Professor of Rock

Today we celebrate Elton John's "Madman Across The Water" 50th Anniversary Reissue, the brilliant rock n’ roll psychosis of a slow-rising classic…It took people a little bit to realize that this 70s album was a master work but Elton John and Bernie Taupin knew they had a batch of stellar songs and 50 years later it’s still a mystery... l "When it was released in 1971...Many thought the name of the LP referred to Richard Nixon…Some thought it was Adolf Hitler... But, has the real subject of Bernie Taupin’s title ever been revealed? with classic songs like Levon and Tiny Dancer we find out NEXT on Professor of Rock. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When music critics found out former Beatle Paul McCartney was writing a movie theme back in the 70s, the reactions were definitely mixed. Yeah, some were positive. But others? They had no faith in the music. In fact one of the producers was ready to pass on what would become a game changer for a lounge act…Paul McCartney and Wings reinvigorated one of the most popular film franchises in history. And then Guns N’ Roses cover made it Sir Paul’s most popular composition collectively with a stellar cover. Up next he struggle to get this song in James Bond’s movie of the same name and how McCartney had the last laugh. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As many of you no doubt already know, we recently lost another musical legend. On May 26 Depeche Mode’s own Andy Fletcher passed away from natural causes at his home. He was 60 years old. Band members Dave Gahan and Martin Gore made the somber announcement: "We are shocked and filled with overwhelming sadness with the untimely passing of our dear friend, family member and bandmate Andy 'Fletch' Fletcher". Fletch had a true heart of gold and was always there when you needed support, a lively conversation or a cold pint. Our hearts are with his family...” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

"Coming up….the story of an art rock heroine Genius named Kate Bush and the story of her beautiful and compelling 80s hit, Running Up that Hill (Deal With God) which just went to #1 a full 37 years after it hit radio. Kate was frustrated by a lack of empathy from the man she loved. To solve the problem, she came up with a bold plan to reverse the role of the sexes.We enter the mind of a true music maverick, and go between the layers of a heavenly classic from the 80s that just got a new lease of life from Stranger Things …NEXT on Professor of Rock.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Get the Nirvana Nevermind 30th Anniversary Super Deluxe Edition here: https://shop.nirvana.com/products/nevermind-30th-deluxe-5cd Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Coming Up a song that missed the top 40 in the early 80s but has since then Rock Lobster by the B-52s has become a modern day standard and a major influence after it was released. Cindy Wilson tells the story of how it helped John Lennon come out of retirement and how she and Kate Pierson mimicked sea creatures to get it’s interesting sound and Fred Schneider’s deadpan delivery. The song was punctuated their homage to Yoko Ono. The story of a classic New Avant Guard classic is coming up next. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Up next the story of one of the greatest new wave singles ever released from the lead singer and songwriter of 80s band MODERN ENGLISH, mr. Robbie Grey on the crazy story of I Melt With You which was Inspired by nuclear war and It reached number seven on Billboard mainstream rock chart in 1983 and was re-released in 1990 reaching number 76 on its Hot 100 chart in 1990 Even though it was a one hit wonder, it’s a song that has penetrated every continent and ever generation. The enduring story of a classic next on Professor of Rock. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Everyone loves a love triangle, right? Just as long as you’re not the one on the outs. Well, today’s song was written by Stone Temple Pilots. Frontman Scott Weiland wrote the lyrics about a love triangle between he and his fiancee and the third party, who wasn’t human. The song was a massive hit on the rock charts in the 90s after STP’s first album blew up and critics trashed the band, but they had the last laugh with this hit that described Scott’s battle with an addiction that had a tragic result. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

80s New Wave band, Naked Eyes consisting of Pete Byrne and Rob Fisher took the Burt Bacharach and Hal David classic (There’s) Always Something There To Remind Me and turned it into a show stopping 80s classic taking it to upper reaches of the Billboard Hot 100, retitling it simply, Always Something There To Remind Me. Naked Eyes Lead Singer Pete Byrne tells the story of recording the classic at Abby Road Studios. In the 80s, plenty of remakes of 60s hit’s ruled the charts. Tommy James and the Shondells alone saw three of their song remade and hit upper reaches of the billboard charts, There was Crimson and Clover by Joan Jett, Mony Mony by Billy Idol and I think We’re Alone Now by Tiffany. Motown songs too You Keep Me Hangin On hit #1 for Kim Wilde, a remake of the Supremes original #1. Phil Collins did it with You Can’t Hurry Love another #1 by the Supremes so it would make sense for for Naked Eyes to re make a Burt Bacharach and Hal David composition. Naked Eyes had another hit that’s become a classic, the wonderfulPromises, Promises. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Introducing the story of 5 cult classics from 80s New Wave. I’ve said it before, Some people are sticklers for labels or genres. I’m calling them new wave... Here are five New Wave Cult classics hidden gems from the 80s that deserve recognition and celebration including the Smiths Rusholme Ruffians from Meat is Murder, my favorite band ever. Appetite by Prefab Sprout from Steve McQueen, who’s singer Paddy McAloon had virtually disappear from the public eye, Kiss Off by Violent Femmes from their debut album that sold a million copies and no one can explain how. as well as Silver by Echo and the Bunnymen from Ocean Rain, and Uncertain Smile by The The. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.