Talkin' Rock With Meltdown Podcast

It was a pleasure to speak with Rod for the first time in my career. He celebrated his 50th year as a professional drummer this past September. We discuss that and his latest project, Voices of Extreme.
Before we got to those topics, Rod shared some great stories of touring with Rush and the legendary Neil Peart. He spoke about what an average day was like on that tour, his personality, and more. I also gave Rod a chance to plug his Wing Thing drum tool. From what I've heard, many touring drummers and drum techs use this tool.
Was Winger underrated as far as their musicianship? He answers that question, as well as a little behind-the-scenes into the making of their hit, Seventeen. IMO, their record PULL was their best record. Unfortunately, a thing called grunge hit, and that album never got its due.
It was a pleasure to speak with Rod....I hope you enjoy this.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mark Kendall is an original member of Great WHite, and soon you'll be able to learn much more about him. His autobiography is in the works and is set for a spring release if all goes well. Mark talks about that, remembering things he'd long forgotten, writing about his friend Jack Russell, and lots more.
We started off the conversation with a health update. Mark is fighting kidney cancer and is winning! We're pulling for him and know he's got this!
We also discuss new music that the band is working on. He says they have about 7 songs laid down on tape. There's no deadline on that, but it's great to hear they're working on stuff.
Amanda Lyberg is the lead singer of the Detroit band Eva Under Fire. Maybe you haven't heard of them, maybe you have. Chances are, you'll be hearing more about them in 2026 as they get set to tour with Five Finger Death Punch! We also discuss their new album, which is set to drop this year. They've switched management camps, and the Detroit grind is back.
Wishing the best to the EUF guys as it looks like 2026 is going to rock!
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Geoff Tate kicks off a new year of Talkin' Rock episodes. The former Queensryche frontman talks about his upcoming tour (May 9th - Saint Andrew's Hall), as well as an update on Operation Mindcrime 3 that he says is going to drop this summer.
Did he think he'd be playing Operation Mindcrime in its entirety this many years down the road? Why did they play the whole album while touring on Empire in the early '90s? What project did he recently work on with Kurt Diemer? All these questions get answers with many more.
There's a new Rock & Brews opening in March in Royal Oak! Tony and Dan Yazbick join me to discuss the process of opening the KISS franchise location, around many other bars they own. I asked them about talking to Paul Stanley about the new venture. Tony shares a funny story of dressing up like one of the members for Halloween, as well as how to get a job at the new restaurant.
Thanks for listening! Happy 2026!
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What an honor to have all three original members of Triumph on with me. Rik, Mike, and Gil have put the band back together and are hitting the tour trail in 2026. What caused them to reunite? Why are they opening the tour in Canada? Will they ever get into the Rock Hall? All of these questions are asked in a very fun conversation. One I didn't think I'd be having in 2025.
Tickets are on sale now for the shows, and I hear they're going fast.
To wrap up this episode, it's Carla Harvey and her band, The Violent Hour. When she hit me up a few weeks back to set this up, I thought it was just going to be her. She brought the entire band in; what I've learned was their first interview together.
We discuss putting the band together, the less metal-leaning of the music, Carla's recent marriage, The Lords of Acid, and lots more.
I saw the ladies on stage the following night, and they kicked ass!!
Thanks for listening!
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Two outstanding singers, one mediocre podcast!
John Bush is one of my favorite singers in metal. His Anthrax albums ruled, and he's so good live with Armored Saint. He's doing three shows playing his Anthrax material in Chicago, L.A., and New York. We talk about what made him decide to book these shows and bring this music to the people.
John had some funny stories of the Metallica/ W.A.S.P. tour they did in 1985. He also to me about new Armored Saint music coming in 2026.
John's a great dude and very talented!
Brian Vander Ark wraps up this episode. He's doing a storytelling show with three other artists from the 90s coming to District 142 on December 12th. This sounds like it could be a great night!
I don't think I've ever interviewed Brian before, but man, is he funny! He told me the funniest story of touring with KISS. We talked about the living room shows he's played over the years. As well as his part in the movie Rockstar, and how he got one of his songs featured in the film. Oh, how often do they get confused with the band The Verve? That's hysterical!
Thanks for listening!
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.