The Bob Lefsetz Podcast

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.

Maria Konnikova is the author of the new bestseller "The Biggest Bluff: How I Learned to Pay Attention, Master Myself, and Win." A Ph.D. psychologist/staff writer at "The New Yorker," Konnikova decides to tackle poker, a game she doesn't even know how to play, because it's a metaphor for life and she wants to investigate luck. Listen to gain insight into poker as well as game theory and the ins and outs of the poker circuit. I've never played poker and I loved "The Biggest Bluff." I believe you'll love what Maria Konnikova has to say in this podcast. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jaan Uhelszki was senior editor at "Creem" and is the co-writer of the new documentary on the legendary music magazine. Listen to hear tales of Lester Bangs, her appearance on stage with KISS, how Ronnie Van Zant predicted his death and how Cameron Crowe inspired the arc of the film. Jaan's got stories, and she tells them! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Attorney Don Passman literally wrote the book on the music business: "All You Need to Know About the Music Business." Here we delve deeply into today's deal landscape, as well as Don's story, how he got to be one of the foremost lawyers in the music business. If you want to know about record deals, and publishing deals, and 360 deals and touring deals...this is the place! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Harlan Coben's latest book, "The Boy From The Woods," entered the "New York Times" best seller chart at #1 in April. His breakthrough, "Tell No One," was made into a Top Ten-listed film, and presently Coben has four successful series on Netflix: "The Five," "Safe," "The Stranger" and "The Woods." Listen as Coben lays down the truth of the writing life, and the long hard road to getting film and television projects into production. Despite spending his days writing, Coben is a great conversationalist whose words are laden with insight. Listen. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former worldwide head of music at WME, Marc Geiger has history as an agent, a record company executive and a tech founder. Known as a seer, here Marc dives into the inner workings of the agency business and assesses the concert landscape. Listen for insights into the music industry as well as Geiger's history, from UCSD to Hollywood. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Peter Rudge started out with the Who, and then went on to manage the Rolling Stones, Lynyrd Skynyrd and more. Tune in to hear what it's like at the pinnacle of rock and roll. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Drummer for Talking Heads and Tom Tom Club. His new memoir, "Remain in Love," is being released on July 21st. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Creator of "Bosch," Michael Connelly's new book "Fair Warning" currently sits at number seven on the "New York Times" best-seller list. Listen as we cover Connelly's transition from newspaper reporter to full time novelist, and the intricacies of the production of the hit Amazon television show starring Titus Welliver. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In part two of my conversation with legendary record producer Bob Ezrin we delve deeply into his production of the first Peter Gabriel album and Pink Floyd's "The Wall," and further discuss his work with Alice Cooper as well as Deep Purple, the Kings, Phish and so much more! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In part one of my conversation with legendary record producer Bob Ezrin we discuss his upbringing in Toronto, his journey into record production with Jack Richardson, and his meeting, signing and producing Alice Cooper as well as producing Lou Reed's "Berlin." Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Robert Kolker is the author of the best-selling book "Hidden Valley Road" (an Oprah's Book Club choice!) as well as the "New York" magazine article upon which the HBO feature film "Bad Education" is based and the book "Lost Girls," the film of which recently debuted on Netflix. First, we explore the mechanics of a book deal, how "Hidden Valley Road" came to be, and then we go deep into the essence of the story, about the Galvin family of Colorado Springs, with twelve children, six of whom became schizophrenic. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The oracle from St. Louis, Sarah Kendzior is the author of the bestselling books "The View From Flyover Country" and "Hiding in Plain Sight." You can see her in bits and pieces on MSNBC and Seth Meyers, but here we go deep, covering her life story, tales of self-publishing, fear of selling out to the man and her love of metal music. For a fresh and honest take on today's political landscape, Sarah Kendzior is the one. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Writer/investor/musician Roger McNamee was there at the beginning of the tech revolution, ultimately becoming a venture capitalist, most notably with Bono in Elevation Partners. An investor in Facebook, McNamee is now a critic, his book "Zucked" took on the negative consequences of social media. Roger is insightful and articulate and raises the questions that too many in Silicon Valley and Washington, D.C. do not. Listen as we discuss today's cultural, political and technical landscape. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Musician/engineer/producer Bob Rock has been on every side of it, from a hit record with his band the Payola$ to engineering “Slippery When Wet” to producing the Black Album. Listen to hear stories of Bob seeing the Beatles at the airport in Winnipeg to being in the studio with everybody from Aerosmith to Michael Buble to Van Morrison. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

That's right, Bosch! But you also know Titus from "Deadwood," "Lost," "NYPD Blue" and so many other TV shows and films. Welliver is educated and articulate, a trained actor, he takes his craft seriously. Listen to hear his story, which has enough twists and turns to be a movie itself! Furthermore, you'll get so much insight into being an artist. I truly connected with Titus! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bassist for the Go-Go's, Kathy Valentine recently published a memoir, "All I Ever Wanted," that is a must-read. Listen as she tells tales of growing up without limits as the daughter of a single parent, venturing to Los Angeles to make it and becoming a member of the Go-Go's. Valentine is articulate and quite the raconteur, you'll dig this. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join manager Jake Gold and me as we discuss life in the music business in the new world of Covid-19, along with political and musical differences between Canada and the U.S. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Watson started in A&R at Sony Music and then went on to manage Silverchair, Missy Higgins, Midnight Oil and more. Listen to how a guy from Down Under breaks acts internationally. (Recorded live at Australian Music Week.) Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ken West is a fascinating guy. Most concert promoters are business people, but Ken is an artist. Ken co-created the legendary Australian festival Big Day Out, but first he went to art school. Listen to Ken tell stories about Nick Cave and Christo and his other influences. He's a raconteur as well as an entrepreneur. This podcast was recorded live at Australian Music Week. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dawn Bridges was the head of corporate communications at PolyGram, EMI, Warner Music, Time and even Al Jazeera. Dawn's recent clients include Spotify, Pluto TV and the Harvard Business Review. Hear Dawn's story from UCLA to today, from dealing with Wall Street, stock price is always paramount to CEOs, to the CEOs themselves. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chief Membership & Business Development Officer of SOCAN, Michael McCarty is a member of the Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame. McCarty started off as a recording engineer at Jack Richardson's Nimbus 9 and had a long tenure running EMI Music Publishing Canada. Listen to Michael talk about the mission of SOCAN and changes in the music business. You don't have to be Canadian to get this, it's a worldwide business and Toronto is an epicenter of musical development. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Musician, writer, producer...listen to hear stories of Dave's upbringing in Sunderland, his band Longdancer's tenure with Elton John and Rocket Records, how he met Annie Lennox and how they borrowed money to make the first Eurythmics album, how he wrote the chorus of Tom Petty's "Don't Come Around Here No More" and how Dylan called him and they made movies together and... Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The CEO of Nederlander Concerts, Alex Hodges started in Macon with his school buddy Phil Walden and ultimately went from day to day with Otis Redding to agent for the Capricorn bands to the manager for Gregg Allman and Stevie Ray Vaughan and...listen for the stories! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

That's right, Mr. "Honey, I'm Good." You've got to listen to this if you're a recording artist, even if you have no idea who Andy Grammer is. We dig down deep into what it's like to be an artist in today's niche-focused world. Grammer is a deep-thinker, and he's also a participant, someone who writes a hundred songs to get two good ones. Andy busked on the Third Street Promenade for years before his breakthrough. Listen to find out how he made it. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Emilio Castillo is the only person who's been in every iteration of Tower of Power. It was a joy talking to Emilio, hearing how he formed the band, their various record deals, rehab, marriage, Bill Graham, Ted Templeman... Even if you think you're not interested in TOP you will love Emilio's stories, learning how he went from there to here. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Glorious Sons are a rock band from Canada, where they have scored ten Top 5 rock tracks and have won two Junos (Canada's Grammys) for Rock Album of the Year. They're presently on tour north and south of the border, lighting up audiences at every stop. Listen as I talk to the band's guitarist and lead singer, as well as their manager and label rep. They don't believe rock is dead. After listening, you might not either! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Al Schmitt is a legendary sound engineer who has worked with everybody from Frank Sinatra to Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney to Steely Dan and scores more. Furthermore he produced Jefferson Airplane's "Volunteers" and Jackson Browne's "Late For The Sky." Al even has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, right outside Capitol Records, where he prefers to work to this day. Listen to hear Al's story. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.