Talk Louder

SLAM: Support Life & Music

In its mission to raise awareness around mental health, substance abuse, suicide and depression within the music industry, the nonprofit S.L.A.M. (Support Life and Music) organization has gained the appreciated support of Rob Halford, Alex Skolnick, David Ellefson, Todd LaTorre, Darryl “DMC” McDaniels and a host of music publicists, journalists, mental health professionals and others who advocate for the well-being of the music community. S.L.A.M. Founder Jack Mangan and advisory board member Mark Pruett join us to discuss the stigma and struggles associated with seeking help, and how to reach out and get involved.

Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

London May

As a member of Samhain, London May carved his name into the hallowed halls of goth-punk history. Today, the musician and actor has a starring role in the new Anthrax music video, “Cursum Perficio;” is featured in the upcoming apocalyptic horror flick “The Glorious Dead;” and can be heard on recent albums by genre-defying musician, Bonnie “Prince” Billy. He joins us to discuss his bone-breaking and bone-chilling acting roles (literally), his earliest musical influences, why acting kept him out of trouble (sort of) and his legacy as the drummer on Samhain’s cult classic, “November Coming Fire” (an album filled with nerdy factoids that surprised even him!).

Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Craig A. Williams

In his new film, “If These Walls Could Rock,” co-director Craig A. Williams rallies an all-star cast, including Slash, Grohl, Ringo, Springsteen, Morrissey, Gene Simmons, Billy Gibbons, Chris Robinson, Sharon and Kelly Osbourne, and host Billy Bob Thornton (among others) to share their love of the sometimes debauched, but always iconic Sunset Marquis Hotel. Williams joins us to discuss the making of the film, the stories that didn’t make the cut, the universal aura of Keith Richards and how David Coverdale was innocently mistaken for someone he definitely was not.

Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Don Jamieson & Jim Florentine

Hello? Hello? Comedians Don Jamieson and Jim Florentine join us for some intellectual discourse on their new, chart-topping album, “Terrorizing Telemarketers Vol. 8.” We also discuss Don’s new “Comedy is Killing Me” album and Jim’s Amazon Prime streaming special, “Jersey Trash.” Hear the methods behind the gags, the sadistic pleasure of driving people crazy and why neither guy has ever owned a necktie. Leave your dignity at the door.

Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Chuck Billy

He thought he’d be dead at 38, but a higher power had other plans. Testament singer Chuck Billy joins us to discuss his upcoming autobiography, “Holding My Breath: The Two Testaments of Chuck Billy,” (Nov. 10) in which he shares his upbringing, his heritage, his transformation from glam rocker to thrash titan and how his spirituality, family and brotherhood of friends gave him the strength to beat cancer. With a foreward by Rob Halford and afterword by Randy Blythe, Chuck’s story is insightful, revealing, hilarious and, above all, human. You won’t be able to put it down.

Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Europe

As the keyboardist behind the instantly recognized intro to “The Final Countdown” (and co-writer of the smash 1986 ballad, “Carrie”), Europe’s Mic Michaeli holds a timeless place in melodic rock history. He joins us to discuss Europe’s new album, “Come the Madness,” the concept behind the visually grim “One on One” video (featuring actor Peter Stormare), his early inspirations and his past work with the legendary Glenn Hughes.

Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Jason McMaster with Quiet Riot

Back from banging heads with Quiet Riot, our own Jason McMaster recaps his recent role as the band’s substitute singer. From the initial invite and learning the setlist to the gigs and Rudy Sarzo stories, Jason shares the whole crazee adventure.

Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Frank Bello

It’s been 10 years since the last Anthrax album, but with the Sept. 18 release of “Cursum Perficio,” the wait is finally over. Bassist Frank Bello joins us to discuss recording at Dave Grohl’s studio, the creative fire that still fuels the band, his recent Grammy win, showing some painful restraint backstage with Rush and a life lesson Steve Harris unknowingly taught him when he was a persistent (and freezing cold) young fan.

Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Airbourne: Joel O’Keeffe

When it comes to gutsy, high-voltage rock’n’roll, few bands do it better than Australia’s Airbourne. Frontman Joel O’Keeffe joins us to discuss Airbourne’s new, self-titled album, the involvement of “Mutt” Lange and Bryan Adams, co-writes by Johnny Crash frontman Vicki James Wright and why bands like Broken Teeth, Rhino Bucket and Dirty Looks will always be kindred spirits. He also shares a priceless story about Keith Richards hand-picking Airbourne to open for the Stones. Yes, it’s good to be Airbourne!

Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Brian Tichy

He’s spent decades playing drums for the biggest names in rock (Ozzy, Whitesnake, Slash, Billy Idol, Zakk Wylde, Foreigner, Gene Simmons and many more), but he’s also an accomplished songwriter, guitarist and vocalist who sings and plays all instruments on his upcoming, self-titled album, “Led By Vultures.” Brian Tichy joins us to discuss his role as frontman, his long and ongoing career as an in-demand drummer, and which gigs are still on his bucket list.

Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Robert “Boogie” Bowles

He’s spent the past 40 years as guitarist for Motown legend Smokey Robinson and also played on massive hits by Jerry “The Iceman” Butler (“Never Give You Up”), Gloria Gaynor (“I Will Survive”) and Peaches and Herb (“Reunited,” “Shake Your Groove Thing”). Robert “Boogie” Bowles joins us to discuss his longevity as a sideman, the power of connections, the advice he shares through his books and how the music business can go from “sh*t to sugar” (and back) in the space of a song.

Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Christian Larson

He’s the mastermind behind the annual Hell’s Heroes heavy metal festival in Houston, Texas, and also a member of the bands, Necrofier and Night Cobra. Christian Larson joins us to discuss the logistics and negotiations behind curating a successful destination event featuring bands from around the world. He also discusses his own bands, Necrofier’s recent signing to Metal Blade Records and what we might be surprised to find in his record collection.

Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Mark Weiss: Photographing Ozzy

World-renowned rock photographer Mark Weiss spent more than four decades shooting iconic images of Ozzy Osbourne. He joins us to discuss his “Back to the Beginning: Remembering Ozzy Osbourne” photo exhibit running through Aug. 17 in Asbury Park, N.J. We also get the inside stories behind the shoots; hilarious anecdotes that could only happen with exclusive access; a glimpse into Mark’s commemorative books and magazines; and how a bubble bath, a cigar and a handshake launched a lifelong friendship with rock’s most lovable madman.

Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

AC/DC Pop-Up

For those about to rock with AC/DC, be sure to check out the free, pop-up store that’s traveling to each city on the current tour. Jason recaps his recent visit to San Antonio where he saw a stage-worn Angus Young schoolboy uniform, a Bon Scott statue, a Hell’s Bell, a massive neon AC/DC logo and loads of vinyl and exclusive merch, among other memorabilia. Visit pwruptour.acdc.com for city-specific info and get ready for the ultimate AC/DC pre-game experience.

Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Accept: Mark Tornillo

When it comes to balls-to-the-wall heavy metal, few bands pushed the genre to extreme, new intensity like Germany’s Accept. Marking 50 years as a sonic wrecking ball, Accept is set to release the all-star album, “Teutonic Titans: 1976-2026,” featuring the biggest names in metal (Rob Halford, Phil Anselmo, Kirk Hammett, K.K. Downing and even our own Jason McMaster, to name a scant few) covering such timeless classics as “Fast As a Shark,” “Balls to the Wall,” “Metal Heart” and more. Longtime Accept vocalist Mark Tornillo joins us to celebrate this mighty, metal milestone.

Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Donnie Vie

He made his mark as the voice of E’nuff Z’Nuff with the 1989 psychedelic, power-pop hits, “New Thing” and “Fly High Michelle.” Along the way, he became renowned for his irresistibly infectious songcraft. Singer Donnie Vie joins us to discuss the upcoming reissue of his 2019 album, “Beautiful Things,” on Wicked Cool Records, why the Beatles are the perfect education in songwriting, his hot-and-cold relationship with Chip Z’Nuff, how mortality makes him appreciate life’s simplest pleasures and why being paid in compliments is better than not being paid at all.

Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Al Del Barrio

When early members of Suicidal Tendencies called him to step up to the mic, Al Del Barrio said “yes, sir” and joined the Luicidal army. He joins us to discuss that fateful call, his longstanding Texas crossover thrash-punk band, Confused, and how a Twisted Sister concert set him on the path to rock’n’roll.

Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Rotting Corpse

The name alone could incite panic and disgust, but Rotting Corpse just wants to throw a (pizza) party! Frontman Walter Trachsler joins us to discuss the band’s recent resurgence thanks to some unlikely gigs, its decades-long history as pioneers of Texas death-metal thrash, and what it was like growing up with a certain pair of Abbott brothers. He also shares his unorthodox childhood, his time with tech-metal icons, Death, a brush with the Cult and why he’s cautious about sharing his band’s name with those who may not find the humor.

Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Tesla: Frank Hannon

As a kid growing up on the Beatles, Stones, Skynyrd and Cash, guitarist Frank Hannon borrowed inspiration from his idols when he founded the rock band Tesla and enjoyed his own rock-radio success with a string of 1980s hit songs that still resonates today. He joins us to discuss Tesla’s upcoming album, “Homage,” (due July 17), which reinterprets songs by Elvis, Queen, Badfinger, Supertramp, Bob Seger and others alongside the new original, “Never Alone.” As he and his band mates gear up for a three-month tour with Motley Crue and Extreme, we also learn how a “Cheech & Chong moment” nearly sent Tesla’s 1987 Texxas Jam appearance up in smoke.

Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Solitude Aeturnus

In his latest adventure as a substitute singer, our own Jason McMaster recaps his recent gig fronting Texas doom metal legends, Solitude Aeturnus, at the 2026 Maryland Deathfest.

Created and Produced by Jared Tuten