Send us a textIn this episode, we take a deep dive into the world of the Fictional Bands – musical acts created for TV or Movies that produce real rock-n-roll music. Imagine the effort it takes to create good music for a band that will never tour or play those songs for a concert crowd?! Do you have a favorite? Well, get ready to journey through the fascinating universe of fictional bands, this week on The Rock and Roll Show Podcast!===========================Connect with us on social media!Y...
Send us a textThis week, we talk with Nashville-based musician, producer, and studio engineer Scott Greenblatt about his musical evolution, going from the normal piano lessons that so many kids are forced to take to finding his place behind the keyboard. From playing block parties to home recording to playing out with his college band, along with a healthy dose of seeing live music courtesy of his folks, Scott finished college and made his way to Nashville, where he’s following his dream to m...
Send us a textWe’re trying something new on the show this week – a Top 10 List! Our first Top 10 list counts down the best first songs from an act’s debut album. We find it really interesting to see how new bands present themselves to the public right from the start. And what’s the best way for a new band or artist to make a good first impression? Put out a great first song, and put that song at the beginning of the act’s first album. Interestingly, most acts in the pre-streaming a...
Send us a textThis week, I’m reviewing the Joe Bonamassa concert at the Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, NY on the August 24th, 2024. Smokin’ Joe is an artist I’ve been waiting to see since the mid-90’s, and it was worth the wait. Wait – you don’t know who Joe Bonamassa is? If that’s the case, you'll learn about his remarkable rise, the bands that shaped him, and the unparalleled guitar skills that make him one of today’s most respected blues musicians – all without any mainstream recog...
Send us a textThis week, I speak with my old friend Mike Thomas about his lifelong love of music and specifically live music. Mike was into all kinds of music as a kid, before taking a deep dive into the New York City hardcore music scene in the early ‘90’s. His insights and experiences, along with some incredible photos, help bring this underground scene into the light, and alone make this episode a can’t miss.From there, we discuss the transformative power of music scenes in opening minds, ...
Send us a textThis week, I’m reviewing the Black Pumas show at The Capitol Theater on August 1st, 2024. The show delivered some moments I’ve honestly never seen before, and they revolved around the singer’s interactions with the audience. A good show musically was elevated by Eric Burton’s drive to connect with all of us in new and creative ways, as well as an amazing light show. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just discovering the Black Pumas, this episode promises to transport you to ...
Send us a textThis week, we talk with Vanessa Cardenas, a Betrayal Recovery Specialist and an avid music fan. She’ll take us on an exhilarating ride through her formative years in New York City's iconic music scene during the ‘70’s and ‘80’s. Her love of music grew in the ‘90’s, and served as a catalyst for great concert experiences, from a marathon Pearl Jam set at Randall's Island to discovering the Mighty, Mighty BossTones at Lollapalooza. We revisit other great shows, including the Struts...
Send us a textOn this episode, our guest is Tom Williams, the founder and managing director of Edge Partner Consulting. Tom shares his compelling journey through the world of live music that began in the least likely of places—a "music desert" in Northern California. From the moment his mother brought home a console stereo, Tom's world was transformed, thanks to his brother-in-law's eclectic musical tastes. This episode explores Tom's early love for alt rock bands, setting the stage for a lif...
Send us a textThis week, I'm reviewing the Foo Fighters concert at Citi Field on July 17th, an event that tested the resilience of fans and performers alike. It started out strong, with electrifying supporting performances by The Pretenders and Mammoth WVH, before the Foos came out of the gates strong. But the night wasn't without its hiccups—an abrupt end due to lightning threats left fans disappointed and seeking answers. I dive into the ethical quandaries that arise when concerts are ...
Send us a textThis week, join me as I walk through the albums that shaped my musical tastes over the years. These aren’t my favorite albums, or my favorite bands, but the 12 albums that found me at just the right times in my life and helped me develop and evolve my interest in rock-n-roll music, in all it’s forms.I share stories about how I came upon each of these albums, and how seeing bands live was a big driver in pushing me to seek out more music. You’ll learn more about me, and hopefully...
Send us a textThis week, our guest is Carl King, a change consultant and executive coach from the Chicago area who has a fascinating life story that intersects with live music at multiple points. Raised to be a preacher from his youth, he found live music as a teen and felt himself pulled between his life in the pulpit and on the stage. Join us as we hear how Carl navigated the complexities of a strict religious environment while nurturing an undeniable love for music. Along the way, we’...
Send us a textWhat if a simple Musical Aptitude Test could alter the course of your life forever? Charlie Trantanella’s story is a testament to the transformative power of music. Charlie's musical journey began with a fateful school test that led him to join his elementary school band. From his early love for Led Zeppelin to mastering the trumpet in a jazz band, Charlie’s dedication to his craft is both inspiring and moving. Join us as Charlie recounts his teenage years filled with band ...
Send us a textJoin us on this week's episode as we sit down with Jeff Greenblatt, who takes us through his early musical experiences shaped by his parents' love for oldies, doo-wop, and Broadway show tunes. Jeff also shares how his initial interests in video games and sports eventually gave way to a burgeoning passion for music, thanks to his older brother and the iconic New York rock stations. From Billy Joel's quintessential New York soundtracks to the irresistible pull of the Gratefu...
Send us a textOur guest this week is my college roommate, Dr. Stephen Berkwitz. We reminisce about our college days and Steve's influence on my musical tastes. Steve shares great stories about the shows he's seen throughout his life, spanning a wide variety of musical genres and acts from Prince and Soul Asylum to Alice Cooper and The Lunachicks. Additionally, he lifts the curtain behind the scenes from his time as a concert promoter, as we hear how a show is (or is not) cancelled becaus...
Send us a textThis week's guest is Jason Rushforth, who shares his journey through the world of live music. From the magnetic pull of The Beatles, courtesy of his British father, to the electrifying vibes of his first Motley Crue concert, Jason's stories are a testament to the lifelong magic of music. As he takes us through his early days of musical discovery, prepare to be transported back to your own formative years of concert-going and album-spinning. And our journey doesn't stop at rock-n...
Send us a textWhat happens when an Aussie music enthusiast falls for the American live music scene? Join us on this episode as Soph Stafford, our first international guest, shares her fascinating musical journey. Soph's story is fueled by a deep love for live shows, which for her means coming to the United States with her husband at least once a year to see concerts.From bucket list dreams to backstage encounters with legends like Neil Finn, Def Leppard, and the Backstreet Boys, this episode ...
Send us a textThe Rolling Stones blew through the Metropolitan area over Memorial Day Weekend, and I was fortunate to be able to catch the first of their two shows at MetLife Stadium. This concert review breaks down the the entire show - whether you're a lifelong Stones fan or just know their music, you will feel like you were right there with me, amidst a sea of Stones t-shirts watching rock and roll legends who continue to re-define the limits for great rock-n-r...
Send us a textOn this week's episode, Sam Elkin of C3 Presents and I walk through the sonic corridors of our past, reminiscing about the shows that shaped us. Prepare to see concerts from a different perspective as Sam, with his insider know-how, unravels the complex tapestry of curating some of the most dynamic live music events in the industry. His tales will illuminate the unseen threads of brand partnerships that keep the vibrant festival scene pulsating, offering a rare peek behind...
Send us a textThis week, I sit down with Rod Drysdale, an old friend and former bandmate, to chat about our shared passion for the rock gigs that have become the soundtrack to our lives. Rod's love of music runs deep, and we go through his musical evolution, from Adult Contemporary music in the '70's, to Southern Rock, then Prog, then Metal, then everything, all at once.Learn which band Rod took his wife to go see on their first date, which instrument he swapped for the drums, and how he got ...
Send us a textOn this week's show, we're skating down memory lane with the engaging lead vocalist of The Zambonis and The Levees. Dave Schneider is a great storyteller, and his musical journey is a series of anecdotes that ring with laughter and joy. From making up original songs at open mic nights to the Zambonis' recent induction into the New England Rock-N-Roll Hall of Fame, we'll be covering Dave's charmed and charming life in music. Get ready to learn about "Hockey Rock" and ...