Rainbow : "Gates of Babylon"
This week, we break format: our weekly one-man encyclopedia of rock and metal (and the author of 138 books) Martin Popoff spends time in the guest chair talking to Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel about Rainbow's "Gates of Babylon". Producer Jay Ruston also talks about the production on this song by the great Martin Birch. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
21 Juli 51min
Iron Maiden : "The Wicker Man" (with Chris Jericho)
In this extended episode, Wrestling Champion / Actor / Musician / Podcaster CHRIS JERICHO joins Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel to discuss the Iron Maiden song "The Wicker Man" and its importance in the history of the band, establishing the "comeback era" after Bruce and Adrian returned to the band. Brian also talks about the production of the song with Mark Lewis and author Martin Popoff provides some historical context to the release of the song. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
14 Juli 58min
Blue Oyster Cult - "Fire of Unknown Origin"
Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel is joined by Blue Oyster Cult founding member Albert Bouchard to discuss working with producer Martin Birch, their song "Fire of Unknown Origin" and the record of the same name, which includes the mega-hit "Burnin' for You". Brian also discusses production with Jay Ruston and author Martin Popoff puts the song into the historical context of its release in 1981. For more on Albert Bouchard, be sure to go to albertbouchard.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
7 Juli 46min
Alice Cooper - "Halo of Flies"
Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel is joined by Rock n Roll Hall of Famer and the bassist in the original Alice Cooper group, Dennis Dunaway, to discuss past and present collaborations with Alice, especially the band's epic song "Halo of Flies". Jay Ruston talks about the production on the song and author Martin Popoff puts it in its historical context. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
30 Juni 58min
Riot - "Swords & Tequilia"
Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel discusses Riot's "Swords & Tequilia" with television and film writer-producer Brian Koppelman and music producer Mark Lewis. As always, author Martin Popoff puts the song into its historical context. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
23 Juni 54min
Kiss: "War Machine"
Continuing our conversations recorded at the Rock N Pod Expo in Nashville, comedian Courtney Cronin joins Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel to discuss the Kiss song "War Machine". Brian also discusses the song with producer Jay Ruston, and as always, author Martin Popoff puts the song into context of its release in 1982. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
21 Juni 40min
Motorhead: "Overkill"
Comedian Don Jaimeson is back to discuss Motorhead's "Overkill" with Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel, who also discusses the production of the song with producer Mark Lewis. As always, author Martin Popoff gives us some historical perspective on the song. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
16 Juni 38min
Anthrax - "Only"
In our final installment recorded at the 2025 Rock n Pod Expo in Nashville, comedian Craig Gass returns to the show to talk to Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel about a somewhat controversial Anthrax song, "Only", which was their first single released with John Busch on vocals. Jay Ruston discusses the production of the song, and, as always, author Martin Popoff provides historical analysis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
16 Juni 38min
