Stairway to Eleven

On this episode of Stairway to Eleven , we start by sharing the albums and artists that have been dominating our playlists so far in 2026. Then, for our featured discussion, we discuss our favorite music documentaries that cover the artists and albums we love (and some we don't love). We also catch up on the latest concerts we’ve attended. 

In this episode of Stairway to Eleven , George, John, TR, and Jay dive headfirst into the wild, brilliant, creepy, beautiful, and unforgettable world of album artwork as we discuss some of our favorite album covers of all time. Album covers matter. Sometimes they’re the reason you picked up a record in the first place. Sometimes they become as iconic as the music inside. Judge a book by its cover?...

In this episode of Stairway to Eleven we kick things off with a detour through recent music news. Then we dig into the main event: the moments, albums, bands, and experiences that became our musical DNA. We finish with what’s been in listening rotation and live shows.

Most of us listen to music constantly, but we rarely stop to ask what we’re actually hearing. In this episode, the guys explore how music fidelity has evolved from tapes and CDs to MP3s and streaming, and what gets lost in the mix. Along the way, they break down what lossless and high-resolution audio really mean, why headphones and DACs can change everything, and whether the difference is worth i...

In Episode 30, George, John, TR, and Jay are joined by listener Derek Weston from Ireland to explore their favorite side projects, supergroups, and bands that grew out of other acts, whether born from breakups, creative detours, or musicians simply stretching beyond their main gig. They wrap up the episode by sharing a few of the bands and albums currently in their rotation, giving listeners a fre...

Episode 29 opens with a subtle but meaningful shift in the room, as the Stairway to Eleven crew welcomes a new voice into the fold. Once the dust settles, the episode dives headfirst into a deceptively simple question: what was heavy before heavy metal existed? We trace the deep roots of heaviness, looking beyond volume and distortion to mood, rebellion, lyrical darkness, and sheer attitude. The d...

This Best of 2025 episode of Stairway to Eleven opens with a brief, somber acknowledgement of the passing of Rob Reiner and his wife Michele, recognizing Reiner’s lasting influence on film, comedy, and music culture. We touch on Spinal Tap: The End Continues as a final chapter in a legacy that still looms large, then shift gears and get down to business. From there, George, John, and TR count down...

In Episode 27, the trio cranks the time machine back to the final year of the millennium - 1999 - when Y2K panic buzzed in the wires, nu-metal ruled MTV, and some of the most forward-thinking rock and metal albums of the decade dropped like sonic depth charges. George, John, and TR each bring their personal favorites to the table, celebrating the eclectic mayhem of a year that blended futuristic e...

This time on Stairway to Eleven , we dive into the artists who leave us completely tongue-tied. We share the artists that we think we’d be cool meeting… but know we’d actually just freeze, mumble, or forget how to form basic human sentences. We also talk about the times we did meet our heroes. Along the way, we also recap some recent shows we’ve caught and run through what’s been spinning in our h...

Some songs blaze up the charts and live forever on the radio, while others—just as powerful—get lost in the shadows. In this episode, George, John, and TR shine a spotlight on the deep cuts, hidden gems, and overlooked masterpieces that never quite got the recognition they deserved. Then John and TR recap this year's ProgPower fest in Atlanta. 

George, John, and TR admit they’re totally cribbing from their pals over at the Metalheads Podcast as they present their own Best of 2025…So Far midyear special! Each host brings their personal list of favorite rock albums released this year, comparing notes, debating picks, and uncovering some hidden gems you may have missed. From big-name releases to underground surprises, the trio takes stock o...

In episode 23 of Stairway to Eleven , George, John, and TR dive into the magic of musical momentum as they count down their favorite back-to-back album releases—those rare moments when a band or artist dropped not just one classic, but followed it up with another killer record right after. From legendary one-two punches in rock and metal history to surprising runs that proved lightning can strike...

In this latest episode of Stairway to Eleven , George, John, and TR crank the amps and hit the dunes with special guests Zeta and Deneb from the scorching desert/stoner rock duo Jesse Stiletto . Fresh off the release of their fuzz-drenched, self-titled debut album, the bandmates talk about their creative process and the making of the album. Whether you're a seasoned desert dweller or just curious...

In this episode of Stairway to Eleven, George, John, and TR take a deep dive into the rock music landscape of 2001.  They explore the albums and artists that shaped the sound of the new millennium. Were these records the future of rock or the last echoes of a fading era? Tune in and find out!

What albums would you take if you were stranded on a desert island? In this milestone 20th episode of Stairway to Eleven , George, John, and TR reveal their top desert island discs—the records they simply can't live without. Tune in for a mix of humor, heart, and hot takes that might just inspire your own ultimate album list!

Welcome to the latest episode of Stairway to Eleven ! This time, George, John, and TR dive into the captivating world of cinematic music in "The Silence of the Jams." From iconic movie soundtracks that defined generations to the powerful scores that shape the emotional beats of our favorite films, the trio shares their insights, favorites, and hidden gems. Tune in for an auditory adventure that ce...

In this introspective episode of Stairway to Eleven , George, John, and TR dive into the artists they initially dismissed but eventually came to love. Or perhaps the opposite. From a teenage aversion to synth-heavy sounds to misjudged styles, the hosts share personal anecdotes about how their tastes evolved over time. They discuss what triggered these changes of heart—whether it was a live perform...

In episode 17 of Stairway to Eleven , George, John, and TR dive into the excitement and impact of debut albums, exploring how these initial releases set the stage for some of music's most iconic careers. Each host brings a selection of their favorite debut albums, discussing what makes these records stand out and why they continue to resonate with fans. They also reflect on how some debut albums r...

In this episode of Stairway to Eleven, George, John, and TR delve into the realm of live albums, sharing their personal favorites and memorable experiences from iconic performances. They explore seminal records like Metallica's 'S&M,' Nirvana's 'MTV Unplugged in New York' and Rush's 'Exit Stage Left,' among others. Rich with nostalgic anecdotes and spirited debates, the episode is a tribute to...

In episode 15 of the Stairway to Eleven podcast, George, John, and TR take a deep dive into the vibrant and eclectic music scene of 1985. The trio explores how the albums of that year shaped the future of rock, pop, and beyond. Join them as they revisit the moments that made 1985 a pivotal year in music history. Whether you're reliving the magic or discovering these albums for the first time, this...

In this special episode, we are joined by our good friend and Metalheads Podcast alum, Jay. We dive deep into the life and legacy of the one and only King of Rock 'n Roll, Elvis Presley. Join us as we explore Elvis' incredible journey—from his humble beginnings in Tupelo, Mississippi, to his meteoric rise to global stardom. We’ll discuss his groundbreaking music, movies, and unforgettable performa...

In the latest episode of Stairway to Eleven , George, John, and TR explore the world of compilation albums that capture the essence of legendary artists. Each host shares their favorite "best of" and "greatest hits" collections, celebrating the tracks that define the legacies of these musicians. The episode is a vibrant celebration of iconic tracks, filled with passionate debates and nostalgic ref...

In the latest episode of Stairway to Eleven, George, John, and TR take their listeners on a nostalgic journey through the rock albums released in 1975. As they settle into their discussion, they reminisce about the iconic bands and groundbreaking albums that defined the year.

Welcome to the 11th episode of the Stairway to Eleven rock music podcast, where we venture into the vibrant sonic realms of three extraordinary albums: Devin Townsend Project's dynamic "Addicted," Humble Pie's enduring classic "Smokin'," and The Tea Party's enigmatic gem "Splendor Solis." Join us on a voyage through these diverse yet equally enthralling records, as we dissect their musical intrica...

In episode #10 of the Stairway to Eleven podcast, the hosts discuss another three iconic albums: "Red" by King Crimson, "Floodland" by The Sisters of Mercy, and "Electric" by The Cult. The episode touches upon the progressive rock brilliance of King Crimson's "Red," the gothic and atmospheric elements of The Sisters of Mercy's "Floodland," and the electrifying rock sound of The Cult's "Electric."