What’s up cellmates. Welcome to the Prisoners of Rock and Roll, a show where we’re going to talk about music and the influence it has over all of us. We’re going to talk about music, the people who make it, and the influence it has on us. We’re going to debate our favorite bands and albums, share concert stories, and settle once and for all some of those music arguments you have with your friends: The Stones or the Beatles? Is Bruce Springsteen the greatest live act of all time? Does the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame really matter? See you on the cellblock!
Van Halen was one of the greatest American rock and roll bands of all time, captivating audiences with their energetic performances, innovative guitar riffs, and catchy lyrics. Led by guitar virtuoso Eddie Van Halen, Van Halen created the perfect blend of hard rock with some pop sensibilities.. Even as their sound evolved over the years as they switched back and forth between the showmanship of Diamond David Lee Roth. the more straightforward powerful voice of Sammy Hagar, and that other guy that most fans overlook, they made millions of fans and inspired countless musicians. We're talking about Van Halen's career, and for our 100th episode, we're calling in the big guns: former WWE Superstar and ECW Original The Blue Meanie, a diehard Van Halen fan. Episode Playlist Check out our episode playlist here. Get In Touch Check us out online, on Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube. or drops us an email at show@prisonersofrockandroll.com. Or if you're in Philadelphia, come visit our home base at McCusker's Tavern. Prisoners of Rock and Roll is part of Pantheon Media. We're sponsored by Boldfoot Socks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of Prisoners of Rock and Roll, we're diving into the shadows of the stage—the bass players, the four-string rebels who hold down the low end.. These aren't just rhythm keepers; they're the heartbeat of rock, the growl in the groove. We've put together a list of some of the most iconic bass players in music history. James Jamerson, the legendary Motown musician who played the slinky groove for What's Going On while laying drunk on the studio floor. Bootsy Collins and his cosmic funk. Lemmy eating lightning and crapping thunder as the bassist for Motorhead. The psychedelic jams of Phil Lesh, the jazz fire of Charles Mingus, and Les Claypool's…whatever it is that he does. Paul McCartney, The Ox, John Paul Jones, Donald Duck Dunn, and Carol Kaye. They're musicians who broke out of the background, proving the bass isn't just support—it's the pulse of the music. So turn it up, feel the rumble, and let's give these low-end legends the stage they deserve. Episode Playlist Check out our episode playlist here. Get In Touch Check us out online, on Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube. or drops us an email at show@prisonersofrockandroll.com. Or if you're in Philadelphia, come visit our home base at McCusker's Tavern. Prisoners of Rock and Roll is part of Pantheon Media. We're sponsored by Boldfoot Socks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Prisoners of Rock and Roll is a show where we talk about music, the people who make it, and the everlasting effect it has on us. Today's episode is personal. Last week, we lost Ryan's dad John McCusker – he was a South Philadelphia icon who always put his family first, the owner of McCusker's Tavern, a friend to thousands, a diehard baseball fan, and a music lover. So in this episode of Prisoners of Rock and Roll, we're doing a tribute to John McCusker by talking about some of the music that he loved. This one's for you, John. Here's the video we played of someone interviewing John about McCusker's Tavern. Episode Playlist Check out our episode playlist here. Get In Touch Check us out online, on Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube. or drops us an email at show@prisonersofrockandroll.com. Or if you're in Philadelphia, come visit our home base at McCusker's Tavern. Prisoners of Rock and Roll is part of Pantheon Media. We're sponsored by Boldfoot Socks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of Prisoners of Rock and Roll, we're stage-diving into the sweaty, dusty madness of Lollapalooza—a festival that started as a punk-rock farewell tour and turned into a genre-crushing, culture-shaping juggernaut with more lives than Keith Richards. Lollapalooza launched in 1991 as a sendoff for Jane's Addiction—but it hit the road just as grunge was blowing up and quickly turned into something way bigger. It wasn't just a tour—it was a movement. A 20-city, 20,000-screaming-fans-a-night, punk rock circus on wheels. By ‘92, Pearl Jam was leaping into mosh pits, Red Hot Chili Peppers were funking up the chaos, and Rage Against the Machine stood naked on stage in Philly, duct tape over their mouths in a silent protest against censorship. This wasn't peace and love—it was rebellion with a PA system. Sure, it stumbled—people accused it of selling out. Then it died in ‘98, flopped in ‘04—but like any great rock act, it made a comeback. And Chicago's Grant Park became its home base. From tattoo tents to $400 VIP wristbands, Lollapalooza has been underground, mainstream, gritty, glossy—always evolving, always loud. So throw on your ripped flannel or your festival wristband—we're digging into the birth, the chaos, the reinventions, and the legacy of a festival that didn't just play the game—it rewrote it. Episode Playlist Check out our episode playlist here. Get In Touch Check us out online, on Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube. or drops us an email at show@prisonersofrockandroll.com. Or if you're in Philadelphia, come visit our home base at McCusker's Tavern. Prisoners of Rock and Roll is part of Pantheon Media. We're sponsored by Boldfoot Socks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On this episode of Prisoners of Rock and Roll, we're stepping into the grimy, graffiti-smeared chaos of CBGB—the legendary Bowery dive that became punk's ground zero. A Cathedral of Misfits. Picture this: December 1973, Hilly Kristal, a former Marine, opens a bar at 315 Bowery, dreaming of country, bluegrass, and blues. Instead, the junkies and misfits of New York's underbelly gave him something else—a revolution. CBGB wasn't just a club; it was a musical laboratory for rebels. With a simple rule that bands couldn't play covers, The Ramones hammered out three-chord blitzkriegs, Patti Smith snarled poetry into punk, Blondie strutted to stardom, and Talking Heads turned weird into gold—all while helping change rock forever. The place stank, the bathrooms were a nightmare, but the music? Pure, unpolished fire. By the ‘80s, Sunday matinees flipped it to hardcore—bands like Bad Brains and the Beastie Boys' early thrash days tearing the roof off. From punk's birth to its brutal evolution, CBGB launched a global DIY movement, proving you didn't need polish, just guts. But the story ends ugly—rent wars and gentrification killed it in 2006, turning a punk mecca into a fashion boutique and an airport restaurant. Grab your leather jacket, because we're diving into the birthplace of rebellion, the chaos inside those peeling walls, and how a little club with a country name rewrote rock's rulebook. This is CBGB, unfiltered. Episode Playlist Check out our episode playlist here. Get In Touch Check us out online, on Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube. or drops us an email at show@prisonersofrockandroll.com. Or if you're in Philadelphia, come visit our home base at McCusker's Tavern. Prisoners of Rock and Roll is part of Pantheon Media. We're sponsored by Boldfoot Socks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On this episode of Prisoners of Rock and Roll, we're jumping in our musical memory machine and going back 30 years to 1995. Rock and roll still ruled the charts and alternative music was still a thing. We got great albums from Alice in Chains, No Doubt, Mad Season, Oasis, Ozzy, and White Zombie. SIlverchair, the Foo Fighters, the Deftones, Jewel, Radiohead, Alanis Morissette, and Garbage all released their debut albums. TLC warned us against chasing Waterfalls. Coolio was living in a gangsta's paradise, and groups also released a handful of songs that we still hear today: Hey Man Nice Shot, Peaches, and those songs by Spacehog, Better Than Ezra, Elastica. Several members of the Wu Tang Clan released solo albums. R&B kinda sucked with a few exceptions. And there was weird stuff like the Macarena, Scatman John, and Cotton Eye Joe were on the radio. We're going cover as much of it as we can in this throwback episode of Prisoners of Rock and Roll, so let's hit it. Episode Playlist & Other Stuff Check out our episode playlist here. Get In Touch Check us out online, on Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube. or drops us an email at show@prisonersofrockandroll.com. Or if you're in Philadelphia, come visit our home base at McCusker's Tavern. Prisoners of Rock and Roll is part of Pantheon Media. We're sponsored by Boldfoot Socks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Michael Jackson is one of the most influential artists in music history. His talent was undeniable, his impact was massive, and his life… well, it was complicated. On this episode of Prisoners of Rock and Roll, we're talking about the King of Pop and how he impacted music, music videos, fashion, dance, and culture. But there are also controversies, his personal eccentricities, and the allegations. We're going to talk about it all in this episode of Prisoners of Rock and Roll, so let's hit it. Episode Playlist & Other Stuff Check out our episode playlist here. Get In Touch Check us out online, on Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube. or drops us an email at show@prisonersofrockandroll.com. Or if you're in Philadelphia, come visit our home base at McCusker's Tavern. Prisoners of Rock and Roll is part of Pantheon Media. We're sponsored by Boldfoot Socks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We're back! On this episode of Prisoners of Rock and Roll, we're flipping on the tube and talking about television theme songs! These are the tracks that play during the opening credits and get stuck in your head for the rest of the week. From classics like Cheers and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air to rock-driven intros like The Sopranos or Friends, TV theme songs are often as iconic as the shows themselves. They set the tone, build the vibe, and sometimes, they even tell a story better than the show ever could (looking at you, Gilligan's Island). So grab the remote, plop down on the couch, and tune in as we talk about the songs that had us singing along before we even knew what binge-watching was. Don't touch that dial—this episode's gonna be one for the record books! Episode Playlist & Other Stuff Check out our episode playlist here. Get In Touch Check us out online, on Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube. or drops us an email at show@prisonersofrockandroll.com. Or if you're in Philadelphia, come visit our home base at McCusker's Tavern. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Our fourth annual Christmas episode! The holidays are supposed to be the happiest time of the year, but let's face it – some of us are feeling less holly jolly. In our 4th annual Prisoners of Rock and Roll Christmas episode, we're celebrating having a blue Christmas by talking about the blues. You don't hear a lot of blues Christmas music on the radio or in the mall these days, but there are some killer versions of Christmas classics as well as some original tunes. So whether you're on Santa's naughty list or just trying to survive another family gathering, pour yourself some holiday punch, eggnog, or a bourbon, and take a seat down by the fireplace. Let's rock out and feel a little blue for Christmas. By the way, this is a really festive time of year for a lot of people. Most of us are spending a ton of time with friends and family. Heck, you might be listening to us in the car on your way to a Christmas party right now. But this time of year can also be overwhelming to a lot of people. Us rock and roll fans need to stick together and take care of ourselves as well as each other. So try to take a few minutes and reach out to a friend or loved one to say hello and see how they're doing. Just reaching out can have a huge impact on someone. And if you're ever feeling down, help is always just a phone call away. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 800 273 8255. We love you guys. Episode Playlist & Other Stuff Check out our episode playlist here. Get In Touch Check us out online, on Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube. or drops us an email at show@prisonersofrockandroll.com. Or if you're in Philadelphia, come visit our home base at McCusker's Tavern. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of Prisoners of Rock and Roll, we're taking a walk on the dark side and diving deep into one of the most provocative and iconic songs in rock history: Sympathy for the Devil by The Rolling Stones. This isn't just a song; it's a masterclass in storytelling, where Mick Jagger steps into the shoes of the devil himself to walk us through some of humanity's darkest moments. It's got congas, swagger, and just the right amount of evil to make you want to turn it up and maybe check over your shoulder. We're going to break down the lyrics, dig into the controversy surrounding the song, and talk about how it cemented the Stones' reputation as rock's bad boys. Was it a critique of human nature, or just a brilliant way to ruffle some feathers? And why does this song still send chills down our spines decades later? So light the candles, draw your pentagrams—or, you know, just grab a drink—and join us as we get philosophical, a little devilish, and a whole lot of rock and roll with Sympathy for the Devil. Episode Playlist & Other Stuff Check out our episode playlist here. Get In Touch Check us out online, on Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube. or drops us an email at show@prisonersofrockandroll.com. Or if you're in Philadelphia, come visit our home base at McCusker's Tavern. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Live was one of the most popular bands of the post grunge era. After entering the alternative music scene in 1991 with a spiritual album called Mental Jewelry, they became one of the biggest bands of the mid 90s on the backs of Throwing Copper and Secret Samahdi. They had made it! Four friends from high school who became wealthy rock stars who sold millions of albums and landed on the cover of Rolling Stone. And then they crashed and burned in one of the biggest dumpster fires I have ever read about. Their relevancy faded quickly as the music industry changed. After breaking up in 2009, three members of the band invested in a series of businesses that turned out to be ponzi schemes. They lost $10 million, their instruments, and even the painting that appears on the cover of Throwing Copper. The four original members of the band have sued each other so many times that it is hard to keep track of. How did this band of four guys from the working class town of York Pennsylvania have such a meteoric crash and burn? Tune into this episode of Prisoners of Rock and Roll to find out. Episode Playlist & Other Stuff Check out our episode playlist here. If you want to hear Live's early Public Affection tape, it's on YouTube. You also have to go on YouTube to hear Live's only album with Chris Shinn. Rolling Stone published a great article on the lawsuits and bad business deals that helped ruin Live. Get In Touch Check us out online, on Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube. or drops us an email at show@prisonersofrockandroll.com. Or if you're in Philadelphia, come visit our home base at McCusker's Tavern. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We're shining a spotlight on one of the last bands standing from the grunge era: Pearl Jam. While so many of their Seattle peers have either burned out or faded away, Pearl Jam's still out there, rocking stadiums, dropping albums, and staying true to their roots in a world where rock and roll isn't exactly topping the charts anymore. We're going to dig into how Pearl Jam has managed to outlast so many others, their influence on rock and roll, and how they evolved from flannel-wearing grunge pioneers to a band with a legacy that spans over 30 years. Plus, we'll talk about their legendary battle with Ticketmaster, when they took a stand against corporate greed and the exploitation of fans — a legal fight that still resonates today, especially in a time of sky-high ticket prices. So throw on your best worn-out band tee, turn up the volume, and join us as we dive into the story of Pearl Jam, a band that's weathered the storms of the music industry and is still rocking like no other. Episode Playlist & Other Stuff Check out our episode playlist here. Get In Touch Check us out online, on Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube. or drops us an email at show@prisonersofrockandroll.com. Or if you're in Philadelphia, come visit our home base at McCusker's Tavern. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On this episode of Prisoners of Rock and Roll, we're heading into the dark, twisted world of Ozzy Osbourne and diving deep into two of the most legendary heavy metal albums of all time: Blizzard of Ozz and Diary of a Madman. Make no mistake: these albums kick ass. But, like anything involving the Prince of Darkness, there's more to the story than meets the eye. Sure, these records gave us unforgettable tracks like “Crazy Train” and “Over the Mountain,” but behind the scenes, things were a total circus. After recording Diary of a Madman, bassist Bob Daisley and drummer Lee Kerslake were kicked out of the band, setting off a firestorm of lawsuits for royalties. And just when you thought things couldn't get any wilder, Sharon Osbourne decided to go back years later and had their parts re-recorded by different musicians — all without really telling anyone. Talk about rewriting history! So crank up the volume, headbang like you mean it, and join us as we break down the music, the madness, and the mayhem behind Blizzard of Ozz and Diary of a Madman. This episode's going to be a wild ride through two albums that rocked the metal world and stirred up plenty of controversy along the way so put down that bat and open a beer. Let's hit it! Episode Playlist & Other Stuff Check out our episode playlist here. Check out clips from the Holy Grail tapes on Bob Daisley's website here. Lastly, take a look at this YouTube video that breaks down all of the different versions of Crazy Train. Get In Touch Check us out online, on Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube. or drops us an email at show@prisonersofrockandroll.com. Or if you're in Philadelphia, come visit our home base at McCusker's Tavern. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of Prisoners of Rock and Roll, we're cranking up the volume on some of the greatest fictional bands from movies and television shows. Groups that were born on the screen and sometimes even crossed over on the real music charts. From the pop sound of Monkees and the Partridge Family, the wild and funky vibes of Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem, and the turned up to 11 metal of Spinal Tap, some of these bands may have started out as make believe but they rocked out so much that they blurred the lines between entertainment and reality. So go put on your Gem t shirt or make a note to yourself that its time to rewatch the Blues Brothers. Let's hit i Episode Playlists Check out our episode playlist here. Get In Touch Check us out online, on Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube. or drops us an email at show@prisonersofrockandroll.com. Or if you're in Philadelphia, come visit our home base at McCusker's Tavern. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In 1985, a group of musicians came together to raise awareness about the oppressive, racist government in South Africa. Organized by Steven Van Zandt, the group calling themselves Artists United Against Apartheid was, according to music critic Dave Marsh, “the most diverse line up of popular musicians ever assembled for a single session” and the list is pretty amazing.” Just some of the names include Bono, George Clinton, Peter Gabriel, Lou Reed, Kurtis Blow, Miles Davis, Ringo Star, David Ruffin, Joey Ramone, Run DMC, Keith Richard, Bruce Springsteen, Herbie Hancock, Bonnie Raitt, that dude from Midnight Oil, AND the Fat Boys. They jointly refused to ever play at Sun City, a luxury resort in South Africa that symbolized the racial segregation of South Africa, and they released a protest album called Sun City to raise awareness. In this episode of Prisoners of Rock and Roll, we're diving into the history and impact of Artists United Against Apartheid. Episode Playlists Check out the Artists United Against Apartheid album here. Get In Touch Check us out online, on Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube. or drops us an email at show@prisonersofrockandroll.com. Or if you're in Philadelphia, come visit our home base at McCusker's Tavern. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Bob Marley is one of the most famous figures in reggae music. On December 3, 1976, seven gunmen stormed into Bob Marley's home in Kingstown, Jamaica and opened fire, wounding the singer, his wife, and members of his inner circle. The assassination attempt came just days before Marley was scheduled to perform at a concert in Jamaica that was supposed to calm political violence in the country. Shot but not seriously wounded, a defiant Bob Marley performed at the Smile Jamaica concert anyway, and the incident also has a profound impact on his life and music. In this episode of Prisoners of Rock and Roll, we're taking a look at the assassination attempt on Bob Marley: the details of the attack, the mysterious motives behind it, and the impact it had on Marley's music and message. And of course, we'll pay tribute to Marley's enduring legacy and the powerful message of peace and unity that his music continues to spread. Episode Playlists No episode playlist for this one. Most of the songs we played in this episode are on Bob Marley, Legend. Get In Touch Check us out online, on Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube. or drops us an email at show@prisonersofrockandroll.com. Or if you're in Philadelphia, come visit our home base at McCusker's Tavern. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rock and roll got really big in the 1970s. We don't mean in terms of popularity, although it had that going for it too. We mean the sounds got big. The audiences got big. The performances got big. Arena rock was loose definition for commercial, radio-friendly music designed to be played in big stadiums to tens of thousands of people with singalong choruses and huge stage productions. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame calls this era the golden age of hard rock in terms of its commercial airplay, but it also has its critics. People also call it dad rock, old wave, and corporate rock because it was music for mostly middle class white dudes powered by big corporate record labels. In this episode of Prisoners of Rock and Roll, we're going to look at both sides of the argument, talk about bands like Journey, Boston, Foreigner, Kansas, and more. Let's hit it. Episode Playlists Check out all of the songs we discussed in this week's episode here. Get In Touch Check us out online, on Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube. or drops us an email at show@prisonersofrockandroll.com. Or if you're in Philadelphia, come visit our home base at McCusker's Tavern. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
There are few rock and rollers in the last 40 years more synonymous with the piano than Elton John and Billy Joel. These iconic singer songwriters have sold over 450 million albums, had 90 top 40 hits between the two of them, and played tons of shows together during their Face to Face tours from 1994 to 2010. While they are both known for their piano playing, each of them have their own signature styles. Billy Joel is known for writing biographical songs and incorporating pop and doo wop in his music. Elton John is a legendary showman who is just as known for his flashy outfits as his music. In this episode of Prisoners of Rock and Roll, it's the Piano Man versus the Rocket Man. Let's hit it. Episode Playlists Check out all of the songs we discussed in this week's episode here. Get In Touch Check us out online, on Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube. or drops us an email at show@prisonersofrockandroll.com. Or if you're in Philadelphia, come visit our home base at McCusker's Tavern. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Moscow Music Peace Festival was a two-day rock concert held in August 1989. Held during Mikhail Gorbachev's period of Glastnost, Russia allowed a handful of western rock and roll acts to perform for the first time in Moscow, and over 100,000 people living in Cold War Soviet Union packed into Central Lenin Station to witness the forbidden fruit of late 80s rock and roll in all of its excess. Motley Crue, Ozzy Osbourne, Skid Row, Bon Jovi, and the Scorpions shared the stage with some Russian rock and roll acts to promote peace and raise awareness about drug and alcohol addiction….Because Ozzy and Motley Crue are just the people you want promoting the virtues of sobriety. But the Moscow Music Peace Festival was also an important cultural moment near the end of the Cold War. By the end of the show, stoic Soviet soldiers were throwing their hats in the air and rocking out to the music. The event also inspired the Scorpions to write their hit song Wind of Change, which became an anthem for the end of the Cold War as the Berlin Wall came down just a few months later. So tune in for this episode of Prisoners of Rock and Roll as we take a peek behind the Iron Curtain for a look at the Moscow Music Peace Festival. Episode Playlists Check out all of the songs we discussed in this week's episode here. Get In Touch Check us out online, on Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube. or drops us an email at show@prisonersofrockandroll.com. Or if you're in Philadelphia, come visit our home base at McCusker's Tavern. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Get ready to step into the ring as we explore the electrifying tag team of professional wrestling and rock and roll in this episode of Prisoners of Rock and Roll. We're going to take a look at the iconic rock and wrestling era of the late 80s, when the WWF superstars climbed out of the ring and picked up the mic to record TWO albums of them singing: 1985's The Wrestling Album and 1987s Piledriver: The Wrestling Album II. And we're going to talk about how Cyndi Lauper helped bring wrestling into the mainstream. Then we're going to check out some iconic entrance music from wrestling history, and listen to some other albums that wrestlers have put out over the years. We've also got some weird stuff. Junk Yard Dog singing on American Bandstand. The Mouth of the South Jimmy Hart's top 10 hit in the 60s with a song you probably know, and Mean Gene Okerlund's rockabilly album of the 50s. And what better time to do this!? Wrestlemania 40 is happening in Philadelphia and our home base at McCusker's Tavern is hosting a very special event with our friend and former professional wresting star, The Blue Meanie, who calls McCusker's his favorite bar on the planet. So whatcha gonna do, brother, when the Prisoners of Rock and Roll run wild on you!? Episode Playlists Check out all of the songs we discussed in this week's episode here. Get In Touch Check us out online, on Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube. or drops us an email at show@prisonersofrockandroll.com. Or if you're in Philadelphia, come visit our home base at McCusker's Tavern. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Chess Records was an independent record label created on the South Side of Chicago in 1950 by two Polish immigrants named Leonard and Phil Chess. As one of the most important blues labels of all time, Chess Records captured the electric sound of the American South and had a huge influence on the early days of rock and roll. Chess Records helped introduce America to Muddy Waters, Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, Howlin' Wolf, and Etta James. And when these albums made their way across the Atlantic, they inspired the British blues movement that gave us Clapton, Zeppelin, and of course, the Rolling Stones. In this episode of Prisoners of Rock and Roll, we're taking a look at the history of Chess Records: how it got started, their impressive roster of important musicians, and the influence that these songs had on rock and roll. We're also look at the shadier side of the label, where artists didn't get paid the royalties they deserved and DJs were given writing credits in exchange for playing records. Episode Playlists Check out all of the songs we discussed in this week's episode here. Get In Touch Check us out online, on Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube. or drops us an email at show@prisonersofrockandroll.com. Or if you're in Philadelphia, come visit our home base at McCusker's Tavern. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Lights, camera…rock and roll! Music plays a huge role in film, and in this episode of Prisoners of Rock and Roll, we're taking another look at movie soundtracks. Soundtracks have given us some incredibly iconic songs over the last 80 years. Purple Rain, The Bodyguard, Titanic, Saturday Night Fever, Purple Rain, 8 Mile, Ghostbusters, Footloose, Robin Hood, Judgment Night, Guardians of the Galaxy, Pulp Fiction, Singles, Grosse Point Blank, the Lion King. I could keep going but we have a show to do. Grab some popcorn and a soda, recline your seat, and silence your damn cell phone because we're about to press play on our favorite movie soundtracks. It's showtime! Episode Playlists Check out all of the songs we discussed in this week's episode here. Get In Touch Check us out online, on Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube. or drops us an email at show@prisonersofrockandroll.com. Or if you're in Philadelphia, come visit our home base at McCusker's Tavern. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Get ready to climb into the musical memory machine and take a trip back to 1994 as we revisit the music that came out 30 years ago. It was a year that defined our generation when Kurt Cobain took his own life. We got important albums like Purple from Stone Temple Pilots, Superunknown by Soundgarden, Sixteen Stone from Bush, Jar of Flies from Alice in Chains, Throwing Copper from Live, and Vitology from Pearl Jam. REM tried to plug in with Monster while Nirvana went unplugged on MTV. Mariah Carey transformed into a Christmas character, while Green Day and Offspring pushed punk onto the radio. Hootie & Blowfish, the Dave Matthews Band, the Cranberries, and Blues Traveler all entered the scene and helped define the mid 90s alternative sound. Hip hop had a fresh year with albums from Nas, the Beastie Boys, Bone Thugs & Harmony, and a newcomer called Notorious B.I.G. Join the Prisoners of Rock and Roll as we break out our flannel shirts and take a look back at the music of 1994. Episode Playlista Check out all of the songs we discussed in this week's episode here. Get In Touch Check us out online, on Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube. or drops us an email at show@prisonersofrockandroll.com. Or if you're in Philadelphia, come visit our home base at McCusker's Tavern. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Doors were one of the most influential and iconic bands of the 1960s – they built a dark counterculture sound on a foundation of Ray Manzarek's organ playing that combined elements of poetry, blues, rock and roll, jazz, and psychedelic music. At the front of it all was their charismatic, volatile, and enigmatic lead singer Jim Morrison. There's no doubt that he was the embodiment of the whole sex, drugs, and rock and roll thing. The good looking frontman who helped forge his legacy by dying young. But was Jim Morrison a brilliant visionary or a rock and roll buffoon? On one hand, he saw himself as the Lizard King. A poet and mystic who was influenced by his background in literature and film. On the other hand, Jim was also an erratic, self-indulgent showman. A hardcore alcoholic who clashed with his parents, his bandmates, and most famously, the police. In this episode of Prisoners of Rock and Roll, we're taking a look at the life and legacy of Jim Morrison and debating if he was brilliant or a buffoon? Episode Playlist Check out all of the songs we discussed in this week's episode here. Get In Touch Check us out online, on Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube. or drops us an email at show@prisonersofrockandroll.com. Or if you're in Philadelphia, come visit our home base at McCusker's Tavern. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rock and roll and cars are a classic combination. In fact, the very first rock and roll song, Rocket 88, was about a car. So get ready to rev your engines and hit the open road because on our next episode of Prisoners of Rock and Roll, we're shifting into high gear and exploring of music about cars. From the rhythmic hum of the engine to the wind in your hair, these tunes capture the essence of the open highway and the freedom that comes with it. We'll be diving into the classics and exploring the rock and roll rebel attitude embodied in some of these great songs. But it's not just about the classic rockers; we'll also hit the gas on some unexpected picks from various genres. From country roads to city streets, music about cars has a universal appeal that transcends genres and generations. So, buckle up and get ready to cruise with us through the highways and byways of the ultimate playlist for road trips and joyrides. It's an episode fueled by the spirit of adventure, the love of the open road, and the unmistakable sound of rock and roll. Tune in and let's take a musical journey that'll make you want to hit the gas and never look back! Let's get our kicks on Route 66. Episode Playlist Check out all of the songs we discussed in this week's episode here. Get In Touch Check us out online, on Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube. or drops us an email at show@prisonersofrockandroll.com. Or if you're in Philadelphia, come visit our home base at McCusker's Tavern. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We're rock and rollers at heart here at the Prisoners of Rock and Roll, but we both have a soft spot for Christmas music. In our annual Christmas episode, we decided to hope in a one horse open sleigh and take a trip down memory lane to the classic Christmas songs of the 40s, 50s, and 60s. These are the songs we opened our presents to as kids – and many of them are from artists who were enormously popular at the time but we really only hear around the holidays this year. So grab some punch and settle in as we are having a classy, classic Christmas. Episode Playlist Check out all of the songs we discussed in this week's episode here. Get In Touch Check us out online, on Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube. or drops us an email at show@prisonersofrockandroll.com. Or if you're in Philadelphia, come visit our home base at McCusker's Tavern. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Bruce Springsteen has released more than 20 studio albums over the course of his 50-year career, including some of the most iconic rock and roll albums in history. We're both huge fans of the Boss here at Prisoners of Rock and Roll, and we unfortunately didn't get to see him this summer after he canceled part of his tour due to illness. So in this episode we are taking a close look at we think are his top five albums. We're going to explain how we came up with the list, talk about the songs that make him such an important figure in music and our lives, and get into what his music means to both of us. Get In Touch Check us out online, on Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube. or drops us an email at show@prisonersofrockandroll.com. Or if you're in Philadelphia, come visit our home base at McCusker's Tavern. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
There were several ambitious projects in the 1980s where the music industry tried to make a difference by raising money to make a difference. One of those projects happened in 1985, when dozens of musicians formed a supergroup called USA for Africa and recorded We Are the World. Written by Lionel Richie and Michael Jackson and produced by the legendary Quincy Jones, We Are the World included dozens of performers in a star-studded ensemble cast made up of some of the biggest names in music at the time: Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, Paul Simon, Willie Nelson, Kenny Loggins, Bruce Springsteen, Cyndi Lauper, Smokey Robinson, Bob Dylan, Billy Joel, Diana Ross, Huey Lewis, Hall & Oats, the Pointer Sisters, and more. All walked into a studio where they were greeted by a sign that said “check your egos at the door.” And they did. The finished product sold more than 20 million copies and was simultaneously played on 8,000 radio stations around the world. The project raised more than $63 million for famine relief in Africa. Nearly 40 years later, USA For Africa, is still active and fighting poverty. In this episode of Prisoners of Rock and World, we're taking a look at We Are the World – the idea behind the project, the recording, and it's impact. Get In Touch Check us out online, on Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube. or drops us an email at show@prisonersofrockandroll.com. Or if you're in Philadelphia, come visit our home base at McCusker's Tavern. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
There were a lot of things about the 1980s that we'd like to forget but one of the most memorable parts of the decade was the music. While artists like Madonna, the Police, Def Leppard, and Michael Jackson were popular for huge parts of the decade, the music scene of the 1980s is filled with artists who had one, and only one, hit song. In this episode of Prisoners of Rock and Roll, we're talking about the one hit wonders of the 1980s. We've got a list of songs that includes some that we still listen to today…and some that haven't aged very well. So, Come On Eileen and Take On Me while we Put On the Ritz down in Funkytown. Hear More Check out the episode playlist. Get In Touch Check us out online, on Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube. or drops us an email at show@prisonersofrockandroll.com. Or if you're in Philadelphia, come visit our home base at McCusker's Tavern. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In today's episode of Prisoners of Rock and Roll, we're digging into some of the most scandalous moments in music history. We've put together a list of scandals that span nearly 70 years and cover controversies, deaths, scams, crime, and outrageous behavior that drew media attention around the world. From John Lennon saying the Beatles were bigger than Jesus to Sinead O'Connor tearing up a page of the Pope on SNL. The shocking trail of abuse left by total piece of garbage R. Kelly to Ozzy biting the head off of a bat. The circumstances of Sam Cooke's murder to years of speculation over if Elvis really died at all. The Great White concert fire to the dumpster fire of the Fyre Festival. Milli Vanilli getting caught lip synching to U2 “giving” you one of their albums whether you wanted it or not. We're covering a lot of ground in this one and some of it isn't pretty. Let the drama begin! Hear More Check out the episode playlist. Get In Touch Check us out online, on Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube. or drops us an email at show@prisonersofrockandroll.com. Or if you're in Philadelphia, come visit our home base at McCusker's Tavern. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of Prisoners of Rock and Roll, we're taking a look at celebrities who make music. Now, a lot of famous people have decided to make albums over the years. Some of them dabble in rock and roll on the side like a lot of us and use their celebrity status to get an album recorded. Others might have had gotten some misguided advice from someone in their inner circle telling them that releasing an album is a great way to increase their profile or make a quick buck. We spent a lot of time looking for and listening to music for this one, and we've put together a pretty solid list of celebrities who released albums, including a few that might make you say, “wait, THEY released an album?” We uncovered a lot of stuff for this one – and some of it should have stayed where we found it. A few of these albums have been scrubbed from streaming platforms but luckily the Internet is forever. But some of these tunes aren't bad either. So settle in and join us as we look into the sometimes bizarre world of celebrity music. Hear More Check out the episode playlist. Get In Touch Check us out online, on Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube. or drops us an email at show@prisonersofrockandroll.com. Or if you're in Philadelphia, come visit our home base at McCusker's Tavern. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
If you're one of the thousands of people who listen to Prisoners of Rock and Roll – and shame on you if you aren't – you know we do a segment in every episode called The Electric Chair where we kill a song for being terrible. Now, there's a lot of awesome music out there. But let's face it: there's a lot of bad music too. So much bad music that this episode of Prisoners of Rock and Roll is volume 2 of a show totally dedicated to talking about music that sucks. We have spent hours plumbing the depths of music We also asked our awesome listeners and some of our podcast friends to submit their picks for the most cringe-inducing tracks out there and man, did they deliver. Get ready go groan and say, “oh no, not THAT song” as we plumb the depths of music hell for songs have left scars on our music souls. Yacht rock, southern rap, novelty songs, one hit wonders, dance tracks, and just plan bad music. It's all here. Parental advisory on this one rock and rollers. Having to listen to some of these songs made us pretty angry. Special shout out to Set Lusting Bruce as well as Rock and Soul Tarot podcasts for contributing to this one! Hear More Check out the episode playlist. Get In Touch Check us out online, on Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube. or drops us an email at show@prisonersofrockandroll.com. Or if you're in Philadelphia, come visit our home base at McCusker's Tavern. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Alright, folks, it's time to dust off those platform shoes, grab your shiniest disco ball, and get ready to debate the ultimate question: Does Disco Suck? That's right, on this electrifying episode of Prisoners of Rock and Roll, we're diving headfirst into the glittery, dance-filled world of disco music. Now, disco, oh disco, you've been the life of countless parties, the soundtrack of Saturday nights, and the rhythm that had everyone hustling on the dance floor. But let's face it, you've also faced your fair share of backlash. From "Disco Demolition Night" to the "Death to Disco" movement, there's been no shortage of disco haters. But hold on to your sequined jumpsuits, because we're here to give disco a fair shake. Say what you want about the music, it was a cultural phenomenon that brought people together under the dazzling lights of places of the discotecques. We'll explore the roots of this genre, its rise to pop culture domination, and the artists who made us boogie 'til dawn. From Donna Summer's sultry voice to the infectious beats of the Bee Gees. We'll discuss the impact of iconic clubs like Studio 54 and the role of dance in the disco movement. And yes, we'll even talk about those infamous dance moves that made us question the flexibility of our hips. But does disco really deserve the bad rep it sometimes gets? Was it a necessary evolution of music, or just a fleeting trend that deserved its fate? Join us as we weigh the pros and cons, groove to the unforgettable beats, and decide once and for all: Does Disco Suck? So dust off those old records, put on your best polyester outfit, and join us on this disco-fueled adventure. Whether you're a disco diva or a skeptic, get ready to strut your stuff, shake your groove thing, and get down to the rhythm that defined an era. It's time to boogie, baby, and settle the score – Does Disco Suck? Let's find out! Hear More Check out the episode playlist. Get In Touch Check us out online, on Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube. or drops us an email at show@prisonersofrockandroll.com. Or if you're in Philadelphia, come visit our home base at McCusker's Tavern. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Beatles were one of the most successful bands of all time, and critics loved them as much as their fans. Lucky for music fans, they also kept tons of recordings in their archives. The Beatles Anthology was a multimedia project that included a television documentary series, a book, and three double albums that includes outtakes, rarities, demos, and even a couple of new tracks that Paul, George, and Ringo recorded with some unfinished work by John Lennon. In this episode of Prisoners of Rock and Roll, we're going on a magical mystery tour with one of the greatest rock and roll bands of all times – The Beatles! So get ready to twist and shout, come together, and experience the music of the Beatles Anthology. Hear More Check out the episode playlist. Get In Touch Check us out online, on Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube. or drops us an email at show@prisonersofrockandroll.com. Or if you're in Philadelphia, come visit our home base at McCusker's Tavern. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Let's face it. Rock and roll has always been dominated by dudes, but music is full of female trailblazers and trendsetters who rocked our world and left their mark on the industry. We're talking about the soulful blues of Janis Joplin to Joan Jett's punk guitar riffs. Debbie Harry embraced her hotness while leading a band that dipped into as many different types of music as the Clash, while Annie Lennox's androgyny helped make her an advocate for gay people around the world. Tina Turner was a rock star in every sense of the world. The list doesn't stop there. Heart, Stevie Nicks, Melissa Etheridge, the Go-Gos, Garbage, Halestorm, Florence & The Machine, X, the Plasmatics, the Interrupters, and Scandal. They all show that rock and roll is for everyone. In this episode of Prisoners of Rock and Roll, in honor of the Kate Bush fans who are STILL calling us misogynists for not liking her music, we're throwing a guitar through the glass ceiling by looking at women who rock! So turn up your radio and let's wreck some stereotypes as we celebrate the women who rock. Hear More Check out the episode playlist. Get In Touch Check us out online, on Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube. or drops us an email at show@prisonersofrockandroll.com. Or if you're in Philadelphia, come visit our home base at McCusker's Tavern. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jazz was the soundtrack of America for decades – through prohibition, two World Wars, the Harlem renaissance, and more. From the soulful trumpet of Louis Armstrong to the haunting vocals of Billie Holiday, from the trailblazing talents of Dizzy Gillespie to the cool sounds of Miles Davis, these musicians shaped the landscape of jazz and inspired countless generations of musicians. In this episode of Prisoners of Rock and Roll, we're taking a look at the melodies, rhythms, and improvisational genius of jazz. Hear More Check out the episode playlist. Get In Touch Check us out online, on Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube. or drops us an email at show@prisonersofrockandroll.com. Or if you're in Philadelphia, come visit our home base at McCusker's Tavern. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Are you ready to crank up the volume, tease your hair to new heights, and rock out like it's the 1980s? We're diving into the glitz, the glam, and the power chords of hair metal on the next episode of Prisoners of Rock and Roll. Now, let's address the elephant in the room. Hair metal often gets a bad rap, dismissed as nothing more than cheesy anthems and over-the-top fashion. But hold on as tight as a pair of spandex pants because we're going to give hair metal the respect it deserves. Sure, the hair was big, the outfits were outrageous, and the makeup was, well, a lot. But beneath the spandex-clad exterior, there were some seriously talented musicians who created infectious tunes that still make us pump our fists and sing along. Believe it or not, hair metal had its roots in the rock and roll of the 1950s. Just like those pioneers, the music was all about relationships, good times, and, of course, a healthy dose of rebellion. Think about it: the lyrics were filled with tales of wild nights, broken hearts, and the pursuit of freedom. It was rock and roll escapism at its finest. But hair metal wasn't just about the music. It was a cultural phenomenon that defined an era. It brought people together, created a sense of community, and became a soundtrack for countless memories. Whether you were headbanging at a concert or blasting your favorite cassette in your beat-up car, hair metal had a way of making you feel alive. So join us as we pay homage to the bands that rocked the stadiums and the arenas. We're celebrating the anthems that still get our hearts pumping, and we'll prove that hair metal wasn't just a guilty pleasure – it was a damn good time that deserves respect. It's time to crank up the volume and embrace the power of the riff, the power of the party, and the power of rock and roll. Hair metal, we salute you! Hear More Check out the episode playlist. Get In Touch Check us out online, on Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube. or drops us an email at show@prisonersofrockandroll.com. Or if you're in Philadelphia, come visit our home base at McCusker's Tavern. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Doo wop music. It's the harmonized sound of street corner serenades and teenage romance. The irresistible sound that makes you wanna snap your fingers, sway your hips, and sing along with those timeless harmonies. This music broke down racial barriers years before the civil rights movement, as millions of kids across the country just cared about listening to great music. Some of the most popular groups of the era were Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers, The Drifters, the Platters, Dion & The Belmonts, and more. There were also dozens of one hit wonders that you still hear today, like Earth Angel and Get A Job. As the 1950s gave way to the 1960s, doo wop began to give way to other styles of music like rock and roll and soul. But it's legacy and the music lives on. In this episode of Prisoners of Rock and Roll, we're looking at the history of doo wop music so gather ‘round that burning trash barrel out on the corner. We're going on a music journey that will have you singing “shoo be doo” in no time. Hear More Check out the episode playlist. Get In Touch Check us out online, on Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube. or drops us an email at show@prisonersofrockandroll.com. Or if you're in Philadelphia, come visit our home base at McCusker's Tavern. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Kid Rock. Some love him, some hate him, but everyone has an opinion. He's been around for nearly 25 years and has sold tens of millions of albums as his sound has evolved from hip hop to nu metal to country. But does he suck? That's the question we're going to argue today on Prisoners of Rock and Roll. On one hand, he sings, he raps, he plays multiple instruments. He likes soul, country, rock and roll, and blues music. On the other hand, he's become a caricature of himself. He's embraced a certain kind of redneck culture that turns some people off. He's been accused of cultural appropriation and insensitivity. And his music can be formulaic and repetitive. So where does that leave us? Is Kid Rock a good musician or not? Does he evolve his sound or is he a pandering musical used car salesman? It's a question that's up for debate. And that's exactly what we're going to do on today's episode of Prisoners of Rock and Roll. We're going to listen to some of his biggest hits and some of his lesser-known tracks, and we're going to try and answer the question once and for all: does Kid Rock suck? Our show is sponsored by Boldfoot Socks and McCusker's Tavern at 17th and Shunk Streets in Philadelphia. We're also proud members of the Pantheon Podcast Network. Hear More Check out the episode playlist. Get In Touch Check us out online, on Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube. or drops us an email at show@prisonersofrockandroll.com. Or if you're in Philadelphia, come visit our home base at McCusker's Tavern. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
If you've ever watched a movie, you've heard music from John Williams. He's one of the greatest classical music composers of the last 100 years and one of America's most accomplished musicians. His music has won 5 Oscars, 25 Grammys, and four Golden Globes. The only person with more Academy Award nominations is Walt Disney himself. The list of movies he's written to the music to is practically a guide to American cinema: ET, Indiana Jones, Harry Potter, Home Alone, Jaws, Jurassic Park, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Superman, Star Wars. Should I continue? He also wrote the music for the Olympics, Sunday Night Football, and more. On this episode of Prisoners of Rock and Roll, we're going to mix it up and take a look at the music of John Williams. Our show is sponsored by Boldfoot Socks and McCusker's Tavern at 17th and Shunk Streets in Philadelphia. We're also proud members of the Pantheon Podcast Network. Hear More Check out the episode playlist. Get In Touch Check us out online, on Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube. or drops us an email at show@prisonersofrockandroll.com. Or if you're in Philadelphia, come visit our home base at McCusker's Tavern. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Released seven years after Aerosmith and Run DMC brought rap and rock together on Walk This Way, the soundtrack to the 1993 film Judgment Night was a groundbreaking moment in the crossover between the two music genres. Every song on the album was a collaboration between an artist from each genre and it featured some of the biggest names in music at the time. Helmet, Faith No More, Sonic Youth, Pearl Jam and Slayer worked with Ice-T, House of Pain, Cypress Hill, Onyx, and De La Soul. 30 years later, it's a seminal moment in music history that showed us what the fusion of these two genres could do. In this episode of Prisoners of Rock and Roll, we're taking a look at the Judgment Night soundtrack. The story behind the concept. How the artists worked together. How one guy in the story is the inspiration for Happy Gilmore. Plus, Cyndi Lauper fans make a strong case for her induction in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Kate Bush fans are coming for us with their pitchforks and torches for saying we don't like her music. Our show is sponsored by Boldfoot Socks and McCusker's Tavern at 17th and Shunk Streets in Philadelphia. We're also proud members of the Pantheon Podcast Network. Hear More Be sure to listen to all of the crossover songs on the Judgment Night soundtrack here. Get In Touch Check us out online, on Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube. or drops us an email at show@prisonersofrockandroll.com. Or if you're in Philadelphia, come visit our home base at McCusker's Tavern. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It's pretty easy to complain about the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nominees every year – heck, we've done it ourselves more than once. But the nominees for the class of 2023 are out and it's a pretty solid list. There's a mix of artists from different eras and different genres. Some first timers and some artists that made us go “yeah, why AREN'T they in the hall of fame yet?” Still no Motorhead, Funk Brothers, or Motley Crue though. In this episode of Prisoners of Rock and Roll, we're talking about the nominees of the rock and roll hall of fame. What do we think of this year's list? Who is getting in? Who deserves to get in? And how much do we dislike Kate Bush? Grab a cold one and settle in for this one. We're sponsored by Boldfoot Socks (www.boldfoot.com) and McCusker's Tavern (17th and Shunk Streets in Philadelphia). We're also proud members of the Pantheon Podcast Network (http://pantheonpodcasts.com/) Episode Playlist Check out this week's episode playlist: Listen Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/zup3ua9n Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/mr37amn5 More Prisoners of Rock and Roll Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Prisonersofrockandroll Twitter: https://twitter.com/PrisonersofRock Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prisonersofrockandroll/ Website: https://www.prisonersofrockandroll.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@prisonersofrockandroll Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Chris Cornell was one of the best rock and roll singers of the last 40 years. He had an incredible four octave vocal range that showed could be incredibly powerful and delicate, sometimes in the same song. And the music he created was as diverse as his range. He came up in the music scene in the 1990s as the front man for Soundgarden and Temple of the Dog before taking over lead vocals for Audioslave. He also released a handful of solo albums that includes singer / songwriter material with an acoustic guitar, the theme from a James Bond movie, and some more electronic work with Timbaland. He also struggled with depression and addiction until his suicide in 2017. Our show is sponsored by Boldfoot Socks and McCusker's Tavern at 17th and Shunk Streets in Philadelphia. We're also proud members of the Pantheon Podcast Network. Hear More If you want to hear more Chris Cornell, check out the Spotify playlist for this episode. Get In Touch Check us out online, on Facebook and Twitter, or drops us an email at show@prisonersofrockandroll.com. . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We are heading back to 1993 to to look at songs and albums that turn 30 this year. It was a solid year for rock and roll, with Versus from Pearl Jam, In Utero from Nirvana, and Siamese Dream from Smashing Pumpkins. Debut albums from the Counting Crows, the Cranberries, Bjork, Tool, Collective Soul, Candlebox, Lenny Kravitz, Snoop Dogg, and the Wu-Tang Clan. We've got a lot of great music to talk about in this one – and some not so good tunes too (we're looking at you, Snow). Our show is sponsored by Boldfoot Socks and McCusker's Tavern at 17th and Shunk Streets in Philadelphia. We're also proud members of the Pantheon Podcast Network. Hear More If you want to hear the music of 1993, check out the Spotify playlist for this episode. Get In Touch Check us out online, on Facebook and Twitter, or drops us an email at show@prisonersofrockandroll.com. . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Live Aid was one of the biggest rock and roll concerts ever thrown. On July 13, 1985 dozens of some of the biggest acts in music performed at Wembley Stadium in London and JFK Stadium in Philadelphia to raise money to fight the devastating famine in Ethiopia. Organized in just 10 weeks, the show was attended by 72,000 people in London and 100,000 in Philly, while another 1.9 billion people in 150 countries watched the television broadcast. 95% of the televisions on earth at the time watched that concert. The show raised $127 million dollars. More than 75 acts performed, including Queen, U2, David Bowie, Paul McCartney, Madonna, Tom Petty, the Beach Boys, Eric Clapton, Duran Duran, Judas Priest, Run DMC, Crosby Stills Nash and Young, and Santana. The Stones backed up Bob Dylan. Ozzy Osbourne reunited with Black Sabbath for the first time in 5 years. And Led Zeppelin played for the first time since Bonzo's death in a terrible performance with Phil Collins on drums. We're going to cover it all in this episode of Prisoners of Rock and Roll. Our show is sponsored by Boldfoot Socks and McCusker's Tavern at 17th and Shunk Streets in Philadelphia. We're also proud members of the Pantheon Podcast Network. Hear More If you want to hear the music from Live Aid, check out the compilation on Spotify or watch it on YouTube. Get In Touch Check us out online, on Facebook and Twitter, or drops us an email at show@prisonersofrockandroll.com. . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Les Claypool is a musical mad scientist and one of the weirdest musicians to have commercial success in rock and roll. He's best known for his amazing bass playing and quirky sense of humor in leading the band Primus (and for doing the theme for South Park), but he's also put together a handful of other really cool projects that made other types of music. Including Oysterhead, the funk jazz supergroup with Trey Anastasio from Phish and Stewart Copeland from The Police. The Duo de Twang country music project. And, most recently, the awesome partnership with Sean Lennon called The Claypool Lennon Delirium with Sean Lennon. He produces most of his music from his home studio Rancho Relaxo and is also an author and film director. Oh, and he once auditioned for Metallica. Is there anything he can't do? Let's find out. Our show is sponsored by Boldfoot Socks and McCusker's Tavern at 17th and Shunk Streets in Philadelphia. We're also proud members of the Pantheon Podcast Network. Hear More If you want to hear full versions of the music we discussed this week, check our our episode playlist. Get In Touch Check us out online, on Facebook and Twitter, or drops us an email at show@prisonersofrockandroll.com. .
The Prisoners of Rock and Roll 3rd annual Christmas special. This year, we've decided to fill up the punch bowl, bake some cookies, and have a very special musical Christmas party. We're opening up the studio and inviting artists who have recorded some of our favorite Christmas songs to stop by for some festive cheer. We'll be spending time with Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole. Darlene Love and Elvis. Dean Martin and…Lemmy from Motorhead? AC/DC and Henry Rollins? Dee Snider Kermit the Frog? I better pour an extra shot of rum into the eggnog for this one. Hallelujah, holy shit. Where's the Tylenol?Our show is sponsored by Boldfoot Socks and McCusker's Tavern at 17th and Shunk Streets in Philadelphia. We're also proud members of the Pantheon Podcast Network.Hear MoreIf you want to hear full versions of the music we discussed this week, check our our episode playlist.Get In TouchCheck us out online, on Facebook and Twitter, or drops us an email at show@prisonersofrockandroll.com. .
Heavy metal music is usually about speed or power, or speed and power. It's an incredibly diverse genre of music: two metal fans can have a conversation at a bar about music and quickly realize that there aren't any bands that they both like. The lines between metal and hard rock and roll are blurry – Encyclopedia Britannica says Aerosmith is a heavy metal band. Do they belong in the same category as Slayer or Sabbath? There's no simple definition of what heavy metal is but wethink those rock and roll scholars Beavis and Butthead defined it best when they said it just kicks ass. In this denim-jacket-wearing, air guitar playing, horns up episode of Prisoners of Rock and Roll, we're looking at the history and evolution of heavy metal. Our show is sponsored by Boldfoot Socks and McCusker's Tavern at 17th and Shunk Streets in Philadelphia. We're also proud members of the Pantheon Podcast Network.Hear MoreIf you want to hear full versions of the music we discussed this week, check our our episode playlist.Get In TouchCheck us out online, on Facebook and Twitter, or drops us an email at show@prisonersofrockandroll.com. .
We recently realized that we've been doing this show for almost two years and have rarely talked about modern rock and roll. That got us thinking – is rock and roll dead? The airwaves and Billboard charts are dominated by hip hop and country artists. The biggest draws on the concert circuit are older acts. So in this episode of Prisoners of Rock and Roll, we're going to talk about the current state of rock music and ask ourselves if rock and roll matters any more? We're going to play some songs from some bands and share our thoughts. Our show is sponsored by our home base of McCusker's Tavern at 17th and Shunk Streets in Philadelphia. We are proud supporters of our friends at Boldfoot Socks. We are just one of the dozens of awesome shows on the Pantheon Podcast Network.Hear MoreIf you want to hear full versions of the music we discussed this week, check our our episode playlist.Get In TouchCheck us out online, on Facebook and Twitter, or drops us an email at show@prisonersofrockandroll.com. .
Music is a huge part of any sporting event. Teams and stadiums use it to get crowds fired up and into the game, so much so that there are certain songs that you automatically associate with sports. In honor of the World Series, the Prisoners of Rock and Roll are holding our own music pep rally and talking about the best music to hear at a sporting event. Nothing gets a crowd fired up like Thunderstruck by AC/DC or Seven Nation's Army by the White Stripes. And who hasn't been at a game where they fire up some It Takes Two by Rob Base or Rock and Roll Part 2 by Gary GlitterOur show is sponsored by our home base of McCusker's Tavern at 17th and Shunk Streets in Philadelphia. We are proud supporters of our friends at Boldfoot Socks. We are just one of the dozens of awesome shows on the Pantheon Podcast Network.Hear MoreIf you want to hear full versions of the music we discussed this week, check our our episode playlist.Get In TouchCheck us out online, on Facebook and Twitter, or drops us an email at show@prisonersofrockandroll.com. .
Music is awesome. Have you ever had one of those moments where you start a song over at the beginning because you were doing something else and didn't get to hear the whole thing? Or have you heard a song and are immediately transported back to some moment in time you associate with it? We have. And that's why we love doing this show for the last two years. . In episode 50 of the Prisoners of Rock and Roll, we're taking a look at the Prisoners of Rock and Roll! We're jumping in our Magical Mystery Musical Wayback Machine and talking about our favorite shows from the last two years.Our show is sponsored by our home base of McCusker's Tavern at 17th and Shunk Streets in Philadelphia. We are proud supporters of our friends at Boldfoot Socks. We are just one of the dozens of awesome shows on the Pantheon Podcast Network.Hear MoreWe put together an episode playlist for every episode. They're in the show notes for every episode. Get In TouchCheck us out online, on Facebook and Twitter, or drops us an email at show@prisonersofrockandroll.com.
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