SEASON 2
S02E18 – Our Winding Path to the Liar’s Club
In this special field episode of 'Seeing Them Live,' Charles and Doug head to The Liars Club in Chicago to catch performances by Soraia, Tara Who? and Ricky Liontones. They trace their journey toward discovering Soraia in S01E01 with Dawn Fontaine, who shares how Soraia's music impacted her life. The show includes an interview with Zuzu Mansour, lead singer of Soraia, and chats with fans, capturing the vibe of the venue and the night's lineup changes. Listen in for live music insights, fan experiences, and behind-the-scenes moments from the concert.
S02E17 – Bowie to Batman: Ken’s Journey as a Concert Fan and Comic
In this episode of 'Seeing Them Live,' comedian and former punk rocker Ken Reid shares his evolution from 90s punk bands to comedy stardom, featuring memorable concert experiences like Aerosmith and David Bowie. Dive into tales of intense punk shows, iconic bands like Black Sabbath, and why Cesar Romero’s portrayal of the Joker in the original Batman series is underrated. Ken highlights his 'TV Guidance Counselor' podcast, blending rock 'n' roll stories with nostalgic TV moments, while exploring recording albums and hosting renowned musicians and comedians.
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S02E16 – Tossed by Sharon: Rudy’s Ozzy Encounter
In this episode of 'Seeing Them Live,' Charles interviews Rudy Childs, a renowned documentary filmmaker and rock photographer. Rudy shares captivating stories from his career, including photographing legendary bands like Van Halen and Black Sabbath. He reflects on attending iconic concerts, such as the 1976 Aerosmith show at the Boston Garden, and recounts his strategies for sneaking cameras into venues. Rudy discusses his documentary work, including 'The Dogmatics' and '1984 Riding into Hell.' He also opens up about his early struggles with drugs and his encounter with Sharon Osbourne when she threw him out of Ozzy’s dressing room at an Ozzy Osbourne concert. Rudy's tales offer a fascinating glimpse into his journey through music, photography, and documentary filmmaking.
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S02E15 – From High Hopes to Chaos: Eric & Scott at Jane’s Addiction
In this special episode of Seeing Them Live: After Show Report, host Charles welcomes back Eric Green and Scott Patrick Wiener. Eric, an award-winning filmmaker and blogger, and Scott, an artist and art teacher, recount their recent experience at the controversial Jane's Addiction concert in Boston where they both had press passes. The discussion covers their long-time friendship, their mutual love for the band, and the chaos that ensued when vocalist Perry Farrell attacked guitarist Dave Navarro during the performance. The episode delves into the band's dynamics, the quality of the show, and the personal significance of the event for Eric and Scott. Additionally, they touch on highlights like the setlist, including rare performances, and the aftermath of the incident as it spread on social media and news outlets. The conversation provides a detailed and personal perspective on a night that was both magical and tumultuous.
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S02E14 – Scott’s First Concert with Pearl, Peppers, and Pumpkins
In this episode of "Seeing Them Live," host Charles interviews Scott Patrick Weiner, an artist, skateboarder, and middle school art teacher, about his extensive and eclectic live music experiences. Scott shares vivid memories of his first concert at age 14, seeing the Red Hot Chili Peppers at Boston University's Walter Brown Arena with opening acts Pearl Jam and Smashing Pumpkins. He highlights other significant shows, including Ministry at Lollapalooza '92 and various local hardcore bands, explaining how live music formed a big part of his life. Scott also talks about the emotional impact of seeing Mogwai live in 2019 and a touching living room concert by Wussy, attended with his young daughter. Throughout the conversation, Scott underscores the importance of music communities and the profound influence of live music on his life.
S02E13 – Jim Sees a Bad Prince Show
In this episode, Charles and Doug are joined by Jim the Podcast Sherpa, host of Too Many Podcasts, a show dedicated to exploring the vast world of podcasts. The trio discusses Jim’s concert experiences, starting with his first and most memorable concert—The Police at Madison Square Garden in 1980 during their Zenyatta Mondatta tour. Jim shares how the energy of the crowd and the electrifying performance left a lasting impression on him as a teenager, setting the bar high for future concerts. They also touch on Jim's other notable concert experiences, including seeing Tina Turner’s energetic comeback performance in 1984, a controversial Elton John concert, and multiple Billy Joel shows, highlighting the unique qualities that make each of these performances stand out in his memory. As the conversation unfolds, Jim recounts a humorous incident at a Joan Jett concert where he and his friends played a prank involving "pre-concert mooing," and another unexpected experience at a Samantha Fox show where his choice of headwear led to an amusing situation. Throughout the episode, the hosts and Jim reflect on how live performances not only create unforgettable memories but also showcase the evolving journeys of artists, making each concert a unique experience.
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S02E12 – From V66 to Lollapalooza: Eric’s Concert Adventures
In this episode of 'Seeing Them Live,' host Charles interviews Eric Green, an award-winning writer, director, and producer. Eric shares his concert experiences, including his first concert with Debbie Gibson and memorable moments from festivals like Lollapalooza. They discuss influential shows by Green Day, Aerosmith, and unique incidents at concerts with Hole and Primus. Eric also talks about his documentary 'Life on the V' which explores the story of the short-lived Boston music video TV station V66 and its significance in capturing the essence of a local music video TV station. The discussion highlights Eric's passion for music, movies, and his unique perspective as a concert reviewer.
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S02E11 – From Poison to Gothic Cruises: Amy’s Musical Voyage
In this episode of 'Seeing Them Live,' the host welcomes Amy Hill, a passionate nurse, and avid live music fan. They reminisce about their initial meeting at a bar before a Jonathan Van Ness show in Chicago and delve into Amy's extensive history with concerts. A particular highlight is Amy’s unique experiences on Gothic cruises, where she has attended multiple sailings featuring bands like Combichrist and the Gothsicles. Amy vividly describes the intimate and energetic atmosphere on these cruises, her interactions with the bands, and the strong sense of community that develops among the attendees. The conversation underscores the emotional and communal aspects of live music, including how these experiences have created lasting friendships and unforgettable memories.
S02E10 – Stephen’s Music Video Tales
In this episode of 'Seeing Them Live,' hosts interview Stephen Pitalo, a music video historian and creator of the Music Video Time Machine website. The discussion kicks off with Stephen reminiscing about his first concert experience at a Ratt show in 1985, featuring Bon Jovi as the opening act. They delve into Stephen's extensive career in music journalism, his interviews with iconic music video directors, and his ongoing book project that aims to document the golden age of music videos, which he defines as spanning from 1976 to 1994. The episode also highlights Stephen's work at Serino Coyne Incorporated, producing radio commercials with notable talent, and his experiences in the music industry, including playing in a punk band and hosting music video dance parties.
VIDEOS:
MTV 40th Anniversary Panel:
VH1′s “Name That Video” Game Show:
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S02E09 – McCartney Throws Paul a Pack of Cigarettes
In this episode, Charles welcomes Paul Peterson, a retired technology manager and avid audiophile, who is the creator, host, and producer of the podcast "An Avid Listener.” The conversation spans Paul's extensive history with live music, starting with his first concert, The Doors, in 1969 at the Auditorium Theater in Chicago. Paul shares vivid memories of live performances, emphasizing the significance of concert acoustics and reminiscing about iconic shows, including those by Deep Purple, Pink Floyd, and Paul McCartney & Wings. He recounts fascinating stories, such as a failed hitchhiking trip to Woodstock and an unusual souvenir from a Wings concert. The discussion also touches on Paul's home audio setup and the nuances of vinyl versus digital formats. Towards the end, Paul talks about the future of his podcast amid changes in Spotify’s platform.
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S02E08 – Bono Loses His Voice – A Ticket Stub Story
In this episode of 'Seeing Them Live,' host Charles Zona dives into a special segment called Ticket Stub Stories, sharing memories from his book, Ticket Stub Stories: A Memoir of Live Music. Charles recounts his experience attending a U2 concert in 1985 at the UIC Pavilion, highlighting a moment when Bono lost his voice. The story weaves through the unique perks of being a UIC student, the thrill of live concerts, and the meticulous process of fact-checking memories with actual recordings. Tune in to relive this historic concert and be inspired to share your own concert stories.
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S02E07 – ZouZou Mansour and the Music of Soraia
In this episode, hosts Charles and Doug engage with ZouZou Mansour, the dynamic lead singer of the Philadelphia-based band Soraia. Soraia has opened for major bands like Joan Jet and Jon Bon Jovi. ZouZou reflects on her earliest concert experiences, including how seeing Hall and Oates and Iggy Pop significantly shaped her musical path. The conversation explores Soraia’s discography, their fan interactions, and their collaboration with major artists like Steven Van Zandt and Jon Bon Jovi. Additionally, listeners get tantalizing details about the band’s upcoming vinyl re-release of 'Shed the Skin,' their social media presence, and upcoming shows.
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S02E06 – Mad Meg and the Prison Concert
In this episode of "Seeing Them Live," Charles and Doug host members of the New York City band Mad Meg—vocalist Ilya Popenko, Dan Vexler, Jason Laney, and Igor Reznik. The discussion delves into the band's origins within New York's Russian-speaking community and their diverse musical influences. They share stories about their concert experiences, notably a unique performance at a women's correctional facility in Lithuania, and highlight the energy of their live shows. Additionally, they explore Ilya's filmmaking ventures, including his animated music videos and a documentary on the antifolk scene in New York. The episode provides an in-depth look at Mad Meg's creative process and the synergy between their music and visual artistry.
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S02E05 – The World’s Youngest Concert Photographer
This episode features an engaging conversation with Barry and his daughter Emma, highlighting Emma's extraordinary journey as the world's youngest concert photographer. At just eight years old, Emma has already photographed several prominent bands and artists, thanks to the mentorship of her father Barry, a seasoned freelance photographer who began his career in 1997, working for JAM TV. Barry has a rich history in photography, contributing to notable publications such as the Rolling Stone Network, Rollingstone.com, Forbes magazine and wire services like Getty Images and the Associated Press. The podcast delves into Emma's first concert experiences, her progression from using a Polaroid to a professional-grade camera, and the unique souvenirs she's collected along the way, showcasing her growing passion for music and photography. Emma and Barry also provide listeners with some tips for photographing your favorite bands.
S02E04 – Rick Almost Meets Bob Dylan
Charles has an in-depth conversation with Rick Onstop who hosts the Rock Talk Studio podcast. Rick is a seasoned veteran of the music industry with a rich history in music distribution, blogging, and podcasting. Rick shares his journey from working in a record store in Hollywood, experiencing in-store appearances by big names like Bruce Springsteen, Alice Cooper, Patrick Swayze and Itzhak Perlman, to attending iconic concerts, including an unforgettable KISS concert at the young age of 14. Rick’s deep-rooted connections within the music scene unfold as he describes his personal encounters with music legends and one near encounter with Bob Dylan.
S02E03 – L7 Gives Steve Their Drumsticks
This episode features an engaging conversation with our guest, Steve Pothel. Steve, an accountant with a deep passion for live music, shares a series of captivating stories that highlight his experiences attending various concerts over the years. Initially mentioned in Charles' book, "Ticket Stub Stories, A Memoir of Live Music," Steve's anecdotes cover a wide range of memorable moments from his first concerts in 1992, including shows by The Cure, artists at Lollapalooza, and U2’s Zoo TV tour, to later events like seeing L7 and the Psychedelic Furs. Throughout the episode, Steve, Charles, and Douglas delve into the nuances of live performances, the significance of certain venues, and the personal connections they’ve made through music. Additionally, discussions about Steve’s transition to DJing, his encounters with bands like Monster Magnet and L7, and reflections on the impact of the late Mars Williams of the Psychedelic Furs. The candid dialogue not only encapsulates the vibrant live music scene from the 1990s to the present but also touches on their evolving tastes and the legacy of the artists who’ve shaped their musical landscape.
Tinley Park, IL, Music Theater
During our interview with Steve, we discussed the many names the Tinley Park Music Theater has had over the years. This article chronicles the history of this venue’s names.
SOURCE: All The Names The Tinley Park Amphitheater Has Been Called (tinleyparkmom.com)
Other Names: World Music Theatre, New World Music Theater, Tweeter Center, First Midwest Bank Amphitheater, Hollywood Casino Amphitheater.
S02E02 – George Michael Sings to Jessica
In this episode of Seeing Them Live, Charles and Doug host Jessica Catena, a seasoned podcaster and avid concert-goer. Jessica shares her musical journey, offering in-depth stories from live music events and shares the inspiration behind starting her podcast. Discussions include her first concert featuring George Michael, navigating concerts during unpredictable weather, and her most surprising concert experiences, including Lady Gaga and the Global Citizen's concert. Jessica also reflects on missed opportunities to see performances, such as the Nashville TV series cast, and explores the intriguing realm of misheard lyrics, including a notable Iggy Pop song. The interview concludes with Jessica’s plans for upcoming podcast episodes and her passion for connecting people through music.
S02E01 – Dawn Talks About the Healing Power of Live Music
Dawn shares her deep connection with music and how it served as therapy during challenging times. Her journey began with Soraia, a band she discovered at a Joan Jett show. Dawn describes how Soraia's music helped her overcome grief and depression after a personal loss. She expresses how live music and interacting with the bands and fellow fans revitalized her and enabled her to live life to the fullest, attending over 150 concerts and seeing Soraia 26 times, while also meeting significant artists such as Stephen Van Zandt. PLEASE NOTE: This episode includes a frank discussion about depression and suicide. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or chat 988lifeline.org.
SEASON 1
S01E10 – Dave Matthews Rescues Pauline
For the final episode in our first season of "Seeing Them Live," Charles welcomes Pauline Zidanek, an educational leader, professional learning designer, and Concert Mom, who shares her memorable concert stories. The focus is on Pauline's first concert, featuring Dave Matthews, a momentous experience that set the tone for her love of live music. The podcast delves into the serendipitous circumstances surrounding how Pauline ended up at the concert, and how Dave Matthews himself rescued her from fans who pushed their way in front of her and her friend at a backstage encounter.
S01E09 – The Ticket Stub Master
In this episode of "Seeing Them Live", Charles welcomes Andy, an avid concert-goer, to share his memorable live music experiences. Andy recounts a particularly chaotic Grateful Dead show, revealing the unexpected circumstances that led him to walk away from a second-row ticket. The conversation explores Andy's extensive ticket stub collection and the sentimental value he attaches to physical tickets. The hosts delve into Andy's concert history, discussing his first show and exploring the unique social protocols at Grateful Dead concerts. The episode concludes with reflections on the evolving landscape of ticketing.
S01E08 – London’s Notorious Gig Master
Roger has been interviewed by Vice News, The Guardian, and CBC Radio Canada. He is a retired car mechanic in his 70s with the energy of a 20-year-old, who embarked on an extraordinary journey to experience live music. Notably, he holds a personal record for attending the most consecutive gigs at over 725 nights. He also has a personal record for the most gigs in one night, a staggering 6 gigs at 6 different venues across London on a single evening. With his distinctive ornate military jacket adorned with badges. Roger has become an icon in London's live music scene. This earned him the affectionate name, “The Gig Slut,” from Debbie Smith of the band Blindness. Roger's dedication to live music goes beyond mere attendance. He meticulously plans his evenings, documenting exact timings and schedules for every gig in a book he calls “The Book of Bands.” If there's anyone who embodies the spirit and passion of the Seeing Them Live podcast, it's Roger Mairlot.
S01E07 – Queen’s Concert Eggstravaganza
In this episode, Doug recounts a wild Queen concert in Chicago where fans bombarded Freddie and the band with eggs, transforming a moment of chaos into an unforgettable performance. He shares the hilarious tale of convincing his reluctant wife to attend a Smithereens concert, only to be caught in a sudden downpour, drenching them both. Doug's passion for collecting concert ticket stubs and his cherished Heart concert T-shirt from a 1976 Auditorium Theater performance offer touching glimpses into the past. With a musician's perspective, he delves into how he views concerts he attends and provides an amusing glimpse into the pressure musicians feel when the tables are turned, and fellow musicians are in the audience.
Fansite article about the January 28, 1977 Queen Concert.
queenlive.ca/queen/77-01-28.htm
S01E04 – The Concert Mom
Heidi starts her journey with her first concert experience in 1976 with the Eagles. This began her role as the "Concert Mom". Heidi describes fascinating tales of music and the special bond that comes from attending live music including what happens when a food fight breaks out at a concert involving her and the group of kids with her.
Pink Floyd Concert at Soldier Field, Chicago. June 19, 1977.
CHARLES: “I’ve read accounts from interviews and such with Roger Waters. He always believed that the promoter oversold the concert by 30,000 tickets. So, the capacity of all the other concerts in that Super Bowl of Rock was 65,000. And he claims that they sold 95,000 tickets and he even took an aerial photograph, the band had an aerial photographer photograph the crowd, which that picture is on Reddit.”
Cigarette signed by Dennis Wilson in 1965 (Courtesy of Todd Sherlock) – Click for larger image.
S01E01 – Singing Onstage with Steppenwolf While Dripping Wet
Tom describes some wild experiences from his concert going youth including the time he swam up to a stage and sang with John Kay of Steppenwolf while dripping wet, sliding down the hills of Tinley Park's World Theater during a rainstorm, and getting put in the World Theater's "jail" at two different concerts. During the interview, you'll find out why Tom always tried to buy one extra ticket for any concert he attended.
Watch the 2nd half of our interview with Tom Fitzer where Tom talks about getting detained (yes, again!) at the Tinley Park World Music Theatre after playing slip and slide at a Balck Crows/Jimmy Page concert.
Tinley Park, IL, Music Theater
SOURCE: All The Names The Tinley Park Amphitheater Has Been Called (tinleyparkmom.com)
Other Names: World Music Theatre, New World Music Theater, Tweeter Center, First Midwest Bank Amphitheater, Hollywood Casino Amphitheater.
Eyes to the Skys Hot Balloon and Music Festival in Lisle, IL.
SOURCE: Naperville Magazine: 18301652_1348323381915844_5783319903119358618_n.jpg (960×540) (napervillemagazine.com)
The Black Crowes with Jimmy Page, A Concert Review by Entertainment Ave!
June 24, 2000, The New World Theater, Tinley Park, IL
SetList.com: Aerosmith Set List, Tinley Park, IL, May 23, 1999