Talkin' Rock With Meltdown Podcast

I've known Dan Fielding for probably 4 or 5 years. He's one of these guys that you just respect from the time you meet him. He's served the country with great distinction, he's a solid guy and he's committed to his work and America. "The Asset Mindset: A Special Forces Perspective For Achieving Success" is Dan's book. You can order it here. Personally, I highly suggest it. In the interview below, Dan speaks to being a Special Forces Green Beret, something others failed to accomplish. He talked about his journey of what spurred him to join the military. He tells me what it's like to work for Kid Rock, the story of meeting him then working for him, and much more. I got him on to talk about his book because I found it inspiring, motivating, and uplifting. I also think that even though I wasn't in any of the situations Dan's found himself in, I have the Asset Mindset myself. "One of the key points to the Asset Mindset is that you don't have to be Special Forces to have the Asset Mindset, but to be Special Forces, you have to have it." He told me about how is wife kind of steered him in the right direction to write the book. He said he thought he'd help other people by sharing his experiences. Dan said "I just started writing and the Asset Mindset was born." "You make your destiny. And that's why I say "Everyone is their own greatest asset."" He spoke to how "lucky" he was. In his words, he made his own luck through preparation. To Dan, that's a big part of achieving success. I couldn't agree more. If you're wondering what Kid Rock thinks of Dan and his book - “I would not only ask you to support The Asset Mindset by Daniel Fielding, I will TELL YOU. It can change the path you’re on for the better! I truly believe his book will improve all of our lives. Thank you for your service, Dan. God bless America.”—KID ROCK Thanks You Dan, for this book, and for your service to this great country! -Meltdown-See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

My guest today is Anthrax front man, Joey Belladonna. He'll be playing the machine Shop in Flint on October 13th, which happens to be his birthday. Joey tells me about his latest project, as he tours with his Journey tribute band, Beyond Frontiers. He tells me how it started, what songs he loves to play on stage and if he's met any of the member from the iconic band.  Which is harder for him to sing....the Journey material, the National Anthem or Anthrax songs. "The anthem I get a little nervous because I'm on my own." He answers that and speaks to how proud he is to be asked to sing the anthem. "That's the thing, I'm completely stoked...I just love it." He also spoke a little about the charity work he does for the VFWs. He also gives an update on what's going on with Anthrax. "You could probably find out more online than you will with me." He explained that there's no need for him to go into the studio too early. "At this point I don't know how many tunes are done. I don't know if there's more to come." He said he locks in when it's his turn. -Meltdown-See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Always a thrill to talk to a legend like Alice Cooper! People always say don't meet you heroes. I can assure you that Alice break that rule. Great guy! I started by asking him about the return of guitarist Nita Strauss. He said there's always a "Revolving door policy" when it comes to members of his band. "I think she missed the excitement of an Alice Cooper show." He also spoke to working again with Kane Roberts.  As far as the album "Road" is concerned, he said he really wanted to show off the band. He talked about the live sound of the record. "I want it to sound like a band." He mentioned that after "Detroit Stories", he said he thought his band deserved to be totally involved in the record. He told me about brining in outside musicians, like Tom Morello, Roger Glover and other's. He calls it a "Musical Fraternity". He said he still loves the road. "I'm a road rat." He went onto say "There's no retirement plan in me at all." According to Alice, the next record is almost done.  As far as his favorite Detroit memories, he brought up baseball legend Al Kaline. He called him his hero. White Castle, Vernors and "Soupy" Sales were mentioned. He spoke to some of the classic music venues and more. "Detroit was the absolute capitol of Rock N' Roll." As for the signing at Rock City Music Company, he said he only signs records in Detroit.  Up next, it's ex Saliva drummer Paul Crosby. He's in a band called Coldwards with two of his sons. The new single is called Bad News. He tells me about the process of writing songs with his kids, and more. He says they'll be dropping songs here and there, including a song about the late Saliva guitarist, Wayne Swinny.  He did tell me about the passing of Wayne. He spoke to how underrated Wayne was, and what a guitar hero he was. He called him humble, said he'd give the shirt off his back to anyone. We talked a lot about Wayne, and some of the highlights of his time in Saliva. One of them included a couple WWE stints.  Former Saliva singer, Josie Scott is out on tour as well. I asked Paul about that and if he'd ever play with him again. "If he ever asked me to play some shows, of course I would." He went onto say "I talk to him all the time....we're still best friends." Check out both interviews below..... -Meltdown-See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's ALWAYS great to talk with Lzzy Hale. She's so easy to chat with and very candid every time we speak.  She spoke to being a mid-state Pennsylvania kid, meeting and playing with her heroes. She mentioned that she grew up in a house that was built in the 1840's, so I had to ask her if she'd ever seen a ghost in that old home. Let's just say, she didn't say no.  As far as Halestorm is concerned, she said it's "Complete Chaos". They're going to buckle down next month and get to writing. She tells me how they write songs and what the process involves. Plus, she talks about a song she wrote that she never thought would see the light of day, which they did record. Let's just say it became a hit. "There's always a handful of songs (that she writes) that I think are dumb." That's a sexy story. LOL  As far as collaborations go, she told me how the Ashly McBryde collab came up. "It was a full on "F&*k Yes!"" She went onto say "She exceeded my expectations" as for how the song went. We talked about the Journey cover she did with Chris Daughtry, who also sent me a question for her to answer. That was funny as well.  If you're watching this, you'll see a piano in the background. I stumped her with naming musicians who've played on it. That was very entertaining. She did tell me about a metal legend who had tickled the ivory at her house. Really cool! I'll talk to Lzzy anytime she wants me to. She's the best! -Meltdown-See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Geoff Tate, the legendary former Queensryche front man, is my latest guest on the <a href="https://wrif.com/podcasts/talkin-rock-with-meltdown/">Talkin' Rock with Meltdown</a> podcast. Geoff is always thoughtful and enjoyable to talk with.  We talked about what he's been doing this summer, which included a lot of time in Montana, fishing and hiking and singing songs around the campfire. He spoke to hanging with Anthrax front man, Joey Belladonna. Geoff's bringing his tour to District 142 in Wyandotte on September 27th.  He gave me a health update after having heart valve replacement surgery last year. He's back at it with a lot of dates, many back-to-back. He said he likes to play those shows as it keeps him sharp.  Is he surprised that an album like Operation Mindcrime has stood the test of time. "Yeah, I am surprised. I'm grateful and humbled by the experience." As far as new projects, he's working on a third Sweet Oblivion album, and possibly another one that he couldn't mention as of yet. He also gave an update on his upcoming autobiography. "I'm pretty close to getting that done." He spoke to how difficult it is to write his own story.  We wrapped things up by talking about a project he was involved with back in the 80s called Hear N' Aid project that Ronnie James Dio came up with. He talked about the legends that were included, and being totally start struck with the likes of Rob Halford, Ted Nugent and others. Great story! Check out the interview below.... -Meltdown-See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Richard Patrick of Filter took some time out of his schedule to talk about what's going on in his world.  Many people may not know this, but the first Filter album was mixed right here in Canton, Michigan, at Pearl Studio. Richard reminded me that he moved from Michigan when he was six or seven to Cleveland, Ohio.  As for the new album, The Algorithm drops on August 25th, next Friday as I record this. He talks about why it's taken so long to come out. He started this album about five or six years ago. "I think, people are going to like the heaviness." of the new album. He said it harkens back to the first three albums. Once again he recorded most of the material on his own. He also told me why they went with real drums, as opposed to programmed drum tracks.  He also spoke to the point of how he is "The King of my World" in his band. He said he's "free" to work with anyone he wants to. He said Filter's the Richard Patrick show without the band title.  Richard opened up about his departure from Nine Inch Nails and the formation of Filter. He talked about being told to deliver pizzas to make more money, while N.I.N. was really going strong. "I was floored. They didn't know it but I was talking to Warner Bros. I had a demo of "Hey Man, Nice Shot, and Warner Bros is like "We'll sing you right now!"" He was entrenched in the band at the time, heavily. He said he'd contemplated doing both N.I.N and Filter, but that wasn't going to work. He said it's all water under the bridge, and he's totally happy with where life has taken him.  As far as reuniting with Trent Reznor, "It was absolutely amazing!" He was really happy to talk about that show last year in Ohio.  So cool! "I just really, really had the best time ever." The Freaks On Parade tour with Rob Zombie, Alice Cooper, Ministry and Filter kicks off on August 24th. "It's going to be a huge tour...it's going to be insane!" He told me about the huge impact Ministry played in his life. It was significant, to say the least. That's a great story.  Oh, I had to ask him about his relationship with his brother, actor Robert Patrick. He said the bicker back and forth, but "Ultimately I love him and I wish him well." What a great conversation with Richard! -Meltdown- https://wrif.com/podcasts/talkin-rock-with-meltdown/  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Wolfgang Van Halen is my latest Talkin' Rock with Meltdown guest. The new album, Mammoth 2 is out, plus, he's on the road...a lot! Opening for Metallica might be nerve-racking for any band, then add in the enormous stage and venues, but Wolfgang says he's just about got it down now. He told me he doesn't get to move around the stage as much as he'd like to, so his bandmates do it for him.  "It's been wonderful, man" was his response when asked how the Metallica/Pantera shows have been going. He also took me step by step of playing live TV. "I don't think I've been so nervous for anything in my life."  As for Pantera "Regardless of how you feel about it, they sound amazing!" was his answer to seeing the band reunited.  As far as the new album is concerned, he loves to have total control of his musical journey. "No, I mean, from the inception this has been my musical creation." He said he was a bit more confidant going into the process of the new album. He spoke to the very fast recording "We only had, basically, two and half months."  He also talked about getting married in October. He's got a lot going on! -Meltdown-See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Great to talk with Jared Weeks from Saving Abel again.  He spoke to the band being based in the Nashville area. Man, there's a lot of that these days! We talked about his crazy travel schedule as of late. The band's been playing all over the country. Plus, he made a trip to Mexico for family reasons.  He said the band has been working hard, checking off boxes of things the band wants to do. The latest single is called "Fire", and as he explained, he wrote that song about looking at himself. Writing is therapeutic for Jared. He also said coming back into the band helped him to rediscover his passion for writing that he had in his 20s. "I write about the things that I know." "Getting back into the Saving Abel machine, we had to redo, rebuild the whole foundation." He said they let go of things, and everyone has chipped in. "I'm Really Proud Of What We Are, Who We Are, And Where We've Come From"  How much has he changed, and how much has the business changed since he left the band and came back? He answers both of those questions.  Oh, and the band also has a connection to the country/rock artist, HARDY.  He talks about balancing family with the riggers of playing in a rock band. He said his youngest appears in their latest video. How cool is that?  That's for starters. Jared is great to talk to! -Meltdown- https://wrif.com/podcasts/talkin-rock-with-meltdown/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Oli Sykes, the dynamic frontman of Bring Me The Horizon, dives into the band's upcoming album, Post Human: neX GEn, revealing its eclectic influences and raw energy. He shares insights on touring with Fall Out Boy, the necessity of balancing creativity with health, and why writing on the road is essential for him. Oli reflects on the profound impact of Chester Bennington's legacy from Linkin Park and discusses his vocal care routines. With an eye towards creative projects and staying true to his roots, Oli's passion for music shines throughout.

Great to talk with Chris and Maria from in This Moment. They're currently out on the Dark Horizon tour with Motionless In White, From Ashes To New and Fit For A King. This fall they hit the road with Kiss Of Death tour with Ice Nine Kills, Avatar and New Year's Day.  We talked about what got them into the theatrical side of rock/metal music. Chris pointed to KISS, Marie pointed to Marilyn Manson and anything thing that strikes a visual chord.  "We're bringing a lot of new bells and whistles" Maria commented on the currant stage show. There's a lot that goes into a ITM show, and Maria kept bringing up the fact that there's more fire than ever before.  The new album Godmode comes out October 27th. Chris told me that making this album they took a lot more time. Plus, working with Kane Churko, instead of his father, Kevin. "Working with him brought a whole new level of intensity to the project." The Purge is the latest single, as they told me how that song's been kicking around for a while. Maria talked about created songs and her writing process. We also talked about the creative element that the band brings to the videos. "I don't have people write for me." Maria said. She's very hands-on when it comes to everything In This Moment.  As far as Godmode is concerned...There's a cover on the album - "Army of Me" There's one collaboration on the record. "It's a little darker than we normally tend to be." Maria said about the overall vibe of the new music. It's more experimental. It's more progy, as well. "It definitely is" Chris added.  We talked horror movies as well. I could talk horror flicks all day. Surprisingly, Maria said "Certain horror I can't watch and won't watch. It will get into my head too much." She went on to elaborate about that.  As far as their stage getup is concerned, Chris told me "You're literally putting on the persona and this costume to go out and be something else for the time that you're doing it." "I love dressing up, becoming these characters and having this other side of me be invoked, for sure." Maria commented as far as her stage persona goes.  This is a really fun conversation....a huge thanks to Maria and Chris! -Meltdown- https://wrif.com/podcasts/talkin-rock-with-meltdown/  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.