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Triumph’s 50th anniversary tour drives this double feature with April Wine’s Brian Greenway and touring member Todd Kerns, breaking down one of 2026’s most talked-about classic rock runs. With Rik Emmett and Gil Moore leading an expanded lineup, this episode digs into how the tour came together and why it matters right now. Brian Greenway shares how April Wine landed the direct support slot and where the band stands today, while Todd Kerns goes inside the Triumph camp—covering the lineup with Phil X and Brent Fitz, the NHL performance that helped spark the tour, plus his work with Bruce Kulick performing deep-era KISS material and other current projects. LINKS https://metalmayhemroc.com/https://triumphmusic.com/https://aprilwine.ca/https://toddkerns.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Metal Church founder Kurdt Vanderhoof joins Metal Mayhem ROC to discuss the band’s return and the new album Dead to Rights. After shutting the band down due to burnout, Kurdt explains what brought Metal Church back—and how a new lineup featuring Brian Allen, David Ellefson, and Ken Mary reshaped the band’s direction. We break down the songwriting process, key tracks, and the album’s flow, along with how Metal Church balances classic material with new songs on stage. Kurdt also shares insight into upcoming tour dates and what’s next for the band. Metal Mayhem ROC: https://metalmayhemroc.com/ Metal Church: https://metalchurchofficial.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Corrosion of Conformity takes center stage as bassist Bobby Landgraf joins Metal Mayhem ROC to break down the band’s new double album Good God / Baad Man and a pivotal new chapter in the group’s evolution. Landgraf details how he joined Corrosion Of Conformity through long-standing musical relationships with Pepper Keenan and the band’s extended circle, stepping into the role without a formal audition. That foundation of trust carried directly into the studio, where the band built a sprawling double album through a mix of structured demos and spontaneous, full-band jam sessions. A key focus is the organic writing process behind Good God / Baad Man, including songs that emerged in real time while the band recorded together in the same room. Landgraf also discusses working alongside drummer Stanton Moore, whose groove-driven style helped shape the feel and direction of the material. Beyond the album, Landgraf shares insight from his time as a bass tech for Pantera on Metallica’s 72 Seasons stadium tour, offering a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most technically demanding live productions in modern metal. With new music, a major tour cycle, and a refreshed lineup, Corrosion Of Conformity continues to evolve while staying rooted in the sound and spirit that defines the band. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeremy Asbrock (Ace Frehley Band) and Wicked (glam hard rock) are featured in a two-interview episode of Metal Mayhem ROC, bringing together conversations focused on legacy, touring, and forward momentum across today’s hard rock landscape. Jeremy Asbrock opens the episode with a detailed look at the newly announced 2026 Ace Frehley Band tour, including the decision to perform the 1978 solo album in full and what it means to carry that material forward. He also reflects on touring life, his work with John Corabi, and the personal connection that continues to shape how this music is delivered on stage. In the second half, Wicked returns with a full-band conversation centered on their latest single “Go Rebel,” their upcoming album cycle, and their continued rise through consistent touring and grassroots momentum. The band shares insights from the road with Vicious Rumors and Raven, along with stories from NAMM, the Metal Hall of Fame, and the evolution of their sound since Sunburn. Two interviews in one drop—bridging established legacy and The next wave is building it forward. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The story behind some of the most recognizable logos in rock history starts with designer Gerard Huerta. In this conversation, Huerta takes us inside the creation of legendary visual identities tied to AC/DC, Boston, Blue Öyster Cult, and Ted Nugent—explaining how these now-iconic designs began as everyday assignments inside the 1970s record industry. He breaks down the real process behind album artwork at CBS Records, how art directors shaped concepts, and why most bands weren’t even directly involved in early visual decisions. From hand-drawn lettering and analog production techniques to the evolution of logos into global brand identifiers, this is a rare look at how rock’s visual language was built. Huerta also reflects on the lasting impact of his work beyond music—including HBO, Time Magazine, and People—and how modern design has shifted toward mobile-first thinking, where everything must translate to a screen just inches wide. This is a deep dive into music, typography, and pop culture—told by the artist whose work you’ve seen your entire life, whether you knew his name or not. Metal Mayhem ROC: https://metalmayhemroc.com/ Gerard Huerta: https://gerardhuerta.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gerardhuerta/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gerard.huerta Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whitesnake and Trans-Siberian Orchestra guitarist Joel Hoekstra joins Metal Mayhem ROC to discuss the new Joel Hoekstra’s 13 album From The Fade. Hoekstra breaks down the riff-driven songwriting behind the record and the all-star lineup featuring Vinny Appice (Black Sabbath, Dio), Tony Franklin (The Firm), and vocalist Girish Pradhan. The conversation also touches on Hoekstra’s decades on the road, including stories from his time with Whitesnake and Night Ranger, lessons from playing hundreds of arena shows with Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and a few classic “Spinal Tap” moments from more than 30 years touring the world as a guitarist. Metal Mayhem ROC https://metalmayhemroc.com/ Joel Hoekstra https://joelhoekstra.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Support Life and Music (S.L.A.M.) is a nonprofit committed to fighting musician self-destruction and exposing the real struggles artists face. Founder Jack Mangan joins Metal Mayhem ROC to explain how S.L.A.M. confronts the harsh realities of life in music through outreach, weekly survival-guide conversations, a growing resource network, and research-driven efforts focused on mental-health and addiction awareness in the rock and metal community. This episode breaks down the myths of rock-and-roll glamor, reveals the day-to-day challenges musicians endure, and shows how S.L.A.M. is leading meaningful change in mental-health support across the music scene. Metal Mayhem ROC: https://metalmayhemroc.com/ S.L.A.M. Official Website: https://supportlifeandmusic.org https://youtube.com/SLAMMusic https://facebook.com/SLAM Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Corabi joins Metal Mayhem ROC to discuss his solo album New Day, arriving April 24, and the creative mindset behind the record. Best known for his work with Mötley Crüe, The Scream, Union, and The Dead Daisies, Corabi reflects on where he stands after four decades in rock and roll. In this conversation, Corabi breaks down approaching New Day as a true solo statement, writing alongside longtime collaborator Marty Fredriksen, and allowing the songs to evolve organically without chasing trends or expectations. He discusses the state of mind he was in while writing, the meaning behind the title track, and how the album represents a creative reset. The discussion also dives into his all-star touring band, how the lineup came together, and what fans can expect as the European run kicks off. The interview closes with a candid look back at the Mötley Crüe era, including recording stories, the origin of “Hooligan’s Holiday,” and how perspective has shifted over time. A direct, unfiltered conversation about longevity, reinvention, and staying creatively driven after 40 years in rock. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Metal Mayhem ROC, we’re joined by Bones from the UK heavy metal band Tailgunner. Bones joins us as the band prepare to release their second album, Midnight Blitz, and reflects on a period of rapid growth and forward momentum. We discuss how Tailgunner developed a working relationship with KK Downing, how that connection evolved, and what it was like having KK involved as producer on the new record. The conversation also covers Tailgunner’s role in the No Life ’Til Leather Metallica tribute album, including the exposure that came with kicking off the release, and how extensive touring helped sharpen the band both musically and professionally. Bones also looks back on discovering heavy metal growing up, the early influences that shaped his musical path, and what he’s seeing from audiences today as Tailgunner continue touring in the UK with Fozzy and prepare for major European festival dates this summer, including Download. CHAPTERS 00:00 – Tease 02:08 – Why they call him Bones 02:30 – When KK Downing noticed Tailgunner 04:32 – Why KK got involved 05:41 – KK Downing as a producer 07:38 – How touring shaped the second album 10:08 – New songs: War In Heaven, Midnight Blitz, Eulogy 14:46 – Opening the No Life ’Til Leather Metallica tribute 17:52 – Discovering heavy metal growing up 19:08 – Who’s in the crowd at Tailgunner shows 20:24 – Touring now and playing Download Festival Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Few artists get the opportunity to revisit their first solo album with the benefit of time and perspective. In this conversation, Warren Haynes reflects on the 30-year reissue of Tales Of Ordinary Madness and why revisiting the record mattered now. Haynes discusses defining his solo voice outside of his band work, choosing a metal-leaning label for a deeply personal album, and why the previously unreleased track “Tear Me Down” was left off the original release. He also reflects on Chuck Leavell’s role in shaping the record and how distance from the era allowed the album to be heard as originally intended. The conversation expands into writing “Desiree” for the TV series Landman, building theme-based live shows (including an all-Black Sabbath night in Atlanta), playing with Roger Glover and Deep Purple, honoring Bob Weir’s musical legacy, the current state of Gov’t Mule in 2026, and life outside music — including Warren’s growing appreciation for hockey. 00:00 Intro Tease03:20 Defining His Solo Voice on Tales Of Ordinary Madness05:48 Choosing a Metal Label for a Solo Album09:57 Why “Tear Me Down” Was Left Off the Original Release11:40 Chuck Leavell’s Role in Shaping the Record18:47 Writing “Desiree” for the TV Series Landman24:34 Theme-Based Live Shows & Playing Black Sabbath in Atlanta26:01 Playing with Roger Glover & Deep Purple26:37 Honoring Bob Weir’s Musical Legacy29:46 Gov’t Mule in 2026: Lineup, Health & Future Plans33:10 Life Outside Music & Discovering Hockey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this in-depth conversation, Darryl McDaniels sits down with Metal Walt to explore the heavy metal and hard rock roots that have been part of his musical identity since childhood. Growing up in New York City, DMC discovered rock and metal through radio, hearing bands like Black Sabbath and Judas Priest at a formative age. He explains how those sounds were already embedded in early hip-hop culture, from DJs digging through crates to the attitude and energy that shaped Run-DMC from the very beginning. The discussion revisits key moments such as “Rock Box” and “Walk This Way,” why rock was always part of Run-DMC’s DNA, and how those records opened creative doors that still matter today. DMC also talks about his decision to actively create rock and metal music himself, leading to projects like HellRaisers and his 2026 solo metal single “She Gets Me High.” Additional topics include NYC hardcore roots, playing with Agnostic Front, sharing stages with Sammy Hagar, opening for Lou Reed, and how creativity, authenticity, and curiosity continue to guide his work. 00:00 Show Open & Pre-Roll Tease 04:23 What Music Sounded Like in DMC’s House Growing Up 05:58 Discovering Rock on WABC and the First Metal Obsession (Black Sabbath) 09:11 Rock and Early Hip-Hop Culture — DJs, Crates, and Crossover 11:23 “Rock Box” and Why Rock Was Always in Run-DMC’s DNA 14:16 “Walk This Way” — History, Impact, and the Permission Moment 25:25 When DMC Decided to Start Making Rock Music 28:10 DMC and the HellRaisers — Live Reactions and Reality 31:25 Rock DNA Across Classic Run-DMC Songs (King of Rock, It’s Tricky, Mary, Mary, Why You Buggin’) 36:17 “She Gets Me High” — DMC’s Solo Metal Direction and Lineup 47:13 Hardcore Roots — Agnostic Front, NYC, and Underground Energy 56:22 Legacy, Creativity, and What DMC Is About Today 01:09:22 Wrap-Up & Where to Follow DMC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this in-depth interview, Scott “Wino” Weinrich of The Obsessed sits down with Metal Walt to discuss Ritual Arcana, a collaborative heavy project built around the creative vision of bassist and vocalist SharLee Lucky. Rather than another frontman-driven band, Ritual Arcana is shaped by SharLee’s songwriting, themes, and direction, with Wino contributing guitar and creative perspective. Wino talks openly about stepping back from lead vocals, focusing purely on guitar, and how trust and chemistry allowed the project to develop organically. The conversation explores the band’s doom and hard-rock foundations, atmosphere and symbolism, the “power of three” dynamic within the group, and what’s ahead following the debut release. It’s an honest discussion about collaboration, intention, and letting the music lead. This episode offers a thoughtful look at Ritual Arcana’s origins and creative process, straight from one of heavy music’s most respected voices. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

JJ French has lived the full arc of American heavy metal — from club-level survival to global legacy. As guitarist, co-founder, and longtime strategist behind Twisted Sister, JJ French reflects on what it actually takes to last 50 years in a business designed to burn artists out. This is not a nostalgia interview. It is a candid conversation about discipline, reinvention, timing, and truth. JJ discusses the early definition of success, why the UK embraced Twisted Sister before the U.S., the cultural divide between punk and metal at CBGB, the PMRC hearings and their real-world consequences, lineup decisions for the current era, and why the band is returning in 2026 for select 50th-anniversary performances. The conversation also covers milestone performances — including post-9/11 New York City shows, Sweden Rock 2022, and the Morristown Twisted Christmas concert — along with reflections on legacy, music licensing, health, and perspective earned the hard way. Chapters are included for easy navigation.   CHAPTER MARKS 02:59 – Did You Ever Expect Twisted Sister to Last 50 Years? 04:03 – What “Success” Really Meant in the Early Years 06:00 – When the Band Shifted from Survival to the Long Game 12:12 – Was the Live Album Recorded at That Legendary Show? 13:09 – Why the UK Embraced Twisted Sister Before the U.S. 14:31 – Why Twisted Sister Was Never Accepted at CBGB 19:22 – Why the 2026 Twisted Sister 50th Anniversary Shows Are Happening 21:25 – Choosing the Lineup: Joey Franco & Russell Zuto Explained 22:15 – Why Mark Mendoza Isn’t Part of This Version 23:10 – Setlists Today: Deep Cuts or Greatest Hits? 29:57 – Why the Rochester Show Was Recorded for King Biscuit Flour Hour 33:00 – Reflections on 9/11 NYC, Sweden Rock 2022 & the Final U.S. Christmas Show 35:17 – PMRC 40 Years Later: JJ French Looks Back 38:09 – Are “We’re Not Gonna Take It” & “I Wanna Rock” the Most Licensed Metal Songs? 39:22 – What JJ French Hopes This Tour Adds to the Legacy   LINKS Official Twisted Sister Website https://twistedsister.com JJ French Official Website https://www.jayjayfrench.com Metal Mayhem ROC https://www.metalmayhemroc.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alycen Rowse joins Metal Mayhem ROC for a wide-open, unfiltered conversation about life inside the rock ’n’ roll world — beyond the myths and stereotypes. Alycen shares firsthand stories from decades spent backstage and on the road, offering rare insight into groupie culture, navigating relationships, personal boundaries, and the realities behind rock’s most extreme moments. From encounters with David Lee Roth and James Hetfield to reflections involving Nikki Sixx, Robert Plant, and the tragic John Entwistle incident she witnessed firsthand, Alycen delivers a perspective few ever hear. She also discusses her book We've Got Tonight: The Life and Times of Notorious Groupie Alycen Rowse and her YouTube channel Cocktails & Rock Tales, where she continues preserving rock history in her own voice. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Alycen Rowse 05:05 Defining a Groupie 07:53 Navigating Relationships on the Road 10:02 Family Reactions and Personal Boundaries 12:42 Rock and Roll Rivalries 15:12 Memorable Encounters and Friendships 19:20 Life Beyond the Stage 22:24 Reflections on Aging Rock Stars 24:23 Intimate Rock Star Moments 30:46 Drugs and Rock ’n’ Roll 33:01 Rock and Roll Rivalries and Relationships 33:38 The John Entwistle Incident 37:31 AC/DC Concert Tragedy 39:23 The Book and Future Plans Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michael Sweet of STRYPER joins Metal Mayhem ROC for an inspiring and a wide-ranging conversation about the band’s new Christmas album, The Greatest Gift of All, the importance of keeping faith at the center of the season, and the powerful message behind STRYPER’s music. Michael also discusses recent health challenges, the band’s enduring brotherhood, and how new Generations of fans continue to discover STRYPER. He goes deeper into the creative process behind reimagining Christmas classics, writing new holiday originals, and preparing for STRYPER’s upcoming studio album and future touring plans. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the band, this episode delivers honesty, heart, and hope.   ⏱️ CHAPTERS (FINAL MEGAPHONE VERSION) 00:00 – Show Open & Vernomatic Intro 04:11 – Introduction to Michael Sweet 05:23 – STRYPER’s 40th Anniversary Reflections 06:23 – Brotherhood, Tension & Band Dynamics 07:29 – Michael Sweet’s Health Update 09:24 – New Generations Discovering STRYPER 13:32 – What Christmas Really Means to Michael 17:02 – Reimagining Classic Christmas Songs 24:34 – What’s Next: New STRYPER Music & Projects 26:04 – Final Thoughts & Holiday Wishes   🔗 LINKS Metal Mayhem ROC https://metalmayhemroc.com/ STRYPER Official Website https://stryper.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices