Professor of Rock
Gamut Podcast Network
The ultimate rock music history podcast for fans of the greatest era of music. If you’ve ever wondered about the true stories behind your favorite songs, or wanted to hear directly from the legends who made them, Professor of Rock is your new go-to podcast. Hosted by music historian and superfan Adam Reader, this show brings the golden era of music back to life with exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes stories, and deep dives into the songs that shaped our lives. This podcast uncovers how timeless tracks were made, the creative breakthroughs, the near-breakups, and the powerful moments that defined music history. Each episode is a masterclass in rock culture and nostalgia—whether it's a chart-topping ‘80s anthem, a one-hit wonder with a wild backstory, or a candid conversation with the legends themselves. Hear the Stories. Relive the Music. Only on Professor of Rock.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 7, 2021 • 17min
Sammy Hagar on Writing Van Halen’s Underrated 80s Gem “Best of Both Worlds” with Eddie Van Halen
In 1986 Van Halen released their first album with new lead singer Sammy Hagar. 5150 became the band’s first number one album in the US and included three top 25 hits. It also contained a mind blowing rocker, Best of Both Worlds was a perfect pairing of Eddie’s guitar and Sammy’s voice that should’ve been a massive hit. Next up the story of this Van Halen classic with commentary by Sammy Hagar. 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.
Jan 2, 2021 • 14min
Justin Furstenfeld of Blue October on the Story Behind the 2006 Rock Hit “Hate Me”
Every once in a while a band can come out of nowhere and release a song that speaks to an entire generation. The deepest reaches of the soul. In 2006 a band from Texas put out a deeply personal song that went to #2 on the the charts. Hate Me by the rock band Blue October from their multiplatinum album Foiled. Justin Furstenfeld, the lead singer of the band tells the story with a cameo appearance from songwriting team Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil. 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.
Dec 20, 2020 • 6min
Top 5 Most Iconic Eyewear Looks of the Rock Era
Since the beginning of time, wearing glasses may have been due to seeing better but since the Rock Era began in ’55, eyewear has become a fashion statement, and in some cases as iconic as the artist themselves. 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.
Dec 17, 2020 • 13min
The Legacy of Charley Pride: Country Music Trailblazer and Icon
The great Charley Pride passed away recently - leaving one of most incredible legacies for us to cherish. 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.
Dec 12, 2020 • 24min
The Making of Guns N’ Roses’ Appetite for Destruction: Axl, Slash & the Chaos Behind a Rock Masterpiece
In the mid 80s, Guns n' Roses crawled out of the hotbed of decadence to release a landmark album while facing the constant threat of implosion, a ban at retail, a ban at MTV, and slow record sales.The transfixing evolution of the biggest selling debut album of all time.. Appetite for Destruction starring Axl Rose, Slash, Izzy Stradlin, Duff McKagan, Steven Adler, Tom Zutaut and a host of others. The stories behind the big song lncluding Welcome to the Jungle, Sweet Child ‘O’ Mine and Paradise City. A can’t miss. 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.
Dec 11, 2020 • 20min
Yusuf / Cat Stevens on the Redemption and Legacy of Tea for the Tillerman and Mona Bone Jakon
The amazing story of the redemption of “Yusuf / Cat Stevens” who came back from near death to record two of the greatest albums of the 70s Mona Bone Jakon and Tea For The Tillerman and we unbox the 50th Anniversary Super Deluxe box sets featuring both of these amazing albums, which you can get here: https://catstevens.lnk.to/TFTT-MB-Boxsets 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.
Dec 10, 2020 • 15min
The Darkness on Creating “I Believe in a Thing Called Love” and Reviving Glam Rock for a New Generation
It was a glam-rock throwback with a piercing falsetto that captivated listeners around the world, and re-awakened the spirit of rock n’ roll for a new century.The story of “I Believe in a Thing Called Love” From brothers Justin and Dan Hawkins, otherwise known as the Darkness 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.
Dec 9, 2020 • 15min
How AC/DC Created “Thunderstruck”: Angus Young’s Riff, Brian Johnson’s Vocals, and the Legend Behind the Anthem
A colossal rock anthem that earned notoriety from an urban legend was actually inspired by a finger-picking exercise learned from the brother of one of rock’s greatest players. 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.
Nov 28, 2020 • 22min
U2 in the 90s: The Stories Behind 5 Bold Songs That Redefined Their Sound
The 1990s were full of experimentation and global domination for U2. From Achtung Baby to Zooropa to Pop, U2 ran the gauntlet. Enclosed are their top 5 songs from the era including Stay Faraway (So Close) and Mysterious Ways. The stories behind the songs and the evolution of Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr. 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.
Nov 27, 2020 • 19min
Bruce Springsteen’s Underrated 80s Gem That Became a Modern Relationship Standard
Bruce Springsteen has created countless standards of the great American songbook, next we go in depth on a song you may have forgotten about that is not only a modern day standard but a defining song about relationships in general . We break down the song and it’s impact in our lives and our culture. 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.
