Author/journalist Joel Gausten talks with Gang of Four frontman Jon King about his new memoir (To Hell with Poverty!), Gang of Four's current farewell tour, the 30th anniversary of the band's Shrinkwrapped album, late bassist Dave Allen, and more.
Author/journalist Joel Gausten talks with author Laura Lee Flanagan about the philosophy behind her just-published book, Hardcore Vegetarian: Welcome to the Vegedome! Laura's husband, Harley (Cro-Mags), later joins them to add his perspectives on vegetarianism and discuss the new documentary on his life, Harley Flanagan: Wired for Chaos.
Author/journalist Joel Gausten talks with longtime Lo-Fi artist and '80s New Jersey underground scene fixture Ray Brazen (a.k.a. Davey Dawson) about his history in music (including his early '80s regional hit "I Found Love at WFMU") and participation in the original NJ Punk/Hardcore scene.
Author/journalist Joel Gausten talks with the reunited members of late '80s/'90s NJ band Bad Karma - Doug "Slugger" Vizthum, Tom "DLO" DiEllo, and Wally "WB" Bird - about the band's history and upcoming first show in 15 years at Randy Now's Man Cave in Hightstown, NJ, on May 16.
Mike Peters was the kind of man you wanted to see live forever.
Kind and humble with an unshakable spirit, he faced more trials and tribulations than someone with his heart and talent ever should have. Just over a year ago, I was offered the chance to interview him on my podcast. I couldn’t reply “yes!” fast enough.
I’m a journo who’s been around more than a bit, but on the day I connected with Mike over Zoom, I was 11 years old again — the kid who discovered and fell in love with Alternative Rock thanks to The Alarm and other acts I heard left of the dial.
Watch the video below — you’ll be amazed by his energy and drive despite everything he endured.
What a damn beautiful man.
Lately, I’ve been working to digitize 25 years’ worth of audio interviews, which means my recent weeks and months have been filled with the voices of the departed. I recently preserved hours of conversation with Genesis P-Orridge. David Thomas, another classic interviewee, passed not long after. I grabbed an unlabeled microcassette and heard Raven’s sarcastic charm speaking to me. Another unmarked tape began with a hotel receptionist:
“Hello, thank you for calling [whatever hotel]. How can I help you?”
“Hello, I’d like to be connected with one of your guests, Andrew Gill …”
Mike is the third podcast guest I’ve lost in the past eight months. That’s hard to take.
Life is short. Embrace the moment. Create art. Go for it all. Smile widely through your struggles. And sing your songs.
Author/journalist Joel Gausten talks with former music industry executive Alec Byrn (EG Records/Phonogram/Polydor) about his experiences with Killing Joke, Roxy Music, The Ramones, The Boomtown Rats, The Orb, and other legendary acts.