Allen "Big Al" Tate

In this episode I have a conversation with Evan Seinfeld, founder of New York Hardcore band Biohazard. Evan discussed Biohazard’s history, their recent tour, and their new album, Divided We Fall. He then detailed Full Metal Fitness, a customized fitness program for metal and hardcore fans that includes personalized plans, community support, and a focus on discipline and mental health. Evan also shared his personal journey of overcoming depression and financial ruin after moving to Tulum, Mexico, which led him to create a free mentorship (called Mantorship) program for men. He described the mentorship circles as a safe space for men to be vulnerable, share struggles, and find support through brotherhood.

YouTube: https://youtu.be/gY4InyL9Wno

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2fhxrmOuTnOaMYEV0wRPD9?si=vs3dGkJIRtSU1FH7IuDo0g

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Find Big Al’s Rockin’ Podcast at any of the podcast outlets listed below.

Spotify · YouTube · Apple Podcasts · Podchaser · Amazon Music · Goodpods · iHeartRadio · Pandora · Audible · TuneIn · Deezer · Podcast Addict · RadioPublic · Pocket Casts · Castbox · Listen Notes · Player FM

In this episode I welcomed author Gillian Gaar back to discuss her new book “Grunge: The Story of Music That Redefined Rock,” which covers the Seattle music scene from 1986 to 1996, focusing on the grunge movement that shaped pop culture. Gillian also shared her personal experiences working for Rocket Magazine in Seattle and interviewed many of the key figures from that era, including Tad Doyle of Tad and Susan Silver who managed Soundgarden. We discussed how grunge music supplanted hair metal, with Gillian arguing that grunge had more substance while hair metal was style over substance. Our conversation also covered the challenges faced by bands like Tad, who suffered from bad luck including legal issues over album covers and being dropped by major labels twice. Gillian mentioned her other book projects, including works on Nirvana and an upcoming Elvis Presley album-by-album book scheduled for release next August.

YouTube: https://youtu.be/4uToMu4DjOs

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/34XwNm09O87fjwQ08knHoM?si=9VHm9Ps5Sjq5hqT0KFC1zQ

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Find Big Al’s Rockin’ Podcast at any of the podcast outlets listed below.

Spotify · YouTube · Apple Podcasts · Podchaser · Amazon Music · Goodpods · iHeartRadio · Pandora · Audible · TuneIn · Deezer · Podcast Addict · RadioPublic · Pocket Casts · Castbox · Listen Notes · Player FM

In this episode I talked with author Sean Egan about his book “Eagles and Hotel California: 50 Years.” Sean discussed how the Eagles managed to follow up their massive greatest hits album with another chart-topping success despite lineup changes and a turbulent recording process at studios in Los Angeles and Miami. He explained that the album’s creation was complicated by management negotiations, touring commitments, and the addition of new guitarist Joe Walsh, yet somehow resulted in one of rock’s most iconic albums featuring the famous “Hotel California” track with its eerie lyrics and groundbreaking instrumental section.

YouTube: https://youtu.be/FY_0I1-Y8HQ

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/42iYpy6194FLyQ49gVXYds?si=9Qz1FoNqSWaF07iUKL_Dxw

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Find Big Al’s Rockin’ Podcast at any of the podcast outlets listed below.

Spotify · YouTube · Apple Podcasts · Podchaser · Amazon Music · Goodpods · iHeartRadio · Pandora · Audible · TuneIn · Deezer · Podcast Addict · RadioPublic · Pocket Casts · Castbox · Listen Notes · Player FM

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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Find Big Al’s Rockin’ Podcast at any of the podcast outlets listed below.

Spotify · YouTube · Apple Podcasts · Podchaser · Amazon Music · Goodpods · iHeartRadio · Pandora · Audible · TuneIn · Deezer · Podcast Addict · RadioPublic · Pocket Casts · Castbox · Listen Notes · Player FM