Slappercast: A Weekly Talk Show With Blaggards

Last #SlapperCast of 2020! This week: * Recapping last week's episode with drummer Ash Soan * Bon Jovi's cover of "Fairytale of New York" * Bands that switch instruments on stage * Famous musicians who have changed their main instrument * Singing drummers who should stay behind the kit * The pros/cons of remixing classic albums Also, high praise for recording/mixing engineer Paul Beebe and mastering engineer Chris Longwood for their excellent work on our latest single, "Everyday is Christmas (Since You're Gone)". Thanks to Garrett Mahanay for his question! Watch the video edition on YouTube: https://youtu.be/KikpWktqlSo Show notes Blaggards - "Everyday is Christmas (Since You're Gone)" — music video https://youtu.be/kakNyfr8XX8 Our cover of "Fairytale of New York" https://youtu.be/wzyy8Z8a2LM Bon Jovi's cover of "Fairytale of New York" https://youtu.be/KB9vvxYocW0 Join us in IRELAND Fall 2021 Ireland 2021 (https://blaggards.com/ireland/) — Sign up to learn more about our next Ireland tour Show dates Blaggard

This week we have a stunning conversation with the mighty Ash Soan—speaking to us from his recording studio all the way over in Norfolk, UK. Ash is a brilliant drummer, recording and touring musician with a resumé a mile long and loads of amazing stories to tell, of which you'll hear plenty in this episode (Sinéad O'Connor, Van Morrison, Del Amitri, Adele, Rick Wakeman, Terry Reid, et al). We also talk about how the pandemic has affected touring musicians and road crew, and what things might be like when we're able to resume business as usual. But the main focus of this conversation turned out to be the underappreciated art of "playing for the song". Show notes Ash Soan's website (http://www.ashsoan.com) Ash's Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ashsoan/) The Windmill Recording Studio (http://www.thewindmillrecordingstudio.com) Zildjian LIVE! - Ash Soan (https://youtu.be/0mty_pMNmFo) (sweet spot around 4:20) Rick Wakeman - Made In Cuba (Full Concert) (https://youtu.be/cerr-luJFpE) (Ash's tea-length drum so

This week we're thrilled to welcome Tony Scalzo of the band Fastball on the show! We talk about how the pandemic has affected the music industry, Tony's love for Austin and Houston, and many other subjects. By the way, our new single "Fairytale of New York" (a cover of the Pogues classic) is on streaming services NOW! (https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/blaggards/fairytale-of-new-york) Show notes Fastball (http://www.fastballtheband.com) Karen Carpenter Christmas (https://www.adplayers.org/karen-carpenter-christmas) (Eric's side gig) Join us in IRELAND Fall 2021 Ireland 2021 (https://blaggards.com/ireland/) — Sign up to learn more about our next Ireland tour Show dates Blaggards.com (https://blaggards.com/shows/) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/pg/blaggards/events/) Bandsintown (https://www.bandsintown.com/a/3808) Follow us on social media YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/blaggards) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/blaggards/) Twitter (https://twitter.com/blaggards) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/

This week on #SlapperCast, we talk about TWO new Christmas singles Blaggards are releasing this month (one cover and one original), and TWO exciting guests we’ll have on the show soon. Then we gush about a legendary drummer (or TWO) we hope to have on the show soon as well. Show notes Blaggards Merch Store (https://blaggards.com/store/) Pre-save our cover of "Fairytale of New York" on Spotify (https://distrokid.com/hyp.../blaggards/fairytale-of-new-york), or hear it NOW by joining us on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/blaggards) Fastball Live from 3TEN (https://youtu.be/KwjE4QgjZWk) (Sep 9, 2020) Zildjian LIVE! - Ash Soan (https://youtu.be/0mty_pMNmFo) (sweet spot at 4:10) Join us in IRELAND Fall 2021 Ireland 2021 (https://blaggards.com/ireland/) — Sign up to learn more about our next Ireland tour Show dates Blaggards.com (https://blaggards.com/shows/) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/pg/blaggards/events/) Bandsintown (https://www.bandsintown.com/a/3808) Follow us on social media YouTube (https://www.yout

This week on SlapperCast, we talk about favorite Christmas traditions, favorite (and least favorite) Christmas songs. Thanks Greg for the question! Also: brand new Blaggards coffee mugs (https://blaggards.com/store/blaggards-coffee-mug/) are for sale for a limited time at blaggards.com Show notes Merry Christmas Everybody - Slade (https://youtu.be/BpfHSqLXePI) Nat King Cole - "The Christmas Song" (1961) (https://youtu.be/hwacxSnc4tI) Vince Guaraldi Trio - Christmas Time Is Here (Instrumental) (https://youtu.be/YvI_FNrczzQ) Art Carney - Twas The Night Before Christmas (https://youtu.be/1hz1EIpfvLY) PETER SELLERS & SPIKE MILLIGAN - 'Unchained Melody' - 1955 (https://youtu.be/wcHdzdCxLuo) Traveling Wilburys - Heading For The Light (https://youtu.be/VarURT-pH8o) My Way - Drummer Steals The Show (https://youtu.be/a9kPfelTEds) Join us in IRELAND Fall 2021 Ireland 2021 (https://blaggards.com/ireland/) — Sign up to learn more about our next Ireland tour Show dates Blaggards.com (https://blaggards.com/shows/) Faceboo

After a recent exposure at a gig, we've all thankfully tested NEGATIVE for COVID-19. During this show, you hear us discover one gig is cancelled while we firm up another one. Eric shares some fascinating things he learned about the late great Neil Peart during a PASIC roundtable that he moderated last week. Also, we've recorded a new Christmas single which will be out SOON! Show notes The Van Halen Interview (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOTidtqG-Ko) Join us in IRELAND Fall 2021 Ireland 2021 (https://blaggards.com/ireland/) — Sign up to learn more about our next Ireland tour Show dates Blaggards.com (https://blaggards.com/shows/) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/pg/blaggards/events/) Bandsintown (https://www.bandsintown.com/a/3808) Follow us on social media YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/blaggards) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/blaggards/) Twitter (https://twitter.com/blaggards) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/blaggards/) Become a Patron Join Blaggards on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/b

This week on SlapperCast, Eric talks about his adventures with Percussive Arts Society... also favorite instrumentals. Thanks Greg for the question! Blaggards online store https://blaggards.com/store/ Join us in IRELAND Fall 2021 Ireland 2021 (https://blaggards.com/ireland/) — Sign up to learn more about our next Ireland tour Show dates Blaggards.com (https://blaggards.com/shows/) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/pg/blaggards/events/) Bandsintown (https://www.bandsintown.com/a/3808) Follow us on social media YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/blaggards) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/blaggards/) Twitter (https://twitter.com/blaggards) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/blaggards/) Become a Patron Join Blaggards on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/blaggards) for bonus podcast content, live tracks, rough mixes, and other exclusives. Rate us Rate and review SlapperCast on iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slappercast-a-weekly-talk-show-with-blaggards/id1452061331) Questions? If you have questio

This week on SlapperCast, we talk about the joy of being able to play live again during the pandemic, even if only a limited capacity. Also, artists we'd like to record/write with. Thanks to Bob for the question! Join us in IRELAND Fall 2021 Ireland 2021 (https://blaggards.com/ireland/) — Sign up to learn more about our next Ireland tour Show dates Blaggards.com (https://blaggards.com/shows/) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/pg/blaggards/events/) Bandsintown (https://www.bandsintown.com/a/3808) Follow us on social media YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/blaggards) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/blaggards/) Twitter (https://twitter.com/blaggards) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/blaggards/) Become a Patron Join Blaggards on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/blaggards) for bonus podcast content, live tracks, rough mixes, and other exclusives. Rate us Rate and review SlapperCast on iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slappercast-a-weekly-talk-show-with-blaggards/id1452061331) Questions? If you

Here is Part Two of our conversation with Doug Stanhope. In this segment, Doug spends much of his time essentially interviewing us, which again shows you what a genuine person he is. Can't wait to have him on the show again. Topic list: * Congratulations to our friends Kelly & Debbie Howe on their 30th anniversary * Doug asks about our mutual friends in Houston-based band RAT RANCH * Doug's history at Chilkoot Charlie's in Anchorage, Alaska * The challenges of having too many people in a band * Paddy: being a comedian is the hardest job in the world * How old-school casette audiobooks changed Doug's life on the road in the early days * The joy of exploring backroads locations while on tour (how Doug found Bisbee, AZ) * Doug and Paddy compare their (very close) ages * Doug asks how long Blaggards have been together * Eric's frustration with joining the band right before the pandemic kicked in * Why our former drummer Mike McAloon left the band * Doug asks what 'Blaggards' means * 'Plausible deniabilty' for ba

This week on SlapperCast, we're thrilled to have comedian Doug Stanhope on the show! This is a long conversation split into two parts (part two will be out next week). (PARENTAL ADVISORY for sexually explicit content) dougstanhope.com (http://www.dougstanhope.com/) Digging Up Mother - Doug Stanhope (http://www.dougstanhope.com/store/digging-up-mother-a-love-story-signed) No Encore for the Donkey (audio book on Audible) - Doug Stanhope (https://www.audible.com/pd/No-Encore-for-the-Donkey-Audiobook/B08FMTGS9S) The Dying of a Last Breed - Doug Stanhope (Amazon Prime Video) (https://www.amazon.com/Dying-Last-Breed-Doug-Stanhope/dp/B08CY4XDMC) Join us in IRELAND Fall 2021 Ireland 2021 (https://blaggards.com/ireland/) — Sign up to learn more about our next Ireland tour Show dates Blaggards.com (https://blaggards.com/shows/) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/pg/blaggards/events/) Bandsintown (https://www.bandsintown.com/a/3808) Follow us on social media YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/blaggards) Facebook (https:/

http://blaggards.com/wp-content/uploads/SlapperCast-89-YouTube.jpg This week on SlapperCast: bands we once disliked but now have grown to like 1980s haircuts and fashion choices Thanks Greg for the question! Join us in IRELAND Fall 2021 Ireland 2021 (https://blaggards.com/ireland/) — Sign up to learn more about our next Ireland tour Show dates Blaggards.com (https://blaggards.com/shows/) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/pg/blaggards/events/) Bandsintown (https://www.bandsintown.com/a/3808) Follow us on social media YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/blaggards) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/blaggards/) Twitter (https://twitter.com/blaggards) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/blaggards/) Become a Patron Join Blaggards on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/blaggards) for bonus podcast content, live tracks, rough mixes, and other exclusives. Rate us Rate and review SlapperCast on iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slappercast-a-weekly-talk-show-with-blaggards/id1452061331) Questions? If you have

This week on #SlapperCast, we recap this past weekend's mini-tour as we drive home from Omaha... our first out-of-state road trip since the pandemic began. Also, a long discussion about the recently departed Eddie Van Halen. Show notes Donate to Siena Francis House (https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E334046&id=2) Join us in IRELAND Fall 2021 Ireland 2021 (https://blaggards.com/ireland/) — Sign up to learn more about our next Ireland tour Show dates Blaggards.com (https://blaggards.com/shows/) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/pg/blaggards/events/) Bandsintown (https://www.bandsintown.com/a/3808) Follow us on social media YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/blaggards) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/blaggards/) Twitter (https://twitter.com/blaggards) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/blaggards/) Become a Patron Join Blaggards on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/blaggards) for bonus podcast content, live tracks, rough mixes, and other exclusives. Rate us Rate and review Slapper

This week on Slappercast, we talk about best/worst live bands, opening songs, encores, etc. We're also giving away a case of Blackwater Draw Brewing Co.'s "I Wity the Fool" to one lucky winner in the Houston area. To enter the drawing, go watch this episode on YouTube (https://youtu.be/DVUAKC58Y6U), subscribe, and leave a comment there telling us about your favorite (or least favorite) live band, opening, encore, etc. BY TUESDAY OCTOBER 13. Recipient must be of legal drinking age in Texas. Cheers! Black Water Draw Brewing Co. (https://www.blackwaterbrew.com/) Houston VWalkz (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8pMZiatGKMnW9khDCJBOQw) Topics: * Poorly recalled music memories of 1987 * Eric's memories of Extreme opening for Aerosmith at the Orpheum in Boston * Patrick's memories of seeing Aerosmith in Miami * Great opening songs (The Police, Van Halen, Iron Maiden, Cheap Trick, Queen, David Bowie, Crowded House, Dio, etc.) * Great live bands with mediocre studio albums * Disappointing encores * Great encores *

This week on #SlapperCast: a free-form discussion of metal/prog drummers, recent gigs, and how we're learning to navigate this seemingly never-ending pandemic as professional musicians. Topic list: • What coffee are we drinking today? • Patrick’s coffee brewing tips • Praise for drummer Dave Lombardo of Slayer and Mr. Bungle • Dave Lombardo’s on-and-off again relationship with Slayer • Lombardo vs. drummer Paul Bostaph • New tour dates in early October (Wichita KS, Omaha NE, etc.) • T-Bone Tom’s in Kemah on October 23rd • Acoustic Blaggards shows... without a fiddle player? • Many thanks to Tim Kennedy for providing video footage from our performance at the Sherwood Virtual Celtic Gathering • Our recent show at Blackwater Draw Brewing Co. in Bryan TX • Eric’s new drum kit • Texas Governor Greg Abbott is choking our pubs and breweries • Praise for Chris Buckley, former Blaggard fiddler who played with us last week • Time signature changes vs. “feel” in rock music • Eric’s favorite Rush song • Eric’s upcoming

This week on #SlapperCast: record store memories from our youth, disappointing albums, musicians we like but wouldn't want to work with, difficult working relationships in bands. Friday September 25: Blaggards LIVE on Facebook from Blackwater Draw Brewing Co. (https://www.facebook.com/events/2838874689674827) Blaze gets mad!! Iron Maiden Chile 1996 (https://youtu.be/PaYvy5yP_eY) Chuck Berry Hail! Hail! Rock 'N' Roll (1987) - Bonus Clip: Chuck & Keith Rehearse (https://youtu.be/mHOiwOanIBM) The Police - Better Than Therapy, Living The Police Reunion (https://youtu.be/zxy7kSTbMyA) Ricky Gervais Discusses Friendship with David Bowie (https://youtu.be/iVupDk3yJOo) Topics: * Eric's "ointment" story * Recapping our first full-length performance in months * How much time off is too much? * The challenge of developing an unspoken language as a band when we're not gigging * Managing different tempos and keys in a set list * Last week's show with Cindy Heywood (see Episode 84 (https://slappercast.fireside.fm/84)) * Sl

September is National Suicide Prevention & Awareness Month, and this week on #SlapperCast, we talk with musician and author Cindy Heywood, a proud survivor of anxiety disorder and suicidal depression. Cindy is a fierce defender of the rights of all who suffer from addiction and mental illness. She's a well-known mentor on internationally published suicide prevention forums, and her and editorials have been featured in internationally published magazines. She is currently working on the second edition of her book "Super Invisible Nobody", which details her recovery from anxiety disorder and suicidal depression. Suicide Talkz (Facebook) (https://www.facebook.com/Suicide-Talkz-Real-stories-about-real-lives-816513748482189) American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (https://afsp.org) SF (Suicide Forum) (https://www.suicideforum.com/) Topic list: * Cindy's background in the Houston music scene and the "Richmond Strip", where Patrick and Cindy first met * How the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic compares

This week on #SlapperCast, we're joined by our longtime friend, comedian Slade Ham! We talk about a ton of stuff, mostly focusing on the similarities between comedians and musicians, regarding things like creative process, work ethic, and plagiarism. Show notes SladeHam.com (http://www.sladeham.com) Until All the Dragons are Dead (https://www.amazon.com/Until-All-Dragons-Are-Dead/dp/0692094652/) — Slade Ham's book Slade's YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/user/sladehamcomedy) Whiskey Brothers Podcast (http://www.praisewhiskey.com) Whiskey Brothers on Amazon Prime Video (https://www.amazon.com/Whiskey-Brothers-Slade-Ham/dp/B0757BPZLQ) Join us in IRELAND Fall 2021 Ireland 2021 (https://blaggards.com/ireland/) — Sign up to learn more about our next Ireland tour Show dates Blaggards.com (https://blaggards.com/shows/) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/pg/blaggards/events/) Bandsintown (https://www.bandsintown.com/a/3808) Follow us on social media YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/blaggards) Facebook (https

This week on #SlapperCast: Houston's near-miss with Hurricane Laura An update on last week's show (Episode 81) with pub/brewery owner Chris Steele and his efforts to reopen his businesses during the pandemic under current TABC restrictions Upcoming guest: comedian Slade Ham The op-ed battle between Jerry Seinfeld and James Altucher about the fate of New York City How the pandemic is affecting retail space and office space real estate Do we have any strange pre-show rituals? How audience feedback affects musicians and comedians How many marriages are Blaggards responsible for? Why we miss the routine of loading in/setting up/breaking down/loading out gear at shows The importance of a quick load-out after a show Struggles with weight loss/maintenance during the pandemic Will we do a #SlapperCast live stream? We will we record and release our version of Danny Boy? Many thanks to Kelli for your questions! Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/KTIUoy1mh-s Show notes NYC Is Dead Forever… Here’s Why — Ja

This week on #SlapperCast, we talk with our dear friend Chris Steele, owner of O'Bannon's Taphouse (https://www.obannonstaphouse.com/) and Blackwater Draw Brewing Co. (https://www.blackwaterbrew.com) in Bryan–College Station, Texas. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/M3LH57ok7UE How Chris got started in the bar industry, and how his wife Stephanie got him hooked on quality beer The genesis of O'Bannon's Taphouse and Blackwater Draw Brewing Co. (BWD) The challenges that O'Bannon's and BWD are now facing during the pandemic with the inconsistent and unreasonable restrictions being placed on bars/restaurants in Texas. How alcohol laws in Texas have changed since the pandemic, and how they might (should) continue to change Join us in IRELAND Fall 2021 Ireland 2021 (https://blaggards.com/ireland/) — Sign up to learn more about our next Ireland tour Show dates Blaggards.com (https://blaggards.com/shows/) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/pg/blaggards/events/) Bandsintown (https://www.bandsintown.com

This week on #SlapperCast, Patrick's brother Andrew Devlin joins us to talk about his company PitchHub. What Andrew's life has been like with three young boys virtual learning from home Why Andrew prefers Spotify over other streaming music services Andrew's company PitchHub, which helps businesses create video content to use online PitchHub's concept of helping clients create a "video business card" How PitchHub could be useful for musicians Why PitchHub has so much work with realtors How the pandemic is affecting the real estate business, as people no longer have to worry about living close to work How music venues might adapt to the pandemic The challenge of adding real applause to live stream performances How late night talk show hosts have adapted to working from home Working on song arrangements in the recording studio instead of on stage Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/66cBy-PqV-I Show notes PitchHub (https://www.pitchhub.com) Eric C. Hughes drum lessons (echdrumlessons.com) (https:/