porta-potties called “Stage Piss.” 😂

This episode has heart, humor, and honesty — exactly what makes Red Jumpsuit timeless.

🎙️ Highlights:

• The real meaning behind “Do You Feel Like a Man”

• Ronnie’s collaboration with producer Matt Squire, “the godfather of emo”

• How “X’s For Eyes” came together in just four days

• Philosophical breakdown: Being right vs. being happy

• Festival chaos, stage fright, and one very weird business idea

Recorded live at Aftershock Festival — hosted by Sultans of Slack, the rock & metal podcast that keeps it loud, loose, and a little unhinged.

#TheRedJumpsuitApparatus #AftershockFestival #SultansOfSlack #RonnieWinter #EmoRevival #RockPodcast #BehindTheLyrics #BeRightOrBeHappy #StagePissworks

Drumming legend Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater, Avenged Sevenfold’s Nightmare) sits down with us backstage at Louder Than Life to talk about:

His emotional return to Dream Theater in 2023 and what it feels like being “back home” after 40 years. The making of Parasomnia, blending classic prog influences with today’s modern metal sound. Playing U.S. festivals for the first time with Dream Theater after decades of European stages. Memories of recording Avenged Sevenfold’s Nightmare, his connection with The Rev, and roasting marshmallows over pyro on stage. His biggest drumming influences (Ringo Starr, Keith Moon, Neil Peart, Lars Ulrich) and how they shaped his style. Upcoming Parasomnia World Tour and the just-announced Live in France album. If you’re a fan of prog, metal, or Avenged Sevenfold, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Backstage chaos, festival schedule & finding “the giant drum village”

00:24 – Listening to Parasomnia on the drive & Avenged Sevenfold fandom01:15 – Reuniting with Dream Theater, recording Parasomnia, and world touring

02:16 – How the new album blends prog roots with modern metal

03:26 – Playing U.S. festivals for the first time with Dream Theater

04:58 – Early drum influences: Ringo Starr, Keith Moon, Lars Ulrich & Neil Peart

06:02 – Full circle: Recording Nightmare with Avenged Sevenfold & The Rev’s influence

06:53 – Short festival setlists vs. Dream Theater’s usual 3-hour shows

07:43 – Fan appreciation, favorite deep cuts & “Save Me”

08:37 – Upcoming Parasomnia U.S. tour & new live album announcement (Live in France)

09:21 – Wrapping up: Aftershock Festival & final words from Mike

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for more exclusive interviews from festivals, backstage, and beyond.

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Events:Aftershock Festival, October 2-5, Sacramento, CA

Subscribe, leave a comment, and get slacking with the Sultans of Slack! #DreamTheater #MikePortnoy #AvengedSevenfold #Parasomnia #ProgMetal #LouderThanLife

Avenged Sevenfold fans—you don’t want to miss this. Discover how City of Evil, Chicago’s top A7X cover band, **quietly received a DM from Synyster Gates** inviting them to perform exclusive deep cuts the night before the big show at Soldier Field.In this candid interview, you'll hear:• The moment they got the DM—and almost wrecked the car • How the band reacted (yes, tears included) • Why debuting “I Won’t See You Tonight” Parts 1 & 2 was so epic • The toughest solos and crazy stage challenges ⏱ **Timestamps:** 0:00 – Arrival in Chicago & Reggie’s show 1:50 – The mind-blowing DM from Avenged Sevenfold 3:40 – Collective tears & reaction 5:20 – Band side projects and artwork 7:30 – Most difficult songs revealed 11:20 – Keys, vocals, violin chaos 13:00 – Band dynamics and deep cuts 17:40 – Setlist strategy & fan reactions 19:40 – Favorite A7X albums & “Life Is But a Dream” story 25:30 – Future setlist ideas & M.I.A. plea 👇 Let me know in the comments: Would you rather hear deep cuts or the big hits live? Which A7X song should City of Evil tackle next?— Follow City of Evil: https://twitter.com/cityofevil_bandhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyGlQfBOLxhmj3TEr2n11Bw?sub_confirmation=1https://www.tiktok.com/@cityofevilchicago?lang=enhttps://www.facebook.com/cityofevilbandhttps://www.instagram.com/cityofevilband/Subscribe for more behind-the-scenes rock stories!

Ryan Perdz discusses the pivotal role TikTok played in launching his career, his musical influences, and the excitement surrounding his upcoming album. The conversation also touches on the current shift in the music industry towards singles, the resurgence of rock music, and the importance of authenticity in songwriting. In this engaging conversation, Ryan Perdz shares his journey through music, art, and personal hobbies, revealing his artistic background and family connections. The discussion takes a humorous turn as they delve into the quirky world of Bigfoot. As they navigate the music industry, Ryan reflects on his influences, including iconic artists like Michael Jackson, and the impact of cultural icons on their lives. The conversation wraps up with a light-hearted look at family dynamics in sports and music, highlighting the unique relationships that shape their experiences.Check out Ryans Pages:https://www.instagram.com/ryan_perdzhttps://www.tiktok.com/@ryanperdz https://www.facebook.com/ryanperdzhttps://www.youtube.com/@ryanperdz https://open.spotify.com/artist/5dv9Meti6b7DPc1bRy2LIc?si=pf0vs2sUTeCsxKd7vgpG_AListen to “Sultans of Slack” on:YouTubeApple PodcastsSpotifyFollow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/sultansofslack/https://www.facebook.com/sultansofslackhttps://www.tiktok.com/@sultansofslackhttps://discord.gg/sM7AKQUfhttps://x.com/SultansOfSlackUpcoming Events:Louder than Life, September 18-21Subscribe, leave a comment, and get slacking with the Sultans of Slack!

Lee Jennings of Funeral Portrait discusses the band's evolution, the impact of COVID-19 on their identity, and the challenges of navigating newfound fame. He shares insights on fan interactions, the importance of boundaries, and the excitement surrounding their upcoming music releases and tours. The discussion highlights the balance between personal connection with fans and the need for privacy, as well as the band's commitment to creating meaningful music.Chapters00:00 The Rise of Funeral Portrait12:59 Navigating Fame and Fan Interactions17:53 Future Plans and New MusicCheck out The Funeral Portrait here:https://www.thefuneralportrait.com/https://instagram.com/tfp_devotionhttps://www.facebook.com/TheFuneralPortraithttps://tiktok.com/@tfp_devotionhttps://x.com/tfp_devotionhttps://discord.gg/D3SwaGNN6bhttps://open.spotify.com/artist/4iGsihTcyZ80RQFZhC8bf8Listen to “Sultans of Slack” on:YouTubeApple PodcastsSpotifyFollow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/sultansofslack/https://www.facebook.com/sultansofslackhttps://www.tiktok.com/@sultansofslackhttps://discord.gg/sM7AKQUfhttps://x.com/SultansOfSlackUpcoming Events:Louder Than Life September 18-21 2025Subscribe, leave a comment, and get slacking!

Neil Sanderson of Three Days Grace reflects on the band's long journey since their inception, the excitement of live performances, and the dynamics of touring. He discusses the collaborative songwriting process, emphasizing the importance of emotional depth in their music. The conversation also touches on the accessibility of their songs and the evolving conversations around mental health in society.Chapters00:00 The Journey of Three Days Grace03:10 Live Performances and Touring Dynamics05:53 Songwriting Process and Collaboration12:01 Music Accessibility and Emotional Depth17:53 Mental Health Conversations and Societal ChangesListen to “Sultans of Slack” on:YouTubeApple PodcastsSpotifyFollow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/sultansofslack/https://www.facebook.com/sultansofslackhttps://www.tiktok.com/@sultansofslackhttps://discord.gg/sM7AKQUfhttps://x.com/SultansOfSlackUpcoming Events:Sonic Temple, May 8-11, Columbus OHSubscribe, leave a comment, and get slacking with the Sultans of Slack!#ThreeDaysGrace #NeilSanderson #rockinterviews #rockmusic #sonictemple #AftershockFestival #DannyWimmerPresents #MetalFest #festivalseason #adamgontier #behindthemusic #MentalHealthAwareness #IHateEverythingAboutYou #Mayday #MusicPodcast #PodcastInterview #ArtistInterview #RockPodcast #SultansOfSlack

Loc Dawgs and Andy dive into their latest musical adventures, from releasing a new single to wild times at a Las Vegas showcase. They chat about the recording process, guitar solos in modern rock, and the quirky origin of their band name. With plenty of laughs, they explore life as independent musicians, the shift toward singles, merch strategies, and even their love for skiing. Plus, don’t miss their hilarious takes on gambling, casino comps, and the infamous "hit and run" strategy. A fun, insightful episode packed with music, mayhem, and memories.Chapters00:00 Introduction and New Music Release05:59 Recording Process and Guitar Solos11:59 Vegas Adventures and Experiences15:00 Injuries and Action Sports17:58 Independent Music Scene and Future Shows23:05 The Shift to Independence in the Music Industry24:46 The Evolution of Music Release Strategies26:57 The Art of Album Creation vs. Singles28:41 The Impact of Live Performances on Audience Engagement30:39 Creative Band Names and Their Origins32:57 The Dynamics of Band Membership and Roles34:55 Merchandising and Branding in Music43:06 Personal Interests: Skiing and Outdoor Adventures44:43 Band Dynamics and Personal Relationships47:12 Navigating Engagement and Marriage in a Band48:11 Self-Taught Musicianship and Learning Through Technology50:32 The Creative Process: Accidental Hits and Songwriting52:39 Live Performances and Audience Interactions56:03 The Energy of Punk and Stage Presence58:35 Memorable Nights and Concert Experiences01:00:10 Upcoming Music Releases and Promotions01:02:04 Humor and Content Creation in the Music Scene01:07:50 The Investment of Losing01:09:30 Gambling Adventures and Lessons Learned01:12:20 The Hit and Run Strategy01:13:33 Playing the Casino Game01:14:55 Vegas Stories and Misadventures01:19:49 The Courage of Alcohol and Its Effects01:20:01 Future Plans and CollaborationsCheck out Loc Dawgs:https://www.instagram.com/loc_dawgs/?hl=enhttps://www.locdawgs.com/https://www.facebook.com/locdawgs1https://twitter.com/loc_dawgs?lang=enhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UChsmIQQhOEIYR92twR2Zy2QListen to “Sultans of Slack” on:YouTubeApple PodcastsSpotifyFollow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/sultansofslack/https://www.facebook.com/sultansofslackhttps://www.tiktok.com/@sultansofslackhttps://discord.gg/sM7AKQUfhttps://x.com/SultansOfSlackUpcoming Events:Sonic Temple, May 8-11, Columbus OHSubscribe, leave a comment, and get slacking with the Sultans of Slack!

Join us for a hilarious conversation with the Slothrust as they navigate hangovers, tour stories, and wild Halloween costumes! 🕷️ From debating their band's name origins to spontaneous setlist changes, this interview has it all. They share their experiences touring with Badflower, memorable venues like Boise's Shriner’s Lodge, and their dream of jamming with legends like Tom Morello and Lizzy Hale.

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Upcoming Events:

Sonic Temple, May 8-11, Columbus OH

Subscribe, leave a comment, and get slacking with the Sultans of Slack!

#AftershockFestival #SultansOfSlack #MusicInterview #RockTour #Badflower #BehindTheScenes #LiveMusic #TourLife #HalloweenOnTour #MusicFestivalVibes #TomMorello #LizzyHale #TreefortFestival

JVB discusses their experiences at the Aftershock festival, their guilty pleasures in music, their love for gaming, and the creative process behind their music. They share insights into their live performances, the excitement of connecting with fans, and their future plans, including an upcoming European tour and new album.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Festival Vibes

02:49 Gaming and Guilty Pleasures

05:53 Music, Creativity, and Live Performances

08:08 Future Plans and Album Insights

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#SultansOfSlack #AftershockFestival #JVB #BadBitchesClub #LanewayFestival #Australia #NewZealand #RemyWolf #GuiltyPleasures #Halo #NeedForSpeed #ApexLegends #GamingLife #EatABootyWithFries #Idaho #CheesecakeFactory #FestivalVibes #ColoradoLove #NoHandsTour #AlbumThree #MusicLife #IndiePop #LadyGaga #MacDeMarco