Get ready to crank up the volume and break out the sequined spandex!

Mo shares the hilarious origin story of how disco classics became thunderous metal anthems. From being a childhood violin prodigy in the local paper to the moment a promoter asked, “Ever think about a tribute band?”, Mo walks us through how Tragedy was born and how the concept exploded.

We talk stage personas (“the rockstars we wish we were”), their absolutely wild European tours, why the UK spiritually gets disco-metal, their collaborative songwriting process, and their upcoming original music — including a possible connection to a member of the Gibb family.

Tragedy isn’t just a band; it’s a full-blown spectacle. Confetti cannons, cowbells, bubble guns, costume chaos, and pure, unfiltered fun. If you love musicianship, comedy, or rock theater, this episode is your all-access pass.

🎸 Listen & Follow Tribute Band Sessions:

00:00 – Introduction to Mo Royce Peterson
01:09 – Meet Mo & Tragedy
02:04 – Edinburgh: Current Tour
02:22 – European Tour Adventures
02:54 – Tragedy’s NYC Origins
03:13 – Mo’s Musical Journey: Violin to Guitar
03:47 – Musical “Peak” at Age 5
03:53 – Switching from Piano to Guitar
04:48 – The Joy of Guitar & Songwriting
05:47 – The Real Origin of Tragedy
06:29 – The Promoter Call That Sparked It
06:50 – Tribute Bands in 2007
07:16 – Making Metal Out of Non-Metal Music
07:26 – The Bee Gees Lightbulb Moment
07:48 – The Comedy of Disco Meets Metal
08:00 – The Cowbellist Joins Tragedy
08:49 – Stage Personas & The Cowbellist
09:19 – Festivals vs. Club Shows
09:41 – Making Every Show Count
09:55 – Big Metal Festivals
11:02 – Engaging Seated Crowds Theatrically
11:46 – Tiny Edinburgh Rooms
12:48 – Metallica’s Small-Show Energy
13:40 – Mo’s Early Music Influences
14:09 – Love for 50s Rock & Bobby Darin
14:39 – Sister’s Influence: Bee Gees & Journey
15:08 – First Jam Sessions & Mashups
15:23 – MySpace Era Beginnings
15:51 – The Work Behind Music & Videos
16:33 – Collaborative Songwriting
17:20 – Influences & Originality
18:48 – Becoming the “Rockstars We Wished We Were”
19:57 – First Show at BB Kings
20:29 – First Song: Night Fever
20:46 – Parallels to Early Steel Panther
21:49 – Reimagining Songs Creatively
22:13 – Disco Balls to the Wall Album
23:44 – Video Production (Directed by Mo’s Wife)
24:00 – Weirdest Gigs: East Germany
24:55 – Playing a 30-Person Room
25:22 – Terry Bozzio’s Drum Set Issue
26:01 – Small-Club Chaos
26:33 – A Typical Tour Day
27:06 – Van Life & Blurred Days
27:36 – Merch & Meeting Fans
28:22 – Touring with a Small Crew
29:10 – Their Technical Rider
29:50 – Confetti Cannons & Bubble Guns
30:21 – UK vs. US Fans
30:28 – Why the UK Instantly Connects
31:28 – US Touring Challenges
32:56 – How Many Shows Per Year?
33:52 – Balancing Multiple Projects
34:25 – Future Vision: Original Album
35:35 – Perfect Timing for New Music
36:08 – Meeting the Bee Gees’ Children
36:40 – Stephen Gibb (Barry’s Metalhead Son)
37:13 – Their Recording Studio
37:51 – Future Collabs & Tour Partners
38:43 – Bruce Dickinson’s Shoutout
39:12 – Advice for New Tribute Bands
42:36 – Thank You & Where to Find Tragedy

🌐 letsmaketragedyhappen.com

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