Search a title or topic

Over 20 million podcasts, powered by 

Player FM logo

Shawn Ratches Podcasts

show episodes
 
Artwork
 
Hi welcome to Laughingmonkeymusic a show that explores all genres of music. As someone with autism, I bring a unique perspective to my interviews, aiming to create an authentic and engaging experience for both artists and listeners.Thanks for listening!
  continue reading
 
Loading …
show series
 
This episode features three Bay Area and UK extreme-metal mainstays in one conversation: Venom Inc.’s Tony “Demolition Man” Dolan (bass and lead vocals) alongside Vio-lence frontman Sean Killian (lead vocals) and Forbidden guitarist Craig Locicero. It is a candid, musician-to-musician discussion about longevity, staying dangerous creatively, and wh…
  continue reading
 
In this rare and deeply personal interview, we have the privilege of speaking with Fish, the legendary former lead vocalist of Marillion, who opens up about his remarkable journey through music. From his pivotal role in Marillion’s rise to fame in the 1980s to his successful solo career, Fish shares untold stories, reflecting on the moments that sh…
  continue reading
 
n this captivating and candid episode, Stephen Gibb takes us through his unique and transformative musical journey, from his early days as a roadie to becoming an accomplished musician in his own right. Stephen reflects on his fascinating start working for the Bee Gees, where he initially served as a roadie before eventually joining the legendary b…
  continue reading
 
In this exclusive episode, legendary guitarist Frank Marino sits down to discuss his illustrious career, offering rare insights into the music and the journey that has defined his legendary status in rock and blues. Frank opens up about his unique guitar tone, the techniques and influences that shaped his sound, and how he’s perfected it over decad…
  continue reading
 
Marzi Montazeri is a Texas-based guitarist, songwriter, producer, and engineer whose career has unfolded at the intersection of southern metal, hardcore, thrash, and extreme underground music. Known for his uncompromising tone and raw creative approach, Montazeri has spent decades shaping heavy music both onstage and behind the console, earning res…
  continue reading
 
Katrina and the Waves emerged in the early 1980s as a rootsy, guitar-driven pop-rock band that blended new wave energy with classic rock and soul influences. The group was formed in 1981, with its most recognizable lineup consisting of Katrina Leskanich (lead vocals), Kimberley Rew (guitar and primary songwriter), Alex Cooper (drums), and Vince de …
  continue reading
 
White Trash was a 1990s American rock band fronted by singer and songwriter David Alvin, operating firmly in the blue-collar, no-frills rock tradition that thrived outside the alternative and grunge mainstream of the decade. The band focused on straightforward, song-driven rock rooted in everyday themes, favoring live performance and regional circu…
  continue reading
 
In this candid and revealing episode, Michael Monroe, the legendary frontman of Hanoi Rocks, dives deep into the current status of the band, offering fans an update on whether the iconic group will reunite or continue to stay in the past. Monroe talks about his evolving solo career, sharing insights into his latest solo projects, new music, and wha…
  continue reading
 
In this raw and captivating episode, we sit down with the legendary Andy McCoy, guitarist of Hanoi Rocks and A.M. Band, for an unfiltered conversation that spans his storied career in rock 'n' roll. Andy opens up about his latest creative pursuits, including his passion for painting, offering a glimpse into the artistic side of a man whose legacy h…
  continue reading
 
In this episode, Steve Gorman, the drummer of the legendary Black Crowes, delves into his memoir *Hard to Handle*, offering a candid and sometimes humorous look at his time with one of the most influential rock bands of the '90s. Gorman shares behind-the-scenes stories, from the band's rise to fame, their musical journey, and the tension that event…
  continue reading
 
In this captivating episode, Prince Stash, an insider with a unique perspective on rock history, takes the stage to correct the inaccuracies presented in the documentary *Catching Fire*, which explores the life of the iconic Anita Pallenberg. Known for her deep ties to the Rolling Stones and her relationship with Brian Jones, Anita has been the sub…
  continue reading
 
In this quick but insightful clip, Sonia Anubis reveals the reasons behind her departure from Burning Witches and her exciting move to Cobra Spell. She shares what motivated her to make the change, what attracted her to Cobra Spell, and how this new chapter is shaping her musical journey. Get a glimpse into Sonia’s decision-making process and what …
  continue reading
 
Steve Albini (1962-2024) was an influential American musician, audio engineer, and record producer known for his work with groundbreaking bands and his distinctive recording style. Born in Pasadena, California, and raised in Montana, Albini became involved in the punk rock scene as a teenager before studying journalism at Northwestern University. T…
  continue reading
 
In this compelling and in-depth episode, Rob Affuso, the legendary drummer of Skid Row, offers a fascinating look into his career, his time with one of the most influential hard rock bands of the 80s and 90s, and his complex yet unforgettable relationship with former frontman Sebastian Bach. Rob reflects on the early days of Skid Row and the incred…
  continue reading
 
In this rare and exclusive interview, Greg Steele, former guitarist of Faster Pussycat, takes us through the band’s history and offers rare insights into the making of their first three albums. He discusses the formation of the band, the struggles, and triumphs they faced during their journey in the gritty '80s and '90s rock scene. We dive into the…
  continue reading
 
Dylan Carlson is an American guitarist, composer, and producer best known as the founder and sole constant member of Earth, one of the most influential bands in experimental heavy music. Formed in Seattle in 1989, Earth helped define drone metal, emphasizing sustained tones, repetition, minimalism, and immense weight through restraint rather than s…
  continue reading
 
Jerry Shirley is a founding member and the rhythmic backbone of Humble Pie, one of the most influential British rock bands to emerge from the late 1960s. Formed in 1969 by Steve Marriott (Small Faces), Peter Frampton, Greg Ridley, and Shirley, Humble Pie blended hard rock, blues, soul, and boogie into a powerful, unpretentious sound that helped def…
  continue reading
 
Spike (Jonathan Gray) is the unmistakable voice and frontman of The Quireboys, one of Britain’s most enduring and characterful rock ’n’ roll bands. Formed in London in the mid-1980s, The Quireboys emerged from the same gritty pub-rock and glam-soaked scene that fed bands like Hanoi Rocks and The Dogs D’Amour, blending classic Rolling Stones swagger…
  continue reading
 
n this episode, I sit down with one of doom’s most influential voices, Scott “Wino” Weinrich, along with his wife and creative partner Sharlee, for an in-depth conversation covering everything they have happening right now and what’s coming next.We dive into The Obsessed's past & ongoing current tour in 2026, how the band is performing, what fans c…
  continue reading
 
Albert Bouchard isn’t just a drummer — he’s one of the core architects behind Blue Öyster Cult’s most influential era, a songwriter whose creative fingerprints shaped the band’s identity. As a founding member, Albert helped steer BÖC from underground New York rock circles into one of the most inventive hard-rock bands of the 1970s and early ’80s. H…
  continue reading
 
In this deep dive conversation with Dweezil Zappa, we explore the creative journey behind his album Via Zammata, one of the most personal and stylistically adventurous projects of his career. Dweezil walks through the origins of the record, the stories behind key songs, and how the music reflects both his own artistic evolution and the influence of…
  continue reading
 
Steve Katz is an American guitarist, singer, songwriter, and producer whose career runs through some of the most important corners of 1960s and 1970s rock. Growing up in New York, he gravitated to the Greenwich Village folk scene as a teenager, learning from major figures in the acoustic blues and folk world. That grounding in traditional music gav…
  continue reading
 
ohn McEuen is a Grammy-winning multi-instrumentalist, producer, author, and a founding member of the legendary Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, a group that helped bridge bluegrass, folk, and country-rock for mainstream audiences starting in the 1960s. Over a career spanning more than six decades, he has performed thousands of shows, contributed to dozens o…
  continue reading
 
dUg Pinnick remains one of the most distinctive voices in modern rock and metal, and in this conversation we dig into both his creative present and his long, winding history. We open with his newest work — a brand-new solo album that he’s just wrapped — and the candid way he describes the vibe behind it. Pinnick talks about chasing raw energy, lean…
  continue reading
 
In this episode we dive into an inspiring and wide-ranging conversation with John Elder Robison, exploring how music and autism intersect in his world. We talk about the ways autistic people experience sound, creativity, patterns, and emotional expression, and how today’s understanding of autism has expanded far beyond old stereotypes. From sensory…
  continue reading
 
Acid King formed in San Francisco in 1993, led by guitarist and vocalist Lori S. along with bassist Peter Lucas and drummer Joey Osbourne. Their name was inspired by Ricky Kasso — the real-life “Acid King” from the book Say You Love Satan — and it perfectly captured the band’s otherworldly, doom-laden sound. From the start, they stood out in the un…
  continue reading
 
In this episode, Dweezil Zappa returns to talk about his groundbreaking album Automatic, a record that showcases his evolution as a guitarist, composer, and producer. The album dives deep into modern instrumental rock, blending fierce technical skill with melodic and emotional precision.Dweezil discusses the creative process behind Automatic — how …
  continue reading
 
Rock legend Angry Anderson of Rose Tattoo joins Laughingmonkeymusic to talk about his powerful new single “Hard Road” and what fans can expect from the band’s upcoming 2026 tour. Known for his raw energy, unmistakable voice, and hard-hitting attitude, Angry reflects on his decades in rock and the drive that keeps him going strong today.We also talk…
  continue reading
 
Dweezil Zappa joins Laughingmonkeymusic for a deep dive into one of his most iconic works — “My Guitar Wants to Kill Your Mama.” In this episode, Dweezil breaks down the song’s origins, its connection to his father Frank Zappa’s legacy, and how he reimagined it for a new generation of guitar fans.From tone and technique to songwriting and productio…
  continue reading
 
Bill Fisher has carved a fascinating path through modern rock and prog. Based in Nottingham, he first caught attention leading Church of the Cosmic Skull, the seven-piece band known for its lush harmonies, cosmic themes, and a theatrical mix of heavy riffs and vintage melodies. The band’s blend of progressive rock and psychedelic soul quickly earne…
  continue reading
 
Michael Sweet, frontman of Stryper, returns with a full slate of new music. The band’s upcoming Christmas album The Greatest Gift Of All blends classic holiday songs with original tracks in true Stryper style — heavy guitars, harmony vocals, and messages of hope and faith. It’s a bold take on Christmas music from one of rock’s most enduring and fai…
  continue reading
 
adventurous streak led her to a new path that would shape her life.In 1995, at just 19, she joined The Dandy Warhols in Portland, Oregon, despite having minimal formal music training. Her bold personality and willingness to learn made her an essential part of the band, evolving from keyboardist to a full-fledged multi-instrumentalist handling bass,…
  continue reading
 
lKory Clarke is best known as the outspoken frontman and creative force behind Warrior Soul, the politically charged, no-filter hard rock band that rose from New York City’s underground in the late ’80s. Clarke’s mission from the start was clear: shake the system and wake the people.Blending punk attitude with metal power, Clarke led Warrior Soul t…
  continue reading
 
Dave Lee — founder of Signal Snowboards and creator of Cardboard Sessions — has turned a wild idea into a full-blown creative movement. What began as experiments in building snowboards and skateboards out of cardboard with Ernest Packaging evolved into playable guitars, basses, and drum kits. The result is Cardboard Sessions, a YouTube series where…
  continue reading
 
Asaf Avidan joins us to talk about his brand-new album Unfurl, diving deep into the music, stories, and emotions behind the release. Known for his unmistakable voice and poetic songwriting, Asaf continues to push creative boundaries with a sound that blends raw honesty and cinematic atmosphere.Born in Jerusalem, Avidan first rose to fame with Asaf …
  continue reading
 
John Haughm remains a big creative part of Agalloch, but in recent years he has also carved a singular path as a solo artist. His solo work explores ambient, experimental, folk, and spectral textures — often using minimalist instrumentation, field recordings, and layered atmospherics. You can find his releases, old and new, on his Bandcamp page: ha…
  continue reading
 
Uli Jon Roth is a German guitarist, composer, and visionary best known for his groundbreaking work with the Scorpions in the 1970s and for pioneering a neo-classical approach to rock guitar. Born on December 18, 1954, in Düsseldorf, Germany, Roth joined the Scorpions in 1973, helping shape their early sound on albums such as Fly to the Rainbow (197…
  continue reading
 
Dweezil Zappa was born on September 5, 1969, in Los Angeles, California, the son of legendary musician and composer Frank Zappa and Gail Zappa. Growing up in one of the most creatively charged households in rock history, Dweezil was surrounded by instruments, recording sessions, and a constant stream of innovative artists visiting the family home. …
  continue reading
 
Geoff Tate emerged from the Seattle music scene in the early 1980s, co-founding Queensrÿche in 1982. His dynamic tenor voice and dramatic delivery quickly set him apart, helping the band stand out in the rising heavy metal landscape. Their self-titled debut EP gained international traction and laid the foundation for a career built on ambitious, th…
  continue reading
 
In this episode, we dive into the story of The O’Reillys and the Paddyhats, the German folk-punk powerhouse that blends Celtic tradition with rock energy. From their beginnings as a small duo to becoming festival favorites across Europe, the band’s history is filled with passion, reinvention, and a love for music that gets crowds moving. We explore…
  continue reading
 
Steph Paynes & Lez ZeppelinSteph Paynes is the visionary guitarist and founder of Lez Zeppelin, the all-female powerhouse that has redefined what a tribute band can be. More than just a faithful recreation, Lez Zeppelin brings the spirit, swagger, and intensity of Led Zeppelin’s music into a new light, guided by Paynes’ fiery guitar work and her de…
  continue reading
 
Dweezil Zappa – Go With What You KnowDweezil Zappa, the son of legendary composer and guitarist Frank Zappa, has carved out his own path as a musician, producer, and guitarist with a distinctive voice. Known for his virtuosic guitar playing and wide-ranging musical tastes, Dweezil blends elements of rock, jazz, funk, and experimental textures, alwa…
  continue reading
 
Loading …
Copyright 2026 | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | | Copyright
Listen to this show while you explore
Play