The Magnificent Others with Billy Corgan

Billy Corgan sits down with legendary actor and storyteller Chazz Palminteri to retrace the unbelievable true story behind A Bronx Tale — a mafia murder witnessed at age nine, a Hollywood firing from Swifty Lazar, and the moment poverty and desperation pushed him to take control of his own destiny. Chazz reveals how turning down $1 million to protect his story led to a handshake deal with Robert De Niro that changed his life. Together they dive into the emotional core of the film — fathers and sons, loyalty vs. survival and share deeply human stories about parenting, superstition, faith, teaching their kids strength without the scars — and why “wasted talent” still haunts them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Billy Corgan sits down with guitar icon Vernon Reid — founder of Living Colour and the Grammy-winning force behind miles of electric innovation — for a high-voltage conversation about rewriting the rules of rock. Vernon traces his path from discovering Coltrane to NYC’s avant-garde scene, as well as the precient rise of the Black Rock Coalition. He opens up about the lightning-strike creation of “Cult of Personality,” the surreal shockwaves of their SNL performance, and the pressures that come with success — from label politics to the creative toll on the band. They dive into AI’s existential threat to art, and how the “holy ghost” of a live show can turn a stage into a spiritual event. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack Douglas, a legendary producer known for his work with icons like John Lennon and Aerosmith, shares captivating stories from his illustrious career. He recounts how Lennon pulled him from obscurity in Liverpool, the dynamics of recording 'Imagine' away from Phil Spector, and the creative processes behind Aerosmith’s early albums. Douglas also explores the challenges of collaborating with Yoko Ono, his innovative production techniques, and the raw energy of Cheap Trick's debut, offering a treasure trove of rock history insights.

Billy Corgan sits down with Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Simon Kirke (Free, Bad Company) for a sharp, funny, and revealing dive into 50 years of rock majesty. Simon traces his journey from growing up in poverty to the lightning-bolt moment drums grabbed him, the fateful coin flip that led him to Paul Kossoff and the creation of “All Right Now,” and then to forming Bad Company with Paul Rodgers and Mick Ralphs. Together, they dive into the grooves of Stax vs. Motown, the genius of Al Jackson Jr., Ringo Starr, and Charlie Watts, and the art of serving the song rather than showing off chops. Along the way, Simon shares stories about Jimmy Page, John Bonham, Steve Marriott, and Queen. It’s a masterclass in rock history and rhythm. Subscribe to the Magnificent Others YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@BillyCorganTMO?sub_confirmation=1 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this powerful and emotional conversation, Wendy Dio joins Billy Corgan to share the brilliance of her late husband, Ronnie James Dio, from their first meeting at the Rainbow to the creation of Blackmore’s Rainbow, following Ozzy in Black Sabbath, and his breakthrough with his own band, Dio. Wendy reveals how Ronnie stayed true to his vision, refusing to chase hits, and how his humility, brilliance, and devotion to fans made him a legend. She and Billy discuss the origins of the devil horns, the making of “Holy Diver” and “Rainbow in the Dark,” and the enduring legacy Wendy continues through the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund. Subscribe to the Magnificent Others YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@BillyCorganTMO?sub_confirmation=1 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this engaging conversation, Curtis Duffy, an award-winning Michelin-starred chef, shares his journey from a tragic childhood to culinary stardom. He discusses the discipline and creativity required in the kitchen, comparing seasonal menus to crafting music albums. Duffy also delves into his experience with the demanding world of Michelin evaluations and emphasizes the importance of strong relationships with farmers for sourcing quality ingredients. He reflects on his commitment to excellence and the innovative trends shaping the future of dining.

In this emotional continuation, Rudy Sarzo opens up to BillyCorgan about the heartbreaking moment he lost his bandmate and friend Randy Rhoads in a tragic plane crash, and why Ozzy had to keep moving to survive. They revisit the origins of Metal Health, Quiet Riot’s groundbreaking album that became the first debut heavy metal record to hit #1, tracing its roots to Rhoads’ influence, Slade covers, and LA’s Sunset Strip and how success, MTV pressure, and bad deals fractured Quiet Riot. Sarzo also reflects on the Ozzy/Sabbath farewell that brought everything full circle.  Subscribe to the Magnificent Others YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@BillyCorganTMO?sub_confirmation=1 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Billy Corgan sits down with legendary bassist Rudy Sarzo for Part 1 of a sweeping, emotional journey from Havana to Hollywood, escaping Castro’s Cuba, discovering the Beatles, and finding identity through rock. Sarzo recounts his path from Miami and New Jersey club bands to Chicago glam dreams and, finally, Los Angeles, where Quiet Riot, Randy Rhoads, and a fateful call from Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne led to a whirlwind “Crazy Train” audition that changed his life. Along the way, he shares stories of faith, spiritual awakening, and the belief that rock’s true power lies in its brotherhood and integrity. Subscribe to the Magnificent Others YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@BillyCorganTMO?sub_confirmation=1 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Billy Corgan sits down with screen icon Malcolm McDowell for a masterclass on craft and legacy—from Lindsay Anderson’s “If” to becoming Stanley Kubrick’s Alex in “A Clockwork Orange”. McDowell shares the real casting story, Kubrick’s process, why “2001” still stuns, and how a single “trance” look became an era-defining image. They dig into Shakespeare and Olivier lore, Eric Burdon, the redemption of “Caligula”, the charm of “Time After Time”, and hard-won wisdom on dodging typecasting and surviving fame. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

John 5, a virtuoso guitarist known for his work with Marilyn Manson and Rob Zombie, shares fascinating stories about his extensive KISS collection and private museum. He explains how early TV exposure ignited his passion for electric guitar and discusses the struggles of moving to L.A. at 17. Diving into his incredible session work, he provides insights into collaborating with icons like David Lee Roth and the grind of touring with Mötley Crüe. John reflects on grief as a driving force behind his instrumental music and teases an exciting 50-state tour.