Ed Kowalczyk of Live

On this episode of Lipps Service, Scott sits down with Live frontman Ed Kowalczyk. The two begin the conversation by discussing Ed’s childhood, including his early musical influences and the formation of Live. Next, they dive into the band’s early success, from its first performances at CBGB, to its eventual record deal and debut album. Throughout the interview, Ed also discusses some of his fondest musical memories, including connecting with Jerry Harrison of Talking Heads, hearing Nirvana for the first time, and meeting Metallica. Ed also shares his opinions on the current state of rock music and discusses Live’s upcoming tour. Finally, the interview concludes with some of Ed’s top 5’s, including his top 5 sushi restaurants, top 5 most underrated bands of the ‘90s, and top 5 most influential songs of the ‘90s.

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CREDITS (Instagram handles) 

Host @ScottLipps 

Edited by @toastycakes 

Music by @Robby_hoff 

Recorded at Melrose Podcasts NY

00:25 – Meeting Jerry Harrison

01:32 – Growing up

04:30 – Early influences 

09:32 – Ed’s first job

10:02 – Getting a record deal 

14:42 – Selling junk bonds 

15:40 – Debut album

17:23 – Hearing Nirvana for the first time

18:03 – Band name origins

19:42 – Connecting with Jerry Harrison

20:27 – Writing iconic songs

24:50 – Seeing Nirvana at a festival

26:58 – Getting a role in Fight Club

31:30 – Playing Woodstock ‘94 and ‘99

32:59 – 1994 in music/the state of rock music today

35:37 – Stories behind Live’s biggest hits

39:20 – Meeting Metallica

41:00 – Touring memories

42:30 – “The mac ‘n cheese incident” 

45:40 – Upcoming tour

46:40 – Top 5 sushi restaurants 

49:45 – Top 5 most underrated ‘90s bands

53:56 – Top 5 most influential songs of the ‘90s