Today we’re taking a closer look at a band that doesn’t always get top billing in the history of rock, but definitely should. If you’ve ever gone deep into the hard rock catalogs in past decades, chances are you’ve come across them. And if you haven’t, I personally feel like you're missing out.This is The Hard Stuff - A podcast where we talk about hard rock bands, musicians, albums, and history. This isn't your average rock podcast though. My goal is to dig deep and uncover some of the obscure facts, stories, and connections, as well as the little-known facts that you may or may not have heard before. Even the most hardcore fans will hopefully find something new, interesting, or thought-provoking in every episode. Today we're going to talk more about the band Y&T!

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Welcome to The Hard Stuff, where we dig into the heavy, the obscure, and the legendary sides of hard rock and metal. In this episode, Chris dives deep into one of the most controversial, theatrical, and influential bands in heavy metal history: WASP.

🔥 Topics covered:

The legacy and cultural impact of WASP—beyond mainstream awards

The wild origin stories behind the band’s name

Blackie Lawless’ journey from shock-rock icon to born-again Christian

Iconic members like Chris Holmes, Steve Riley, Johnny Rod, and Frankie Banali

The band’s notorious feuds with the PMRC and the infamous "Animal (F*** Like a Beast)"

Behind-the-scenes stories from their early days in L.A. and ties to Motley Crüe and Nikki Sixx

Rare facts and under-the-radar trivia—even hardcore fans may learn something new

A breakdown of their most controversial album, Kill F**k Die, and why it missed the mark

WASP’s ongoing legacy, live tours, and what’s next for the band

🎧 Whether you're a longtime fan or discovering WASP for the first time, this episode is packed with stories, surprises, and a whole lot of rock ‘n roll history.

👉 Listen now and get stung by the legend of WASP.

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Episode Title: The Rise and Legacy of WASP (Part 1)

Welcome to The Hard Stuff, where we dig deep into the history, music, and obscure stories behind hard rock’s most legendary acts. In this episode, we take a deep dive into one of rock’s most unapologetically bold bands—WASP.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:🎸 The origins of WASP and their theatrical approach to hard rock🔥 How Blackie Lawless became the driving force behind the band💀 The controversy, theatrics, and influence of WASP on bands like Mötley Crüe and Slipknot🎵 A breakdown of three of their most iconic albums:

The Last Command (1985) – Early WASP swagger and anthemic classics

The Headless Children (1989) – A shift towards darker, more political themes

The Crimson Idol (1992) – A concept album masterpiece

From blood-soaked stage shows to some of the most underrated albums in hard rock, we peel back the layers of this legendary band’s journey. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering WASP, this episode will give you a new appreciation for their music and legacy.

🔊 Listen now and stay tuned for Part 2!

📌 Follow & Subscribe: ChrisAuman.com

#TheHardStuffPodcast #WASP #BlackieLawless #HardRockHistory #TheLastCommand #TheHeadlessChildren #TheCrimsonIdol #80sMetal #ShockRock

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thehardstuff.substack.com

In this episode, we dive deep into one of the most intense, innovative, and—let’s be honest—underrated metal bands of our time: Gojira. Whether you're already a die-hard fan or hearing their name for the first time, this episode will give you a new appreciation for their unmatched blend of heaviness and melody, their insane musicianship, and their commitment to both artistry and activism.

From their early days as an underground band in France to their global success, we break down what makes Gojira such a powerful force in metal. We'll cover:🔥 Their unique sound—how they balance brutality and beauty🔥 The insane drumming of Mario Duplantier (drummers, you’re in for a treat!)🔥 The evolution of their music, from From Mars to Sirius to Fortitude🔥 Why their lyrics go beyond typical metal themes into deep, existential, and environmental topics🔥 Their unforgettable live performances, including their legendary Red Rocks show🔥 Lesser-known facts about the band (did you know they played in a blizzard?)

Timestamps:🕛 00:00 – Introduction: Why Gojira is unlike any other metal band🔥 05:30 – The band’s origins: From Godzilla to Gojira🥁 15:00 – The genius of Mario Duplantier and his approach to drumming🎸 25:00 – The role of Christian Andreu and Jean-Michel Labadie in shaping Gojira’s massive sound📀 35:00 – Essential Gojira albums: From Mars to Sirius, Magma, and Fortitude🌎 50:00 – The band’s environmental activism and global impact🤯 60:00 – Little-known facts about Gojira (and why Flying Whales is the ultimate anthem)🚀 70:00 – What’s next for Gojira? New music, upcoming tours, and their lasting legacy

Listen Now:🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts!

Follow Gojira:🌐 Website: gojira-music.com📸 Instagram: @gojiraofficial📘 Facebook: GojiraMusic🐦 X (Twitter): @GojiraMusic

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thehardstuff.substack.com

Show Notes: The Hard Stuff – Tesla: The Underrated Legends of Hard Rock

Episode Overview:In this episode of The Hard Stuff, we dive deep into the career of Tesla—one of the most underrated, yet incredibly influential, hard rock bands of the ’80s and beyond. Known for their blues-infused rock, raw authenticity, and refusal to conform to the glam-metal trends of their era, Tesla carved out a loyal following that remains strong to this day.

What You’ll Learn:

Origins & Evolution: How Tesla formed in Sacramento, starting as City Kidd before adopting their now-iconic name inspired by inventor Nikola Tesla.

Breaking Through: The band’s rise with Mechanical Resonance (1986), their mainstream success with The Great Radio Controversy (1989), and their musical maturity on Psychotic Supper (1991).

Defying Trends: Why Tesla stood apart from the hair-metal scene with their stripped-down, blues-based approach.

Live Legacy: The impact of their raw, no-frills performances and how Five Man Acoustical Jam helped spark the unplugged movement.

Rock Hall Snub: Why Tesla still hasn’t been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame—and why they absolutely deserve to be.

Lesser-Known Stories: From near-broke recording sessions to unexpected fan interactions on stage, plus the hidden influences behind their biggest songs.

Tesla Today: How the band continues to tour, release music, and stay relevant, even after nearly 40 years in the business.

Why It Matters:Tesla’s legacy isn’t just about chart success—it’s about authenticity, musicianship, and the ability to evolve while staying true to their roots. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just discovering them, this episode will give you a new appreciation for their contributions to rock.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thehardstuff.substack.com

Podcast Name:

The Hard Stuff

Host: Chris Auman

Summary: In this episode of The Hard Stuff, Chris takes a deep dive into the legendary rock band KISS—examining their origins, rise to fame, and their lasting impact on rock and roll. From the gritty streets of New York City in the '70s to becoming global icons with their unforgettable live shows and daring personas, KISS changed the game. Chris shares personal insights into their most iconic albums, discusses their evolution, and unpacks the magic behind the face paint and pyrotechnics. Whether you're a hardcore fan or a casual listener, this episode is packed with facts, stories, and a new perspective on KISS.

Key Topics:

The origins of KISS: From New York City’s gritty rock scene to global superstardom.

The creation of the band's personas and iconic makeup.

Behind the scenes: How KISS went from struggling unknowns to rock legends.

A deep dive into three standout albums: Destroyer, Alive II, and Creatures of the Night.

Little-known facts about the band, their challenges, and their innovations.

Featured Albums:

Destroyer (1976)

Alive II (1977)

Creatures of the Night (1982)

Fun Fact

Did you know the song “Detroit Rock City” was inspired by a real-life tragedy involving a fan who died on his way to a KISS concert? Tune in to hear more about how KISS blends cinematic storytelling with hard rock anthems.

Follow Us:

Don't forget to follow The Hard Stuff and leave a review! Your support helps us reach more rock fans, and we truly appreciate it.

[Instagram/Facebook/Twitter handle for The Hard Stuff]

Outro: Thanks for rocking out with us! If you loved this episode, hit that follow button and drop a quick review. Stay tuned for more deep dives into your favorite rock bands, albums, and the stories behind them. Until next time—let's rock!

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thehardstuff.substack.com