The Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock Podcast

The Yardbirds have an unparalleled legacy in the hallowed halls of rock n roll as they were one of the original British Invasion groups that brought the blues to the forefront of the rock scene in the 60s. The Wolf & Action Jackson became enamoured with them as teens in the 80s as the 60s had a big cultural renaissance and new CD box sets like Eric Clapton's Crossroads (which we cover in-depth on UAWIL 33 & 34). While the band is best known for their 3 famous guitarists - Clapton, Jeff Beck & Jimmy Page - the entire band deserves credit as top notch musicians and performers and Paul Samwell-Smith, Chris Dreja, Keith Relf and Jim McCarty are all members of the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame with their lead guitar members. We are so proud to welcome Jim McCarty of The Yardbirds to talk about his single Breath of the Wind which is available for digital download on September 15. Jim wrote the song for his late wife, Lizzie, and goes on to tell us about working mediums to help him see the end of life differently. We talk about playing with his band, how his lovely voice is a better fit for acoustic music than the raucous sounds he made with The Yardbirds, how he still enjoys playing live and some choice stories from the 1960s. It's a dream come true for 2 teenage rock fans who geeked out on The Yardbirds when they met 30+ years ago to interview this true gentleman and genuine rock legend. Visit JimMcCarty.com & buy Breath of the Wind wherever you purchase digital music Visit DemonMusicGroup.co.uk to learn more @demonmusicgroup Ugly American Werewolf in London Website Ugly American Werewolf in London Store - Get your Wolf merch! Visit RareVinyl.com and use the NEW code UGLY to save 10%! Twitter Threads Instagram YouTube LInkTree www.pantheonpodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the 2nd episode of our monthly sidecast, First Concert Memories, we welcome Van Halen superfan Greg Renoff to talk about the night he saw Van Halen on the 1984 Tour. This night would change Greg's life as he would go on to literally write the book on Van Halen with Van Halen Rising and his latest Ted Templeman: A Platinum Producer's Life in Music. You can hear Greg's enthusiasm and encyclopedic knowledge of Van Halen throughout our chat as we do our best to work the standard 20 questions we ask of every guest on FCM. The Wolf & Action Jackson anxiously awaited this episode as though they did eventually see Van Halen on the For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge Tour together in 1991, what really turned them onto Van Halen as impressionable youths was seeing the boys on MTV in 1984. Jump, Panama and Hot For Teacher were in heavy rotation on MTV that summer and the world had caught Van Halen fever. But we were too young to understand that you could see a band you saw on MTV on tour and had no idea how to go about getting to a concert (we were 10). However, a young Greg Renoff scored a ticket and got his mom to drop him off in the family truckster so he could witness Van Halen at the peak of their power on what is considered by most to be the best tour they ever did. A fun chat with one of the world's foremost experts on Van Halen, Greg Renoff! Visit Greg on Twitter (X) and order an autographed Ted Templeman book! Ugly American Werewolf in London Website Ugly American Werewolf in London Store - Get your Wolf merch! Visit RareVinyl.com and use the NEW code UGLY to save 10%! Twitter Threads Instagram YouTube LInkTree www.pantheonpodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Now this debate could stir some controversy... Just like sports teams, bands pickup new members to replace folks who don't fit in musically, quit, develop substance issues, don't jibe socially or even die. Eventually, most bands replace members at some point in their careers. But which are the best free agent pickups of all time? Which non-original members made the biggest contribution to a band in terms of developing their sound, their success, and their legacy? The Wolf & Action Jackson each choose their ten best rock band additions of all time and why. Now we had to put in the parameter that the band had to release at least one album without free agent pick. Many bands had members that didn't work out before they put out a record that would find a replacement that made the lineup successful. For each pick we discuss that musician, the member they replaced, the first album they appeared on and that free agent's legacy in the band. And what would the band's legacy be without this person? Is Bruce Dickinson of Iron Maiden the best free agent vocalist? What about Ronnie James Dio, Brian Johnson, Sammy Hagar or Steve Perry? What about guitarists like Mick Taylor in the Rolling Stones, Phil Collen of Def Leppard or Adrian Smith of Iron Maiden? Which of these changed the fortunes of legendary bands forever? Listen and then let us know your Top 10 Rock Free Agents! Ugly American Werewolf in London Website Ugly American Werewolf in London Store - Get your Wolf merch! Visit RareVinyl.com and use the NEW code UGLY to save 10%! Twitter Threads Instagram YouTube LInkTree www.pantheonpodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1978 was an interesting time for music. Bigger 70s acts like Aerosmith, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath & Deep Purple were breaking up or having issues. Punk was the hottest thing in the music industry. New wave was on the horizon as was the real game changer in 1981, MTV. Bands that would forge their way to superstardom in the 80s via MTV released their debuts in 1978 - Van Halen, Dire Straits, The Cars and The Police. WIth a young songwriting genius on the bass in Sting, a sturdy veteran of the road & the studio in Andy Summers and an intellectual drumsmith in Stewart Copeland, they were too good to be just another punk band. So they blended reggae, punk, and rock with relatable lyrics and built the foundation on which their sound would grow and take them to immense success. The subjects of the 10 songs on Outlandos D'Amour vary from prostitution (Roxanne), suicide (Can't Stand Losing You), fame (Peanuts) and even a blow-up sex doll (Be My Girl - Sally). And yet it all comes together as a fresh sound that is still identifiable to The Police. These three make a lot of noise but it's mostly upbeat, jump up and down fun, especially on the crescendo building (and The Wolf's personal favorite) So Lonely. The album went platinum in the US & UK (and Canada, France, Australia, etc) and gave The Police the foothold they needed to eventually become the biggest band in the world in 1983 with Synchronicity. Ugly American Werewolf in London Website Ugly American Werewolf in London Store - Get your Wolf merch! Visit RareVinyl.com and use the NEW code UGLY to save 10%! Twitter Threads Instagram YouTube LInkTree www.pantheonpodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Titans of Metal and true global road warriors Metallica have greenlighted a new podcast from their camp that will provide weekly updates on the band - The Metallica Report. Hosted by Steffan Chirazi, who has worked with & around the band for decades, the writer/editor of So What! and Renee Richardson, a legend of San Francisco rock radio and the Director of Philanthropy at the All Within My Hands Foundation, these two bring you behind the scenes of the biggest band in the World! Not only will you hear from the crew, the band, and fans but you can submit your questions and Metallica stories to the show so Renne & Steffan can get you the answers. We welcome Renee and Steffan to the Pantheon Podcast family and hear in their words why their relationship with Metallica is so special, the amazing people they work with and the lives they touch through AWMH. Hear about views from the Snakepit of the M72 World Tour (and check out UAWIL 127 & 128 from Amsterdam on Nights 1 & 2 of the tour) and make sure to get your movie tickets for the global simulcast to 2,500 screens across the globe on August 18 & 20. You really got a sense of the Metallica Family that these two speak about that exists between the band, the fans and everyone who works hard to keep this band on top. This is a must listen show for Metallica fans - subscribe, download & tell em The Wolf sent ya! Visit Metallica.com to learn more about The Metallica Report Ugly American Werewolf in London Website Ugly American Werewolf in London Store - Get your Wolf merch! Visit RareVinyl.com and use the NEW code UGLY to save 10%! Twitter Threads Instagram YouTube LInkTree www.pantheonpodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Rolling Stones were on the run in 1973. Still tax exiles from England, the Stones went from Europe to the Caribbean to the United States to record and mix the album. Mick Jagger & Keith RIchards were still peeved over Allen Klein taking half their royalties but were now on Rolling Stone records (thanks to Ahmet Ertegun) and had a primo publishing deal. However, not all was right in Rolling Stones land as Mick Taylor was growing dissatisfied with his roll (and income) with the band, producer Jimmy Miller was slowly becoming deeply entrenched in his addiction and Keith was as well while Mick Jagger was trying to live up to his reputation as a lothario and jetset rock superstar. Though Goats Head Soup did contain worldwide hit Angie and Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo (Heartbreaker), there were some more experimental songs on the album like Winter, odd jams like Can You Hear The Music and the non-radio friendly tale of groupies, Star Star. Bill Wyman doesn't play much bass on the record as Keith and Mick Taylor take turns, Mick Jagger plays some guitar as well as piano as do Billy Preston, Nicky Hopkins and Ian Stewart. It's tough to follow Exile on Main Street and this one is a little different but to help walk us through it is Marc of the Performance Anxiety Podcast. Our Pantheon Podcasts brother helps us go track x track and tackle the unreleased tracks from the Deluxe Edition, including Scarlett featuring the one and only Jimmy Page. Listen to Performance Anxiety Ugly American Werewolf in London Website Ugly American Werewolf in London Store - Get your Wolf merch! Visit RareVinyl.com and use the NEW code UGLY to save 10%! Twitter Threads Instagram YouTube LInkTree www.pantheonpodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Motley Crue followed the platinum success of their debut record Too Fast For Love with 1983's Shout At The Devil. With a provocative title and a cover featuring a pentagram, The Crue were courting controversy in an attempt to gain fame and grow their teenage fanbase. Never known for their musicianship or lyric writing prowess, their sophomore effort helped define a sleazy LA sound that may have eventually been perfected by Guns N Roses. Thanks to their outrageous looks, stage show and attitudes, Motley were able to get airtime on MTV, opening act slots with bands like KISS and Ozzy Oxbourne and get invited to play big festivals. Looks That Kill became a hit on the radio and it helped buoy the album to over 5 million in sales worldwide. But does it stand the test of time? Hearing the album as a teenager in the 80s is a different experience than hearing it 40 years later and between the simple song structures, the purile yet x-rated lyrics and overall lack of prowess with their instruments, sonically this might not be a classic for the ages. However, thanks to the imagery, the attitude and pure punch of the Mick Mars riffs and Tommy Lee's drumming, this will always hold a place in the hard rock pantheon of albums and is what helped propel Motley Crue to the worldwide success they still enjoy today. Ugly American Werewolf in London Website Ugly American Werewolf in London Store - Get your Wolf merch! Visit RareVinyl.com and use the NEW code UGLY to save 10%! Twitter Threads Instagram YouTube LInkTree www.pantheonpodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From the producers of The Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock Podcast, we bring you a new sidecast featuring special guests answering 20 questions about the first time they saw their favorite band live! And what better way to kickoff this new show than with the guys from the #1 rated KISS podcast on the planet, Tom & Zeus from Shout It Out Loudcast. We talk to our Pantheon Podcast brothers for the first time in more than a year to walk through the first time they saw KISS live. What makes this one special is that we get to talk about 3 different shows from 3 different tours! Tom saw KISS on the Hot In The Shade Tour in 1990, The Wolf & Action Jackson saw the Revenge Tour in 1992 and Zeus (with Tom, of course) so the Alive Worldwide reunion tour in 1996. Hear us share stories on our favorite moments, who we went with, biggest disappointments, setlists, and more. We had a blast talking KISS live and had to leave a few funny parts on the cutting room floor but we think you'll love the stories and fun we share on our 1st episode of First Concert Memories! Check out Shout It Out Louidcast Ugly American Werewolf in London Website Ugly American Werewolf in London Store - Get your Wolf merch! Visit RareVinyl.com and use the NEW code UGLY to save 10%! Twitter Threads Instagram YouTube LInkTree www.pantheonpodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Wolf was living in Amsterdam and received news that Iron Maiden were coming to town. Immediately I bought tickets and invited Action Jackson to come in for a visit as he's never seen Maiden live. I also picked up Antwerp tickets as....well, why not? Tragically, The Wolf had to move back to the USA prior to the shows in July. However, the boys were resolute and made their way to Europe to see the greatest live show on Earth - Iron Maiden. The fact that they're doing the Days of Future Past Tour focusing not only on the new Senjutsu album but our favorite IM record ever, Somewhere in Time, this was the chance of a lifetime for your intrepid hosts to see an amazing show together. To help walk through some of the amazing memories we made, we've enlisted Steve from Uncle Steve's Iron Maiden Zone Podcast. Steve's deep knowledge and passion for Maiden dates back before the The Wolf & Action even knew each other and he asks the questions Iron Maiden fans want to hear. Besides the performance, setlist, appearances by Eddie (the shootout with Bruce was brilliant) and other details of the show, the boys share a very special encounter (or three) back at the hotel after the show. It was a magical couple of days in Europe for your hosts, making amazing memories that we share with you here. Check out Uncle Steve's Iron Maiden Zone Ugly American Werewolf in London Website Ugly American Werewolf in London Store - Get your Wolf merch! Twitter Threads Instagram YouTube LInkTree www.pantheonpodcasts.com Visit RareVinyl.com and use the NEW code UGLY to save 10%! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kill Em All, the debut album from heavy metal heroes Metallica, was released July 25, 1983 but not to much fanfare. They didn't have the budget (or desire) to make videos and their sound was so loud and aggressive, you never heard them on rock radio back then. MTV was happy with bands like Men at Work and Duran Duran to be beamed to the suburbs which simply weren't ready for the thrash that Metallica brought with them. The album only sold about 60,000 copies the first year it was out. But it was the start of something which wouldn't be realized until almost a decade later. To help us better understand the significance of Kill Em All and the rise of thrash, we've enlisted Jay Scott - our Pantheon Podcasts brother from The Hook Rocks and The Zeppelin Chronicles with Shout It Out Loudcast. Jay has been listening to Metallica since the beginning and theorizes that this album was the death of glam rock even though at the time it went completely unnoticed. We go track by track and Jay talks about the night he road his bike to a bowling alley at midnight for a chance to gaze upon the boys from Metallica. It may have started slow out of the gates but this album is the foundation for what is now the biggest band in the world. Check out The Hook Rocks Podcast Ugly American Werewolf in London Website Ugly American Werewolf in London Store - Get your Wolf merch! Twitter Instagram YouTube LInkTree www.pantheonpodcasts.com Visit RareVinyl.com and use the NEW code UGLY to save 10%! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Martin Popoff may be the most prolific rock writer in the world with over 115 books to his name. Unlike other writers who prefer to delve into the gossip and tabloid portions of a bands history, Martin focuses on the music and the albums that we all love as rock fans. His latest, AC/DC at 50, is a beautiful coffee table book that features photos of the band on stage, in the studio, rare album covers and memories from their decades of dominance as the world's premier hard rock band. Martin tells 50 different stories throughout AC/DC's career that were important, inflection points or at a time when the band needed a hand. Brothers Malcolm & Angus Young may be private people but they've built a legacy that Martin has distilled to 50 points in time that you can read all the way through or pick and choose which stories you want to learn more about today. Martin even includes some personal history with the band like riding home on his bike from the record store with Let There Be Rock tied to the back. What are his favorite 3 AC/DC albums? What does he think their legacy is? We have a fun chat with Martin and he even indulges our questions about an article he recently wrote for Goldmine on supergroups. Order AC/DC at 50 from Martin Popoff or wherever you get your books Ugly American Werewolf in London Website Ugly American Werewolf in London Store - Get your Wolf merch! Twitter Instagram YouTube LInkTree www.pantheonpodcasts.com Visit RareVinyl.com and use the NEW code UGLY to save 10%! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lynyrd Skynyrd emerged from Jacksonville, Florida and became titans of the Southern Rock scene. Battling their way up from adversity, the rowdy & rough-and-tumble bunch finally signed with MCA and released their debut album Pronounced Leh-nerd Skin-nerd in August of 1973. It went double platinum and saw them open The Who's Quadrophenia Tour which helped them get exposure to a larger audience. It was the foundation for the bands epic run of success until a horrible tragedy in 1977 derailed the bands trajectory and the lives of the members. Ronnie Van Zant may not have been the most talented singer in the world but he was a menacing front man who doesn't get the credit he deserves for his poignant lyrics that everyone can relate to. Though the band would eventually be known for their 3 guitar attack, Ed King would play bass on this album before Leon Wilkeson rejoined the band in 1973 and then Ed fell in with fellow gunslingers Allen Collins and Gary Rossington. Ed even helped write a song at the end of sessions for the first album which would wind up on Second Helping and would become the biggest hit they ever had, Sweet Home Alabama. But the record did feature Gimme Three Steps, Tuesdays Gone, Simple Man and the epic Free Bird. What a debut! We go track x track to celebrate its 50th! Ugly American Werewolf in London Website Ugly American Werewolf in London Store - Get your Wolf merch! Twitter Instagram YouTube LInkTree www.pantheonpodcasts.com Visit RareVinyl.com and use the NEW code UGLY to save 10%! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After the demise of Led Zeppelin, Robert Plant almost called it quits as a performer. It was actually Phil Collins, who knew something about going solo after being part of a big rock band, who encouraged him and actually played drums on his first album. Robert didn't want to go back to the big machine that was Zeppelin, but he did want to write songs, collaborate with musicians and play live. However, he didn't want to tour until he had enough material to do a headline show without dipping into the Led Zep catalog. So it wasn't until his second solo record, The Principle of Moments released July 11, 1983, that he had the solo catalog that would allow him to take his new songs and band out tour. Though his first album, Picture at 11 (which we reviewed on UAWIL #105), had singles and MTV videos, they didn't capture the public's imagination. But thanks to a concept video by Storm Thorgerson of Hipgnosis fame, Big Log was a hit and showed the world that Robert was capable of more than just screeching along to Jimmy Page's insane guitar riffs. In The Mood also hit the charts and allowed Robert to show more of his vocal talents. The videos are a bit odd but that was early MTV and we go track x track, video x video and recall fond memories of this album from the early 80s. Hear UAWIL 105: Robert Plant - Pictures at Eleven Ugly American Werewolf in London Website Ugly American Werewolf in London Store - Get your Wolf merch! Twitter Instagram YouTube LInkTree www.pantheonpodcasts.com Visit RareVinyl.com and use the NEW code UGLY to save 10%! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mick Wall is one of rock music's greatest writers. From Kerrang! to Classic Rock and publications all around the world, Mick has been telling stories about the rock musicians we all love for decades and has written more than 20 books on legendary acts like Jimi Hendrixx, Black Sabbath, AC/DC, Guns N Roses, Iron Maiden & more. Recently he decided to take on the task of one of the most successful US rock bands in history, the Eagles. The band have always been portrayed as country/rock superstars who were victims of great success, excess and infighting. Mick has a way of moving past all that to distill the real story of the band in the times in which they were formed, rose to the top and disintegrated in Life In The Fast Lane. The book is a great read and Mick offers some context of the Los Angeles the guys came out of - a post 60s, post Manson time where the American Dream was hanging on by a thread. Mick also spoke with us about some of the other superstars he's written about over the years like James Hetfield & Lars Ulrich (Metallica), Axl Rose (Guns N Roses), Steve Clark (Def Leppard) and more. Though some have found his take on certain artists to be harsh, Mick approaches his work not as a fan but as a writer whose only concern is that of the voyage of the reader. Mick Wall is one of the world’s best-known rock writers and the author of over 25 internationally bestselling biographies and ghosted memoirs, including definitive titles on Led Zeppelin (When Giants Walked the Earth), Metallica (Enter Night), AC/DC (Hell Ain’t a Bad Place to Be), Black Sabbath (Symptom of the Universe), Lou Reed, The Doors (Love Becomes a Funeral Pyre), Foo Fighters, Lemmy and Guns N’ Roses (Last of the Giants). During his long career in the music business, Mick worked with Dire Straits, Thin Lizzy, Journey, REO Speedwagon, Black Sabbath, The Damned, Willie Nelson, The Band, Kris Kristofferson, Motörhead, and many more. He lives in England. Order Mick Wall's Life In The Fast Lane Via Amazon or Diversion Books Ugly American Werewolf in London Website Ugly American Werewolf in London Store - Get your Wolf merch! Twitter Instagram YouTube LInkTree www.pantheonpodcasts.com Visit RareVinyl.com and use the NEW code UGLY to save 10%! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1982 saw the birth of the 80s first supergroup with Asia made of prog legends John Wetton (King Crimson, Uriah Heep, UK), Steve Howe (Yes), Geoff Downes (Buggles, Yes) and Carl Palmer (ELP). They achieved great success with their eponymous first album thanks to the worldwide sensation Heat of the Moment and some Godley & Creme videos that ruled MTV. Asia was the #1 selling record in the US that year and to capitalize on that momentum, the band were rushed back to the studio to crank out a follow up for 1983. While 1983's Alpha did contain some of the magic from the first record, the band were disappointed in the process and the end result. Despite a big budget video with an Indiana Jones theme and a radio hit in Don't Cry, Alpha didn't achieve the same success as it's predecessor. However, Geffen pushed the band forward and coordinated the first ever live satellite concert on MTV with the historic Asia in Asia event broadcast from Japan in December, 1983 with VJ Mark Goodman hosting. Last year we were fortunate enough to speak with both Carl Palmer and Geoff Downes about their time in Asia and the stage and setup for that historic concert. It may not quite have the same magic of the first album but it still holds a special place in our hearts so listen with an open mind and hear from the musicians that made the album and history via MTV. Ugly American Werewolf in London Website Ugly American Werewolf in London Store - Get your Wolf merch! Twitter Instagram YouTube LInkTree www.pantheonpodcasts.com Visit RareVinyl.com and use the NEW code UGLY to save 10%! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tormato is an album that only hardcore Yes fans seem to know about. Without huge hit singles and a non-Roger Dean cover that many people do not like (including famously some of the members of the band), their 1978 offering often flies under the radar. But thanks to Kevin Mulryne, co-host of The Yes Music Podcast and author of the book Yes - The Tormato Story you can learn the most extraordinary details that went into the making of this album. From working with Hipgnosis on the cover, working at Advision studios to only move to RAC, the equipment the band used, the extra tracks that didn't make the album, to never before seen images from those sessions this book is a real treasure. Even rock fans who aren't that into Yes will be blown away by the detail Kevin has included through his extensive research from members of the band to their crew and all sorts of folks in the Yes orbit. Did you know they used a rotating stage on that tour? Did you know it went platinum in the US but you couldn't get it on CD until 1989? Though Don't Kill The Whale was a minor hit, the odd songs like Arriving UFO and Circus of Heaven make this one a bit different. And with rare epics like On The Silent Wings of Freedom, Onward or the baroque Madrigal, Tormato serves up some buried treasure which Kevin has helped to unearth. The book is a fantastic read and our conversation with Kevin was even more informative. Order his book Yes - The Tormato Story below: YesMusicPodcast.com - Order Yes - The Tormato Story Ugly American Werewolf in London Website Ugly American Werewolf in London Store - Get your Wolf merch! Twitter Instagram YouTube LInkTree www.pantheonpodcasts.com Visit RareVinyl.com and use the NEW code UGLY to save 10%! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Terry Reid began performing and touring as a professional at 15 in the UK. As a teenager he opened for The Rolling Stones, Cream and Jethro Tull. He was offered the lead singer spot in Deep Purple from Ritchie Blackmore and introduced Robert Plant to Jimmy Page. He's worked and played with so many people over the years but he's been gigging out with George Kapitanelis and his New Jersey based Cosmic American Derelicts for 15 years. These two have a kinship beyond playing music together (ie a shared love of westerns) and we have a great conversation with them about their new album Bergenfield Blues. Besides diving into some of the blues meets country with a bit of southern rock we liked on Bergenfield Blues, we got to hear some road stories from Terry and George. From playing Madison Square Garden to getting a call from John Lennon to sitting in the studio with George Michael, Terry giddily shares some fond memories from over half a century in the rock world. TerryReid.com - See him at Ronnie Scott's June 20 in London CosmicAmericanDerelicts.com Ugly American Werewolf in London Website Ugly American Werewolf in London Store - Get your Wolf merch! Twitter Instagram YouTube LInkTree www.pantheonpodcasts.com Visit RareVinyl.com and use the NEW code UGLY to save 10%! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When we heard an advance copy of Rival Sons new album Darkfighter, we were instant fans of the band and desperately wanted to speak to someone about this rocking new record. We were happily obliged by Founder/Guitarist/Songwriter Scott Holiday - Mr. Fuzzlord himself!! Scott joined us from the road in the US ahead of a schedule that will take Rival Sons to Europe, onto some huge festival stages and back to the US in the fall. Scott was generous with his time and spirit, talking about his influences, the equipment he uses to get that fuzzy sound, writing this album (and it's companion follow-up record LIghtbringer, listen to learn when we'll hear that) and opening for some of the biggest bands in the world like Black Sabbath, KISS, Aerosmith & more. For you classic rock fans who don't know any bands if they didn't record before 1995, I guarantee you'll love this record. It's like they took everything from the 70s & 80s that we love, blended it together to make something new and it kicks @ss! Scott, who like us is a member of the MTV generation, even talked in-depth about the fun videos they made for their first three singles Nobody Wants To Die, Rapture & Bird In The Hand which portray the boys as a band of outlaws in Tarantino fashion. Every listen of this record unlocks something we didn't notice before and endears us to these guys style. Rock isn't dead as long as bands like Rival Sons are still out there making killer new music and playing it live. Listen to our fun conversation with Scott which could have gone on for hours and order Darkfighter, you won't be disappointed: https://rivalsons.lnk.to/darkfighter Ugly American Werewolf in London Website Ugly American Werewolf in London Store - Get your Wolf merch! Twitter Instagram YouTube LInkTree www.pantheonpodcasts.com Visit RareVinyl.com and use the NEW code UGLY to save 10%! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ronnie James Dio was a legend in the heavy metal community. He first hit the road in the 50s but evolved into a metal god in the 70s with Elf and Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow. That led to taking over the vocal duties in Black Sabbath on two epic albums in the early 80s, Heaven & Hell and Mob Rules. But Ronnie grew disillusioned with being a hired hand or replacement and decided to form his own band with Vinnie Appice from Sabbath, rock veteran Jimmy Bain and young hotshot Vivian Campbell (Thin Lizzy, Whitesnake, Def Leppard). On May 25, 1983 they released their debut, Holy Diver, which is considered by fans and critics alike as a heavy metal masterpiece. With epic songs like Holy Diver, radio friendly hits like Rainbow in the Dark and a couple of odd early MTV videos, this album is legendary. Ronnie passed away in May of 2010 and we miss him, his talent and generosity towards his fans. So we look back at his legacy through 1983's Holy Diver track x track. Ugly American Werewolf in London Website Ugly American Werewolf in London Store - Get your Wolf merch! Twitter Instagram YouTube LInkTree www.pantheonpodcasts.com Visit RareVinyl.com and use the NEW code UGLY to save 10%! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

April 29, 2023 in Johan Cruijff Arena in Amsterdam saw the first 2nd night (if that makes sense) of Metallica's M72 World Tour - No Repeat Weekend where you get two totally different setlists and 2 different opening acts. On Episode 127 we talked about how the setlist was so killer, there was no way the 2nd night would be as good - but it was still awesome. We talked about how Kirk's sound was off Night 1 - but it was better on Night 2. We talked about our disappointment with the opening acts we saw on Night 1 - but were blown away by who we saw on Night 2 (I wasn't a huge Floor Jansen fan before I walked in there but I sure was when I walked out). James, Lars, Kirk and Robert came back for more and delivered in a big way. Hear about the setlist highlights and which songs and spots I believe they'll be switching around as the tour progresses. How was Night 2 better than Night 1? How was it disappointing? We take you on the journey for my last few hours of my whirlwind 72 hour trek to Amsterdam to see Metallica! Ugly American Werewolf in London Website Ugly American Werewolf in London Store - Get your Wolf merch! Twitter Instagram YouTube LInkTree www.pantheonpodcasts.com Visit RareVinyl.com and use the NEW code UGLY to save 10%! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Metallica have always been trailblazers in the world of heavy metal and performance. Over the last 4+decades they have entertained audiences around the world and sit on the throne as The Kings of Metal. Though at this point in their career they could coast as a nostalgia act and just play the hits, they are not resting on their laurels. On the heels of the release of their 72 Seasons album, their 11th and finest in decades (in my opinion) they have embarked on the ambitious M72 World Tour - No Repeat Weekend. Over the next 2 years, Metallica will go to a city in Europe or North American for 2 nights and won't repeat the same song - that's over 4 hours of live music! They kicked off the tour in Amsterdam in Johan Cruyff Arena April 27 & 29 and The Wolf was there to see them both. We started this podcast when The Wolf was an expat living in London, taking in all things to do with British rock history and culture. Then he moved to Amsterdam which has a robust concert schedule and when Metallica announced they'd be kicking off their world tour there, he was in! Despite the fact that he was forced to move back to the US this spring, he made a pilgrimage back to Amsterdam so he could share the first two nights of this extraordinary tour with his listeners. The setlist was phenomenal, the stage and production were fantastic and it was great to hear the new material blend so well with the classics. Subscribe below and don't miss Part 2 out next week! Ugly American Werewolf in London Website Ugly American Werewolf in London Store - Get your Wolf merch! Twitter Instagram YouTube LInkTree www.pantheonpodcasts.com Visit RareVinyl.com and use the NEW code UGLY to save 10%! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Men at Work hit the big time in 1983 thanks to some great tunes and quirky videos which were all over MTV. Their first album, 1981's Business As Usual, sold over 15 million copies thanks to hits like Who Can It Be Now? and Down Under. But thanks to disinterent from the record company, the band were slow to break in the US. Finally, after worldwide success outside of the US, the album was finally released and, thanks to the programmers on MTV, they skyrocketed to massive success earning a Grammy for best new artist and selling 6 million copies in the US alone. Their follow up, Cargo, was supposed to come out in 1982 but as their songs from Business As Usual were still on the US chart, they delayed the release of Cargo until April 29, 1983. With songs written and sung by Colin Hay and fun videos featuring the band like Dt Heckyl & Mr. Jive, Overkill and It's A Mistake, Men at Work solidified their spot as global pop sensations. But it wasn't meant to last as this was the last album with the original lineup as Men at Work fatigue set in by 1984. We explore the songs, the videos, and the legacy of Colin and the boys after the breakup in this fun episode. Ugly American Werewolf in London Website Ugly American Werewolf in London Store - Get your Wolf merch! Twitter Instagram YouTube LInkTree www.pantheonpodcasts.com Visit RareVinyl.com and use the NEW code UGLY to save 10%! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 1978, the US saw the debut of one of the greatest guitar heroes of all time, Eddie Van Halen, However, across the pond another guitar god was releasing his first record as well - Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits. With his folksy songwriting, authentic vocal style and masterful, finger-picking guitar style, Dire Straits 1978 debut showed us what this little band from the north of England were made of. Not as flashy as a Van Halen or maybe as intricate as a Steve Howe but every bit as passionate, Mark Knopfler established himself as one of the premier guitar players of his generation. Whether picking on his Fender Stratocaster or the steel acoustic Old National, Knopfler creates country, folk and rock soundscapes with inspired guitar work and a storytelling style that is very relatable. You may not be able to hear this album and think that in 7 short years they'd have a worldwide success in Brothers in Arms but you can see the foundational talent that would allow them to grow into that kind of achievement. What kind of characters do you see walking around London? A drunken old sailor? A snobby watitess? A ten pence band with a million pound name? Knopfler's rich stories create images that transport you to another time and place yet allow you to relate to them on a very personal level. Ugly American Werewolf in London Website Ugly American Werewolf in London Store - Get your Wolf merch! Twitter Instagram YouTube LInkTree www.pantheonpodcasts.com Visit RareVinyl.com and use the NEW code UGLY to save 10%! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Van Halen were about the biggest hard rock band in the world around 1988. The headlined the Monsters of Rock Tour over Scorpions, Metallica, Dokken & Kingdom Come and had big hits with their 2nd album featuring Sammy Hagar, OU812. On the heels of 5150 which followed the departure of David Lee Roth, Van Halen seemed poised for bigger and better things. But OU812 sold about half of what 5150 sold in the US, even though OU812 is a little harder than its predecessor. Were they listening to critics who felt 5150 was too heavy on the synths? Were they worried Diamond Dave was getting more praise for his solo efforts? For us personally, this album came at a time in our lives when we were discovering the first Van Halen album and all the heaviness and guitar mastery of their original release. Plus, we had fond memories of big MTV hits like Jump, Panama and Hot For Teacher from 1984 when we were just getting into music. So Van Halen had the street cred for heavy duty guitar rock but the pop stardom from MTV. Though we were excited to hear 5150 and love tracks like Mine All Mine and AFU (Naturally Wired) the big hits like When It's Love, Feels So Good and Finish What You Started aren't among our all time VH favorites. How do we rank it in the Pantheon of Van Halen records? Have a listen and find out! Ugly American Werewolf in London Website Ugly American Werewolf in London Store - Get your Wolf merch! Twitter Instagram YouTube LInkTree www.pantheonpodcasts.com Visit RareVinyl.com and use the NEW code UGLY to save 10%! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marillion never got the memo that by 1983 you weren't supposed to do progressive rock the way Genesis, Yes, Camel and others did in the 1970s. Despite their debut coming during the New Wave era of MTV, Marillion established a style and sound that have sustained them for over 40 years even if it wasn't in vogue at the time. The knock on them in the US is that they sounded too much like Peter Gabriel era Genesis and the lyrics & vocals of lead singer Fish definitely resemble those of the 2 time Rock n Roll Hall of Famer. But the sound of Marillion is rich, in depth, dense and melodic with some brilliant musicianship. Steve Rothery is an incredible guitarist who share the mid-range space very well with the equally brilliant Mark Kelly on keyboards. Pete Trewavas holds it all down with his bass and Mick Pointer keeps the beat on the drums to crank out some prog greatness. Most every song is around the 8 minute mark so you have to listen up to hear everything that's going on. Fish delivers poignant lyrics in songs about drug addiction (He Knows You Know) and war (Forgotten Sons) while taking a jab at the aristocracy (Garden Party) and having a bit of fun in the videos. To help us better understand these UK artist is another UK artist, Jimmy Maddon. Jimmy combines straight ahead rock with prog and glam sensibilities and he's starting to make some headway here in the US. We asked him to help us uncover what makes Marillion so great, what makes their music English and why they haven't found the same kind of success in the US. Please visit https://www.youtube.com/user/jimmymaddonofficial & follow https://www.facebook.com/jimmymaddon/ & https://twitter.com/jimmymaddon Ugly American Werewolf in London Website Ugly American Werewolf in London Store - Get your Wolf merch! Twitter Instagram YouTube LInkTree www.pantheonpodcasts.com Visit RareVinyl.com and use the NEW code UGLY to save 10%! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

U2 released Songs of Surrender, a new compilation of some of their best songs stripped down and reworked, on St. Patrick's Day 2023. We knew that was coming but what was a bit of a surprise was on the same day they released a documentary/performance via Disney+. Titled Bono & The Edge - A Sort of Homecoming with David Letterman, it captures the legendary singer & guitarist without their bandmates (Larry Mullen, Jr. was recovering from an injury, Adam Clayton was making a film) in Dublin discussing how some of their biggest and best songs came to be, how they've reworked them and even how they've updated them. David Letterman serves as the narrator/interviewer and is very Dave, not only when speaking with Bono & The Edge but with Dubliners, Irish citizens, and performers. We're generally not in favor of reworking or changing classic tunes but the band have found an amazing balance between staying true to the original while stripping it down to it's essentialness. The boys give Dave and the viewer a better understanding of what it means to be Irish, how Dublin has evolved in the last 50 years and where the band find themselves now. The real treat is the two performances - one at The Rotunda which was once a hospital (where Bono was born) and one at McDaids Pub whis is more than 200 years old. To watch them perform in both these settings with friends like Glen Hansard in an intimate setting is special and that's why we did this episode on this very special show. Ugly American Werewolf in London Website Ugly American Werewolf in London Store - Get your Wolf merch! Twitter Instagram YouTube LInkTree www.pantheonpodcasts.com Visit RareVinyl.com and use the NEW code UGLY to save 10%! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Iron Maiden are one of the biggest bands in the world, touring the planet in their own customized 747 flown by lead singer Bruce Dickinson. But in 1983, Maiden were still forging their way, trying to solidify their lineup and making their name through relentless touring. After the success of Number of the Beast, the band wanted to take things to the next level and with the addition of Nicko McBrain on drums they finally had their classic lineup set which is still intact today. Thanks to Nicko on the skins, the confidence and power of vocalist Bruce Dickinson, the sci-fi lyrics and extraordinary bass of leader Steve Harris and the frantic guitar licks of Dave Murray & Adrian Smith, Iron Maiden had the lineup that would set them on a course for global superstardom. Piece of Mind would be the first of 5 legendary albums from this lineup in the 1980s and the 5 of them would reunite in 2000 (along with 3rd guitarist Janick Gers) to reclaim their thrones as the ultimate heavy metal band. They're still going today and The Wolf & Action Jackson will be catching their Future Past Tour in Europe this summer. From Nicko's incredible drum work on Where Eagles Dare to Bruce's haunting vocals on Revelations to the ultimate Maiden runner with The Trooper, this album showcases the talent of all in the band. For once, they actually received airplay on US radio and The Trooper charted (unlike the 1st single The Flight of Icarus). Despite no love from MTV, the album went platinum in the US and the fans turned out in droves for their 130+ date tour. We go track by track, think about it in comparison to the other Iron Maiden albums we've reviewed over the years (#14 Live After Death, #38 Somewhere in Time, #39 Seventh Son of a Seventh Son, #65 Number of the Beast, #66 Fear of the Dark, plus #48 review of Bruce Dickinson speaking tour) and discuss how this was the real beginning of the band we love. Ugly American Werewolf in London Website Ugly American Werewolf in London Store - Get your Wolf merch! Twitter Instagram YouTube LInkTree www.pantheonpodcasts.com Visit RareVinyl.com and use the NEW code UGLY to save 10%! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David Bowie achieved a cult following and critical acclaim in the 1970s for his glam-rock, gender bending image and style. He was a huge influence to artists all around the world and is the 9th best selling artist in the UK. However, huge commercial success eluded him, especially in the US. And following the murder of John Lennon in 1980, Bowie decided not to tour and became a bit of a recluse at his home in Switzerland. After singing a big record contract with EMI in America, he decided to team up with legendary producer Nile Rodgers to create his 1983 release Let's Dance. With the help of Rodgers and his R&B influences, Bowie created an album bringing together R&B, pop. new wave and his own style. Thanks to his new sound and MTV, Let's Dance went on to sell over 10 million copies worldwide, his biggest seller ever and the lead single was also his biggest seller. But did Bowie want to be an international pop sensation? Was it a musical style and path he wanted to stay on? As usual we go track x track and try to better understand how this one fits in his catalog on UAWIL #120. Ugly American Werewolf in London Website Ugly American Werewolf in London Store - Get your Wolf merch! Twitter Instagram YouTube LInkTree www.pantheonpodcasts.com Visit RareVinyl.com and use the NEW code UGLY to save 10%! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon turns 50 in March and we want to celebrate this groundbreaking progressive rock album the way we always do - relating our personal stories of discovering the record, the band, seeing them play live, interviewing their members and going track x track. Dark Side is one of the biggest selling albums of all time (50 million+ sales worldwide) and changed the trajectory of the band who were best known as a psychedelic ensemble famous for their light shows and long instrumentals. After the departure of leader Syd Barret in the late 1960s, the band found their way forward together with all members - David Gilmour, Roger Waters, Rick Wright & Nick Mason - contributing to the writing and musicianship that catapulted this one into the stratosphere. Recorded at EMI Studios (now Abbey Road Studios), the boys along with the help of engineer Alan Parsons experimented with new technology, multiple tracks, sound effects and recording techniques that built a groundbreaking soundscape. Though the record still had the signature Pink Floyd instrumentals, it also included timeless classic rock radio numbers like Money, Time, Us & Them and Brain Damage. From the iconic album cover to the direct, cutting lyrics, this album is unparalleled and remains relevant 50 years after it was first released. Ugly American Werewolf in London Website Ugly American Werewolf in London Store - Get your Wolf merch! Twitter Instagram YouTube LInkTree www.pantheonpodcasts.com Visit RareVinyl.com and use the NEW code UGLY to save 10%! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In March of 1993, Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin, The Yardbirds) and David Coverdale (Whitesnake, Deep Purple) were brought together by A&R legend John Kalodner to create a hard rock album in the midst of grunge. They almost called the band Legends or North and South but settled on Coverdale Page to combine Coverdale's raspy vocals with Page's extraordinary guitar work. For Jimmy Page fans who had been waiting for his return after the tepidly received Outrider album, this release was highly anticipated and eventually went platinum in the US thanks to radio hits like Pride & Joy, Shake My Tree and Take Me For A Little While. However, critics were all over Page for collaborating with Coverdale who had been derided throughout his career as a Robert Plant clone. Even Plant himself threw shade at Jimmy and David as many of the tracks sounded very much like the old Zeppelin. But for two college students who were sure they'd never see a live Led Zeppelin show, they were psyched to hear this album and we actually bought tickets to see them live in Orlando. That show (and the whole North American Tour) never happened but hearing some of these songs on the radio, watching the videos on MTV and blasting it through our 5 CD changer in the dorm room made for happy days. And Robert Plant must have realized there was some magic there as not long after the release of Coverdale Page, he teamed up with Jimmy for the Unledded album, video and tour. It may not be the best work of either of these Rock N Roll Hall of Famers but it has a special place in history and in our hearts. Ugly American Werewolf in London Website Ugly American Werewolf in London Store - Get your Wolf merch! Twitter Instagram YouTube LInkTree www.pantheonpodcasts.com Visit RareVinyl.com and use the NEW code UGLY to save 10%! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 1978, Cheap Trick were much like their friends from KISS - they were working hard on the road, putting on great live shows but their studio albums weren't making much of a dent in the charts. However, thanks to opening for bands that were doing well in Japan, Cheap Trick amassed a nice following there and earned a #1 hit with the studio version of I Want You To Want Me (which didn't chart in the US). So the band decided to release a live album in Japan only to reward their fans in The Land of the Rising Sun. However, thanks to I Want You To Want Me's inclusion as a b-side from a single on their 3rd album Heaven Tonight and imports of At Budokan coming from Japan to the US, they released the live album worldwide and the rest is history. The live versions of tracks like Ain't That A Shame, Surrender and I Want You To Want Me are the quintessential versions of those tunes on US rock radio. Plus, Cheap Trick set up their next album for success as it included songs that would be included on Dream Police. For kids growing up in the late 70s, Cheap Trick At Budokan was in the air, on the turntables and sung along to everyday. This was a fun one to go back and give a listen as you can hear some of the punk influence on their riffs while maintaining that pure rock sound that helped get them into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. But make no mistake, without this album we wouldn't be talking about them today. Ugly American Werewolf in London Website Ugly American Werewolf in London Store - Get your Wolf merch! Twitter Instagram YouTube LInkTree www.pantheonpodcasts.com Visit RareVinyl.com and use the NEW code UGLY to save 10%! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Houses of the Holy saw Led Zeppelin grow as a band more than any of their previous 4 albums. After the enormous success of Led Zeppelin IV, the boys used some of their winnings to build home studios which allowed them to flesh more ideas and come to the studio with more robust ideas. John Paul Jones really stretched out the most showing his ability to play funk (The Crunge), arrange string sections (Rain Song), or take us on an epic ominous ride (No Quarter). Jimmy Page provides the killer riffs with the softer acoustic bits, Robert Plant adds his trademark lyrics and vocals while John Bonham hammers those drums to give everyone the space they need to shine. Joining us for the 2nd time is House of the Dragon creator/executive producer/head writer Ryan Condal. Ryan is an old school metal head whose passion for rock music is only eclipsed by his passion for writing and you'll hear plenty of literary references and big words we don't often hear on a show of our ilk. We discuss the majesty of Zeppelin, go track by track, discuss the Hypnosis cover and the songs that didn't make the cut but ended up on other albums. Ryan provides no hints on upcoming House of the Dragon spoilers but we had a great time talking about this legendary album which turns 50 on March 28, 2023. Where is that confounded bridge? Ugly American Werewolf in London Website Ugly American Werewolf in London Store - Get your Wolf merch! Twitter Instagram YouTube LInkTree www.pantheonpodcasts.com Visit RareVinyl.com and use the NEW code UGLY to save 10%! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On our show, we often examine bands who make it big on one side of the pond, but for some reason don't hit it big on the other. This week we examine a band that was huge in the US thanks to a hit by a band that was huge in the UK. in 1983, Quiet Riot released Metal Health and, thanks to success of the Slade cover Cum On Feel The Noize, became the first heavy metal album to hit #1 on the Billboard charts. The song hadn't been a hit for Slade in the US but was huge in the UK and Europe. Quiet Riot may have risen to great heights in the US but didn't make much of a dent in the UK. Beyond the big hit, there are some driving beats and killer riffs provided by Frankie Banali (drums), Rudy Sarzo (bass) and Carlos Cavazo (guitar) on songs like Metal Health and Slick Black Cadillac. But it was the posturing and sleazy lyrics of lead singer Kevin Dubrow that really grabbed people's attention and got the band into some hot water. How has this one stood the test of time after 40 years? We go track by track, have a listen! Ugly American Werewolf in London Website Ugly American Werewolf in London Store - Get your Wolf merch! Twitter Instagram YouTube LInkTree www.pantheonpodcasts.com Visit RareVinyl.com and use the NEW code UGLY to save 10%! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's hard to believe it's been 40 years since U2 released War in early 1983. Though U2 had been gaining ground on their first two albums Boy and October, it was War that set them on the path to superstardom. Buoyed by the big hits New Years Day and Sunday Bloody Sunday, U2 had really found their footing with the help of producer Steve Lillywhite. The Edge was creating amazing melodies and textures through his guitar and piano, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen, Jr. were honing themselves into a foundational and funky rhythm section while Bono was really finding his voice as a singer and songwriter. Though singing about war, love, inequality and things you don't always hear about on pop/rock records, U2 came across as earnest and steadfast in their beliefs. Thanks to MTV, the boys broke out big in American and sold more than 6 million copies. The 100+ date tour saw them go from playing clubs to playing arenas and some huge festivals. Though U2 would go on to have even bigger selling records, we always look back to this one as the real start of the juggernaut that win the hearts of American and the world. Ugly American Werewolf in London Website Ugly American Werewolf in London Store - Get your Wolf merch! Twitter Instagram YouTube LInkTree www.pantheonpodcasts.com Visit RareVinyl.com and use the NEW code UGLY to save 10%! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 1978, Gerry Rafferty was finally freed from his old record contract with his old band Stealers Wheel, which spawned the big hit Stuck In The Middle With You (which you may remember from a certain scene in Reservoir Dogs). After several years of commuting from his home in Scotland to London to deal with his legal issues, he was finally ready to offer up his first solo album in 7 years, City to City. The success he found was big and unexpected with the single Baker Street topping the charts all around the world. But this easy listening gem was not without its fair share of controversy. For years saxophonist Raphael Ravenscroft claimed he'd written the iconic bit, something Gerry vehemently denied. Also, the song was kept from the top of the Billboard chart thanks to an arrangement by Andy Gibb's management to keep his song at #1. The follow up single Right Down The Line was also a big hit and helped City to City sell over 5 million copies worldwide. Gerry never again found success like he did with this record and we honor his achievement after 45 years by reviewing this classic track by track. Ugly American Werewolf in London Website Ugly American Werewolf in London Store - Get your Wolf merch! Twitter Instagram YouTube LInkTree www.pantheonpodcasts.com Visit RareVinyl.com and use the NEW code UGLY to save 10%! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeff Beck was one of the world's true originals. An innovator of guitar that couldn't be defined by one genre. To pay tribute to him, we examine his career from his time in The Yardbirds, The Jeff Beck Group (with Rod Stewart & Ronnie Wood), Beck, Bogert, & Appice, through the 70s & 80s until today. He eventually abandoned playing with a pick so he could better control the sound of the Stratocaster with his fingers and whammy bar to make sounds no one else could. The Wolf was fortunate enough to see Jeff Beck play 4 times over the years, including last year in Royal Albert Hall with Johnny Depp. We talk about how we came to know Jeff and his music, what it was like to see him live and the legacy he leaves. We also include an excerpt from our interview with Deborah Bonham and Peter Bullick (Episode #72) who toured with him on The Stars Align Tour on which Peter had the opportunity to play Jeff's tunes through his rig to the astonishment of anyone listening. There will never be another Jeff Beck! Ugly American Werewolf in London Website Ugly American Werewolf in London Store - Get your Wolf merch! Twitter Instagram YouTube LInkTree www.pantheonpodcasts.com Visit RareVinyl.com and use the NEW code UGLY to save 10%! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

By 1983 Journey had achieved huge success and had finally settled on a stable lineup with Steve Perry on vocals, Neal Schon on guitar, Jonathan Cain on the keys, Ross Valory on bass and Steve Smith on the drums. 1981's Escape would eventually go diamond (10 million in sales) in the US and coming off the tour to that megahit, they needed to bring the goods to follow it up. And did they ever on 1983's Frontiers with Separate Ways, Send Her My Love, Faithfully and After The Fall. It went on to sell over 6 million in the US - but could it have been bigger? Two songs that were intended to go on the album were pulled in favor of b-sides so that Ask The Lonely could be used on the Two of a Kind soundtrack in 1984 and Only The Young was part of the Vision Quest movie in 1985. They became big hits on their own but would their inclusion on Frontiers have propelled it to diamond status? Would that have delayed or accelerated Steve Perry's solo career? We go track by track on all of them and examine the turmoil in the band over the years. What a fun way to start 2023!! Ugly American Werewolf in London Website Ugly American Werewolf in London Store - Get your Wolf merch! Twitter Instagram YouTube LInkTree www.pantheonpodcasts.com Visit RareVinyl.com and use the NEW code UGLY to save 10%! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2022 was a great year for our show as we became a part of Pantheon Podcasts, gained an amazing sponsor in RareVinyl.com and welcomed artists and musicians who we have loved and admired for years. On Part 2 of our 2022 in Review shows, we talk about how excited we were to welcome folks we've been fans of for decades like Geoff Downes (Yes, Asia), Carl Palmer (Asia, ELP), Chris Slade (AC/DC, The Firm, David Gilmour), Steve Hackett (Genesis), Guy Pratt (Pink Floyd, David Gilmour) and Gary Kemp (Spandau Ballet, Nick Mason). Hear our reactions to some of the stories from these great artists! But we also had the chance to speak with artists we've just come to know recently like Amanda Lehmann (Steve Hackett), Deobrah Bonham & Peter Bullick, Jim Cregan (Rod Stewart) and Autumn Hawk Percival. We had a wonderful time learning about what they've been up to recently, talking about their music and what they're going to be up to in 2023. We're proud of the artists/musicians/legends we hosted in 2022 and look forward to more in 2023! Ugly American Werewolf in London Website Ugly American Werewolf in London Store - Get your Wolf merch! Twitter Instagram YouTube LInkTree www.pantheonpodcasts.com Visit RareVinyl.com and use the NEW code UGLY to save 10%! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Wolf & Action Jackson took some time to reflect at the end of 2022 on all the great episodes, guests, concerts and artists we featured on the show this year. With 29 albums reviewed, 10 podcaster/writer guests, 12 concerts reviewed and 9 artist interviews we covered a lot of ground! On Part 1, we look back at the talented podcasters and writers who guested on our show and reminisce about all the concerts we reviewed after a COVID concert drought. We welcomed some our fellow Pantheon Podcasts hosts this year to talk about some of our favorite albums. We look back at speaking with Tom & Zeus of Shout It Out Loudcasts, Christy Alexander Halberg of Rock Is Lit, Martin Popoff of History in 5 Songs, Paul of Vintage Rock Pod and Pantheon Founder Christian Swain of Rock n Roll Archeology. We also welcomed some of our favorites from around the world like Neil of Def Lep Pod, Sonny "Hollywood" Pooni of Growin Up Rock, Chris of My Rock n Roll Heaven, rock journalist Anne Estella and RareVinyl.com Record Buyer Mike Wenban. Like so many of you, we were psyched to have live music back in our lives in 2022! Some tickets we'd had for two and half years, some were bought the week of the show. Hear The Wolf talk about seeing Simple Minds at Wembley Arena, Sting at the Palladium, Nick Mason's Saucerful of Secrets, Yes and Jeff Beck & Johnny Depp at Royal Albert Hall and The Rolling Stones and Duran Duran at Hyde Park. And hear Jackson talk about finally getting to see The Cult again after lockdown, along with The Stadium Tour. Not to mention, the first concert our hosts saw together in 28 years in Indianapolis. Part 2 is on the artists we welcomed to the show in 2022, be sure to subscribe and download! Ugly American Werewolf in London Website Ugly American Werewolf in London Store - Get your Wolf merch! Twitter Instagram YouTube LInkTree www.pantheonpodcasts.com Visit RareVinyl.com and use the NEW code UGLY to save 10%! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim Cregan may not be a household name in the US but he has recorded over 50 gold and platinum records in his career. Best known for his days as a guitarist and songwriter with Rod Stewart, Jim joined us to talk about his new charity single and to relive some moments from his stellar career. Jim works with AngelForce USA, a non-profit dedicating to serving US veterans who may be at risk of suicide. He and his band, Cregan & Co., have reworked an old Johnny Mathis tune A Child is Born which is available to download with all the proceeds going to AngelForce USA. We talk a bit about how he came to work with this noble cause and the tune itself. We then dive into crazy days & nights in the studio and on the road with Rod the Mod. He first joined Stewart on the Foot Loose & Fancy Free album and was a part of his touring & recording band into the 90s, including the MTV Unplugged performance that included Ronnie Wood. Hear Jim recount stories about Hollywood A-list parties, speaking on the phone to Britt Ekland and working hard to avoid having your door kicked in by the Sex Police. Jim has the gift of gab and some extraordinary stories to go with it! Ugly American Werewolf in London Website Ugly American Werewolf in London Store - Get your Wolf merch! Twitter Instagram YouTube LInkTree www.pantheonpodcasts.com Visit RareVinyl.com and use the NEW code UGLY to save 10%! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In early 1982, Van Halen was finishing up a tour of the US that included opening for The Rolling Stones for some stadium shows. After 5 straight years of touring and 4 consecutive platinum records, the members of Van Halen were looking forward to a much deserved vacation. But to make sure folks didn't forget about them, they released a cover of the Roy Orbison classic Oh, Pretty Woman. The song raced up the charts and then Warner Brothers demanded an album to go with the hit single. So Eddie Van Halen, Michael Anthony, David Lee Roth and Alex Van Halen took 12 days to record the rest of what would be Diver Down. Though the album is maligned by critics and fans as being short (31 minutes) and chock full of covers (5) it was a huge success for the band selling over 4 million copies in the US and setting them up for their megahit 1984. You still get some guitar heroics on songs like Hang Em High, Cathedral and The Full Bug but they also throw in some funny ones like Big Bad Bill and Happy Trails. It may not be anyone's favorite Van Halen record but it's an important piece of their catalog that is 40 years old and we had fun revisiting it. Ugly American Werewolf in London Website Ugly American Werewolf in London Store - Get your Wolf merch! Twitter Instagram YouTube LInkTree www.pantheonpodcasts.com Visit RareVinyl.com and use the NEW code UGLY to save 10%! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

By 1987 Aerosmith had gone from 70s rock gods to broken up & broke to reunited while clean & sober. The band and Geffen records desperately wanted a hit after 1984's overlooked Done With Mirrors. Rock n Roll Hall of Famer John Kalodner suggested the band work with outside writers to generate some hits. Steven Tyler and Joe Perry were reluctant at first but Desmond Child, Jim Vallance and Holly Knight helped get them on the charts with Dude Looks Like a Lady, Rag Doll and the megahit Angel. Buoyed by their collaboration with Run DMC the year prior, the band went on to incredible success with over 5 million sold in the US. That success would only grow in the coming years with Pump and Get a Grip and Permanent Vacation was their big comeback record. MTV blasted their videos night and day which would continue through the next several albums as well. It's fun to look back on this one as it changed Aerosmith's trajectory and is the cornerstone of the greatest comeback in rock. Ugly American Werewolf in London Website Ugly American Werewolf in London Store - Get your Wolf merch! Twitter Instagram YouTube LInkTree www.pantheonpodcasts.com Visit RareVinyl.com and use the NEW code UGLY to save 10%! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The world had changed for Robert Plant in 1982. Led Zeppelin had broken up following the death of John Bonham in 1980. Big riff, classic rock had been replaced by punk, the new romantics, new wave and MTV was now the one place folks went to get their new music. Many of his peers from the 1970s had broken up, retired or were trying new things. So Robert put together a new band and released his first solo effort, Pictures at Eleven. But Robert didn't want to trade on his past so he did not perform any Led Zeppelin songs for the first few years as a solo artist. He wanted to forge ahead, make new music and not have to be a jukebox for those big Zep fans. And he got a lot of help from friends like Phil Collins and Cozy Powell on the drums, new writing partner and guitar player Robbie Blunt and more folks to help him forge his new sound. It may not be my favorite Robert Plant album but it set the tone for him as a solo artist and helped create his own sound, which was different from Led Zeppelin, and set him up for great success for decades to come. Ugly American Werewolf in London Website Ugly American Werewolf in London Store - Get your Wolf merch! Twitter Instagram YouTube LInkTree www.pantheonpodcasts.com Visit RareVinyl.com and use the NEW code UGLY to save 10%! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Who were ready to call it a day in 1982 which makes It's Hard their swan song. Of course they eventually came back but they were facing MTV, middle age, solo careers and examining life through different lenses. Keith Moon died in 1978 after the release of Who Are You and The Who soldiered on with Kenney Jones (The Faces) on the drums. But Pete Townshend's solo debut Empty Glass in 1980, which featured the mega-hit Let My Love Open The Door, put the band in an awkward position. The Who released Face Dances in 1981 but Pete was more keen on a solo career after the triple platinum Empty Glass. But the record company wanted one more Who album and tour and It's Hard was to serve as The Who's swan song which it did for nearly a quarter of a decade. Radio hits Athena and Eminence Front are well known but diving deeper into the album unlocks some unheralded songs written by John Entwhistle, Pete's contemplation of himself as a middle age rock star and what their collective future might be with or without the band. While some of the keyboards and synths might make this one sound dated, some of the themes of struggling to understand your place in the world are as poignant as ever. It was fun to rediscover this one! Ugly American Werewolf in London Website Ugly American Werewolf in London Store - Get your Wolf merch! Twitter Instagram YouTube LInkTree www.pantheonpodcasts.com Visit RareVinyl.com and use the NEW code UGLY to save 10%! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you grew up in the 70s & 80s like we did, you knew Blue Oyster Cult for their radio hits Don't Fear (The Reaper), Burnin for You and Godzilla. Or you might know them from Fast Times at Ridgemont High - "No I don't have any Blue Oyster Cult, I ate 34 pairs last time around - where were you?" Of course children of the 90s will never forget the famous Cowbell Sketch with Christopher Walken. But Blue Oyster Cult are still touring after 50 years and we want to explore their legacy with the man who has literally written the book on BOC (several books, actually), Martin Popoff. We ask Martin to recall how he found the band as a young man, saw them play live, got Eric Bloom's autograph on a $1 bill and interviews he conducted with band members over the years. In addition to their string of successful gold & platinum releases over the years, we explore how success, MTV and outside influences led to their demise. Plus The Wolf laments on the various missed opportunities he's had to see them live over the years. History in Five Songs with Martin Popoff Podcast www.martinpopoff.com www.martinpopoff.ca Ugly American Werewolf in London Website Ugly American Werewolf in London Store - Get your Wolf merch! Twitter Instagram YouTube LInkTree www.pantheonpodcasts.com Visit RareVinyl.com and use the NEW code UGLY to save 10%! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For The Wolf & Action Jackson, The Cult were a band that entered their lives in 1989 with Sonic Temple which delivered with hard rock anthem Fire Woman. But hearing the killer riffs of Billy Duffy and lead singer Ian Astbury's powerful vocals defined by spiritual lyrics, the boys had to dive into their back catalog and were delighted to unearth Dreamtime, Love & Electric. From there The Cult would always hold a special place in their hearts. While living together in college, the boys were on their way to see the band only to learn that the show was cancelled and that the band had broken up. But this didn't dissuade their passion for the band, it just meant they had to wait for more new music and to see them live. Under The Midnight Sun is their 11th studio release and mixes that classic Cult sound with some new textures which separates it from their most recent efforts Choice of Weapon and Hidden City. At just over 35 minutes, Under The Midnight Sun still has those Cult trademarks while leading the band in a new direction that we really enjoy. It may not be their best or worst effort but it is new Cult, their first in 8 years, and we share our review with you. Ugly American Werewolf in London Website Ugly American Werewolf in London Store - Get your Wolf merch! Twitter Instagram YouTube LInkTree www.pantheonpodcasts.com Visit RareVinyl.com and use the NEW code UGLY to save 10%! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As The Wolf has moved to London & around Europe he finds progressive rock to be a very English sub genre of rock music. Growing up an Anglophile when it came to rock music, he was fascinated by The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who, Cream, Led Zeppelin and all the blues based guitar driven rock. But progressive rock has different textures and flavors, not to mention some bands that to this day are still mostly unknown in the US. So who does he get to lead him on a journey to get to know UK prog legends Gentle Giant around the 50th anniversary of their Octopus album? Why a 30 year old American, of course. Autumn Hawk Percival is a songwriter, singer and multi-instrumentalist who has passion and knowledge for prog music. Ahead of the release of her own new album, she takes us on a tour of the soundscapes of these UK proggers in an album that has become known as the turning point in their career. Hear why the eccentric literary references, offbeat harmonies and odd sounds all craft a soundscape that Autumn finds appealing and hear her articulate those feelings to us lowbrow rockers. Ugly American Werewolf in London Website Ugly American Werewolf in London Store - Get your Wolf merch! Twitter Instagram YouTube LInkTree www.pantheonpodcasts.com Visit RareVinyl.com and use the NEW code UGLY to save 10%! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nick Mason's Saucerful of Secrets had to wait 2 years to tour due to COVID. But The Wolf & Action Jackson waited 27 years to see a live show together again; however, they all converged in Indianapolis on Friday, October 14. As proud members of Panteon Podcasts, we sponsored the The Echoes Tour and worked the show while greeting our VIP Experience winner, Heather. Listen to The Wolf's journey from Europe to Indianapolis and how dangerously close he was to missing the show. Hear snippets of our interview with Guy Pratt & Gary Kemp of the Saucers (and the brilliant podcast The Rockonteurs) and the amazing night we had in Indy. Starting with One Of These Days through to the epic Echoes the guys shared stories, had some fun with the crowd, displayed extraordinary musicianship and still came back for an encore. Thanks to all our listeners who've supported us through our first 100 shows! We pay tribute to all our guests, fellow podcasters and friends who have joined us over the years with a fun mashup of their bumpers. And don't worry, we've got hundreds more shows in us... Hear Ep96 for our full interview with Gary & Guy: https://podcasts.apple.com/nl/podcast/uawil-96-gary-kemp-guy-pratt-of-nick-masons/id1542993846?i=1000580988376&l=en Hear Ep75 for my review from Royal Albert Hall in London: https://podcasts.apple.com/nl/podcast/uawil-75-nick-masons-saucerful-of-secrets-live-at/id1542993846?i=1000565385735&l=en Ugly American Werewolf in London Website Ugly American Werewolf in London Store - Get your Wolf merch! Twitter Instagram YouTube LInkTree www.pantheonpodcasts.com Visit RareVinyl.com and use the NEW code UGLY to save 10%! Want to win front row seats to Nick Mason's Saucerful of Secrets in the US? Enter here to win tickets and a chance to be on a Pantheon Podcast: https://pantheonpodcasts.com/nickmason Get tickets here: https://www.thesaucerfulofsecrets.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Christian Swain is the Founder & CEO of Pantheon Podcasts - a network of music podcasts preserving the legacy of rock n roll and all its many sub-genres. We chat with Christian about being a musician in LA in the 1980s hanging out at The Roxy, The Rainbow and the Whiskey-a-go-go. We talk why certain bands make it and other don't, the role record companies play in those successes and failures and why it's important to interview the original creators of the music we love. Ugly American Werewolf in London Website Ugly American Werewolf in London Store - Get your Wolf merch! Twitter Instagram YouTube LInkTree www.pantheonpodcasts.com Visit RareVinyl.com and use the NEW code UGLY to save 10%! Want to win front row seats to Nick Mason's Saucerful of Secrets in the US? Enter here to win tickets and a chance to be on a Pantheon Podcast: https://pantheonpodcasts.com/nickmason Get tickets here: https://www.thesaucerfulofsecrets.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ronnie James Dio was legend of hard rock and heavy metal. From middle class beginnings in upstate New York to arenas around the world, Ronnie brought joy to the fans with his powerful voice and vivid storytelling. It's great to see not only former bandmates like Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler & Vinny Appice sing his praises but to hear from Roger Glover, Rob Halford, Glenn Hughes, Lita Ford, Sebastian Bach, Eddie Trunk and many more about the kind of man and friend he was warmed our hearts. Ronnie wasn't an overnight sensation - he was recording music in the 1950's! But he didn't hit it big with Rainbow until the 70s and success eluded him in American until he eventually replaced Ozzy in Black Sabbath and then went on to form DIO with Vinny Appice, Jimmy Bain & Vivian Campbell. Hear what we thought of the movie, his falling out with Ritchie Blackmore, Tony Iommi, & Vivian Campbell, what he means to us as a singer and his legacy. Ugly American Werewolf in London Website Ugly American Werewolf in London Store - Get your Wolf merch! Twitter Instagram YouTube LInkTree www.pantheonpodcasts.com Visit RareVinyl.com and use the NEW code UGLY to save 10%! Want to win front row seats to Nick Mason's Saucerful of Secrets in the US? Enter here to win tickets and a chance to be on a Pantheon Podcast: https://pantheonpodcasts.com/nickmason We'll be at the Indianapolis show Friday, October 14, Get tickets here: https://www.thesaucerfulofsecrets.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices