Pearl Jam's Stone Gossard and Dorothy

Honored to have drummer extraordinaire, and fellow Detroiter, Tommy Clufetos on Talkin' Rock. He's playing the Token Lounge coming up on Thursday, March 28th. Having seen him play there before, this is a show you're not going to want to miss. He said that was the only time he'd played there and he "Loved it!" His drumming is insane. Just check out some of the clips below.

In the conversation we talked about his career playing with everyone from, Ted Nugent, to Rob Zombie, to Black Sabbath, John 5, and lots more.

Tommy is Detroit through and through. "Detroit is such a big part of my life, you can't get it out of me". Tommy credits his upbringing here in the Motor City with giving him his work ethic. Now he's made home in the music capitol of America, Nashville, Tenn. 

He told me how he's managed to get so many high-profile gigs, starting with Mitch Rider. We talked about how he was hooked up with Ted Nugent through Alto Reed from Bob Seger's band. "I'm so spoiled because I love Detroit music so much," he told me. 

Ozzy Osbourne recently picked him as his drummer in a hypothetical dream band. "That makes me feel really good." He went on to talk about playing with Ozzy "When I'm behind Ozzy, we go to war together". He said he's learned so much from guys like Ozzy and Nugent. 

He talked about playing some gigs with Motley Crue, while Tommy Lee was injured and couldn't perform full shows. 

How badly did he want to play on Black Sabbath's 13 album? What was it like playing Sabbath's last gig? He answers those questions and lots more. 

Great to have Tommy on the show for the first time, and I cannot wait to see the show at the Token on March 28th. I'll see you guys there!

Such an honor to have Mick Mars on the show. His new album "The Other Side Of Mars" drops on February 23rd, and it's a killer record.

The album really shows off different sides to Mick's musicality. It really takes you on a roller coaster ride. "Yeah, I wanted to see what happens. Lots of different styles, different things." He went on "I intentionally wanted it to be very diverse." 

What's also different about this record is that Mick is more upfront than he ever was in the Crue. This is his project and he's the face of it. From the video treatments which are primarily black and white. "When I was in Motley I wrote for Motley. But with this, it's for me." He jokingly calls it "Mars"ley.

He told me his heart is in the blues, but he didn't want to put out a blues album. He explained why that is. Mick also told me the moment he fell in love with music. He was very young!

There are some musical heavyweights on this album. Starting with the producer, Micheal Wagener. This guy worked with Mick back on the very first Motley album. Then, he's got Korn's Ray Luzier on drums. He is an incredible talent. Mick described him with one word - awesome!

I also asked him about collaborating with other artists. "Oh, yeah. I'm not sure with whom. I like to keep things fresh." He said he's already working on his next album. "I've already got, like, four really, really solid songs." As far as guests for his next album, he said he's pretty sure he'll have some on it.

As far as albums he's credited on, I had to ask him about the Hear 'N Aid project he was part of in the 80s. From what he recalls it was fun. LOL He goes into that a little deeper.

Days after his birthday, Sully Erna from Godsmack called in to discuss what the band has going on, along with his "I Stand Alone - The Sully Erna Story", which you can watch now. 

He told me how the documentary started, after writing manuscripts for his book "The Paths We Choose". He says his story is about perseverance....that's an understatement. "So many times I could've easily ended up dead or in jail." He told me how music really saved his life.

He said he was nervous watching it, but he thinks it came out good. I watched it in one sitting. There was stuff in there that surprised me, and some stories that were, as he said, hard to believe. He's a guy who literally had to fight to achieve his success. "There really is a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, it's just a mother f&#$#er getting there."

People may or may not know, Godsmack was a late-blooming band. Most rock bands get their start in their 20s. Godsmack started to break in their 30s. That's unheard of in our business. He said after years of trying to make it as a musician for so long, he put the band together to just scratch an itch. 

He also talked about how drummer Shannon Larkin joined the band. He said they didn't even do auditions for drummers when he came aboard. Suly went on to explain how he joined the band and how the "drum battle" started. That's a highlight of any Godsmack show. 

As far as what the band has going on this year, he said they probably won't be working on any new music, but touring with an intimate night of music and storytelling. 

You can watch the documentary on Apple TV, Amazon Prime, and other streaming services. 

Sebastian Bach is my latest guest on Talkin' Rock with Meltdown. He's dropping a new album, in his words, sooner than you think. "It's coming very, very soon." He talks about the first single "What Have I Got To Lose?" which you can see below. That song is co-written with Myles Kennedy from Alter Bridge/Slash. He talked about joining up with him.

Detroit's own John 5 is also on the album, along with others. He reminded me that this is the third album he's collaborated with 5. 

He also spoke about the fact that he wouldn't mind getting back with the original members of Skid Row. "Us five musicians haven't been in the same room together since 1996, and I barely remember the year 1996." He went on to say that he's over whatever happened in 1996. "I'm over it." He talked more about that, including the fact that he owns all sorts of demos and unreleased tracks from the early days of the band. 

Sebastian also talked about the Skid Row tour with a very young Soundgarden on the Slave To The Grind tour. When asked if he could see that band blow up like they did, he talked about the darker vibe of the grunge movement at the time. "I come from a time where rock and roll was nothing but fun." He elaborated "I didn't get into rock and roll to be depressed. I got into rock and roll to escape depression." He spoke of hanging with Chris Cornell after the shows and the ultimate demise of the legendary singer. 

We had to talk about KISS. He's a huge fan and told me the story of seeing the final show in New York. He also spoke highly of the KISS reunion show at Tiger Stadium in 1996. He called the show the "biggest rush" when they came on the stage that night. A moment he said he'd never forget. "Probably the most exciting concert moment of my life."

Rob DeLuca from Spread Eagle playing with Sebastian for many years. He gave me some fun tour stories to ask him about. Those are crazy stories. 

Chris Robertson from Black Stone Cherry joins me on Talkin' Rock. They'll be hoping on the ShipRocked cruise starting February 4 through the 10th. 

Their latest album, their eighth, dropped last fall called Screamin' At The Sky. He tells me that he feels fortunate that they can put out new music and people still care, "You can't really ask for much more than that" 

Chris told me about growing up in the middle of nowhere, in Edmonton, Kentucky. He said growing up he was surrounded by country music, as his father and grandfather were both bluegrass/country musicians. He said music videos helped craft his love of music. "I was a kid in the MTV generation, so all through the 90s you had great rock and roll being playing on TV." He told me about the first video he recalls watching. 

Being from Kentucky, I'm surprised it took this long, but they've got their own bourbon now. They've teamed up with Three Chord Bourbon to develop their bourbon. He said management approached them with the idea. "It was a no-brainer for us."

Chris just came back from Los Angeles for NAMM, and he told me about his new signature guitar called The Sarge. He said that way of life is ok for a few days, but he's a country boy through and through. 

Black Stone Cherry is also playing Zakk Wylde's Berzurkus concert in mid-September in Pennsylvania. As far as playing live and touring, it's something he still loves to do. "I love it because it's new faces all the time, it continues to build." Yes, BSC is a road-dog band and that's ok with Chris. "We love it. We truly love playing music."

He surprised me with a band he named as far as a "massive" influence on his band with roots in the Detroit area. That was a shocker. 

My guest on this episode of Talkin' Rock is Blue Oyster Cult's Eric Bloom. This is the first time we've talked and I found him to be very easy to speak with. 

For those of you in the southeast Michigan area, B.O.C is playing the Royal Oak Music Theater on February 25th. Eric is looking forward to the show, but he seemed happier to be coming to Detroit for a slice or two of Detroit-style pizza. LOL

I asked Eric to recall something about the famed "Black and Blue" tour with Black Sabbath in the early 80s. He fondly spoke about the tour, playing Madison Square Garden, and more. 

We also talked about the cultural impact that the band had. From the "Cowbell" scene on SNL, to use in horror movies. He spoke to not being aware of the use of "Don't Fear The Reaper" in the original Halloween movie. Speaking of movies, yes, Eric is a Godzilla fan! "Buck wrote the song, but we used to make Godzilla jokes in the band house."

He also told me about some new live vinyl albums that are dropping this year. They recorded some special shows last year and they're dropping them throughout the year. He also let the cat out of the bag that they're going to be releasing some unheard B.O.C before the summertime. This is going to have to satisfy the diehard fans because he doesn't see them making any new music anytime soon. 

A few weeks back while talking to David Ellefson, he brought up GHOST and said they reminded him of Blue Oyster Cult. Eric doesn't see it "I don't sorta get it, but other people might think so."

We also talked about Metallica, his video game addiction, Spinal Tap, and more.

Fun conversation with Eric on Talkin' Rock!

Mac Saturn singer, Carson Macc joins me today, as their "Hard To Sell" record finally drops this Friday, January 26th, with a show to celebrate that night at the Fillmore Detroit. 

The process of making this record began long ago. Working with Al Sutton at Rust Belt Studios, they brought what they thought were solid songs, but they weren't. "We brought them so many songs that we thought were it!" Carson said that although they didn't use those songs, they learned much about their songwriting process. More on Al and others who helped them in a minute. 

As far as pegging this band's sound, that's a tough one. Carson describes it like this "We're from Detroit. We're Rock and Roll, but we're from Detroit so we got a little bit of funk and soul" He said people always compare them to so many different bands. "We like to do things authentically"

This band does not shy away from being from Detroit. "You gotta say it. You've got to wear that on your sleeve, because why wouldn't you?" They want to be part of the musical fabric that's so strong from years gone by. They are the future of that sound.  

As far as singers he's been influenced by, that's another one you just can't point to. He says he takes elements from all of his inspirations "...and be completely free on top of this band, that has some serious players in it." Yes, the band is very tight. 

As far as the tour is concerned, Mac Saturn is hopping right into it. They're going all over the country from January 26 at the Fillmore, right through until St. Patrick's Day. 

Carson was never at a loss to talk about working with Al Sutton at Rust Belt Studios in Royal Oak. "He was always pushing us to see how far we could take this sound." Kid Rock guitarist and backup singer, Marlon Young and Hershell Boone were all on board in the creation of this album. He sang their praises and spoke to how much he learned from all of them. 

You can watch the video for "Mint Julep" here. 

It was great to talk to Carson. Wishing nothing but the best for him and the band as they start out on this trek. You can meet the band on Thursday at Dearborn Music in Dearborn starting at 6 pm for a listening/meet & greet party. 

Always great to talk with David Ellefson. He has so much going on, as always! This guy has to be one of the busiest musicians in the country.

He talked about spending his birthday here in Detroit to see Metallica in early November. He talked as to why he was here, and seeing Metallica was only one part of it. 

One of his many bands, Metal Alliegence turns 10 this year. He talked about how that project started and the guests that have joined him onstage throughout the years. They'll be celebrating with a concert at the House of Blues in Anaheim, California on January 25th. 

He also told me about the upcoming Nick Menza documentary "This Is My Life". Will that see the light of day this year? David has an answer....sorta. You can see more about that project, here. 

Speaking of Metallica, the topic of Lars Ulrich taking on Napster in the mid-90s was brought up. I asked him what he thought about that now, almost 30 years later. David had a lot to say about that moment in music history. 

I recently saw an article where David picked the top five albums that changed his life. The funny thing is, four of them were from the late 70s/early 80s, and one from 2015, which kinda came out of left field. He told me why he picked that odd one for his list. I'll be honest, it's a band I really love as well!

Up next, it's Gavin Rossdale from Bush. He was nice enough to call in to promote the upcoming Loaded: Greatest Hits Tour he's embarking on with his band, Bush, along with Jerry Cantrell from Alice In Chains, and Candlebox. That show touches down here in Michigan at the Michigan Lottery Amphitheater on August 16th. Of course, keep it locked on the RIFF for your chance to win your way in.

I had to start out by sending condolences to his dog, Chewy. I actually met that little guy a couple of times backstage. He was a cute little dog that always had his backstage pass on. Gavin spoke to that and the funny reason why he wore it. He said that dog had seen more Bush concerts than his own children.

Gavin told me he didn't tour with either one of these bands back in the day, although he has played with them recently. He said that Jerry is a bit of a gambler so that may be a win/loss for him. That lead us into talking about what they do to fill the time on tour.

Gavin was on the TODAY show Wednesday, and he talked about that with me. During that appearance, he spoke highly of his kids and their love of American football. Is he watching the playoffs? He answered that as well as his relationship with soccer legend, David Beckham, being that he's a huge soccer fan.

Sounds like this is going to be another not-miss tour this summer. A big thank you to Gavin for the time, it's always a pleasure to speak with him.

Guitarist Richie Faulkner joins me today on Talkin' Rock. We started by talking about his latest birthday celebration on January 1st. 

We talked about his relationship with his father-in-law, guitar legend George Lynch. "George is an incredible player....not only incredible but a unique player," he said. I asked him if he's floated him any tracks off upcoming projects.  He said he hadn't, but "He's a great resource....he's great to get information and experiences from."

As far as the new Judas Priest album is concerned, Richie talked a lot about it. He mentioned that following up on a record like "Firepower" that did so well, it's a healthy challenge. 

He talks about the song "Panic Attack". That song includes two solos on that one track. He talks about the complexity of that song, along with other ones on the albums. He said the album is somewhat more "progressive", but not really in the way you might think. "The record takes on its own character by itself." 

As far as input Richie has on the writing and recording, he said everyone chips in. There are 11 tracks on the album, with three bonus tracks on available copies. He said there's no real moment of any sort of ballad on "Invisible Shield", which drops on March 8th. 

He also spoke to respecting the band's vast history, and the fanship they have. "You have to produce to 1,000% of your ability." He said he never takes it for granted and what an honor it is to be in the band. 

He also gave an update as far as guitarist Glenn Tipton with his Parkinsons. "We had his mind involved, we had his creative mind involved and that's part of the reason it makes it Judas Priest."

We also discussed songs he loves to play on stage nightly, the first albums he bought, and, his health much more. 

It's always great to talk with Richie, and this time was no different. 

Tim Montana is making 2024 the year of rock for his career. He'll be dropping a rock album, and going out on tour with Staind and Seether.

I had a chance to talk with him about this upcoming year, the bar he co-owns with ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons, and lots more.

Growing up very poor, Tim says he's had the good fortune to meet most of the people on the posters on his trailer wall. His first shot at stardom was on David Letterman's show in 2008. He talks about the experience of going to New York City for the first time.

"It hits hard" is how he describes his upcoming rock album. There are no featured guests on the record. "If this is going to be my first rock statement, I kinda want to make it on my own."

As far as his upbringing in music, he tells me about the full-circle moment he recently went back to his high school

We also talked about his huge support for the veterans. In four years of the <a href="https://www.americanthreadshoot.com/">American Thread Shoot</a>, they've raised $1.4 million. Tim spoke about meeting and playing for the troops in the past.

The Wise River Club is the bar he has in Wise River, Montana. He tells me about the history of the place and some of the famous people who've swung by. Is it haunted? "We have heard stories...." he said, but as of now, he says they haven't seen anything yet. He tells a crazy story of a legendary daredevil who has a history in the place with a wild animal.

It was great to talk with Tim for a few minutes. I can't wait to check out the new record when it drops, sometime this spring according to him.