The UCR Podcast

Rob LoVerde and Jim Davis of Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab join Matt today for separate conversations to discuss their approach to audiophile reissues of classic albums. They talk about some of their recent releases, including the Van Halen reissues from the David Lee Roth era, Stone Temple Pilots' Vol. 4 and the upcoming project that will find them tackling albums by Rush. Jim addresses how they've dealt with challenges in recent years and shares the story of how he first discovered MoFi and eventually took over the company.

Director Wes Orshoski is with Matt today to talk about Di'Anno: Iron Maiden's Lost Singer, his new film about late Iron Maiden vocalist Paul Di'Anno. We discuss the movie and also, the previous films that Wes has done about the Damned and Lemmy of Motorhead, plus his upcoming documentary about the Bar-Kays. We go deep into a number of topics, including Paul's history, the interview that Wes did with James Hetfield about Paul, various hard rock and heavy metal bands, why he refused to give up on completing this film (which took nearly a decade) and there's plenty of music nerd discussion that weaves in and out as well. Our thanks to Wes for the time. Here's a link that you can use to check out more information about the film and where you can see it. https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/dianno-iron-maidens-lost-singer

Adria Petty and longtime producer/archivist Ryan Ulyate join Matt to discuss the latest Petty Legacy release, Live at the Paradise Rock Club 1978, which bottles a great performance from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers recorded live in Boston in July of 1978. They discuss how the album came about and what was required to get it ready for release. Adria also shares a bit of insight regarding what fans can look forward to this year and beyond as they celebrate the 50th anniversary of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers with an ongoing series of special things. Our thanks to both Ryan and Adria for the time! Check out highlights from today's interview here: https://ultimateclassicrock.com/tom-petty-50th-anniversary-unreleased-music-2026/

Kim joins Matt to talk about his new memoir, A Screaming Life: Into the Superunknown with Soundgarden and Beyond. We go deep into the history of Soundgarden, including talking about some of their very first recordings. Kim revisits the glory years and the sound of some of their key records. We also discuss hanging out with the Ramones, getting Brian May on one of their songs and how classic rock helped to influence their career in some interesting ways. It was so much fun to talk with Kim and fellow fans, you're definitely going to enjoy this conversation!

We've got a TON of coverage including lots of photos and videos of the first Rush reunion concert which happened last night (June 7) in Los Angeles at the Kia Forum. For today's podcast episode, Matt welcomes the person who was not only at the L.A. concert, but he's also responsible for hooking Matt up with tickets to the very first Rush concert he ever saw back in the '90s. Matt Surrena, a longtime radio and music industry veteran, joins us to share his reactions to the L.A. reunion performance. We cover a lot of ground, including how the gig lived up to the expectations he had going in, Geddy's voice, the expanded Rush lineup, Drummer Anika Nilles and what she brought to the performance, their surprising opening song choice, what he wants to hear them play at other shows on the tour and plenty of other topics. Thanks to Matt for taking the time to revisit his experience with us. For complete coverage of the Rush reunion, check out the many links here: https://ultimateclassicrock.com/tags/rush/

Legendary Sex Pistols bassist Glen Matlock joins us today to talk about his new documentary, I Was a Teenage Sex Pistol. Glen tells Matt about the formative days for the group, how things fell apart and how he's lived out some of his greatest dreams, quite unexpectedly, with some of his own musical heroes. He also shares his thoughts on the latest Sex Pistols chapter with Frank Carter.

Today, we're heading back to the '80s with Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull, who reflects on the work that the band did during that decade, including 1984's Under Wraps. There's a new "Unwrapped Edition" box set for the album that brings together new mixes, plus additional rarities and live material. He also tells Matt what's ahead for Jethro Tull

Billy Corgan is with us today to talk about the upcoming Smashing Pumpkins "Rats in a Cage" tour happening this fall to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their landmark double LP, Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness. We go into the history of the album with Billy, plus his experience working with Flood, saying goodbye (recently) to Zero, the effect of success on his songwriting in that era and many, many other topics. Check out Billy's excellent podcast, The Magnificent Others wherever you get your podcasts or watch it on YouTube at the following link https://www.youtube.com/@billycorgantmo

April Wine guitarist Brian Greenway joins Matt to discuss his nearly 50-year history with the group. He takes us through his memories of recording many of the Canadian band's most popular singles, including the rocky road to finishing their beloved power ballad, "Just Between You and Me." He also talks about the group's current tour with Triumph, a particular concert bill back in the day that didn't go so well, playing on the same bill as the Rolling Stones and what's ahead for April Wine in 2026 and beyond.

Guitar legend Ritchie Blackmore gives a rare interview to the UCR Podcast to discuss his history with both Rainbow and Deep Purple. He looks back at how Rainbow came to be and how the group progressed as they made their first two albums. He also gives Matt an update on his current health, how he hopes to return to the stage -- and he revisits the famous night that Christopher Cross stepped in for him in Deep Purple.