The Bob Lefsetz Podcast

Patrick Spence is the CEO of Sonos. We discuss the creation of products, the marketing thereof, the company's place in the landscape as well as Patrick's history at BlackBerry! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael Rapino is CEO and President of Live Nation. Need I say more? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Harry Wayne Casey is "K.C." of K.C. and the Sunshine Band. He co-wrote and co-produced the first worldwide disco hit, "Rock Your Baby," and then followed it up with five number ones and a number two with his own group. K.C. worked his way up from record store clerk to label employee to international hit artist...on an independent label! Here we get the history as well as insight into the whirlwind of international stardom and an update on what K.C. is doing today. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rick Beato has 2.42 million subscribers to his YouTube channel "Everything Music": https://bit.ly/3hD3MNH He has scores of videos with more than one million views, his "Top 20 Acoustic Guitar Intros Of All Time" has 13 million views! Rick teaches you how to play the songs and analyzes why they're great or why they're not. Pull up his page, but be prepared to go down the rabbit hole, as we do in this conversation, where we discuss Rick's history, how he creates his videos and the ups and downs of the YouTube game. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Judy Collins was so upfront and honest she blew my mind. Judy talked in-depth about Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen and Bob Dylan and also spoke about her alcoholism and her son's suicide. I can see why Stephen Stills wrote "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes"...and we cover that too! What a refreshing alternative to those who are snooty or reticent, you talk to Judy and you're immediately her friend, you could see hanging out for hours, revealing each other's truth. Judy's already back to doing live gigs and is as vibrant as someone many decades her junior. I LOVED TALKING TO HER! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Legendary ZZ Top guitarist Billy F. Gibbons has a new solo album, "Hardware." We discuss its making in the desert as well as Mexican food, hot sauce, automobiles, travel, "I'm Bad, I'm Nationwide" and so much more. Billy is quite the raconteur and you'll want to hear him opine on multiple topics, it's like hanging with a good friend! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A man who needs no introduction... Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Merck Mercuriadis runs the most talked about company in music today, Hipgnosis Songs Fund, which has raised money to purchase the publishing catalogs of such luminaries as Jack Antonoff, Shakira, Steve Winwood, Nikki Sixx, Neil Schon, Mark Ronson, LA Reid, Dave Stewart, Chris Cornell, Chrissie Hynde, Carole Bayer Sager...and even half of Neil Young's! We cover Merck's history, his theory in starting Hipgnosis, his relationship with artists and much more. Originally recorded for Canadian Music Week. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bloomberg's Brad Stone is the expert on Amazon, he's written today's best selling book "Amazon Unbound" and 2013's "The Everything Store." Tune in to hear discussion of Jeff Bezos, the management processes of Amazon, the warehouses, third party sellers, AWS, Prime Video, hardware and more. This is the definitive statement! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jonathan Taplin started out as the road manager for the Jim Kweskin Jug Band and Judy Collins and then he became the tour manager for the Band. Along the way he worked with Bob Dylan and the Band at the Isle of Wight and helped produce the Concert for Bangladesh. Subsequently, Taplin produced Martin Scorsese's "Mean Streets" and brokered the sale of Disney and... Tune in to hear what was really happening in Woodstock with Bob Dylan and the Band and so much more! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shelly Banjo, Bloomberg's New York Bureau Chief, is the #1 expert on TikTok. Here we cover the company's birth, its algorithm, how music is picked and used, record companies' involvement, how much money creators make...TikTok is where hits start today, you need to listen to this! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dexter Holland is the lead singer and songwriter for the Offspring. We discuss his upbringing in Orange County, the formation of the band, his education, his Ph.D., his reaction to the band's "overnight" success with "Come Out and Play," label deals, his plane and... Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tom Freston was CEO of MTV Networks and then Viacom and is presently Chairman of the One Campaign, as well as an advisor to Vice and other companies. Tom is a fount of knowledge and insight, and he's down to earth and friendly. It's one thing to be a manager of people, quite another to be able to deliver live. We cover Africa, Afghanistan, Tom's upbringing, his clothing company in Asia and, of course, we go in-depth into MTV. He was was so good, I tingled. You absolutely do not want to miss this! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jimmy Kimmel is just funny. Add his superior intellect and you know why he's successful. Furthermore, he makes you feel included, like his best friend. We cover Jimmy's roots in Brooklyn as well as Las Vegas, his radio career, his discovery as a TV personality by Fred Silverman to "Win Ben Stein's Money," "The Man Show," Crank Yankers" and "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" Jimmy pulls no punches, either on his TV show or in this podcast. Even if you don't watch, you should listen, to get a feel for the playing field, to hear how someone makes it! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Cropper is literally a living legend. Guitar player, producer, writer...Cropper has had a hand in some of the most iconic tracks of all time, from "Green Onions" to "In the Midnight Hour" to "Knock on Wood" to "Dock of the Bay" to... We chart Steve's history from Missouri to Memphis, from the Mar-Keys to Booker T and the MGs, from Jim Stewart to Tom Dowd to John Lennon and the Blues Brothers and so much more. We discuss the creative process, the equipment, the characters...we go deep, and you don't want to miss this! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Slava Rubin was a cofounder and CEO of crowdfunding platform Indiegogo and in addition to being a founder and managing partner of investment firm humbition, he is now executive chairman of Vincent Alternative Investments, check it out: www.withvincent.com We discuss Slava's history, but we also go deep into alternative investments, i.e. NFTs and other assets you can purchase all or just a slice of. If you want to know all about cutting edge investments, this is the place! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dan Penn is a living legend who co-wrote "I'm Your Puppet," "Dark End of the Street," "Do Right Woman, Do Right Man," "Cry Like a Baby" and he produced the Box Tops' legendary hit THE LETTER! Dan recently released his first solo album in years, "Living on Mercy," and it's amazingly satisfying, check it out. And listen to this podcast to hear Dan's story, from Muscle Shoals to Memphis, he was there, the history comes alive. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tom Rush is the original singer/songwriter. Honing his chops in Cambridge while attending Harvard, Tom ultimately got record deals at Elektra and Columbia and is famous for not only his own songs, but for introducing those of James Taylor, Joni Mitchell and Jackson Browne to the masses. Listen as we hear not only about the history, but Tom's battle with Covid-19 and the aftermath, as well as what he's up to today. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael Fremer is the king of vinyl, he believed in its comeback when everybody else was selling their LPs. We discuss the availability of presses, demand, sound... Also, Michael is Senior Contributing Editor of "Stereophile" and thus we discuss audio equipment, what you should buy, how much you have to spend for good sound, turntable set-up... Fremer is a giant in his field, you want to listen to what he has to say. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Warren Haynes is the number one utility player in rock music today. Whether with the Allman Brothers, Gov't Mule, the Dead or other acts, for decades Warren has been playing guitar, without airs, depending only on chops, on stages and in studios throughout the nation. Furthermore, his vocals are as sweet as his guitar licks. Here we cover Warren's start in North Carolina as well as the breakup of the Allman Brothers and more. Unassuming, yet articulate, Warren has miles of experience and is as vital as ever. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most famously the manager of Dire Straits, Ed Bicknell started out as a drummer before becoming an agent and a manager and a drummer once again (you can hear him with the Notting Hillbillies!) Ed takes us all the way from the fifties in the U.K. to the agency world of today, with stops at the Shadows, the Beatles, Gerry Rafferty and so much more. Ed tells a good tale, you'll love hearing the history from him. (Recorded live at the International Live Music Conference.) Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Led Zeppelin, U2, Queen, Pink Floyd, the Who, the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Luciano Pavarotti, Andrea Bocelli... What do they all have in common? They've had shows promoted by Harvey Goldsmith. A Commander of the Order of the British Empire, even though he has no airs, Harvey Goldsmith has not only been a promoter, he's been the manager of Billy Connolly, Jeff Beck, the aforementioned Pavarotti... We start with the return of live shows and then move on to explorations of Brexit, Harvey's trials and tribulations in the concert business and even his bus trip across America in the sixties where he met the Grateful Dead. Harvey has been there and done that and is still doing it. Listen to one of the masters. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Fishof started out booking bands in the Catskills, then he dropped out of college to become a sports agent, representing household names like Lou Piniella and Phil Simms, and then he switched to music, putting the Monkees back together, signing Ringo Starr to do his All Starr Band shows, creating the Happy Together tour, promoting "Dirty Dancing" on stage and more! Now Fishof has segued into producing the Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp and during Covid he's been promoting master classes with rock stars. Yes, David Fishof is an energetic entrepreneur who makes things happen. This is his story. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steven Wilson has a new solo album, "The Future Bites." We discuss this as well as his work with Porcupine Tree but even if you're not a fan of his music, even if you've never heard of him, you need to listen to hear Wilson's stories of remixing King Crimson, Jethro Tull, Chicago and more. I was positively stunned how erudite and articulate Wilson was. If you're a music fan, I positively guarantee you you will lick up this podcast, Wilson is open, honest and RIVETING! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bode Miller is America's most decorated male alpine skier, winner of two World Cups and six Olympic medals. Bode is a self-taught wunderkind. We dive into his philosophy on education and go deep into his roots and his career, stopping along the way to investigate his innovations and his choices. Bode may have retired from competitive skiing, but he's involved in more than a dozen ventures, which keep him quite busy. I guarantee you if you're a ski fan you will have questions answered that have never been asked anywhere else. You'll learn about equipment, coaching, doping...all the aspects of ski racing at the elite level. Bode is intelligent and articulate, I was high for a day after talking to him! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Lillywhite checks in all the way from Jakarta, where he runs the largest music label for KFC, I kid you not! We delve into Steve's production of U2, Peter Gabriel, the Rolling Stones, Dave Matthews, Thompson Twins and more. But in addition to the stories you'll be captivated by the insight! Steve is quite the raconteur and if you want to know how a famous music producer makes records, this is the place! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian Wheat is the bassist for Tesla and he has a new autobiography, "Son of a Milkman." We chart the arc of Tesla's career, from fame to breakup to today, when they're making more money than ever, but we also delve into Brian's anxiety and depression, which he hopes will aid others to recognize their issues and get help, knowing they are not alone. In addition, we cover Brian's friendship with Jimmy Page, his passion for Victorian houses, his love of Italy... As my engineer remarked, talking to Brian was like hanging out in the recording studio, you'll feel like an insider! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A descendant of royalty, Michael Des Barres has had more record deals than seemingly anybody, from Silverhead to Detective to Chequered Past to solo, as well as acting in "MacGyver" and scores more movies and television shows. Recently a documentary of his life was released, "Michael Des Barres: Who Do You Want Me To Be?" We cover the film and so much more! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We discuss Mr. DiMucci's early years in the Bronx, getting a record deal, assembling the Belmonts, going on the road, getting on and off drugs, AA, his life in Miami, royalties, his new work and... Dion has been there and back, he's full of insight, AND HE'S STILL MARRIED TO RUNAROUND SUE! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We cover a lot of ground here. We start with an investigation into Todd's imminent virtual tour, and then move on to such topics as his engineering of "Stage Fright," the recording of "We're an American Band," the rescuing and resuscitation of Badfinger's "Straight Up," the end of Todd's relationship with Albert Grossman, his sale of his "Bat Out of Hell" royalty points to finance his Hawaii estate, the reversion of his rights and... Rundgren's a thinker. You'll not only learn about Todd's career choices, you'll gain insight into your own. A legend speaks! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christie Tate is the author of the best seller "Group: How One Therapist and a Circle of Strangers Saved My Life." On paper it appears that Christie has it all, she's #1 in her law school class, but her life is a mess. Group therapy unlocks Christie's life, and the result is a fulfilling job, marriage and more, but there are many bumps along the way. Listen to hear details of her journey! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jacob Collier's "Djesse Vol. 3" was the surprise of the Grammy nominations, landing a spot for Album of the Year. Jacob is fully aware that other artists were excluded, and he is a fan of both the Weeknd and Lady Gaga, but separate yourself from the blowback and Collier's story is both fascinating and inspirational. Only 26, Collier is a digital native who explored Logic and posted a video to YouTube and then all hell broke loose. Hang in there, it's a wild ride. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chelsea Handler has a new comedy special on HBO Max, "Evolution." We discuss that, as well as politics, relationships, books, streaming TV and our mutual passion...SKIING! You'll truly get to know the real Chelsea, who seemed as interested in me as I was in her! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Noel Paul Stookey was "Paul" in Peter, Paul & Mary. Listen to Noel tell stories of Greenwich Village in the early sixties, the folk scene, turning Albert Grossman on to Bob Dylan, having hits, being on the road, embracing Christianity and keepin' on keepin' on, writing and performing to this day. Noel is erudite and articulate and it's a thrill to hear him opine on what once was, he was there, and soon this era will be lost to the sands of time. This is a treat. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tom Werman produced hit albums for Cheap Trick, Motley Crue, Twisted Sister, Molly Hatchet, Ted Nugent and Poison and then chucked it all to run a B&B in the Berkshires! Listen to hear how Tom lived up to his parents' expectations, even getting an MBA, before jumping ship for CBS Records and a legendary career in music. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Danny Zelisko has been a concert promoter for nearly fifty years, and except for an interlude working for Live Nation, they've all been spent as an independent. Danny's got a new book, "All Excess," which details his career in words and pictures. Listen to hear how Danny broke into the Phoenix market and established a toehold in Las Vegas, where over the millennium weekend he lost...a million dollars. Loved by all, Danny is vibrant and engaging and still in the game. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You know Jackie "The Joke Man" Martling as Howard Stern's old writer/sidekick. Jackie claims to know more jokes than anybody, listen to hear about his journey from yesterday to today, from studying engineering to playing music to doing standup comedy. And he talks about the Stern Show too! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BTO, Loverboy, Bryan Adams, Michael Buble and more...Bruce Allen is a legendary manager who started out booking clubs in Vancouver and fifty years later is just as vital and integral to his acts' careers as ever. Listen to hear how Bruce made it, and about his love of Elvis! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dan Wilson is a songwriter, perfomer, producer and painter! You know him from Semisonic and "Closing Time" and "Secret Smile" as well as "Someone Like You," which he cowrote with Adele, and "Not Ready to Make Nice," which he cowrote with the (Dixie) Chicks, and many more. Listen for personal history, band stories and songwriting tips! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Richard Gottehrer is a songwriter, artist, producer, label owner and tech entrepreneur. "My Boyfriend's Back," "I Want Candy," "Sorrow," Sire Records, Blondie, Robert Gordon, Richard Hell and the Voidoids, Marshall Crenshaw, the Go-Go's, the Orchard...need I say more? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Manager of the Police and Sting, founder of I.R.S. Records, Miles Copeland rode a new sound to financial and cultural impact. Hear how a maverick did it his way and not only broke his acts, but created new ways of getting them recognized. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Derek Shulman was the lead singer of Gentle Giant and as an A&R man he signed Bon Jovi and Cinderella and ultimately he ran the Atco and Roadrunner record labels. Listen to hear how a successful musician made the transition to successful businessman (as well as the details of the recording and breaking of "Slippery When Wet"!) Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cousin Brucie is a legendary deejay who was friends with everybody from the Beatles to Lesley Gore. Listen to hear how Brucie retrieved Ringo's St. Christopher medal as well as how he got his start, his name and so much more. Brucie was my gateway drug for music radio. It was a thrill to speak with him! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

That's right, Killer Mike and El-P talking about hip-hop, muscle cars, politics, albums, how they got together and get along...dive deep with these raconteurs! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Founder of Elektra Records, Jac Holzman signed acts from Theodore Bikel to Love, the Doors, Queen, Bread, Judy Collins and more and released classical music for the masses on the discount Nonesuch label. Listen to hear how this innovator with an ear built one of the greatest record companies of all time. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guitarist extraordinaire Joe Bonamassa opines on his upcoming couch concert from the Ryman on September 20th and also discusses his upbringing, his place in the musical landscape, how he and his manager four wall his shows and at the end we delve deeply into guitar collecting. Self-deprecating yet quick-witted, I could have talked to Joe for hours more. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Difford, of Squeeze. We address the formation of the band and its various iterations, but first and foremost we focus on Chris and his life, both personal and musical, his viewpoints, his choices (and his tenure with Bryan Ferry!) You'll feel like you're truly getting to know Chris, and even if you're not a Squeeze fan you'll enjoy hearing what Chris has to say. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chuck Morris is a Denver legend who started in the club business and then went on to work for Barry Fey, Live Nation and AEG Presents. He also managed the Dirt Band and Big Head Todd & the Monsters. In addition to his emeritus status at AEG, Chuck is the Chairman of the newly-created Music Business Department at Colorado State University. Chuck is a fount of energy and wisdom, here he opines about today's concert landscape, his history and the details of the new CSU program. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jimmy Buffett and Mac McAnally in conversation together! I guarantee you even the most hard core fan will learn things they did not know before. We go deep into each man's history, how Mac ended up joining the Coral Reefer Band, and also focus on their respective new albums. It's a treat! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lawrence Lessig is one of America's preeminent legal scholars, a law professor at Harvard, he also ran for president in 2016. Listen as we address the legal issues surrounding the presidential election, social media and antitrust. This is up-to-date legal analysis that is a must listen! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.