Long Live Rock 'N' Roll

'Rock Ain't For Keeping'

The Who cemented themselves as one of the most iconic and important Hard Rock bands with their 5th album, ‘Who’s Next’. We explore the groundbreaking sounds, innovative techniques, and timeless themes that make this album a cornerstone of rock music.

Bringing a host of progressive and innovative features to the forefront - such as the use of synthesisers and electronic effects, continuity of conceptual themes/lyrics, dynamic songwriting - all mixed with raw Hard Rock energy proved that The Who were the best in class at the beginning of the 70s, leading from the front in the development and progression of Hard Rock!

Episode Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3Rj6T45qnQRRoVqasCqeZc?si=4c13c3098c924538

LONG LIVE ROCK ‘N’ ROLL

‘The Freedom Of Music’

Rush’s 7th studio album, ‘Permanent Waves’, marked a departure from their earlier sound and embraced a more diverse musical palette. Incorporating synthesisers more heavily and refining songs into simpler structures with a more radio friendly accessibility, Rush changed their own trajectory and gained many new fans/plaudits from this release.

Whether you’re a die-hard Rush fan or discovering ‘Permanent Waves’ for the first time, join us as we dive into Rush’s most successful album (up to that point) and explore the fine balance achieved between Progressiveness and Accessibility coupled with Peart’s traditional lyrics commenting on society and freewill.

Episode Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4CTo9bgiankLVXVWLANSTW?si=bb539147f1b94ef8

Rush Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5HiEOSJmuI

Rush Interview 2: https://youtu.be/i1H_vxrb4b0?si=ExMxAZXnMyRsU3KU

LONG LIVE ROCK ‘N’ ROLL

Episode 64 - ‘Praise For Absolution’

Muse’s third album, ‘Absolution’, presents us with everything that worked for ‘Origin Of Symmetry’, but elevated to the next level!

The genius of Matt Bellamy, Dominic Howard and Chris Wolstenholme is on display as electronic soundscapes, symphonic elements and classically inspired passages are combined with Hard Rock to give us this innovative record that didn’t necessarily introduce new musical concepts, but helped redefine the possibilities within Alternative Rock.

Join us as we reflect on the legacy of ‘Absolution’ and its impact on Muse's career and how they established and implemented a signature sound whilst combining so many musical elements!

Episode Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/album/2Eq6RyxCm7qEAF2YLOxa4s?si=K6G80QOhTSyzVe-aEo5siA

Making Of ‘Absolution’ Documentary: https://youtu.be/MzIhYH9ZGLE?si=Z-pBRP4gJpxHEKx3

LONG LIVE ROCK ‘N’ ROLL

Are Holograms and Avatars the future of live music? 

Last year, KISS announced that they would “live on eternally” through their brand new avatars who would take over the roles of KISS from their human counterparts and opened up a world of touring and viewing options for them. ABBA successfully executed the Voyage tour - using 160 cameras to capture facial expressions and body movements to simulate a real show. Meanwhile Dio, Tupac and Zappa’s deaths did not stop them from touring- as their holograms were tested with real live bands backing them to, again, try to simulate a real show.

In this episode, we debate and discuss in great depth the pros and cons of all of the experiments listed above, try to ascertain whether or not this tarnishes or furthers a legacy and ask ourselves: Would we go to a virtual gig?

Viewing Material:

• Frank Zappa Hologram: Frank Zappa - Zappa Band Hologram Tour - Dirty Love - Scottish Rite Auditorium May 02 2019
• Dio Hologram: Ronnie James Dio Hologram Rocks Pollstar Awards
• Tupac Hologram: Tupac Hologram Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre Perform Coachella Live 2012
• ABBA Voyage: ABBA Voyage: The Journey Is About To Begin
• KISS Avatar Announcement: Kiss Avatar announcement - NYC final show
• Gorillaz - Clint Eastwood Live: Gorillaz - Clint Eastwood (Live BRITs Performance)

LONG LIVE ROCK ‘N’ ROLL

‘You Can Hear The Hats & The Beards!’

ZZ Top’s US breakthrough came in 1973 - in the form of the short, but sweet ‘Tres Hombres’!

Tastefully and seamlessly combining Rock, Blues, Soul and Boogie, ZZ Top carried the torch for the traditional Blues/Soul efforts, but fused it with the 70s Hard Rock of the time, whilst also paving the way for many future Rock bands to adopt this multi-genre approach.

A simple album in sound and feel, yet a substantial and important effort from the famed Texans. Laz & Felipe look into this album!

Episode Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7xfBcoOI63BPa8AgBzTU38?si=ac508ae430154470

LONG LIVE ROCK ‘N’ ROLL

‘Sweet Sounds Of Stones’

Dubbed as their best work in decades, The Rolling Stones are back with a brand new album!

‘Hackney Diamonds’ is their 24th (UK) studio album and is their first original work since 2005’s ‘A Bigger Bang’.

Receiving great critical praise and enjoyed by the fans, Laz & Felipe ask: how did The Rolling Stones create another brilliant album so deep into their career?

Episode Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0pzCCtCpHnfUafRkWInTye?si=040fcb1b8647466a

LONG LIVE ROCK ‘N’ ROLL

‘Rock’s Run Riot’

Following Rick Allen’s loss of his left arm after a car accident, Def Leppard’s follow up to their momentous ‘Pyromania’ was a long process. Beginning in 1984 and ending in 1987, ‘Hysteria’ took 3 years and several producers to complete!

The band set out to make a Rock version of Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’ - hoping every song could be a hit single. This goal came to fruition when Leppard released SEVEN of the twelve tracks from the album over an 18 month period and, subsequently, sold over 20,000,000 copies - 12,000,000 of which coming from the USA.

Glam Metal or Hard Rock? Hair Metal or Pop Rock? Accessible or selling out? Laz & Felipe analyse and discuss Def Leppard’s best selling album!

• Episode Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2hIX05YTa4qPSMRMhodAOC?si=891f97b825264c25

• Follow the Podcast on Social Media: https://linktr.ee/longlivernrpod
• Get in touch and/or leave us a review: longliverocknrollpodcast@gmail.com
• Podcast Music: "Bring The Pain"
• Music provided by https://Slip.stream Free Download/Stream: https://get.slip.stream/2njAKT
• Podcast Art by Ross Davidson (@ross_feelshame)

LONG LIVE ROCK ‘N’ ROLL

Episode 59: Understanding Eddie Van Halen - Interview with Steven Rosen

In the newest episode we have the absolute pleasure of chatting with and interviewing Steven Rosen - a renowned rock journalist who has finally released his long-awaited book about the friendship he shared with the late great guitar player Edward Van Halen.

Steve has previously authored seven other books including biographies on Jeff Beck, Free/Bad Company, Black Sabbath and Randy Rhoads, and writes about what it was like being friends with one of the most iconic guitar players in the world - with whom he shared many hours at his Hollywood home, his 5150 studio, on aeroplanes, in cars - and even jamming on several occasions with Van Halen!

Steve was authorised to write Edward’s biography back in 1985 but due to several delays by Eddie, followed by his illness and then a disagreement with Rosen, the book never came to light. In order to tell the story accurately, Steven pored over hours of interviews and peered deep inside distant memories to create a book unlike any other out there.

Laz & Felipe are delighted to have Steven on the show and to talk about all things Eddie Van Halen!

‘Tonechaser – Understanding Edward: My 26-Year Journey with Edward Van Halen’ by Steve Rosen is out now and available for purchase here: TONECHASER BOOK  (tonechaserbook.com)- a must have for any Van Halen, Guitar or Rock fan this Christmas! 

‘Now And Then, We Miss You’

60 years after forming the most iconic band the world has ever seen, The Beatles are back (we still can’t believe we’ve typed this sentence!) with a brand new song and their last ever new single.

Using John Lennon’s voice from a 70s demo, George Harrison’s guitar work from a 90s session and new Drum and Bass tracks recorded by Ringo and Paul in 2023, the Fab Four have continued their legacy as innovators and pioneers by using new AI technology to extract audio and splice these different tracks together to create a brand new song!

In an emotionally charged episode, Laz & Felipe discuss, in detail, the last ever new Beatles song.

Before you listen to the episode, we encourage you to watch the short documentary documenting the making of the song and the music video…

Documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APJAQoSCwuA&ab_channel=TheBeatlesVEVO

Music Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Opxhh9Oh3rg&ab_channel=TheBeatlesVEVO

LONG LIVE ROCK ‘N’ ROLL

‘All I Want To Be (Is At Your Gig)’

In the mid-70s, when the novelty of your favourite rock band releasing a live album was still fresh and exciting, standing out from the rest was Peter Frampton’s ‘Frampton Comes Alive!’!

Boasting a host of fantastic attributes - such as excellent production, fantastic performances and accessible music - this album is one of the best selling live albums of all time - registering a staggering 20,000,000 sales!

Laz & Felipe analyse how and why this album was so successful!

• Episode Playlist: https://spotify.link/WY3Pp4Fl3Db

• Follow the Podcast on Social Media: https://linktr.ee/longlivernrpod
• Get in touch and/or leave us a review: longliverocknrollpodcast@gmail.com
• Podcast Music Track: "Bring The Pain" Music provided by https://Slip.stream  Free Download/Stream: https://get.slip.stream/2njAKT
• Podcast Art by Ross Davidson (@ross_feelshame)

LONG LIVE ROCK ‘N’ ROLL

‘Progomania’

Dream Theater’s third studio album, ‘Awake’, cemented their status as one of the key pioneers of Prog Metal. With increased Progressive aspects in the form of intricate & technical music, complex songwriting and excellent musicianship, this highly influential album saw the transition from Prog Rock to Prog Metal established and saw Dream Theater’s renown and notoriety, as Prog monsters, rise immeasurably. 

Episode Playlist: https://spotify.link/p0Z6TZzIWDb

LONG LIVE ROCK ‘N’ ROLL

- Follow the Podcast on Social Media: https://linktr.ee/longlivernrpod

- Get in touch and/or leave us a review: longliverocknrollpodcast@gmail.com

- Podcast Music by GeriArt, NaturesEye, astrofreq, Twisterium from Pixabay

- Podcast Art by Ross Davidson (@ross_feelshame)

Episode 55 - ‘Hooray!’

Struggling to make inroads in the world of American Hard Rock, GFR omitted the ‘Railroad’ from their name and rebranded to ‘Grand Funk’. Combined with bringing in a new producer, sharing lead vocal duties between Don Brewer and Mark Farner and tidying up their playing, Grand Funk Railroad executed an album that celebrates all American music that has come before, but packaged in a very neat and complete 70s Hard Rock album. 

Episode 55 Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/16BP7dUGgXtXjuDAepIuDj?si=mt854WQPRYKHxRX8mxUkug

LONG LIVE ROCK ‘N’ ROLL

- Follow the Podcast on Social Media: https://linktr.ee/longlivernrpod

- Get in touch and/or leave us a review: longliverocknrollpodcast@gmail.com

- Podcast Music by GeriArt, NaturesEye, astrofreq, Twisterium from Pixabay

- Podcast Art by Ross Davidson (@ross_feelshame)

Following the success and popularity of the first Covers vs Originals episode and with the pair returning from a summer break, Laz and Felipe take a look at four more covers (including some chosen by our listeners!) and continue in their ultimate quest to find out what’s better… the cover or the original? 

This episode: 

1. “Hey Jude” - Wilson Pickett 
2. “Love Hurts” - Nazareth 
3. “Pretty Woman” - Van Halen 
4. “Godzilla” - Fu Manchu 

Episode Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0uFLaQFB6I5Rnk5ZwMslvj?si=koa9vpnZTgqe0ROGlgGkDA

LONG LIVE ROCK ‘N’ ROLL 

- Follow the Podcast on Social Media: https://linktr.ee/longlivernrpod

- Get in touch and/or leave us a review: longliverocknrollpodcast@gmail.com

- Podcast Music by GeriArt, NaturesEye, astrofreq, Twisterium from Pixabay

- Podcast Art by Ross Davidson (@ross_feelshame)

In a new topical discussion episode, Laz and Felipe begin to look at and break down their favourite cover songs! 

And so commences a game for many of these Cover episodes to come… 

Which is better - the cover or the original?

This episode: 

1. “Whiskey In The Jar” - Metallica 
2. “All Along The Watchtower” - Jimi Hendrix 
3. “Land Of Confusion” - Disturbed
4. “I Shall Be Released” - The Band 

Episode Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2vDLm4DlJZmEepAa7p4jSE?si=Qbhbx4ckSZabKXN0FPL3Qw

LONG LIVE ROCK ‘N’ ROLL

- Follow the Podcast on Social Media: https://linktr.ee/longlivernrpod

- Get in touch and/or leave us a review: longliverocknrollpodcast@gmail.com

- Podcast Music by GeriArt, NaturesEye, astrofreq, Twisterium from Pixabay

- Podcast Art by Ross Davidson (@ross_feelshame)

‘American Pie’ (Album) - Don McLean (1971)

‘Everybody Loves Don, Baby’

In 1971, following the breakup of The Beatles, the rise of solo artists and singer/songwriters became apparent with the likes of Carole King, James Taylor and Neil Young in the US and Elton John and Cat Stevens in the UK, taking big steps in the music world and making names for themselves. 

Don McLean’s second album, ‘American Pie’ elevated him to this success - largely thanks to the two tracks dedicated to other artists: “American Pie” for Buddy Holly and “Vincent” for Vincent Van Gogh - with the soft, sweet nature of his voice added to the beautifully intricate guitar playing presenting a level of emotion and poignancy to audiences that became legendary!

Laz and Felipe dive into the lyrics, music and emotional content of this famous album about America and Love. 

Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2xAKFXTSXMf6FCTc0hQhVv?si=dM7oVFJcQyKcXtaus7uGmg

LONG LIVE ROCK ‘N’ ROLL

- Follow the Podcast on Social Media: https://linktr.ee/longlivernrpod

- Get in touch and/or leave us a review: longliverocknrollpodcast@gmail.com

- Podcast Music by GeriArt, NaturesEye, astrofreq, Twisterium from Pixabay

- Podcast Art by Ross Davidson (@ross_feelshame)

Episode 51 - ‘American Pie’ (Song) - Don McLean (1971)

‘The Day The Music Thrived’ 

From the album of the same name, Don McLean released ‘American Pie’ - a song about the loss of culture, American values and innocence across a 10 year period throughout America. 

Concerning the death of a musician, the change in popular music style, the ever-changing political landscape of the USA and the Vietnam War, Don takes us on a rollercoaster of emotions and feelings through this 8 and a half minute epic that is, arguably, one of the most famous songs in Rock ‘N’ Roll history. 

Laz & Felipe, in a special episode, focus solely on this song and analyse/breakdown the lyrics of each verse and what they could mean/represent. 

• Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2g6Tw8jZJ1HkBUCLGxvaIy?si=FInRR0NSS5C4nucq_JWpsg

• American Pie Full Lyric Explanation: https://www.musicgrotto.com/american-pie-song-meaning-don-mclean/

• American Pie Full Lyric Analysis: https://web.archive.org/web/20200118091344/http://understandingamericanpie.com/index.htm

LONG LIVE ROCK ‘N’ ROLL 

- Follow the Podcast on Social Media: https://linktr.ee/longlivernrpod

- Get in touch and/or leave us a review: longliverocknrollpodcast@gmail.com

- Podcast Music by GeriArt, NaturesEye, astrofreq, Twisterium from Pixabay

- Podcast Art by Ross Davidson (@ross_feelshame)

Episode 50: ‘Eat ‘Em And Smile’ by David Lee Roth (1986)

‘Shy Boys (Not!)’

Having parted ways with Van Halen in early 1985, David Lee Roth assembled a star studded supergroup consisting of Billy Sheehan on Bass, Steve Vai on Guitar and Greg Bissonette on Drums - to help him write and record his debut album, ‘Eat ‘Em And Smile’. 

With a wide range of styles available including Glam Rock, Blues, Rock ‘N’ Roll, Glam Metal, Big Band Jazz and Fusion/Prog elements, David Lee Roth’s debut album was met with favourable reviews and had a unique all round sound - meeting the mainstream desires in easy to listen to melodies, singalong choruses and nice chord progressions - whilst also boasting some of the most difficult music played by some of the technical musicians. Laz & Felipe dive into the songwriting, musicianship and performances on offer in this tasty album! 

Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7LeWl9BelrbX6CF10S8zdV?si=kTQasOD0SJOLUVQ0lumJXg

Greg Bissonette on EEAS: https://youtu.be/_DV5SJnODW8

Steve Vai Zappa Audition: https://youtu.be/ow36K1RBKS0

LONG LIVE ROCK ‘N’ ROLL 

- Follow the Podcast on Social Media: https://linktr.ee/longlivernrpod

- Get in touch and/or leave us a review: longliverocknrollpodcast@gmail.com

- Podcast Music by GeriArt, NaturesEye, astrofreq, Twisterium from Pixabay

- Podcast Art by Ross Davidson (@ross_feelshame)

Episode 49: ‘Hotel California’ - Eagles (1976) 

‘Pretty Songs All In A Row’

In the spirit of the Bicentennial celebrations happening across America through the 70s - culminating in a 4th of July celebration in 1976 - the Eagles felt obliged to write an album that celebrated, criticised, embraced and challenged their American culture and heritage. 

With founding member and principal country enthusiast Bernie Leadon departing, the band agreed to move away from their signature Country Rock sound and new member Joe Walsh joined and brought with him more Rock focussed riffs which would shape this classic album! 

• Episode Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7cAoYyAq460onq2gLZBqkT?si=zIv_Md3ATAu4BAHcq0Se9g

• Hotel California - Big Lebowski Cover: https://youtu.be/D02q4Ol3XrU

• Hotel California - Live 1994: https://youtu.be/2zA09VYs5Dw

LONG LIVE ROCK ‘N’ ROLL 

- Follow the Podcast on Social Media: https://linktr.ee/longlivernrpod

- Get in touch and/or leave us a review: longliverocknrollpodcast@gmail.com

- Podcast Music by GeriArt, NaturesEye, astrofreq, Twisterium from Pixabay

- Podcast Art by Ross Davidson (@ross_feelshame)

Episode 48: ‘London Calling’ by The Clash (1979)

‘Revolution Punk’ 

At the end of the 70s, with the Punk era drawing to a close, bands like The Clash sought new directions to take their music in. Having toured in 1979 with unusual support artists such as Sam & Dave and Bo Diddley, they returned to the UK with a multitude of ideas and a bucketful of inspiration. 

Not caring about what others thought and wanting to try out new material, they rehearsed in isolation - covering some of their new favourite songs whilst writing music that would go on to complete their landmark album. 

Combining Punk attitude with the musical attributes and characteristics of a variety of other genres including Reggae, Rock N Roll, Pop, Jazz, Rockabilly and R&B - The Clash created and executed one of the most famous albums in all of music, ‘London Calling’. 

• Episode 48 Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2nJDCe2Y35HMMHFVkZRlbP?si=Vz8Jw03GQoWTPXljg7Tppw
• Danny Ray - “Revolution Rock” - https://youtu.be/FqBchwVRhX0
• The Clash - “London Calling” Video - https://youtu.be/EfK-WX2pa8c

LONG LIVE ROCK ‘N’ ROLL

- Follow the Podcast on Social Media: https://linktr.ee/longlivernrpod

- Get in touch and/or leave us a review: longliverocknrollpodcast@gmail.com

- Podcast Music by GeriArt, NaturesEye, astrofreq, Twisterium from Pixabay

- Podcast Art by Ross Davidson (@ross_feelshame)

Episode 47: ‘Rising’ - Rainbow (1976)

‘A Light In The Blackmore’

Rainbow’s second album saw Blackmore change the lineup, keeping only Ronnie James Dio, for the follow up to 1975’s ‘Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow’. 

‘Rising’ was a fantastic Hard Rock album - but did so much more than it is ordinarily given credit for. Pioneering and innovating several sub-genres of Metal as well as playing a massive part in the development of Heavy Metal in the 70s, Blackmore and Dio executed a brilliant album of two halves that can be enjoyed by Rock or Metal fans alike! 

Laz & Felipe dive into the Fantastical lyrics, the phenomenal performances, the Classical influence on Blackmore and Dio’s stunning voice! 

Episode 47 Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6yuYJtZnjaGJxHAtWhatkO?si=dzx2ocCnTmysrUlgLzCzgA

LONG LIVE ROCK ‘N’ ROLL 

- Follow the Podcast on Social Media: https://linktr.ee/longlivernrpod

- Get in touch and/or leave us a review: longliverocknrollpodcast@gmail.com

- Podcast Music by GeriArt, NaturesEye, astrofreq, Twisterium from Pixabay

- Podcast Art by Ross Davidson (@ross_feelshame)