One of the most welcome comebacks in recent music history is Alice In Chains. “Black Gives Way To Blue” is a cool new record, and everyone is pleasantly surprised at how great William DuVall is doing. Trying to “replace” Layne Staley is truly impossible, but he’s stepped in and handled the pressure amazingly. I was told he was not much of a talker. But, it turned out he was really personable. We went for a while and he handles himself well. A true pro. Glad I had a chance to get to know him a bit here.

If you’ve listened to my show over the years, you know I count Zakk Wylde as one of my few “show business” friends. I have been lucky enough to make friends with a few of the bands I’ve talked to over the years. And Zakk is one of those guys that has kinda become more than that. We’ve really got to know each other. So, when I heard that Ozzy was replacing him with Gus G. from Firewind (who?), I blew a call in to see what the hell was going on. Turns out Zakk was PISSED! I’ve never heard him angry at Ozzy before. This interview ended up getting national attention due to his response. And then…very soon after, Zakk started to go through his health issues. Thankfully, he’s doing well physically, and hard at work on a new BLS CD (featuring new drummer Will Hunt), tentatively called “In Search Of Women’s Clothing.” Maybe. Zakk’s not exactly known for being organized or disciplined. We’ll see!

Here’s our friend Corey Taylor from the same show that The Cult headlined in Kansas City. Turns out this was the very last Stone Sour show of the “Come What (Ever) May” tour. AND…in case you didn’t know, there was a huge rumor that Corey was going to end up as lead singer for Anthrax. We talk about that, AND find out that Corey has no plans to mellow out. He’s got plenty of inspiration to continue to write angry music!

Listeners will do and say just about anything to get free tickets. This guy made up one of the more elaborate stories I’ve ever heard in all the years I’ve been doing this.  There are so many unbelievable things about this guy’s tale, that I can’t let him go. I HAVE to hear how this thing ends. Just to see if he can imagine a payoff. Let this be a primer for you if you’re going to attempt to impress any radio guy. Have an amazing story…but make it believable on at least some level.

Part II:

And then…call back with a follow-up!

Yet another visit with the legendary (now) Rock n’ Roll Hall Of Fame drummer from Metallica. Lars and I have had so many memorable “radio moments” over the years. Most of them can be found on this site. There was the time his cell phone rang and I told him to take it..could be his Mom. To which he responded; “Most likely not since she’s dead.” And then there was the time in Philly when I called Denmark a 3rd world country.  This time around, I ask him what EVERYONE wanted to know: If Metallica were capable of “Death Magnetic” all this time, how does he explain the past 20 years?

For all the bad things that have been written/said about him…I have always enjoyed Lars. He’s always been gracious, and hung in every time. Here’s another example.