Southern Rock with Michelle Southern

Today’s Southern Salute celebrates the 29th anniversary of Blink-182’s breakthrough album Dude Ranch. Michelle looks back at the record that introduced the world to "Dammit," helped launch the band into the mainstream, and marked the end of an era before Travis Barker joined the lineup. Plus, the story behind the song that changed everything for Blink-182.

One of the biggest songs of the 1990s came with one of rock's strangest legal battles. Today we look back at the release of The Verve's "Bitter Sweet Symphony" and the sample that changed everything.

Matt breaks down Cam Jordan's return to the Saints for what could be the final season of his legendary career. Why the future Hall of Famer had to adjust his expectations, what his role will look like in 2026, and why the deal works for both sides. Plus, LSU continues its recruiting momentum with another four-star commitment and could be adding even more talent to the backfield.

Today on the Southern Salute, Michelle celebrates Night Ranger guitarist Brad Gillis on his birthday. From his incredible performance at L'Auberge just two weeks ago to stepping in for Ozzy Osbourne after the death of Randy Rhoads, Brad's career is packed with amazing rock and roll history.

Jay Johnson adds another major piece to LSU's transfer portal haul with former Tulane outfielder Jason Walks. Matt breaks down how the Tigers are building an elite defensive lineup, why the portal strategy looks different this year, and why LSU's championship hopes may ultimately depend on the development of pitchers already on the roster.

June 12, 1985: David Lee Roth officially confirms he's leaving Van Halen just months after the massive success of 1984. Today's Southern Salute looks back at the creative clash between Roth and Eddie Van Halen and the split that changed the future of one of rock's biggest bands.

LSU gets a massive offseason boost as Steven Milam officially withdraws from the MLB Draft and returns for his senior season. Musso explains why getting back one of the nation's best defensive shortstops and postseason performers is a game-changer for the Tigers. Plus, LSU adds Florida transfer Cade Kurland to the mix, giving Jay Johnson another proven SEC bat and glove. What does the Tigers' infi...

On this day in 1991, Skid Row released Slave to the Grind, a record that shocked fans, debuted at number one, and proved the band was willing to take a huge risk at the peak of its popularity. Michelle looks back at the album that changed everything for Skid Row.

Matt reacts to the Brendan Sorsby situation at Texas Tech, where a quarterback ruled permanently ineligible by the NCAA after admitting to sports betting is now back in the conversation because of a court injunction. Matt says the bigger issue is the moral gymnastics being used to defend it.

LSU lands the top player in the transfer portal, and Matt explains why this is a game-changing addition for Jay Johnson. From a last-minute recruiting win over Texas to what Bino Waters brings to the lineup, this move could have the biggest impact of any LSU position player transfer since Tommy White.

On this day in 2007, The Sopranos delivered one of the most talked-about finales in television history. Michelle looks back at the moment Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'" became more than a classic rock hit and how a sudden cut to black helped turn the song into a cultural phenomenon for a whole new generation. Steve Perry almost didn't approve it, but the gamble paid off in a big way.

On June 9, 2008, LSU played the final game in the history of the original Alex Box Stadium. With a trip to Omaha on the line, the Tigers exploded for 21 runs against UC Irvine and delivered the perfect ending to one of college baseball's most iconic ballparks. Michelle Southern looks back at the final chapter of The Box and why Tiger fans still remember that night nearly two decades later.

On this edition of Southern Salute, Michelle looks back at June 9, 1986, when Genesis released Invisible Touch, the album that transformed the band into a global pop powerhouse. From the title track becoming their only No. 1 hit to a string of Top 5 singles that dominated radio and MTV, this was the album that put Genesis on another level. Plus, a subtle nod to one of the most famous Phil Collins...

A Texas judge has ruled that Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby can play in 2026 despite admitting to betting on sports, including games involving his own team. The decision has sparked outrage across college athletics and raises major questions about NCAA authority, university leadership, and where the line is drawn in the NIL and transfer portal era. Matt breaks down why this ruling could hav...

June 8, 1996. LSU and Miami. Bottom of the ninth. Two outs. One swing that changed college baseball history. Thirty years later, Warren Morris' walk-off home run remains one of the most unforgettable moments in sports, and hearing Jim Hawthorne's legendary radio call still has a way of stopping you in your tracks. The crowd, the excitement, the disbelief in Hawthorne's voice... it all comes rushin...

LSU's 2027 recruiting class got a whole lot bigger in the span of 24 hours. Matt breaks down the commitments from five-star edge rusher KJ Green, running back Brennan Lacey, cornerback Marquez Davis, and wide receiver Cade Cooper. He explains why Green's commitment could ease the sting of losing Jaden Bryant to Miami, why LSU is betting on long-term development with several of these prospects, and...

Before Christian rock became a regular part of mainstream radio, one song helped break through. Michelle Southern looks back at Jars of Clay's 1996 hit "Flood," the unexpected crossover success that changed the conversation and helped pave the way for a new generation of rock bands.

A few years ago, losing a five-star recruit would have sent LSU fans into full panic mode. Not anymore. Matt explains why edge rusher Jayden Bryant's flip from LSU to Miami is more a reflection of modern college football than a recruiting disaster. Between NIL, the transfer portal, and LSU's continued pursuit of elite defensive line talent, the Tigers may not be nearly as affected as fans think. I...

On this day in 1966, a young singer from Texas arrived in San Francisco to join a struggling rock band. What happened next helped create one of the most powerful voices in music history and launched a career that still influences artists today.

Matt reacts to Alvin Kamara's appearance at Saints OTAs and explains why it doesn't necessarily mean his future in New Orleans is settled beyond this season. Plus, LSU baseball is already working the transfer portal. Matt breaks down several names to watch, including Northwestern State standout Brody Trosclair, Tulane slugger Jason Walk, Maryland infielder Ty Conus, and Gonzaga power bat Mikey Bel...

In today's Southern Salute, Michelle shares the story of a rock legend who interrupted a major U.S. tour, flew across the Atlantic, changed a single word in a song, and flew right back. It sounds unbelievable, but that tiny change helped preserve one of the most iconic rock songs ever recorded. Find out why one word was worth a 6,000-mile journey.

LSU just wrapped up a massive recruiting weekend featuring four five-star prospects, including the No. 1 player in America, and they’re already rolling into the next big visit. Matt breaks down why Brian Kelly and the Tigers are putting so much emphasis and NIL money into elite defensive linemen, what it says about the future roster build, and why the staff believes these are the players who can m...

This weekend wasn’t just another recruiting visit weekend at LSU. It felt different. Matt breaks down the massive impact of Coach O’s return to the program, including the viral moment of him leading top recruits and their families through Tiger Stadium before kickoff. From the nation’s number one player Jalen Brewster to elite wide receiver Easton Royal and several five-star targets, LSU made a ma...

Today’s Southern Salute looks back at the release of Blink-182’s Enema of the State on this day in 1999. Michelle Southern talks about how the album helped launch pop punk into the mainstream with hits like “What’s My Age Again?,” “All The Small Things,” and “Adam’s Song,” while becoming the soundtrack for an entire generation.