Laughingmonkeymusic

n this episode, I sit down with one of doom’s most influential voices, Scott “Wino” Weinrich, along with his wife and creative partner Sharlee, for an in-depth conversation covering everything they have happening right now and what’s coming next.We dive into The Obsessed's past & ongoing current tour in 2026, how the band is performing, what fans can expect from the setlist, and the renewed fire driving the group forward. Wino also opens up about his new solo album, the writing process behind it, and how his approach to songwriting continues to evolve after decades at the front of heavy music.Sharlee joins in to talk about the latest on Ritual Arcana — their dark, atmospheric, and deeply personal musical project. They share updates on new music, recording plans, upcoming videos, and the possibility of future touring together.From their creative chemistry to their shared vision for Ritual Arcana, the conversation gives a rare look at how their partnership fuels the art.Scott “Wino” Weinrich is a cornerstone of American doom and heavy rock.Frontman for The Obsessed, founding member of Spirit Caravan, icon of Saint Vitus, and a prolific solo artist, Wino’s impact spans more than four decades. His unmistakable guitar tone, spiritual lyricism, and uncompromising commitment to underground music have influenced generations of bands across doom, stoner, punk, and metal.More From Wino & The ObsessedOfficial Site: https://www.theobsessed.comBandcamp: https://theobsessed.bandcamp.com

Albert Bouchard isn’t just a drummer — he’s one of the core architects behind Blue Öyster Cult’s most influential era, a songwriter whose creative fingerprints shaped the band’s identity. As a founding member, Albert helped steer BÖC from underground New York rock circles into one of the most inventive hard-rock bands of the 1970s and early ’80s. His approach blended precision, theatricality, and an unusual sense of melody and mood, creating drum parts that didn’t just drive the songs — they defined them.He co-wrote some of the band’s most iconic material, including “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper,” “Cities on Flame with Rock & Roll,” and deep-cut fan favorites that helped establish BÖC’s blend of mysticism, sci-fi, humor, and hard rock. Albert worked closely with producer/manager Sandy Pearlman, whose “Imaginos” universe — a sprawling mythos tying together historical fiction, occult symbolism, and cosmic warfare — became a major creative engine for the band. Albert was one of the chief interpreters of Pearlman’s vision, translating the Imaginos lore into real, playable rock music.After parting ways with Blue Öyster Cult in the mid-1980s, Albert stayed relentlessly creative. He worked as a producer, multi-instrumentalist, teacher, and collaborator — and eventually revisited the Imaginos saga on his own terms. Between 2020 and 2023, he released the acclaimed Re Imaginos trilogy, re-imagining Pearlman’s mythic storyline with a combination of fresh arrangements, deep storytelling, and some of the most expressive vocals and drumming of his career. These albums connected the past and present, proving Albert’s artistic voice is as sharp and imaginative as ever.Today, Albert Bouchard is recognized as a musician who didn’t just play in a legendary band — he helped build one. His contributions to Blue Öyster Cult’s sound, the Pearlman mythos, and the evolution of hard-rock storytelling continue to inspire fans, musicians, and scholars of rock history. Whether behind the kit, behind the pen, or behind an entire conceptual universe, Albert remains one of rock’s most fascinating and inventive thinkers.

In this deep dive conversation with Dweezil Zappa, we explore the creative journey behind his album Via Zammata, one of the most personal and stylistically adventurous projects of his career. Dweezil walks through the origins of the record, the stories behind key songs, and how the music reflects both his own artistic evolution and the influence of his legendary family’s musical legacy.We discuss the writing and recording process in detail, including how he approached melody, arrangement, and texture across the album. Dweezil explains how the project allowed him to blend rock, instrumental sophistication, and unexpected musical turns while still staying true to his own identity as a guitarist and composer. He also opens up about the emotional and conceptual threads that tie the album together, giving listeners a rare inside look at how Via Zammata took shape.The conversation goes beyond the music as Dweezil reflects on creative independence, navigating expectations, and the balance between technical mastery and storytelling. His insight offers a fresh appreciation for the album, revealing both the craft behind it and the personal meaning infused into the songs.This deep dive gives fans—both long-time followers and new listeners—an opportunity to understand Via Zammata from the inside out, straight from the artist who built it. It highlights Dweezil’s unique voice as a musician and the thoughtful vision that continues to shape his work.

Steve Katz is an American guitarist, singer, songwriter, and producer whose career runs through some of the most important corners of 1960s and 1970s rock. Growing up in New York, he gravitated to the Greenwich Village folk scene as a teenager, learning from major figures in the acoustic blues and folk world. That grounding in traditional music gave his playing a strong sense of melody, dynamics, and feel that carried into his later electric work. Rather than chasing virtuoso flash, Katz developed into a musician whose parts always serve the song.His first notable recordings came with the Even Dozen Jug Band, but he really came into focus with The Blues Project. In that band he played guitar, sang, and contributed original songs, helping to blend folk, blues, and the emerging psychedelic sound. The Blues Project’s willingness to stretch out musically, while still holding on to roots material, was a good fit for Katz’s background. His role was often to glue the music together: rhythm work, smart voicings, and lines that threaded between vocals and lead instruments.Katz’s best‑known work arrived when he became a founding member of Blood, Sweat & Tears. In the original lineup and on the album “Child Is Father to the Man,” he played guitar, sang, and wrote material that helped shape the band’s distinctive mix of rock, soul, and jazz‑inflected horn arrangements. His guitar parts in this context are understated but essential, leaving room for brass and vocals while adding texture and groove. Even when he stepped forward as a singer or songwriter, the overall impression is of a musician deeply committed to ensemble playing.Beyond his role as a guitarist, Katz built a substantial career behind the glass as a producer and in record‑label work. He produced notable albums for artists like Lou Reed and Elliott Murphy, bringing a player’s perspective into the studio and focusing on capturing strong performances. Later, he worked in A&R and as an executive, as well as producing albums for the Irish band Horslips, which connected his folk background with Celtic rock. This combination of performing, writing, producing, and talent development gives his résumé a breadth that many guitarists never attempt.In more recent years, Steve Katz has continued to perform, often in intimate “songs and stories” formats where he mixes playing with anecdotes from his long career. He has also written and spoken about his experiences in the music business, reflecting on everything from the Greenwich Village days to arena‑level success. For current information on his projects, performances, and background, see his website: https://stevekatzmusic.wordpress.com/

ohn McEuen is a Grammy-winning multi-instrumentalist, producer, author, and a founding member of the legendary Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, a group that helped bridge bluegrass, folk, and country-rock for mainstream audiences starting in the 1960s. Over a career spanning more than six decades, he has performed thousands of shows, contributed to dozens of albums, and become one of the most influential acoustic musicians in American roots music. His work on banjo, guitar, mandolin, and fiddle has shaped how generations hear traditional music reimagined for modern ears.In 1971, McEuen was the driving force behind the landmark triple album “Will the Circle Be Unbroken,” which brought the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band together with icons like Earl Scruggs, Doc Watson, Mother Maybelle Carter, Roy Acuff, and others for historic cross-generational sessions in Nashville. That project has been recognized as one of the most important country and bluegrass albums ever recorded, helping introduce younger audiences to the classic repertoire and artists who defined American roots music. The album’s legacy later inspired his detailed book on the making of those sessions, further cementing his role as both participant and historian of that moment.Beyond the Dirt Band, John has built a rich solo career with multiple albums that showcase his “String Wizard” reputation, blending instrumental firepower with storytelling and cinematic arrangements. His discography includes acclaimed projects like “Made in Brooklyn,” which earned major Americana honors, as well as collaborations with artists ranging from Steve Martin to John Carter Cash and Martha Redbone. As a producer, he also earned a Grammy for Steve Martin’s “The Crow,” highlighting his skill on both sides of the glass.McEuen is also an author and storyteller, with his memoir “The Life I’ve Picked” tracing his journey from Southern California kid to hall-of-fame banjo player working with legends like Linda Ronstadt, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, the Allman Brothers, and Bob Dylan. His more recent book and projects around “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” revisit those sessions with photos, stories, and reflections that bring fans right into the circle of players. Onstage and on the page, he brings the same mix of humor, detail, and lived history that makes him such a compelling guest for any music podcast.John’s contributions have been recognized with inductions into the American Banjo Museum Hall of Fame and the Traditional Country Music Hall of Honor, along with multiple Grammy, CMA, and ACM honors across his career. He continues to tour, record, and create new projects, bringing stories and songs from more than fifty years on the road to audiences around the world. To learn more, check out his music, books, and tour dates at: https://johnmceuen.net

dUg Pinnick remains one of the most distinctive voices in modern rock and metal, and in this conversation we dig into both his creative present and his long, winding history. We open with his newest work — a brand-new solo album that he’s just wrapped — and the candid way he describes the vibe behind it. Pinnick talks about chasing raw energy, leaning into funk-heavy grooves and hard-rock punch, and blending the influences that have lived inside him since he first picked up a bass. He’s honest about the process too: he writes constantly, piling up countless demos over the years, and chooses the ones that speak loudest when it’s time to make a record.That creative overflow is something that’s defined his entire career. Born Douglas Pinnick in Illinois and raised in the Midwest, he cut his teeth in gospel, soul and R&B long before the rock world found him. Music became both a refuge and a compass, and by the late ’70s he crossed paths with Ty Tabor and Jerry Gaskill — the partnership that would become King’s X. Their chemistry was instant and undeniable. After years grinding on the Texas club circuit under different names, the band finally broke through in the late ’80s with a sound nobody else had: thick grooves, big harmonies, spiritual introspection, and Pinnick’s unmistakable voice tying it all together.King’s X went on to release a run of genre-defining albums across the ’80s, ’90s, and 2000s, influencing everyone from Pearl Jam to Dream Theater. Their catalog — from Gretchen Goes to Nebraska to Dogman to Ear Candy — built their reputation as one of the most respected musicians’ bands in rock. Pinnick talks about that legacy with both pride and humility, acknowledging how many artists cite them as a foundation while also admitting the band has always followed its own compass regardless of commercial trends.Today, he’s in a full creative swing again with his latest solo album completed and out in the world. He describes it as loose, funky, riff-driven, and honest — everything he enjoys about working alone, where he can chase any idea without compromise. He hints that if the stars align he’d love to bring some of the material to the stage, but he’s not pressuring himself with a schedule. For now, he’s simply enjoying making music that feels alive.And looking ahead, there’s real motion in the King’s X camp. All three members have talked about recording again, and Pinnick confirms they’ve been exchanging ideas and discussing a new album with an eye toward 2026. Nothing is locked in — King’s X will only release something if it feels meaningful — but the desire is there, and the songs are beginning to take shape. For fans, that’s enough to spark real hope. Between renewed solo energy and the possibility of another King’s X record, dUg Pinnick is entering yet another inspired chapter of a career that refuses to slow down.

In this episode we dive into an inspiring and wide-ranging conversation with John Elder Robison, exploring how music and autism intersect in his world. We talk about the ways autistic people experience sound, creativity, patterns, and emotional expression, and how today’s understanding of autism has expanded far beyond old stereotypes. From sensory perception to communication, identity, and the broader neurodiversity movement, we touch on the topics people are discussing right now—what’s changing, what still needs work, and how music continues to be a powerful bridge between worlds.John’s story is remarkable. Born in 1957, he grew up before autism was commonly recognized, leaving him to navigate life without a diagnosis until adulthood. Yet his early interests—electronics, audio, mechanics, and creativity—became the tools that helped him survive, thrive, and eventually become a respected voice for neurodivergent people around the world. His natural ability to see patterns and systems differently made him a standout in technical fields long before he understood why his mind worked the way it did.Long before he was a bestselling author, John made a name for himself in the rock world. He famously worked with KISS, designing their legendary guitar special-effects rigs, including Ace Frehley’s smoking and rocket-launch guitars. Later, he moved into the world of high-end audio and engineering, establishing one of the most respected restoration shops for European automobiles. His life has always walked the line between creativity and precision—art and engineering.John’s breakthrough came with his memoir Look Me in the Eye, an honest and groundbreaking account of growing up autistic at a time when no one had language for it. The book resonated globally, helping people see autism through lived experience rather than clinical labels. He continued telling his story through books like Be Different and Raising Cubby, while becoming an advocate, lecturer, and leader in conversations about neurodiversity, education, and the future of autism research.Today, John Elder Robison remains one of the most influential autistic voices—respected for his honesty, clarity, humor, and willingness to challenge outdated ideas. His life in music, engineering, writing, and advocacy shows how powerful difference can be when it’s understood, supported, and given room to shine.

Acid King formed in San Francisco in 1993, led by guitarist and vocalist Lori S. along with bassist Peter Lucas and drummer Joey Osbourne. Their name was inspired by Ricky Kasso — the real-life “Acid King” from the book Say You Love Satan — and it perfectly captured the band’s otherworldly, doom-laden sound. From the start, they stood out in the underground scene for their thick, fuzz-drenched tones and hypnotic, slow-burning riffs that defined the early stoner-doom movement emerging in the ’90s.Their debut EP appeared in 1994 through Sympathy for the Record Industry, but it was the 1995 full-length Zoroaster that began to turn heads. Acid King hit their stride with Busse Woods in 1999 on Man’s Ruin Records — a cult classic now considered one of the cornerstones of stoner rock. That record combined weighty riffs, atmospheric reverb, and a trippy, meditative flow that set them apart from their peers. Lori S.’s distinctive vocals, part chant and part haze, helped shape the sound that would become their signature.Over the following decades, Acid King released III (2005), Middle of Nowhere, Center of Everywhere (2015), and Beyond Vision (2023). Each album expanded their sound — from the raw biker-doom of the early years to the cinematic, cosmic vibe of their latest work. Despite numerous lineup changes, Lori S. has remained the band’s creative core, driving the heavy grooves and mind-bending textures that define Acid King’s legacy.Today, Acid King are seen as pioneers of the stoner-doom genre. Their music continues to influence new generations of heavy bands worldwide. With Beyond Vision, they’ve proven that their blend of fuzzed-out riffs, spacey melodies, and unrelenting heaviness still resonates deeply. Acid King’s sound is timeless — a hypnotic journey best experienced loud, late, and lost in the haze. Official Website: acidking.com  • Facebook: facebook.com/AcidkingSF  • Instagram: @acidkingrocks

In this episode, Dweezil Zappa returns to talk about his groundbreaking album Automatic, a record that showcases his evolution as a guitarist, composer, and producer. The album dives deep into modern instrumental rock, blending fierce technical skill with melodic and emotional precision.Dweezil discusses the creative process behind Automatic — how he approached writing and arranging songs that balance complexity with groove. He opens up about tone crafting, gear experimentation, and the influences that pushed him toward a more cinematic and expressive sound.Throughout the conversation, Dweezil shares insight into how Automatic bridges his past and present — a reflection of both his Zappa lineage and his own artistic voice. From shredding guitar lines to lush textures, the album proves why he remains one of the most inventive players in rock.We also touch on his recording techniques, the evolution of his playing over the years, and what fans can expect from future projects. It’s a deep, honest look at how Automatic became one of his most personal and technically refined works to date.Follow Dweezil Zappa:Website – dweezilzappa.comInstagram – @dweezilzappaofficialYouTube – Dweezil Zappa

Rock legend Angry Anderson of Rose Tattoo joins Laughingmonkeymusic to talk about his powerful new single “Hard Road” and what fans can expect from the band’s upcoming 2026 tour. Known for his raw energy, unmistakable voice, and hard-hitting attitude, Angry reflects on his decades in rock and the drive that keeps him going strong today.We also talk about how touring has changed, what it’s like to perform for generations of fans, and how new material like “Hard Road” keeps the fire alive. With 2026 shaping up to be a big year, Rose Tattoo’s return to the stage promises to be a celebration of pure, unfiltered rock ’n’ roll.Angry’s honesty, humor, and passion for the music shine through as he talks about legacy, inspiration, and what still fuels him after all these years. This is a conversation every rock fan will want to catch.Follow Angry Anderson / Rose Tattoo:Website – rosetattoo.com.auFacebook – Rose Tattoo OfficialInstagram – @rosetattoobandofficial

Dweezil Zappa joins Laughingmonkeymusic for a deep dive into one of his most iconic works — “My Guitar Wants to Kill Your Mama.” In this episode, Dweezil breaks down the song’s origins, its connection to his father Frank Zappa’s legacy, and how he reimagined it for a new generation of guitar fans.From tone and technique to songwriting and production, Dweezil walks us through the creative choices that shaped the track and the mindset behind his unique guitar voice. The conversation moves beyond nostalgia, touching on how he continues to evolve as a player and composer while honoring the Zappa name.We also get into Dweezil’s approach to recording, live sound, and how he balances the technical precision of his playing with emotional depth. His insight into gear, arrangement, and artistic intent gives fans a rare behind-the-curtain look at what makes his music tick.If you love guitar-driven rock, musical storytelling, and creative freedom, this episode is a must-watch.Follow Dweezil Zappa:Website – dweezilzappa.comInstagram – @dweezilzappaofficialYouTube – Dweezil Zappa

Bill Fisher has carved a fascinating path through modern rock and prog. Based in Nottingham, he first caught attention leading Church of the Cosmic Skull, the seven-piece band known for its lush harmonies, cosmic themes, and a theatrical mix of heavy riffs and vintage melodies. The band’s blend of progressive rock and psychedelic soul quickly earned them a devoted international following and a strong live reputation.As a solo artist, Bill pushed even further. His debut Mass Hypnosis and the Dark Triad mixed proto-metal and prog with sharp lyrical wit, while his 2024 album How to Think Like a Billionaire revealed a more refined sound—part folk-prog, part cinematic rock, and fully his own. Each release shows his ability to cross genres without losing his melodic backbone or emotional punch.Fisher’s work dives deep into human behavior, belief, and ambition—all wrapped in irresistible guitar tones and rich arrangements. His songs aren’t just heard; they’re experienced, inviting listeners to question everything from power to perception while nodding their heads to unforgettable hooks.This episode explores Bill’s creative process, his evolution from band leader to solo visionary, and how he manages to balance humor, heaviness, and heart. We also touch on the live side of his art—where his cosmic energy truly comes alive.Watch, listen, and dive into the mind of one of the most inventive rock songwriters around.Follow Bill Fisher:Website – billfisher.netBandcamp – billfisher.bandcamp.comInstagram – @churchofthecosmicskullChurch of the Cosmic Skull: https://cosmicskull.orgBill Fisher solo releases: https://billfisher.netMassive Hassle: https://massivehassle.tvDystopian Future Movies: https://dystopianfuturemovies.com

Michael Sweet, frontman of Stryper, returns with a full slate of new music. The band’s upcoming Christmas album The Greatest Gift Of All blends classic holiday songs with original tracks in true Stryper style — heavy guitars, harmony vocals, and messages of hope and faith. It’s a bold take on Christmas music from one of rock’s most enduring and faithful voices.In addition, Sweet is preparing a new solo album focused on worship and spiritual reflection. This project offers a more personal side of his songwriting, showing how his faith continues to shape both his music and his message. It marks another chapter in his evolution as an artist who balances conviction, creativity, and craftsmanship.Stryper is also writing their next studio album for a 2026 release. Sweet promises it will honor their signature sound while adding new ideas and depth. After four decades in music, he continues to deliver powerful songs and positive energy to fans worldwide.Official Links:Michael Sweet — michaelsweet.comStryper — stryper.comInstagram — instagram.com/michaelsweetofficialFacebook — facebook.com/TheMichaelSweetX / Twitter — twitter.com/michaelhsweetYouTube — youtube.com/@MichaelSweetOfficial

adventurous streak led her to a new path that would shape her life.In 1995, at just 19, she joined The Dandy Warhols in Portland, Oregon, despite having minimal formal music training. Her bold personality and willingness to learn made her an essential part of the band, evolving from keyboardist to a full-fledged multi-instrumentalist handling bass, percussion, and vocals. Zia’s style and charisma became a cornerstone of The Dandy Warhols’ distinctive blend of psychedelic rock and alternative cool that helped define an era of modern rock.Outside of the Dandys, Zia has kept her creative energy flowing in multiple directions. As DJ Rescue, she’s lit up clubs around the world with eclectic sets that mirror her wide-ranging musical tastes. She also performs with her country project, Brush Prairie, blending heartfelt songwriting with her love of roots music. Away from the stage, she has found success as a Portland real-estate broker, bringing her sense of community and authenticity to a completely different world.In addition to music and real estate, Zia has long hosted her own radio show, where she dives into the songs and stories that inspire her. She continues to be an active voice for creativity, equality, and the environment—never afraid to speak her mind or champion causes close to her heart.With a new Dandy Warhols record on the horizon for 2026 and several personal projects in motion, Zia McCabe remains as vital and multifaceted as ever. She continues to balance art, activism, and real life with the same fearless energy that first put her on stage. Keep up with her world through instagram.com/ziamccabetwitter.com/ziamccabefacebook.com/ZiaMcCabeOfficial

lKory Clarke is best known as the outspoken frontman and creative force behind Warrior Soul, the politically charged, no-filter hard rock band that rose from New York City’s underground in the late ’80s. Clarke’s mission from the start was clear: shake the system and wake the people.Blending punk attitude with metal power, Clarke led Warrior Soul through a run of killer albums — Last Decade Dead Century, Drugs, God and the New Republic, and Salutations from the Ghetto Nation — all loaded with rebellion, wit, and that “acid punk” energy that made them stand out. His lyrics hit like manifestos, railing against greed, control, and media corruption, long before those themes were trendy again.Even after lineup changes and label battles, Clarke kept pushing forward, reviving Warrior Soul in the 2000s and continuing to release new music that’s just as raw and fearless as ever — including Rock ’N’ Roll Disease and Out on Bail. He’s also an accomplished painter and poet, channeling that same defiant spirit into every art form he touches.With his gravel-and-gasoline voice, anti-establishment fire, and refusal to ever play it safe, Kory Clarke stands as one of rock’s true lifers — a rebel artist who never stopped believing that music could still mean something.Official band website: warriorsoul.com  • Bandcamp (music & downloads): koryclarkewarriorsoul.bandcamp.com  • Instagram (art + updates): @kory_clarke_art 

Dave Lee — founder of Signal Snowboards and creator of Cardboard Sessions — has turned a wild idea into a full-blown creative movement. What began as experiments in building snowboards and skateboards out of cardboard with Ernest Packaging evolved into playable guitars, basses, and drum kits. The result is Cardboard Sessions, a YouTube series where world-class musicians jam on fully functional cardboard instruments, blending craftsmanship, sustainability, and pure curiosity into one inventive concept.A former pro snowboarder, Lee brings his same fearless “let’s try it” attitude to music and design. Each session captures spontaneous performances by artists like Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top, exploring what happens when expectations are stripped away — and replaced by creativity and play. Behind the fun lies serious engineering: layered cardboard, bio-resin, and pro-grade hardware combine to make instruments that don’t just look cool but sound surprisingly great.More than a gimmick, Cardboard Sessions celebrates innovation, sustainability, and the joy of collaboration. Lee’s message is simple but powerful: when you mix passion with experimentation, you can turn almost anything — even cardboard — into art. It’s a refreshing reminder for creators of all kinds that the best ideas often start with a “what if?” and a willingness to build something just for the love of it.

Asaf Avidan joins us to talk about his brand-new album Unfurl, diving deep into the music, stories, and emotions behind the release. Known for his unmistakable voice and poetic songwriting, Asaf continues to push creative boundaries with a sound that blends raw honesty and cinematic atmosphere.Born in Jerusalem, Avidan first rose to fame with Asaf Avidan & The Mojos, earning international acclaim when “Reckoning Song” became a global hit through the remix “One Day / Reckoning Song.” Since then, his solo albums like Different Pulses, Gold Shadow, and The Study on Falling have established him as one of the most original voices in modern music.In this exclusive conversation, Asaf opens up about the making of Unfurl, his evolving creative process, and the personal reflections that shape his art today.Listen & Follow Asaf Avidan:🔗 Official Site🔗 Spotify🔗 YouTube🔗 Instagram

John Haughm remains a big creative part of Agalloch, but in recent years he has also carved a singular path as a solo artist. His solo work explores ambient, experimental, folk, and spectral textures — often using minimalist instrumentation, field recordings, and layered atmospherics. You can find his releases, old and new, on his Bandcamp page: haughm.bandcamp.com At the same time, the Agalloch catalog has seen renewed life through reissues, remasters, and archival releases. EPs like The White and The Grey have been reissued to reach broader audiences, and classic albums have been re-pressed or remastered for new formats. (For example, Of Stone, Wind, & Pillor (Remastered) was reissued with expanded artwork via Eisenwald)  The band maintains a presence on Agalloch’s Bandcamp as well: agalloch.bandcamp.com Haughm and Agalloch also maintain active social media profiles to engage with fans. Agalloch’s official Facebook page (Agalloch – The Official Page) shares news, show announcements, and merch links. Their Instagram (@agalloch_official) similarly posts updates, visuals, and tour promos. John Haughm also posts on his Facebook about solo releases and special edition bundles (e.g. CD + shirt offerings) linking back to his Bandcamp. On the touring front, Haughm has continued to perform solo — offering intimate sets that reinterpret Agalloch material or present new compositions in a stripped setting. When Agalloch reunited (with original members plus a new drummer) in 2023, they began playing selected shows and full-album performances, weaving Haughm’s solo interludes into the larger live experience. For those interested in exploring Agalloch’s releases, much of their catalog is released through Dämmerung Arts and Eisenwald (among other labels). For example, The Serpent & The Sphere was issued via Dämmerung Arts / Eisenwald / Profound Lore depending on format and region. These labels help facilitate the reissues and physical editions that bring both Agalloch’s legacy and Haughm’s solo work to fans worldwide.

Uli Jon Roth is a German guitarist, composer, and visionary best known for his groundbreaking work with the Scorpions in the 1970s and for pioneering a neo-classical approach to rock guitar. Born on December 18, 1954, in Düsseldorf, Germany, Roth joined the Scorpions in 1973, helping shape their early sound on albums such as Fly to the Rainbow (1974), In Trance (1975), Virgin Killer (1976), and Taken by Force (1977). His emotive phrasing, fluid bends, and extended melodic solos set him apart from his contemporaries, influencing generations of guitarists including Yngwie Malmsteen, Kirk Hammett, and Steve Vai. Roth’s classical leanings and improvisational flair brought a sense of artistry and spirituality to the hard rock landscape of the time.After leaving the Scorpions in 1978, Roth formed his own band, Electric Sun, which became the platform for him to explore a more personal and philosophical form of music. Albums such as Earthquake (1979), Fire Wind (1981), and Beyond the Astral Skies (1985) blended Hendrix-inspired rock with symphonic and spiritual elements, showcasing his evolution from guitar hero to musical poet. His lyrics and themes often touched on mysticism, universal consciousness, and the search for enlightenment—concepts that would define much of his later work.Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Roth expanded beyond rock, composing orchestral works and developing his own instrument, the Sky Guitar, which extends the range of a traditional electric guitar to encompass violin-like tones. This innovation allowed him to perform complex classical pieces alongside rock compositions, bridging two worlds few musicians had combined so seamlessly. His projects such as Metamorphosis of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and Under a Dark Sky demonstrated his ambition to merge classical grandeur with electric intensity.In the decades since, Uli Jon Roth has remained a respected figure in both rock and classical circles, often described as a philosopher with a guitar. He continues to tour internationally, performing retrospective concerts that celebrate both his Scorpions legacy and his later symphonic works. Revered for his technical mastery, tone, and spiritual depth, Roth’s influence endures as one of the most unique voices in the evolution of modern guitar music—a true bridge between the soul of classical composition and the freedom of rock improvisation.https://ujr.info/

Dweezil Zappa was born on September 5, 1969, in Los Angeles, California, the son of legendary musician and composer Frank Zappa and Gail Zappa. Growing up in one of the most creatively charged households in rock history, Dweezil was surrounded by instruments, recording sessions, and a constant stream of innovative artists visiting the family home. Naturally drawn to music, he began playing guitar at a young age, inspired by players like Eddie Van Halen, who would later mentor him. By the time he was 12, Dweezil released his first single, “My Mother Is a Space Cadet,” with Eddie Van Halen producing and playing on it—a remarkable start for such a young artist.Released in 1986 on Barking Pumpkin Records, Havin’ a Bad Day was Dweezil Zappa’s debut solo album and a bold introduction to his talent as both a guitarist and songwriter. Recorded largely at his father’s famed UMRK (Utility Muffin Research Kitchen) studio, the album captures Dweezil as a teenager experimenting with hard rock, glam metal, and pop influences that defined much of the decade. Produced by Frank Zappa and Bob Stone, the record showcases slick 1980s production values while allowing Dweezil’s guitar work to take center stage.The album features nine tracks, including the title song “Havin’ a Bad Day,” “Blonde Hair, Brown Nose,” “Electric Hoedown,” and “I Want a Yacht.” The songs balance tongue-in-cheek humor and youthful energy, mirroring both his father’s satirical edge and the flashy guitar-driven sound of the era. Musicians like Scott Thunes and Chad Wackerman—both members of Frank’s touring bands—provided bass and drums, while other family members, including Moon Unit and Gail Zappa, contributed backing vocals, adding to the album’s homegrown atmosphere.While Havin’ a Bad Day didn’t make major commercial waves, it served as an important artistic statement for a young guitarist stepping out from a legendary shadow. Critics noted Dweezil’s technical skill and melodic instincts, though many recognized he was still finding his voice as a songwriter. Today, the album stands as a fascinating snapshot of his early years—part youthful exuberance, part serious musicianship—and the first step in a career that would see him evolve into one of rock’s most respected modern guitarists.