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The Rock Hall came in loud, messy, and unexpectedly moving—and we brought receipts. We open with a mea culpa that doubles as a manifesto: Iron Maiden belongs in the Hall. When you put their global sales, generational influence, and still‑feverish fanbase next to multiple inductees, the picture changes fast. From there we break down the night’s sharpest highs and softest misses: Salt‑N‑Pepa’s clinic in craft and energy, a Warren Zevon tribute that needed Werewolves of London, and Cyndi Lauper’s command of a room that didn’t always return the favor. 

We dig into the White Stripes’ legacy with clear eyes: why Feist and Olivia Rodrigo’s “We’re Going To Be Friends” worked and why making “Seven Nation Army” about yourself doesn’t. Jack White’s speech lands like a love letter to small rooms and big risks, and we push back on the lazy “Meg can’t drum” take—serving the song is a skill. Outkast’s segment wrestles with tech issues, but Tyler, the Creator detonates “B.O.B.” and reminds everyone what modern hip‑hop virtuosity looks like. Then Soundgarden turns the room inside out: Taylor Momsen surprises, Toni Cornell devastates on “Fell on Black Days,” and Nancy Wilson powers through more malfunction to honor Chris Cornell’s towering range and the band that bridged punk and Sabbath weight.

We close by asking better questions of the Hall. What is “rock and roll” in 2025 if not attitude, risk, and reinvention across hip‑hop, punk, metal, pop, and alternative? If next year’s first‑timer pool is thin, it’s time to right some wrongs: Mariah Carey, Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order, Wu‑Tang Clan, and long‑snubbed pillars like the Pixies, the Replacements, and Black Flag. Along the way, we unpack catalog sales, a smart theory behind the Oasis reunion, and why safe, templated finales shrink big nights.

If you love strong opinions backed by facts and lived fandom, hit play. Then tell us who we got right, who we got wrong, and who you’d induct tomorrow. Subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review so more music nerds can find the show.

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What happens when billion-dollar executives decide concert tickets aren't expensive enough? The answer might explain why your favorite bands are disappearing from the road.

In this candid solo episode, I dive deep into the economics of concert tickets after Live Nation CEO Michael Rapino's controversial statement that tickets have been "underpriced for too long." Breaking down exactly where your money goes when you buy a $100 concert ticket reveals a shocking truth – artists often walk away with just $8 per ticket, while venues and ticketing services take the lion's share. This explains why bands like Garbage have announced they'll no longer tour extensively in the US, citing "unmanageable" economics.

Beyond the financial breakdown, I explore the different ways we experience live music – solo, with friends, or as an observer watching someone else connect with an artist for the first time. Each approach offers unique rewards, from the freedom of attending alone to the shared memories created with companions. There's something magical about standing in a room full of strangers who've come together through music, regardless of their differences.

The episode wraps with my summer 2025 playlist featuring standout tracks from Liam Finn, Paul Schalda, Viagra Boys, Wolf Alice, Nine Inch Nails, and Turnstile – artists who remind us why we fight to keep live music accessible despite rising costs.

Whether you're a casual concertgoer or a dedicated touring fan, this conversation tackles the hard questions about the future of live music in an industry that increasingly prioritizes profits over passion. How long before we're all priced out of the experiences that make us feel alive?

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Today marks a milestone five years since we began this podcast journey together, amounting to 45 episodes, 1.7 million downloads, and nearly $47,000 raised for multiple charities. What's even more remarkable? We did the first three years of shows before ever meeting in person. That's the magic of Pearl Jam—creating connections that transcend physical distance.

Music serves as a comfort blanket for many of us, particularly during challenging times. For Anthony, who left home at 16 and slept in his car, Pearl Jam represented a search for belonging when people continuously entered and exited his life. For Trey, hearing "Ten" as a 19-year-old college student prompted him to drop out and move to Seattle, completely altering his life trajectory and eventually leading to a winery named after one of his favorite songs.

We share our most profound Pearl Jam memories—from Trey's experience at the legendary Drop in the Park show to Anthony's emotional journey photographing the band in Charlottesville after numerous rejections. That night, while photographing "Release" through tears, Anthony achieved a goal he'd thought impossible. These aren't just concert memories; they're life-defining moments.

The podcast conversation explores how the band's activism fostered similar qualities in fans. Their emphasis on empathy and giving back inspired both hosts to become more involved with charitable causes. Perhaps most meaningful are the friendships formed through this community—people who became chosen family rather than just fellow fans.

As we look toward the future, we remain grateful for how one band's authentic art transformed our lives in unexpected ways. And in true cosmic alignment, our fifth anniversary falls on the same day as the anniversaries of "Ten" (34 years) and "No Code" (31 years). Join us in celebrating not just music, but the enduring power of connection it creates.

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Matt Cameron's departure from Pearl Jam has sent shockwaves through the rock community. After 27 years behind the kit, Cameron's exit marks a pivotal moment for one of rock's most enduring bands. What does this mean for Pearl Jam's future? We explore the physical toll of touring on aging musicians and why Pearl Jam's next chapter might look dramatically different from their marathon-show past.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 2025 inductee announcement has sparked heated debate among music fans. Bad Company gets in while Mariah Carey waits another year? Oasis is passed over despite their triumphant reunion tour selling out stadiums worldwide? We dissect the curious logic behind the Rock Hall's selections and what these decisions reveal about how musical legacies are officially recognized.

The White Stripes induction promises to be the most anticipated moment of the November ceremony. Will the notoriously private Meg White actually perform with Jack for the first time since their 2011 breakup? We explore the possibilities and share why this potential reunion matters so much to rock fans. Meanwhile, 90-year-old session bass legend Carole Kaye takes a principled stand by declining her induction, demanding recognition for her fellow musicians.

From Joy Division to Mariah Carey, we identify the most egregious Rock Hall snubs and discuss why certain artists continue to be overlooked despite their massive influence. Along the way, we share new music discoveries like Dublin's Sprints and Wolf Alice's remarkable vocal range on their new single.

Whether you're mourning Matt Cameron's Pearl Jam exit or scratching your head at the Rock Hall's decisions, this episode captures the passionate conversations happening among music lovers when institutions fail to honor artists appropriately. What band deserves recognition next? Who should induct this year's class? Join us as we celebrate the music that matters and question the gatekeepers who decide what's worthy of remembrance.

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Music has forever been intertwined with activism, and few bands embody this connection more authentically than Pearl Jam. The legendary Seattle rockers have spent decades using their platform not just to entertain, but to educate, inspire, and mobilize their fans around causes they deeply believe in.

From the raw emotional power of "Jeremy" addressing gun violence to the environmental advocacy woven throughout "Gigaton," Pearl Jam's lyrical activism spans their entire discography. This commitment extends far beyond their music—through initiatives like the Vitalogy Foundation, they've channeled millions toward organizations fighting homelessness, environmental degradation, and social injustice. Perhaps most remarkably, they've demonstrated true conviction by making difficult choices like canceling their 2016 North Carolina show to protest anti-LGBTQ legislation, putting principles firmly before profit.

What makes Pearl Jam's approach to activism particularly powerful is how it ripples through their fanbase. Fan-led organizations like the Wishlist Foundation have raised substantial funds for various causes, while concert pre-parties often feature voter registration drives and community outreach. This legacy of inspiring others to take action may be the band's most enduring contribution. As Eddie Vedder implied in "Grievance," we live in a world where technology connects us digitally while often disconnecting us humanly—Pearl Jam reminds us that music can still bring people together across differences for meaningful dialogue and positive change. Whether you align with their specific views or not, their commitment to using their voice authentically deserves respect. Next time you listen to a Pearl Jam track, consider placing "bubble gum in your right ear"—truly hearing their message rather than letting it pass through unexamined.

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What happens when music becomes more than entertainment—when it transforms into an emotional sanctuary during our darkest moments? This episode explores the profound connection between music and our ability to process life's greatest challenges, particularly as we confront mortality and loss.

Anthony opens with a raw confession about turning 40 and experiencing the deaths of friends, including one who passed from ALS at just 44 and another who took their own life at 41. These events sparked a deeply personal question: What songs serve as our comfort blankets when life gets heavy? For Anthony, it's Pink Floyds- "Wish you where here"—not for its lyrics, but for the way it builds and progresses, offering emotional release when he needs it most.

Trey shares how Pearl Jam's "Off He Goes" has become his conduit for grief, initially connected to memories of his friend Eric, then later helping him process the loss of his friend Jeffrey to brain cancer. This conversation reveals how certain songs accumulate emotional resonance over time, becoming repositories for our deepest feelings and memories.

The discussion weaves through analysis of Pearl Jam classics like "Once"—described as the definitive foundation of the band—and "Green Disease," a politically charged track whose critique of greed feels even more relevant today than when it was released. We examine how different drummers throughout Pearl Jam's history have reimagined these songs, breathing new life into familiar compositions.

Between wine tasting notes and vinyl recommendations (including passionate debates about The Bravery versus Built to Spill), we explore how music serves as a timeline for our lives. Anthony recounts the overwhelming emotion of hearing My Morning Jacket's "Time Waited" with his daughter after years of struggling to conceive—a perfect example of how music marks our most significant life moments.

This episode celebrates the beautiful vulnerability that comes from sharing honest reactions to music without judgment. As Anthony says, "If it doesn't make you feel something, then why are you doing it?" Join us for a heartfelt conversation about how music helps us remain human in the face of life's greatest uncertainties.

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There's something profoundly meaningful about sharing a transcendent concert experience with the people you love most. In this deeply personal episode, I take you inside the magical My Morning Jacket show at Kansas City's Uptown Theater where I celebrated turning 40 by bringing my wife and daughter to experience the band for their first time (my 20th).

From our prime spot on the rail where Jim James made a special connection with my daughter, to the spellbinding performance that stretched 33 minutes past curfew, the show exemplified everything that makes live music a transformative force. Grace Cummings delivered a mesmerizing opening set before joining the band for an unforgettable collaboration, while the Kansas City crowd demonstrated why this city remains an underrated music hotspot.

The heart of this episode features my conversation with the brilliant Courtney Schoeberlein, the artist behind the stunning concert poster that captured my daughter's imagination. Courtney shares her remarkable journey from bartending to becoming a full-time artist, the thrill of working with her dream band, and the fascinating philosophy behind concert poster art. Her perspective on how posters serve as vessels for both the creator's and the audience's memories reveals why these artifacts matter so much to the music community.

As I reflect on four decades of life and hundreds of concerts, I explore the profound question of why we chase these live music moments. It's not just about hearing songs performed—it's about creating touchstone memories that connect us to specific times, people, and feelings. These shared experiences become part of who we are, stories we can tell long after the music fades.

Whether you're a dedicated concertgoer or simply curious about the power of live music, this episode celebrates how these fleeting moments can become the anchors that give our lives meaning and connection. What moments are you chasing?

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What does it mean to witness true musical spontaneity in an era when most concerts feel meticulously scripted? After following Jack White's No-Name Tour through three Midwest cities in a single week, I discovered the answer—and it forever changed how I view live music.

Standing at the rail for consecutive nights in St. Louis, Kansas City, and Omaha, I watched as White and his band delivered three completely different performances without using setlists. The musical telepathy required is astounding—his drummer never taking his eyes off Jack, waiting for subtle cues that indicate which song comes next. His guitar tech orchestrates a complex dance of instruments, untangling cords and facilitating seamless transitions between songs that weren't planned moments before.

Kansas City delivered the most electric night, with White feeding visibly off an enthusiastic crowd, even performing without his guitar for the first time in my fifteen shows of seeing him. Then came Omaha—a businesslike performance without audience acknowledgment, zero White Stripes songs, and not a single word of banter. This wasn't disappointing but fascinating—the realization of White's expressed desire to perform a show featuring only his solo material without saying a word.

The undisputed highlight across all venues was "Archbishop Harold Holmes" from White's latest album—a song that transforms into a quasi-religious experience live. This new material deserves as much recognition as his White Stripes catalog, representing an artist who continues to evolve rather than simply recycling past glories.

The tour concluded with a personal highlight when my nine-year-old daughter unexpectedly met White at our hotel. Her genuine smile when he noticed her White Stripes shirt reminds us that these human connections—artists inspiring the next generation—often matter most. If Jack White is coming anywhere near your city, don't hesitate. There's nothing else like it on tour right now.

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Grab your headphones and settle in as we dissect Rolling Stone's controversial list of the Top 70 Music Documentaries of all time. What starts as a critical examination quickly transforms into a passionate debate about what truly makes a music documentary great.

The disconnect becomes apparent immediately: Is Rolling Stone's list actually about documentaries, or is it just another way to celebrate their favorite musicians? We unpack how concert films are fundamentally different from true music documentaries, yet Rolling Stone lumps them together without clear criteria. The result? A list that favors established names over genuine documentary excellence.

From Metallica's raw vulnerability in "Some Kind of Monster" to the manufactured mythology of "Montage of Heck," we analyze why some films reveal authentic truths while others reinforce carefully constructed images. When Bob Dylan's "Don't Look Back" takes the #1 spot, we ask the uncomfortable question: is this truly the pinnacle of music documentary filmmaking, or just Rolling Stone paying homage to their perennial favorite?

The conversation extends beyond critique as we share our own must-see music documentaries that offer genuine insight into artists, their creative processes, and the cultural moments they inhabited. From "Pearl Jam 20" to lesser-known gems like "Dennis and Lois" and "The Fearless Freaks," we champion films that balance musical performance with human storytelling.

Whether you're a documentary enthusiast or a music lover seeking deeper connections with your favorite artists, this episode will transform how you view the intersection of music and filmmaking. The greatest music documentaries transcend fandom—they should reveal something universal about creativity, human relationships, and the artistic struggle that resonates with any thoughtful viewer.

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We discuss the fascinating world of Pearl Jam covers - both songs they've covered and Pearl Jam songs covered by other artists. The conversation reveals our different perspectives on whether cover songs enhance or detract from Pearl Jam's live performances.

• Willie Nelson's cover of "Just Breathe" with his son Lucas transforms the song completely while maintaining its emotional core
• Chris Cornell's rendition of "Footsteps" stands as possibly the greatest cover of a Pearl Jam song ever
• Pearl Jam has covered an astonishing number of artists, from Neil Young to ABBA
• The band has played The Who's "Baba O'Riley" 186 times in concert, sparking debate about setlist choices
• St. Vincent's surprising cover of "Tremor Christ" showcases her versatility
• LiveFootsteps.org now features our song ratings from four years of podcasting
• Our new "Vinyl Rewind" segment features REM's "Murmur" and Secret Machines' "Now Here Is Nowhere"
• Upcoming concerts and running marathons remain important parts of our lives outside music
• Influential albums from 1995 are turning 30, including Radiohead, Foo Fighters, and Smashing Pumpkins

Check out LiveFootsteps.org to see all our Pearl Jam song ratings and click through to hear the episodes where we discussed them.

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