CLE Rocks

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The music podcast from Cleveland -- the birthplace of rock and roll! Hosted by music journalist Troy L. Smith, CLE Rocks looks back at the memorable events and people that shaped rock and roll. Troy's interviews with some of music's greatest legends offer intimate, untold stories you must hear to believe.

Cleveland.com


    • Mar 10, 2023 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 38m AVG DURATION
    • 42 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from CLE Rocks

    Alice Cooper@75 podcast celebrates the life and music of the “shock rocker” - CLE Rocks

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2023 79:32


    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Meat Loaf: 45 years of Bat Out of Hell

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 9, 2022 77:42


    In this special, live episode of the CLE Rocks podcast, a panel of special guests, including Ellen Foley, Karla DeVito, Joe Stefko, John Gorman, Steve Popovich Jr. and Pearl Aday celebrate the legacies of Meat Loaf, Jim Steinman and Steve Popovich of Cleveland International Records, and how "Bat Out of Hell" changed the industry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Live Episode: Michael Stanley Band's Record-Setting Run (1982)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2022 69:19


    In 1982, Michael Stanley Band played four shows at Blossom Music Center in Ohio, setting an attendance record for the venue. A special panel of guests, including MSB lead guitarist Gary Markasky look back on those concerts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Live Episode: Wonderstruck 2022

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2022 59:23


    Live episode recording at this year's WonderStruck Music Festival held at Lakeland Community College in Kirtland, Ohio. The panel of guests featured Steve Oberman, executive vice president and head of music at See Tickets, Andrea Smith, tour manager for Vampire Weekend, Jackie Popovec, lead singer of Youngstown-based band The Vindys, and Denny Young, co-founder and president of Elevation Group, the company that puts on WonderStruck. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Rush - First American Broadcast, Cleveland (1974)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2022 23:51


    Rush broke into the American market in 1974 thanks to help from Cleveland radio station WMMS, leading to the band's first American Broadcast that August. This episode takes a look back at how WMMS' music director Donna Halper brought Rush into the limelight. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    WIXY 1260

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2022 66:21


    In a special live edition of CLE Rocks, we examine the legacy of WIXY 1260, the AM radio station that dominated Cleveland in the 1960s, revolutionizing the industry. Guests include radio legends Larry Morrow, Billy Bass and historian Mike Olszewski. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    cleveland billy bass
    American Music Masters

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2022 27:12


    In 1996, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame launched its American Music Masters series honoring legends of roots of rock. First up was Woody Guthrie with tribute concert headlined by Bruce Springsteen, Pete Seeger a young Ani DiFranco and more. This episode looks back on the series formation and one of the most unforgettable concerts in Cleveland music history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes '77

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2022 17:03


    Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes' 1977 concert at Cleveland's Agora featuring Ronnie Spector -- The show that made the band a household name in Northeast Ohio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    The Legacy of Prince

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2022 87:21


    A live version of CLE Rocks featuring a panel discussion focused on the legacy of Prince and his 1984 Purple Rain Tour. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Duran Duran

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2022 51:52


    We sit down with Kirk Harrington and Tracey Elena of Duran Duran Worldwide, which helped lead the fan push for Duran Duran to get into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2022

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2022 50:25


    CLE Rocks host Troy L. Smith and former rock critic Michael Norman break down the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's Class of 2022. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    No Sleep Till Cleveland

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2022 72:02


    From Richfield Coliseum to The Agora, relive the memorable moments at Cleveland's iconic music venues from the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s and beyond. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    World Series of Rock

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2022 74:57


    Looking back at the World Series of Rock, the epic concert series held at Cleveland Stadium from 1974 to 1980 featuring everyone from The Rolling Stones and Pink Floyd to Fleetwood Mac and Aerosmith. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    David Bowie's first U.S. show in 1972

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2022 82:49


    In 1972, David Bowie embarked on his first tour of the U.S., choosing Cleveland as the place to debut his Ziggy Stardust alter ego to North America. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Swingos Cleveland Rock & Roll Hotel

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2022 81:54


    Our Jan. 26, 2022 live version of the podcast focuses on Swingos, the legendary Cleveland hotel where rockers like Led Zeppelin, The Who and Elvis raged during the 1970s. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Taylor Swift's 1989 Tour

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 2, 2021 17:53


    Revisiting Taylor Swift's 1989 album and arena tour: The moment country's biggest star became a true pop icon. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Tina Turner and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 28, 2021 64:52


    On Oct. 27, 2021, we recorded a live episode of CLE Rocks focused on Tina Turner's legacy and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's Class of 2021. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Jimi Hendrix's 1968 American Tour

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 17, 2021 15:09


    In 1968, The Jimi Hendrix Experience embarked on a whirlwind tour of the United States that took them coast to coast and propelled its frontman to superstardom. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    What to make of the 2021 Rock Hall Inductions

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 13, 2021 63:33


    We sit down with Joe Kwaczala and Kristen Studard of the Who Cares About the Rock Hall? podcast to talk about anticipation for the 2021 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductions and this year's loaded class. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Delta surge has music venues feeling on edge once again

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 7, 2021 40:00


    As of Sept. 7, several Northeast Ohio music venues will be requiring proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test for entry to concerts. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    The Beatles' 1966 Cleveland Stadium Concert

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2021 16:32


    In 1964 and 1966 Beatlemania took center stage in Cleveland with a pair of shows that featured fans rushing the stage to get their hands on The Fab Four. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Prince's Purple Rain Tour

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2021 19:05


    In 1984, Prince kicked off his epic "Purple Rain Tour," taking the Midwest by storm with a secret convert in Cincinnati, seven-night stand in Detroit and two concerts at Richfield Coliseum. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Pearl Jam's 1992 Ten Tour at Peabody's DownUnder

    Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2021 19:34


    By April 1992, Pearl Jam was becoming one of the biggest rock bands in the world. But that didn't stop the Seattle rock band from playing a concert at a small club in Cleveland. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Tina Turner's 1985 Private Dancer Tour

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2021 17:06


    A look back at the greatest comeback in music history, as Tina Turner brought her 1985 "Private Dancer Tour" to Richfield Coliseum. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    2Pac's 1996 concert at Gund Arena

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2021 25:36


    Seven months before his murder, 2Pac played one of his final concerts at Cleveland's Gund Arena with friend and boxing legend Mike Tyson by his side. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Nirvana at Empire Concert Club 1991

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2021 21:41


    In October 1991, Kurt Cobain and Nirvana performed at a small concert club in Cleveland just weeks before the grunge act became the biggest band in the world. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    KISS Blizzard of 1978

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2021 23:33


    In 1978, KISS delivered one of its most memorable concerts as a blizzard came down on Richfield Coliseum. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    The Rolling Stones' 1972 American Tour

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2021 18:55


    Not only did The Rolling Stones' 1972 tour (aka S.T.P.) mark a peak for the band, it changed the music industry with its scale, musicality and mayhem. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Bruce Springsteen - Agora/Richfield Coliseum 1978

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 2, 2021 22:40


    In 1978, Bruce Springsteen brought his Darkness Tour to Northeast Ohio for a series of iconic shows that would help cement his legacy and special relationship with Cleveland. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Led Zeppelin's Destroyer

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2020 22:34


    In 1977, Led Zeppelin played a two-night stand at Richfield Coliseum near Cleveland. A soundboard recording of the first night would become one of the most coveted bootlegs in rock history. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    1986 Moondog Coronation Ball II

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 24, 2020 29:51


    In 1986, the city of Cleveland rallied together to bring the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to the shores of Lake Erie. And it all culminated with a magical show by Chuck Berry. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2020

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 6, 2020 16:33


    An in-depth look at the legacies of Depeche Mode, The Doobie Brothers, Nine Inch Nails, The Notorious B.I.G., T. Rex and Whitney Houston. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Nine Inch Nails - Woodstock '94

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2020 20:10


    In 1994, with the release of "The Downward Spiral" and Nine Inch Nails' iconic Woodstock '94 performance, Trent Reznor became the reluctant face of alternative rock. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    The 1968 King's Jam

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2020 18:03


    On April 15, 1968, B.B. King led a jam session in New York's East Village featuring Jimi Hendrix, Al Kooper, The Paul Butterfield Blues Band and others. This is how it all went See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Tommy Lee

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2020 21:44


    Tommy Lee discusses his new album "Andro," Motley's Crue's delayed stadium tour and the band's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame prospects. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Ricky Byrd

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2020 37:59


    Former Joan Jett guitarist Ricky Byrd reflects on addiction, recovery and playing with The Beatles at the 2015 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2020 41:16


    We debate Rolling Stone's 2020-update on the "500 Greatest Albums of All Time" with comedian Joe Kwaczala, co-host of the Who Cares About the Rock Hall? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Herb Alpert

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2020 24:22


    Herb Albert, co-founder of A&M Records, discusses his new documentary, launching the careers of Janet Jackson and The Police, and his disdain for Donald Trump. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    John Oates

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2020 21:07


    Musician John Oates previews his album "Live in Nashville" and details what's next for Hall and Oates as they celebrate 50 years as a duo. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Ace Frehley

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2020 20:41


    Former KISS guitarist Ace Frehley breaks down his latest album "Origins Vol. 2" and takes us behind the scenes of KISS' drama-filled 2014 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Nils Lofgren

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2020 28:45


    Guitarist Nils Lofgren of The E Street Band talks about his recent live album "Weathered" and shares his thoughts on Bruce Springsteen's new album "Letter to You" See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Trailer: Welcome to CLE Rocks

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 21, 2020 1:09


    The music podcast from Cleveland -- the birthplace of rock and roll! Hosted by music journalist Troy L. Smith, CLE Rocks looks back at the memorable events and people that shaped rock and roll. Troy's interviews with some of music's greatest legends offer intimate, untold stories you must hear to believe. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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