WMMR - MMaRchives Podcast

Matt Cord caught up with members of The Hooters prior to their set at MMRBQ 2026. They talked at length about the show being a tribute to the life and legacy of Pierre Robert. They also discussed how their set would be much longer than when they played at Live Aid and how we all found out that Dave Grohl of Nivana/Foo Fighters is a massive Hooters fan

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Brent Porche of 93.3 WMMR sits down with guitarist Brian Quinn for a wide-ranging conversation that traces Quinn’s musical roots, celebrates his past work, and highlights an especially active new chapter in his career. Brent & Brian touch on all of his various projects and bands like Octane, Fosterchild, The Brian Quinn Band, and his time performing alongside Candlebox.

Quinn reflects on his early inspiration to pick up the guitar, pointing to formative influences and records that shaped his approach to tone and phrasing. The discussion explores how his playing evolved across different bands, with each project demanding a unique musical identity—from the driving rock edge of Octane to the more textured and melodic sensibilities of Fosterchild. We also revisits Quinn’s involvement in the short-lived supergroup Le Projet, which included members of Candlebox and Sevendust, giving Quinn a chance to touch on that collaborative era.

The conversation then shifts to Quinn’s current focus: the Brian Quinn Band. He describes the project’s origin and its emerging “dark country” sound, blending rock grit with subtle Americana influences. Their new single “Until Fall” is highlighted as a defining track, with a forthcoming music video and a lyric video created by longtime collaborator Brian Bortnick. Rather than committing immediately to a full album, Quinn suggests a flexible, song-by-song release approach while the band continues to develop its identity.

A major upcoming appearance for the band is the 5th Annual Montgomery County Heroes Fund Festival in Eagleville, Pennsylvania. The event combines live music, food, and community engagement in support of first responders and military families, honoring the legacy of fallen officer Brad Fox of the Plymouth Township Police Department. Quinn’s band will headline alongside other regional acts, contributing to a day that blends entertainment with a meaningful cause.

Beyond that, Quinn previews the “Alice Unchained” show at Ardmore Music Hall, commemorating the 30th anniversary of Alice in Chains Unplugged. A devoted fan of Jerry Cantrell, Quinn shares how the iconic performance influenced him, even recalling personal interactions with Cantrell while touring.

With additional solo gigs, a revived metal project, Burial Ground, and a packed schedule of live performances, Quinn remains as driven as ever—balancing legacy with forward momentum while continuing to connect deeply with audiences.

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Brent and Zach of Shinedown joined Pierre Robert and Brent Porche backstage just before their outstanding headlining set at MMRBQ 2019. They spoke about the meaning of "Get Up", how Philly feels like home to the band and a lot more, PLUS the guys present Pierre with one of the coolest gifts we've ever seen: guitar picks emblazoned with Pierre's face on them!

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A flashback to MMRBQ 2015 when Pierre Robert sat down with the members of Stone Temple Pilots. They were fronted at that time by none other than Chester Bennington of Linkin Park. They discuss Chester wearing both hats performing in both bands, when new music would arrive and field trip memories to the Franklin Institute.

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Godsmack frontman Sully Erna zoomed into The Preston & Steve Show to promote Godsmack's upcoming performance at MMRBQ 2026. He also touches on the "powerful" new live album "Godsmack: Live at Moheagan Sun", dropping out of school to learn the drums of "Exit Stage Left", and the legendary Phillies player who P&S made a Godsmack song their theme music.

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Sometime in the early 90's, then new Late Night host Conan O'Brien called in to chat with Pierre Robert. They get candid about stepping into the role after David Letterman, how Conan met Max Weinstein and got him to lead his house band, and how comedy is essentially all just lying.

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Rock and roll meets theater in full force as I catch up with Alice Cooper ahead of this year’s MMR*B*Q, and the conversation proves exactly why he remains one of the most enduring and fascinating figures in music. From the moment we start talking, Cooper is sharp, funny, and completely dialed in—still every bit the ringmaster of the dark carnival he’s built his career on.

We kick things off with the excitement surrounding the MMRBQ, where Cooper is set to help launch our summer concert season. He talks about how much he still values opportunities like this—not just to perform for longtime fans, but to win over entirely new audiences. For him, that discovery element is part of the magic. Even after decades on stage, there’s something uniquely rewarding about watching younger fans experience his music and theatrical live show for the first time.

When I ask how he’d approach breaking into the industry if he were starting fresh in 2026, Cooper doesn’t hesitate—he says he’d still lean into originality and full commitment to a character. Trends may change, but bold identity and storytelling, he emphasizes, are timeless.

We also get into his evolving live band, including the addition of 22-year-old guitarist Anna Cara, who is stepping in while longtime collaborator Nita Strauss takes time off. Cooper speaks enthusiastically about Cara’s talent and energy, making it clear that fresh blood keeps the show exciting—not just for the audience, but for him as well.

Of course, I ask about shock rock in an era where audiences have “seen it all.” Cooper’s take? True shock today isn’t just about visuals—it’s about creativity, surprise, and pushing ideas in unexpected ways. That philosophy carries into how he builds his shows, blending music, narrative, and spectacle into one cohesive experience.

Beyond the stage, Cooper opens up about his upcoming memoir, Devil on My Shoulder, which dives into stories from across his legendary career—including encounters with icons like Salvador Dalí and John Lennon. He also touches on his ever-growing list of projects, from his “Cooper Club” golf apparel line to special performances with Criss Angel in Las Vegas and future plans with the Hollywood Vampires.

After six decades, Alice Cooper isn’t slowing down—he’s evolving. And if this conversation proves anything, it’s that his passion for performance, storytelling, and connecting with fans is just as strong as ever.

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In 2013, Skillet stopped by the WMMR studios for a conversation with Matt Cord. The band was celebrating the release of their 8th studio album Rise. The talk how they needed to record the record from a selection of 72 songs, the first time they heard their music on the radio and how being married in a rock and roll band works for them.

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On February 8th 2010 Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders called into Pierre Robert's show. Their live record Live In London was just about to come out and Pierre was quite impressed with how it captured the raw and powerful sound of the band. They also discuss his golden retriever Lucy, Chrissie's relationship with alcohol and a moment that could've been with Pierre visiting Chrissie's hometown of Akron at her invitation.

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Dolly Parton has done so much in her fantastic career. From books, a rock album, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. She at first declined the induction but after some persuasion she accepted and wanted to put out a rock album to make sure she felt it was justified! The album Rockstar is fantastic and includes 30 songs with guests from Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney, Rob Halford, John Fogerty, Elton John, Chris Stapleton, Joan Jett, Sting, Mick Fleetwood, and more than a dozen others.

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