Always great to catch up with drummer Tommy Clufetos, and this time was no different. He played in Ozzy's band for the Back to the Beginning concert, so I had to ask him about that. I mean, the chance to play Ozzy's last concert is an unreal assignment. 

Tommy talked about being there with fellow Detroiter Chad Smith, who also played during the day. He said he and Chad watched Black Sabbath from the side of the stage. 

We also talked about his new music, which smokes! Straight-aheads no BS rock! It'll be on full display when he does shows with Ted Nugent throughout Michigan in August. 

Oh, and don't forget about his other band, The Dead Daisies, which he'll play shows with in August as well. The guy is a machine!

Enjoy!

Two great artists, one mediocre host - it's Talkin' Rock with Meltdown. I just realized I opened by saying this is "the final" episode of Talkin' Rock. That's because I'm on vacation next week. There will be more! Sometimes my brain doesn't work right when I'm staring down the barrel of 10 days off! Ok, here we go....

Up first, it's drumming legend, Vinny Appice. You can catch him live at Uncle Sam Jam on July 11th with his band, Sabbath Knights, which we discussed. 

We talk about his time in Black Sabbath and how it changed his life. I didn't know that he did a small tour with the original members, including Ozzy Osbourne. He told me why he's not involved in the Back To The Beginning concert taking place this weekend, as well as his thoughts on Ronnie James Dio not being in the Rock Hall. 

We also discussed the passing of Rick Deringer, Joel Hoakstra's project he plays on, the anniversary of the album Last In Line, and much more. 

Then, it's my first time talking with Jesse from Killswitch Engage, and we covered a lot of topics. From his birthday plans, the famous 80s rocker with whom he shares a birthday, to his love for 80s rock, and his musical influences. 

Jesse told me how his wife thought their latest single, "I Believe" was bound to be a hit. It carries a certain message, which all of their music does. We spoke about his voice-over work, an upcoming documentary he's in, and the summer tour - Summer of Loud. 

We wrapped up our conversation with some talk about the influence Ozzy and Black Sabbath played on him and music, as the last show takes place this Saturday, as well as his experience on tour with Iron Maiden. 

Enjoy!

Wolfgang Van Halen returns to Talkin' Rock. We discuss is latest song and video, The End. It's horror-themed, so we had to talk about horror movies a little bit. He told me why he isn't going to the final Black Sabbath show, how he works on his music in the studio, and more. 

To close out the episode, it's John Jackson from the Bon Scott estate. It was interesting talking to John about how he got his job, working with the legendary AC/DC, seeing some recent shows, and a special concert coming up to celebrate Bon's 79th birthday. Yes, there will be some very cool guests who will be in attendance to honor the late singer. 

Thanks for listening!

It's a triple bill of singers on this episode of Talkin' Rock. 

Scott Stapp starts us off as he talks about Creed hitting the big stages again. He spoke about how it was for him personally and professionally. His latest solo album is stellar, and he just released a new single called 'Deadman's Trigger'. He says something cool is coming from the single in the future. We also talked about their trip to the Indy 500, being a grandpa, and more. 

Next, it's Eric Vanlerberghe from I Prevail. What's it like to be thrust into the spotlight after Brian Burkheiser left the band? He answers that....talks about the latest single 'Into Hell', the writing process for the upcoming album, playing shows at their hometown venue of Pine Knob, and more. 

Finally, singer Josh Katz of Badflower. Their new album No Place Like Home is out now. As with their other records, this is another personal album for the guys. One song in particular speaks to losing a pet. Josh said it was an emotional day of interviews. for him. 

It's always great to catch up with Johannes from Avatar. I think this is my third or fourth time interviewing him. Full disclosure: I'm an Avatar fan!

Their new single “Captain Goat” is a wild ride—both musically and visually. The video dives deep into Greek and Norse mythology, Scandinavian folklore, and includes a very sexy siren (his words).

“When a song is really, really good, it gives you these strong visual hallucinations,” he explained. “This was one of those. It’s a spiritual journey through the dark, complete with water, goats, and mythological creatures. Hendrik plays the siren, Jonas is tied to cliffs like Loki, and Tim is a Nixie, this water spirit thing.”

Oh, and they filmed underwater in a rehab swimming pool. “Toward the end of the shoot, I couldn’t really open my eyes anymore—but the face paint covers the pain.”

“We’re All Gonna Die… Let’s Disco.”

When I brought up how Avatar mixes darkness with this weird sense of fun, Johannes nailed it:

“We’re a heavy metal band that wants to be a good time. But we also dig deep into the dark rooms of the soul. That duality—that’s where Avatar lives. We’re all gonna die… let’s disco.”

About the New Album… Kind Of

A new album is coming. Johannes knows the release date, but can’t share it yet.

“They won’t let me say the date, but it’s an excellent date,” he teased. “The album’s finished. It sounds amazing. Visually and sonically, we’re almost there.”

I pressed him for the album title, but no luck. “It’s a beautiful title that lures you into forbidden places… a meadow between the trees.”

Yeah, he’s not giving it up—but it sounds like classic Avatar mind-bending stuff.

Metallica, Maiden, and Full Circle Moments

In the span of 12 months, Avatar will have opened for both Iron Maiden and Metallica.

“Honestly, there wouldn’t be an Avatar without Metallica,” Johannes said. “John broke his leg skiing when he was 12. His mom bought him Metallica CDs. He became obsessed, started drumming, met Jonas—and boom, Avatar.”

He’s pumped for the Metallica shows, but also honest about the pressure.

“When you’re on that big round Metallica stage, it’s theirs. But for those 45 minutes, I have to own it. I’ve got to walk out there and go, ‘This is mine now.’ It’s a challenge… but a fun one.”

Cooking Battles in a Castle

They recorded the new album in a castle. Yes, an actual castle.

“We had this massive industrial kitchen with a frying pan bigger than your face,” he laughed. “Our chef got sick, so I stepped in and made pasta bolognese. I think I won.”

Apparently, cooking has become “a pissing contest between bandmates,” and yes, it’s a very Swedish man thing.

Enjoy!

Sammy Hagar is up first this week. His new song "Encore, Thank You, Goodnight" is out now. Sammy talks about the song, how it came to him in a dream, and why Wolfgang Van Halen didn't play on it. Sammy is really upfront and candid when he talks, which is appreciated. He also shared his thoughts on playing the last Ozzy/Black Sabbath show and the songs he'll be singing. 

Doug Aldrich from The Dead Daisies is next. Doug fought a cancer battle last year and talked about that. I'm very happy that he's come out of it, and he says he gets stronger every day. 

The band dropped a new album called Looking For Trouble, where they cover classic blues songs. He told me how the idea came about and spoke about the recording process and location. He also shared stories of rockers, including David Coverdale of Whitesnake, Ronnie James Dio, Reb Beach, and the first time he met Randy Rhoads. I could talk to Doug all day!

Finally, singer Nate Peck joins me. This is the first time I've ever had the chance to speak with Nate. The Michigan-born singer talks about being on American Idol, through getting the job with Firehouse. The first gig they played, he didn't even get to rehearse! Nate speaks of his influences, singing these classic songs, and lots more. It was great to connect with Nate!

On this episode of Talkin' Rock, it's one rocker, an author, and the woman who runs Metallica's very successful All Within My Hands foundation. 

Up first, it's the legendary drummer Gil Moore of Triumph. The Magic Power - An All-Star Tribute To Triumph drops on June 6th, and it's packed with rock heavy hitters—Slash, Alex Lifeson, Dee Snider, Dorothy, Tommy Aldridge, and a TON more. 

Then, he talks about upcoming plans with the band, including something called a mixed reality tour. I don't know what that is, Gil said no one does because it hasn't been done before. He explains that part of it. 

Next, it's music journalist/author, Martin Popoff. We discuss his new 666-page book on Iron Maiden called Hallowed By Their Name. Martin has written over 130 rock books, so he knows a thing or sixty on the topic of rock and metal bands. We did get into some rock talk, which I really wanted to do. We talked about why Maiden has had so much success around the world, specifically outside of the United States. He speaks to who he thinks is the biggest metal band in the world and lots more. I'll have Martin back again in the future, he's a great guest. 

Finally, Renee Richardson, who runs Metallica's All Within My Hands foundation. She speaks to what they do, the birth of the foundation, how she got involved, and more. She also co-hosts the Metallica Report podcast, which is very well done. Fun conversation with Renee. 

Thanks for listening!

Two great guests, one non-award-winning podcast! 

Chris Jericho is up first. The wrestling legend was in Detroit with his band Fozzy, as they celebrated 25 years. It was their final show on this run, and they chose District 142 to close it out. 

Of course, I had to ask him about the passing of wrestler Sabu. He told a story of the last time they connected...sorta. Lots of Fozzy talk about the 25 years of the band, opening for Iron Maiden, starting at the bottom, and lots more. 

Bass player P.J. Farley texted me a great question to ask Chris - if he'd ever grabbed the wrong luggage at the airport. That's a funny story!

Then, it's guitarist Mike Mostert from the band In Theory. They currently have a killer cover of Led Zeppelin's "Since I've Been Loving You" with Eric Gales out. It's a bluesy dream! He spoke to getting Gales to play on the track, how they came up with their name, rock legends he's worked with, and that's just for starters. 

Thanks for listening!

I first met Piggy D at a stop at Pine Knob north of Detroit during the Rob Zombie 2018 tour. I was introduced to him through my friend, John 5. Right off the hop, I found him very easy to talk to. I was thrilled when he agreed to do Talkin' Rock. 

He's currently on tour, this time with Marilyn Manson. We talk about the differences between playing with Manson and Zombie. There's a big difference, apparently. 

We talked some horror movies, his t-shirt collection, writing and working with Alice Cooper, and much more. 

You can watch the interview below. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KztxgFLE0rI&t=224s

https://wrif.com/2025/04/29/piggy-d-on-alice-cooper-his-massive-t-shirt-collection-and-old-school-rock-and-horror/

https://wrif.com/2025/04/28/piggy-d-talks-touring-with-marilyn-manson-playing-bass-and-rocking-detroit-crowds/

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!