DISGRACELAND
DISGRACELAND is an award-winning music and true crime podcast about musicians getting away with murder and behaving very badly. It explores stories of artists from every genre and their true crimes, including Jerry Lee Lewis, Sid and Nancy, Amy Winehouse, Debbie Harry, Patti Smith, Jay Z, Diddy, and many more. The podcast reclaims myths and reveals facts about music history through audio storytelling, examining the relationship between art and artist through the lens of true crime.
Episodes
Bonus Episode: My Chance Encounter With One of My Favorite Artists on the Streets of Europe
Art is tough business. Wendy O. Williams’ tragic end taught us that this week, but beauty is everywhere if you know where to look. Especially when it’s into the eyes of one of your favorite artists on the streets of Munich.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wendy O. Williams: The Shocking Final Act of a Shock Rock Provocateur
This is the story of one of the most extreme shock rockers in music history. On stage, Wendy O. Williams would smash TV sets with a sledgehammer, chainsaw electric guitars in half, and blow up Cadillacs. Her reputation for chaos, violence, and sexual provocation was so extreme that it led to a brutal assault by police officers in Milwaukee. But what happened to such a fearless, uncompromising arti
Jeff Buckley: Dreaming of Music, Drowning, and Eternal Life (Rewind)
Jeff Buckley released his only studio album, Grace, at the height of grunge rock. But it didn’t sound like grunge. It sounded like nothing else out there. It defied categorization. It was full of originals and covers, some complex and cerebral, others straight-up pop. From the pissed-off punk takes to the Eastern-influenced meditations, the constant was Jeff’s voice. A voice unlik
Bonus Episode: The Sonic Youth New York Kool Thing Walking Tour
A mythic trip through some of New York City’s most rock ‘n’ roll addresses. Beyond the Chelsea to beatdowns with Bob Dylan, stoopside hangs with the Stones, Miles backstage with Iggy, Jackson and Nico, Yoko and John, and the IRA and the FBI, and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sonic Youth: The Murders Behind One of the Coolest Album Covers of All Time
This is the story of one of the coolest album covers of all time, Sonic Youth’s Goo, and how the band was unaware of the shocking murders behind their own album art. A true crime involving a pair of serial killers and an unlikely hero obsessed with rock ‘n’ roll. To see the full list of contributors, see the show notes at www.disgracelandpod.com. To listen to
Jennifer Hudson: An American Idol, a Triple Homicide, and Undying Faith (Rewind)
Jennifer Hudson shocked her hometown of Chicago when she was eliminated from American Idol in 2004, only to surpass everyone’s expectations when she later raked in awards and rave reviews for her role in Dreamgirls. Yet grief washed over Chicago again when her mother and brother were found slain in their Englewood home, and the smallest member of the Hudson family was declared missing.
Bonus Episode: Country Music Artists as Dangerous and True Crimey As They Come
They were slick, clean cut, conservative compared to the punks, rockers, and metalheads, but they were perhaps more dangerous, more transgressive, more wild, and they sang about infidelity, loss, loneliness, and murder from an incredibly authentic point of view. In many cases, they lived it. I’m talking about hardcore country artists in this bonus episode plus your voicemails, texts, dms, em
George Jones: Voices, Vices, and a Comeback for the Ages
George Jones possessed one of the finest and most expressive instruments God ever created: his voice, which is widely considered the greatest in country music. But he was also possessed by demons who haunted him his whole life, and heard voices that tormented and controlled him. His addictions to drugs and alcohol made him legendarily unreliable, earning him the nickname "No Show Jones." But just
Marilyn Manson: A Car Crash, a Planned Murder, Nihilism, Abuse, and Inhumanity (Rewind)
Discover the controversial story behind Marilyn Manson, aka Brian Warner. Accused by multiple women of abuse—allegations he denies—what do his own revelations of past inhumanity reveal about him? And what can those admissions tell us about the serious accusations swirling around his name? Tune in to explore the complexities behind the artist and the allegations against him. This episod
Bonus Episode: Soccer Hooligans, Rockstars, Britpop Battles and War
Which metal bassist could have been a Soccer star? A Rod Stewart myth busted (no, not THAT one), Sir Elton, the Cartel, and the Battle of Britpop on the pitch and beyond. It’s a special rock ‘n’ roll World Cup bonus episode of Disgraceland.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Hillsborough Disaster: A Fatal Crush, Soccer Hooligans, and a Massive Cover-Up
On April 15th, 1989, 95 men, women, and children were crushed to death during a soccer match between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest – two additional victims would later die of their injuries. The Hillsborough Disaster ruined lives and communities. But Hillsborough wasn’t just a disaster. It was a fight for justice. It was a war between the establishment and the people, and a cover-up
John Lennon: Violence, Protests, Provoking the FBI, and Pissing off the President (Rewind)
In the early 1970s, John Lennon was suspected of conspiring to disrupt an American political convention and contributing to a paramilitary terrorist organization. Authorities took notice. So much so that the President of the United States took action to have the so-called “smart Beatle” deported. Lennon’s politics were way more violent and revolutionary than simply imagining all
Paul McCartney: Paul Is Dead, Smuggling Drugs, and Composing the World’s Most Beloved Songs (Rewind)
Despite his reputation as “the safe Beatle,” Paul McCartney was a badass. He took wild artistic risks, rubbed elbows with truly dangerous characters and because of his crimes, did hard time in one of the world’s most notorious prisons. His public spats with Beatles bandmate John Lennon are the stuff of legend, as is the “Paul is dead” conspiracy at the end of their ti
Bonus Episode: Mafia Murders and the Music Behind Them
Adele’s love of Al Pacino led us into a Mafia/Music Murder Rabbit Hole. Help us climb out of it in this bonus episode. Plus your voicemails, texts, emails, comments, DMs—and as always, a whole lotta Rosie.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Adele: The Pop Star Repurposed by the Criminal Underworld
With the release of her smash sophomore album 21, Adele became one of the most beloved pop stars of the 21st century. Her songs were the most played at karaoke bars, weddings, and funerals – not to mention a criminal element in America which sought to use Adele’s newfound fame for their nefarious purposes. To see the full list of contributors, see the show notes at www.disgracel
Aaliyah: Married Illegally at 15, Drugs, Corruption, and a Fiery Crash (Rewind)
Married to R. Kelly at 15 years old and dead by the age of 22. Aaliyah was supposed to be as big as Beyonce, but drugs, corruption, and a fiery crash prevented that from happening. To see the full list of contributors, see the show notes at www.disgracelandpod.com. This episode contains themes that may be disturbing to some listeners, including sexual abuse of a minor. This episode was originally
Bonus Episode: 1994. We Didn’t Know How Good We Had It
How great was 1994 for music? The year Weezer’s “Blue Album” was released? Well, pretty tough to beat. This is a nostalgia episode so turn Beavis and Butt-Head off in the background, throw some Hot Pockets in the microwave, and put down your copy of Sassy magazine, because it’s time to listen to this Disgraceland bonus episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy i
Weezer: How a "Dorky" Rock Band Found Their Dark Side
A frontman obsessed with Kurt Cobain. A band trying to outrun its own dorky image. A bass player who burned hot, disappeared, and later seemed to predict his own death. Harvard isolation, hotel-room debauchery, algorithmic songwriting, and a Weezer T-shirt at the center of an LAPD shooting. Listen to find out how Rivers Cuomo’s perfectly controlled rock band found its dark side. To see the f
Bonus Episode: Punk Albums By Artists Who Weren’t Punk, and Rolling Stone Rage Baits All Punk Rockers Everywhere, and Weezer is coming to Disgraceland
Sonic Youth and the new Rolling Stone Magazine list of 100 Greatest Punk Albums of All Time has us asking about what the definition of punk rock even is—plus a preview of our upcoming Weezer episode—and your voicemails, texts, DMs and more. Check out our huge archive of hundreds of stories on artists like: The Sex Pistols The Clash The Ramones Patti SmithSee omnystudio.com/listener for
Christina Grimmie: A YouTube Star, an Obsessed Fan, and a Murder in Orlando
Viral YouTube star Christina Grimmie built her career one click, one song, and one fan at a time. Her breakout run on the NBC singing competition show The Voice was watched by millions. But one obsessed fan watched her a little too closely. Listen to find out how viral fame, fan access, and one man’s delusion turned into murder – and why time has never let Christina Grimmie’s sto
Bonus Episode: Shocking Details in D4vd’s Evidence Brief Surrounding the Murder of Celeste Rivas Hernandez
The newly revealed evidence from prosecutors detailing the alleged murder of a 14 year old by rising hip hop star D4vd are as shocking as they are dumb. You will not believe what this musician is being accused of. Plus your thoughts on the Mount Rushmore of guitar players, Sean Diddy Combs, and the May-Madness Sitcom Music Slugfest with your voicemails, texts, DMs, and more. For more great music a
Stevie Ray Vaughan - Fiery Blues and Fateful Choices
By the time he was 27 years old, Stevie Ray Vaughan was the hottest guitar player in Texas. But outside of the Lone Star State, he was practically unknown, with no real audience and no record deal. But all that would change when Stevie Ray Vaughan reached a crossroads and was presented with a fateful choice: be a star in someone else’s universe, or become a guitar god on his own.
Bonus Episode: Top 5 Most Surprising Musician True Crimes
The “smart” folks over at The New York Times aren’t the only ones with a list this week. We use the (mostly solid) Times list of Thirty Greatest Living American Songwriters as a jumping off point into a discussion of our Top 5 Most Surprising Musician True Crimes. Warning: You will learn things. Plus your voicemails, texts, dms, emails, and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for pr
Ian Watkins from Lostprophets: A Nu Metal Monster in the So-Called “Monster Mansion”
The story about Ian Watkins of Lostprophets might be the most disturbing I’ve come across in all my music history research. It involves the abuse of children and a monstrous abuse of power and fame. It also takes place in, among other places, an aptly named prison called “The Monster Mansion”, and like most great stories, it involves an unlikely hero and a twisted sort of justice
Bonus Episode: The Count Who Killed Jim Morrison?
Like the Foo Fighters Taylor Hawkins’ death, the details around the Doors Jim Morrison’s death are mysterious. Was a debonair jetset Count responsible for the singer’s death along with the death of Janis Joplin and possibly others? We get into this incredible story along with your voicemails, text, dms and more in this bonus episode. For more rock 'n' roll and true crime, c
Foo Fighters: How Did Taylor Hawkins Die?
How is it that one of the most famous drummers on the planet died four years ago and we still don’t have an official cause of death? We have some ideas. Plus, we get into the story behind one of the greatest rock ‘n’ roll bands to ever do it, Dave Grohl’s Foo Fighters. To see the full list of contributors, see the show notes at www.disgracelandpod.com. To listen to Dis
Bonus Episode: Near Death Experiences and Unlikely Covers
In this week’s After Party, we dive into the near-death experience of Depeche Mode’s Dave Gahan. After a harrowing moment in 1996, he floated above his body, witnessing paramedics trying to save him. But where do rock stars really go when they die? Is it a dark void or a realm of love? Plus, we hear from you about your favorite unlikely cover songs. Welcome to the After Party, Di
Bonus Episode: We Are Starting Our Own Rock ‘n’’ Roll Hall of Fame
The Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame 2026 inductees were announced, and guess what? You’re pissed! So we are starting our own Hall of Fame. Plus, we are hearing from you through your voicemails, texts, and emails about Tom Waits, Patti Smith, and, of course, this week’s subject, Grace Jones. Welcome to the After Party, Disgos! For more great music and true crime stories, check out our archiv
Grace Jones: True Crime Magnet. Eighties Icon.
Grace Jones was one of the era-defining multihyphenates of the 1980s, an icon of the music, fashion, and movie worlds. From Jamaica to Studio 54, she broke down barriers and smashed glass ceilings at every turn – but she was also a magnet for true crime in the process. She was arrested numerous times. She was set up, the victim of a home invasion, and she wielded a loaded gun in order to get
Bonus Episode: A Big Announcement, The True Crime and Grime of the Chelsea Hotel, and More
Disgos, we’ve got some big news—and you’re hearing it first. Also, Patti Smith has us asking (and answering), which movies about the Chelsea Hotel are worth watching, plus your voicemails, texts, DMs and more on the greatest music memoirs. For more great stories, check out our archive of over 250 episodes, featuring artists like: Mia Zapata Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes Metallica Se
Patti Smith: How True Crime Helped The “Godmother of Punk” Survive
The Lindbergh Baby Kidnapping, Helter Skelter, the .44 Caliber Killers, the crime and grime of 70s New York; Central Park, the Chelsea Hotel, 42nd St., rape, murder, and the influence of junkie poets, and thieving novelists, all of it compelled Patti Smith to create music “for the criminals”, and perhaps to also survive, when so many other artists did not. To listen to Disgracela
Bonus Episode: A Music History Memoir and Rock ‘N’ Roll Autobiography Reading List
Fresh off of reading Patti Smith’s excellent memoir Just Kids in preparation of our upcoming Patti episode, we are discussing our favorite music history memoirs and autobiographies, everything from Henry Rollins to Carrie Brownstein back to Henry Rollins via David Lee Roth and more plus, as always, your voicemails, texts, dms, emails and a new segment we’re calling “New Song Old
Special Episode: New Artists/New Crimes Revealed
A special look at the new artists we’re covering in 2026, along with a peek back at how we got started, where we’re going, and some listener favorites through the years.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Bonus Episode: Brit Pop and the Attempted Kidnapping of Two British Musical Icons
Yeah, admit it, you don’t like Suede either. Plus, you’re going to want to learn more about the British band that attempted to kidnap not one, but two different British musical icons. Also, we explain how we plan to produce our answer to Ryan Murphy’s Love Story: JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette. That’s right…Damon and Justine are coming to Disgraceland. To learn more about listener data and our pri
Bonus Episode: Underrated and Influential Women From Music History, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Nominees, and our Inductee Picks
Why are women criminally absent from most of Rolling Stone Magazine’s list of 100 Greatest Artists? Your voicemails and texts on who you think the most badass women from music history are. Plus, our take on which Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame nominees are getting inducted this year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Chrissie Hynde: Punk at Ground Zero and the Birth of the Pretenders
Years spent at ground zero of UK punk. Years of almost-bands, near-misses, and stolen moments on the sidelines. Sex-shop violence, marriage schemes with the Sex Pistols, coin-studded belts, bicycle chains, and a woman who was always there as history was being made. Listen to find out how Chrissie Hynde survived the birth of punk, dens of squalor, and attacks by jilted lovers – only to stop t
Bonus Episode: What Music Do Serial Killers and the Worst People In The World Listen to?
Surprise! Jeffrey Epstein had predictable taste in music. But the Son of Sam? Gaddafi? John Wayne Gacy? We get into what the worst people in the world listened to along with your voicemails, texts, dms, emails and more. For more great Disgraceland stories, check out our archive, including episodes like these: Hank Williams Talking Heads Black Sabbath See omnystudio.com/listener for pr
Bonus Episode: The Murder Mystery Hinted At in the New Elvis Concert Film
We saw EPiC and it’s GREAT, but why didn’t Elvis perform outside the United States? Could an unsolved murder have been the reason? For more great stories, check out our huge archive of episodes like these: Episode 32 - Johnny Cash Episode 68 - Gram ParsonsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
INXS Pt. 2: Rock ‘n’ Roll Riots, Radio Bans, and a Letter Bomb
The wild west of the Australian pub rock scene that ended in fire. A hit record stalled by controversy. A pilot passed out at 30,000 feet. And a bomb sent to a rock star’s hotel room. Listen to find out how INXS chased the world, touched a nerve, topped the charts – and learned that fame only multiplies the danger. To listen to Disgraceland ad free and get access to exclusive bonus con
Bonus Episode: The Grateful Dead Psyop Theory and the Laurel Canyon Pop Star Military Industrial Complex
In light of what the Epstein Files taught us about Bob Weir and Bohemian Grove, we ask the question: Is there any merit to the conspiracy theory regarding the Grateful Dead as a CIA psyop? What exactly was the band’s relationship to the MK Ultra program and what’s up with all those hippie pop stars with military and defense contractor parents? Plus, as always, your voicemails, texts, d
The Grateful Dead (Pt. 3): What The Epstein Files Tell Us About Bob Weir’s Bohemian Grove Ties and MK Ultra
Why was the Grateful Dead’s Bob Weir a member of the secretive Bohemian Club? Maybe the answer lies in the Epstein Files or in early MK Ultra efforts? Listen to find out why a counterculture icon, one of the architects of the most consequential communities in music history, was part of a community that included conservative presidents and war criminals. To listen to Disgraceland ad free and
Bonus Episode: The Epstein Files and Every Musician Mentioned In Them (We Think)
There are countless musicians mentioned in the “Epstein Files”; a dozen or so are bold-faced names. A whole lot more are not. Some of the mentions are innocuous, a few of the mentions are highly suspicious, and all of them require context, something painfully missing from the social discourse at the moment. Have no fear, though, we’re giving it to you straight, from Jack White to
Presenting Our New Video Podcast "This Film Should be Played Loud"
We're sharing the audio from our new video podcast "This Film Should Be Played Loud." "This Film Should Be Played Loud" is a new monthly video podcast where Jake and Zeth discuss the convergence of music and film. Each episode explores the great music from one great film and the needle drops, the scores, and the soundtracks that heighten storytelling and enrich the viewing experience."This Film Sh
Bonus Episode: A New Kurt Cobain Cause of Death Report and Artists Gone Too Soon
What can we take away from the new report on Kurt Cobain’s cause of death? And which rockstars gone too soon mattered to you the most? All this and more in the After Party. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy
Mia Zapata: Missed Connections, the Dark End of the Street, and an Uncompromising Voice with No Fear
An uncompromising voice, silenced at the dark end of the street. A city looking for a killer in all the wrong places. And a scene that suddenly made little sense. From Seattle basements to European squat tours to record-label lunches and back again, through memory and justice. Listen to find out how Mia Zapata’s story refused to end where everyone thought it did. To listen to Disgraceland ad
Bonus Episode: Turnstile and Why Hardcore Music is Now Pop Music plus Our Greatest Live Music Childhood Memories
Turnstile is the first hardcore band to ever win a Grammy award. Two grammys actually. And now hardcore will never be the same. Listen to this bonus episode of Disgraceland to hear why. And as always, Jake responds to your voicemails, texts, dms, emails and more. For more wild stories from the world of music and true crime, check out these Disgraceland episodes: Motley Crue Nirvana Pt 1 & Pt
Jane’s Addiction (Pt. 2): Nothing’s Shocking, Not Dead Teenage Girls or Onstage Brawls
An onstage brawl in Boston. A dead teenage girl turned into art. Warehouse shows and a freak scene bankrolled by transgression. Listen to find out how Jane’s Addiction helped build the alternative nation – and how the freedom that they worshiped eventually turned into control, violence, and collapse. To listen to Disgraceland ad free and get access to weekly bonus content and more, become a Disgra
Bonus Episode: Conspiracies, Kanye, and Contrition
This week in the after party Jake consider's Ye's recent ad in the Wall Street Journal apologizing for his actions over the last few years. Is Kanye's contrition genuine, or is there some other, more cynical motivation behind it? We get into all of it plus some extra crazy Kanye and David Bowie related conspiracy theories in the exclusive All Access section, and as always Jake takes your voicemail
Lady Gaga (Pt.2): How Did Lady Gaga’s Friend and Collaborator Die? And Why Do The Conspiracy Theorists Refuse to let go of This Story?
Who was Lina Morgana? Why do people believe she was murdered by Lady Gaga? And what does the Illuminati have to do with Gaga’s seat at the table of unprecedented popstar success? We dissect all of this, as well as Gaga’s complicated relationship with the truth in regards to her own mythmaking, in this part two episode on Lady Gaga. To listen to Disgraceland ad free and get access to weekly bonus c
Lady Gaga (Pt.1): How She Manipulated the Conspiracy Theorists on Her Way to Becoming The Biggest Pop Star on the Planet
Lady Gaga not only manipulated her past, she manipulated the media into propping her up on her way to becoming one of the biggest stars in the world. She also toyed with conspiracy theorists, using their fervent chatter to boost her mythology. From the Intersex theory to Lina Morgana, we get into all of it in this part one episode on Lady Gaga. To listen to Disgraceland ad free and get access to
Bonus Episode: Grammy Snubs, Righting the NWA Wrong, Wild Award Show Buggery, and More
The Grammy are most interesting when they mess up—snubbing NWA, the Grateful Dead, Metallica and others. We get into all of it plus some extra awards show hijinks in the exclusive All Access section, and as always Jake takes your voicemails, text, emails, and more. For more wild stories from the world of music and true crime, check out these Disgraceland episodes: U2 Bob Dylan Whitney Housto
The Runaways: Exploited by the Music Industry, Escape, and Excellent Rock ‘N’ Roll
This is the story of five teenage girls who used rock ‘n roll to escape their lives, their names, and their futures—only to find themselves trapped in a nightmare of fame, exploitation, and identity turned inside-out. From the Sunset Strip to a jail cell in England, from David Bowie fantasies to Kim Fowley’s real-life horrors, this is how the Runaways reinvented what rebellion could be—and paid th
Bonus Episode: Bob Weir, Bohemian Grove, more Orion, and First-Gen Punks
Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead has passed, and we celebrate his unique brand of American awesomeness on this episode and dig into the long, strange weirdness of his affiliation with the secret society at Bohemian Grove. We also talk Johnny Thunders. You guys talk more Orion and Elvis Presley and of course we play your voicemails, texts, and more. To listen to Disgraceland ad free and get access to
Johnny Thunders: Murder or Overdose?
A punk junkie nightmare in a New Orleans hotel. A turf war with Tom Petty’s Heartbreakers. A poisonous friendship with Dee Dee Ramone and a doomed alliance with Wayne Kramer. Missing cash, hotshot rumors, and a body in Room 37. Listen to find out how Johnny Thunders’ death went from an open-and-shut overdose case to a sadder, stranger rock ‘n roll myth. To listen to Disgraceland ad free and get ac
Bonus Episode: Lady Gaga, Elvis Presley, and the Orion Conspiracy
What do Lady Gaga and Elvis Presley conspiracies have in common? Maybe the story of the mysterious Sun Records artist known as Orion will help us understand. This story and your voicemails, texts, and more in this bonus episode of Disgraceland. (14:26) - Pokerface: The Rise and Rise of Lady Gaga To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy
Bonus Episode: Disgraceland Q1 2026 Preview
In this special bonus episode of the show, Jake and Zeth take you behind the scenes and into the editorial room to give you an exclusive preview of some of the brand new episodes coming your way in the first few months of 2026 – featuring subjects like Johnny Thunders, the Runaways, and Mia Zapata of the Gits. For the full list of contributors, visit disgracelandpod.com To listen to Disgracela
Bonus Episode: New Year’s Stories of Rock ‘n’ Roll Redemption
From Ozzy to Tina to the Chili Peppers, hope springs anew each New Year’s and has led to some of the most dramatic stories of redemption from music history. We dig into these stories in this bonus episode as we gear up for a new year ourselves and of course, dive into your voicemails, texts, DMs and more. Happy New Year from Disgraceland! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practic
Bonus Episode: A Disgraceful Christmas List – Rockstars Set Up, Busted, and Sentenced During the Holidays
This week in the After Party, Jake takes a look at all the disgraceful deeds committed by rock stars during the holiday season. Plus, your emails, calls, and DMs! In the exclusive portion of the After Party, Jake and Dr. Zeth Lundy further examine the Christmastime nightclub shooting that allegedly involved Diddy. You can become an All Access member today by visiting disgracelandpod.com. To learn
Bonus Episode: Let’s Make a Non Traditional Christmas Mix and Load the Chamber for Russian Roulette
You guys love non-traditional Christmas songs so Jake took all of your favs and put them into a special Non Tradish Christmas Disgo Mix. From Sufjan Stevens to Dio to Prince, Paul Kelly, Shane MacGowan and a ton of others— you called, texted, dm’d and commented on Patreon with your favs and in this episode we unpack it all with your voicemails, texts, dms, emails, and one again a whole lotta (Chri
Bonus Episode: Happy Xmas (War Is Over) and Other Great Music History Christmas Moments
This After Party features a very special announcement plus a look into the greatest Christmas moments from music history, your voicemails, texts, emails, and as always a whole lotta (Christmas) Rosie. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystud
Phil Spector: Silent Night, Loaded Gun
A gun-waving showdown with the Ramones. A death threat from the Genovese crime family. A terrorized Ronnie Spector locked inside a gilded cage. And a Christmas record crushed by one of the darkest days in American history. Listen to find out how producer Phil Spector created a joyful holiday masterpiece before fear and violence turned his quest for immortality into something far darker. Now that w
Bonus Episode: Are Rockstars Part of the UFO Disclosure Theory? Plus Psychopedia’s Brooke Slater on Slayer and Ed Gein
On the heels of the release of the excellent new documentary The Age of Disclosure, and our own recent mini and full episodes on Merle Haggard’s UFO obsession, we discuss the likelihood that rockstars from John Lennon to Tom DeLonge are part of the UAP disclosure theory. We also talk to Psychopedia’s Brooke Slater about Slayer and Jake’s Ed Gein heebie jeebies. For more great Disgraceland episod
Merle Haggard (Pt. 2): Surviving Christmas, Cosmic American Aliens, and Cocaine Clarity
A cosmic-country dust-up with Gram Parsons. A months-long cocaine spiral. An alien obsession, and a bleak Christmas single that wouldn’t quit. Death threats, pistols, pardons, and “Pancho & Lefty.” Listen to find out how Merle Haggard survived another December and lived to rewrite country music. For the full list of contributors, visit disgracelandpod.com To listen to Disgraceland ad free
Bonus Episode: Killer Concert Films
Why The Last Waltz is the greatest concert film of all time plus, in the exclusive section of this bonus episode, a long list of other favorites and some criminally overlooked live gems with Jake and Zeth. You can become an All Access member and hear this and more exclusive content, along with ad-free listening of all Disgraceland episodes, by going to disgracelandpod.com and signing up via Patreo
Martin Scorsese (Pt. 2): One Night. One Murder. Five Directors
Hollywood:1975. Martin Scorsese sits in his apartment, enraged. He wants to literally kill the man who is ruining his to-be-released film, Taxi Driver. Scorsese’s friends, filmmakers Stephen Spielberg, Brian De Palma, John Milius, and Paul Schraeder rush to Scorsese’s side to talk him out of committing murder, but when they arrive, their friend Marty acts less like himself and more like his Travis
Bonus Episode: A Brief History of Gun Violence from Music’s Past
“The Devil’s Right Hand" – the gun. Many have died by it in music history. From the unknown piano player who helped influence rock ‘n’ roll to iconic stars like Marvin Gaye and John Lennon. On the heels of our Dr. John episode detailing the shooting that changed the trajectory of his career, and in advance of our Martin Scorsese archive episode detailing the rock ‘n’ roll director’s plan to shoot
Dr. John: A Shooting, Federal Prison, and Voodoo Healing
A gunshot ended his career as a guitar player, but opened up a path to becoming an iconic piano man. Heroin, pimping, and federal prison nearly ended him, but Voodoo––and music––saved him. Listen to find out how one of New Orleans’ most notorious musicians, Mac Rebennack, became Dr. John. For a full list of contributors, visit disgracelandpod.com To listen to Disgraceland ad
Bonus: From the Nitrous Mafia to the Italian Mafia, the Criminal Enterprises That Infiltrate Music Culture
Gangsters, rude boys, drug dealers, soviet bootleggers, ticket scalping syndicates, and psychedelic chemists—why do criminals like the “Nitrous Mafia” associated with Phish, and the Italian Mafia linked to Tommy James, so often infiltrate and influence music culture? This topic, along with your voicemails, texts, and emails, and in the All Access portion, Jake and Zeth unpack the fascinating histo
Phish: Community, Hippie Crack, and the Nitrous Mafia
A parking lot ruled by shady nitrous oxide dealers. And a bandleader whose addiction nearly killed him. This is the story of Trey Anastasio and Phish – and their improbable comeback. For a full list of contributors, visit disgracelandpod.com To listen to Disgraceland ad free and hear an exclusive mini-episode that further explores Phish and the Nitrous Mafia, become a Disgrace
Bonus: The Next Incel Killer Already Has A Playlist
This episode is being published for the first time on Friday, November 7th. An episode of the same title was mistakenly published previously. The media blamed AC/DC for inspiring a serial killer. Rebecca Shaefer’s murderer claimed inspiration from a U2 song. When the next incel murder happens, will we blame Morrissey? Radiohead? Or will we finally learn our lesson and treat the music as a mirror,
AC/DC Pt. 2: Dirty Deeds, Dead Friends, and Murder for Hire
This is the story of the greatest rock ’n’ roll band on earth. AC/DC was forged in discipline, sharpened by grief, resurrected by obsession … and nearly undone by one final dirty deed that no one saw coming: murder. For a full list of contributors, visit disgracelandpod.com To listen to Disgraceland ad free and hear an exclusive mini-episode about the making of Back in Black, bec
Bonus Episode: Why Does Hollywood Ignore The Most Impactful Music?
This week in the After Party, Jake wonders why horror film soundtracks, despite their importance to the mood of their films, are so often ignored by Hollywood when it comes to award season. Plus, we hear from you on the movies that scare you. Next week we're bringing you a brand new part 2 episode on AC/DC. AC/DC's Back in Black is the biggest selling rock album of all time. Jake wants to know: Wh
Bonus Episode: Backmasking and the Death of the Dangerous Rockstar
This week in the After Party, Jake looks back at the 1980s satanic panic and the uproar over supposed "backmasking" – the spurious claim that rock stars were hiding demonic messages in their music. Plus, we hear from you on your favorite Heavy Metal bands. Next week we're bringing you an episode on The Exorcist, and Jake wants to know: what movies scare you? Share your thoughts at 617-906 6638,
Judas Priest: Satanic Panic, Censorship, Heavy Metal Suicide, and Defenders of the Faith
They helped create the genre of heavy metal, and then Satan and the censors tried to destroy them. Judas Priest defended the metal faithful on stage and in the courts, and became icons in the process. For a full list of contributors, visit disgracelandpod.com This episode contains themes that may be disturbing to some listeners, including suicide. If you’re thinking about suicide,
Bonus Episode: Music and Monsters
This week in the After Party, Jake is thinking about monsters – the fictitious kind and the kind that are all too real. Plus, we hear more spooky stories from you and get your recommendations on scary music. Next week we're bringing you an episode on Judas Priest and the Satanic Panic of the 1980s, and Jake wants to know: who is your favorite heavy metal band? Share your thoughts at 617-906 6638,
Bonus Episode: Musical Sherpas and Spooky Sounds
This week in the After Party, Jake suggests some songs for spooky season and wonders if ChatGPT will replace the musical sherpas who guided us in our youth. Plus, we hear your stories about who turned you on to your favorite music. Next week we're bringing you an episode on Harry Houdini (with a side of Red Hot Chili Peppers), and Jake wants to know: what scary music do you play this time of year?
Pentagram: Demons, Curses, and Doom
In 1971, a teenage metalhead named Bobby Liebling flipped a five-pointed star upside-down, gave his band a cursed name, and summoned a sound so heavy it would echo for generations. But for Bobby and his bandmates, doom metal wasn’t just a genre – it was a prophecy. Drug addiction, jail time, sabotage, and strange hauntings followed, all as the myth of Pentagram grew louder underground. This is the
Bonus Episode - Spooky Stories and Superbowl Shows
This week in the After Party, Jake reacts to the news that Bad Bunny will perform at this year's Superbowl halftime show. And as we kick off spooky season, we hear from you about our recent Led Zeppelin episode, your creepy stories, and more. Next week we're bringing you an episode on Pentagram, and Jake wants to know: who was your musical sherpa? Who introduced you to great music in your formati
Disgraceland All Access - New Mini-Episodes Available Now
Big news for Disgraceland All Access Members! Rocka Rolla subscription members on Apple Podcasts and Patreon will now receive a special, exclusive mini-episode in their feed on Tuesdays, immediately following the release of that week's new full episode. In Disgraceland, you know we dive deep to uncover the wildest true stories about music legends. But what happens to all the stories that don't mak
Led Zeppelin Pt. 2: The Haunting at Headley Grange
In 1971, Led Zeppelin holed up in an old English house in the countryside to make the album that would crown them the biggest rock band on earth. But they weren’t alone inside Headley Grange. This is a story about obsession, occult rituals, and music made in the shadows. About pentagrams. About black magick. About a song that felt like it was being written by an unseen spirit. And about a house th
