Digest

This podcast features interviews with Taylor Momsen of The Pretty Reckless and the thrash metal bands Testament and Overkill. Taylor Momsen discusses her upcoming album "Dear God," her experiences touring with major bands, creative outlets like crocheting, and her admiration for Soundgarden. She also touches on the success of The Pretty Reckless's Christmas EP and their upcoming headline tour. The second half of the podcast features Chuck Billy of Testament and Bobby Blitz of Overkill, who discuss their joint tour, their long-standing friendship, and the evolution of their respective bands. They share insights on their new albums, "Parabellum" for Testament and future plans for Overkill, vocal health, performance longevity, and memorable touring anecdotes. The conversation also covers reclaiming catalog rights, band management, health updates, and future touring and album plans, concluding with a discussion about Metallica at the Sphere and tour promotion details.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction and Interview with Taylor Momsen

Eddie Trunk previews upcoming interviews and introduces Taylor Momsen. They discuss her lost phone, the upcoming album "Death by Rock and Roll," and her experiences touring with AC/DC and the Rolling Stones.

00:15:01

The Making of "Dear God" and Creative Pursuits

Taylor Momsen details the recording process for "Dear God," emphasizing the importance of life experiences for inspiration and the challenges of songwriting. She also shares her new hobbies, crocheting and boxing, and discusses new songs like "I Am Death" and "When I Wake Up," exploring their lyrical themes.

00:27:36

Honoring Soundgarden and The Pretty Reckless's Christmas EP

Taylor Momsen reflects on her performance of "Rusty Cage" and her admiration for Chris Cornell and Soundgarden. She also discusses the unexpected success and personal significance of The Pretty Reckless's Christmas EP, created during the pandemic.

00:32:40

The Pretty Reckless's Upcoming Headline Tour

Taylor Momsen expresses excitement for The Pretty Reckless's upcoming headline tour, highlighting the freedom and joy of performing new material and controlling their own shows.

00:34:54

Interview with Testament and Overkill

Eddie Trunk welcomes Chuck Billy of Testament and Bobby Blitz of Overkill, discussing their joint tour, their long-standing friendship since the Megaforce Records days, and their shared history in thrash metal.

00:41:39

New Music and Touring Plans for Testament and Overkill

Chuck Billy discusses Testament's new album "Parabellum," its evolving songwriting process, and positive reception. Bobby Blitz talks about Overkill's upcoming music, aiming for a late 2026 release, and their current tour, noting DD Vernie's absence due to injury.

00:47:41

Vocal Health, Performance Longevity, and Physical Limitations

Chuck Billy and Bobby Blitz share insights on maintaining vocal health and performance over decades, discussing techniques, warm-up routines, and the importance of singing in their natural voice. They also address physical limitations on stage and their commitment to engaging performances.

00:54:48

Global Touring Experiences and Memorable Anecdotes

Chuck Billy and Bobby Blitz share experiences touring globally, discussing dream destinations and the joy of connecting with new fans. They recount humorous and chaotic tour stories, highlighting enduring camaraderie.

01:00:15

Setlist Strategy, Catalog Rights, and Band Management

Chuck Billy explains Testament's setlist choices, and both bands discuss reclaiming their music catalog rights from Atlantic Records. They also touch on their involvement in managing their bands and the importance of good business acumen.

01:05:52

Health Updates, Future Plans, and Metallica at the Sphere

Chuck Billy and Bobby Blitz provide positive health updates and discuss their commitment to staying active. They talk about upcoming touring schedules, new albums, potential collaborations, and the unique venue of the Sphere for Metallica's shows.

01:12:01

Tour Promotion and Final Thoughts

The hosts promote the joint tour featuring Testament, Overkill, and Destruction, providing website details. They reflect on the long history with the guests, discuss the tour's appeal for old-school thrash fans, and mention specific tour dates and Overkill's absence from one date. The absence of Dede Verney is explained, and listeners are directed to find more information online.

Keywords

Q&A

• What is the significance of the new album "Dear God" for The Pretty Reckless?

  "Dear God" marks The Pretty Reckless's first album in five years, following "Death by Rock and Roll." It's described as a complete story meant to be listened to as a whole, with lyrical themes exploring excess, self-discovery, and overcoming personal struggles.

• How has Testament's songwriting evolved on the album "Parabellum"?

  Testament's songwriting on "Parabellum" has evolved with the inclusion of a younger drummer, bringing a fresh element. Chuck Billy and Eric Peterson have pushed their creative boundaries, challenging each other to explore new vocal and riffing territories, resulting in a more dynamic and "fresh" sound.

• What are Bobby Blitz's strategies for maintaining his vocal performance over the years?

  Bobby Blitz attributes his vocal longevity to singing in his natural speaking voice, which strengthens his vocal cords rather than weakening them. He also uses medical oxygen on stage to help with stamina and breathing, especially at high altitudes.

• How did the COVID-19 pandemic influence the creation of The Pretty Reckless's Christmas EP?

  During the pandemic lockdown, with limited activities, Taylor Momsen and the band decided to create a rock version of "White Christmas" due to fan requests. This led to a full original Christmas record, which became a healing and full-circle moment for Momsen, allowing her to revisit and reclaim parts of her childhood.

• What is the significance of Testament and Overkill reclaiming their catalog rights?

  Reclaiming their catalog rights from Atlantic Records allows Testament and Overkill to have full worldwide control over their music. This opens up opportunities for re-releases, new marketing initiatives, and a deeper connection with their legacy, especially with Nuclear Blast handling distribution.

• How do Chuck Billy and Bobby Blitz maintain their energy and performance levels on stage after decades of touring?

  Both vocalists have adapted their performance styles. Chuck Billy focuses more on singing and connecting with the audience, reducing headbanging to conserve energy. Bobby Blitz uses medical oxygen and paces himself, while both emphasize singing in their natural vocal range to avoid strain.

• What are the future plans for Overkill and Testament regarding touring and new music?

  Overkill plans to tour Europe twice this summer and aims to record a new album early next year. Testament will also be touring and releasing a new record.

• Why will Dede Verney not be participating in the upcoming Overkill tour?

  Dede Verney is unable to join the tour due to shoulder and rotator cuff issues from years of playing bass, and he is also involved with another band playing swing music.

• Where can fans find information and dates for the Testament, Overkill, and Destruction tour?

  Dates for the tour can be found on the respective bands' websites: testamentlegions.com for Testament and wreckingcrew.com for Overkill.

• What is notable about the Metallica shows at the Sphere?

  Metallica will be the first heavy rock band to perform at the Sphere, a venue known for its advanced technology and immersive experience, drawing significant attention.

Show Notes