Podcast – Allen "Big Al" Tate

Martin Popoff’s “Metallica: Album by Album”

September 8, 2026

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Season 2, Episode 9: https://martinpopoff.com/

I talked with Martin Popoff about his new book, “Metallica: Album by Album.” Martin explained the book’s format, where he moderates discussions with various musicians and journalists about each Metallica studio album, including side releases like EPs. He described the process of organizing the panelists and the challenges of scheduling big-name contributors. Martin shared insights from the book, such as his increased appreciation for Metallica’s later albums and the band’s evolution after Cliff Burton’s death. He also discussed his other recent and upcoming books, including titles on Ian Gillan and Aerosmith, and mentioned his YouTube channel and podcast. The conversation also touched on the decline of print magazines and the changing music industry.

YouTube: https://youtu.be/5osLc9eiwzs

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6isuA50VYo4QWsVW3xfJvw?si=77iarwWmReeM5IOtaLW5gA

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Tim Durling’s “On Record: The April Wine Album Review”

Big Al

August 3, 2026

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Season 2, Episode 8: timsvinylconfessions.com

In this episode I talk to Canadian author Tim Durling about his latest book “On Record: The April Wine Album Review,” which is his seventh book and his first focused on a Canadian band. Tim explained that the inspiration came from wanting to cover a band from his home region of the Canadian maritime provinces, as April Wine is one of the few Canadian bands from that region to achieve worldwide success. I also went off-topic and asked his advice about writing books as an indie author.

YouTube: https://youtu.be/EJigJ2QEt20

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2OEfLOosKzOyjToceMS9iI?si=eZDKsLtyQQSD-5Wudd4CRg

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Jonathan Joseph of GUIDES Discusses the Single “DRAIN”

Big Al

June 8, 2026

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Season 2, Episode 7: https://guidesmusic.com/

Jonathan Joseph from the Pittsburg band “GUIDES” joins me on this episode to discuss their new single “DRAIN,” which is their first new music release since 2023. The song represents an elevation in production value and sonic quality compared to their debut EP “When Everything Reverses.” He explained that the song was inspired by personal experiences about emotional growth and maturity, particularly observing how not everyone chooses to grow up at the same rate, which impacts relationships and causes people to grow apart. Jonathan described Guides’ musical style as blending the textured aggression of nu metal with the emotional depth of post-hardcore, similar to bands like Taproot, Finch, and AFI, with the bass carrying much of the melodic structure. The band plans to release another single called “Failure Defines” on June 17th and have a third single coming out in July, with plans to return to the studio in the fall.

YouTube: https://youtu.be/evQy3uBtPZI

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5iXxXqrg3s7zHtHdn8lkjn?si=GNz4V-moSUSsLFRPT5pQag

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Passion is a Fashion by Pat Gilbert

Big Al

May 27, 2026

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Season 2, Episode 6: https://www.amazon.com/Passion-Fashion-Revised-Updated-Anniversary/dp/1805704133/

In this episode I spoke with Pat Gilbert, author of the book “Passion is a Fashion: The Real Story of The Clash.” We discussed the revised 50th anniversary edition of the essential biography about the influential British punk band. Pat explained how the book began as a series of articles for Mojo Magazine in the late 1990s after he gained access to band members, and was eventually published in 2004 following Joe Strummer’s death in 2002. The revised edition includes expanded chapters on the White Riot tour, New York recording sessions, and Jamaica, with additional interviews and corrections to chronology. Pat discussed how The Clash evolved from punk roots to more experimental genres, attributing this shift primarily to guitarist Mick Jones’ desire to create musically sophisticated work, particularly incorporating reggae influences into their rock music.

YouTube: https://youtu.be/kSF41-_uGYM

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6Ly3HaguBEikS3yoSHOMLI?si=9Af29m1DS6G8EtcmANqS7g

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Author Daniel Bukszpan Discusses “Rush and 2112: 50 Years”

Big Al

March 9, 2026

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Season 2, Episode 5: https://notoriousbuk.com/

Author Daniel Bukszpan joins the show again. This time he’s here to discuss his new book “Rush and 2112: 50 Years,” which explores the influential 1976 album and its impact on the band’s career. Daniel explained how the book’s three sections cover the album’s creation, musical analysis, and aftermath, while also revealing new insights about Mercury Records’ supportive role during the album’s development. The discussion included Daniel’s writing process, his other published works with Quarto, and his upcoming projects including a book about the Big Four metal bands.

YouTube: https://youtu.be/hMkGVMxjREA

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/70WW1dZBJQGGJHZ6mPt5mN?si=msRSS0osTvWTb-awUIVZKw

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