Talk Louder

Damon Johnson

For a southern kid with no path forward to the big leagues of rock’n’roll, Damon Johnson has scored an enviable number of mind-blowing victories. He joins us for a super-insightful and endearingly nerdy conversation about the enormity of playing with Lynyrd Skynyrd; his hilarious audition for Alice Cooper (and subsequent “Spinal Tap” moment); his absolute reverence for Thin Lizzy; how Stevie Nicks recorded one of his songs; and why he never travels without a cowbell.

Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Phil Demmel

From his early years with Vio-lence through a prolific career with Machine Head and onto his current role in Kerry King’s band, guitarist Phil Demmel is thrash-metal royalty. Did we mention he’s also filled in for Slayer, Overkill, Testament, Lamb of God and others? He joins us to discuss the upcoming Kerry King album, “From Hell I Rise,” (due May 17), his impressive collection of drumsticks, his proudest albums, an upcoming project with Armored Saint vocalist John Bush (whoops!) and high praise from Billy Gibbons.

Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Tuk Smith

His knack for infectious songs is matched only by his electric personality. Singer/songwriter Tuk Smith returns to discuss his new music, the evil of algorithms and jamming onstage with Cheap Trick. Plus, why Paul Stanley is his KISS spirit animal and how Bon Scott and Michael Monroe inspired a tattoo habit that’s not without its drunken regrets.

Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Max Cavalera: GAAD

He’s a thrash-metal titan who’s passing the axe to his son and fully enjoying the family camaraderie of their crust-grind band, Go Ahead and Die. Max Cavalera joins us from the road where he’s relishing the full-contact return to his sweaty metal roots. We also learn about pizza fatigue, “goosebump moments,” meeting the Ramones and the time Sepultura blew Dave Grohl’s speakers.

Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Mark Zonder

He joined Fates Warning in 1989 and immediately established himself as one of prog-metal’s most critically acclaimed drummers. Mark Zonder joins us to discuss his time with Fates, his recent albums with A-Z (featuring Fates vocalist Ray Alder) and his recently reactivated band, Warlord.

Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Bryan Small

Bryan Small has stories to tell and we always enjoy the ride. The longstanding, real-deal frontman for The Hangmen joins us to discuss the new album, “Stories to Tell,” the characters in the songs, an in-the-works documentary and why the 1980’s scene in East L.A. was as quietly vibrant as the Sunset Strip.

Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Monsters of Rock Cruise

Our own Jason McMaster shares his highlights of the 2024 Monsters of Rock Cruise where he played with Dangerous Toys, was interviewed by Eddie Trunk and walked away with the ultimate souvenir -- Glenn Hughes’ coffee cup!  (Live photos by Faith Watson)

Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Abaddon

He discovered Black Sabbath while babysitting and later designed one of metal’s most iconic (and demonic) logos for his blasphemous metal band, Venom. He also had Slayer and Metallica as opening acts, including a gig in which Venom blew a hole through the stage during one of their first U.S. appearances. Drummer Abaddon joins us to discuss his band’s deep-rooted, black-metal influence, “Spinal Tap” moments, setting Johnny Zazula’s kitchen on fire and opinions on the extreme metal bands that followed in Venom’s hoofprints.

Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Frank Hannon

As a founding member of Tesla, guitarist Frank Hannon sold millions of albums with rock-radio hits “Modern Day Cowboy,” “Little Suzi,” “Love Song,” “Signs” and “Heaven’s Trail (No Way Out).” He also reintroduced acoustic guitars to a new generation of hard-rock fans (although he’s far too humble to take credit). He joins us to discuss the 1987 Texxas Jam, Def Leppard’s Steve Clark, Ronnie Montrose, Dicky Betts, Mick Mars and David Lee Roth's powdery pinky scoop.

Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Kurdt Vanderhoof

He jokingly calls himself the other “Kurdt” from Aberdeen, WA, but as the founding guitarist of Metal Church, he’s made his own mark as one of heavy metal’s most enduring champions. Kurdt Vanderhoof joins us to discuss the most recent (and excellent) Metal Church album, “Congregation of Annihilation;” his AC/DC-style rock band, Hall Aflame; his prog-rock project, Presto Ballet; and the recently published Metal Church book, “Beyond the Black.” We also learn the party-hardy origins of the name Metal Church. You’re gonna love this guy!

Created and Produced by Jared Tuten