Rock N Roll Story Guys
Rock N Roll Story Guys features two best friends discussing (and maybe setting straight) the rumor, innuendo and hidden details that surround some of the biggest bands and songs in rock n roll history.
Episodes
Virgin Records vs XTC
Brian and Murdock respond to a pointed question about their lack of coverage of a certain British power pop influence and unpack the story behind the big sound, bad manager, and public breakdown that would come to define them.See the RNRSG on YouTubeVisit the show on InstagramVisit the show on FacebookSign up for Brian's daily FIVE SONGS email! (It's free!)SHOW NOTES:https://en.wikipedia.
Alice Cooper vs the blackout records
Brian and Murdock answer a listener letter that points them toward the alcohol-soaked section of music history, examining stories of rock stars and the drugs, drink, (and music) they forgot they did...See the RNRSG on YouTubeVisit the show on InstagramVisit the show on FacebookSign up for Brian's daily FIVE SONGS email! (It's free!)SHOW NOTES:https://www.reddit.com/r/todayilearned/comment
Whitesnake vs David Coverdale
Brian and Murdock dig through the history of David Coverdale and the multiple eras of the solo effort he started that ended up being called... Whitesnake.See the RNRSG on YouTubeVisit the show on InstagramVisit the show on FacebookSign up for Brian's daily FIVE SONGS email! (It's free!)SHOW NOTES:https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whitesnakehttps://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tenore_di_graziahtt
Paul McCartney vs Michael Jackson
Brian and Murdock peer into the world of publishing through the lens of one of the great songwriters and great catalogs - and unravel the truth regarding the savvy artist who later bought those songs for himself.See the RNRSG on YouTubeVisit the show on InstagramVisit the show on FacebookSign up for Brian's daily FIVE SONGS email! (It's free!)SHOW NOTES:https://www.billboard.com/music/roc
"Louie Louie" vs the FBI
Brian and Murdock take on the task of deciphering what was (or maybe wasn't) being said when some teenagers in the Pacific Northwest tried to record a jukebox song on a budget.See the RNRSG on YouTubeVisit the show on InstagramVisit the show on FacebookSign up for Brian's daily FIVE SONGS email! (It's free!)SHOW NOTES:https://www.amazon.com/dp/0671501283?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpR
Bon Jovi vs Alec John Such
Brian and Murdock work to unravel the mystery of what actually happened to the guy who got dismissed from Bon Jovi after a decade-long run (and if he ever actually PLAYED with the band at all...)See the RNRSG on YouTubeVisit the show on InstagramVisit the show on FacebookSign up for Brian's daily FIVE SONGS email! (It's free!)SHOWNOTES:https://www.bonjoviclubitalia.com/date-tour/1983-1985
Atlantic Records vs Poe
Brian and Murdock chase down the backstory of Anne Decatur Danielewski, the artist once named among the top five "Women Who Rock Our World" who seemingly dissappeared with no explanation after two hit albums.See the RNRSG on YouTubeVisit the show on InstagramVisit the show on FacebookSign up for Brian's daily FIVE SONGS email! (It's free!)SHOW NOTES:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poe_(sing
Styx vs Dennis DeYoung
Brian and Murdock dig into the rumor that Styx broke up because of the band tension around a certain concept record (and hit song).See the RNRSG on YouTubeVisit the show on InstagramVisit the show on FacebookSign up for Brian's daily FIVE SONGS email! (It's free!)SHOW NOTEShttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kilroy_Was_Here_(album)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Styx_(band)https://en.wikipedia.or
The Rolling Stones vs Gram Parsons
Brian and Murdock try their best to untangle the complicated authorship of "Wild Horses" and the friendships, romances, and concert tragedies that swirl around its creation and legacy.See the RNRSG on YouTubeVisit the show on InstagramVisit the show on FacebookSign up for Brian's daily FIVE SONGS email! (It's free!)SHOW NOTES:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marianne_FaithfullDunbar Guardian
Talking Heads vs David Byrne
Brian and Murdock combine a couple of requests by examining the ascent of Talking Heads, the man at the center of that band, and the hired guitar player whose fairy tale ascent almost (maybe?) included becoming the new lead singer.See the RNRSG on YouTubeVisit the show on InstagramVisit the show on FacebookSign up for Brian's daily FIVE SONGS email! (It's free!)SHOW NOTES:https://en.wikip
Weird Al vs The Knack
Brian and Murdock dig through the history of musical parody to find the path taken by Alfred Matthew Yankovic to go from aspiring architect to godfather of laugh-out-loud lyrical tom-foolery.See the RNRSG on YouTubeVisit the show on InstagramVisit the show on FacebookSign up for Brian's daily FIVE SONGS email! (It's free!)SHOW NOTES:Used in this episode: Bach “Peasant Cantata”https://en.w
Blood, Sweat & Tears vs the government
When a certain VIP letter writer gets their attention, Brian and Murdock explore the story behind the band who beat out the Beatles for the Grammy and then mostly fell apart.See the RNRSG on YouTubeVisit the show on InstagramVisit the show on FacebookSign up for Brian's daily FIVE SONGS email! (It's free!)SHOW NOTES:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BloodSweat%26_Tearshttps://en.wikipedia.org
George Michael vs Andrew Ridgeley
Brian and Murdock attempt to answer the long-asked question: "What the hell happened to that other guy from Wham!?"See the RNRSG on YouTubeVisit the show on InstagramVisit the show on FacebookSign up for Brian's daily FIVE SONGS email! (It's free!)SHOW NOTES:The 2019 book: https://www.amazon.com/Wham-George-Michael-Me-Memoir/dp/1524745316https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Michaelhttps:/
Humble Pie vs the mob
Brian and Murdock dig into the rumors around what organized efforts may or may not have gone in to squashing the once promising career of British rock guitarist Steve Marriott, derailling his intial rise to prominence with bands like the Small Faces and Humble Pie.See the RNRSG on YouTubeVisit the show on InstagramVisit the show on FacebookSign up for Brian's daily FIVE SONGS email! (It's
The B-52s vs Love Shack
Brian and Murdock take the opportunity a letter affords them to talk about the founding fathers (and mothers) of the Athens, Georgia music scene and the tragedy that almost derailed them before they ever got to sing about "that little old place where we can get together..."See the RNRSG on YouTubeVisit the show on InstagramVisit the show on FacebookSign up for Brian's daily FIVE SONGS ema
The Songs About America Draft
In a first for the show, Brian welcomes fellow rock n roll podcasters Lorin Kozlowski (Roach Koach) and Josh Toomey (Primer 55, Talk Toomey, The David Ellefson Show) to gamify a discussion of the great rock n roll songs that tackle the topic of America.Listen to the Songs About America Draft PlaylistSee the RNRSG on YouTubeVisit the show on InstagramVisit the show on FacebookSign up for B
A Doobie Brother vs national security
Brian and Murdock explore the story behind session legend (and former Steely Dan/Doobie Brothers multi-instrumentalist) Jeff "Skunk" Baxter and his associations with NASA and other government-related organizations. And then they end up talking about... aliens.See the show on YouTubeVisit the show on InstagramVisit the show on FacebookSign up for Brian's daily FIVE SONGS email! (It's free!
Tommy Tutone vs Jenny
Brian and Murdock answer letters and break down the stories behind a handful of BIG songs and the women they are - or ARE NOT - about...See the show on YouTubeVisit the show on InstagramVisit the show on FacebookSign up for Brian's daily FIVE SONGS email! (It's free!)SHOW NOTES:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/867-5309/Jennyhttps://www.snopes.com/fact-check/867-5309-jenny/https://en.wikipedi
Courtney Love vs Live Through This
Brian and Murdock make an effort to talk about more of the women in rock when they answer a letter adressing the rumor that Hole's Live Through This was ghostwritten by... a man.See the show on YouTubeVisit the show on InstagramVisit the show on FacebookSign up for Brian's daily FIVE SONGS email! (It's free!)SHOW NOTES:https://rulefortytwo.com/secret-rock-knowledge/chapter-7/did-kurt-coba
Bryan Adams vs Princess Diana
Brian and Murdock head north to talk about British royalty and determined songwriters - and what may or may not have happened when a couple of them collided.See the show on YouTubeVisit the show on InstagramVisit the show on FacebookSign up for Brian's daily FIVE SONGS email! (It's free!)SHOW NOTES:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bryan_AdamsThe song “Diana”: https://soundcloud.com/user15896
Stairway to Heaven vs Taurus
A letter about the legacy of "Stairway to Heaven" leads Brian and Murdock to the story of unsung guitar hero Randy California, his band, and the break that never fully broke for him.See the show on YouTubeVisit the show on InstagramVisit the show on FacebookSign up for Brian's daily FIVE SONGS email! (It's free!)SHOW NOTES:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Randy_Californiahttps://en.wikipedia
Dave Matthews Band vs the city of Chicago
Brian and Murdock take on a letter from a listener wanting all the details on what happened when a certain jam-adjacent band drove around in the Windy City in the summer of '04.See the show on YouTubeVisit the show on InstagramVisit the show on FacebookSign up for Brian's daily FIVE SONGS email! (It's free!)SHOW NOTES:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dave_Matthews_Band_bus_incidenthttps://tr
Nikki Sixx vs Bruce Dickinson
Brian and Murdock rip open a stack of letters asking questions about rock songs throughout history that may - or very well may NOT - be about members of Motley Crue.See the show on YouTubeVisit the show on InstagramVisit the show on FacebookSign up for Brian's daily FIVE SONGS email! (It's free!)SHOW NOTES:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Money_for_Nothinghttps://www.musicmusingsandsuch.com/
Tom Verlaine vs Richard Hell
Brian and Murdock answer a listener letter asking for a deep dive on the punk band that wasn't so punk - Television - and how their search for a place to practice created a landmark and cemented a scene.See the show on YouTubeVisit the show on InstagramVisit the show on FacebookSign up for Brian's daily FIVE SONGS email! (It's free!)SHOW NOTES:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blank_Generatio
Lou Gramm vs Mick Jones
Brian and Murdock investigate the story behind one of the biggest hitmakers of the 70s and try to uncover the answers to two mysteries: why their singer and guitarist couldn't get along, and why their legacy doesn't always get taken seriously.See the show on YouTubeVisit the show on InstagramVisit the show on FacebookSign up for Brian's daily FIVE SONGS email! (It's free!)SHOW NOTES:https
Prince vs the symbol
Brian and Murdock dig deep to understand the circumstances that led Prince to feel punished for over-performance, quit music, pronounce himself dead, and come back as a... symbol.See the show on YouTubeVisit the show on InstagramVisit the show on FacebookSign up for Brian's daily FIVE SONGS email! (It's free!)SHOW NOTES:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prince_(musician)https://faroutmagazine
Prince vs Batman
Brian and Murdock dig into mid-80's Prince - his projects (released AND unreleased), bands, drug buddies, and obsessions - to figure out what led him to get VERY involved in creating an official album about the Caped Crusader.See the show on YouTubeVisit the show on InstagramVisit the show on FacebookSign up for Brian's daily FIVE SONGS email! (It's free!)SHOW NOTES:https://en.wikipedia.o
YES vs The Buggles
Brian and Murdock unravel the story of how the first band on MTV briefly became part of prog rock pioneers YES - and how it almost ruined everything...See the show on YouTubeVisit the show on InstagramVisit the show on FacebookSign up for Brian's daily FIVE SONGS email! (It's free!)SHOW NOTES:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Buggleshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kung_Fu_Fightinghttps://en
New Radicals vs the music industry
Brian and Murdock dust for fingerprints through the last 25 years of pop music trying figure out what happened to two people who created one of the biggest hits of the late '90s.See the show on YouTubeVisit the show on InstagramVisit the show on FacebookSign up for Brian's daily FIVE SONGS email! (It's free!)SHOW NOTES:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danielle_Briseboishttps://www.newspapers
The Acid King vs L.A.
The guys go on one of their wildest rides to date - connecting The Rolling Stones, 80's punk, murder, and jazz guitar.See the show on YouTubeVisit the show on InstagramVisit the show on FacebookSign up for Brian's daily FIVE SONGS email! (It's free!)Win tickets to Louder Than Life 2026! Just send us your (totally made up) fake history of a band on the bill. Make us laugh and you coul
Ann Wilson vs Nancy Wilson
The guys get into the backstory behind two of the most powerful women in rock and the biggest obstacle they've faced - each other.See the show on YouTubeVisit the show on InstagramVisit the show on FacebookSign up for Brian's daily FIVE SONGS email! (It's free!)Win tickets to Louder Than Life 2026! Just send us your (totally made up) fake history of a band on the bill. Make us laugh
FEAR vs SNL
Brian and Murdock dig into the story behind the most infamous SNL performance-gone-haywire, and figure out how it weirdly connected a king of comedy, a premier provocateur, and the ultimate torchbearer of punk authenticity.Support the show on PatreonSee the show on YouTubeVisit the show on InstagramVisit the show on FacebookSign up for Brian's daily FIVE SONGS email! (It's free!)Win ticke
The Replacements vs SNL
The guys finally get to a stack of letters about Paul Westerberg and The Replacements and untangle the tale of the time that the Twin Cities ne'er-do-wells took their inferiority complex onto national TV.Support the show on PatreonSee the show on YouTubeVisit the show on InstagramVisit the show on FacebookSign up for Brian's daily FIVE SONGS email! (It's free!)Win tickets to Louder T
Robbie Robertson vs Levon Helm
The guys do their best to answer the often-asked question about what happened to dismantle the (80% Canadian) American instituion - The Band.Support the show on PatreonSee the show on YouTubeVisit the show on InstagramVisit the show on FacebookSign up for Brian's daily FIVE SONGS email! (It's free!)Win tickets to Louder Than Life 2026! Just send us your (totally made up) fake history of a
Tom Petty vs Australia
The guys allow a letter to lead them on a journey from Tom Petty and Dylan, all the way back to Ol Blue Eyes (and the time he almost caused an international crisis by not watching his mouth.)Support the show on PatreonSee the show on YouTubeVisit the show on InstagramVisit the show on FacebookSign up for Brian's daily FIVE SONGS email! (It's free!)SHOW NOTEShttps://www.noise11.com/news/be
ACDC vs Bon Scott
Brian and Murdock take a challenge on from a young listener interested in ACDC and dig into the rumors and conspiracies surrounding the death of Bon Scott and what he might have left behind...Support the show on PatreonSee the show on YouTubeVisit the show on InstagramVisit the show on FacebookSign up for Brian's daily FIVE SONGS email! (It's free!)SHOW NOTES:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki
Harry Nilsson vs Hollywood
Brian and Murdock explore the wild influence Harry Nilsson had on rock music - and the secondary career that arguably killed him.Support the show on PatreonSee the show on YouTubeVisit the show on InstagramVisit the show on FacebookSign up for Brian's daily FIVE SONGS email! (It's free!)SHOW NOTES:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Telephone_(1988_film)https://www.smoothradio.com/features/
The Go-Go's vs the home invasion
Brian explains to Murdock the crazy story of the time a member of a pioneering rock n roll girl group had the worst week ever.Support the show on PatreonSee the show on YouTubeVisit the show on InstagramVisit the show on FacebookSign up for Brian's daily FIVE SONGS email! (It's free!)SHOW NOTES:Primary source: All I Ever Wanted – Kathy Valentinehttps://nypost.com/2011/05/29/we-got-the-twe
The Cure vs Kansas
A question about the superstitions of Robert Smith sends the guys on a wild journey that stretches from Ariana Grande to Nirvana and all the way back to the origin of rock n roll.Support the show on PatreonSee the show on YouTubeVisit the show on InstagramVisit the show on FacebookSign up for Brian's daily FIVE SONGS email! (It's free!)SHOW NOTES:https://www.theculturecrush.com/stullhttps
The Romantics vs What I Like About You
The guys discover how a particular 80's earworm found success nearly a decade after release - and the story of the unlikely managers and their bad behavior that derailed the group from finding chart dominance and financial reward for years.Support the show on PatreonSee the show on YouTubeVisit the show on InstagramVisit the show on FacebookSign up for Brian's daily FIVE SONGS email! (It'
Big Star vs Columbia Records
The guys get into what drives some bands into "cult" status by exploring the story of Alex Chilton and Big Star - and the big scandal that kept their first two records from reaching the masses. Support the show on PatreonSee the show on YouTubeVisit the show on InstagramVisit the show on FacebookSign up for Brian's daily FIVE SONGS email! (It's free!)SHOW NOTES:https://en.wikipedia.org/wi
The Police vs Synchronicity
Brian and Murdock take a listener's cue to explore the short but influential career of Sting, Andy, and Stewart as a unit called The Police - and the island recording session that signaled their demise.Support the show on PatreonSee the show on YouTubeVisit the show on InstagramVisit the show on FacebookSign up for Brian's daily FIVE SONGS email! (It's free!)SHOW NOTEShttps://en.wikipedia
George Harrison vs While My Guitar Gently Weeps
Brian and Murdock explore the story behind the Quiet Beatle's reconciliation with the six-string, the song it produced, and the solo it bequeathed on the world decades later via a totally different artist.Support the show on PatreonSee the show on YouTubeVisit the show on InstagramVisit the show on FacebookSign up for Brian's daily FIVE SONGS email! (It's free!)SHOW NOTES:https://en.wikip
Mariah Carey vs All I Want For Christmas Is You
Brian and Murdock unpack the partnership that birthed one of the greatest holiday tunes of all time - and the rumor, innuendo, hurt feelings, and younger diva who broke it all apart.Support the show on PatreonSee the show on YouTubeVisit the show on InstagramVisit the show on FacebookSign up for Brian's daily FIVE SONGS email! (It's free!)SHOW NOTEShttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_I_Want
Red Hot Chili Peppers vs Faith No More
Brian and Murdock break down the history of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Faith No More, and Mr Bungle and try to figure out if Mike Patton and Anthony Kiedis actually hate each other as much as they seem to want us to think they do.Support the show on PatreonSee the show on YouTubeVisit the show on InstagramVisit the show on FacebookSign up for Brian's daily FIVE SONGS email! (It's free!)SH
Eric Clapton vs Tears in Heaven
Brian and Murdock unravel another story-behind-the-song, following one of the great guitar gods through his cocaine 70s, alcohol 80s, and loss + redemption 90s.Support the show on PatreonSee the show on YouTubeVisit the show on InstagramVisit the show on FacebookSign up for Brian's daily FIVE SONGS email! (It's free!)SHOW NOTES:https://www.thisisdig.com/feature/tears-in-heaven-eric-clapto
Pink Floyd vs Great Gig in the Sky
The guys look into the story behind that legendary female vocal performance - and learn a lot about Pink Floyd, their reputation, and their history.Support the show on PatreonSee the show on YouTubeVisit the show on InstagramVisit the show on FacebookSign up for Brian's daily FIVE SONGS email! (It's free!)SHOW NOTES:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pink_Floydhttps://faroutmagazine.co.uk/john
Carly Simon vs You're So Vain
Brian and Murdock dig into one of the most well-known rock n roll rumors and try their darndest to figure out which Hollywood face (or faces) "You're So Vain" is actually about.Support the show on PatreonSee the show on YouTubeVisit the show on InstagramVisit the show on FacebookSign up for Brian's daily FIVE SONGS email! (It's free!)SHOW NOTES:You’re So Vain lyrics: https://genius.com/Ca
Creedence Clearwater Revival vs Fantasy Records
Brian and Murdock explore the legions of lawsuit and bunches of bad luck that plagued Creedence Clearwater Revival and their front man John Fogerty for a big chunk of the 1970s and 80s.Support the show on PatreonSee the show on YouTubeVisit the show on InstagramVisit the show on FacebookSign up for Brian's daily FIVE SONGS email! (It's free!)SHOW NOTES:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Creede
Thin Lizzy vs the drugs
A listener letter leaves Brian and Murdock discussing their love for Thin Lizzy and following the story of their illustrious frontman - Irishman Phil Lynott- and the bad habits that took him away from the stage far too soon.Support the show on PatreonSee the show on YouTubeVisit the show on InstagramVisit the show on FacebookSign up for Brian's daily FIVE SONGS email! (It's free!)SHOW NOT
Peter Frampton vs his Gibson Les Paul
Brian and Murdock get a letter from a fan of the show asking for the story behind Peter Frampton's long-time lost love - a very particular Gibson Les Paul guitar.Support the show on PatreonSee the show on YouTubeVisit the show on InstagramVisit the show on FacebookSign up for Brian's daily FIVE SONGS email! (It's free!)SHOW NOTES:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humble_Piehttps://en.wikipedi
Jefferson Airplane vs Jefferson Starship
Brian and Murdock work to verify a story about some creatively stolen master tapes, and simultaneously learn to tell the difference between a Jefferson Airplane, a Jefferson Startship, and just a plain 'ol Starship.Support the show on PatreonSee the show on YouTubeVisit the show on InstagramVisit the show on FacebookSign up for Brian's daily FIVE SONGS email! (It's free!)SHOW NOTES:https:
Deep Purple vs bogus Deep Purple
Brian and Murdock hunt down a newspaper ad from 1980 to corroborate a listener story involving a Deep Purple show that was campaigned against by... Deep Purple. Support the show on PatreonSee the show on YouTubeVisit the show on InstagramVisit the show on FacebookSign up for Brian's daily FIVE SONGS email! (It's free!)SHOW NOTES:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deep_Purplehttps://en.wikipedi
Michael Jackson vs Star Wars
Brian and Murdock explore the King of Pop's long-running fascination with the theatrical - and the movie roles he ALMOST got to take.Support the show on PatreonSee the show on YouTubeVisit the show on InstagramVisit the show on FacebookSign up for Brian's daily FIVE SONGS email! (It's free!)SHOW NOTES:https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-news/michael-jackson-wanted-to-play-jar-
Eagles vs everyone
Brian and Murdock go looking for the history on why one of the most successful rock bands ever simultaneously seems to be hated.Support the show on PatreonSee the show on YouTubeVisit the show on InstagramVisit the show on FacebookSign up for Brian's daily FIVE SONGS email! (It's free!)SHOW NOTES:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eagles_(band)Klosterman essay on The Eagles: https://ew.com/art
David Lee Roth vs Gene Simmons
The guys get into the early history of the Van Halen brothers - and the already-rockstar who almost stalled things out before they started.Support the show on PatreonSee the show on YouTubeVisit the show on InstagramVisit the show on FacebookSign up for Brian's daily FIVE SONGS email! (It's free!)SHOW NOTES:Van Halen Rising by Greg Renoff - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/van-halen-risin
Led Zeppelin vs Kingdom Come
The fellas field a question about the guys who once took on the nasty name "Kingdom Clone" in the music press, and discuss why sounding like Led Zep is just not allowed by a certain type of rock n roll fan.Support the show on PatreonSee the show on YouTubeVisit the show on InstagramVisit the show on FacebookSign up for Brian's daily FIVE SONGS email! (It's free!)SHOW NOTES:https://pitchfo
Rock songs vs record labels
The guys go looking for songs that bands wrote about being mad at their managers and record labels and come back covered in Southern rock, British bombast, and a little punk attitude.Support the show on PatreonSee the show on YouTubeVisit the show on InstagramVisit the show on FacebookSign up for Brian's daily FIVE SONGS email! (It's free!)SHOW NOTES:https://www.npr.org/2019/11/15/7797538
Fleetwood Mac vs fake Fleetwood Mac
Brian and Murdock follow the story of Fleetwood Mac from album 5 through 9, tracing the path of infights, sexual liaisons, and imposters that led to Mick Fleetwood finally meeting Lindsey Buckingham.Support the show on PatreonSee the show on YouTubeVisit the show on InstagramVisit the show on FacebookSign up for Brian's daily FIVE SONGS email! (It's free!)SHOW NOTES:The Mark Blake book: h
Fleetwood Mac vs Peter Green
Brian and Murdock go way back to start breaking down the details of who and what made up Fleetwood Mac for the seven years before Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham showed up.Support the show on PatreonSee the show on YouTubeVisit the show on InstagramVisit the show on FacebookSign up for Brian's daily FIVE SONGS email! (It's free!)SHOW NOTESThe Mark Blake book: https://www.simonandschus
Springsteen vs The Ramones
Brian and Murdock chronicle Bruce's struggle to breakthrough to the mainstream at the end of the 1970s- and the hits he gave away along the way. Support the show on PatreonSee the show on YouTubeVisit the show on InstagramVisit the show on FacebookSign up for Brian's daily FIVE SONGS email! (It's free!)SHOW NOTEShttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruce_Springsteenhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
MTV vs Unplugged
Brian and Murdock dig into the history of MTV's unlikely smash hit that resurrected careers and created a new revenue line for loud bands willing to turn down the volume.Support the show on PatreonSee the show on YouTubeVisit the show on InstagramVisit the show on FacebookSign up for Brian's daily FIVE SONGS email! (It's free!)SHOW NOTES:I WANT MY MTV - The Book: https://www.penguinrandom
Simon and Garfunkel vs the movies
Brian and Murdock dig at the roots of "Mrs. Robinson" only to end up on a journey through 70s cinema, childhood friendships, and especially petty songwriting.Support the show on PatreonSee the show on YouTubeVisit the show on InstagramVisit the show on FacebookSign up for Brian's daily FIVE SONGS email! (It's free!)SHOW NOTEShttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Nicholshttps://en.wikipedia.o
Morrissey vs Johnny Marr
Brian and Murdock answer a letter asking for the backstory on what went down between the two big personalities inside The Smiths - Steven Morrissey and Johnny Marr.Support the show on PatreonSee the show on YouTubeVisit the show on InstagramVisit the show on FacebookSign up for Brian's daily FIVE SONGS email! (It's free!)SHOW NOTEShttps://consequence.net/2025/06/johnny-marr-smiths-reunion
Cheap Trick vs John Lennon
Brian and Murdock explore the rumor that Lennon's last album might have had some musical support from a certain set of Midwestern power-poppers.Support the show on PatreonSee the show on YouTubeVisit the show on InstagramVisit the show on FacebookSHOW NOTESCheap Trick In Color with Steve Albini producinghttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bsT3EWlsJM&list=PLvLuPYa2vgAsbNg5NhnEBx2N1GgV28nX
Rockstars vs talk shows
The guys go through a series of letters all focused on the intersection of musicians and publicity. Did Grateful Dead dose an audience? Did a punk band pull one over on tabloid TV? And why was the singer of that emo band on Sally Jesse Raphael?Support the show on PatreonSee the show on YouTubeVisit the show on InstagramVisit the show on FacebookSHOW NOTEShttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk
George Jones vs the duck
Brian and Murdock get a listener request to revisit the life, trials, and absolute chaos that came to define the finest country music singer of all time - George Jones.Support the show on PatreonSee the show on YouTubeVisit the show on InstagramVisit the show on FacebookSHOW NOTESThe George Jones & Tom Carter book: I Lived to Tell it AllGeorge Jones On The Reccord with Ralph Emery:htt
The Monkees vs MTV
Brian and Murdock answer an inquiry regarding The Pre-Fab Four and one member who may (or many not) have had an outsized impact on the future of rock n roll beyond the band.SIGN UP FOR THE ROCK N ROLL STORY REPORT EMAIL NEWSLETTERSupport the show on PatreonSee the show on YouTubeVisit the show on InstagramVisit the show on FacebookSHOW NOTES:https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/the-monkees/1997
Boston vs the Boston Herald
Brian and Murdock talk about discovering the first Boston album and dive into the fascinating and upsetting story of the two men who defined their sound and personified their struggles. CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains mention of suicide and abuse after the 34 minute mark. If you are suffering with thoughts of depression and hopelessness and considering harming yourself, please seek
808s vs hip hop
Brian and Murdock unravel the story of the Roland TR-808 - a drum machine/musical innovation hailed as an absolute failure - until it absolutely wasn't. Support the show on PatreonSee the show on YouTubeVisit the show on InstagramVisit the show on FacebookSHOW NOTES:https://www.reddit.com/r/trapproduction/comments/2d9sc2/what_is_an_808/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roland_TR-808https://en
Hank Williams Jr vs the mountain
Brian and Murdock dig into the iconography of one of outlaw country's loudest voices, discovering how Hank's visual turn from tribute act to rowdy powerhouse was due in part to a fall he shouldn't have survived. Support the show on PatreonSee the show on YouTubeVisit the show on InstagramVisit the show on FacebookSHOW NOTES:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hank_Williamshttps://en.wikipedia.
Steely Dan vs Gaucho
Brian and Murdock get sent looking for stories of out-of-control album creations and come back with the tale of Walter, Donald, 3 years, 50 musicians, a drug problem, a tragic death, and a personal injury - aka Gaucho.Support the show on PatreonSee the show on YouTubeVisit the show on InstagramVisit the show on FacebookSHOW NOTES:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steely_DanReelin in the Years
Led Zeppelin vs the heist
Brian and Murdock dig into the infamous tale of that time a whole lotta money went missing - and the suspects, mobsters and managers who may (or may not) have been at the center of it all. Support the show on PatreonSee the show on YouTubeVisit the show on InstagramVisit the show on FacebookSHOW NOTESZeppelin’s unreal record dealhttps://www.loudersound.com/news/led-zeppelin-atlantic-contr
The Grammys vs the curse
The guys chase down the long running rumor that winning too many Grammys too quickly can end a career by examining a few stories of bands that won the hardware and hit hard times.Support the show on PatreonSee the show on YouTubeVisit the show on InstagramVisit the show on FacebookSHOW NOTES:https://variety.com/2021/music/news/grammys-best-new-artist-curse-1234892921/https://en.wikipedia.
Paul McCartney vs death
Brian and Murdock explore the insane popularity and pressure facing the Beatles in the mid-60's and the crazy rumor right in the middle that catapaulted them to even BIGGER fame.Support the show on PatreonSee the show on YouTubeVisit the show on InstagramVisit the show on FacebookSHOW NOTES:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_is_deadhttps://faroutmagazine.co.uk/why-did-the-beatles-stop-tou
Jimmy Page vs Jake Holmes
A letter requesting some detective work around 80's party rock sends the guys on an unexpected quest to tell the tale of that time Jimmy Page ripped off the opening act. Support the show on PatreonSee the show on YouTubeVisit the show on InstagramVisit the show on FacebookSHOW NOTES:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kix_(band)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Night_Songs_(Cinderella_album)https:/
Metallica vs Napster
The guys go back to 1999 to unpack the story of two internet friends and how they accidentally change the future of music - all while (Saint) Anger-ing one of the biggest bands in the world.Support the show on PatreonSee the show on YouTubeVisit the show on InstagramVisit the show on FacebookSHOW NOTES:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metallica_v._Napster,_Inc.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S
Zildjian vs Sabian
The guys get a letter encouraging them to explore a musical rivalry of a slightly different kind than the normal show fare - one involving Constantinople, feuding brothers, and serious alchemy.Support the show on PatreonSee the show on YouTubeVisit the show on InstagramVisit the show on FacebookSHOW NOTES:https://mcaulaydrums.com/CYMBALS/item4498.htmlhttps://thedrumninja.com/where-are-bud
Van Halen vs The Clash
The guys get a letter asking why Diamond Dave was being so mouthy about a certain band of British punks during Van Halen's headling set at the 1983 US Festival. This leads to an investigation of authenticity, genre death, and lots of Jack Daniels consumption. SHOW NOTES:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Clashhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernard_Rhodeshttps://www.metmuseum.org/art/collect
Queen vs Survivor
In this episode, Brian and Murdock dive into a listener's question about music copyright issues in film, revealing the surprising impact licensing decisions can have on artists' careers. Discover how an '80s action star's soundtrack search — and one band’s refusal — opened the door for another group to land a career-changing opportunity. It's a behind-the-scenes look at the intersection o
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