Posted in Episodes Pizza punk rock

The Brokedowns talk new album, eat pizza slices (Episode 813)

Mustafa, Eric and Jon from the Brokedowns joined me for a chat over slices from Dante’s Pizzeria (3028 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647). We talked about their fantastic new album, “Maximum Khaki,” their first release in five (!) years….

Posted in Episodes Mexican food punk rock tacos

Punk Rock Tacos brings local all-ages shows back to forefront (Episode 809)

Noah Corona, creator and curator of Punk Rock Tacos, joins me for an episode about the ongoing live music series. The need for all-ages shows has never been stronger, and Punk Rock Tacos nailed it. This was my first visit,…

Posted in Episodes punk rock

Sludgeworth gets overdue ‘Losers of the Year’ vinyl release (Episode 798)

Chicago punk pioneers Sludgeworth (Dan Schafer- vocals, Adam White – guitar, Brian Vermin – drums) joins Car Con Carne right as their 1995 compilation album, “Losers of the Year,” is set for vinyl release (Red Scare) for the very first…

Posted in Episodes punk rock Riot Fest 2022

Riot Fest 2022: Bad Religion (Episode 776)

Bad Religion guitarists Brian Baker and “The Serb” Mike Dimkich joined me backstage at Riot 2022 before their “big font” set (that will make more sense when you listen). Things discussed: -How does Bad Religion break through to “the unconverted?”…

Posted in Episodes McHenry punk rock

Apocalypse Hoboken: Don’t call it a reunion (Episode 744)

Chicago punk favorites Apocalypse Hoboken return to the stage for two shows at Chop Shop this weekend (details below). Before those shows, ⅗ of the band (Tod, Andy and Scott) joined me at mutual favorite restaurant Epic Deli to talk…

Posted in Episodes Greek Greek food punk rock

From Screeching Weasel to the ‘Basement’: John ‘Jughead’ Pierson (Episode 740)

John ‘Jughead’ Pierson is probably best known as a founding member and driving force of Screeching Weasel up through the beginning of the 21st century. These days, he’s well into the triple digits of his long-running podcast, Jughead’s Basement. We…

Posted in East Bay Episodes pop punk punk rock San Francisco

Pinhead Gunpowder’s entire catalog reissued (Episode 723)

Green Day fans have been aware of Pinhead Gunpowder from the beginning, but the band still feels like one of punk rock’s best-kept secrets. The band (Billie Joe Armstrong, Jason White, Aaron Cometbus and Bill Schneider) is seeing all of…

Posted in Episodes punk rock

No headline necessary: NAKED RAYGUN (Episode 699)

The members of legendary Chicago band NAKED RAYGUN join the show to talk about their new release, “Over the Overlords,” their history, and why Styx, Cheap Trick and Rise Against should fear them. Appearing on this episode: Jeff Pezzati, Eric…

Posted in Episodes pop punk punk rock

Dan Vapid and the Cheats are back with ‘Escape Velocity’ (Episode 680)

Dan Vapid and the Cheats return with a new album, “Escape Velocity,” on Friday. Considering Vapid’s career has included runs in the Methadones, Screeching Weasel and Riverdales, it may seem audacious to say that he’s delivered one of his best…

Posted in alt country Episodes Ohio punk rock

500 Miles to Memphis go DIY and release best album (Episode 675)

500 Miles to Memphis just released their career best album, “Hard to Love,” and Ryan Malott joins me to talk about it. We cover a lot of topics: The new album, politics, the music business, the scourge of social media,…