Rock History Episodes

Van Halen released their debut album in 1978 & rock guitar playing hasn't been the same since. With the virtuoso tapping of Eddie Van Halen, super charisma of David Lee Roth and the thumping backbone of Michael Anthony & Alex Van Halen, this album changed rock n roll forever. In a world where punk was king, Van Halen mixed California sunshine with raw power to create a sound that still resonates to this day. Despite their issues later, this is one of the best rock debuts of all time.

REM were the darlings of the alternative/college rock scene in the 1980s. The quartet from Athens, GA blended folk, rock & country to create a unique sound while touring relentlessly to build their fan base. By 1987, it was time for them to step up & with the help of Scott Lit, who would go on to produce all their big albums of the rest of the 80s & 90s, evolved their sound to attract a much larger audience. Some diehards may have resisted but this record put REM on a much bigger stage.

30 years ago, U2 wanted to deliver a new, more industrial and techno sound against the backdrop of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Through personal hardships, artistic differences & real world struggles that almost broke up the band, U2 came out on the other side with a new sound that put them back on top for good. It came out just as our intrepid hosts were becoming friends as freshmen in college and this record stirs up lots of memories & emotions for them.

The Wolf lives by Abbey Road & recently he had the extraordinary opportunity to visit the legendary studio down the street.  Celebrating 90 years of setting the standard for recorded music & pushing the envelope of technology, Abbey Road hosted lectures by 2 American authors who led us through the years. Innovation, collaboration & talent still ooze out of the place, the walls definitely talk. Listen to The Wolf grin big as he sits at the control desk, visits the echo room & learns about The Beatles, Pink Floyd & so much more.

Highlander was released in 1986 to an underwhelming box office. Though the film lost money it gained a huge cult following thanks to cable tv & rental stores. A classic clash of good vs. evil with Sean Connery playing mentor to Christopher Lambert as they battle Clancy Brown's Kurgan character. It spawned several sequels & tv shows but none of them compare to Russel Mulcahey's original featuring the music of Queen. Part 1 of our 50th show on this fantasy classic!

1971 was a tumultuous time for The Doors as Jim Morrison faced legal troubles, battled substance abuse, and their longtime producer walked out. But out of that they created what might be their best album showing their ability to play blues, pop, psychedelic and classic Doors music. It would prove to be their last record and we go in depth while also measuring the impact of the 1991 Oliver Stone movie and Action's visit to Jim's grave.

Bruce Dickinson is a true polymath & renaissance man. After his one man show was delayed due to his contracting COVID, he returned to the stage in London & The Wolf was fortunate enough to see him.  We continue our reviews of classic records turning 50 with the extraordinary Who's Next. Pieced together from Pete Townshends attempt at the concept album Lifehouse, Who's Next stands as one of the true triumphs of rock history with Baba O'Reilly, Won't Get Fooled Again, Bargain, Going Mobile and more from a truly talented band who had come into their own.

In 1971 Marvin Gaye found himself in a time and place that he didn't recognize.  Political unrest, social injustice, an unpopular war and his own personal hardships weighed heavily on him.  But out of that came an album that would not only reflect the times in which he was living but one that holds stark similarities to the times we find ourselves in now.  Call it rock, soul, R&B - it's extraordinary music with a timely & timeless message.

November 2021 will mark the 50th anniversary of the release of Led Zeppelin's untitled 4th album which has sold nearly 40 million copies around the world. Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, John Paul Jones & John Bonham took all that they'd learned from the first 3 records to create a true rock masterpiece at Headley Grange. We discuss what we love, what we think is overplayed, how it's stood the test of time & reminisce about growing up in American & discovering Led Zeppelin.

The passing of Charlie Watts marks the end of an era lasting nearly 60 years for rock music and the Rolling Stones. We honor the dapper, gentlemanly, quiet rock of the Stones and offer a review of the band's last album of the 1960's, Let it Bleed.  Powered by Gimme Shelter, Can't Always Get What You Want & Midnight Rambler it was album that changed the direction of the Stones and marked the end of the 60s.

Eric Clapton's career is unparalleled in rock history. He's played with so many amazing musicians and put out an extraordinary catalog of music.  In 1988, he released his career encompassing Crossroads 4CD box set which was a huge seller and made an irreversible imprint on a young Ugly American Werewolf.  After a review of EURO 2020, we dive into this treasure trove and explore Clapton's first decade of music on Part 1 of 2 on Crossroads.

At the end of the 70s, no one imagined Ozzy Osbourne who was ousted from Black Sabbath would emerge as huge solo artist. The collaboration with Randy Rhoads & stewardship by Sharon Arden (Osbourne) led to a ground-breaking heavy metal record that blended UK heaviness with LA bravado. Randy Rhoads broke new ground & Ozzy came back to life with Blizzard of Ozz.

The Church got big exposure in America thanks to Under the Milky Way off of Starfish, their first record with Arista.  Most in the US don't know the band beyond that song but Starfish is bookended by two great records - Heyday and Gold Afternoon Fix.  We dive deep into Starfish and the deluxe edition for b-sides while looking at their entire catalog.  Starfish introduced us to a band that has made great records for more than 40 years.

Genesis may have ruled the 80s as pop rock gurus but their roots are very progressive. With Peter Gabriel as their frontman and Steve Hackett providing extraordinary yet understated guitar work, Genesis forged some extremely creative music in the early- to mid-70s. Selling England By The Pound may be the high water mark for that incarnation of the band and is highlighted by masterful musicianship and the examination of what it means to be English in a fast changing world.

In 1992, AC/DC released a live album that showcased all the bands material from the previous 20 years. With no greatest hits package, this was the only way to have a collection of songs from both the Bon Scott and Brian Johnson eras.  Fresh off the success of Thunderstruck & the Razor's Edge, this captures AC/DC at the height of their powers after the death of Bon Scott.

After the smash success of Asia in 1982, the supergroup quickly followed up with Alpha in 1983. Despite the success of Don't Cry, tensions started to pull the band apart. While the group continued on with different lineups over the next couple of decades, the excitement never reached its original peak again. A reunion from 2006-2013 proved magical for fans of the band and allowed them to go out on a positive note.

in 1982, Asia formed as the 80s first super group with Carl Palmer from Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Steve Howe of Yes, Geoff Downes of The Buggles and John Wetton of King Crimson, Uriah Heep and Roxy Music.  Though maligned as corporate rock, these four progressive maestros created an incredible mix of pop, rock & prog that went on to sell 10 million copies.  Heat of the Moment is an all-time great pop/rock song and has allowed the band to continue in various incarnations over the last 40 years.  This is part 1 of our series on Asia, where we go in-depth on the chart topping debut.

The Cult may have been catapulted into the spotlight and on MTV with Fire Woman from Sonic Temple.  But they shaped their sound best on their 2nd album, Love.  Released in 1985, it contained solid radio hits like She Sells Sanctuary and Rain but it was a cohesive record that established their hard rock, psychedelic, atmospheric sound which is hard to imitate and to define.  This is a go to record for The Wolf and the best album by Action Jackson's favorite band.

YES came out of the 60s and forged their own identity through extraordinary musicianship, intricate songs and fantastic artwork.  While some hits have kept them on classic rock for decades, the different eras and lineups over the last 50 years have created a catalog like none other.  So whether you like the 20 minute epics, the uber popular Owner of a Lonely Heart or don't know much about the band, our examination will peel back some layers and appreciate this special group.

Prior to 1988, Metallica hadn't made a video for MTV & couldn't get on rock radio.  The release of One changed that but it was the release of 1991's Metallica (The Black Album) that forever changed their fate & fortunes.  With 5 hit singles & a 2.5 year worldwide tour, Metallica usurped Guns n Roses as the biggest band in the world and never looked back.  We recall seeing them on that tour, our memories of the album and what it means to us today.

Before The Joshua Tree, U2 were upstart heroes looking to conquer, and make a difference in, the world.  Thanks to some amazing songs, brilliant production and constant promotion by MTV, this album skyrocketed them to superstar status and gave them the platform to not only branch out into other forms of music but allow them to have a positive impact around the globe.

In 1989, The Rolling Stones hadn't toured for 8 years, they're past few records didn't sell well and Mick & Keith were fighting and releasing solo records. But Steel Wheels put the Stones back on top of the world, set them up for an enormous tour and gave them the chance to continue their careers for several more decades.  We talk all about it this week on the Wolf!

By 1976, The Eagles had sold millions of records and done successful tours. But lineup changes, infighting and the pressures of being a big rock band were starting to weigh on the band. From that, they released Greatest Hits Vol 1 which went on to become the biggest selling album of all-time and Hotel California, their greatest triumph as a hard rock band.

Iron Maiden has earned their place in the pantheons of hard rock & heavy metal.  Their 1985 live album, Live After Death, from the 190 date World Slavery Tour is a great souvenir from a moment in time.  The Wolf & Action Jackson honor the band, pay tribute to the record and hope there's a day when they can see them play live again soon.  Up the Irons!!