EricCast

Foreigner burst onto the scene in 1977 and immediately impacted the rock world. Bassist Rick Wills joined the group in 1979 for the "Head Games" album and has been with them on and off ever since. Still touring with Foreigner, I sit down with Rick for 15 minutes to discuss his origins with David Gilmour and Peter Frampton, why it pays to hang out in pubs, trying to cash a big check in NYC in the 70s, what it's like touring now vs. then, and I share the big thing I missed on their "Head Games" album cover, all in this episode of the EricCast.

Ray Parker Jr. is known for "The Other Woman," songs with Raydio like "You Can't Change That," and of course "Ghostbusters." But his roots in Detroit meant he was playing clubs in his teens and was lead guitarist for Stevie Wonder on his 1972 tour with the Rolling Stones. Parker Jr. wrote hits for Rufus & Chaka Khan and played with everyone from Diana Ross and Barry White to The Carpenters and Boz Scaggs. He has a new documentary coming out and his current tour means a trip to Milwaukee, giving Eric an opportunity to talk with him about his remarkable career.

A farm boy from Nebraska discovered cable - sorta - and became a huge comedian with the help of morning radio and a friend he met during Atlanta Braves spring training games named Jeff Foxworthy. Larry the Cable Guy hooked audiences up with laughter across the country in the Blue Collar Comedy Tour and is still at it. Ahead of his Milwaukee show, I talk with Larry about his Wisconsin-native wife (and how their wedding - the least fancy wedding ever - only cost $185), how he got started, his love of golf and country life, how he almost hit a home run at Miller Park, and where he has beers on layaway. And he didn't have to apologize for a single joke in this one!

Lewis Black has been described as "a passionate performer who is more pissed-off optimist than mean-spirited curmudgeon." He rants on everything from politics to how Starbucks showing up on opposite corners of the same street corner is a sign of the end. His observations skewer everything, and offers more insight at times than serious commentators. Ahead of his Milwaukee appearance, Eric Paulsen talked with Lewis about his days working at the Appalachian Regional Commission (bet you didn't know about that!), when baseball gets only two strikes, the best bar in the world (it's in Wisconsin) and the beer named for him, what he enjoys most outside of stand-up, and what to expect with the all-new material on his current tour. All in 10 minutes.

He was the first person to say "Live From New York, It's Saturday Night!" He hosted Weekend Update and then got into movies from Foul Play to Caddyshack to Fletch, and of course the series of National Lampoon's Vacation movies. Ahead of his coming to Milwaukee for a screening of Christmas Vacation where he'll do Q&A, I got to talk with Chevy Chase about falls with President Ford, working with the cast of Caddyshack characters, what Jimmy Stewart said to him when he introduced himself (it was brief), observations on making the Vacation movies, and just what the heck the "W" in Clark W. Griswold stands for. It all starts with me interrupting his breakfast at home. Listen here!

Lou Ferrigno turned near-deafness as a child into motivation to become Mr. Universe and a series of other bodybuilding titles, which led to acting and his role as The Incredible Hulk. Since then, he's acted in movies, led exercise programs as the behest of a President, has been deputized in 22 states, and can be seen shortly at Wizard World. Eric talks with Lou ahead of his Madison appearance, October 25-27, 2019.

For all the controversy around the Jerry Springer Show and its reflections on our culture, Jerry Springer himself remains. Born in England after his parents fled Nazi Germany, Springer followed passions of politics and law; becoming a mayor led him into news, which led to the ascent of The Jerry Springer Show in 1991. Now, as 2020 nears, his law experience takes center stage as he begins a new career and show as a legal judge deciding real cases on a new show, Judge Jerry. How did this all happen? Eric Paulsen talks with Jerry about how his life interests and fate brought him to this point in his unique career.

Toto is celebrating 40 Trips Around the Sun and then some with a tour. Ahead of a show in Madison, Wisconsin, Eric Paulsen talks with guitarist Steve Lukather about the band, its origins, his career as a legendary guitarist playing with everyone from A (Aretha) to Z (Zevon) and more.

What it's like to go from computer programming in 1975 to touring the world as Air Supply, opening for Rod Stewart, a year later? What's the best term for their music? How have they been able to ride the roller coaster of music and touring all the way to successful shows in 2019? Soaring tenor Russell Hitchcock, one of the two anchors in Air Supply, talks about all that and more in advance of a Milwaukee show (September 7th, Pabst Theater) with Eric in this EricCast.

If you haven't heard of Them Coulee Boys, you will. This Wisconsin band named after unusual geography (and technically, incorrect grammar) blends bluegrass, rock and punk into a style of Americana that's expanding to new audiences with a new album and tour. Lead singer Soren Staff talks with Eric Paulsen about what's ahead and what they've seen in the changing music business since they formed - at camp, of all places - in 2013.

Between 1917 and 1932, a little-known activity was taking place in small-town Wisconsin: inside a chair factory, some of the earliest Blues, R&B, Jazz, and Country classics were being recorded, pressed into 78rpm records, and distributed by Paramount Records, often bringing up African-American artists from the Mississippi Delta. Today, music fans around the world are becoming aware of how monumental - and unique - these early music sessions were and how its influence still affects music today. Find out more about Paramount, and the Paramount Music Festival that celebrates this history, in this episode of the EricCast.

The Little River Band formed in Australia in 1975, in a sense as a "supergroup." Wayne Nelson, bass player and lead singer, joined the group in 1980. Before and during Wayne's tenure, lineup changes have continued and both their classic and newer songs have been enjoyed by millions worldwide. Wayne joins Eric for a discussion about the band, changes, new and old music, playing for what you believe in, and why "yacht rock" is so popular even with new generations - all ahead of an upcoming Milwaukee show in this EricCast episode.

Cream puffs and bug tacos(?!?), carnival games to thrilling rides, street performers to major national touring acts, and animals from newborn chicks to prize heifers adorn the 2019 Wisconsin State Fair, which runs August 1-11. There's so much to see and enjoy - some traditional, some new. In this EricCast, Eric sits down with Wisconsin State Fair Director of Public Affairs Kristi Chuckel to cover everything from the Fair's history to the 65+ new foods you'll find, and from the farmers and animals to the biggest concerts, things you can buy, and fun you can have with the whole family. WiStateFair.com has details on all the Fair activities!

Harry Casey, better known as "K.C." all his life, started KC & the Sunshine Band in 1973, incorporating a love of horns and R&B rhythms. By the mid-1970s, the band was leading the way in dance clubs. KC talks with Eric about all the action then and since, from an accident that sidelined him for a year to how Arsenio Hall coaxed him out of retirement. They continue to tour in 2019, shaking booties and getting down at night - because that's the way (uh huh) they like it.

Loverboy formed in 1978, where their name caught attention (especially in Japan) and the legacy of numerous Canadian bands coalesced to form his rock and hits machine that made us all work for the weekend. Eric talks with co-founder and lead guitarist Paul Dean, where topics include how an 8-year-old's indifference to their original name caused them to change it, how to play the washboard properly, what Harley events can do to their crowd, and how John Mayer has influenced Paul's latest solo effort - all as Loverboy continues to tour together.

Styx is a classic rock and roll band, touring and ready to play great venues like Summerfest in Milwaukee, Eric Paulsen had a chance to talk with their bass guitarist Ricky Phillips about the band, his previous bands like The Babys and Bad English, and the industry and touring as a whole - including the completion of excellent 10x10 album, which features a variety of rock legends in the wake of Ronnie Montrose's passing.

Make-A-Wish Wisconsin works to grant wishes for children battling serious - often terminal - illnesses, making dreams come true for them and their families. Eric Paulsen sits down with Make-A-Wish representatives to discuss how they accommodate these kids' wishes and how an upcoming Milwaukee area event on 6/29/19 will help. More details on the event are available at wisconsin.wish.org.

The Hoan Bridge is a major transportation artery and a city landmark. These distinctive arches welcome ships from Lake Michigan, speed drivers in and out of downtown, and even serve as cover for some Summerfest shows. Giving it dynamic LED lighting at night could launch night views of the bridge and city to the next level. But how can you navigate layers of government bureaucracy, mobilize support, secure funding, and get it done? Ian Abston talks with Eric Paulsen about how non-profit "Light The Hoan" is working to light up Milwaukee nights and give anyone a chance to leave their mark on this major span. They can be found at LightTheHoan.com.

Do you realize how many chemicals, metals, and other hazards lurk in women's bras and underwear? Wires cut off circulation; toxins from formaldehyde to heavy metals can absorb into your most sensitive body parts. We've seen increases in breast and other cancers over the years. The Vibrant Body Company formed to revolutionize the industry and design safe, supportive, stylish undergarments for comfortable and "clean" living where it really counts and promote better women's health - and comfort. Eric Paulsen talks with co-founder Michael Drescher about starting the company that can give your underwear drawer a detox. Listen here and find out more at VibrantBodyCompany.com.

Milwaukee's Summerfest is the World's Largest Music Festival, featuring over 700 artists across 11 major stages with food, drink, and fun along Lake Michigan. This year, it runs June 26-30 & July 2-7, 2019. Eric sits down with Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. VP/Sales & Marketing Sarah Pancheri to talk artists, new stages, and other changes and developments with one of the best places on Earth for music lovers.

He's a Righteous Brother, opened for The Beatles and sang one of their songs at the Grammys, wrote or sang songs in 33 movies and TV shows, helped Jennifer Grey have the time of her life in "Dirty Dancing," and pioneered the "Blue-Eyed Soul" genre, with a song that still holds the record for the most-ever played on American radio. Bill Medley talks with Eric Paulsen about his musical history and how they got the Righteous Brothers name, ups and downs through his 50+-year career, and his current, well-received Righteous Brothers tour with Bucky Heard.

Nick Mason, founding member of Pink Floyd, drummed his way through all their albums and now fronts his new band, Nick Mason's Saucerful of Secrets. He talks with us about early Pink Floyd and their spontaneous creation of the name, navigating "personality dynamics," how his new band formed, playing stadiums vs. theaters, what to expect with his show, how racing and music are linked, and much more with Eric Paulsen in this edition of the EricCast.

Wisconsin winters mean a lot of outdoor fun involving snow and ice. But out of what we often skate, snowmobile, or slide on - or just shovel away - some artists create incredible art and sculptures. In this episode just ahead of Winterfest 2019 at The Corners of Brookfield, we talk with professional ice carver and snow sculptor Jeff Shawhan. He's one of the talented people who can craft amazing art that wows onlookers... until it melts.

Ah, New Year's Eve! We all know about the ball drop in Times Square in NYC. But did you know about the Cherry Drop? A new way to ring in the New Year is blossoming in Sister Bay, Wisconsin, where the Door County Cherry Drop debuted to ring in 2018. And they're ready to build on it and make it a tradition. Find out how this came about and how you can have some fun there!

Did you know Michael Bolton once opened for Ozzy? That he bought Rodney Dangerfield cookware? Michael Bolton has done it all: musician and songwriter from hard rock to soul to ballads; he makes documentaries and videos including Captain Jack Sparrow and a parody of himself Office Space-style; he wowed both Otis Redding's widow and Rodney Dangerfield in different ways. Ahead of a concert date in Milwaukee, Eric Paulsen got a chance to chat with Michael Bolton, delving into early songs, changes at the behest of a record company, recent developments, and even some comedy one-liners.

Melissa Etheridge talks with Eric Paulsen as she prepares for a two-night show at the Northern Lights Theater at Potawatomi Hotel & Casino in Milwaukee December 11-12, 2018. We discuss birthdays (turns out there's a trifecta), her cannabis business, flash back to her first appearance on David Letterman, and the 25th anniversary of her defining album "Yes I Am."

In 1969, Mike Leckrone took over the reins of the University of Wisconsin Marching Band. As he prepares to step down after 50 years, he talks with Eric Paulsen to reflect on his legacy, one of innovation and precision, sometimes making the band cooler than the football team from the 5th quarter to the spring concerts. There may have been plenty of changes over the past half century, but as Eric pointed out, the Rolling Stones are still touring. Check out this 20 minute conversation that shows why UW students often chant "we came to see the band!"

Barry Williams, of course known as Greg Brady from The Brady Bunch, joins Eric Paulsen for a conversation about the show turning 50 in 2019, where that tiki statue from Hawaii might be, what that last show was like with orange hair and Robert Reed opting out of the episode, and how they're re-doing the original Brady house you saw on TV in an upcoming HGTV show. Find out also about a celebrity cruise coming up in Fall 2019, what celebrity neighbor inspired Williams to go into acting, and his visits to Wizard World, all in this 17-minute interview.

REO Speedwagon lead singer Kevin Cronin talks with Eric Paulsen about being voted "Top Illinois musicians," their 1985 Live Aid experience (and the logistics behind it), a new book project he's working on, his sons now being in a band, and the coolest place to hang out when playing shows in Milwaukee.

Blues Traveler had just released their 2018 album "Hurry Up & Hang Around" and were about to play a show in Milwaukee when I got a chance to talk with them. We discuss concert rituals, what they've been up to, and what flatulence-related name they were given on a previous trip to Wisconsin.

In this brief EricCast episode, I got a chance to talk with Kansas bass guitarist, singer, frontman Billy Greer just ahead of their show at Milwaukee's Pabst Theater on October 12, 2018. It was a fun discussion and I even got to ask a philosophical question towards the end.

in this 15 minute conversation, Eric Paulsen talks one-on-one with Doobie Brothers co-founder and lead singer Tom Johnston, covering everything from an upcoming concert, their new EP coming out in 2019, and what 8-tracks were like. Also find out how "Black Water" was resurrected to become a hit, his trip back to China Grove, changes in the music and concert industry, even a Jesus question Eric has wanted to ask since he was a kid.

Eric Paulsen is joined by Kelly Fitzsimmons, serial entrepreneur and author of the new book "Lost In Startuplandia." She has had several successful exits with a variety of companies and investors - and some big failures. Her book eschews the usual "This is exactly how I succeeded and how you will too!" hype and notes how the infinite roads to success and surefire ways to fail. Lost In Startuplandia offers multiple perspectives and real-life examples to allow an entrepreneur to recognize and compare his or her own situation to serve as guidance... or caution. Topics include customer and location strategy, investors and pitfalls, better decision-making and confirmation bias, looking for people outside your own circle, "Zombie startups," and much more. Through the conversation, we also wander into Oculus Rift, Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, Moore's Law, how VR (virtual reality) programs could dramatically improve gaming, museums, film, storytelling and more, and a variety of topics.

Just ahead of a Wisconsin concert, I get a chance to talk with Justin Hayward, longtime writer, guitarist, and vocalist for The Moody Blues. In the 9 minutes we have, we talk about the Moodies' getting into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, his current and upcoming shows and tours, his initial trip to America, and still doing what he loves in 2018. This interview was originally created for my Morning Rewind show on Rewind 92.1/WXXM-FM in Madison, Wisconsin.

Grand Funk Railroad formed in Flint, Michigan in 1969, fusing R&B with rock and earning quite a name for themselves. From long jams like "I'm Your Captain" to tight pop hits like "Bad Time" to scaring hotel managers nationwide in "We're An American Band," this trio - now a quintet with two of the three original members - continues to tour and bang out the sound and spirit that's driven rock & roll for the last half-century. In this episode of the EricCast, I talk with founding member Don Brewer just ahead of a Wisconsin show. We discuss the band's roots, what's different today, how shows in the South and bringing back a gospel song helped them break through, and why they chose to cover "The Loco-motion," of all songs, and send it to #1 - again.

Sports Wisconsin actively works to promote the state as a premier destination for sports events of all kinds - and not just the ones you may think of first. Showcasing the state to bring in more events from around the country and the world can make a big impact - and you may be surprised at what Wisconsin has to offer, and has hosted already. We find out more from Cari Greving of Sports Wisconsin.

In 1978, two Minnesota teenagers inspired by their new love and appreciation for Hollywood's "Golden Age" found themselves on a plane to L.A. to interview Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly after simply sending interview requests in the mail. Who knew that would lead to real, in-depth, in-person interviews with then and hundreds of Hollywood's legends? Dave Fantle and Tom Johnson did just that, interviewing hundreds of stars from Astaire and Kelly to Lucille Ball, Milton Berle, Debbie Reynolds, Frank Capra, Milton Berle, Don Rickles, George Burns... the list goes on and on. Their new book "Hollywood Heyday: 75 Candid Interviews with Golden Age Legends" chronicles this experience and offers up a unique perspective on these iconic performers. Robert Wagner wrote the foreword to the book, beginning with the phrase "What audacity!" In this EricCast, Dave and I discuss the book and the incredibly unique experiences he and Tom were able to enjoy, with quite interesting stories about many of Hollywood's biggest stars from stage and screen.

The "World's Largest Music Festival" returns to Milwaukee's lakefront June 27-July 8. Summerfest 2018 brings new stages, a new North Gate, over 800 bands, and 11 days of music, food, drink, and new memories. Sarah Smith Pancheri, VP/Marketing for Milwaukee World Festivals, Inc., joins me for a fun conversation about what's new, what's it like to work on it, which specials you can take advantage of, and how you can maximize your Summerfest experience. We also candidly cover what MAJOR performer influenced the Stones to play Summerfest in 2015, what goofy question was I tempted to ask Huey Lewis during a press conference last year (I chickened out), and even the term "bang-off" appears. Find out why by listening!

George Thorogood & the Destroyers were coming to town. I interviewed George as he prepared for a show in Milwaukee, talking about his early Summerfest experience, his upcoming solo album, and how his band may have proved too crazy for Madison during Halloween. This interview aired on "The Morning Rewind" on Rewind 92.1/WXXM-FM in Madison on May 29, 2017.

An update for entrepreneurs on resources available in Wisconsin, including making connections, raising capital, events, suppliers and service providers, partnerships with organizations and large, established companies, and more. Examples of young, growing startups and even the potential impacts of Foxconn are discussed in this talk with Matt Cordio, Co-founder & President of Skills Pipeline and StartupMKE.

Producer John Mitchell is a Wisconsin native who left for L.A. and returned two decades later to make a documentary showcasing his home state and its special culture, history, and appeal. Called "Cheeseheads: The Documentary," this in-depth, sometimes personal, often humorous look at the state shows why the "Cheesehead" is more than just a funny foam hat. It's out now, and we talk with him about Wisconsin, making this documentary, and what makes this state so special.

Roving Blue is a young Wisconsin-based company that seeks to make the world your water bottle, Portable, effective ozone-based water purification in something as small and light as a pen is now possible without the use of industrial chemicals; this technology can also ensure safe fruits & vegetables, clean tap lines, improve dental rinses, even get dirty clothes and wet dogs to smell fresh again. With their proprietary technology they're poised to make a big splash. We talk with Marianna "Yana" DeMyer, CEO & Co-founder of Roving Blue about getting started, working with the military, finding new uses, and the promise of what's to come. You can go to http://www.rovingblue.com/?bid=1000&rc=FW2XZAY96E to find out more on their site.

America (the band) folk-rocked the 70s. Ventura Highway, A Horse With No Name, Tin Man, admit it - you know 'em all. These American high school kids in London in 1970 rose to prominence and still tour today. But questions remain: are alligator lizards real? Did they originate the phrase "purple rain"? Why didn't that horse ever get named? Why did they start most of their albums with the letter H? And what's their Wisconsin connection? I talk with Dewey Bunnell of America to find out these things and more on today's EriCast.