Famous Lost Words

This week, part three of our celebration of ‘70s rock! Our previous two episodes consisted of interviews that, for the most part, had not been heard on our show before.  But we realized that there were also a number of artists that people were asking about… like Aerosmith, Heart, April Wine… and to the chagrin of Christopher and the joy of Tom… KISS!What we’re going to do is take highlights from those previous episodes and play the best parts. And we’ll tell you where you can find the original interviews.  It’s a continuation of the ‘70s rock series but almost like a greatest hits package.Included in this episode is the brutal rivalry between Aersomith and KISS, which at times got pretty ugly.  Plus we have Steve Miller from his heyday and Tom Petty from around the time of his breakout album, Damn The Torpedoes. Lost Words, hosted by Christopher Ward and Tom Jokic, is heard in more than 100 countries worldwide and on radio stations across Canad

          We start this episode with Tom telling the story of how he almost got fired from his job – and how it almost meant the end of Famous Lost Words before it even started! Then we continue with our series on ‘70s Rock.  Last week we featured Boston, The Doobie Brothers, Jethro Tull, BTO and others.  This week, more from that era, including a great series of interview clips with Mick Jones and Lou Gramm of Foreigner, with the latter taking a big swing at the former’s dictatorial ways.           Then a very interesting interview with Journey, right from the time when they are about to take off – but haven’t yet had a major hit.           We also have another early career interview with ELO – and the struggle to marry classical and rock and make it work in a live setting.           Plus, Dennis DeYoung from Styx explains how a Chicago disc jockey changed the fortunes of that band.           Then, in a clip from the mid ‘70s, Steve Priest of Sweet tells us how they changed their image before they hit North

We’ve been doing this show for almost 7 years and we’re finally doing series of episodes on that much maligned and much beloved genre… ‘70s rock! This week, we have classic interviews with the likes of Brad Delp, the phenomenal lead singer of Boston, who we lost far too soon.  Delp talks about his humble beginnings as well as the obsessive leader of the group, Tom Scholz. We also have some great clips from the Doobie Brothers.  One is from their mid-‘70s heyday, one is with Michael McDonald – and then we have Tom’s 2018 conversation with guitarist Patrick Simmons.  And there’s a very good reason you haven’t heard this interview sooner… but it’s an embarrassing one (for Tom)! Also, Ian Anderson from Jethro Tull talks about the very funny origin of the band’s name and the story behind their first hit And we take care of business with one of the most popular bands in Canadian history - BTO! And Christopher talks about one of the greatest musical experiences of his life – and it happened just a few weeks ago!  Lo

This week, an excellent 2005 interview with Roger Hodgson, as he reflects on the glory days of Supertramp, his post-breakup years and his relationship with his former bandmates.  Roger also tells the very entertaining stories behind two of Supertramp’s biggest hits.            We also have Tom’s chat with the wonderful Natasha Bedingfield from the early 2000s.  Natasha is a very good singer and songwriter – and we do a pretty deep dive in a very short time.  And at least once per show, we usually mention how likeable an artist is – and Natasha is this week’s MLA – Most Likeable Artist.            Last season, we did a couple of in-depth episodes about Soul & R&B music – and they were a lot of fun.  Since then, we have discovered another half-dozen soul artists that had massive hits in the ‘70s – and so we’ve put a bit of a highlight reel together to put the spotlight on these artists that no longer get the attention they deserve.            And finally… what was it like to live in the shadow of a Beat

First up this week is an extraordinary 1992 interview with Lindsey Buckingham.  Lindsey recently turned 75 and is still creating music, but it’s so interesting to hear him more than 30 years ago. Although the interview was ostensibly to promote his solo work, Lindsey talks a lot about Fleetwood Mac – from the early days all the way through to Tango In The Night.  And we even have a bonus clip of Stevie Nicks talking about her frustration with Lindsey when he spent two years working on the Tusk album.             We also have the incredible story of the making of a hit.  In this case, the hit is “Beth” by KISS – The story is incredible because the star is an eleven year old girl – and even though she’s a little older now, her tale of how she helped make Beth a hit is very entertaining.             Plus, we talk about one of the most influential women in music.  She not only had a couple of hits herself, she’s also responsible for three of the most important and influential hip hop singles ever made.  Her name

          We are back with Season Ten!  Christopher and Tom begin by talking about their favourite interviews ever.            Then, we launch into one of the best interviews you’ll ever hear with one the most reluctant rock stars ever – Robert Plant.  This 2005 interview with our friend Bill Welychka is very revealing.  And within that interview is three episodes of “When Rock Stars attack… which are all pretty funny.           Then, we talk about the making of the film, album and song “Purple Rain”, which came out 40 years ago.  And we’ll talk to the author of a book about that movie – and all the stories behind that.  (By the way, you can also hear the long version of that Purple Rain chat in the Famous Lost Words podcast feed, including how Stevie Nicks almost got involved and why Prince decided to call up the guys from Journey.)           And we have a wonderful segment with the legendary BB King – which includes one of my favourite stories – about how he used to quiet down an unruly audience.           

Season Ten of Famous Lost Words is coming soon! - You’re days away from hearing Robert Plant take pot shots at just about everyone, including himself.   - You’ll hear the unusual story of how an 11-year-old was directly responsible for the first big hit by Tom's favourite band.  – We have Lindsey Buckingham talking about his solo career, Fleetwood Mac, and Stevie Nicks  – A blues legend reveals his ingenious strategy in dealing with an unruly crowd.  – Roger Hodgson remembers the height of Supertramp’s popularity and the pain of their breakup  – You’ll hear Gordon Lightfoot in the feistiest interview from the archives. – We’ll also have Cool Song Facts, plus a two-part special on ‘70s rock, featuring the likes of Foreigner, Styx, Boston, ELO, Pink Floyd and many more. – And of course, we can’t forget about “When Rock Stars Attack”, when ego-driven musicians rail at the unfairness of being popular and well-paid. - We’ll also celebrate the 40th anniversary of MuchMusic – which is pretty handy since Christopher

FLW Special - Purple Rain at 40           In this very special episode, we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the release of the film “Purple Rain”.  The overwhelming success of the movie made Prince the first artist in history to have the same project simultaneously #1 on the singles, albums, and movie charts in the United States.           We speak to one of the foremost Prince experts; author and podcaster Alan Light.  Alan talks about the creation of Purple Rain the song, the album and the movie.  He also reveals… How the version of the title track that we’re all familiar with was recorded in one take at a fundraiser. It was also the first time that 19-year-old Wendy Melvoin had played with the band. Movie executives didn’t want to cast Prince in the lead role, and suggested much more famous star (who would have been badly miscast!) How Prince tried to recruit Stevie Nicks to help with the lyrics for “Purple Rain” - and why she said no. How the movie has held up well (for its live performances) and been h

With Taylor Swift being a big part of the pop culture conversation lately, we thought we’d present three Taylor interviews from our archives, one that has never been heard on FLW. From 2019 – a great chat with Taylor and broadcaster Shannon Burns, talking about Swift’s album “Lover” and how it reflects a more positive outlook than the moodier “Reputation”. She also talks about putting “Easter Eggs” in her work as part of a fun dialogue with her fans. (Bonus content for Swifties: Taylor talks about her first meeting with her cat, “Benjamin Button”) From 2014 – Taylor joins Roger Ashby and Marilyn Denis to promote “1989”, her first pure pop album. Swift explains why she needed to be honest with her fans about the new direction of her sound. She also talks about the big house party she threw for Swifties.  From 2010 – our earliest TS interview in which she tells interviewer Richie Favalaro about her album “Speak Now” and what that album means to her. She also explains how she was surprised that fans could relat

A Famous Lost Words drinking game?  Is this REALLY a good idea? Tom proposes a non-alcoholic version that is based solely on his own (many) verbal quirks. For our last episode of season 9, we begin with Carly Simon in conversation with broadcaster Ingrid Schumacher in 1987.  This was a great year for Carly because she had just worked on the soundtrack for the movie “Heartburn” and her new album “Coming Around Again” would prove to be a comeback for her. She talks about work with Mike Nichols on “Heartburn”, tussling with Clive Davis on song choices and how her close friend Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis convinced her to write a book.             Following that is a really fun encounter with the guys from Train, from a morning show encounter with Roger Ashby and Marilyn Denis.  The interview, from 2012, captures the goofiness of lead singer Pat Monahan.  Then, we have an early ‘80s chat with Gary Wright, who passed away in September of 2023. Gary only had three significant chart hits, but he was a well-respected m

This week, a very good example of the wide range of artists in the Famous Lost Words archives…             First up is a collection of early ‘70s conversations with Crosby, Stills & Nash, where David, Stephen and Graham cover the entire history of the group.  Plus, maybe Tom’s worst interviewing moment when Stephen Stills takes him to task for asking what we thought was a reasonable question.  That’s this week on When Rock Stars Attack! Plus, the excellent story behind one of the best hits of the ‘70s – from an important band that preceded CSN. It’s a story of intrigue and double-cross and it’s also pretty funny And we have an early ‘80s chat with reggae legend Peter Tosh – as he talks about working with Mick Jagger as well as the importance of marijuana to his religion, his creative process and his life. And we close out the show with a really fun new chat with Canadian rocker Lee Aaron – who has come a very long way since her Metal Queen days.  We talk about her career, the fine line between promotion a

 This week, part 2 of our series on R&B, Soul, Disco and Hip-Hop!  As usual, we have a great collection of interview clips with some of the greatest artists of the genre. -        Tina Turner breaks down her performing style (and explains why she didn’t like her voice) -        Michael Jackson recalls the earliest days of The Jackson 5 -        The O’Jays explain how they initially rejected one of their biggest hits -        Nona Hendrix talks about the recording and controversy of the classic soul hit, “Lady Marmalade” -        Gloria Gaynor tells the story of having to fight to release “I Will Survive” -        The Commodores talk about learning the tricks of the trade from The Jackson 5 -        Donna Summer reveals the song that inspired “Love To Love You” -        How Arrested Development created hip-hop music to reflect a different side of the African-American experience -        Anita Baker tells Marilyn Denis about her style (or lack of style) -        Diana Ross talks about the early days of The

            It’s part 1 of our epic two-part celebration of Soul, R&B, disco and hip-hop!  We’ve gathered an incredible collection of interview moments with some of the greatest artists of the genre. We’ll hear from: Gladys Knight & The Pips – Gladys breaks down every element that goes into making a great record. She also rightly insists there should be a Grammy Award for backing vocals. Earth Wind & Fire – talk about the rise of disco and their place in music Destiny’s Child – Michelle and Kelly talk about Beyonce’s leadership and vision. the late great Sam Cooke talks about his jump from spiritual music to the ballads that made him famous Smokey Robinson talks about the battles the Motown Records faced back in the days of Civil Rights struggles Wyclef Jean explains why The Fugees never followed up their biggest album. The guys from Chic talk about creating the greatest hits from the disco era. Rihanna fondly remembers the big break that took her from Barbados to Jay-Z’s office Chaka Khan explai

In this special episode, we pay tribute to the late Myles Goodwyn, the lead singer and songwriter of April Wine. Myles was seemingly in good health and spirits in late September as he and April Wine were inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame.  Goodwyn was also inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall Of Fame. We feature two segments from the Famous Lost Words archives.  First up is Tom's 2021 interview with Myles who told wonderful stories about the history of April Wine and their early struggles, first brush with fame, their feud with a famous rock critic, their gig with The Rolling Stones at the El Mocambo in Toronto - and their crossover success in the early '80s.  He also talked about his latest music - and in particular one song that addresses the residential school crisis. We also feature a phone chat with Myles circa 1977 in which he talks about Canada's star system.   Both segments capture Goodwyn's personality and deep love of music. Myles Goodwyn passed away on December 3, 2023 at the age of 75 in

            In what can only be described as a hell of a coincidence, this week we feature a series  of clips with Daryl Hall & John Oates.  These are particularly interesting in light of the news of Daryl suing John, and even asking for a restraining order against his old friend and bandmate.  First up is both guys from 1981, around the time of the “Voices” album. Then about a year later in ’82, it’s Daryl Hall talking to us about the H20 album.             And then for our podcast listeners there’s some bonus content – it’s Tom’s 2018 interview with John Oates. In which John talks about how he and Daryl bonded over their love of music.  John also tells the story behind the hit “Maneater” in which he explains that the maneater isn’t about a woman, it’s about a city.             After Hall & Oates, we’ll chat with Steven Page, formerly of Barenaked Ladies and now a member of the very quirky new Canadian supergroup the Trans-Canada Highwaymen.  Their new album is a bit surprising on a number of levels.

          This week... an absolute gem – a 2004 interview with Prince. You’ve never heard him sound so loose and relaxed as he talks about playing live, his legacy, working with his incredible band and his fight with his record label.           He’s also very funny.  After one fan asks about Prince’s legendary vault of unheard music, Prince looks at the guy and says “Hmmm….I’m trying to figure out if you fit the profile of a bootlegger”…           Prince also explains why he loved the people of Toronto (where he lived for a while in the early 2000s) and he jokes about the Canadian accent. And there’s a subtle moment where Prince seems to take a shot at a famous rock star – and Christopher & Tom try to guess who he meant.   In light of the recent passing of Jimmy Buffett, we have some great clips of Jimmy talking to us in 1978.  This is during the peak of his chart success and he’s in excellent spirits, discussing his music, specifically the album “Son Of A Son Of A Sailor” (with the hit single “Cheeseburg

            This week – it’s the finale of our epic three-part celebration of New Wave!  Among the shows highlights… ⁃ Phil Oakey of Human League talks about his musical ineptitude as well as the League’s worst concert ever⁃ Chrissie Hynde explains the meaning behind the Pretenders breakout hit “Brass In Pocket”⁃ OMD discuss how a love song about an infamous war plane became their first hit⁃ Boy George takes a shot at pretentious music journalists and explains how Culture Club got their record deal.⁃ Gary Numan discusses his transition from punk to new wave⁃ The guys in Madness explain the real reason for their high energy live performances⁃ The English Beat explain how their most senior member, Saxa, was in fact the most young-at-heart⁃ Ottawa’s Eight Seconds talk about their big break and working with the legendary producer Rupert Hine⁃ On “When Rock Stars Attack”, Jim Kerr of Simple Minds takes down that vile species known as Rock Critics⁃ And our guest co-host, Rob Preuss, talks about teaching Rami Malek

          What is the greatest New Wave album of all time? Christopher and Tom (along with our special guest, Rob Preuss of The Spoons) break down the results of our recent listener survey.  They also answer the question: Is The Clash REALLY a new wave band??           Plus, we feature some amazing interview clips from the archives… David Byrne talks about creating the stage show for Stop Making Sense – and explains why his Canadian grade school education put him ahead of his American classmates! The great Kate Bush talks about her songwriting style The guys from Squeeze reveal some hilarious alternate album titles Joe Jackson talks about creating his masterpiece, “Night & Day” (and also provides the most awkward moment of the episode!) Plus interview with Martha & The Muffins, The Jam, Soft Cell and more! Famous Lost Words, hosted by Christopher Ward and Tom Jokic, is heard in more than 100 countries worldwide and on radio stations across Canada, including Newstalk 1010 Toronto, CJAD 800 Montreal,

This week, we kick off our most ambitious series yet – it’s the music of New Wave.  We dove deep into the archives for classic interviews that encompass the “twitchy, but tuneful” music of the early ‘80s.  And for this episode, Christopher and Tom welcome former Spoons keyboardist (and Broadway music director) Rob Preuss!  Rob is a New Wave geek who was not only in the middle of the explosion of new music, but he worked with, toured with and talked with some of the biggest names of the genre.  And he has GREAT stories to tell! Among this week’s crop of New Wave artists… John Taylor talks about the original formation of Duran Duran and how fashion was an important part of the band’s image. Deborah Harry talks about the pushback she got for her onstage image. She also explains the genesis of the song “Rapture” (the first song with rap vocals to go to number 1) The guys from Devo explain how they were once paid 75 dollars to STOP playing their music! And on “When Rock Stars Attack – it’s Elvis Costello vs Led Z

In our Season 9 premiere, we feature a couple of amazing interviews with Paul McCartney.  First up, from 1976, Paul tells Canadian broadcast legend Roger Ashby about his creative process, his influences and the long shadow of The Beatles.  And from 1980, Macca describes how he ended up playing the bass originally, the inspiration for making “Sgt Pepper” and the tensions in creating The White Album.  And in chilling comments made weeks before the death of John Lennon, Paul talks about the price of fame.             Also this week, a great series of interview clips with The Spinners.  Singer Pervis Jackson (whose deep voice makes Tom & Christopher sound like chipmunks) explains the deep history of the band (going all the way back to the ‘50s!) and the profound effect producer Thom Bell had on the band during their heyday in the ‘70s.  He also tells the stories behind the hits “Could It Be I’m Falling In Love” and “Then Came You”.              And we’ll also revisit our recent tribute to Robbie Robertson, fe