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
As I Lay Dying: Are Phonies Running the Christian Metal Scene?
As I Lay Dying was one of the pillars of Christian metal when the genre crossed over to the mainstream in the 2000s. And then their frontman, Tim Lambesis, tried to hire a hitman to murder his wife. But shockingly, that’s not where the story ends. What happened after Lambesis’ release from prison involved lies, loss of faith, shocking home security video footage, and a burning question
Eminem (Rewind): Taking His Shot, Pulling a Glock, and Facing the Real Slim Shady
On a single Saturday in 2000, Marshall Mathers assaulted two separate men with a pistol and fought with his wife outside a nightclub, resulting in lawsuits and charges that hung over the completion of his original trilogy of albums. For that one day, the rap persona Slim Shady had escaped into the real world. How had Slim Shady come to be, and why had he gotten out? For a full list of contributors
Bonus: Screamin’ Jay Hawkins, Kurt & Courtney Conspiracies, and…Constipation?
In this week’s After Party, Jake discusses the spirited online response to our Nirvana episodes and wonders why Courtney Love continues to be the the target of vitriol and suspicion. We look at the wild and mysterious life of Screamin’ Jay Hawkins who allegedly had over 57 children. Plus, Disgraceland is hitting the high seas. And as always, your voicemails, texts, dms, and emails and
Screamin’ Jay Hawkins: Was Screamin’ Jay Hawkins Murdered?
He was an operatic vocalist made famous by his song “I Put A Spell on You,” a song he performed throughout the conservative 1950s while jumping out of a coffin on stage. Screamin’ Jay Hawkins will live on in infamy after it was discovered he fathered 57+ children over the course of his life as not only a singer, but a soldier, a boxer, and an actor. Screamin’ Jay Hawkins wa
Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love Pt. 2: Suicide Samurai
Grunge, grief, the Grateful Dead and a “teenage whore.” Part 2 of the Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love story picks up with Courtney’s ascent and the couple’s heroin-hazed pregnancy. An escape from rehab and a punk as f*ck group hug for Gen X. This episode contains themes that may be disturbing to some listeners, including suicide. If you’re thinking about suicide or are
Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love Pt. 1: No Direction Home
Kurt Cobain is a celebrated and defiant icon of Generation X. His wife, Courtney Love, was once the most hated woman in America. Courtney, like Kurt, was unapologetic, fierce, determined, ambitious, authentic, and a total hypocrite. They were both totally in love and for a minute shined brighter than most. They challenged gender norms and the music industry patriarchy and reluctantly played the ro
Bonus: Old Rockstars With No F*cks Left To Give
We go deeper into the claims Quincy Jones made later in his life, but we also discuss one of the most important music and entertainment figures of the 20th century. And as always, your voicemails, texts, DMs, and emails and more. Disgraceland has been nominated for a Signal Award! Vote for us here: Best Writing Best Music Podcast For more great stories from the intersection of music and true crime
Quincy Jones: True or False? His Wild Life and the Stories Behind His Wildest Claims
Quincy Jones brought truth through music. We heard what America really felt like in the albums he produced, and in the films he scored. At the end of his life he made wild claims; that Michael Jackson was a thief (“he stole a lot of songs”), that the Beatles were frauds (“no-playing motherfu*ckers”), and that he knows “who killed Kennedy” in part because of his
Lil’ Peep (Rewind): A new hip-hop and emo fusion; trap beats, tender lyrics, too much Xanax and an overdose that’s still mysterious.
Lil’ Peep was a once-in-a-generation talent. Poised to become a new Cobain, Bowie or Dylan, but whose life was cut short by an overdose that’s still mysterious. Depression, anxiety and a unique fusion of hip-hop, emo, grime and raw, empathetic lyrics resulted in a deep connection to fans that in the end, may have done him in at the tender age of 21. To see the full list of contributors
Bonus: Real “Emo” Notes from the Punk Rock Museum, DIY Recording, and More Bobby Fuller
Notes on the emotional impact from Jake’s trip to the Punk Rock Museum, Bobby Fuller and DIY recording recs, plus your voicemails, texts, dms, and emails on how Bobby died and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Bobby Fuller: Who Killed Bobby Fuller?
How did Bobby Fuller die? Ask four different people and you’ll get four different answers. Wikipedia will tell you that Bobby’s death was an “accident”. The LAPD will tell you Bobby committed suicide. YouTube will tell you a lot of things with big, dumb sensationalized thumbnails, but in the end, won’t really tell you anything at all. The rock ‘n’ roll his
Travis Scott and Astroworld: The Devil Went Down to Houston (Rewind)
Travis Scott’s 2021 Astroworld music festival turned out to be a deadly disaster. Was it greed? Satanism? Or was something even more mysterious and evil behind the events that took the lives of ten concertgoers and injured and traumatized many others? This episode was originally published on October 1, 2024. To see the full list of contributors, see the show notes at www.disgracelandpo
Bonus: Mysterious Crosby Cowboy, Robin Thicke Bank Robbery, and More
Surprise! David Crosby isn’t who we thought he was. Same goes for Robin Thicke apparently as well. Lil’ Wayne though? What about Wayne Coyne? All of this and more plus your voicemails, texts, DMs, emails, and more in this week’s bonus After Party episode of Disgraceland.For more great stories at the intersection of music and true crime, check out these stories from our archive:Jo
David Crosby: The Folk Singer Who Became an FBI Fugitive
The man who made sweet, soft, harmonious music with Stephen Stills and Neil Young was actually a crazy rock ‘n’ roll animal. Listen to hear how David Crosby wound up addicted, escaped authorities, and went on the lam. To see the full list of contributors, see the show notes at www.disgracelandpod.com. This previously exclusive episode was originally published on May 22,
Blink-182: Tom Was Right. Aliens Exist. (Rewind)
Everyone thought Blink-182’s Tom DeLonge was a joke, until he proved them all wrong. This is the story of government control, aliens, an arrest, a plane crash, a cancer diagnosis, redemption, and (of course) anti-authority punk rock. Do you believe in Non-Human Intelligence? Have you had an experience with UFOs? Let Jake know and tell your story at 617-906-6638, disgracelandpod@gmail.com, or
Bonus Episode: Another Biopic Bites the Dust
What good is a Queen biopic if it reveals nothing real about Freddie Mercury? Are biopics just Marvel movies for music lovers? This and more, plus your voicemails, text, dms, and emails in this week’s After Party bonus episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Queen: Will the Real Freddie Mercury Please Stand Up?
Queen is one of the biggest-selling bands in music history, and Bohemian Rhapsody is one of the highest-grossing biopics of all time. But did the movie give us a true portrait of Freddie Mercury – or is the real story so debauched, so insane, that it borders on unbelievable? To listen to Disgraceland ad free and get access to a weekly bonus content and more, become a Disgraceland All Access
Tupac Shakur Pt. 2: Life Behind Bars, Suge Knight Saves The Day, East Coast/West Coast Beef, and What Could Have Been (Rewind)
In part two of the Tupac Shakur story, we see the young star trying to deal with life behind bars and giving in to the patronage of the notorious Suge Knight of Death Row Records while getting into the mud with the Notorious B.I.G. in a deadly game of East Coast West Coast beef. We also get a glimpse of what Tupac Shakur might have achieved had he not gone to Las Vegas on that fateful night back i
Tupac Shakur Pt. 1: 1960s Radicalism Gives Way to Socially Conscious Rap, a Charismatic Screen Star, and Deadly Violence (Rewind)
Tupac Shakur was many things. He was a supremely talented MC and was wildly charismatic in front of the camera. He was also violent, angry and completely unable to keep himself out of trouble. Part one of his story traces his rise through the radical influence of his Black Panther lineage, the deadly violence that seemed to follow him wherever he went, and the inevitability of both prison and supe
Bonus Episode: Tupac Shakur Case Closed?
Finally! The mystery is over! We know who killed Tupac and why. Or do we? This and more, plus your voicemails, text, DMs, and emails in this week’s After Party bonus episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Special Episode: Reggie Watts and the Artists You Want to Hear in Disgraceland
A special look at the new artists we’re covering in the second half of 2026, along with a peek into the breaking Reggie Watts story, and how you can be directly involved in the choosing of Disgraceland episode subjects. To listen to Disgraceland ad free and get access to a monthly exclusive episode, weekly bonus content and more, become a Disgraceland All Access member at disgracelandpo
Dolly Parton (Rewind): How the Country Icon Nearly Became the Subject of Her Own Murder Ballad
They tried to take her songs. They tried to take her fame. They even threatened to take her life – not once, but multiple times. Listen to find out how Dolly Parton avoided becoming just another tragic heroine in a murder ballad – and instead became one of the most commercial and critically acclaimed artists in music history. This episode contains themes that may be disturbing to
Bonus Episode: A Tribute to Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton has passed away. Dolly Parton was a musical giant, an American songwriter worthy of a place on the same page in the music history books as Bob Dylan, Kurt Cobain, Johnny Cash, Taylor Swift, or anyone else you can think of. More importantly, she was a first-class human, and an inspiration to me and many, many others. For more great stories at the intersection of music and t
Alice Bag: The Punk Rock Scene That Soundtracked a Serial Killer
In 1977, punk rock took root in Los Angeles just as a prolific serial killer began to terrorize the city. For months, the bodies of young women were being discovered on hillsides – including one woman who was a regular at an underground punk club in Hollywood where seminal L.A. bands like The Bags cut their teeth. Listen to hear how the story of the leader of that band, Alice Bag, overlaps i
R. Kelly: Superstars, Super Predators, and a 20-Year Reign of Sexual Terror (Rewind)
R. Kelly openly groomed teenage victims while on trial for child pornography – a trial based on sex tapes that were once sold at Tower Records. He wrote a song designed to help Michael Jackson turn attention away from his own troubling allegations, and he wrote that song while he was illegally married to a 15-year old. That marriage eventually brought about his downfall. But not before R. Ke
Bonus Episode: A Murder On Tour, Southern Bands and Brother Bands
The murder from Allman Brothers Band history that didn’t make it into our full episode, your take on the greatest southern bands, and more on this bonus episode of Disgraceland. For more great stories from the intersection of true crime and music, check out our archive, including episodes like: Oasis part 1 Oasis part 2 Derek & the Dominos See omnystudio.com/listener f
The Allman Brothers Band: Drug Beefs, the Dixie Mafia, and the Making of a President
When The Allman Brothers Band arrived on the scene in Macon, Georgia in 1969, they made an immediate impression. They rehearsed at full volume all day long, and spent their nights taking mushrooms together in a graveyard. To top it off, their band was integrated, which ruffled a lot of feathers in the deep South. But the biggest transgression the Allman Brothers would make was crossing the Dixie M
Blondie (Rewind): Punk vs. Disco, Held Hostage by Phil Spector, and Riding with Ted Bundy
Blondie got their start as part of New York’s fertile punk scene in the late ‘70s, a time of great musical innovation. Also a time of great fear. Violent crime had the five boroughs in a stranglehold. Muggers, rapists, thieves, criminal deviants of all stripes ran wild in the streets. Or so they said. True New Yorkers like Blondie were tough, jaded, immune to the fears foisted upon tou
Bonus Episode: Addressing the Tila Tequila Rumor, Billy Corgan’s Shapeshifter, and a Glorious Rock ‘N’ Roll Jimmy Kimmel Performance.
I wanted to talk this week about Billy Corgan’s outrageous shapeshifting claim and how it relates to who he is as a musician, but the Internet had other plans. It was all about to go to sh*t until Low Cut Connie saved us all on national television.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Smashing Pumpkins: Billy Corgan and the Shapeshifter
This is the story about how a drug-related death led to the fracturing of the ‘90s alt-rock giants, how competing narratives amongst band members complicated their legacy, and what Billy Corgan’s strange interaction with a shapeshifter has to do with it all. To listen to Disgraceland ad free and get access to a monthly exclusive episode, weekly bonus content and more, become a Disgrace
Woodstock Pt. 2: A Disaster Movie (Rewind)
The original Woodstock was a literal disaster, declared so on its first day by the state of New York. There were fights, onstage, armed black-shirted hippie gestapo on patrol, and most notably, two dead kids on record. The festival was born of violence, sparked into existence out of organizer Michael Lang’s standoff with hillbilly armed guards and cops from down in Florida. The lasting image
Woodstock Pt. 1: A Disaster Movie (Rewind)
Woodstock is remembered as the generation-defining moment when the baby boomers demonstrated to the world the power of peace, love and communalism. In reality, what went down at Old Man Yasgur’s farm in August 1969 involved extortion, deaths, countless overdoses, near-mass electrocution, and a state of emergency. Not to mention a restless crowd that doubled in size seemingly every time festi
Bonus Episode: Tribute to Sick of it All’s Lou Koller, Plus More John Frusciante and River Phoenix
We pay tribute to Sick Of It All’s Lou Koller, dive deeper into the theories surrounding River Phoenix’s death and Red Hot Chili Peppers’ guitarist John Frusciante’s alleged involvement, and of course answer your questions, voicemails, texts, emails and more,See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Red Hot Chili Peppers’ John Frusciante and the Death of River Phoenix
Someone handed River Phoenix a deadly drink containing a liquid speedball. Some claim Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist John Frusciante handed it to him. This is the story of how River Phoenix really died. To listen to Disgraceland ad free and get access to a monthly exclusive episode, weekly bonus content and more, become a Disgraceland All Access member at disgracelandpod.com/membership. Visi
Talking Heads: Punk Rock, New Wave, Blackouts, and Psycho Killers (Rewind)
From 1976 to 1977, unsuspecting young people in New York City were snuck up on in the darkness and shot in cold blood. Six dead, murdered by David Berkowitz, AKA the Son of Sam, a serial killer who held all five boroughs in the grip of fear for one year. A year in which punk rock and new wave took hold, the Yankees went on a tear, a garbage strike left trash rotting in the heat, a blackout plunged
Bonus Episode: Extreme Music, Extremely Bad Things, and Always Doing the Right Thing
On this episode, Jake is stuck in Boston so guest host Dr. Lundy is talking about extreme music being blamed for extremely bad things, from Slipknot to Ozzy to Judas Priest.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Amy Winehouse: Rehab, the Muse and a Rare Talent (Rewind)
Rehab, arrests, fights, hitting on Prince Harry, dramatic stage breakdowns, slagging off the press, Amy Winehouse was a rockstar’s rockstar and she was also one of the greatest musical talents of the past 20 years. Her voice was unlike any other. She modernized jazz. She gave weight to pop. When she was inspired, she was untouchable. Driven by her muse, haunted by her addictions, and harasse
Bonus Episode: My Summer Listening, Reading, Watching Recs And More
Disgos, the World Cup is over and rock ‘n’ roll lost, so now what? Well, here are my recommendations on how to pass time for the rest of your summer; my fav summer listening, reading, watching and binging recs, and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Bonus Episode: A Rock ‘N’ Roll World Cup, Criminal Minded English Musicians and Here’s Wonderwall
England? Argentina? Spain? You know who the winner of this year’s World Cup really is? Oasis. Plus, it’s Happy Mondays week in Disgraceland, has us asking, who do you think is the most transgressive, debaucherous band ever? We get into it with your voicemails, texts, DMs and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Happy Mondays: How Thieves, Drug Dealers, and Would-Be Kidnappers Took Over Madchester’s Music Scene
Explores the influential Madchester group's influence on UK culture and transgressive behavior involving the planned kidnappings of Donovan and the Smith's Johnny Marr. To see the full list of contributors, see the show notes at www.disgracelandpod.com. To listen to Disgraceland ad free and get access to exclusive bonus content and more, become a Disgraceland All Access member at
Bonus Episode: The Best, Wildest, and Most Unbelievable Jim Morrison Death/Faked Death Theories.
Disgos, Jim Morrison is dead, and he didn’t die in a night club in Paris, but this doesn’t make the wild theories about Jim any less interesting, nor does it prevent us from discussing the insane Jim Morrison “sightings” over the years and theories on how Jim “faked his death” and how he’s been spending his time over the coming years. Can you say “Ro
Jim Morrison: Who Killed Jim Morrison?
But wait, Jim Morrison overdosed on heroin because he was a drug addict rockstar just like Janis Joplin, right? Wrong. Who exactly was “the Count," the French aristocrat who was there at the scene of Jim’s death? The same man who was with Janis Joplin hours before she died? Was rumored to somehow be involved with Jimi Hendrix? The friend of Keith Richards and Gram Parsons? And why did
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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