Twisted Sister & Wolfgang Van Halen
Digest
Eddie Trunk's Trunk Nation podcast features a major announcement: Sebastian Bach will be the new vocalist for Twisted Sister, replacing Dee Snyder due to health reasons. Bach, a longtime fan, expresses his excitement and respect for the band's legacy. Twisted Sister members JJ French and Eddie Ojeda discuss Trunk's pivotal role in connecting them with Bach and reflect on the band's history and enduring impact. The conversation also touches on Twisted Sister's punk roots, humor, and past collaborations. The podcast then shifts to an interview with Wolfgang Van Halen, who discusses the challenges of being perceived as a "kid" in the industry and his deep personal investment in his band, Mammoth WVH. He shares insights into the realities of touring, vocal and guitar care on the road, and his commitment to authentic live performances, expressing concern over the rise of AI and pre-recorded tracks. Van Halen details Mammoth WVH's extensive upcoming tour schedule, including dates with Bush, Iron Maiden, and headline shows across various continents. The discussion also covers the success of his song "The Spell" at rock radio, artistic freedom in music production, and his aspirations for future touring in new regions. The latter part of the show includes reflections on opening for legendary bands like Megadeth and Deep Purple, adapting setlists for different audiences, memorable touring highlights like Metallica's "72 Seasons" tour, and the creative process behind new music, including the influence of the LA wildfires on his album "The End." The conversation also touches on appreciation for bands like Altar Bridge, archival releases, fan interactions, and the importance of live music authenticity.
Outlines
Introduction and Twisted Sister's New Vocalist Announcement
Eddie Trunk introduces the Trunk Nation Podcast and announces the major news of Sebastian Bach becoming the new vocalist for Twisted Sister, replacing Dee Snyder due to health issues. He highlights his role in facilitating the connection and discusses Bach's long-standing fandom and respect for the band.
Live Interview with Twisted Sister Members and Sebastian Bach
Eddie Trunk interviews Twisted Sister members JJ French and Eddie Ojeda, along with Sebastian Bach, discussing the announcement, their initial reactions, Bach's emotional connection to the band, and JJ French's perspective on recruiting Bach, emphasizing Trunk's crucial role.
Twisted Sister's History, Humor, and Musical Legacy
The discussion delves into Twisted Sister's history, their punk rock roots, humor, and past collaborations with Sebastian Bach. Mike Portnoy's inspiration from the band is mentioned, along with fan memories of their energetic live performances.
Behind-the-Scenes of the Announcement and Dee Snyder's Blessing
Eddie Trunk recounts the humorous process of contacting Sebastian Bach and clarifies details about upcoming tour dates. Sebastian Bach shares his conversation with Dee Snyder, who gave his blessing due to health issues, and emphasizes his respect for the band's legacy.
Band Management, Lineup Changes, and Live Show Aesthetics
JJ French describes his disciplined band management style and discusses Twisted Sister's history of lineup changes, emphasizing the endurance of their music. Eddie Ojeda and Sebastian Bach discuss the potential use of makeup and costumes for upcoming shows.
"Resurrection" and Return to the Stage
Sebastian Bach describes the upcoming Twisted Sister shows as a "resurrection," aiming for fresh energy. Eddie Ojeda expresses his excitement about returning to play guitar with the band.
Comparisons, Future Plans, and Rehearsal Energy
Eddie Trunk compares Sebastian Bach's role to Axel Rose joining AC/DC. Eddie Ojeda discusses the open-ended nature of the upcoming shows. Sebastian Bach shares the incredible feeling of rehearsing with Twisted Sister.
Lyrical Resonance and Enduring Influence
Sebastian Bach connects Dee Snyder's lyrics to current situations and reiterates his lifelong admiration for Twisted Sister's consistent energy and influence. Eddie Trunk emphasizes the respect for Dee Snyder and the enduring power of the music.
The Rejuvenating Power of Rock and Roll
Eddie Trunk and Sebastian Bach discuss how rock and roll, and performing Twisted Sister's music, keeps them feeling young and energized. Eddie Trunk expresses appreciation for Sebastian Bach's dedication as a listener.
The Advantage of Live Radio and Trunk's Role
Eddie Trunk highlights the benefits of a live daily radio show for immediate interviews and reveals his instrumental role in connecting Sebastian Bach with Twisted Sister, having prior knowledge of the announcement.
Bach's Fan Identity and Reaction to the News
Eddie Trunk emphasizes Sebastian Bach's primary identity as a devoted fan and recounts Bach's initial confusion and then overwhelming excitement upon hearing about the possibility of joining Twisted Sister.
Introduction to Wolfgang Van Halen Interview
Eddie Trunk introduces Wolfgang Van Halen, discussing his touring and the challenges of industry perception. Van Halen expresses frustration with being called a "kid" and desires to be seen solely as a musician.
Mammoth WVH's Artistic Stakes and Touring Realities
Wolfgang Van Halen discusses the high artistic stakes and personal investment in Mammoth WVH, his "baby." He explains that touring involves logistics, with performance being the enjoyable part, and shares his adaptation to the rigors of the road.
Creative Modes and Pre-Show Routines
Van Halen uses the "studio battery" and "road battery" analogy for his creative modes. He describes his minimal pre-show routine, relying on tour energy and a simple fist bump rather than extensive vocal warm-ups.
Vocal Care and Guitar Warm-up Practices
Eddie Trunk and Wolfgang Van Halen discuss vocal care on tour. Van Halen explains that extensive guitar warm-ups are unnecessary due to frequent playing during shows and soundchecks.
Eddie Van Halen's Guitar Dedication and Band Dynamics
Wolfgang Van Halen contrasts his approach with his father Eddie Van Halen's constant guitar playing. He praises his Mammoth WVH bandmates for their seamless collaboration and individual talents.
Commitment to Live Music Authenticity
Wolfgang Van Halen strongly believes in live music remaining truly live and expresses concern over the increasing use of AI and pre-recorded tracks. Eddie Trunk emphasizes the fundamental importance of authentic live rock shows.
"Eddie and the Tracks" and Upcoming Tour Schedule
Eddie Trunk humorously recounts his "Eddie and the Tracks" concept. Wolfgang Van Halen details Mammoth WVH's packed touring schedule, including headline dates, opening for Bush, festivals, and international dates.
"The Spell" Success and Artistic Freedom
Eddie Trunk congratulates Wolfgang Van Halen on "The Spell" reaching number one at rock radio. Van Halen discusses the rewarding experience of creating music with artistic freedom, free from heavy A&R influence.
European Reception and Future Touring Aspirations
Wolfgang Van Halen describes the positive reception of Mammoth WVH in Europe and expresses his desire to tour in new regions like South America, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand.
Praising Bush and Anticipating Iron Maiden Tour
Wolfgang Van Halen praises Bush's current live performances and anticipates an "insane" and "religious experience" opening for Iron Maiden in South America.
Musical Upbringing and Influences
The speaker discusses upcoming tours in Brazil and with Iron Maiden, reflecting on their musical upbringing and influences like AC/DC and Peter Gabriel, shaped by their father's taste.
Opening for Legendary Bands and Musical Versatility
The speaker expresses excitement about upcoming tours with Megadeth and Deep Purple. They detail a busy touring schedule with bands like Bush and Guns N' Roses, emphasizing musical versatility.
Adapting Setlists and Memorable Touring Highlights
The speaker explains tailoring setlists for specific crowds, citing examples like opening for Metallica. They reflect on significant touring experiences, including opening for Foo Fighters and Metallica's "72 Seasons" World Tour.
New Music Creation and Studio Experiences
The speaker discusses plans for a new record, the creative process with producer Elvis Baskette, and balancing touring with songwriting. They share insights into recording at 5150 studio and the impact of LA wildfires on lyrical content.
Appreciation for Altar Bridge and Musical Legacies
The speaker praises the new Altar Bridge record and discusses the legacy of Van Halen and unreleased music, clarifying their supportive role in archival releases.
Fan Interactions and Concert Etiquette
The speaker engages with fans about tour setlist adjustments and weather conditions. They discuss views on cell phone usage at concerts, contrasting approaches with other artists.
Musical Journey, Father-Son Collaboration, and Legacy
The speaker addresses performing Van Halen songs, discusses jamming with their father on "Selfish," and reflects on their father's musical legacy and philosophy.
Favorite Van Halen Albums and Self-Taught Musicianship
The speaker shares favorite Van Halen albums, discusses their father's musical philosophy, and highlights their self-taught musical journey, emphasizing learning by ear and observation.
Fan Stories and Generational Musical Inspiration
The speaker listens to a fan's story about their father's influence and their son's admiration, highlighting the generational impact of their music.
Top Riffs and Learning by Ear
The speaker discusses involvement in "Top 10 Riffs" segments and elaborates on their self-taught musical journey, emphasizing learning by ear and through observation.
Keywords
Sebastian Bach
Former frontman of Skid Row, now stepping in as the lead vocalist for Twisted Sister's upcoming tour dates. Known for his powerful vocals and stage presence.
Twisted Sister
Iconic heavy metal band formed in the late 1970s, known for hits like "We're Not Gonna Take It" and "I Wanna Rock." Currently embarking on a new chapter with a guest vocalist.
Dee Snyder
Original lead singer and frontman of Twisted Sister. Stepping back from touring due to health reasons, but has given his blessing for Sebastian Bach to take his place.
Eddie Trunk
Host of the Trunk Nation Podcast and SiriusXM radio show. A prominent figure in rock and metal music, known for his interviews and support of the genre.
JJ French
Founding member and guitarist of Twisted Sister. Plays a key role in the band's business and creative decisions, including the recruitment of Sebastian Bach.
Eddie Ojeda
Guitarist for Twisted Sister. Has been with the band for a significant period and is involved in their current touring plans with Sebastian Bach.
Wolfgang Van Halen
Son of Eddie Van Halen, musician, and frontman of Mammoth WVH. Discusses his touring experiences, musical process, and the challenges of age perception in the industry.
Mammoth WVH
Wolfgang Van Halen's solo band project, known for its blend of hard rock and melodic elements. Currently on an extensive tour supporting their latest album.
Live Music Authenticity
The principle of performing music live without reliance on backing tracks or excessive pre-recorded elements. A value strongly upheld by musicians like Eddie Trunk and Wolfgang Van Halen.
Rock Radio Success
Achieving the number one position on rock radio charts. A significant milestone for artists, indicating strong listener engagement and popularity of their music.
Q&A
Why is Sebastian Bach stepping in as the vocalist for Twisted Sister?
Dee Snyder is unable to tour due to health issues, specifically arthritis and bone-on-bone pain in his knees, which prevent him from performing the physically demanding aspects of the shows. Dee has given his blessing for Sebastian Bach to take his place.
What is Sebastian Bach's connection to Twisted Sister?
Sebastian Bach is a long-time, devoted fan of Twisted Sister. He has a history of past collaborations with the band, including a surprise performance in 2001 and recording a cover of "You Can't Stop Rock and Roll" for a tribute album.
How does Eddie Trunk feel about Sebastian Bach joining Twisted Sister?
Eddie Trunk feels Sebastian Bach is the only suitable person to step into the frontman role for Twisted Sister, praising his vocal ability, stage presence, and genuine fan passion. He helped facilitate the connection between Bach and the band.
What is Wolfgang Van Halen's perspective on being called a "kid"?
Wolfgang Van Halen finds it frustrating to constantly be referred to as a "kid," especially as he gets older. He wishes to be seen simply as a musician without age-related labels, feeling he'll never escape the "kid" or "old man" perception.
What is Wolfgang Van Halen's approach to vocal warm-ups?
Wolfgang Van Halen generally avoids extensive vocal warm-ups, feeling they can deplete his voice before a show. He prefers to rely on the energy of the tour and a minimal warm-up only if his voice feels "gravelly."
What are Wolfgang Van Halen's future touring aspirations?
Wolfgang Van Halen hopes to tour in regions like South America, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand in the future, aiming to expand Mammoth WVH's global reach beyond their current booked schedule.
What is the significance of "The Spell" reaching number one on rock radio?
The success of "The Spell" at rock radio signifies that Wolfgang Van Halen's music is resonating deeply with listeners, validating his artistic choices and demonstrating the power of his authentic expression.
What are your thoughts on the upcoming tours with bands like Iron Maiden and Deep Purple?
The speaker expresses significant excitement and honor about touring with legendary bands like Iron Maiden and Deep Purple, viewing it as a major highlight and a testament to their own musical journey.
How do you decide which songs to play in your setlist when opening for different bands?
The band strategically adapts their setlist based on the audience, citing examples like adjusting for Metallica fans by prioritizing tempo. They aim to play songs that best represent them while resonating with the specific crowd.
Can you describe your creative process for writing new music, especially when balancing it with extensive touring?
The process involves generating ideas, working with a producer, and refining them over time. Touring is demanding, but the speaker plans to shift focus to creative work during breaks, expecting to have a surplus of new material.
How did the experience of the Los Angeles wildfires influence the themes and lyrics of your album "The End"?
The wildfires created a sense of panic and anxiety, which directly influenced the lyrical content of "The End." The proximity of the fires and the need to evacuate possessions contributed to the album's intense and emotional tone.
What is your perspective on cell phone usage at concerts, and do you consider implementing restrictions like some other bands?
While acknowledging the benefits for promotion, the speaker agrees with the sentiment of being present at shows. They find the idea of unplugging appealing but are unlikely to enforce strict phone lock-ups, recognizing the value of fan-recorded content for a younger band.
Can you share any memories or insights about jamming with your father, Eddie Van Halen, especially regarding your first album?
Yes, the speaker has a video of jamming with their father on the song "Selfish" in 2014. They taught him the guitar part, and he played drums, highlighting a special collaborative moment that predates the album's release.
What are your favorite Van Halen albums, and what makes them special to you?
The speaker favors "Fair Warning" and "1984" from the David Lee Roth era, and "For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge" and "Balance" from the Sammy Hagar era, citing specific songs and personal connections to the recording of "316."
How did you develop your musical skills across different instruments, and do you recommend formal lessons?
The speaker is largely self-taught, learning by ear and observation. While they wish they had taken piano lessons, they believe the best approach depends on individual learning styles, with YouTube also being a valuable resource.
Show Notes
Jay Jay French, Sebastian Bach and Eddie Ojeda reveal the surprising news that Bach will be stepping in as Twisted Sister's new frontman after Dee Snider had to step down due to arthritis in his knees. Bach, a lifelong fan who once painted the Twisted Sister logo on his school jacket, shares his emotional conversation with Dee who gave his full blessing. The musicians discuss their history together, including Bach's previous recording with the band on a tribute album, and their excitement about upcoming shows. After that, Wolfgang Van Halen discusses Mammoth's packed touring schedule for the year, including headline dates, supporting Bush, and opening for Iron Maiden in South America. He discusses his favorite Van Halen albums, reveals that his father was enthusiastic about his Mammoth material, and shares a touching story about jamming with his dad on 'Selfish,' a song that would later appear on his album 'The End.'
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