Famous Lost Words

Who do you prefer – The Beatles or Stones?  Tom catches Christopher off-guard with a new game as he puts Christopher on the spot!  We learn that he loves Joni (we knew that) but Journey?… not so much.             We’ll also continue with our epic tribute to songwriting!  Elton John talks about writing with Bernie Taupin. George Michael explains how the craft of songwriting is a reward even greater than fame. Taylor Swift reveals how specific details from her own life can make her songs relatable. Mick Jagger explains the beauty of creating a song from nothing. Alanis Morissette talks about how pain can drive her work. Neil Finn of Crowded House gives us a songwriting tutorial on his tour bus Smokey Robinson gets spiritual Sarah McLachlan explains how she faces her fears when writing And cranky old Billy Joel objects to being called the p-word. We also hear from Carole King, Janet Jackson, Pete Townshend, Burton Cummings

This week – an epic episode (epic-sode?) on great songwriters! Paul McCartney talks about working with John Lennon. John Mellencamp explains why he doesn’t get fancy with his lyrics. Joni Mitchell reveals the funny reason she first took up the guitar. Gordon Lightfoot breaks down the craft of creating songs. Carly Simon talks about how being in motion helps her be creative. And Neil Young explains why the thing that makes him a good songwriter also makes him a terrible friend. Plus, classic clips from Paul Simon, Jim Croce, Harry Chapin, Jann Arden, Lindsey Buckingham, Stevie Nicks and more as they reveal the magic behind creating great songs. Famous Lost Words, hosted by Christopher Ward and Tom Jokic, is heard in more than 70 countries worldwide and on radio stations across Canada, including Newstalk 1010 Toronto, CJAD 800 Montreal, 580 CFRA Ottawa, AM 800 CKLW Windsor, Newstalk 1290 London, 610 CKTB St Catharines, CFAX Victoria, AM1150 Kelowna and 91x in Belleville. 

In one of the best interviews from our archives, we have a chat with Peter Gabriel from 1986, as he talks about “So”, which is about to become the biggest album of his career. Peter also talks about his work with Amnesty International and how he feels about “charity fatigue”. Gabriel also fights back at the notion that he has sold out just because “So” is a success. He also discusses the myriad of reasons behind his split with Genesis and the painstaking work behind the classic “Sledgehammer” video. It’s a wide ranging and captivating interview.  A hidden gem from our collection is a 1979 interview with Chic, from the peak of their popularity. Bassist Bernard Edwards, whose work has influenced a generation of musicians, talks about the early days of Chic, teaming up with Nile Rodgers, playing to Canadian audiences and writing “Le Freak”. He also talks optimistically about the future of disco music in a way that makes you sad that it all ca

We start this week’s show with Supertramp. And the more you listen, the more you can hear the rift between Roger Hodgson and Rick Davies. Then, during our extensive Peter Cetera chat, the old wounds between him and the rest of the guys in Chicago are laid bare.   Are you sensing a theme here?             For the rest of the episode it’s the stories of famous breakups! Ozzy Osbourne on why he couldn’t wait to get the heck away from Black Sabbath (and how Van Halen played into that decision) Dennis DeYoung being asked if he’s even speaking to the guys from Styx (his answer is very funny and slightly disturbing) Steve Perry explaining why he was very upset with his Journey bandmates. Lionel Richie talks about the biggest regret in his career Lou Gramm on the hard feelings generated by his solo career Peter Gabriel giving an autopsy-like explanation on why he left Genesis Cher talks about what life with Sonny was really like

What happens when the world’s most famous musician is forced to stay at home during lockdown? Why, he records an album, of course!  In a new interview, Paul McCartney tells us what he’s done during “rockdown” – including the creation of “McCartney III”. He also explains how working with his daughter Mary is very much like working with his late wife Linda. The 78-year-old former Beatle also talks about his many upcoming projects and raves about the Peter Jackson Fab Four documentary coming out later this year.             We also have a great 1995 interview with Tears For Fears. Roland Orzabal explains how “The Seeds Of Love” album was conceived and which TFF song he no longer likes. He also does a hilarious Beatle impression that must be heard to be believed!             Where have all the protest songs gone?  We ask that question to Spee

In part 2 of our Motown tribute, Stevie Wonder talks about his very first hit and how his music reflects who he is.  Michael Jackson explains how the Jackson 5 were discovered. Lionel Richie talks about attending “Motown University”. Legendary songwriter Lamont Dozier shares the very funny story behind “Stop! In The Name Of Love”. Martha Reeves tells us how her first big break came when Mary Wells failed to show up for a recording session.  Mary Wilson talks about the ‘60s with The Supremes and Diana Ross talks about how she and Mary used to be very good friends. To close off the show, we have an extraordinary interview with David Ruffin and Eddie Kendrick of The Temptations, as they talk about how “The Big Chill” helped launch renewed interest in their music.  And Christopher describes how David and Eddie taught him how to dance like a Temptation! Famous Lost Words is heard in 31 countries worldwide and on radio stations across Canada, including Newsta

            This week, a spectacular tribute to Motown. We begin with the legendary Smokey Robinson talking about his start with the label, his biggest hits, writing for others and his favourite Motown performer. Smokey also talks about Diana Ross, The Temptations and other Motown legends. In the most powerful interview clip, Smokey reveals the considerable challenges in being a black-owned company in America during the civil rights era.             Smokey also tells the amazing stories behind the hits “Shop Around”, “I Second That Emotion”, “Tears Of A Clown” and “Mickey’s Monkey”.             We also have a wonderful mid ‘80s interview with Mary Wells, whose 1964 hit “My Guy” was one of the first Motown smashes.  In this interview, recorded a mere 5 years before Mary&rs

       We’ve got an excess of INXS this week! First up is a 1982 chat with Michael Hutchence from the band’s early days, talking about honing their sound in Australia, plus his partnership with Andrew Farriss. Then, we have a new interview with Andrew himself, who looks back at those heady days in the ‘80s and ‘90s when INXS toured the world and ruled the charts.       We also have a new interview with Kathy Valentine of The Go-Go’s, talking about her role in that influential band and how one of her songs helped keep the group together. We also spoke about the recent Go-Go’s documentary and the renewed push to get them inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.       Plus – we debut the grudge match for the ages – it’s “TJ Versus The VJ” as Tom & Christopher go toe-to-toe in a test of their musical knowledge. The result is both weirdly fascinating and undeniably fun.    &

   Famous Lost Words is back! In our Season 6 premiere, it’s a tribute to Eddie Van Halen, in which we discuss Eddie’s career and play ‘80s-era interview clips of his bandmates.  And Tom talks about his very embarrassing real-life encounter with Eddie and Valerie Bertinelli. Plus, we have a classic interview with the legendary Roy Orbison, who talked about his unlikely rise to stardom – and how $8 changed his life. Famous Lost Words is heard in 31 countries worldwide and on radio stations across Canada, including Newstalk 1010 Toronto, CJAD 800 Montreal, 580 CFRA Ottawa, AM 800 CKLW Windsor, Newstalk 1290 London, 610 CKTB St Catharines, CFAX Victoria, AM1150 Kelowna and 91x in Belleville.  If you’d like to promote your business to THOUSANDS of music lovers – think about sponsoring our show.  To find out more – email us – famouslostpod@gmail.com

On this special episode of Famous Lost Words, we honour John Lennon on the 40th anniversary of his death. We dig deep into the archives for a career-spanning collection of incredible interview clips with Lennon – from the early days of the Beatles through his solo years. The centrepiece of this episode is an exclusive 1974 chat with John. Plus we’ll talk to the legendary Canadian broadcaster who conducted the interview, John Donabie. Other highlights : John talks about writing with Paul McCartney – and how Paul kept the band together in the later years John explains why the emergence of George Harrison as a songwriter was a good thing for John & Paul He talks about the impact of fame and drugs He tells us what he REALLY thought about Sgt. Pepper (and which Beatles albums were superior) He explains why he wants New York City moved to Canada He tells us who should have gotten a co-writing credit on “Imagine” PLUS we’ve got a whole bunch John Lennon Cool Song Facts &ndash

We wrap up Season 5 with some of our favourite moments from our previous 79 episodes! Stevie Nicks talks about her “coke & brandy days” George Michael on why his very public “outing” might have been the best thing to happen to him George Harrison takes a swipe at Paul McCartney that leaves Christopher shocked Tom gets personal with Alanis Morissette Pink talks about what guys used to expect from her on a date Canadian legend Buffy Sainte Marie talks about how she was banned from American TV networks – and didn’t find out for 10 years Steve Perry gets mocked by his bandmates from Journey The Bee Gees get carried away with Marilyn Denis And Christopher tells the funniest Robert Plant story you’ll ever hear Plus Carly Simon, Bob Ezrin and Gloria Gaynor And we end off the season with an epic episode “When Rock Stars Attack”, including… the late Helen Reddy?!

Having a hit record is hard enough – try doing it twice!  Today’s special episode is filled with the stories behind the songs you know so well… from the artists that you don’t.  How did the real-life “Sharona” and “Jenny” feel about the songs written for them?  (Spoiler – one of them loved it. The other? Not so much.) Also - What group turned their failure as a bar band into a #1 hit?  And why did one group have to hide their identity before a radio station agreed to play their song? Plus, Ivan from Men Without Hats explains how getting thrown out of Ottawa discos inspired “The Safety Dance” and Marc Almond from Soft Cell talks about the surprising success of “Tainted Love”.  We’ve also got the stories behind “Video Killed The Radio Star”, “Shannon”, “I Can Help”, “Harden My Heart”, “What I Am”, plus the disco smashes “Knock On Wood&rdq

The Beach Boys were a weird combination of genius and fun. This week, we feature Mike Love and Dennis Wilson from the mid ‘70s. Mike talks about his cousin Brian Wilson and Dennis discusses the importance of recreating the Beach Boys’ distinct sound onstage during their tours. We also have a late ‘60s interview with the great Eric Clapton, talking the dissolution of Cream and the difficultly of living up to his reputation.  Oddly, he also addresses the “Paul Is Dead” rumours and you may be surprised at what Clapton has to say about them.  Plus, we have a fantastic interview with Dave Stewart of Eurythmics as he talks about his very close continuing relationship with Annie Lennox – and what happened the first time Aretha Franklin heard Annie sing.

     If there is one thing that Christopher can’t understand, it’s Tom’s love for KISS.  That argument is front and centre in this episode, which features clips from Gene Simmons from the ‘70s and Paul Stanley from 1999. Gene talks about everything from the importance of their live shows, to whether the makeup will ever come off (Gene says no – four years later, he changes his mind). Paul is much more likeable in his segments, whether talking about his family, starring in “The Phantom Of The Opera” or getting along with his “brother”, Gene.  Some great clips plus a rollicking chat between our two hosts.     Then we have an amazing interview from the late ‘60s as Roger McGuinn talks about the biggest songs of The Byrds. McGuinn explains how they were influenced by Bob Dylan and how they in turn influenced Dylan back.  McGuinn also talks about dealing with the backlash of “Eight Miles High”. 

          When Marilyn Denis interviewed Stevie Nicks in 2001, it led to a deep friendship between the two.  During that chat, Stevie talked about Fleetwood Mac, her “coke & brandy days”, her Klonopin addiction, her friendship with Tom Petty and the best song she’s ever written.           Tom couldn’t help but fawn over one of his favourite rock stars, Rob Thomas of Matchbox Twenty, in a 2003 Chat.  Rob talks about his unusual childhood, the sudden success of M20, the Grammy-winning hit “Smooth” and the tragedy that led to the hit song “3 am”.  A very in-depth (but slightly embarrassing) conversation.           We were absolutely thrilled to discover a 1980 interview with Lemmy and Philthy Phil from Motorhead in our archives!  They reveal their biggest influences (Joni Mitchell? huh!), how growing fame was

Steve Perry was none too pleased with his bandmates from Journey at the time of this 1994 interview. Tom asks Steve to describe the drama behind the scenes and Steve does, in painful detail.  Christopher describes his one and only (rather unusual) encounter with Steve. Meanwhile from 2001, Jennifer Lopez talks to Marilyn Denis about her personal life, her music and the movie role that made her cry. We also have a 2006 chat with Tom and Meatloaf, which is interrupted when Tom’s cell phone rings.  Meatloaf answers Tom’s phone – much to everyone’s surprise.  It’s a very funny moment. And Christopher and Tom close out the show with some Cool Song Facts about Elton John, The Beatles, Elvis Costello and a Motown secretary who became a famous singer didn’t show up for work!

The irrepressible Lionel Richie is featured this week in a very engaging and energetic chat with Marilyn Denis from 2001. He talks about his favourite songs from his solo career and The Commodores – and his biggest regret.  Plus, we have Mick Jagger as you’ve never heard him – totally relaxed! Mick is in conversation with Roger Ashby from Eddy Grant’s studio in Barbados in 1986.  He talks about their upcoming album “Dirty Work” and reminisces about the infamous Stones visit to Toronto in 1977 that led to Keith Richards’ arrest.           We also have a fantastic series of interview clips with Ray Davies of The Kinks as he talks about the meaning behind some of his band’s greatest hits.  Plus, a short chat with Tim Finn of Split Enz as he aims a very brotherly backhanded compliment at his brother Neil for writing their breakout hit “I Got You”. A jammed pack and very entertaining episode!

We have an entertaining collection of interview clips with The Police this week.  It’s Sting & Stewart Copeland at the height of their popularity… and arrogance.  Meanwhile, Tom defends the song “De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da” with a straight face!  Also, we feature a couple of ‘80s interviews with Bryan Ferry and Phil Manzanera from Roxy Music.  And we talk to the legendary Canadian Buffy Sainte Marie who reveals that her biggest song secretly got her banned from American television for years. 

Phil Collins was one of the busiest, friendliest and most talented musicians of the ‘80s. He was also one of the most disrespected. We have a great early ‘80s interview with Phil to share with you this week – plus Tom & Christopher discuss his legacy. We also have a wild interview with The Foo Fighters from 1997 that shows how rabid their fans are – and just what an amazing ambassador Dave Grohl is for rock and roll. We also continue with our look at some more great Canadian songs, including the long and winding story of “New Orleans Is Sinking” by the Tragically Hip!

In one of the most raucous interviews in our collection, The Bee Gees have a ton of fun with Marilyn Denis in one of their final full-length interviews from 2001. Barry, Robin and Maurice talk about the moment they first harmonized with each other, the legacy of Saturday Night Fever, their late brother Andy Gibb and what annoys their partners most (Maurice has the best answer!).  Also, we’ll continue with more Great Canadian songs: Eddie Schwartz talks about writing “Hit Me With Your Best Shot”.  And Arnold Lanni tells the incredible story of how Sheriff’s “When I’m With You” went to number one in the U.S. 4 years AFTER the band had broken up!