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In episode 65 of Hooked on Creek, Korre Johnson takes a step back and asks a simple question: what if Max Creek was the only band you ever loved? Framed as a thought experiment, the episode looks at how the band’s music changes with us, how listening can be shaped by time and distance, and how tapers and fans help carry the music forward. This episode features the following songs performed live by Max Creek: You Write the Book from May 25, 1986: https://archive.org/details/mc1986-05-25.set1.flac16/mc1986-05-25d1t02.flac Calypso Wind from September 11, 2022: https://archive.org/details/maxcreek2022-09-11.telefunken-ela-m260.flac2448/maxcreek2022-09-11t08.flac Devil’s Heart from March 21, 1997: https://archive.org/details/mc1997-03-21.flac16f/mc1997-03-21d1t03.flac Crystal Clear from January 8, 1983: https://archive.org/details/MC1983-01-08.MaxCreekTaurusBallroomHartfordCtTaperJonesCollectionSBD/05CrystalClear.flac Time from January 24, 2026: https://archive.org/details/mc2026-01-24.-KM140-SBD/MC\_20260124\_KM14-SBD\_S02-04.flac If you have feedback or suggestions for future episodes, send a message via the contact link on the Hooked on Creek website: https://hookedoncreek.com Read a transcript of this episode on the Hooked on Creek website: https://hookedoncreek.com/2026/01/episode-65-if-max-creek-was-the-only-band-you-ever-loved/

Episode 64 features a conversation with Michael Wegner from the band Cosmic Charlie, a Grateful Dead tribute band. Michael talks about his introduction to Max Creek, how the band influenced his approach to music, and what it was like performing with Mark Mercier. Learn about Michael Wegner: https://michaelwegner.com Learn about Cosmic Charlie: https://cosmiccharlie.net Listen to Cosmic Charlie’s live performance at Shank Hall in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on September 13, 2025: https://archive.org/details/cosmic-charlie2025-09-13 If you have feedback or suggestions for future episodes, send a message via the contact link on the Hooked on Creek website: https://hookedoncreek.com Read a transcript of this episode on the Hooked on Creek website: https://hookedoncreek.com/2025/09/episode-64-michael-wegner-from-cosmic-charlie-talks-about-max-creek/

Episode 63 features a conversation with John Spignesi — guitarist, songwriter, and frontman of the John Spignesi Band. John talks about the making of his band’s new album and the unique experience of working with Max Creek’s Scott Murawski as producer. John also reflects on the role of music in his life and his opportunities to play with members of Max Creek outside of the studio. This episode features clips of the following songs performed live by the John Spignesi Band: Feelin’ Free performed at Hoops N’ Hops in Simsbury, Connecticut, on November 16, 2024, with special guest Scott Murawski: https://archive.org/details/JSB2024-11-16.RODENT5-ZOOMH6-FLAC8/106.+Feelin'+Free.flac Blank Canvas performed at Newburyport Brewing Company in Newburyport, Massachusetts, on May 3, 2025: https://archive.org/details/JSB2025-05-03.JohnSpignesiBandNewburyportBrewingCompanyMay2025/03+Blank+Canvas+%3E.flac Tough Guy performed at The Juke in Deep River, Connecticut, on April 11, 2025: https://archive.org/details/JSB2025-04-11.JohnSpignesiBandTheJukeApril2025/10+Tough+Guy.flac Prepare For Liftoff performed at Stony Creek Brewery in Branford, Connecticut, on February 22, 2025: https://archive.org/details/JSB2025-02-22.JohnSpignesiBandStonyCreekBreweryFebruary2025/23+Prepare+For+Liftoff.flac Mystery Man performed at Black-Eyed Sally’s in Hartford, Connecticut, on June 28, 2025 with special guest Mark Mercier: https://archive.org/details/JSB2025-06-28.JohnSpignesiBandCapitolGrooveAfterPartyBlackEyedSallys/02+Mystery+Man+%3E.flac If you have feedback or suggestions for future episodes, send a message via the contact link on the Hooked on Creek website: https://hookedoncreek.com Read a transcript of this episode on the Hooked on Creek website: https://hookedoncreek.com/2025/08/episode-63-john-spignesi-talks-about-his-bands-new-album-produced-by-scott-murawski/

Episode 62 features a conversation with Brendan Hodge, a musician and devoted Max Creek fan whose musical journey was profoundly shaped by the band. Brendan shares memories of discovering Max Creek in the late 1990s, the inspiration he drew from their live performances and how the band influenced his path as a performer. Brendan also talks about his role as a percussionist in the band Little Lies.  This episode features clips of the following songs performed live by Max Creek: Blood Red Roses performed at The Met in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, on February 3, 2018: https://archive.org/details/mc2018-02-03.TheMetCreekendNightTwoDSBD/07+Blood+Red+Roses.flac You Let Me Down Again performed at The Living Room in Providence, Rhode Island, on May 1, 1999: https://archive.org/details/MC1999-05-01.LivingRoom28thAnniversaryFredBovinoCollection/02YouLetMeDownAgain.flac I Will Always See Your Face performed at Soundcheck Studios in Pembroke, Massachusetts, on June 4, 2022: https://archive.org/details/mc2022-06-04.nak300.CP2.flac24/07+I+Will+Always+See+Your+Face.flac If you have feedback or suggestions for future episodes, send a message via the contact link on the Hooked on Creek website: https://hookedoncreek.com Read a transcript of this episode on the Hooked on Creek website: https://hookedoncreek.com/2025/07/episode-62-brendan-hodge-talks-about-max-creek/

In episode 61 of Hooked on Creek, Korre Johnson reviews Max Creek's performance on November 3, 1993, at Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel, in Providence, Rhode Island. This Max Creek show is available to download or stream here: https://archive.org/details/mc1993-11-03.aud.cassette.flac16/mc1993-11-03 If you have feedback or suggestions for future episodes, send a message via the contact link located on the Hooked on Creek website: https://hookedoncreek.com Read a transcript of this episode on the Hooked on Creek website: https://hookedoncreek.com/2025/06/episode-61-reviewing-max-creek-performance-on-november-3-1993/ Setlist from November 3, 1993: Set one 1: Cruel World 2: Alabama Getaway 3: Borrowing Time 4: If You Ask Me 5: Gypsy Blue 6: Fire & Brimstone 7: Louisiana Sun Set two 8: The Field 9: Border Song 10: You Don't Know 11: Dark Water 12: Knockin' on Heaven's Door 13: Good Lovin' Encore 14: Not Fade Away

Episode 60 features a conversation with Graham Gibbs, a lifelong Max Creek fan and guitarist whose connection to the band runs deep. Graham shares heartfelt stories about growing up with a Creek-loving dad, learning guitar by studying Scott Murawski and the personal impact the band's music has had on his life. Graham also talks about his experiences performing on stage with Max Creek. This episode features the following songs performed live by Max Creek: Devil’s Heart performed at Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel in Providence, Rhode Island, on May 17, 2000: https://archive.org/details/mc2000-05-17.sbd.fryinbri.flac16/mc2000-05-17d1t03.flac Yellow Moon performed at The Living Room in Providence, Rhode Island, on September 19, 2001: https://archive.org/details/mc2001-09-19.shnf/mc2001-09-19d3t01.shn Yes We Can Can performed with Graham Gibbs at The Met in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, on January 21, 2017: https://archive.org/details/MC2017-01-21.MaxCreekTheMetPawtucketRIwithSpecialGuestGrahamGibbs/17YesWeCanCan.flac Dance performed at The Met in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, on January 25, 2019: https://archive.org/details/MC2019-01-25.\_KM140/MC\_20190125\_KM140-SBD-S01-05.flac This episode also features a clip of the band Candle Opera performing a cover of Frank Zappa’s song Cosmik Debris live at Bishop’s Lounge in Northampton, Massachusetts, on March 29, 2025. Learn more about Candel Opera on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/candle\_opera\_music/ Read a transcript of this episode on the Hooked on Creek website: https://hookedoncreek.com/2025/04/episode-60-graham-gibbs-discusses-max-creek/ If you have feedback or suggestions for future episodes, send a message via the Hooked on Creek website: https://hookedoncreek.com/contact/

In episode 59 of Hooked on Creek, Korre Johnson explores the enduring legacy of Max Creek and unpacks why the band has remained together for over five decades. Korre discusses the deep sense of community that surrounds the band, the improvisational spirit that keeps their music fresh and the genuine love for making music together that fuels their longevity. This episode features the following songs performed live by Max Creek:  Road of Dreams performed at The Old Well Tavern in Simsbury, Connecticut, on March 31, 2012: https://archive.org/details/mc2012-03-31.flac16/mc2012-03-31s1t01.flac Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes performed at The Met in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, on January 25, 2025: https://archive.org/details/mc2025-01-25/07+Diamonds+on+the+Soles+of+Her+Shoes.wav If you have feedback or suggestions for future episodes, send a message via the contact link on the Hooked on Creek website: https://hookedoncreek.com Read a transcript of this episode on the Hooked on Creek website: https://hookedoncreek.com/2025/03/episode-59-why-max-creek-has-stood-the-test-of-time/

Episode 58 features an interview with Phil Simon, a booking agent for Max Creek and life-long fan of the band. Phil talks about his professional relationship with Max Creek and shares his insights on what makes Max Creek so special. Phil explains how his personal connection to Max Creek as a fan has shaped his approach to booking their gigs, allowing him to understand the band's needs and the expectations of fans. Phil also reflects on the challenges facing the live music industry today. This episode also features segments of the following songs performed live by Max Creek at The Living Room in Providence, Rhode Island: Just a Rose performed on December 14, 1988: https://archive.org/details/mc1988-12-14.flac16/mc1988-12-14d2t05.flac Orange Sunshine performed on November 30, 1988: https://archive.org/details/mc1988-11-30.flac16/mc1988-11-30d2t10.flac Big Boat performed on December 14, 1988: https://archive.org/details/mc1988-12-14.flac16/mc1988-12-14d2t06.flac Rainbow performed on October 5, 1988: https://archive.org/details/mc1988-10-05.flac16/mc1988-10-05d2t02.flac Read a transcript of this episode on the Hooked on Creek website: https://hookedoncreek.com/2025/01/episode-58-phil-simon-talks-about-max-creek-and-promoting-live-music/ If you have feedback or suggestions for future episodes, send a message via the contact link on the Hooked on Creek website: https://hookedoncreek.com

Episode 57 features an interview with John Rider, founding member of Max Creek. John talks about the formation of Max Creek, his musical influences and his experiences performing, recording and writing music in the band. John also talks about growing up in Virginia, his bass guitars and the evolution of the jam band scene, among many other things. This episode also features segments of the song Crystal Clear performed live by Max Creek on April 20, 2024: https://archive.org/details/mc2024-04-20.jlmatrix/10-crystal+clear.wav Read a transcript of this episode on the Hooked on Creek website: https://hookedoncreek.com/2024/12/episode-57-a-conversation-with-john-rider-from-max-creek/ If you have feedback or suggestions for future episodes, send a message via the contact link on the Hooked on Creek website: https://hookedoncreek.com

In episode 56 of Hooked on Creek, Korre Johnson explores the lyrics of Fire & Brimstone by Max Creek and shares his thoughts on what the song means. Korre appreciates the song's powerful reflections on the human condition, its vivid imagery and how the song contrasts judgment and redemption in the verses and chorus. This episode features a live performance of the song Fire & Brimstone performed by Max Creek during Camp Creek at Woodstock Valley Ski Area in Woodstock, Connecticut, on August 1, 1993: https://archive.org/details/mc1993-08-01.JLsbdc/mc+1993-8-1+1b2+fire+and+brimstone.wav Read a transcript of this episode on the Hooked on Creek website: https://hookedoncreek.com/2024/11/episode-56-exploring-the-lyrics-of-fire-and-brimstone-by-max-creek/ If you have feedback or suggestions for future episodes, send a message via the contact link on the Hooked on Creek website: https://hookedoncreek.com

Episode 55 features a conversation with Kenny Johnson, a devoted fan of Max Creek. Kenny talks about helping preserve Max Creek’s legacy by updating their Wikipedia page and sharing audio of their live performances on YouTube. Kenny also talks about the community of fans that supports Max Creek, his favorite venues to see the band play and his thoughts on the future of Max Creek. This episode features the following songs performed live by Max Creek: In Harmony performed at The Met in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, on November 23, 2018: https://archive.org/details/MC2018-11-23.TheMetCreekendNight1TelefunkenShureMatrix/02InHarmony.flac Emerald Eyes performed at the Strange Creek music festival in Greenfield, Massachusetts, on May 27, 2017: https://archive.org/details/MC2017-05-27.MaxCreekStrangeCreekMusicFestivalTelefunkenMatrix/16EmeraldEyes.flac Trail To Odeo performed at Boney’s Cafe in Winsted, Connecticut, on May 23, 1975: https://archive.org/details/mc1975-05-23.flac16f/mc1975-05-23d1t02.flac ICU performed at the StrangeCreek Campout music festival in Greenfield, Massachusetts, on May 23, 2009: https://archive.org/details/mc2009-05-23.aud-mtx.flac16/mc2009-05-23d2t03.flac Three performed at Mill Street Brews in Southbridge, Massachusetts, on March 27, 2010L https://archive.org/details/mmsm2010-03-27.mtx.flac16/mmsm2010-03-27t09.flac Read a transcript of this episode on the Hooked on Creek website: https://hookedoncreek.com/2024/09/episode-55-kenny-johnson-discusses-max-creek/ If you have feedback or suggestions for future episodes, send a message via the Hooked on Creek website: https://hookedoncreek.com/contact/

In episode 54 of Hooked on Creek, Korre Johnson reviews Max Creek's performance on August 7, 1993, at the Horizontal Boogie Bar in Rochester, New York. This Max Creek show is available to download or stream here: https://archive.org/details/mc1993-08-07.SBD.DAT.flac16  If you have feedback or suggestions for future episodes, send a message via the contact link located on the Hooked on Creek website: https://hookedoncreek.com This episode also features full performances of the songs In Harmony, See It My Way and Wild Side. Setlist from August 7, 1993 Set one 1: The Field 2: I Know You Rider 3: When That Evening Sun Goes Down 4: Blood Red Roses 5: Tangled and Dark 6: Gypsy Blue 7: Big Boat Set two 8: In Harmony 9: See It My Way 10: In Harmony 11: Wild Side 12: Same Things 13: Tupelo Honey 14: Devil's Heart 15: Signature 16: One More Saturday Night Encore 17: Just a Rose 18: Back Porch Boogie Blues Read a transcript of episode 54 on the Hooked on Creek website: https://hookedoncreek.com/2024/07/episode-54-reviewing-max-creek-performance-on-august-7-1993  

In episode 53 of Hooked on Creek, Korre Johnson talks with Bill Hoy about his appreciation of Max Creek and his experiences taping the band over the years. Bill also talks about the incredible community that supports Max Creek, the rewards of recording live music and the importance of preserving the band's legacy. This episode features the following songs performed live by Max Creek: I Will Always See Your Face performed at The Living Room in Providence, Rhode Island, on May 7, 1994: https://archive.org/details/mc1994-05-07.flac16/mc1994-05-07d2t02.flac Dark Water performed at Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel in Providence, Rhode Island, on April 13, 1994: https://archive.org/details/mc1994-04-13.flac16/mc1994-04-13d2t03.flac You Write the Book performed at The Met in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, on April 22, 2022: https://archive.org/details/mc2022-04-22.BH.flac16/mc2022-04-22set1t05.flac Read a transcript of this episode on the Hooked on Creek website: https://hookedoncreek.com/2024/05/episode-53-bill-hoy-talks-about-max-creek/ If you have feedback or suggestions for future episodes, send a message via the contact link on the Hooked on Creek website: https://hookedoncreek.com

In episode 52 of Hooked on Creek, Korre Johnson explores the meaning of Silver Jack in three songs by Max Creek and shares his thoughts on what the character represents. Silver Jack is an enigmatic character that appears in the song lyrics of Silver Jack, You Don’t Know and Dream. When a person, like Silver Jack, is used as a metaphor in song lyrics, that character can embody emotions and states of mind the songwriter wants to communicate. This episode features the following songs performed live by Max Creek: Silver Jack performed at Katherine Hepburn Art Center in Old Saybrook, Connecticut, on December 6, 2019: https://archive.org/details/mc2019-12-06.MaxCreekKatherineHepburnCenterStephenDesJardinsDSBD/04+Silver+Jack.flac Silver Jack performed at The Agora Ballroom in West Hartford, Connecticut, on April 1, 1983: https://archive.org/details/MC1983-04-01.MaxCreekAgoraBallroomWestHartfordTaperJonesCollection/04SilverJack.flac You Don't Know performed at Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel in Providence, Rhode Island, on October 6, 2002: https://archive.org/details/mc2002-10-02.flac16/mc2002-10-02d1t04.flac You Don't Know performed at The Agora Balroom in West Hartford, Connecticut, on January 31, 1987: https://archive.org/details/MC1987-01-31.TheAgoraBallroomTedDralleVHSCollectionSBD/10YouDontKnow.flac Dream performed at The L.I.E. in Binghamton, New York, on November 17, 1991: https://archive.org/details/mc1991-11-17.flac16/mc1991-11-17d1t03.flac Dream performed at The Living Room in Providence, Rhode Island, on January 17, 1990: https://archive.org/details/mc1990-01-17.flac16/mc1990-01-17d2t06.flac Read a transcript of this episode on the Hooked on Creek website: https://hookedoncreek.com/2024/04/episode-52-the-mystery-behind-silver-jack-and-max-creek/ If you have feedback or suggestions for future episodes, send a message via the contact link on the Hooked on Creek website: https://hookedoncreek.com

In episode 51 of Hooked on Creek, Korre Johnson interprets the lyrics of Cruel World by Max Creek and shares his thoughts on what the song means. While the lyrics of Cruel World acknowledge the limitations and challenges of existence, they also offer a glimmer of hope for growth and self-discovery. Ultimately, Cruel World challenges us to confront the stark realities of life and actively create meaning and purpose in a world that offers no guarantees. This episode features the following songs performed live by Max Creek: Cruel World at Northern Lights in Clifton Park, New York, on January 29, 2000 https://archive.org/details/mc2000-01-29.Rich.flac16/mc2000-01-29-Rich-d1t01.flac Cruel World at The Met in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, on February 3, 2018  https://archive.org/details/MC2018-02-03._KM140-MTX/MC_20180203_KM140_S01-02.flac If you have feedback or suggestions for future episodes, send a message via the contact link on the Hooked on Creek website: https://hookedoncreek.com Read a transcript of this episode on the Hooked on Creek website: https://hookedoncreek.com/2024/01/episode-51-finding-meaning-in-a-cruel-world-by-max-creek/