Listener Land

MTV is shutting down its UK music channels — so who really killed the video star?Exploring why music TV died and what replaced it in 2025.The golden age of the music video began with Video Killed the Radio Star — and now, decades later, MTV is switching off its UK music channels for good. In this week’s Listener Land, Louis, Geoff and Wayne dig into what really happened to music television and why the end of MTV feels like the end of an era.From the shift to reality shows and the rise of YouTube and TikTok to the loss of those huge budget videos that defined the ‘80s and ‘90s — we look at where the video star went, who replaced them, and whether it even matters anymore.We also dive into:🎤 Axl Rose’s on-stage meltdown and the “in-ear” excuse🎸 Jimmy Page spotted at a tiny gig🎬 Lizzo as Sister Rosetta Tharpe and Beverley Knight on stage🐑 PETA asking Robert Plant to become “Robert Plant Wool”💀 Farewell to KISS legend Ace FrehleyIf you grew up on MTV and wonder what’s next for music culture, this episode’s for you.⏱️ TIMESTAMPS00:00 – MTV to close UK & European music channels01:04 – When MTV ditched music for reality02:17 – The death of big-budget videos03:42 – Axl Rose meltdown05:53 – Why MTV failed in 202507:48 – Iconic videos we remember12:41 – Do videos still matter?14:05 – Managers vs DIY era16:18 – Lizzo & Beverley Knight as Sister Rosetta Tharpe19:27 – PETA vs Robert Plant21:42 – Jimmy Page pub-gig sighting26:16 – Farewells: Ace Frehley & Ian Watkins#MTV #WhoKilledTheVideoStar #MusicNews #AxlRose #LedZeppelin #Lizzo #SisterRosettaTharpe #AceFrehley #ListenerLandPodcast #UKMusic

Has music lost its soul — or just changed shape?🎧 Exploring how modern music got louder, slicker, and strangely hollow.This week on Listener Land, we dive into how production, algorithms, and the loudness war reshaped what music sounds like today. From the rich textures of 70s analogue recordings to today’s compressed pop, Louis, Geoff and Wayne unpack why everything seems louder… but somehow emptier.We also talk about:🎶 Iceland banning TV to make people go to gigs🎤 Why live recordings never sound truly “live” anymore🏟️ Why arena concerts feel sterile compared to sweaty club gigs📱 Lady Gaga fans filming themselves at concerts🎻 What makes Greek music unique (and surprisingly deep)✈️ A ridiculous 80s rock-star story you’ll want to fact-check🎵 Plus, the “Odd One Out” cover-song quiz returns🎧 Timestamps:00:00 Iceland’s Thursday music nights01:00 Has modern music become too loud?06:00 Why live gigs don’t sound live anymore15:30 Big gigs vs small venues17:00 Lady Gaga’s selfie crowd18:20 Greek music deep dive23:00 Why English dominates global music26:50 The wildest 80s band story27:45 The cover-song quiz32:00 A festival for 1700s instruments🎙️ Hosted by Louis, Geoff & Wayne📍 Recorded in Sheffield⸻🎥 Watch more Listener Land episodes:👉 youtube.com/@listenerlandpodcast/playlists🗞️ Read the latest Substack post:👉 listenerland.substack.com🐦 Join the chat on X:👉 twitter.com/listenerlandpodTopic Keywords: modern music, loudness war, music podcast, music culture, Listener Land, music debate, rock podcast#listenerlandpodcast #musicpodcast #modernmusic #loudnesswar #musicdebate

Aerosmith have teamed up with Yungblud, and the result has people divided.We talk authenticity, legacy, and whether rock still needs saving. Plus: Metallica sue a tribute band, AC/DC’s fireworks spark complaints, Bruce Springsteen’s politics, and Morrissey’s latest controversy.🎧 Full episode every Tuesday — subscribe to join the conversation.#aerosmith #yungblud #listenerland #musicpodcast #musicnews #rockmusic #podcast #metallica #springsteen #morrissey #acdc #authenticity #popculture #classicrock 00:33 Aerosmith x Yungblud — what went wrong05:20 Auto-tune, overproduction, and lost authenticity10:10 Doncaster’s finest: the Yungblud paradox13:00 Metallica sue a tribute band?!17:00 AC/DC too loud for Edinburgh19:00 Taxi Driver’s famous line — and Springsteen’s influence22:00 Top drummers of all time28:00 Sinatra’s banned song29:20 Jack White vs. Trump33:00 Bruce Springsteen’s political rant34:00 Morrissey’s cancelled tour36:00 Wrap-up and listener shout-outs

The music world’s gone properly unhinged this week — and somehow, we’re not even surprised anymore.In the latest episode of Listener Land, we dive into P. Diddy’s jaw-dropping prison sentence, the very mixed public reaction, and what it says about fame, power, and the weird celebrity echo chamber we all pretend not to watch.But that’s just the start.There’s Spice Girls reunion gossip, Def Leppard buying their own star, the Rolling Stones sitting on a finished album, and a genuinely baffling scientific claim that 5% of humans actually hate music.#listenerland #musicnews #puffdiddy #spicegirls #rollingstones #defleppard #nirvana #musicdebate

AI has flooded the music industry and Spotify’s just deleted 75 million songs. But is this a win for real artists, or the end of creative freedom?In this episode of Listener Land, the lads dive deep into the AI music debate, from fake artists overtaking real bands to whether listeners even care who’s behind the sound.We also chat about Taylor Swift’s backlash, Coldplay’s record-breaking tour, Lewis Capaldi’s rooftop gig at Aldi, Robbie Williams’ surprising health revelation, David Bowie’s wild Berlin years, and the greatest James Bond themes of all time.Hosted by Louis, Geoff & Wayne — a mix of wit, chaos, and music nostalgia.Tell us in the comments: Would you listen to an AI band?⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Intro – A sulphur-scented start01:00 Spotify deletes 75 million AI songs06:30 Should AI music be banned or embraced?10:00 Taylor Swift’s controversial new album12:00 Coldplay’s record-breaking $6B tour13:00 Lewis Capaldi’s Aldi rooftop gig16:00 Robbie Williams & mental health in music18:00 David Bowie’s Berlin documentary25:00 The Bond villains Bowie turned down28:00 The best James Bond theme songs31:00 Jarvis Cocker’s school days and Pulp origins34:00 Outro & listener chat#listenerlandpodcast #spotify #aimusic #musicpodcast #taylorswift #coldplay #lewiscapaldi #davidbowie #robbiewilliams #bondsongs#tomjones

From Mambo No. 5 nearly ending Stephen King’s marriage, to the mystery of rock’s most famous missing guitars, to Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour battling neighbours over a shed, this episode of the Listener Land Podcast dives deep into the strangest tales in music.We also cover:🎸 The legend of lost guitars — Clapton, Harrison & more🏡 David Gilmour’s “shed scandal” in Hampstead📀 21 Pilots suing Temu over counterfeit merch🎤 CMAT’s SingStar beginnings and rise to Glastonbury🎶 Ryan Adams’ surprise gig at Leeds’ Brudenell Club🇬🇷 Why Greek radio only plays… Greek music?0:00 Stephen King’s Mambo No. 5 obsession2:30 Rock’s most famous lost guitars6:40 Kirk Hammett scratches history11:30 David Gilmour’s shed scandal15:00 21 Pilots vs Temu counterfeit merch16:20 CMAT’s SingStar start19:40 Ryan Adams at Leeds’ Brudenell Club24:00 Why Greek radio only plays Greek music#listenerlandpodcast #stephenking #mambono5 #lostguitars #pinkfloyd #davidgilmour #rocklegends #musicnews #classicrock #musicpodcast

What happens when Radiohead throw a gig in New York and invite everyone from Madonna to Oasis? In this episode of Listener Land, we dive into one of the craziest backstage parties ever and break down the legends who showed up.From Noel Gallagher’s “favourite dinosaur” answer, to Eric Clapton’s three identities, to Morrissey flogging off The Smiths catalogue, we’ve got music gossip, debates, and a few hot takes. Plus, we talk Radiohead’s bold new “busking tour” idea, Rolling Stone’s Greatest Guitarists controversy, and why The Eagles’ Sphere residency proves heritage bands are cashing in harder than ever.Stay tuned for a quiz on the most unexpected covers of all time. Spoiler: Limp Bizkit and Patti Smith both make an appearance.👂 Subscribe for weekly episodes of Listener Land, the podcast where music legends, wild stories, and questionable opinions collide.Timecodes (for engagement & SEO):02:00 – The most stacked backstage guest list ever (Madonna, Blur, Oasis, Brad Pitt & more)04:00 – Radiohead’s “big busk” world tour concept08:30 – Spotify’s mysterious “Jam” button explained09:00 – Noel Gallagher’s favourite dinosaur?10:00 – Eric Clapton: genius or overrated?12:00 – Morrissey sells off The Smiths catalogue13:00 – Rolling Stone’s “Top Guitarists” list — who got robbed?19:00 – Joe Bonamassa, John Mayer & surprising collabs20:30 – The Eagles extend their Sphere residency24:00 – The albums we always force people to listen to27:00 – George Michael, Aerosmith & timeless records30:00 – The rise of “One Last Ride” farewell tours33:00 – Quiz: Unexpected cover songs#listenerlandpodcast #radiohead #oasis #blur #madonna #ericclapton #morrissey #theeagles #musicpodcast #rockpodcast #musicnews #guitarlegends #rollingstone #musichistory #90smusic #classicrock

Pink Floyd’s 50th anniversary artwork scandal, Freddie Mercury’s unreal 79th birthday, and Ed Sheeran’s shocking plan to release a “death album” — it’s been music’s strangest week! Listener Land also dives into Oasis, Aerosmith, David Bowie’s 90,000-piece archive, Roger Waters’ latest controversy, and why streaming royalties barely pay minimum wage. @RickBeato  ⏱️ Chapters0:00 Intro 2:00 Weirdest cover songs quiz 5:00 How many streams = minimum wage? 6:00 Pink Floyd’s 50th anniversary artwork scandal 9:00 Roger Waters vs Ozzy Osbourne’s death 11:00 Freddie Mercury at 79 – what if? 14:00 Rick Beato interviews – awkward or genius? 20:00 Ed Sheeran’s bizarre “Death Album” plan 23:00 David Bowie’s 90,000-piece archive revealed 28:00 Oasis comeback & US takeover 31:00 Dave Grohl’s weirdest moments 33:00 Aerosmith & Yungblud at the VMAs #listenerland #musicpodcast #pinkfloyd #edsheeran #freddiemercury #yungblud #funny #vmas

What do Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, and Jethro Tull have to do with Monty Python’s Life of Brian? More than you think. In this episode of Listener Land, we uncover how rock legends secretly funded British comedy — and explore the stranger side of music history.We also chat about:Iggy Pop’s shirtless curse at 78Phil Collins’ bizarre Mama laughPink Floyd’s hidden backward messageThe most-covered song in historyQueen’s surprising Guinness World RecordAC/DC’s Back in Black inspired by… a sewing machineJack White and the myth of Seven Nation ArmySnoop Dogg’s Swansea City gambleAnd why some bands age better than othersHit play and join us for music myths, legends, and laughs.

Cream’s career was just two years. Seriously. In this episode we debate the shortest-lived iconic bands, AC/DC’s almost-name, the one song we’d erase forever, and whether Stevie Wonder’s legacy is bigger than Ozzy’s.Enjoyed this? Subscribe for weekly music debates and deep dives.00:00 Cream’s 2-year career — shortest legendary band?02:10 Sex Pistols, Nirvana and other ultra-short runs05:05 AC/DC almost called “The Big Balls”?09:00 Def Leppard vs AC/DC — which gig would you pick?15:00 Vinyl stories and a sober gig at The Wardrobe (Leeds)20:00 The Balls: steal one musical talent for a day23:00 The song we’d erase from existence24:30 Best protest or politically charged song27:00 Best movie soundtrack28:00 Best artist collaboration32:00 Stevie Wonder vs Ozzy — who leaves the bigger legacy?36:00 Which decade had the best music?37:00 Best song intro ever39:00 Gilmour, Waters and the shed saga#MusicPodcast #RockHistory #Cream

Rock is on the rise again — and punk might be leading the charge. 🎸In this episode of the Listener Land Podcast, we dig into the numbers, trends, and wild stories behind rock’s comeback.We cover:TikTok’s unexpected role in punk rock’s revivalRock concerts’ 13% growth in 2024 (Live Nation stats)Why grassroots music venues are still closing — and what could save themThe strange truth behind Radiohead’s The Bends album coverFoo Fighters’ drummer swap with Nine Inch NailsOasis’s lawsuit with Coca-Cola over “Shakermaker”Why traditional radio is losing listeners🎧 New episodes every week. Subscribe and join the conversation.📩 Follow us on YouTube for video episodes: youtube.com/@listenerland

This week on Listener Land, we’re talking about the wild (and very real) campaign to rename Birmingham Airport after Ozzy Osbourne — yes, seriously. From the fan petition to the official response, we unpack whether this honour is deserved or just a bit much.Also in the mix:Fleetwood Mac’s on-again-off-again chaosAxl Rose and Bob Dylan — time to finally hang it up?A tribute to Ozzy’s final gig and emotional legacyOasis’s beer tsunami at WembleyElton John joins… Spinal Tap?Plus: the surprising secret of The Pretty Reckless’ frontwomanPacked with music trivia, opinionated rants, and some surprisingly heartfelt moments.🎸 Hit follow and join us for a weekly dive into the weird and wonderful world of music.

This week, Listener Land heads to Gallagher Hill, where Oasis fans found a way to see the Manchester gig without paying a penny. We talk Liam’s £40K ticket swipe, the chaos outside the fence, and the revival of Oasis mania — tracksuits, haircuts and all.Also in this episode:• Tomorrowland’s main stage catches fire days before opening• Coldplay’s kiss cam exposes a possible office affair• Nicole Scherzinger finds Prince in a bush (yes, really)• Fleetwood Mac tease a reunion with cryptic posts• Why Toto’s “Africa” is playing on repeat forever in the desert• The origin of Christine McVie’s “Songbird” — and how she nearly lost it foreverIt’s gig gossip, music mayhem, and oddball trivia from the world of sound.Oasis, Liam Gallagher, Gallagher Hill, Tomorrowland, Coldplay, Kiss Cam, Fleetwood Mac, Nicole Scherzinger, Prince, Toto Africa, Music Podcast, Listener Land, UK Podcasts, Gig Stories, Music Scandals

This week, we unpack the charity concert that shook the rock world — a one-night-only mega show that raised a staggering £190 million and featured everyone from Ozzy to Yungblud, Ronnie Wood to Steven Tyler. But what made it work? Why was it so successful? And is this the new blueprint for farewell gigs?We dig into the performances, the unexpected guest spots, and the clever format behind the scenes — and ask whether this kind of event could become the future of rock’s final bows.Also in this episode:Is Ozzy now bigger than Sabbath?Who absolutely smashed their covers (and who didn’t)?The duet we never knew was meant to happenJoe Bonamassa’s questionable “better tone” adviceLewy’s night at a Kate Bush cabaret showOur favourite musical duets of all timeAnd: how long does the average band actually last?Featuring music nerdery, hot takes, and a few unlikely facts — it’s another trip into the odd corners of the music world with Listener Land.#ListenerLandPodcast #CharityGig #OzzyOsbourne #StevenTyler #KateBush #Yungblud #Duets #RockNews #MusicPodcast

We were wrong about Ozzy. But from scammy Led Zeppelin tour posters to Dolly Parton’s surprising collaborations, we were right about a lot of other things. This week, the Listener Land gang unpacks music hoaxes, awkward farewells, and the strange world of streaming concerts.Also featuring: Brian Wilson, saxophone misfires, and a greasy Steven Tyler cameo.#OzzyOsbourne #BlackSabbath #MusicPodcast #DollyParton #LedZeppelin #BrianWilson #ListenerLandPodcast #MusicNews #PodcastUK

The Listener Land crew are back — and Glastonbury’s been eventful. From surprise sets and strange sound mixes to Robbie Williams rumours and Lorde’s bold new album drop, we unpack it all.Plus:• Alanis Morissette’s still got it• Supergrass struggle on the big stage• Is rock music officially dead?• Bono’s tragic backstory reveals a softer side• And… The Beatles’ sons have formed a band?We also get into Japan’s obsession with CDs, the fall of sleeve notes, and why vinyl still matters. It’s music chat with a pint in hand and a bolt of lightning overhead.

What do you get when Ed Sheeran, Dave Grohl, and John Mayer team up on a track? A confusing, chaotic, maybe brilliant collaboration — and John being very John about it.This week, we unpack:John Mayer’s “troll” solo on Ed Sheeran’s new F1 songWhy this unexpected trio kind of… makes sense?Jack Black’s record-breaking 34-second Minecraft songNetflix’s biopics on Robert Plant and David GilmourThe truth behind Smokey Robinson’s shocking allegationsLeland Sklar’s legendary producer prankWhether 37-track albums are genius or junkPlus: Mayer vs Sheeran, who’s really got staying power?🎙 Hosted by Louis, Geoff & Wayne📍 New episodes weekly on Listener Land

Metallica triggered a tremor, Gaga played to 2.2 million fans, and Sheffield’s legendary Leadmill might be closing for good. Also: LimeWire lawsuits, Jimmy Page tape magic, and Radiohead vs. Muse in the moody misery stakes.

This week we dive into Foo Fighters dropping their drummer with no explanation, Avril Lavigne’s nostalgic comeback, and The Who’s ever-extending farewell. Plus: Craig David, Taylor Swift vs. Johnny Rotten, Springsteen on politics, and the band member vs. singer popularity debate.

We debate the best guitarists of every decade, from Clapton to Mayer — then spiral into Katy Perry’s 11-minute space trip, TikTok-fuelled electro stats, and whether swapping Bono into The Beatles would’ve worked. Also: misheard lyrics, band breakups, and the music video GOAT.