Description

Every December, El Monstero turns The Pageant into a full-blown Pink Floyd universe, complete with soaring guitar solos, aerial performers, and a loyal St. Louis crowd that treats it like a holiday rite of passage.

In this episode of The Sauce, Lauren sits down with John Pessoni and Bill Reiter of El Monstero to talk about what it takes to keep a tradition like this going for nearly three decades.

In this week’s episode of The Sauce:

• How El Monstero grew from a tribute idea into a seven-night holiday run at The Pageant
• The rehearsal process, set lists, and why they always tweak the show for repeat fans
• Building a true rock spectacle, from aerialists and dancers to video walls, pyro, and helicopters at the summer amphitheater show
• The difference between the winter Pageant run and the Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre show
• Juggling El Monstero with The Urge, tribute bands, cover bands, and life outside of music
• Their love of St. Louis’ food scene, from pre-show spots on The Loop to Italian icons on The Hill
• The story behind their “gardening” tins collaboration with High Rule and how social media rules shaped the language

Sponsored this week by LHM, with festive holiday pop ups at 360 Downtown, 360 Westport, and plenty of cheer at Union Station, including the Polar Express Train Ride and the Sleigh Shed inside Train Shed.

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

🔗 Learn More & Buy Tickets: elmonstero.com

🎧 Watch on YouTube or listen on Spotify and all major platforms.
📅 New episodes drop every Tuesday.

✨ Presented by SWADE Dispensary, with 11 locations across Missouri. Learn more about their new Passport Membership program at swadecannabis.com.