Talk Louder

Blaze Bayley He realized his dreams as the singer for Wolfsbane until a successful Iron Maiden audition launched him beyond his wildest. Now a long-time and highly-prolific artist in his own right, Blaze Bayley joins us to discuss his latest album, “Circle of Stone,” how Ronnie James Dio inspired him to quit his hotel job, his eternal gratitude toward his fans (whose steadfast loyalty carried him...

Richie Stotts As a founding member of shock-rock, punk-metal band, The Plasmatics, guitarist Richie Stotts generated enough notoriety to last 10 lifetimes. He joins us to discuss blowing up cars, smashing TVs, chain-sawing guitars, touring with KISS, merging punk and metal, and that stunt involving chickens that didn’t go so well. PS. He’s a really nice guy and no one was hurt while recording this...

Marty Friedman From his early beginnings in Deuce, Hawaii and Cacophony to worldwide acclaim with Megadeth and a celebrated solo career, Marty Friedman has established himself as an undisputed, world-class guitar virtuoso. He joins us to discuss latest album, “Drama,” his upcoming autobiography, “Dreaming Japanese,” (don’t believe all you’ve read about Megadeth) and his respect for techno thrash-m...

Mark Tornillo Returning for a second time to the Talk Louder Podcast, Accept vocalist Mark Tornillo checks in from the road while touring with KK’s Priest on the aptly titled Full Metal Assault Tour. Join us as we discuss Accept’s latest album, “Humanoid,” the infamous 1984 Judas Priest gig at Madison Square Garden (Mark was there, but had nothing to do with it, Your Honor), his favorite Accept de...

Neil Zlozower He was the trusted, inner-circle photographer friend who captured iconic shots of Van Halen, Motley Crue, Guns N’ Roses and countless others on their wild rides to fame. Legendary photographer Neil Zlozower joins us for a rollercoaster ride through his colorful history, including early photos of KISS, Aerosmith and Rush, the heyday of Hollywood’s glam-metal scene, an awkward meeting...

Ron Keel It’s Ron Keel’s world and we’re just living in it. From Steeler, Keel and Black Sabbath to southern rock and country, Ron Keel captures the many sounds of his career on new album, “KEELWORLD.” He joins us to discuss the new album, past history, working with Gene Simmons, his short-lived (but contractually ongoing?) Black Sabbath gig and the irresistible qualities of “’80s cheese.” Oh, the...

Michael Sweet On the eve of releasing new album, “When We Were Kings,” Stryper frontman Michael Sweet joins us to discuss his vocal technique (thanks, Rob Halford!), the decadent days of Roxx Regime, that time Stryper was billed with Slayer and touring as a co-lead vocalist and guitarist for rock legends, Boston. Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Johnny Goudie His alternative, pop-rock band, Goudie, was signed by Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich who was impressed enough to release the album “Peep Show” in 2000. Besides his namesake band, Johnny Goudie has also made a name for himself with the Austin-based bands, Mr. Rocket Baby and Skyrocket, among others. Since 2011, he’s hosted the “How Did I Get Here?” podcast, which is a question worth as...

Bad Marriage Bad Marriage guitarist Mike Fitz and newcomer Tommy Skeoch (ex-Tesla) join us discuss the band’s new chemistry, past history, an upcoming tour with Vandenberg, how a metal detector inspired a new song and that time Eddie Money kicked open their dressing room door to praise the band’s name in his best (unintentional) Rodney Dangerfield voice. Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Rick Ventura Featured on Riot’s seminal hard rock/heavy metal albums, “Fire Down Under” and “Restless Breed,” guitarist Rick Ventura was poised for stardom on the strength of high-profile tours with Rush, Black Sabbath, Sammy Hagar and Rainbow. He also had the immense respect of his peers (Hello, Lars Ulrich!). So, what happened? Sharpen your swords and pour some tequila as we dig into Rick’s stor...

Logan Olivero Central Texas may seem like an unlikely spawning ground for a symphonic black metal band, but long-running Vesperian Sorrow is turning the tide. Singer Logan Olivero joins us to discuss latest album, “Awaken the Greylight,” his wide-ranging vocal influences, his proud affiliation with “the worst band in the world” (Complete, look ‘em up!) and the time his Texas hospitality “backfired...

Mr. Lifto Using pierced body parts to lift heavy objects is a huge “no thanks!” for most people -- but Mr. Lifto isn’t most people! He joins us to discuss (disgust?) touring with Lollapalooza as part of the Jim Rose Circus; shenanigans with Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Ministry and others; the “Circus of the Scars” documentary; shocking the talk show circuit; painful injuries; “bile beer;” and the time...

Jeremy Asbrock He plays guitar for Ace Frehley AND Gene Simmons in their respective solo bands -- obviously quite the rocket ride for any lifelong KISS fan. Jeremy Asbrock joins us to discuss his band Rock City Machine Co., touring with his childhood idols (and the songs they wouldn’t play), his favorite KISS deep cuts, jamming with Robin Zander and how he was secretly “ripped” during Ace Frehley’...

Steve Conte If you only know Steve Conte for his top-shelf work in the Michael Monroe band, you’re missing the bigger picture of his wildly impressive career. The singer/songwriter/guitarist joins us to discuss his latest album, “The Concrete Jangle,” his years with the New York Dolls, that time he jammed with Chuck Berry, his ongoing hot streak with Michael Monroe and so much more. The guy j...

Chuck Billy He’s an undisputed titan of thrash who shows no signs of surrender after 40 years in the pit. Testament vocalist Chuck Billy joins us to discuss the remastered versions of “The Legacy” and “The New Order,” the upcoming Klash of the Titans tour with Kreator and Possessed, new drummer Chris Dovas, the band that changed his life, memories of the 2008 Metal Masters Tour and the hilarious p...

Bobby Landgraf He works for Pantera as Rex Brown’s bass tech and tours the world’s biggest arenas and stadiums delivering the band’s crushing sonic onslaught. He’s also documenting all the behind-the-scenes footage on his popular “Crew From Hell 2.0” YouTube channel. Bobby Landgraf joins us to discuss the logistical magnitude of opening stadium shows for Metallica, headlining arenas and sheds with...

Carl Canedy From his drumming with veteran New York metal band, The Rods, through his production credits with Anthrax, Overkill, Exciter and others, Carl Canedy has enough stories to fill a book. So, he did! He joins us to discuss his new book, “Tales of a Wild Dog,” The Rods’ new album, “Rattle the Cage,” his early band, Raw Meat, a “Spinal Tap” moment with Judas Priest and a memorable backstage...

John Corabi He’s back with The Dead Daisies and gearing up for a summer tour to promote the September release of new album, “Light ‘Em Up.” John Corabi joins us to discuss all things Daisies, a memorable meeting with Steve Marriott (and Peter Frampton), partying with Queen and the 30th anniversary of his album with Motley Crue. Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

John Perez Band names don’t come much gnarlier than Rotting Corpse, but guitarist John Perez had his reservations when it was bestowed upon his mid-80s Texas thrash crew. He later formed doom metal stalwarts Solitude Aeturnus and dabbled in psych metal with Liquid Sound Company. He joins us to discuss the early Texas thrash scene, touring with Paul Di’Anno, his record label, tour managing Candlema...

Mike Deleon His brutal guitar riffs power the death-metal gore of Flesh Hoarder, but he’s equally hooked on the bubble-gum glam of Poison. Our fellow Texan Mike Deleon joins us to discuss his collaborations with Philip Anselmo, Max Cavalera, Pantera, Billy Milano and an all-star cast of Bay Area thrash-metal titans. Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Wolf Hoffmann In 1982, he unknowingly pioneered speed metal with the jaw-dropping “Fast as a Shark.” Today, he’s still thrashing his trademark Flying V after more than four decades. Accept guitarist Wolf Hoffmann joins us to discuss new album, “Humanoid,” his first tour of America (opening for KISS), the story behind “I’m a Rebel” and AC/DC, his preferred studio guitar (it’s not what you think) an...

Don Jamieson Don Jamieson returns to discuss his new stand-up comedy album, “No Sleep ‘Til McSorley’s,” the healing power of Motorhead (and McSorley’s ale!), the boob joke gone wrong and why AC/DC’s “Dirty Deeds” always brings out his inner Angus Young. Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Damon Johnson For a southern kid with no path forward to the big leagues of rock’n’roll, Damon Johnson has scored an enviable number of mind-blowing victories. He joins us for a super-insightful and endearingly nerdy conversation about the enormity of playing with Lynyrd Skynyrd; his hilarious audition for Alice Cooper (and subsequent “Spinal Tap” moment); his absolute reverence for Thin Lizzy; ho...

Phil Demmel From his early years with Vio-lence through a prolific career with Machine Head and onto his current role in Kerry King’s band, guitarist Phil Demmel is thrash-metal royalty. Did we mention he’s also filled in for Slayer, Overkill, Testament, Lamb of God and others? He joins us to discuss the upcoming Kerry King album, “From Hell I Rise,” (due May 17), his impressive collection of drum...

Tuk Smith His knack for infectious songs is matched only by his electric personality. Singer/songwriter Tuk Smith returns to discuss his new music, the evil of algorithms and jamming onstage with Cheap Trick. Plus, why Paul Stanley is his KISS spirit animal and how Bon Scott and Michael Monroe inspired a tattoo habit that’s not without its drunken regrets. Created and Produced by Jared Tuten