Classic Metal Show

Chris Akin and Neeley are back for another uncensored, no-holds-barred edition of THE CLASSIC METAL SHOW, where nothing is off limits and nobody is safe from their opinions!

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Chris barely makes it back in time for the show after spending the evening seeing comedian Jim Florentine with Seth Williams. What follows is a brutally honest conversation about comedy, obnoxious audience members, internet trolls, the music business, and the ridiculous things people do that make everyone else want to lose their minds.

It’s another episode full of blunt opinions, personal stories, comedy, music talk, and the kind of unpredictable conversation that has kept THE CLASSIC METAL SHOW going for decades.

If you agree, disagree, or think the guys are completely out of their minds, join the conversation and let them know what you think.

Subscribe for more Classic Metal Show discussions, interviews, music opinions, and uncensored entertainment.

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NOTE: Everything said here, and on every episode of all of our shows, are 100% the opinions of the hosts. Nothing is stated as fact. Do your own research to see if their opinions are true or not.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit https://cmspn.substack.com/subscribe

Neeley and Chris Akin are back with another unpredictable night of classic metal, outrageous opinions, and unfiltered comedy! This week, comedian Jim Florentine joins the show for a hilarious conversation about hecklers, comedy-club etiquette, awkward audiences, and what happens when people think they’re part of the act. Jim also shares stories from his career, rock-star encounters, and the unpredictable world of live entertainment.

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The guys tackle a bizarre story about a Virginia man accused of taping his wife to a chair so he could watch football in peace. Is this the most ridiculous football-fan story ever? The guys have plenty to say about it! Plus, they discuss online reviews, annoying fans, controversial rock stars, AI-generated imagery, and why some people take their opinions way too seriously.

Of course, there’s plenty of music talk, too! Hear the guys discuss Down’s new song “The Myth,” revisit classic hard-rock favorites, and deliver the kind of irreverent commentary that keeps The Classic Metal Show different from every other music show.

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WARNING: This show contains explicit language, adult humor, and potentially offensive opinions intended for a mature audience.

DISCLAIMER: Everything said here, and on every episode of all of our shows, represents the opinions of the hosts. Nothing is stated as fact. Do your own research to determine whether their opinions are true or not.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit https://cmspn.substack.com/subscribe

What happens when a legendary thrash metal band loses its original singer, finds an unexpected replacement, and decides to make a record that sounds nothing like a nostalgia exercise?

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FORBIDDEN guitarist Craig Locicero joins Chris Akin on CHRIS AKIN PRESENTS to explain how a reunion he never wanted turned into an entirely new chapter for one of the Bay Area’s most respected thrash metal bands.

Craig admits he wasn’t interested in bringing FORBIDDEN back after Russ Anderson stepped away from music. But a series of unexpected performances involving Norman Skinner, an opportunity to play a major European festival, and a new creative spark changed everything.

Now FORBIDDEN is preparing to release its first studio album since 2010.

And Craig makes one thing clear: he isn’t interested in making the same record twice.

In this revealing conversation, Locicero discusses the pressure to recapture the band’s classic sound, why Skinner’s songwriting surprised him, and how the new album combines old-school thrash with progressive arrangements, heavy metal influences, and ambitious lyrical concepts.

He also opens up about his reputation as FORBIDDEN’s creative leader, explains why the new lineup works differently, and addresses an uncomfortable reality facing veteran metal musicians: fans may love the music, but streaming doesn’t pay the bills necessary to keep a band on the road.

Can FORBIDDEN establish a new identity while honoring the records that made them legendary?

Watch the full interview and decide for yourself.

FORBIDDEN music and merchandise:

https://ForbiddenReborn.com

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NOTE: Everything said here, and on every episode of all of our shows, are 100% the opinions of the hosts. Nothing is stated as fact. Do your own research to see if their opinions are true or not.

#Forbidden #CraigLocicero #NormanSkinner #ThrashMetal #ChrisAkinPresents

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On this episode of The Classic Metal Show, Neeley and Chris Akin examine Roger Waters calling Metallica’s James Hetfield a “nobody” after Hetfield declared Metallica keeps politics off their stage. The hosts also react to horrifying concert clips of Beach Boys legend Mike Love looking like a living corpse being propped up on stage.

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WARNING: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this video belong solely to the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other agency, organization, employer, or company. This content is presented strictly for entertainment purposes and represents the subjective opinions of the hosts and guests, not factual assertions.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit https://cmspn.substack.com/subscribe

Is the live concert industry completely dead? David Reece (Bangalore Choir, ex-Accept) joins Neeley and Chris Akin to dissect $7,000 Metallica tickets, corporate venue takeovers, and why the music industry is systematically screwing both artists and fans.

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DWARNING: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this video belong solely to the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other agency, organization, employer, or company. This content is presented strictly for entertainment purposes and represents the subjective opinions of the hosts and guests, not factual assertions.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit https://cmspn.substack.com/subscribe

A content creator with half a million followers gets wiped out over a tiny video from three years ago! Neeley and Chris Akin break down how YouTube’s bot algorithm nukes entire livelihoods overnight and why you’re an idiot if you don’t back up your content elsewhere. Subscribe now so you never miss an uncensored moment!

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WARNING: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this video belong solely to the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other agency, organization, employer, or company. This content is presented strictly for entertainment purposes and represents the subjective opinions of the hosts and guests, not factual assertions.

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Has modern recording technology taken something essential away from rock music? THE PINEAPPLE THIEF frontman Bruce Soord thinks there’s something irreplaceable about musicians creating together in the same room.

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In this exclusive CHRIS AKIN PRESENTS interview, Chris Akin sits down with Soord to discuss the band’s new album, *Far and Wide*, their move from longtime label Kscope to InsideOut, and why the group deliberately returned to a more traditional approach to writing and recording.

Soord explains how working together as a band helped capture the energy of their live performances, why drummer Gavin Harrison pushed everyone to become better musicians, and why this new creative direction isn’t just a temporary experiment.

The conversation also gets personal. Soord reveals the heartbreaking experience involving his father’s final days that inspired “Still Living,” discusses his changing approach to vocals and songwriting, and explains why the band’s musical complexity must serve the emotion of a song.

PLUS:

- Why THE PINEAPPLE THIEF left Kscope after approximately 20 years.

- How Gavin Harrison helped elevate the band’s musicianship.

- Why recording together can accomplish things remote collaboration cannot.

- The emotional story behind “Still Living.”

- Why “No Exceptions” represents the band’s collaborative approach.

- How Bruce Soord’s singing voice has evolved.

- Why touring America is becoming increasingly expensive.

- Why Soord wants fans supporting independent record stores.

Is the future of rock music actually hiding in the way bands made records 50 years ago?

Watch the full interview and decide for yourself.

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All comments are merely the opinions of the people speaking them, are for comical performance, and are in no way stated as factual.

#ThePineappleThief #BruceSoord #GavinHarrison #ChrisAkinPresents #FarAndWide #ProgressiveRock

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Sebastian Bach showed up in our comments again throwing a full-blown temper tantrum! He claims our channel is complete garbage and dares us to call him a liar to his face. Neeley and Chris Akin break down Bach’s online meltdown, why KK’s Priest completely crushed it live, and Chris’s experience at the brand new Killbox comedy club in Akron. Hit subscribe and join the debate!

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KK’s PRIEST’S THE SINNER RIDES AGAIN is an amazing vinyl that you need! https://amzn.to/4yX1v6w

WARNING: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this video belong solely to the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other agency, organization, employer, or company. This content is presented strictly for entertainment purposes and represents the subjective opinions of the hosts and guests, not factual assertions.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit https://cmspn.substack.com/subscribe

WHY’S EVERYONE SO SENSITIVE?

Roger Waters is taking shots at Metallica’s James Hetfield, Shane Gillis is catching heat over his comedy, and KK’s Priest is revisiting Judas Priest history. Apparently, everybody has something to be pissed off about!

Tonight on THE CLASSIC METAL SHOW, Neeley and Chris Akin dig into three controversies that have rock and comedy fans talking!

🔥 **ROGER WATERS vs. JAMES HETFIELD:** Waters unloaded on the Metallica frontman over his approach to politics at concerts. Does Waters have a legitimate argument, or did he completely undermine his own message by personally attacking Hetfield?

🔥 **SHANE GILLIS CONTROVERSY:** The comedian is facing backlash over his SNL material. Has comedy become too sensitive, or should comedians expect criticism when they push boundaries? We’ll get into it on THE CUT!

🔥 **KK’S PRIEST / JUDAS PRIEST:** Chris was at the Cleveland Agora to see W.A.S.P. and KK’s Priest! He’s bringing his firsthand concert review, plus a discussion about K.K. Downing and Tim “Ripper” Owens revisiting classic Judas Priest material.

No corporate-approved opinions. No carefully rehearsed talking points. Just Neeley, Chris, the stories, and whatever arguments break out along the way!

**JOIN THE LIVE CHAT!** Agree with us? Think we’re completely full of shit? Get in the conversation while we’re LIVE!

📺 SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17

⏰ 9:00 PM EASTERN

📍 LIVE ON RUMBLE

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NOTE: Everything said here, and on every episode of all of our shows, are 100% the opinions of the hosts. Nothing is stated as fact. Do your own research to see if their opinions are true or not.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit https://cmspn.substack.com/subscribe

Imagine spending decades listening to Def Leppard, waiting for another opportunity to see them live, and then discovering that the big arena tour pairs them with the Goo Goo Dolls.

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Would you still buy a ticket?

On THE CLASSIC METAL SHOW, Chris Akin and Neeley ask the question that apparently nobody involved in putting this tour together bothered to answer: WHAT THE HELL DO THESE BANDS HAVE IN COMMON?

Def Leppard built its reputation with massive guitars, arena-rock anthems and albums like Pyromania and Hysteria. The Goo Goo Dolls became known for an entirely different brand of radio-friendly rock. Now they’re sharing an arena-tour bill with The Struts also involved.

Chris isn’t buying it.

After initially considering using his recent interview connection with Def Leppard guitarist Phil Collen to attend the Ohio show, Chris completely changes his mind when he discovers the lineup.

But the bigger question isn’t simply whether these bands belong together.

Could Def Leppard actually change its performance to fit the audience?

Chris wonders whether songs like “Love Bites,” “Two Steps Behind” and “Miss You in a Heartbeat” might become more important to a setlist designed for fans who came to hear “Iris.”

Neeley brings another possibility into the discussion: maybe the teenagers who loved Def Leppard in the 1980s became Goo Goo Dolls fans in the 1990s. Maybe the pairing makes more sense commercially than it does musically.

The hosts also revisit the days when Pyromania was selling so quickly that record stores couldn’t keep it stocked, question whether this unusual lineup can fill major arenas, and take another shot at the modern ticketing business for making concert prices unnecessarily difficult to determine.

And Chris reveals why he’s willing to pass on a potentially valuable concert opportunity rather than waste a favor on a show that doesn’t interest him.

Are Def Leppard and the Goo Goo Dolls a surprisingly smart combination, or has arena-rock touring officially become a game of throwing unrelated bands together and hoping people buy tickets?

Hear the argument, then tell us whether you’d pay to see this tour.

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NOTE: Everything said here, and on every episode of all of our shows, are 100% the opinions of the hosts. Nothing is stated as fact. Do your own research to form your own opinions.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit https://cmspn.substack.com/subscribe

Can a band from Barcelona capture everything that made 1980s heavy metal great without becoming another nostalgia act?

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On this episode of **CHRIS AKIN PRESENTS**, Chris sits down with **Christian Blade of Spanish heavy metal band STREAMER** to discuss their album **INTO THE VOID**, the growing traditional metal movement in Spain, and why the band believes it’s experiencing its strongest period yet.

Christian takes us inside the making of INTO THE VOID, including the title track that almost didn’t get finished, the historical inspiration behind **”The Day Barquinona Died,”** and the hard-rock attitude of **”Rock All Around.”**

They also discuss the influences of New Wave of British Heavy Metal and American power metal, the legacy of Spanish metal legends like Barón Rojo, and the reality of trying to take an underground band beyond its home country when touring costs are out of control.

And while plenty of bands chase fame and fortune, Christian explains why STREAMER measures success a little differently.

**IN THIS INTERVIEW:**

- How STREAMER formed in 2013 and evolved through lineup changes.

- Why Spain’s traditional heavy metal scene may be stronger than ever.

- The story behind INTO THE VOID and its Black Sabbath-associated title.

- How British and American metal influences shape the band’s music.

- The medieval Barcelona attack that inspired “The Day Barquinona Died.”

- Why “Rock All Around” takes a more straightforward hard-rock approach.

- Why international touring remains difficult for underground bands.

- Why merchandise sales matter more than casual streaming for the band.

**SUPPORT THE BAND:**

STREAMER merchandise and music: https://bandcamp.com/streamermetal

**CHRIS AKIN PRESENTS** — Real conversations with the musicians keeping hard rock and heavy metal alive.

#Streamer #IntoTheVoid #ChristianBlade #ChrisAkinPresents #HeavyMetal #TraditionalHeavyMetal #NWOBHM #SpanishMetal

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WHEN DID SEEING YOUR FAVORITE ROCK BAND BECOME A LUXURY PURCHASE?

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Aerosmith is preparing for two special Hollywood Bowl performances, and THE CLASSIC METAL SHOW’s Neeley and Chris Akin have a serious question: Who the hell is paying these ticket prices?

What starts as a discussion about Aerosmith’s return quickly becomes a brutal examination of the modern concert business. The guys look up available seats during the show and discover prices ranging from hundreds of dollars in distant sections to nearly $1,000 for better locations.

And that’s before parking, food, drinks, travel, and everything else that turns a night of rock and roll into a major financial commitment.

But the price is only half the problem.

With an enormous guest list featuring Guns N’ Roses, Run-DMC, Sammy Hagar, Billy Idol, Nuno Bettencourt, Tom Morello and others, Chris wonders how much actual Aerosmith music fans will get for their money.

Could Steven Tyler and company deliver only a handful of songs while celebrity guests take over the rest of the evening? Is this another attempt to recreate the success of Ozzy Osbourne’s farewell event? Could the concerts lead to a new Aerosmith tour, or is that wishful thinking?

Neeley digs into the potential economics of the shows, from ticket revenue to the possibility of a paid livestream, while Chris argues that the industry has turned the bands ordinary fans helped build into expensive attractions those same fans can barely justify attending.

They also discuss the increasingly outrageous prices attached to major concerts, including Metallica, and explain why neither host would spend thousands for a couple of hours of live music.

Aerosmith may still be one of rock’s biggest names. But does that make any ticket price acceptable?

Watch and weigh in: Would you spend $1,000 to see Aerosmith, especially without knowing how much of the show would actually feature the band?

#Aerosmith #ConcertPrices #TheClassicMetalShow #StevenTyler #ClassicRock #RockMusic #HollywoodBowl #LiveMusic

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NOTE: Everything said here, and on every episode of all of our shows, are 100% the opinions of the hosts. Nothing is stated as fact. Do your own research to form your own opinions.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit https://cmspn.substack.com/subscribe

Does Judas Priest still deserve to be called Judas Priest when the musicians who built the band are no longer there? And could KK’s Priest actually be delivering a more authentic version of the legendary metal band’s music?

On this episode of THE CLASSIC METAL SHOW, Neeley and Chris Akin tackle the controversial question of whether original band members really matter anymore.

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The discussion starts with the reported retirement of longtime Judas Priest bassist Ian Hill, which raises an uncomfortable question about the band’s future. With Rob Halford still fronting Priest, but the band’s founding lineup no longer intact, is this still the legendary Judas Priest fans grew up with—or has the name become bigger than the musicians?

Neeley brings his firsthand experience from a recent KK’s Priest concert, where KK Downing and Tim “Ripper” Owens delivered a performance that left him seriously questioning which version of the Priest legacy he’d rather see.

But here’s where the argument gets interesting.

**If a replacement musician sounds better, plays better and delivers a stronger concert than an original member, why should fans care who’s actually onstage?**

Chris and Neeley take that question straight into the heart of classic metal, examining bands like Quiet Riot, W.A.S.P., Dokken and Whitesnake. Is the original lineup sacred, or are fans allowing nostalgia to dictate what qualifies as a legitimate band?

The guys also explore whether KK Downing could ever return to Judas Priest, what that would mean for the musicians involved, and whether some legendary bands might actually benefit from younger performers keeping their music alive.

Before all that, Chris reveals an unbelievably named bargain hair trimmer, the guys argue over brand loyalty, and a frustrating Vizio television purchase turns into a rant about smart TV advertising, privacy and the ridiculous things consumers put up with.

Plus, a Dangerous Toys debut album reissue giveaway for THE CLASSIC METAL SHOW’s Locals community!

**The real question isn’t just whether Judas Priest is still Judas Priest. It’s whether the music, the musicians or the name on the ticket matters most.**

So where do YOU stand? Would you rather see Judas Priest with Rob Halford or KK’s Priest with KK Downing and Tim “Ripper” Owens?

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NOTE: Everything said here, and on every episode of all of our shows, are 100% the opinions of the hosts. Nothing is stated as fact. Do your own research to form your own opinions.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit https://cmspn.substack.com/subscribe

On this episode of CHRIS AKIN PRESENTS, Chris sits down with original Godsmack guitarist Lee Richards to discuss his new release, LEE RICHARDS AND FRIENDS – SONGS FOR A BROKEN WORLD. Richards explains why the record sounds nothing like Godsmack, how songs written during the Another Animal era finally found a home, and why he decided to step behind the microphone as a lead vocalist.

Richards also tells the remarkable story behind his departure from Godsmack. He reveals why discovering that he had a son he never knew existed caused him to walk away from the band and become a father just before Godsmack exploded. He discusses whether he regrets that decision, his later return to work with Godsmack, writing “Touche,” and why music never completely disappeared from his life.

Chris and Lee also dig into the creation of SONGS FOR A BROKEN WORLD, Richards’ approach to songwriting, working with Tony Rombola and Shannon Larkin, his haunting interpretation of “Summer Breeze,” his friendship and creative partnership with Ugly Kid Joe vocalist Whitfield Crane, and his plans to finally get back on the road.

GET LEE RICHARDS’ MUSIC ON AMAZON: https://amzn.to/4jJv86f

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Is a $90 night of W.A.S.P. and KK’s Priest actually a better deal than spending thousands to see Metallica in a massive arena spectacle? And did Blackie Lawless finally put the backing-track controversy to rest?

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On this edition of THE CLASSIC METAL SHOW, Neeley returns from seeing W.A.S.P. and KK’s Priest at the Des Plaines Theatre, and his review might surprise some longtime critics. After previously questioning whether Blackie Lawless was relying too heavily on backing tracks, Neeley says this performance was a completely different experience. Was Blackie actually delivering the goods this time?

And KK’s Priest wasn’t exactly screwing around either. With K.K. Downing bringing the classic Judas Priest attitude and Tim “Ripper” Owens delivering powerful vocals, Neeley explains why the show was worth every penny.

That leads Chris and Neeley into a bigger argument about concert prices. When bands are charging astronomical amounts for elaborate arena productions, are fans actually getting a better show, or are they just paying for expensive technology and a famous name? Is the real value in heavy metal found in smaller theaters with musicians who still know how to kick ass?

But the concert discussion is only the beginning.

Chris gets an unexpected surprise when a CMS listener buys him a ticket to see W.A.S.P. and KK’s Priest in Cleveland. The guys also discuss Don Dokken’s interactions with fans after a Pennsylvania concert and what makes the classic metal community different from other music audiences.

Then they revisit the controversy surrounding Quiet Riot’s new young singer, John Torra. Can one replacement vocalist really help revive an entire genre, or is the excitement getting completely out of control?

The conversation eventually goes completely sideways as the guys tear into classic horror movies. Is Hellraiser really the masterpiece some fans claim? Why does Freddy Krueger remain such an entertaining horror character? And are the original Nightmare on Elm Street movies still better than what Hollywood produces today?

Finally, Chris admits he’s having a hard time caring about professional sports anymore. Has the product become boring, or did the real enjoyment always come from hanging out with friends and watching the games together?

It’s classic CMS: hard rock, heavy metal, expensive concerts, horror movies, sports, and two guys who couldn’t follow a corporate radio script if their lives depended on it.

**ON THIS EPISODE:**

- Did Blackie Lawless finally deliver a convincing live vocal performance?

- Are W.A.S.P. and KK’s Priest worth more than expensive arena concerts?

- Is K.K. Downing still one of heavy metal’s most commanding performers?

- Can Tim “Ripper” Owens still deliver the classic Judas Priest material?

- Why did a CMS listener buy Chris a concert ticket?

- What happened when fans met Don Dokken after a show?

- Is Quiet Riot’s new singer getting too much attention?

- Are classic horror movies better than today’s Hollywood productions?

- Has professional sports lost its entertainment value?

**THE CLASSIC METAL SHOW — HAIL AND KILL!**

Join the CMS community: https://classicmetalshow.locals.com

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NOTE: Everything said here, and on every episode of all of our shows, are 100% the opinions of the hosts. Nothing is stated as fact. Do your own research to form your own opinions.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit https://cmspn.substack.com/subscribe

Is Judas Priest facing an identity crisis? Is Aerosmith’s expensive Hollywood Bowl comeback worth the money, or are fans paying for a parade of guest stars? And who thought pairing Def Leppard with the Goo Goo Dolls was a good idea?

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Chris Akin and Neeley tackle these questions, challenge the state of classic rock, and deliver the unfiltered opinions and laughs you’ve come to expect from THE CLASSIC METAL SHOW.

Get commercial free versions of our episodes, advance releases and exclusive content by subscribing to Rumble Premium! https://rumble.com/premium

NOTE: Everything said here, and on every episode of all of our shows, are 100% the opinions of the hosts. Nothing is stated as fact. Do your own research to draw your own conclusions.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit https://cmspn.substack.com/subscribe

Prog metal used to be about pushing boundaries, but now it feels like a giant flexing contest for music nerds. Temic keyboardist Diego Tejeida stops by to break down why so many modern bands are utterly obsessed with technical wankery and complex time signatures instead of writing actual songs that hit you in the gut. From cutting through bloated solos to the raw reality of staying alive on the road in today’s music industry, this conversation tears down the pretentious wall surrounding progressive metal.

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All comments are merely the opinions of the people speaking them, are for comical performance, and are in no way stated as factual.

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Every single week brings a fresh wave of total nonsense, and the internet has outdone itself once again. Celebrities and influencers are desperately pushing ridiculous camera fads, while real-world courtrooms are handing out massive payouts for personal relationships ending badly. We unpack the nonsense behind modern camera poses, blast the endless attention-seeking taking over social feeds, and dig deep into a wild courtroom battle that will leave you completely speechless.

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Rock stars used to trash hotel rooms and live on the edge, but today they throw massive temper tantrums over basic interview questions. From Stephen Pearcy dropping new tracks out of nowhere to Blackie Lawless pulling last-minute show cancellations and former metal icons holding 20-year grudges, the rock scene has turned into a total soap opera. Neeley and Chris Akin dive straight into the fragile world of modern rock stars, cheap publicity stunts, and why handling musician egos feels like walking through a minefield.

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Most musicians who try to act look like complete fools the second the camera starts rolling. They think hitting a stage translates to movie stardom, but the reality is usually a cringey train wreck. London May went from beating the hell out of the drums in Samhain to taking on intense, dark movie roles. Chris Akin digs into what actually goes down on a film set, the brutal reality of pretending to be a psychopath vs. method acting, and why stepping out from behind a drum kit into the cinematic spotlight breaks most rockstar egos.

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