It's another jam-packed episode of Talkin' Rock with Meltdown. 

First up, it's David Ellefson. This guy has so many projects in the works, but I thought we'd talk to discuss his documentary about the late Nick Menza. We got to that, but first, we talked about seeing Alice In Chains for the first time, and why he has so many projects. He said he just says Yes!

Tom Hunting from Exodus is next. I've never met or spoken to Tom. I found him very chill and thoughtful with his answers. We talked about his recent 60th birthday. We also discussed his health and pray for the best for him. The band is in the middle of writing and recording their 12th album. He told me he's grateful to have done something that he likes for so long. 

Zouzou Mansour of Soraia wraps up this episode. The East Coast band has a new song out (So Holy) with an EP to drop later this year. We spoke to the latest music, working on the album in Sweden, and horror movies. Zou's a big scary movie chick. 

Enjoy!

On this episode, two Canadian guitarists. 

Alex Liefson is first. The latest Envy of None album dropped last week. He talked about the album and his thoughts on solos - there are only a few on this record - and how he would describe the EON music, as well as working with Andy Curran on it. 

Of course, we talked RUSH. How was it to create with a guy like Neil Peart? Alex has nothing but glowing things to say about the late drumming master. They also have a new 50th-anniversary package out. He also talks of his over 50-year friendship with Geddy Lee. 

There are some very funny moments when we discussed his appearances on The Trailer Park Boys and in the movie I Love You, Man. Really funny!

Up next, it's Phil X. The Jon Bon Jovi guitarist's new album POW! Right In The Kisser is out now. It features a different drummer on each song. Phil talks to that and working with these legends. 

He spoke to the first time he took the stage with JBJ, in front of 50,000 people! Also his thoughts on the upcoming Triumph tribute album that he's a part of. That's just for starters in the great conversation with phil.

Thanks for listening!

Meltdown

Zach Myers and Ted Nugent join me for two completely different conversations this week on Talkin' Rock.

Zach is up first, as he was in studio with me earlier this week promoting Shinedown's upcoming Dance, Kid, Dance tour this summer. With a couple of new songs out to wet the whistle of SD fans, he says the album is not close to being done. "We're working on it. We've done this differently than we've ever done a record, so there's really no… It will be out this year, I think. [Brent] says July/August. I don't know when it's gonna be out. I think it's gonna be out this year. We've never done it this way. We've never released songs before a record was done. Usually a record's done, artwork's done, everything's done, here's the singles. And we wanted to do it different this time. We are in a different world."

We talked about picking songs for the set list and some questions from friends of his. That was fun!

Ted Nugent rounds out the episode only the way Ted can! His new "Vault" is out now. Drummer Jason Hartless unearthed all sorts of Nugent gems, some of which Ted had forgotten about.

We talk about the song "Stranglehold", the first song he released as a single of his solo career 50 years ago. He explained, in his own Ted way, why he dropped an 8-minute song as his first single. He said he'd been playing it for years, and the fans "got it". Of course, he expanded on it much more than that. 

I also asked him about being a "bandmate" in Damn Yankees, as opposed to being THE guy. He said, first and foremost he's a bandmate in any project he's played in.  including the Yankees. 

Ted is always entertaining, and this is no different. 

Enjoy!

John 5’s KISS collection is next level—so much so that he’s opening it up to the public in May for a special museum-style walkthrough in Los Angeles. But don’t expect a little shrine in a basement somewhere. We’re talking full-blown KISS history from 1973 to 1983 when the band was under Bill Aucoin’s management and before they ditched the makeup for Creatures of the Night.

“It’s priceless,” John 5 says. “There’s stuff in here that even Gene didn’t know existed because it was made in places like South America, Australia, and Japan.”

Oh, and speaking of Gene Simmons—I had to ask: how much would he charge Gene to see his own memorabilia?

John laughed. “Oh my God. Gene really enjoys this stuff. There’s so much he’s never seen before.”

John 5’s first meeting with Gene Simmons? Not exactly what you’d expect from a die-hard fan.

Picture this: a 14-year-old John 5, waiting outside the Pontchartrain Hotel in Detroit, hoping to meet his rock god before a KISS show at Joe Louis Arena.

Gene walks past. No autograph. Nothing.

“So I jump in the elevator with him,” John says. “I hold out my booklet and marker, hoping for a signature.”

The elevator doors open to Gene’s floor. Gene finally looks at him.

“You want me to sign that?”

And what does young John 5 say?

“No, it’s okay.”

WHAT?!

“I was just so mad that he walked past me,” John laughs. “But yeah, that really happened.”

March 19 marks 43 years since we lost Randy Rhoads, and John 5 had nothing but praise for the legendary Ozzy Osbourne guitarist.

“Randy was an anomaly. He changed the game. It was like seeing the invention of the microwave or an electric car—something totally different that blew people’s minds.”

Randy didn’t just step into Ozzy’s band and carry on the Black Sabbath sound. He redefined it.

“That riff in Crazy Train? It’s gonna live forever.”

It's always great to get "5" on the show. 

It's a jam-packed episode of Talkin' Rock with three guests. 

Legendary Triumph frontman Rik Emmett is up first. His new book, Ten Telecators Tales drops on the 25th. He speaks about the book, why he wrote it, and more. We did talk about Triumph....the band's heyday, his strengths, and how I thought he never got the credit he deserved for his guitar playing. 

Always a treat to have Rik on the show!

Leigh Kakaty of Pop Evil is next. Their new album comes out on the 21st, called What Remains. Leigh said the struggle is what found its way into the writing of the record. “Our manager George called me up after a few songs and said, ‘Do you realize what you’re writing about?’” Leigh told me. “I hadn’t even thought about it. But when I went back and just read the lyrics—man, every song was about me, about the darkness I had buried. It was like my subconscious was writing the album before I even knew it.”

I asked him about that. He has such a cool life, so what could be so bad? “People don’t realize—yeah, my life looks amazing, but it comes with sacrifices,” he said. “You leave for months, come back, and it’s like people aren’t waiting around. They’re living their lives. And then you’re thrown back into normal life, trying to figure out where you fit in. It’s a mental challenge.”

Finally, it's radio legend and host of the show Metal Shop, Charlie "The Butcher" Kendall. The show was on the air from the mid-80s through the early 90s, and now it's back. Charlie talks about how the show began, and the spark that marks its return. He's spent many decades up and down the radio dial and has the stories to share. 

I listened to Metal Shop religiously as a kid, so this was a thrill for me. To speak with the man behind the show was a full-circle radio moment for sure. 

-Meltdown-

On this episode of Talkin' Rock, Tobias Forge - the man behind Ghost - is my first guest. 

The new album, Skeleta, drops on April 25th with a massive tour after that. One that includes playing the famous Madison Square Garden. He spoke with me about what a dream come true that is. 

Of course, we discuss the album and the new track, Satanized. The video is wild, too, as they unveil the new Papa. 

The band is also part of the Back To The Begining Black Sabbath concert. He talked about the honor of being part of that, growing up a big Sabbath fan. 

Speaking of Ozzy Osbourne, his good friend and work partner Billy Morrison rounds out the podcast. He told me about working with the legend, as he recently dropped a remixed orchestral version of their song The Gods Of Rock And Roll. 

Billy has had the good fortune to play with several legends, including Billy Idol. Billy's other guitarist Steve Stevens plays, or should I say RIPS the solo on the latest track with Ozzy. 

We also played a game of name the famous Morrison! LOL

Both of these interviews can be viewed at www.wrif.com.  

Wednesday 13 starts us up on this episode. His new album, Mid Death Crisis, drops on April 25th. 

I had to get 13 on the show for a few reasons, including that he's a huge horror movie fan like myself. Yes, we did talk a little horror. I also wanted him to talk about the new album and tour. 

The first single, "When The Devil Commands" is a crunchy horror-rock shredder. I can't wait to hear the rest of the album, which includes a track he did with Faster Pussycat's Taime Downe. 

He also told me about the fire that broke out while filming another video. He may have saved a ton of acreage from burning a month ago. 

Up next, it's Jake and Joe from the Autumn Kings. The boys from southern Ontario have come a long way in the 10 years since forming and are hitting the road for shows in Europe next week!

They talk about the band, their musical influences, the biggest rock stars they've met and lots more. This was also a fun conversation! I can't wait to see them when they play a show closer to here in the future. 

Thanks for listening!

I had a chance to talk with Kenny Wayne Shepherd about his upcoming 2025 Tour with Experience Hendrix, a fresh album with blues legend Bobby Rush, and the 30th anniversary of his breakout record, Ledbetter Heights. Oh, and let’s not forget his obsession with muscle cars.

The Experience Hendrix Tour: A Shredder’s Dream

KWS is heading back to Detroit on March 22nd for the Experience Hendrix show at the legendary Fox Theatre. If you’ve never been to one of these gigs, imagine the ultimate guitar jam session with an all-star lineup paying tribute to Jimi Hendrix. Kenny is stoked to be part of it once again.

“The Fox Theatres are some of the most beautiful venues in the country, and the Detroit one is probably the pinnacle,” Kenny said. “It’s crazy to think a lot of them were originally movie theaters.”

He also talked about the wild mix of players sharing the stage, from shredders like Zakk Wylde to the precision of Eric Johnson.

“Eric Johnson literally plays a backwards Hendrix solo note for note,” Kenny said. “That’s next-level dedication.”

Kenny Wayne Shepherd Family, Touring, and Finding Balance

Kenny isn’t just juggling a tour—he’s also balancing life at home with six kids.

“When we first had kids, I tried to be home as much as possible, just doing weekend shows. But eventually, I had to hit the road again,” he explained. “Now, we’ve got a system. Four to five weeks on tour is the max before I need to come back and reconnect.”

And when he’s home? It’s all about family, muscle cars, and stepping away from the music business for a bit.

30 Years of Ledbetter Heights and a New Record with Bobby Rush

This year marks three decades since Ledbetter Heights put KWS on the map. To celebrate, he’s re-recorded the album, but don’t expect an exact replica.

“With Trouble Is…, we recreated it almost exactly. But for Ledbetter Heights, some of the original musicians have passed away, so we took some creative liberties,” Kenny said. “It’s going to be a fresh experience for fans.”

He’s also dropping Young Fashioned Ways on March 21st, a pure blues record with 92-year-old Bobby Rush.

“We had to wait until our schedules aligned, but now we can finally tour together,” Kenny said. “This album is special—it’s stripped-down blues mixed with full-band electric, and it’s raw.”

Muscle Cars, Roadkill Nights, and the Dream Cruise

If you know Kenny, you know his love for muscle cars is right up there with blues guitar. He’s got about 16 cars in his collection, though he admits he’s no Jay Leno.

“Jay’s got two airplane hangars full of cars—it’s like a museum,” Kenny laughed. “I’m living my version of the dream, but that guy’s on another level.”

And speaking of car events, he’s working on making it to Dodge’s Roadkill Nights this summer in Detroit.

“I’ve never made it out to the Dream Cruise or Roadkill Nights, but I’ve been talking to the Dodge guys,” Kenny said. “Fingers crossed I can make it happen.”

Talking Marriage Advice and Meeting Mel Gibson

Kenny also shared some personal moments, including advice from his father-in-law—yes, that Mel Gibson—before marrying his wife, Hannah.

“He told me, ‘Try not to go to bed angry,’” Kenny said. “It’s great advice, and we try to follow it as much as we can.”

As for meeting Mel for the first time?

“I grew up around famous people because of my dad’s radio background, so I wasn’t intimidated,” Kenny explained. “But yeah, some people would probably find it overwhelming.”

Final Thoughts From Kenny Wayne Shepherd

From killer guitar work to burning rubber on the streets, Kenny Wayne Shepherd has a packed year ahead. Between the Experience Hendrix tour, the Ledbetter Heights re-recording, and his new blues project with Bobby Rush, there’s a lot to look forward to.

And who knows? Maybe we’ll see him tearing it up at Roadkill Nights this summer.

What's better than talking to Dorothy? Talking to her on Valentine's Day! It was nice of the singer/songwriter to give me some time to talk about her upcoming album 'The Way'. The album comes out on March 14th, but the buzz is already building as she's released a few down-and-dirty blues-based rockers off of it.

As far as the title is concerned, Dorothy said, "The name came to me, and I highlighted it when I was reading (the Bible). That's the title track, and that's the name of the album." She said that song is a beautiful ballad that ends the album.

She spoke about how the album starts with the song "I Come Alive". She said she went off with her vocals. "Let me express myself!" she joked about the record's vocal beginning, sort of in a Pink Floyd-esque way. 

There is a story that goes through the album - Salvation. She spoke of getting saved in rehab. "Life imitates art, it's giving me a sense of purpose. It's made this musical journey a lot more meaningful." She said she hopes the album is uplifting for anyone who listens to it.

In the end, the album is Rock! "We stayed true to being true. What's in the D.N.A.? Rock!" She went into the theme of some of the songs on the album.

Dorothy On How She Got Slash To Play On The Record

Guitar legend Slash appears on the song "Tombstone Town". How did that come about? She's known him for a while through producer Mike Clink. Dorothy sent him a bunch of tracks, but she really wanted him on this particular song. And, yes, she got him to wear his iconic hat in the video.

It's always a treat to talk with Dorothy...she's one of my favorite people!

You can see Dorothy live in concert in Michigan at the Machine Shop on April 22.

If you don't know John McDermott, he's been the guardian of Jimi Hendrix's musical legacy for nearly 30 years. He's the kind of guy with stories you can't Google, insights you can't fake, and a lot of passion for preserving one of rock's greatest icons.

We talked about everything from Hendrix's unreleased gems to their upcoming Experience Hendrix tour coming to the Fox Theatre on March 22nd.

The Magic of the Fox Theatre

First, McDermott talked about his upcoming concert at the Fox Theatre. John said it's one of the best places to perform. "We've played the Fox five times, and the crowd's energy is just incredible, it's not like playing a generic performing arts center where it's just another stop on a subscription series. These fans are passionate. They show up because they love the music."

A Lifelong Journey with Jimi  

Now, how exactly does one become the catalog director for Jimi Hendrix? I asked John, and he dove right in. It started in 1992 when he co-wrote a book called Hendrix: Setting the Record Straight with Eddie Kramer. A year later, John helped produce a tribute album, Stone Free, which raised scholarship funds in Jimi's name through the United Negro College Fund.

In the mid-1990s, John helped the Hendrix family win a long legal battle to regain control of Jimi's music. "When they finally won the rights, they asked me to manage the catalog," he explained. "Our first release was in 1997, and I've been doing it ever since."

From curating historic releases to creating documentaries, John's helped make sure Hendrix's music remains timeless.

How Many Hendrix Songs Are Still Unreleased?  

Every Hendrix fan has wondered: Is there anything left in the archives? According to John, the answer is, "Yes, but not as much." Over the years, his team has dug deep to release unreleased tracks, documentaries, and live sessions. "We're definitely closer to the end of the archive than we were 20 or 25 years ago," he admitted, "but every now and then, something new surprises us."  

Case in point? A few years ago, they uncovered a never-before-heard 1967 recording of Hendrix at the Hollywood Bowl. Want to know how early this was? It happened before Are You Experienced? It even dropped in the U.S. That's serious history right there.

Why Hendrix Still Resonates  

When I asked about Hendrix's lasting legacy, John said, "Every generation rediscovers him." From Prince to Stevie Ray Vaughan to John Mayer, Hendrix's influence is woven into the DNA of music. "Jimi's music is timeless," John said. People hear it in movies, commercials, or even on the radio and are driven to find out more. His music speaks for itself—you don't have to hard-sell it."

Even in pop culture, Hendrix's impact is everywhere. Quick example? Hulk Hogan famously strutted into the ring to "Voodoo Child." And John lit up when I threw that out there. "Yeah, that's a great example! And people like Paul McCartney still tell stories about their friendship with Jimi on stage. It's amazing how his influence just keeps going."

The Experience Hendrix Tour  

Here's the part you need to know about—the Experience Hendrix tour. If you're even remotely into guitar legends, this is the show for you. John explained why it's such a hit. "It's not just a loose jam session," he said. "It's collaborative. You'll hear the Hendrix songs you know and love, but you'll also discover new artists who bring their own energy to the legacy."

The lineup is stacked—think Zakk Wylde, Eric Johnson, and Marcus King, just to name a few. "These artists come because Jimi inspired them in different ways," John added. "It's a common denominator for audiences. People might come in because they're fans of one artist, but by the end of the night, they leave blown away by others."

Oh, and if you happen to be at the Fox Theatre on March 22nd? Keep an eye out for surprise appearances. John flat-out said they love throwing unexpected guests into the mix.  

Hendrix Memorabilia: What's Left?

John said Jimi was more of an "off-the-rack" kind of guy when it came to guitars. "He usually had a black Strat, a white Strat, and a Flying V," he shared. "Sometimes a Gibson Les Paul Jr. for blues numbers."  

Many of Jimi's personal items and stage gear now reside in museums, including the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) in Seattle and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Seeing them up close makes Hendrix feel real. "His dad, Al Hendrix, wanted these items shared with fans," John said. "It's incredible to see someone connect with a piece of Jimi's history in person."

What's Next For The Hendrix Estate?  

John said the Electric Lady Studios project has been a big focus, "If we find more material that deepens fans' appreciation of Jimi, we'll explore ways to share it."

If you're in Detroit on March 22nd, do yourself a favor and Experience Hendrix (literally) at the Fox Theatre. Trust me, this tour isn't just a concert—it's a celebration of a legend.

See you there!