This episode of Seeing Them Live features an in-depth and in-person conversation with Ray the Roadie and Hollywood Mike, hosts of the Rock and Roll Chicago podcast. Joined by producer and co-host Doug Florzak, the episode was recorded inside the Illinois Rock and Roll Museum on Route 66 in downtown Joliet, Illinois, where the Rock and Roll Chicago podcast is also recorded. 

The Rock and Roll Chicago podcast provides a platform for bands and musicians from the Chicago area, delving into the history of rock and roll in Chicago and Illinois, the current scene, and the challenges and opportunities for musicians today. Mike and Ray share humorous anecdotes, such as Mike jokingly proposing ‘The Procrastinators’ as a name for his next punk band, and Mike mentioning his varied musical activities, including performing with bands like Cadillac Groove and Mike and the Stillmasters, and his solo work. Mike also uncovers a rich musical heritage after meeting a cousin who fronts a Zydeco band in Louisiana, leading him to discover his extended family’s significant contributions to various facets of the entertainment industry. 

Ray recounts his multifaceted career journey, involving roadie work, being a firefighter for 28 years, and later diving back into music and podcasting post-retirement. Personal anecdotes include Ray’s memories of his first concert, seeing Chicago Transit Authority, and his best concert experience with ZZ Top, where he enjoyed backstage access and partied with the band. 

Mike fondly recalls his first concert, a Billy Squire show with Def Leppard as the opener, and his best concert experience, which was a transformative Buddy Guy performance that inspired him to become a musician. The episode concludes with Ray and Mike previewing their plans for upcoming podcast episodes and discussing the Illinois Rock and Roll Museum’s ongoing development and various exhibits, including guitars from Buddy Guy, and its status as a non-profit organization reliant on donations and memberships for support.

BANDS: 4 Non-Blondes, Alison Krauss, Billy Joel, Billy Squire, Buddy Guy, Cadillac Groove, Def Leppard, Flat Cats, Iron Maiden, Joker, Led Zeppelin, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Mabel’s, Mike and the Still Masters, Outlaws, Rage Against A Machine, REO Speedwagon, REM, Robert Plant, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Train, Vulgar Boatmen, Wrought Iron Soul, ZZ Top.

VENUES:  Alpine Valley, Chicago Theater, El Macomber, Illinois Rock and Roll Museum, Illinois Rock and Roll Museum on Route 66, International Amphitheater, Mabel’s, Ravinia, Rialto Square Theater, Rosemount Horizon, Route 66, Taste of Westmont, The Amphitheater, The Flat Cats, The Forge, The Riviera Theater.

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