Talkin' Rock With Meltdown Podcast

Wow! For a non-award-winning podcast, I get some cool guests!
Gene Simmons was in Detroit for the grand opening of the Rock & Brews in Royal Oak. We discuss that, look back on KISS putting their make-up back on and playing Tiger Stadium 30 years ago this coming June, and some questions from local Detroit icons.
Rachel Bolan from Skid Row drops a solo album in June. There are lots of rocking guests on it. Rachel tells me about that, the search for the next singer of Skid Row, some KISS memories, and more BS from the rock world.
Johnny Franck, the brains behind Bilmuri, rounds out the podcast. He's a huge Ohio State guy, so of course, I had to bust his chops about the Michigan Wolverines winning the national championship. Speaking of collabs, there are plenty on his new record. We discuss that, and more.
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Two big rock stars, one non-award-winning podcast!
Maynard is up first, talking about Puscifer, the latest album Normal Isn't, the creative process, and more. He's spoken about being a self-doubter, which seems crazy, so I had to ask him if he gets stage fright. The answer might surprise you. What about seeing a show at the Sphere? Not so much, according to him.
He and his band play the historic Fox Theater on April 18th, with many more tour dates.
Then it's Canadian rock royalty in Rik Emmett. Unfortunately, I had technical issues, which I explain in the episode. That being said, we discussed the U.S.A. Olympic Gold hockey game, his book of poetry called Leaning Into it, and his relationship with former Triumph singer Phil X.
All told, I hope Rik accepts my apologies for the technical glitches.
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What a non-award-winning episode! Yes, you read the title right.
Zacky Vengeance is up first to discuss his solo record, Dark Horse, which drops on April 3rd. The first song he released from it is called Lighthouse. He talks about that song and the rest of the album. He speaks to how different it is from the material from A7X. We discuss the writing process and how he played, according to him, about 95% of the instruments on the album.
He told me what's going on with the band, some surprising announcements coming up, and more.
Detroit drummer Tommy Clufetos is up next. He's bringing his band, Tommy's Rocktrip, to The Token Lounge on April 23rd. We discuss that, playing the Brit Awards show in tribute to Ozzy Osbourne, the Detroit grind he's got in him, and lots more.
Mike Krompass from the band The Fell wraps up this episode. We discuss their tour, which comes to the Token Lounge on Saturday, March 28th, playing with Billy Sheehan, material in the can, and more.
Thanks for listening!
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Craig Gass is touring the country, bringing the laughs to fans all over. This weekend, it's Detroit's turn as he plays shows at One Night Stan's in Waterford. To say he has some rock stories is an understatement. Not only does he have rock stories, but they're also funny as Hell!

On this episode, he tells me about meeting Lars from Metallica for the first time and opening for them! How about upsetting fans on a KISS cruise? Yes, he's done that too! Impersonations of Sebastian Bach, Christopher Walken, Al Pacino, and lots more.

Thanks for listening! Go see Craig live!

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The new Pretty Reckless album, called Dear God, drops on June 26th. She and the band played with AC/DC last April, but before that, it hadn't been since the fateful night of the last Soundgarden show. She discussed opening those major shows worldwide. As we talked, she was in Chile.
For I Am Death was released a bit ago, with the latest single called When I Wake Up. As with much of their catalog, it has a real throwback, classic vibe to it. She talks about that song, the album artwork, and a post about her last "confessional", which I, like an idiot, didn't pick up on.
Taylor's awesome...her band is awesome...I cannot wait to drop the new album on the turntable!
Speaking of turntables, I listened to Rush's 2112 to prepare to speak with author Daniel Bukszpan. His new book is entitled RUSH & 2112: 50 Years. Yes, I could talk Rush all day.
Daniel discusses the approach he took when writing a book about one of the most defining Rush albums. He spoke with producers and others to get a feel of what it was like making the iconic album. An album that was a major turning point for the band.
For a better look at what this book entails, here's an excerpt from the press release.
In the book, Rush fans new and old can expect:
• A deep dive into how "2112" came together and why it is regarded as a masterpiece.
• Track-by-track analyses of the studio cut as well as insight into the 20-minute “2112” suite and why it works
• Historical insight and analysis about the state of rock in the mid-’70s and evolving ’80s, and how Rush created and sustained an unforgettable sound
We talked about all of this and much more..
Thanks for listening!
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