Digest

Eddie Trunk's Trunk Nation podcast features interviews with Tom Peterson of Cheap Trick and Matt Sorum. Peterson discusses Cheap Trick's new album, their Budokan legacy, and personal health. Sorum talks about his charity "Adopt the Arts," upcoming tribute concerts, his work with Steven Tyler's Janie's Fund, and his career with bands like Guns N' Roses and Velvet Revolver. The episode also touches on the enduring appeal of rock legends and the next generation of vocalists, with mentions of upcoming charity events.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction and Artist Previews

Eddie Trunk introduces the Trunk Nation Podcast, emphasizing its unfiltered nature and availability on SiriusXM. He previews upcoming interviews with Tom Peterson of Cheap Trick and Matt Sorum, known for his work with Guns N' Roses and The Cult.

00:03:32

Cheap Trick's Music and Legacy

Eddie Trunk interviews Tom Peterson of Cheap Trick about their new album "All Washed Up," their consistent music output, and unique live performances. Peterson also discusses Cheap Trick's return to Budokan, the success of their live album there, and future shows.

00:25:21

Tom Peterson's Health and Band Reflections

Tom Peterson shares insights into his past heart surgery and current health. Eddie Trunk reflects on Cheap Trick's enduring appeal, their consistent new music, and spontaneous live performances.

00:34:38

Matt Sorum's Charity Work and Early Influences

Matt Sorum discusses his charity "Adopt the Arts," which supports music education in schools, and an upcoming tribute concert honoring Geezer Butler and Paul Rodgers. He also shares anecdotes about his time in Deadland Ritual and Geezer Butler's early days with Black Sabbath.

00:49:02

Sorum's Collaborations and Band Projects

Matt Sorum details his long-standing relationship with Steven Tyler and his role in Janie's Fund events. He discusses the origins and evolution of his all-star band Kings of Chaos, his experiences with Guns N' Roses, and the formation and success of Velvet Revolver, expressing pride in their album "Contraband."

01:13:22

Rock Legacies and Upcoming Events

The conversation touches on the passing of singers like Chester Bennington and Scott Weiland, comparing them to rock icons and discussing the next generation of rock vocalists. Upcoming events are mentioned: Janie's Fund on February 1st and an "Adopt the Arts" event on March 2nd honoring Geezer Butler and Paul Rodgers.

01:15:12

Anecdotes and Musical Connections

Matt Sorum shares a funny story involving Gene Simmons and King's Chaos, and recounts a memorable experience in Japan with Sammy Hagar, highlighting cultural differences in show start times. The discussion delves into Mr. Big's popularity in Japan and how Sorum joined The Cult.

01:19:52

Final Reflections and Career Highlights

Sorum expresses enjoyment of the conversation and reiterates the upcoming "Adopt the Arts" event. Eddie Trunk reflects on Matt Sorum's extensive career as a rock organizer and concert creator, highlighting his success with King's Chaos, his charity work, and his ability to play with musical heroes.

Keywords

Q&A

• What is the Trunk Nation Podcast and where can it be heard?

  The Trunk Nation Podcast is a talk radio show hosted by Eddie Trunk, focusing on hard rock and metal music. It features interviews with major artists and is available on SiriusXM (Faction Talk, Channel 103) and as a podcast on various platforms.

• What is the significance of Budokan for Cheap Trick?

  Cheap Trick recorded their highly successful live album "Cheap Trick at Budokan" at the venue in 1978, which significantly boosted their international fame. They recently returned to perform there again.

• What is Matt Sorum's charity, Adopt the Arts, and what is its mission?

  Adopt the Arts is a non-profit organization founded by Matt Sorum that provides music education in public schools. Its mission is to place music programs in schools that lack them, fostering creativity and musical development in children.

• Who are the main honorees at Matt Sorum's upcoming charity event?

  The upcoming "Adopt the Arts Sound and Vision" tribute concert will honor Geezer Butler of Black Sabbath and Paul Rodgers, known for his work with Free and Bad Company.

• What is Matt Sorum's role in Steven Tyler's Janie's Fund?

  Matt Sorum is a close collaborator and organizer for Steven Tyler's Janie's Fund, a charity supporting abused girls. He helps arrange the musical performances and lineups for the annual Grammy Watch Party and Jam event.

• How did Matt Sorum's involvement with Guns N' Roses impact his career?

  Being part of Guns N' Roses provided Matt Sorum with significant career momentum and credibility. He acknowledges that the band's moniker has opened doors for his subsequent projects, including Velvet Revolver and Kings of Chaos.

• What was the inspiration behind the formation of Velvet Revolver?

  Velvet Revolver was formed by former members of Guns N' Roses (Slash, Duff McKagan, Matt Sorum) and Scott Weiland of Stone Temple Pilots. The intention was to create new, aggressive, and rhythmically modern music, distinct from their previous work.

• Who are considered the next legacy rock singers following in the footsteps of icons like Robert Plant and Steven Tyler?

  Chester Bennington, Scott Weiland, and Chris Cornell are mentioned as potential successors, representing the next generation of influential rock vocalists who could have carried the torch for the coming decade.

• What are the upcoming events mentioned in the podcast?

  The podcast mentions Janie's Fund on February 1st and an "Adopt the Arts" event on March 2nd in Palm Springs, California, which will honor Geezer Butler and Paul Rodgers with performances by various musicians.

• How did Matt Sorum end up playing with The Cult?

  Pat Torpey, the original drummer for Mr. Big, was playing with Jimmy Page and was also involved with The Cult. When Torpey couldn't commit to The Cult due to forming Mr. Big, he recommended Matt Sorum for the position.

Show Notes