Famous Lost Words

This week - in-depth conversations with Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey from The Who - as they reflect on how the Stones and Beatles influenced them, how Canada embraced them, the death of Keith Moon and how they saw the future of the band from the vantage point of the early '80s.    Also, a 1978 interview with The Commodores as they talk about "Three Times A Lady", "Easy" and opening for The Jackson Five.    Plus a short chat with the legendary Tom Jones - while Tom & Christopher argue about the relative merits of "She's A Lady".

This week - some of the most iconic artists in Canadian music history.  We have rare interviews with Robbie Robertson, Rick Danko and Levon Helm from The Band.  Robbie talks about hooking up with Bob Dylan, Levon tells us about working in Canada and life AFTER The Last Waltz and Tom & Christopher discuss the long-standing feud between Robbie and Levon.     Also, we have an incredible 1993 interview with Randy Bachman - talking about his days with The Guess Who, the anger that fueled him to form Bachman-Turner-Overdrive and the bad blood between he and Burton Cummings.

When we spoke to Tom Cochrane in 1991, “Life Is A Highway” was just about to make him a superstar.  Tom talks about being a songwriter as opposed to a rock star and why the song “Lunatic Fringe” was a political song for him (and still resonates today).           Also, a 1982 interview with Martin Fry of ABC as their dance classic “The Lexicon Of Love” was defining the music of the ‘80s.           Plus, the legendary BB King reflects on his achievements in a 1977 chat. And Christopher and Tom introduce a new segment called “They Shoulda Known Better” – bad decisions by famous musicians, who should have known better!  (David Lee Roth, are you listening?)

This week: an exceptional late '70s interview with Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin​ as he talks about how Zeppelin got started.  Robert's in a great mood in this interview.  It's a must listen.  We also have KC & The Sunshine Band from 1977, Boz Scaggs reflecting on his biggest hit, "Lowdown", a very spirited Pat Benatar talking about being a woman in rock (and how many record companies rejected her), and a very enthusiastic Demi Lovato from 2013.  And Wolfman Jack tells the very funny story behind The Guess Who hit, "Clap For The Wolfman".

This week: an amazing interview with John Lennon & Yoko Ono from the mid ‘70s. John talks about his rivalry with Paul McCartney, why he recorded “Happy Christmas (War Is Over)” and who REALLY deserved a songwriting credit on “Imagine”.         When Joe Walsh talked to us in 1978, he was not only a very successful solo artist (“Life’s Been Good”) but also a full-fledged member of The Eagles.  Joe talks about why being in a band is so much better than being solo. A very interesting and fun interview.         John Kay told us about the heyday of Steppenwolf when he visited us in 1979.  The stories are crazy.         We also have two clips from producer Phil Spector that are, in a word, bizarre.  One of them is only 10 seconds long – and those ten seconds are weird and chilling.         Finally

 We have incredible interviews with Stevie Nicks and Mick Fleetwood of Fleetwood Mac from about 40 years ago. Stevie talks about everything from her wardrobe to her songwriting... and reveals something very personal about herself.  And Tom talks about the time they sent a Fake Fleetwood Mac out on tour!      Plus, we have Christopher's fantastic interview with David Crosby from 1989, long before his falling out with Stills, Nash and Young.  Crosby is funny and charming in this interview - and even brought his guitar along for fun!

This week: We’ve got a phenomenal in 1991 interview with REM, just as “Losing My Religion” was turning them into global superstars.  Michael Stipe and the band talk about success, the media and which album nearly broke the band apart.   Plus, in a brand new interview, Tom chats with one of his idols, Kim Mitchell of Max Webster!  Kim talks about his past hits, his radio career and his new project with Barenaked Ladies.    And finally, we have a brief chat with Barry Manilow about the biggest hit of his career and his success... as a jingle writer!

This week: As “Bohemian Rhapsody” battles it out at The Oscars, we feature a 1980 interview with Queen – who talk about the release of “The Game” (their first album with synthesizers) and the success of the brand new single “Another One Bites The Dust”.           We also have a very early interview with Maroon 5 from 12 years ago – plus we’ll feature a very funny story by Adam Levine about his childhood.            And finally, we have an epic version of “When Rock Stars Attack” – as Robert Plant, Paul Stanley, Asia and The Bee Gees take a huge swing at critics – and Leo Sayer takes feeble swipe at Elton John.  It’s both shocking and hysterically funny!

This week: a great interview with Angus Young of AC/DC from 1983.  Angus talks about everything from his schoolboy image to the departure of drummer Phil Rudd. Christopher and Tom discuss the worst interviews they’ve ever been a part of – including audio evidence of one very bad moment. Music legend Steve Winwood talks about every phase of his incredible career.   Plus the late great Barry White explained what the heck he was thinking about when he talked to women in that deep deep voice. 

This week:  a fantastic interview with Jon Bon Jovi & Richie Sambora from 2000 - 13 years before their falling out.      We have Joan Jett just as she was about to become the breakout star of 1981.      Christopher's in-depth interview with Neil Finn (Crowded House, Fleetwood Mac) is the hidden gem this week. Have a listen!  And Motown songwriting legend Lamont Dozier talks about the early days of Hitsville USA - and explains how the Supremes didn't want to record the song that made them

This week: a great 1981 interview w Bryan Adams - talking about the dance hit that got him started (but he'd rather forget) and working with Loverboy & Lou Gramm. Also, classic interview clips with cranky, cantankerous Joe Jackson - and the results are pure entertainment. Plus - legendary Canadian broadcaster (and recently retired CHUM jock) Roger Ashby tells us some of the most hilarious stories you've ever heard - including the time he partied with Led Zeppelin and Fleetwood Mac - on the same day!

it's our Awesome Eighties Edition!  Hear Duran Duran just as they are about to break out with the new album "Rio", OMD talk about the WORST videos they ever made, Susanna Hoffs of The Bangles talks about recording the Prince song "Manic Monday", George Michael explains about how wonderfully cheesy the music of Wham was and Martha & The Muffins tell us where the heck "Echo Beach" is!  Plus Tom & Christopher argue about Air Supply and we have some amazing '80s Cool Song Facts!

We kick off Season 3 with the The Beatles! Lennon & McCartney talk songwriting. George talks about meeting Ringo for the first time. And John talks about those crazy “Paul Is Dead” rumours. And we have some hilarious (and somewhat shocking) audio of a different type of mania... from the day in 1976 that the Bay City Rollers came to one Canadian city and just about turned it upside down. Plus Cool Song Facts – including the very last song The Beatles recorded together.

Season 2 finale - A great 1983 chat with David Bowie. To help us out, we brought in Laurie Brown, Christopher's former MuchMusic colleague, who had a great relationship with Bowie himself. Also, Depeche Mode from 2005 as they talk about their early days and their devoted Canadian fans. And Christopher & Tom argue about whether or not to feature the legendary but largely unknown Graham Parker on the show. Christopher wins and Tom has to admit that the interview with both interesting AND hilarious!

This week, an early-career interview with one of the biggest stars of the decade, Bruno Mars. Tom & Christopher debate whether Bruno is an “artist” or “just an entertainer”.    Tom stumbles across a classic interview with Van Morrison, who talks about creating classics like “Domino” and “Brown Eyed Girl”.    And an entertaining 1996 chat with Phil Collins just as he is leaving Genesis. Phil is happy and optimistic in this interview – not knowing of the personal and career struggles

John Mellencamp is featured in two interviews from the late '90s. Far removed from his early '80s brashness, John is more chilled out and thankful for his enduring career. Also: a great 2004 chat with kd lang. Tom & Christopher share their not-so-great interview experiences with kd. Plus: "Songs We Hate To Love" - a hilarious debate about some of the worst songs ever that still hold a special place in our hearts. And Cool Song Facts with the story behind a powerful hippie-era classic!

This week - a fascinating 1978 interview with Bruce Springsteen, who talks about dealing with the “Born To Run” media hype, being called “The Boss” and the first time he met Clarence Clemons.  Plus, an entertaining early-career interview with Nelly Furtado, just as she was releasing her debut album.  Also, a brand new chat with Montreal music legend Andy Kim about his 50 year career - from writing the classic “Sugar Sugar”, to starting his own record label in order to release the massive “R

A late '70s interview with Rod Stewart, who talks trash about The Stones, Jeff Beck, The Faces and more, while dealing with the backlash of his glam years. It’s a funny, reflective and sometimes profane chat! We also talk to Alannah Myles in 1990 (“Black Velvet” and “Love Is”). Christopher recalls his time with Alannah, as her boyfriend, her writing partner and her advocate. And he regales us with a couple of very funny Alannah moments. PLUS - “When Rock Stars Attack” – the Karen Carp

This week – a 2000 interview with the Backstreet Boys – at the peak of their career. Plus, Tom & Christopher try to outdo each other with their best Backstreet Boys story – Christopher wins by a mile! Also, rare mid ‘70s interview with Walter Becker & Donald Fagen of Steely Dan.  And we feature a new interview with Canadian artist Marc Jordan, who worked with Steely Dan (and Toto) when he started his career in the ‘70s.  Marc also talks about what it was like to write one of Rod Stewart’s

This week: Christopher’s incredible 1989 interview with Neil Young. For a guy who doesn’t love talking to the media, Neil tells us everything - from his songwriting method to why he’s not a good friend. He even shows his sense of humour! A can’t-miss interview. Speaking of Canadian icons, we talk to the guy who wrote the definitive Gordon Lightfoot biography. Nicholas Jennings talks to Tom about the highs and lows of Lightfoot’s career, including the time he decided NOT to sue Whitney Houston