In the season premiere of The Molten Truth: On Another Note, Zoey Michaels sits down with veteran musician Wayne Olivieri—whose career stretches back to the mid-70s—to explore the evolution of the music industry from the gritty golden age of CBGB to today’s streaming-dominated world. Wayne shares stories from his early punk rock days, reflecting on what made CBGB a creative breeding ground for fearless, original music.
He opens up about the realities modern musicians face, from the financial challenges of streaming platforms that pay fractions of a cent per play, to the necessity of juggling day jobs while still pursuing their art. Wayne also pulls back the curtain on the rise of tribute bands, why they currently out-earn original acts, and how live venues have shifted from dance floors to dinner service.
Drawing from his memoir The Undiscovered Showman, Wayne talks about his enduring friendship with John Bon Jovi, the hustle behind every breakthrough, and the emotional importance of creativity as a form of expression and survival. His message to aspiring artists is clear: relationships matter, resilience matters, and staying true to your craft matters most.
For more information visit wayneolivieri.com
Zoey Michaels is an author and the host of The Molten Truth. ZoeyMichaels.com
