The Leake in Review

In the highly anticipated second part of his conversation on The Leake in Review, host Jeff Leake welcomes back Kevin Drew of Broken Social Scene for a deep, heartfelt dive into one of the most poignant chapters in Canadian music history.

Drew opens up about his experience co-producing (with Dave Hamelin) The Tragically Hip’s final studio album, Man Machine Poem (2016). He describes the creative process, and atmosphere. Drew reflects on the collaborative energy in the studio, the challenges and joys of helping the Hip evolve their sound while staying true to their essence, and how the record stands as a bold, critically acclaimed farewell that captured the band at a profound artistic peak.

The conversation naturally moves into the emotional weight of The Tragically Hip’s final tour. Drew shares behind-the-scenes insights into the atmosphere surrounding those shows—knowing the gravity of Downie’s terminal brain cancer diagnosis while witnessing the band deliver performances filled with joy, defiance, and deep connection with their audience. He paints a picture of a nation united in celebration and mourning, culminating in the unforgettable final concert in Kingston.

A particularly moving segment covers Gord Downie’s passing on October 17, 2017. Drew speaks with raw honesty about the personal and collective loss, the legacy Downie left as a poet, activist, and rock icon, and the impact on the broader Canadian music community.

The episode reaches an emotional high point as Drew recounts how Broken Social Scene chose to take the stage that very night to honour Gord. He details the decision, the atmosphere in the room, and the powerful act of performing as a tribute—turning grief into communal catharsis and music into a living memorial.

Throughout the interview, Drew’s warmth, humility, and storytelling shine through. It’s a masterclass in gratitude, creativity under pressure, and the bonds that hold the Canadian indie and rock scenes together. Part 2 is essential listening for Hip fans, BSS devotees, and anyone moved by stories of music as both personal expression and cultural unifier.

This episode delivers laughs, tears, and plenty of “only in Canada” moments—pure Leake in Review gold. Highly recommended! 🎙️🍁

In this engaging episode of The Leake in Review, host Jeff Leake sits down with Kevin Drew, co-founder and key creative force behind the iconic Canadian indie collective Broken Social Scene. Drew opens up about the band's long-awaited new album Remember the Humans (released May 8, 2026 via Arts & Crafts), their first full-length studio effort in nearly a decade. He discusses reuniting with producer David Newfeld (known for classics like You Forgot It in People and the self-titled 2005 album), the collaborative chaos of the BSS collective, and standout tracks that capture their signature maximalist, communal indie-rock sound blending emotional depth, guitars, horns, and soaring melodies.

The conversation highlights the upcoming All the Feelings Tour with Metric and Stars, celebrating community, friendship, and the enduring power of their music. Drew emphasizes working within a supportive music community—drawing from the Toronto scene that helped launch acts like Feist and others through their Arts & Crafts label—and the importance of nurturing creative relationships over time. He reflects on avoiding negativity, staying focused on the positive, and embracing optimism for what the band and fans have built together, even amid the challenges of long gaps between records and evolving lineups. Themes of gratitude, resilience, and the joy of reconnection shine through in a heartfelt, insightful discussion.

Broken Social Scene Social Media & Links:

Instagram: @brokensocialscene

X (Twitter): @bssmusic

Facebook: Broken Social Scene

Official Website: brokensocialscene.com or brokensocialscene.ca

YouTube: @BrokenSocialSceneOfficial

Bandcamp: brokensocialscene.bandcamp.com

The Leake in Review Social Media:

Instagram: @theleake

X (Twitter): @theleake

Broken Social Scene 2026 Tour Dates (All the Feelings Tour with Metric & Stars) (Partial list based on current announcements; check official sites/Ticketmaster for updates, tickets, and any additions):

June 8, 2026 – Austin, TX @ Moody Amphitheater

June 9, 2026 – Dallas, TX @ South Side Ballroom

June 11, 2026 – Denver, CO @ Fillmore Auditorium

June 13, 2026 – Sandy, UT @ Sandy Amphitheater

June 16, 2026 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Greek Theatre

June 17, 2026 – Phoenix, AZ @ Arizona Financial Theatre

June 19, 2026 – San Diego, CA @ Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre (or Amphitheater)

June 21–22, 2026 – San Francisco, CA @ The Masonic

June 24, 2026 – Bend, OR @ Hayden Homes Amphitheater

Join me, Jeff Leake, on this episode of the Leake in Review podcast as I sit down with the dreamy electro-pop band Sports from Oklahoma.

We dive into how the band members first met, their playful and breezy sound that's often labeled as dreamy, playful electro-pop (with some moodier, jagged edges on their latest self-titled album), and what makes Sports unique: their ability to scale in size from a tight core of instruments and players to a bigger, more expansive live setup depending on the show.

We also talk about growing up on the outskirts of Tulsa, Oklahoma—where MTV and church played big roles in their early lives—along with their independent DIY ethos, creative process, and the fresh perspective they’ve gained after time spent between LA, Norman, and back home.

Whether you're a longtime fan or discovering their catchy, feel-good vibes for the first time, this conversation is full of insight, stories, and good energy.

Catch Sports on their '26 World Tour this summer and beyond. Confirmed summer dates include:

May 1, 2026 – Boise, ID @ Shrine Social Club

May 5, 2026 – San Diego, CA @ Quartyard

May 6, 2026 – West Hollywood / Los Angeles, CA @ Roxy Theatre

May 8, 2026 – Santa Cruz, CA @ The Catalyst (Live in the Atrium)

May 9, 2026 – San Francisco, CA @ The Independent

May 10, 2026 – Sacramento, CA @ Harlow’s (or Momo Sacramento)

May 12, 2026 – Seattle, WA @ Tractor Tavern

May 13, 2026 – Portland, OR @ Polaris Hall

May 14, 2026 – Boise, ID @ Shrine Social Club (additional date)

May 17, 2026 – Denver, CO @ Bluebird Theater

May 19, 2026 – Oklahoma City, OK @ Beer City Music Hall (Note: This show is currently marked as Sold Out on some platforms)

May 21, 2026 – Dallas, TX @ Club Dada

May 22, 2026 – Houston, TX @ The Bronze Peacock / Secret Group area

Follow Sports online:

Instagram: @sportsband

Facebook: facebook.com/sportsband

Stream their music and grab tour tickets at sportsband.lnk.to or sportsbandok.com/tour

Don’t miss this fun and honest chat with one of indie music’s most consistent and creative acts. Subscribe, rate, and review Leake in Review—new episodes drop regularly!

On this episode of The Leake in Review, Jeff sits down with the electrifying frontman of The Hives, Pelle Almqvist, for a conversation as fast, sharp, and wildly entertaining as the band’s legendary live shows.

Pelle breaks down the band’s decades‑long run of global popularity, digging into why The Hives have stayed loud, stylish, and impossible to ignore. From their disciplined work ethic to their commitment to making rock music feel dangerous and fun, Pelle lays out the mindset that’s kept the band at the top of the game for decades.

We get into:

Songwriting the Hives way — big hooks, bold choices, and instinct over overthinking

Touring at full throttle and why every show still feels like a mission

Longevity in rock and staying culturally sharp while others fade

The grind behind the chaos — rehearsals, discipline, and the band’s relentless drive

It’s Pelle exactly as fans love him: hilarious, self‑aware, and fully committed to the gospel of rock ’n’ roll.

Follow The Hives

Instagram: @thehives

Twitter/X: @TheHives

Facebook: facebook.com/hives

YouTube: The Hives (official channel)

Website: thehives.com

Follow Jeff Leake / The Leake in Review

Instagram: @TheLeake

Twitter/X: @TheLeake

TikTok: @TheLeakeTok

YouTube: @ShedofDreamsPodcasts

Leake in Review: RRHOF 2026 Inductees – We Got 7 Out of 8 Right! (Replay with Alan Cross)

Now that the official 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees have been announced, it’s time for the ultimate victory lap!

In this replay of our special conversation with legendary radio personality and rock historian Alan Cross, we look back at our bold predictions and celebrate nailing 7 out of 8 in the Performer category.

Official 2026 Performer Inductees:

Phil Collins

Billy Idol

Iron Maiden

Joy Division/New Order

Oasis

Sade

Luther Vandross

Wu-Tang Clan

(Announcement dropped live on American Idol on April 13, 2026. The official induction ceremony is set for Saturday, November 14, 2026 in Los Angeles.)

Hear Alan and I break down the biggest surprises, the snubs, and why this class feels like one of the most diverse and exciting in years. If you love deep rock history, music industry insight, and a little friendly prediction bragging, this one’s for you.

Leake in Review – where music opinions get real.