Advertise on podcast: Axe Lords

First things first. In case you’ve ever wondered, Zakk Wylde… hard case or gig bag? The answer is, “Neither, motherf—ers, I carry my guitar around sub-freezing New York City in proper Bezerker fashion, like a norse, warrior’s cudgel, exposed to the elements and ready for combat.” This is only one of the many questions that are answered when the Black Label Society, Zakk Sabbath, Pantera, and of course, Ozzy Osbourne guitarist visits the Axe Lords keep for some tough talk and hand-to hand-tomfoolery. And while he’s ostensibly doing the rounds to promote Black Label Society’s forthcoming Engines of Demolition album, this is conversation that is delightfully far reaching: First guitars and why not to sell them, the meaning of the mysterious rune fretboard inlays on his Wylde Audio guitars, why Tony Iommi is the Henry Ford of hard rock, and how Ozzy Osbourne liked his ham sandwiches prepared. It’s a season-closer that feels like a hang—equal parts reverent, ridiculous, and obsessively specific. Axe Lords is presented in partnership with Witz Comedy Podcast Network and Premier Guitar. Hosted by Dave Hill, Cindy Hulej and Tom Beaujour. Produced by Studio Kairos. Executive Producer is Kirsten Cluthe. Edited by Justin Thomas (Revoice Media). Engineered by Patrick Samaha. Recorded at Kensaltown East. Artwork by Mark Dowd. Theme music by Valley Lodge. Follow Zakk @zakkwyldebls Follow @axelordspod for news, updates, and cool stuff! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It takes a lot to fluster an Axe Lord, but the prospect of talking to Paul Gilbert about designing his Fireman guitars, getting a guided tour through his collection of vintage Ibanez treasures, and finding out how to properly rig a power drill for speed picking is almost more than any fan of highly technical guitar wizardry could stand. Gilbert, who is promoting his rifftastic new concept album WROC - based on the George Washington-penned tome Washington’s Rules of Civility, is also the first, but hopefully not the last, Axe Lords guest to introduce cosplay to the show. To whit, he appears sporting a revolutionary war-styled Tricorn hat, the perfect accessory for schooling us not just in arcane bits of American history but also in the finer points of high-stakes shred protocol. Axe Lords is presented in partnership with Witz Comedy Podcast Network and Premier Guitar. Hosted by Dave Hill, Cindy Hulej and Tom Beaujour. Produced by Studio Kairos. Executive Producer is Kirsten Cluthe. Edited by Justin Thomas (Revoice Media). Engineered by Patrick Samaha. Recorded at Kensaltown East. Artwork by Mark Dowd. Theme music by Valley Lodge. Follow @axelordspod for updates, news, and cool stuff. Follow @paulgilbert_official Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Warren Haynes walks into Axe Lords HQ like he’s done this a thousand times—and within minutes we’re deep into the stuff that actually matters: how you develop a voice standing next to a guitarist as singular as Dickey Betts, why the volume knob is not a decoration, and how “improv” gets better the moment you stop trying to have a good idea. Along the way, the Gov’t Mule frontman and solo artist unpacks the real-life chain of events that turned a 19-year-old kid into a professional musician: the surprise call from country provocateur David Allan Coe that turned him into a hardened rod dog almost overnight, the daily grind of being a Nashville session singer, and the long game of learning what he calls the golden rule of playing in a two-guitar band: respect what the other player is doing while still being unmistakably yourself. And because this is Axe Lords, we also get fully nerdy: the story behind that three-pickup SG Custom that went from the cover of Guitar World magazine to the Big House Museum in Macon, the red Custom Shop Strat that got stolen, and why he tours with no less than 20 guitars. Axe Lords is presented in partnership with Premier Guitar and the Witz Comedy Network. Hosted by Dave Hill, Cindy Hulej and Tom Beaujour. Produced by Studio Kairos. Executive Producer is Kirsten Cluthe. Edited by Justin Thomas (Revoice Media). Engineered by Patrick Samaha. Recorded at Kensaltown East. Artwork by Mark Dowd. Theme music by Valley Lodge. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ty Tabor is one of those players whose unique tone has melted more message boards than you can shake a Strat Elite at, and whose lifelong commitment to solid-state amps is downright religious in its fervor. The Axe Lords show no mercy in their inquisition as they compel Tabor to break down the classic King’s X rig and ooh and ahh as he explains how transistors force a different kind of playing. We also talk about how Tabor succumbed to tube temptation on Dogman — a move that almost gave a young Tom Beaujour a nervous breakdown, how he “floats” between major and minor, and what he’s fixing most often as a mastering engineer. The episode ends on a more personal note as Ty shares how a serious accident derailed his ability to write music for years—and how he’s finally feeling those neural networks repair themselves as he works on a long-delayed solo album. Axe Lords is presented in partnership with Witz Comedy Podcast Network and Premier Guitar. Hosted by Dave Hill, Cindy Hulej and Tom Beaujour. Produced by Studio Kairos. Executive Producer is Kirsten Cluthe. Edited by Justin Thomas (Revoice Media). Engineered by Patrick Samaha. Recorded at Kensaltown East. Artwork by Mark Dowd. Theme music by Valley Lodge. Follow @axelordspod for updates, news, and cool stuff. Follow Ty @tytabor and KingsX @kingsxofficial Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Captain” Kirk Douglas joins the Axe Lords for a wide-ranging conversation about how guitars shape a life—musically, culturally, and sometimes, literally. The longtime guitarist for The Roots (who also serve as the house band on the Tonight Show) traces his path from growing up with reggae, church music, metal, and soul to finding a musical voice that incorporates them all. Along the way, he reflects on the profound effect that Ozzy Osbourne had on his young psyche, how the music that we consume in our youth has an impact that never really fades, real amps versus modeling rigs, and the many wonders of Gibson SG. As an excruciating bonus, the episode also includes the unbelievable story of the vintage Epiphone Crestwood Prince borrowed from him for a live performance on the Tonight Show—and then proceeded to destroy right in front of Douglas’ eyes in an astonishing display of music royalty privilege run amok. Beam us up! Axe Lords is presented in partnership with the Witz Comedy Network and Premier Guitar. Hosted by Dave Hill, Cindy Hulej and Tom Beaujour. Produced by Studio Kairos. Executive Producer is Kirsten Cluthe. Edited by Justin Thomas (Revoice Media). Engineered by Patrick Samaha. Recorded at Kensaltown East. Artwork by Mark Dowd. Theme music by Valley Lodge.  Follow @axelordspod for news, updates, and other cool stuff. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Burning Witches guitarist Courtney Cox joins the Axe Lords to talk guitar tone, technique, and the realities of life as a modern touring player. She breaks down how Burning Witches write and record across borders, work under tight studio timelines, and balance precision rhythm guitar with expressive lead playing. Cox traces her path from early touring and her years with Iron Maidens to designing multiple signature guitars built for extended range, lower tunings, and long tours. She explains why learning by ear—not regimented practice—has always been central to her playing, and how ADHD shapes her focus, discipline, and creativity. The conversation also gets deep into gear, including Friedman-based live rigs, pedal fly-date setups, adapting tone to backline amps, and protecting guitars from airport damage. Axe Lords is presented in partnership with the Witz Comedy Network and Premier Guitar. Hosted by Dave Hill, Cindy Hulej and Tom Beaujour. Produced by Studio Kairos. Executive Producer is Kirsten Cluthe. Edited by Justin Thomas (Revoice Media). Engineered by Patrick Samaha. Recorded at Kensaltown East. Artwork by Mark Dowd. Theme music by Valley Lodge.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Stein of Blondie joins the Axe Lords for a deep conversation about tone, technique, and the guitars that shaped Blondie’s sound from their early years at CBGBs to today. The Rock & Roll Hall of Famer also explains why he dislikes relic guitars, how he came to his very un-punk fingerpicking picking technique and reveals that some of the band’s most iconic “synth” sounds were actually produced by guitars. A thoughtful, opinionated, and unrelentingly wise-cracking look at creativity by a punk and new wave legend who Dave says is basically his best friend. Make sure to stick around through the end of the episode for a deep dive into the design and build of Cindy’s D&D guitar.  Follow Chris @christein Follow Cindy @cindyguitars Follow @axelordspod for updates, news, and cool stuff.  Axe Lords is presented in partnership with the Witz Comedy Network and Premier Guitar. Hosted by Dave Hill, Cindy Hulej and Tom Beaujour. Produced by Studio Kairos. Executive Producer is Kirsten Cluthe. Edited by Justin Thomas (Revoice Media). Engineered by Patrick Samaha. Recorded at Kensaltown East. Artwork by Mark Dowd. Theme music by Valley Lodge.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Neil Giraldo joins the Axe Lords for a deep dive into the guitars, amps, and outboard gear behind mega-hits like Pat Benatar’s “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” and Rick Springfield’s “Jessie’s Girl,” on which he nailed the legendary solo in one take, thank you very much. The Ohio native (just like Dave!) walks us through his go-to BC Rich Eagle and Marshall 2x12 combo rig, how a Schaefer-Vega wireless feeding an Eventide H949 became his signature stereo sound, and why he leans on heavy strings, aggressive muting, and low gain instead of shred-style distortion. Neil also talks about how music grounded him as a kid, discusses his touring rig, and shares some of the secret recording tricks he uses to shape his tone in the studio. Along with his musical partner and wife Pat Benatar, Neil is also the author of best-selling children’s book My Grandma and Grandpa Rock! Follow @neilgiraldoofficial and @benatargiraldo for news, tour dates, and more. Axe Lords is presented in partnership with the Witz Comedy Network and Premier Guitar. Hosted by Dave Hill, Cindy Hulej and Tom Beaujour. Produced by Studio Kairos. Executive Producer is Kirsten Cluthe. Edited by Justin Thomas at Revoice Media. Engineered by Patrick Samaha. Recorded at Kensaltown East. Artwork by Mark Dowd. Theme music by Valley Lodge. Follow @axelordspod for updates, news, and cool stuff. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Designer, guitarist and certified culture tinkerer Billy Reid drops by Axe Lords to talk about the overlap between great guitars and great clothes — and why both have to look cool. Tom, Dave and Cindy grill Billy on the leather jacket he made for Jimmy Page, the custom Gibson Hummingbird he designed, and his deep obsession with ’70s Japanese acoustics like Yamaha “red labels” and Tokai Cat’s Eyes. Billy breaks down how Japanese builders and denim heads chase “perfect imitation,” how he hides signature details inside garments, and why some designs bomb at first only to become cult favorites — including wool shorts. Axe Lords is hosted by Dave Hill, Cindy Hulej and Tom Beaujour. Produced by Studio Kairos. Executive Producer is Kirsten Cluthe. Edited by Justin Thomas at Revoice Media. Engineered by Patrick Samaha. Recorded at Kensaltown East, NYC. Artwork by Mark Dowd. Theme music by Valley Lodge. Follow @axelordspod for updates, news, and cool stuff. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Larkin Poe’s Rebecca and Megan Lovell join Axe Lords to talk guitars, their new album Bloom, their blood-harmony superpowers, and how building a recording studio with your spouse is a terrific way to test the structural integrity of a relationship—not to mention your credit card limit.  Rebecca walks us through how she became the reluctant lead singer, why she mostly relies on the bridge humbucker in her Strat, and how open tunings both elevate your riffs and ruin your life onstage. Meanwhile, Megan traces her lap-steel  journey from a back-breaking vintage Rickenbacker to her signature model Electro-Liege. Warning: You may think you suck at music after she rips an improvised episode outro for us! Axe Lords is presented in partnership with Premier Guitar. Hosted by Dave Hill, Cindy Hulej and Tom Beaujour. Produced by Studio Kairos. Executive Producer is Kirsten Cluthe. Edited by Justin Thomas at Revoice Media. Engineered by Patrick Samaha. Recorded at Kensaltown East. Artwork by Mark Dowd. Theme music by Valley Lodge.  Follow @axelordspod for updates, news, and cool stuff.  Follow Larkin Poe @larkinpoe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Doug Gillard (Guided by Voices, Nada Surf) joins the Axe Lords to dissect his signature sound , explain why why he’s one of the few “indie rock guys” running a Mesa Dual Rectifier and—bonus!-gives the A-Lords a guided tour of his battle-worn ’76 Les Paul Custom. Doug — who also played bass in Dave’s Band Valley Lodge — breaks down his approach to composed solos, the harmony and capo tricks behind “I Am a Tree,” and how Cleveland punk, college radio, glam, and right-hand tapping shaped his style. Along the way: how annoying Tom is to work with in the studio, early guitars from Sears and Gibson, Cleveland-scene lore, surviving GBV’s marathon shows, and the most intense comedy monologue since Andy Kaufman shuffled off this mortal coil. Axe Lords is presented in partnership with Premier Guitar. Hosted by Dave Hill, Cindy Hulej and Tom Beaujour. Produced by Studio Kairos. Executive Producer is Kirsten Cluthe. Edited by Justin Thomas at Revoice Media. Engineered by Patrick Samaha. Recorded at Kensaltown East. Artwork by Mark Dowd. Theme music by Valley Lodge. Follow @axelordspod for updates, news, and cool stuff. Follow Doug Gillard @douggillard Episode Highlights 00:00 – Cold Open: Paulina Porizkova, Bambi Kino & a failed pizza date 07:00 – First guitars: Sears Fireball, ’70s Gibson and Dad’s missile-silo day job 15:10 – Cleveland punk roots: Suspect Device, college radio & UK post-punk influences 24:00 – GEM, “Something to Point To” & non–Van Halen right-hand tapping 28:30 – Meeting Dave Hill, cassettes at Euclid Tavern & early Guided By Voices memories 38:20 – Glam revelation: Bolan, Ronson, Slade & choosing Les Pauls over Strats and Jazz Choruses 42:30 – Gear talk: Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier, relic culture & why faux-relics feel weird 56:00 – Bambi Kino explained: Hamburg-era Beatles covers only & the Paulina crossover 59:30 – “I Am a Tree” breakdown: capo tricks, Fleetwood Mac, Scarborough Fair & droning double-stops 1:10:00 – Doug’s solo albums, “Time Is Nigh” play-out & closing thanks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The legendary Lita Ford joins Axe Lords to break down the guitars that shaped her sound — including her infamous BC Rich Warlock “Maurice,” her iconic double-neck, and the tone secrets she’s carried from The Runaways to today. She shares wild road stories, rare gear, and even plays a live performance. Axe Lords is hosted by Dave Hill, Cindy Hulej, and Tom Beaujour. Produced by Studio Kairos. Recorded at Kensaltown East. Engineered by Patrick Samaha. Edited and mixed by Justin Thomas. Artwork by Mark Dowd. Theme music by Valley Lodge. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Axe Lords is back with its biggest season yet—featuring guitar legends from Warren Haynes and Lita Ford to Chris Stein, Paul Gilbert, Larkin Poe, Doug Gillard, and more. Tune in on the Witz Comedy Network for the wildest, fastest, most riff-packed season of the best guitar podcast around. Axe Lords is hosted by Dave Hill, Cindy Hulej, and Tom Beaujour. Produced by Studio Kairos. Recorded at Kensaltown East. Engineered by Patrick Samaha. Edited and mixed by Justin Thomas. Artwork by Mark Dowd. Theme music by Valley Lodge. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Blues-rock virtuoso and legendary collector Joe Bonamassa joins Axe Lords for an episode that dives deep into the wild, weird, and sometimes downright wicked world of vintage guitars. Buckle up as Joe tries to convince Tom to stop weighing his instruments, expounds on the mythology of double-white PAFs, explains why taking a Flying V into a motel room is “sick and wrong,” and reveals that having a stage persona (and a good suit) is the true path to spiritual liberation. Axe Lords would also like to note that, as this episode airs, Joe—who has already evacuated once—is hunkered down in his Los Angeles home, hoping that his collection and house will be spared by the wildfires devastating the region. We wish him, as well as the millions of others affected, the best of luck and, if possible, a speedy return to some semblance of normalcy. Axe Lords is hosted by Dave Hill, Cindy Hulej and Tom Beaujour. Produced by Studio Kairos. Executive Producer is Kirsten Cluthe. Edited by Justin Thomas (Revoice Media). Engineered by Patrick Samaha. Recorded at Kensaltown East. Artwork by Mark Dowd. Theme music by Valley Lodge. Follow Axe Lords @axelordspod for news, updates, and cool stuff. Follow Joe @joebonamassa Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The legendary Kerry King visits the Axe Lords studio and it’s raining blood - and, of course, laughs. Kerry tells us about the craziest thing he’s seen at a Slayer show, how he keeps track of his massive library of riffs, and explains the architecture of his current live rig. We talk mastering right-hand technique, Mercyful Fate, custom Kahlers, and unleash the madness of his signature Dean’s Sustaniac pickup. Axe Lords is hosted by Dave Hill, Cindy Hulej, and Tom Beaujour. Produced by Studio Kairos. Executive Producer is Kirsten Cluthe. Edited by Justin Thomas (Revoice Media). Engineered by Patrick Samaha. Recorded at Kensaltown East. Artwork by Mark Dowd. Theme music by Valley Lodge. Follow Axe Lords @axelordspod for news, updates, and cool stuff. Follow Kerry King @kerrykingmusic Listen to Kerry's latest album "From Hell I Rise" https://kerrykingofficial.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices