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The ESO NetworkModern Musicology #151-ACE!!
On October 16, 2025 one of the most influential guitarists in the history of rock – ACE FREHLEY of KISS – passed away at the age of 74. Court Lewis and Matt Alschbach of the Rock and Metal Profs Podcast join us to share memories of Ace and talk about his impact on the musical landscape. We share our favorite songs, favorite solos, favorite concert memories, and a few funny stories along the way.
If you’re a fan of hard rock and metal, check out the Rock and Metal Profs podcast,
We’d love to hear your memories of Ace Frehley! Drop...
2025-11-1159 minThe ESO Network FeedModern Musicology #151-ACE!!
On October 16, 2025 one of the most influential guitarists in the history of rock – ACE FREHLEY of KISS – passed away at the age of 74. Court Lewis and Matt Alschbach of the Rock and Metal Profs Podcast join us to share memories of Ace and talk about his impact on the musical landscape. We share our favorite songs, favorite solos, favorite concert memories, and a few funny stories along the way.
If you’re a fan of hard rock and metal, check out the Rock and Metal Profs podcast,
We’d love to hear your memories of Ace Frehley! Drop...
2025-11-1159 min
MODERN MUSICOLOGY#151 - ACE!ACE FREHLEY
On October 16, 2025 one of the most influential guitarists in the history of rock - ACE FREHLEY of KISS - passed away at the age of 74. Court Lewis and Matt Alschbach of the Rock and Metal Profs Podcast join us to share memories of Ace and talk about his impact on the musical landscape. We share our favorite songs, favorite solos, favorite concert memories, and a few funny stories along the way.
If you're a fan of hard rock and metal, check out the Rock and Metal Profs podcast,
We'd love to hear...
2025-11-0959 min
The Rock and Metal ProfsEpisode 66: Ghost -- The Profs are Back!!!Well, we decided to bring the show back after a 3-year hiatus. On the eve of Halloween, what better way to celebrate our return to podcast glory than with the ultimate horror band, GHOST! Court and Matt, with shows to follow as time permits. No social media presence this time, but you can email us at Therockprofs@gmail.com. Welcome back, and as always, thanks so much for your listenership and support! Now, LET THE RITUAL BEGIN!
2025-10-251h 02The Rock and Metal ProfsThe Evolution of Rock and MetalThe Profs discuss the origins and evolution of rock and metal!
2025-09-031h 11The Rock and Metal ProfsThe Sunset Strip in the 1980sOh the excess and bombast of the Sunset Strip in the late-70s and 1980s! The Profs discuss the epicenter of rock and metal in the 70s-80s as the Sunset Strip in L.A. became ground-zero for some of the greatest rock and metal acts in American history.
2025-09-031h 01The Rock and Metal ProfsKISS in the early-80sYes, we know we talk about KISS too often. However, in our defense, those early-80s KISS albums were SPECTACULAR. Court and Matt discuss the iconic albums "Creatures of the Night", "Music from the Elder", "Lick it Up" and "Animalize."
2025-09-031h 05The Rock and Metal ProfsRock and Metal Music FestivalsOh the glory of the all-day music festival. US Fest, Ozzfest, Louder than Life, Wacken and Hellfest. So many festivals and so many bands! The Profs discuss the pros and cons of rock and metal music festivals, and cover some of the best and worst ones they've attended.
2025-09-031h 07The Rock and Metal ProfsPodcast Producer Tim Williamson Takes over RAMPIn this special episode of RAMP, our podcast producer and colleague Tim Williamson takes over the show. We talk about whatever he wants to talk about!
2025-09-031h 14The Rock and Metal ProfsMetallica in the 90s and BeyondYeah, we've heard it all before. After "...And Justice for All", Metallica became a different band, "sold out", and went mainstream. Early Metallica fans in particular love to condemn Metallica in the 1990s as the band who let them down. The Profs dispel the myths and do their level best to objectively assess Metallica's catalog in the 1990s and beyond.
2025-09-0352 minThe Rock and Metal ProfsKISS in the 1980s and beyondKISS fans are a devoted bunch, and much of their love for the band is contingent upon when they started listening to them. For Matt, KISS in the 1970s were at their zenith. However, for slightly younger fans like Court, those 80s albums hold a special place. Dr. Lewis shines in this one, talking about the non-make-up years, the brief tenure of guitarists Mark St. John and Vinnie Vincent, the percussive mastery of Eric Carr, the guitar wizardry of Bruce Kulick, and the new direction KISS took in the 80s to attain a level of success that few could hav...
2025-09-031h 06The Rock and Metal ProfsGuns & Roses: Use Your Illusion, AKA "Court's Delusion"This week the Profs discuss one of the more controversial album releases in American music history, "Use Your Illusion I and II." Many rock fans may not remember that Guns & Roses did something no band had ever done in 1991 -- They released two double studio albums on the same day! Heralded by some rock fans as the answer to glam metal and the emerging grunge scene, some GNR fans were not impressed, Dr. Lewis among them. Matt and Court discuss the albums, the tracks, and attempt to unpack Dr. Lewis's thinly-veiled contempt for these records. Does he love these albu...
2025-09-031h 02The Rock and Metal ProfsThe best albums of 2022The Profs discuss some of the best rock and metal music offerings of 2022.
2025-09-0341 minThe Rock and Metal ProfsListener Questions, part 2Dr. Lewis and Matt take questions from the RAMP audience and discuss. Part 2 of 2 episodes.
2025-09-0347 minThe Rock and Metal ProfsListener Questions, part 1Dr. Lewis and Matt take questions from the RAMP audience and discuss. Part 1 of 2 episodes.
2025-09-0334 minThe Rock and Metal ProfsThe Meaning of Metallica with author William IrwinThe Rock and Metal Profs interview Professor of Philosophy, literary critic and heavy metal scholar William Irwin from King's College in Pennsylvania. His new book "The Meaning of Metallica: Ride the Lyrics" is a detailed breakdown examining the history and philosophy of the most influential metal band in American history, Metallica.
2025-09-0355 minThe Rock and Metal ProfsAlbum Review: DIO -- Holy Diver DeluxeThe profs discuss the release of the newly remixed and remastered Holy Diver album by Ronnie James Dio.
2025-09-0336 minThe Rock and Metal ProfsRIOT: The Band that should have been massive in the U.S. and abroadNew York-based band RIOT enjoyed modest success in the late-1970s and early-80s. They grew a die-hard following, even as they evolved into one of the few American Power Metal bands of the 1980s. However, line-up changes, tragedy, and a few ill-fated marketing decisions limited the band's appeal and commercial success. Undaunted, RIOT continued to produce quality music, and despite the odds they simply would not be denied their place in the American rock and metal pantheon.
2025-09-031h 02The Rock and Metal ProfsInterview with Black Sabbath Vocalist Tony MartinThe Tony Martin-era of Black Sabbath is much celebrated amongst fans of the band. Following the departure of Ronnie James Dio in 1982, Sabbath sought out veteran leadership in the form of Deep Purple vocalist Ian Gillan. That line-up produced one very good album, but it was not to last. When Gillan left the band, Iommi and company found stability, talent and tremendous writing chops with British vocalist Tony Martin. Mr. Martin was generous in agreeing to meet with the Profs prior to the re-release of the Martin-era collection on vinyl and CD. Martin covers his time with the band, and e...
2025-09-0350 minThe Rock and Metal ProfsBlack Sabbath: The Tony Martin EraIn the 1980s and 90s Black Sabbath released 5 outstanding studio records (and a great live one) featuring British vocalist Tony Martin. After the departure of Ian Gillan after just one album and an ill-fated Tony Iommi solo record featuring Glenn Hughes on vocals, Sabbath turned to Tony Martin, a virtual unknown. Martin's incredible vocal range and strong song-writing skills gave Sabbath a sound and stability that had been lacking for several years. His two tenures in the band produced some of Sabbath's finest work, which fans continue to discover even today. Court and Matt investigate the band's history with Mart...
2025-08-281h 02The Rock and Metal ProfsPOWER METAL!!!Time to put those fists in the air! German metalers Helloween have the distinction of being one of the first (if not the very first) Power Metal bands, but what exactly is Power Metal? How does it differ from speed, thrash, and just plain-old heavy metal? Were German metal outfit ACCEPT a power metal band? What's with all the power metal bands from Germany? How and why did American rockers RIOT go power metal in the 1980s? The Profs do their best to unpack the facts, dispel the myths, and celebrate the greatest power metal acts in this important sub-ge...
2025-08-2859 minThe Rock and Metal ProfsTesla: The Early YearsFew bands made a bigger impact in the 1980s than Sacramento rockers Tesla. When "Mechanical Resonance" hit the stores, fans compared them to Aerosmith, but they forged a style and sound all their own that shaped the American rock sound for decades. Metallica loved them, girls adored them, and even hardcore metal fans had to admit that they were the perfect blend of hard rock, classic riffs, grit and melody. Go take your "Edison's Medicine" and listen to the Pod!
2025-08-2852 minThe Rock and Metal ProfsListeners Sound Off Which Version of the Band was Better?We all know that AC/DC and Iron Maiden reached new commercial heights with replacement vocalists, but were versions 2.0 better than the original? Was Van Halen a better band with DLR or Sammy? Was Black Sabbath better with DIO or Ozzy? Jake or Zakk? The listeners sounded off, we listened, and we offer our own insight in this fun themed episode!
2025-08-281h 04The Rock and Metal ProfsEpic Album Trios: The ScorpionsIn this very special edition of RAMP, Matt interviews childhood friend and long-time Scorpions fan Bruce Miller. They discuss the classic album triumvirate of Love Drive, Animal Magnetism and Blackout from the German forefathers of metal, The Scorpions.
2025-08-2837 minThe Rock and Metal ProfsWomen in Rock and Metal: Part IICourt and Matt examine the contributions and monumental impact of women in Rock and Metal in the 90s and 2000s. The 21st century is a brave new world for women in rock and metal, and it is about time! So many great front-women in rock, and don't get us started on the great guitar work of shredders like Nita Strauss, Orianthi, Nikki Stringfield and Alyssa Day! Let's hear it for the ladies!
2025-08-2850 minThe Rock and Metal ProfsWomen in Rock and Metal: Part IThis week the Profs discuss the incredible contributions of women who Rock! In the 60s, 70s and 80s rock and metal was a boys club. However, there were a number of trailblazers who had the chops, talent, determination and grit to bring their best in the studio and on stage every time. Court and Matt talk about the glass ceiling in rock and metal, the ladies who shattered it, and the lasting legacy of women who simply would not be denied their place in music history.
2025-08-2846 minThe Rock and Metal ProfsOzzy Osbourne: Part II -- the Jake and Zakk YearsIn part 2, the Profs look at the incredible work that Ozzy produced with Jake E. Lee and Zakk Wylde in the 80s and 90s.
2025-08-2756 minThe Rock and Metal ProfsOzzy Osbourne: Part IThe Madman is back! Matt and Dr. Lewis research the career and legacy of the great Ozzy Osbourne. The Profs analyze his time in Black Sabbath, his break with the band, Sharon Arden's (Osbourne's) role in putting Ozzy back in the mainstream, the Satan Panic, the death of Randy Rhoads, and the Ozman's thunderous impact on rock and metal.
2025-08-2758 minThe Rock and Metal ProfsFoo FightersBy Request, the Profs examine the history, impact and legacy of the Foo Fighters. Friend to the show and long-time supporter Greg Hill in Escondido California suggested the Foo Fighters, and we loved the idea!
2025-08-2743 minThe Rock and Metal ProfsAlice Cooper Part IIThe Profs handle Alice Cooper's later catalog, history, and legacy.
2025-08-2755 minThe Rock and Metal ProfsBonus Episode: Court interviews Cello The Black PearlDr. Lewis interviews Detroit's Cello "Tha Black Pearl" in this bonus pod.
2025-08-2747 minThe Rock and Metal ProfsAlice CooperThis week Dr. Court Lewis gets to talk about one of his favorite artists, the legendary Alice Cooper. The master of shock rock, Alice's storied career was fraught with controversy, alcoholism, chicken abuse, and a religious awakening. Court is in his element, and Matt is just along for the ride!
2025-08-2752 minThe Rock and Metal ProfsThe Best Bands and Albums of 2021Court and Matt discuss the bests albums and artists of 2021.
2025-08-2759 minThe Rock and Metal ProfsVan Halen: The David Lee Roth EraEverybody Wants Some! Has there ever been a more impactful and transformative band than Van Halen? When Eddie, Alex, Michael and DLR hit the Los Angeles scene in the late-1970s, it was a seismic shift in music. A young Eddie Van Halen showed that whatever people might have thought was possible (or impossible) on the guitar, they were wrong. The most complete rock guitar player of all time, within months of the band's debut release, there were hundreds of young guitar players trying to figure out what he was playing, copying his techniques, and doing their best Eddie impe...
2025-08-271h 05The Rock and Metal ProfsSystem of a DownSystem of a Down are a band that tackled serious issues. Their outspoken criticism of Turkey's government and the Armenian Genocide is well-documented. But what some casual listeners may not know is that they are also an incredibly talented quartet -- gifted songwriters and musicians. When they hit the music scene in the late-1990s, their crushing rhythms, frenetic energy, and Armenian-inspired melodies pulverized listeners. The thinking man's band, love them or hate them, no one can deny their brilliance and their influence.
2025-08-271h 01The Rock and Metal ProfsJudas Priest: the 1990s and 2000s (Episode 3 of 3)The Profs examine the tumultuous 1990s and how Judas Priest reinvented when Halford left the band. Like most metal acts in the 90s, JP struggled to maintain legitimacy and their fanbase. Record companies moved on, but the band forged ahead. With Halford returning to the band in the early 2000s, the band produced a string of incredible albums and proved their staying power, resiliency and determination. Their artistic talents were as strong as ever. Fans returned, and once again Priest sold out arenas and headlined the biggest music festivals in the world. Some 50 years on, their legacy is unparalleled in rock...
2025-08-241h 06The Rock and Metal ProfsJudas Priest: The 1980sWhen 1982's "Screaming for Vengeance" hit the U.S. and England, it was a smash. Up until that point, the Birmingham metal outfit had modest success, particular in the U.S. when they opened for KISS in 1979. However, "Screaming..." placed JP alongside the greatest rock and metal acts of the decade. With fame came infamy however, and Priest was not immune to the "Satanic Panic" and the religious alarmism of the 80s. It all came to a head when tragically, two Judas Priest fans attempted to take their lives while listening to JP songs. A lawsuit followed, and Heavy Metal...
2025-08-2452 minThe Rock and Metal ProfsJudas Priest: the 1970s - Episode 1 of 3The Profs mine the data to present the history and philosophy of heavy metal progenitors Judas Priest. Like their fellow Birmingham mates in Black Sabbath, Judas Priest deserve to be placed alongside Sabbath as the founding fathers of heavy metal. From the start, Priest blazed their own path, creating a sound and style that has been often emulated but never mastered. With Rob Halford's haunting and emotional vocals and 3-octave range, Glenn Tipton and KK Downing's twin guitar attack and founding member Ian Hill holding it all down on bass, Priest have produced some of the greatest music in any...
2025-08-241h 01The Rock and Metal ProfsRock N Pod Interviews: Vinnie Appice, Producer Toby Wright and Tora ToraMore interviews from Rock N Pod August 2022. Matt and Court interview legendary drummer Vinnie Appice of Black Sabbath and DIO, Producer Toby Wright (Alice In Chains, Metallica) and Memphis rockers Tora Tora.
2025-08-241h 10The Rock and Metal ProfsRock and Pod Interviews: Resist and Bite and Pamela Des BarresCourt and Matt interview members of the rock outfit "Resist and Bite" (featuring Tommy Skeoch of Tesla) and legendary rock muse and groupie Pamela Des Barres.
2025-08-2457 minThe Rock and Metal ProfsVinnie VincentVinnie Vincent has the distinction of being one of the most beloved, reviled and criticized rock artists of the last 40 years. When he hit the Los Angeles scene he had modest success writing and performing musical scores for TV shows. Hired by KISS to replace founding guitarist Ace Frehley in the early-80s, fans were ecstatic with the new musical direction and more complex guitar arrangements. Much to the chagrin of KISS fans, Vincent's time in KISS came to an abrupt end as quickly as it started. Subsequently, VV became an enigma and quite reclusive until he resurfaced in the...
2025-08-2454 minThe Rock and Metal ProfsKansasThe Profs examine the incomparable Kansas. Were they classic rock? Were they early prog rock? Were they a pop band? Kansas was challenging to define, then and now. Whatever the categorization, music fans agree that they made some of the best music of the 70s and 80s, and with very little radio airplay nor popular acclaim. Count and Matt look at the band's past, legacy, and philosophy that so defined the great bands of the 70s.
2025-08-241h 05The Rock and Metal ProfsIron Maiden: Part IIThe Profs take a 2nd look at the monumental British metal band Iron Maiden. Often considered one of the greatest of the "New Wave of British Heavy Metal" bands in the early 80s, Maiden's place in the pantheon of metal is secure. And perhaps no band is better at covering historical topics and telling meaningful stories than Steve, Bruce, Dave, Adrian, Janick and Nicko. This one took some time and research! Let's go!
2025-08-231h 00The Rock and Metal ProfsRockumentaries with Tommy EllisThis week Matt chats with writer, editor, publisher and music fan Tommy Ellis. In Tommy's longtime role as a magazine editor and publisher, he's had the opportunity to interview some of the biggest names in rock and metal music over his career. He's also an avid fan of music documentaries. Matt and Tommy discuss both well-known and more obscure can't-miss rockumentaries and their impact on fans and the bands.
2025-08-231h 02The Rock and Metal ProfsRonnie James Dio: Part IIWell, you knew we were going to circle back to DIO. We couldn't possibly cover such an iconic artist with such an illustrious career in one episode. Court and Matt discuss RJD's career, catalog, history, philosophy and various bandmates.
2025-08-2357 minThe Rock and Metal ProfsAC/DC: The Brian Johnson YearsThe Profs examine the tragic death of Bon Scott, the band soldiering on, Brian Johnson's humble beginnings, and the band becoming bigger than anyone could have ever imagined with "Back in Black", "For Those About to Rock" and "Flick of the Switch." The band that defied all expectations, genres and cultural conventions, AC/DC!
2025-08-2359 minThe Rock and Metal ProfsAC/DC: The Bon Scott YearsOne of the most downloaded episodes in the show's history, we underestimated just how many people around the world LOVE AC/DC! The profs discuss the band's early lack of success in their home country of Australia, blowing up in England and the US, and their irrerressible desire to make it big no matter what obstacles they encountered.
2025-08-2353 minThe Rock and Metal ProfsBlack Sabbath: The Ozzy YearsThe Profs discuss the history and philosophy of the progenitors of an entire genre of music, the great Black Sabbath. Recorded a few years prior to Ozzy's passing, Matt and Court cover the early history of the band's roots in Birmingham and just how transformative Sabbath was in terms of music, imagery, themes and culture.
2025-08-2352 minThe Rock and Metal ProfsGuitar GodsThe Profs discuss the rise of the guitar virtuoso in the 70s and 80s. From Ritchie Blackmore to EVH, Randy Rhoads and Yngwie, the rock and metal genre boasts the greatest guitar players ever to grace the earth. This is going to be a fun one!
2025-08-231h 02The Rock and Metal ProfsQueensrycheCourt and Matt discuss Seattle metal pioneers Queensryche. When this quintet hit the music scene in the early 80s with their 4-song EP, fans knew they were going to be special. With a unique prog sound, soaring vocals and technical guitar and drum work, they were an instance success within the metal community. The Profs discuss the band's history, the greatest concept album of all time, and the band's philosophy as they've endured changing lineups and the fickle music business.
2025-08-231h 01The Rock and Metal ProfsBody CountThe Profs discuss hardcore metal act Body Count and the impact Ice T. and his bandmates made when they hit the scene in the early-90s. From the beginning the band stoked controversy, built a devoted following, endured repeated attacks from politicians and bigots, and persevered over time to become a mainstay at metal festivals into the 2020s.
2025-08-231h 13The Rock and Metal ProfsThe RUSH experts - Chris Christianson and Dr. Reynaldo Rojo MendozaMatt is joined by long-time friends and hardcore RUSH fans, Chris Christianson and Dr. Reynaldo Rojo Mendoza. The trio have a fun conversation about when they discovered RUSH, what the band meant to them, live concerts they attended, and the passing of the world's greatest percussionist, the Professor Neil Peart.
2025-08-2339 minThe Rock and Metal ProfsInterview with Rob De Luca from Spread Eagle, UFO and Sebastian BachRoad warrior, bassist, songwriter and founding member of Spread Eagle Rob De Luca joins the Profs to talk about the current incarnation of the band, his time with rock legends UFO, and touring with Sebastian Bach.
2025-08-2352 minThe Rock and Metal ProfsSpread EagleWhen New York's Spread Eagle hit the metal scene in 1989, many early fans recognized that they were different from the established glam and sleaze metal bands of the late-80s. A self-styled "Street Metal" act, Rob De Luca, Paul DiBartolo, Ray West and Tommy Gallo produced two hard-hitting, raw and uncompromising albums within just a few short years. Alas, as the music industry shifted its focus away from metal in the 90s, Spread Eagle, like so many bands of the era, was a casualty. But like so many great bands from the 80s, Spread Eagle reformed, released another outstanding reco...
2025-08-2345 minThe Rock and Metal ProfsRush part 3This week Matt invites on a couple Rush experts and long-time friends, Dr. Reynaldo Rojo Mendoza and Mr. Chris Christianson. Were it not for Chris, Matt would not be the Rush fan that he is today. Dr. Rojo Mendoza provides a unique perspective as a Rush fan growing up in Mexico City. My thanks to both of these fine gentlemen for taking the time to join the show!
2025-08-141h 03The Rock and Metal ProfsRush part 2The Profs are back with part 2 in a 3-part series featuring the GLORIOUS music, history and philosophy of Rush.
2025-08-1457 minThe Rock and Metal ProfsRush part 1We have some listeners who are going to LOVE this one. Court and Matt unpack the music, history, philosophy and legacy of the greatest Canadian power trio of all time, RUSH! Rush's music is timeless, brilliant, and masterfully composed. Neil Peart's lyrics were a thing of breathtaking beauty and remarkable intellectual and philosophical gravity and insight. Dr. Lewis shines on this one! You don't want to miss it!
2025-08-141h 04The Rock and Metal ProfsStryperFor Heaven's Sake, it's Stryper! Stryper proved that a Christian rock band can hit the mainstream, find continued success, and rock! An equal opportunity podcast, the Profs give equal time to the "Yellow and Black Attack", looking at the band's history, legacy, music and staying power. To hell with the Devil!
2025-08-141h 00The Rock and Metal ProfsAlice In ChainsTime to Bleed the Freak! The Profs take on the history and philosophy of one of Seattle's greatest exports, the one and only Alice In Chains. AIC were the band the bridged the 80s and 90s and kept metal fresh and exciting. Often lumped in with the grunge movement and Seattle sound, Layne, Jerry, Mike and Sean were far more than just another rock band trying to find an identity -- they saved metal from itself and the parody that the genre had become in the late-80s. Time for a Facelift!
2025-08-1438 minThe Rock and Metal ProfsAnthraxThis week, the Profs are Caught in a Mosh! Time for some east coast thrash! Anthrax are considered one of the "Big 4" acts in metal, and it is well-deserved. Breaking big with "Among the Living" in 1986, Charlie Benante, Frank Bello, Joey Belladonna, Scotty Ian and Dan Spitz brought a sound, style and appearance that metal fans welcomed. With well-crafted songs, Stephen King-inspired songs, blast-beat drums and crushing rhythms, Anthrax would not be denied their place in the pantheon of metal gods! I am the Walking Dude!
2025-08-1453 minThe Rock and Metal ProfsCoheed and CambriaThis week a deep dive into an incredibly talented band that may be unfamiliar to some listeners. Coheed and Cambria have made a nice career releasing concept albums with sci-fi and fantasy themes, comic book tie-ins, and incredible musicality and virtuosity. Don't sleep on this band!
2025-08-1453 minThe Rock and Metal ProfsIron MaidenThis Profs investigate the career of one of the most heralded bands of all time, the incomparable Iron Maiden. Matt and Court recount the band's rise to success in England, the Paul DiAnno years, the introduction of Bruce Dickinson, and taking the world by storm in the early-80s. Metal mascots: Has anyone done it better than Iron Maiden with Eddie? Has there ever been a band better at tackling historical events and making them exciting and accessible for listeners? The gents discuss.
2025-08-141h 14The Rock and Metal ProfsKISS: The KISS LISTThis one is for the hardcore KISS Fan! Court and Matt discuss lyrics and how the band's songs have aged, as well as a multitude of esoteric facts that longtime fans of the band will likely know already. This is a fun one, so join us!
2025-08-131h 07The Rock and Metal ProfsKISS: Part IIThe Profs discuss the band's meteoric rise to rock greatness in the 70s, line-up changes, taking off the make-up (or more acccurately, applying the make-up differently), their reemergence in the 80s, missteps in the 90s and the inevitable reunion of the 4 founding members.
2025-08-1357 minThe Rock and Metal ProfsKISS: The Early YearsIn the 70s and 80s no band influenced Court and Matt more than KISS. In this first episode in a 3-episode series, the Profs look at the history and philosophy of Gene, Paul, Ace and Peter, the formation of Wicked Lester (Gene and Paul's first band), their early challenges, and the incredible determination of 4 young New Yorkers who would not be denied their rightful place as rock gods.
2025-08-131h 07The Rock and Metal ProfsRonnie James DioOften venerated as one of the greatest rock vocalists in history, Ronnie James Dio's storied career is as fantastic as the lyrics he penned about dragons, tigers and rainbows. Court and Matt mine the data to bring you a thoughtful, respectful and thorough accounting of the Man on the Silver Mountain. Rest in peace Ronnie!
2025-08-131h 04The Rock and Metal ProfsUFOThe Profs examine the career of UFO, your favorite band's favorite band. UFO has the distinction of influencing dozens of the biggest names in rock and metal music in the 70s and 80s. Phil Mogg, Andy Parker, Pete Way, Paul Raymond and the Mad Axeman Michael Schenker redefined the world of rock, headlining major music festivals in the U.S. and Britain in the late-1970s. We discuss the classic line-up and some of the greatest music ever made, including what is arguably the greatest live album in history, Strangers in the Night. This podcast is Too Hot...
2025-08-131h 06The Rock and Metal ProfsMegadethThis week the Rock and Metal Profs discuss Megadeth. There is no denying the seismic impact that Megadeth made with Peace Sells, So Far, So Good, So What, Rust in Peace, Countdown to Extinction, Youthanasia and Cryptic Writings. This legendary run of albums made Dave Mustaine and his sometimes revolving door of great musicians titans of thrash in the 80s and 90s. Court and Matt discuss the albums, the line-ups, band history, upheaval and addiction, and of course, the long-standing feud between Dave and the fellows in Metallica. May the warheads all rest in peace!
2025-08-131h 03The Rock and Metal ProfsMetallica - Back to the BeginningWelcome back to the Rock and Metal Profs Podcast! After a few years hiatus, Court and I have decided to re-release all episodes of the show! Moving forward, we will record and release new episodes as time permits and inspiration strikes. As listeners may know, Dr. Lewis and I are working college professors, and time is a precious luxury. Nevertheless, our passion for music beckoned us to return to the studio and to make the show available to our listeners. We sincerely appreciate all of the kind words and emails we've received over the previous few years, and w...
2025-08-131h 22
MODERN MUSICOLOGY#116 - The Albums of 1984 Pt 1: Hard Rock and Metal1984 was an incredible year for music, and it was a particularly strong year for hard rock and metal. We're joined by guests Courtland Lewis and Matt Alschbach of the Rock and Metal Profs Podcast for a great discussion of what factors made 1984 such a highwater mark for the genre, and we review some of our favorite releases of the year. We spotlight albums by Van Halen, KISS, Dio, Iron Maiden, Deep Purple, Queenryche, Ratt, Metallica, Dokken, Scorpions, plus a whole lot more. And of course no discussion of the metal releases of 1984 would be complete without a mention of the...
2024-06-241h 10
Decibel Geek PodcastKISS and Philosophy - Ep427We're getting cerebral this week while talking about the hottest band in the land as we chat with the authors of KISS and Philosophy; a book that seeks to enlighten you in a rock and roll way. On the surface, you'd probably think that KISS songs are simply about groupies and having fun. To a point, you'd be right. However, as this book seeks to prove, there are a lot of poignant statements made throughout KISS' lyrical history. Editor Court Lewis and contributor Matt Alschbach (along with others) provide an interesting case study in the...
2020-10-141h 08