WMMR - MMaRchives Podcast

MMRBQ 2024 is on sale NOW! Pierre Robert and Lzzy Hale of Halestorm had a chat live on the air today about the band's return to the MMRBQ stage this September. They talk about Halestorm's earliest connections with WMMR and Philadelphia, as well as their friendships with some of the other artists on the lineup. Lzzy tells a very cool story of how she once gifted a guitar to Dany from the Warning, as a way to 'pay it forward' since one of her musical heroes did the same thing many years ago. Plus, it's International Women's Day (March 8th) so the two give lots of love to the female voices of rock n' roll.  See more and get MMRBQ tickets at WMMR.com/Pierre 

Ed Roland of Collective Soul stopped by the broadcast booth after the conclusion of the Preston and Steve Cardboard Classic before their set at the Mountainfest Winter Music Festival at Montage Mountain. We world premiered the new song Mothers Love during the interview and they played it that evening. Ed chats about the upcoming double album, it is the band's 12th titled 'Here to Eternity' and will be out on May 17. 

Pierre Robert recently had a chance to chat with the amazing Dolly Parton. She has done so much in her fantastic career; just this past year Dolly put out a book, a rock album, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. She at first declined the induction but after some persuasion she accepted and wanted to put out a rock album to make sure she felt it was justified! The album Rockstar is fantastic and includes 30 songs with guests from Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney, Rob Halford, John Fogerty, Elton John, Chris Stapleton, Joan Jett, Sting, Mick Fleetwood, and more than a dozen others.

Our Program Director in 1978 to 1980, Jeff Pollack, was at the helm of the WMMR for only a year and a half but brought WMMR back to #1 in the ratings and had so much to do with the revitalization of what we now call Putting Philly First. Jeff, who was just 26 at the time, would be the 3rd PD in 3 years and the station was struggling. When questioned about taking on that role at such a young age in the interview, his response was: "Hey man, it's not how long you play the guitar, it’s how you play it." He got the job on the spot! He started with bringing back MMR mainstays including Joe Bonadonna and Michael Tearson, then he added more of the music to the playlist that we love still to this day. Pollack began the legendary block parties with a free concert on South Street, that we still talk about at the station. He tells us how the officials, rightfully so, denied the permit - but it was Philly in the late 70's, so they got one anyway and it was madness. One of our most famous pictures that still hangs in MMR's hallways is at that Southside Johnny show with thousands of fans in every corner of the picture including on roofs hanging out of windows and covering every inch of South Street. Jeff is now the Chairman/CEO of Pollack Music & Media Group, an international media music consultancy.   It's a great trip down Philly memory lane, and you can find out more about him on https://www.pollackmedia.com/

Jacky BamBam got the chance to speak with Wolfgang Van Halen ahead of his show with Mammoth WVH in Philadelphia on November 18, 2023. Tickets to the show are available now, and you don’t wanna miss it. At the show, you can expect to hear tracks from Mammoth WVH’s new album Mammoth II, which arrived on August 4th. The new LP expanded the foundation set by Wolfgang’s solo debut. They levelled up this time around. Nita Strauss is on board for the tour. It’ll be a night of guitar heaven. You may know Nita from her time on the road with Alice Cooper. She just released her solo album The Call Of The Void. The LP has an all-star vocal lineup of Lzzy Hale, David Draiman, Dorothy, Chris Motionless, and Alice Cooper. I would tell ya what me, Jacky BamBam, and Wolfgang talked about on the fancy “Zoom” machine, but it’s better if you hear it yourself.

Pierre Robert chats with Paul Rodgers, who's lent his voice to Free, Bad Company, the Firm, the Law, and Queen. Paul Rodgers is also a solo artist; 'Midnight Rose' is out September 22nd is Paul's first solo album in 25 years. They chat about the new songs including "Take Love" and "Living It Up", from the album and how the cover art came about... his wife Cynthia even came on to tell how it actually happened. Pierre takes Paul back 20 years to the show he did at the Spectrum with Jethro Tull, The Hooters, Jeffrey Gaines, David Crosby & Warren Zevon for WMMR's 25th Anniversary, and even jogs his memory about the backup harmonizers, the Sisters of Compassion.  

Few bands have managed to endure four decades of shifting trends and breakneck performances in the way that Metallica has. Even fewer have solidified their legacy while at the height of their career. They're still selling out stadium double-headers while seeping into the consciousness of Gen Z via Stranger Things and TikTok virality, connecting their past to their future. Forty years after their debut album Kill 'Em All and the sophomore success of Ride The Lightning, even Kirk Hammett seems overwhelmed by the magnitude of it all... See the video interview hosted by Radio Sara on WMMR.com

Pierre is joined by his long time friend and co-worker, John DeBella, for one final crossover on MMR before his retirement. They discuss John's start in Philly, trips to London and AC, the Louie Louie Parade, and Pierre being ever so slightly behind.  *They even do a couple live reads together*

Jacky Bam Bam had the new Corey Taylor song "Beyond" on Smash or Trash, and he caught up with Guitarist  Christian “Tooch” Martucci. Martucci grew up in Philly and played in a band with Bam Bam. They discuss their history together, the making of the new Corey Taylor album and touring.

Happy heavenly birthday to Don Rickles, who would have turned 97 years old today. The razor-tongued comedy legend was particularly adept at insults – so much so, that you couldn’t help but laugh, even if you were his target. Exhibit A: At the top of this interview, before Pierre Robert even had a chance to properly introduce him, Don took aim at Pierre’s trademark beard and hair, setting the tone for a hilariously charming conversation. The interview originally aired in 2011, and we’ve pulled the audio out of the MMaRchives. Take a listen, ya hockey puck. More at wmmr.com/pierre 

Billy Idol will be part of the MMRBQ 2023 on September 16th at Freedom Mortgage Pavilion. The lineup includes Shinedown, Larkin Poe, Ayron Jones, Dirty Honey, Finger Eleven, Tigercub and Vixen77. He had a great conversation with Jacky Bam Bam talking performing, clubbing in Philly and the members of his band. Idol was drinking with Mick Jagger and Keith Richards of the Stones at a party at Ronnie Woods brownstone in New York. They were drinking Rebel Yell Whiskey. He also discusses how an Elvis Presley song and movie changed his life, Lisa Marie and Graceland. Both his granddaughters like music, and Idol has some a few stories about them. Idol is working on making an album and will probably will nix the 3rd EP idea. He is not sure when it will be out, but it will be on Dark Horse Records. He talks about why he does most of his charity work for Cancer Research because of his dad. We can't wait to see him at the BBQ!    

Brent Smith of Shinedown called in to tell us how excited he & the fellas are about headlining the 2023 MMR*B*Q on September 16th at the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion. Tickets are on-sale now! Brent & Brent also talk about the upcoming 20th Anniversary of Shinedown's debut album 'Leave A Whisper', including plans for ONE show only to play the entire album from cover to cover, with the possibilities of some special guests. Brent also touches on their record-breaking 20th #1 song "Dead Don't Die", the long-rumored "Deep Dive" tour, Shinedown 8, and their massive vault of songs that we have never heard! Plus a bunch more! Thanks for giving it a listen! See you at the 'RBQ in September! -bp

Talking 3 chords and a cloud of dust,  the MMRBQ, what Marc does in his spare time and the new album they will be recording soon!!

Greetings, good citizens I recently got to chat with our longtime friend, Graham Nash of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young fame. He’s got a new album coming out called, “Now“ which will hit the stores on May 19th. We talk about songs from the record, the loss of David Crosby, and his uniquely positive take on everything in his universe. He’s an amazing man, who just finished two nights at the Colonial Theatre in Phoenixville. Here’s our conversation from 4/12/23.

Step aside, Cake Boss. Chris Jericho is coming for your crown.   Chris Jericho is a man of many talents: a professional wrestler, a singer, and... future baker? That’s right folks, Jericho has a dream of tossing in his bedazzled jackets from the ring and putting on the apron.   Not.   During a call with The Preston & Steve Show on Monday (4/10), Preston asked Jericho one of those deep, introspective questions. It went something like: since you are already successfully following two career paths, are there any unfulfilled passions that you dreams of following? Without hesitation, the burly front man answered by saying that he always wanted to own a bakery.   After the moment of shock wore off, the show members responded with a collective, awww followed by a really? “No, not really!” Jericho clapped back without skipping a beat. Through the eruption of laughter everyone admitted to being convinced that he was serious.   Than, just as the topic was changing to the Fozzy gig at Brooklyn Bowl Philadelphia on Sunday, April 16th, Casey threw out the idea to make Jericoconut Cream Pies. He might be on to something.   Who would have thought that someone who throws people through tables would want to create cakes and croissants? Not us!  Jericho, aside from being an excellent gaslighter, and talented musician, also has an impressive wrestling career and the numbers to prove it. As a professional wrestler, he has fought in over 2,500 matches in a variety of different wrestling organizations, winning nearly 51% of them.   Jericho grew up having a passion for wrestling and pursued it when he was young. He attended wrestling school, and in that time took up skills in drumming. This would fuel another passion  He took breaks in his wrestling career, taking time to be the singer of a KISS cover band. In his interview with Preston and Steve, Chris talked about how important it is to keep up with music in this day and age, as it changes so rapidly.   Growing up in the 80s, Chris found a love for KISS, and always wanted to become a front man for a band. Jericho was inspired by Paul Staney for his artistry and said that being in a band allowed for a more collaborative outlet compared to the more individual world of wrestling. Where he was inspired by Paul Stanley and the world, he channeled that energy into the ring.  As younger people listen to music daily on our phones, Jericho said that releasing a song every three to four months is easier to consume than an entire album that is released years apart from one another.  More importantly, Jericho talked about the balance between his musical and wrestling career. He talked about how some wrestlers dabble in the music world, and how some musicians even dabble into the wrestling world.   Perhaps Chris Jericho will dabble in the baking world, and if/when he does, we cannot wait to try his croissants. In the meantime, we’ll be rocking out with Fozzy this Sunday ay Brooklyn Bowl.  

Recently, I was fortunate to speak with The Fuzzlord, Scott Holiday, guitarist of Rival Sons. We had a great conversation about Darkfighter, Lightbringer, the videos, and more. I really enjoy speaking to Scott because of his passion for making music, his fantastic energy, the new music he and his bandmates are creating, and his love for his bandmates comes through every time.  The new album Darkfighter will be released on Friday, June 2nd. The following day, Saturday, June 3rd, Rival Sons along with The Record Company and Starcrawler will be at The Franklin Music Hall in Philadelphia. Later in the year, we will get a second album, Lightbringer, from Rival Sons. Get all of your Rival Sons information, here. Thank you so much for taking the time to listen. Markus Goldman

Pierre chats with Alice in Chains guitarist and vocalist Jerry Cantrell before his Parx Xcite center show on his Birthday March 18. His recent solo album Brighten released October 2021 and it's Cantrell's first independent album. Jerry did put out Brighten Live in late 2022 but is finally touring the studio album a year and a half later. They chat about mixing in the AIC songs people love and know him for along with the solo stuff, Jerry recalls seeing his music on Elton John's piano during the 'Black Gives Way to Blue' recording and more. Check it out

Rick Allen chats with Pierre before the Def Leppard and Mötley Crüe concert Friday and Saturday at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City. They talk about Rick's artistic inspiration and having art be a part of his life even before he joined Def Leppard on his 15th birthday.  Rick will  have his artwork at the Wentworth Gallery in the Hard Rock Saturday before the band plays the second of the two shows. You can stop by, purchase his art and meet Rick during the event from 1-3PM.

After learning about the sad passing of David Crosby, Pierre Robert called into Brent's show to share stories and remember the rock 'n roll legend.    Photo by William Thomas Cain/CAIN IMAGES for WMMR

When music is your whole life, and suddenly life gets interrupted…. In lost and rare archival music videos, photos, and very personal and candid lock-down interviews, the film finds 80s rock icon John Waite reflecting back on his 5-decade career. The film features 27 songs from across John’s career, from pioneer rock-video band The Babys in the 1970s, to his breakthrough as a solo artist in the early days of MTV, to touring with an actual Beatle, John recounts his struggles inside the commercialized world of the music business and his independent pursuits as a self-powered solo, live music artist. And 93.3 WMMR’s Jacky Bam Bam is part of that journey. “We love Jacky, he’s like the 5th Beatle,” John told The Preston & Steve Show. The nighttime DJ befriended the musician somewhere along the way, “he’s been in integral part of our East Coast growth.” Their friendship continues to this day. During the conversation with the MMR morning show, John pointed out what it is about Jacky’s energy that draws people too him, “he’s always there, he’s like a bright light.” Enjoy John Waite's conversation with The Preston & Steve show about the new documentary, "The Hard Way."