From spontaneous tours to personal storytelling, this episode dives deep into the life of a touring band and the creative forces that drive them. The conversation explores how music shapes both the artists and their fans, from childhood inspirations to live shows that feel like family gatherings. Along the way, Robby shares hilarious interview moments, fan stories, and the unpredictable joys of performing around the country.

What is it really like to tour, collaborate, and make music as a band? In this episode, Robby reflects on his creative process, the challenges and humor of life on the road, and how deep relationships and fan connections shape their art. From cover songs and solo projects to the absurdity of “stupid interview questions,” get an inside look at what it means to live and breathe music.

Finding Inspiration on the Road:
Robby discusses how travel and new experiences feed their creativity, often taking risks to explore places off the typical tourist path. He emphasized that his artistic journey is deeply rooted in personal experiences gained through touring, and how seeing the world beyond tour buses and venues enriches their music.

Band as Family:
Touring isn’t just work—it’s a lesson in human connection. Robby describes the intricate bonds of collaboration, comparing the band’s relationships to chosen family and how conflict is managed with patience, communication, and respect, much like adult family dynamics, to preserve both their friendships and creative output.

Cover Songs and Musical Influences:
From reinterpreting classics like Lola to revisiting personal childhood favorites such as Sussudio, Robby explains how covers serve as both homage and creative experimentation. They reflect on the lasting influence of artists like Genesis, Queen, and Neil Young, and how music from formative years continues to inspire their performances.

Fan Connections and Criticism:
The conversation delves into the complex relationship between artists and their audiences. Robby acknowledges online criticism but focuses on connecting with fans in meaningful ways, recognizing that every listener brings their own personal history to the music. He also highlights the joy of meeting fans in person and seeing firsthand the impact of their work.

Live Shows and Touring Life:
Live performances are more than just playing songs—Immersive experiences for both band and audience. The band talks about capturing the energy of live shows in recordings, the excitement of iconic venues like Cane’s in Tulsa, and the small joys of touring, from local food spots to sports games nearby.

Solo Projects and Personal Expression:
The origins of his solo work, initially personal and introspective, and how it evolved into recorded music with its own emotional tone. These projects demonstrate the balance between individual creativity and collaborative band life.

Stupidest Interview Questions Game:
Ending the episode Robbie tackles Josh and Dave’s absurd questions with poise and grace. Stupid questions, such as:

• “Have you ever thought about doing a song in a Boston accent?”
• “Why do you hate Texas?”
• “Tell us about your solo project.”
  
  

Reflection and Gratitude:
Throughout the conversation, Robby emphasizes their love for music, the joy of performing, and the privilege of connecting with fans and each other. He describes music as a shared journey, where creativity, humor, and human connection coexist, making the road less about glamour and more about meaningful experiences.

Music has always been more than just entertainment—it’s a cultural barometer, a protest platform, and, sometimes, a lightning rod for controversy. In this lively episode, the hosts dive into decades of music history, from the disco backlash of the 1970s to modern social commentary in rock and hip-hop. They begin by dissecting the explosion of disco, a genre derided for its perceived shallowness, and the subsequent enduring legacy of bands like KC and the Sunshine Band. Their songs, while catchy and danceable, became emblematic of an era, later celebrated nostalgically at themed parties and weddings.

The conversation shifts to protest music, exploring how iconic tracks subtly—or overtly—challenge societal norms. Bob Marley’s Get Up, Stand Up, Public Enemy’s Fight the Power, and Rage Against the Machine’s Killing in the Name Of exemplify songs whose messages seep into listeners’ consciousness, even when the catchy rhythm dominates first. Meanwhile, classic anthems like John Lennon’s Imagine or Fortunate Son by Creedence Clearwater Revival are recognized immediately for their cultural and political significance.

Artists’ control over their music in political contexts also comes under scrutiny. Many musicians, from Bruce Springsteen to the estates of George Harrison and Isaac Hayes, have refused to let politicians use their songs at rallies, demonstrating the tension between art, intellectual property, and public messaging. Interestingly, only the Village People permitted use, highlighting exceptions in an otherwise protective landscape.

The hosts also profile Papa Roach, whose song Getting Away With Murder blends social commentary with personal responsibility. Unlike fully political bands like Rage Against the Machine, Papa Roach focuses on self-reflection, charitable outreach, and connecting authentically with fans—showing there’s more than one way for musicians to impact society.

Finally, the episode turns to nostalgia and live music experiences, including yacht rock acts like Toto, Christopher Cross, and Men at Work. The hosts highlight the joy of rediscovering music from the past, the thrill of live performances, and the cultural significance of music documentaries.

Whether analyzing protest songs, political restrictions, or the enduring charm of classic hits, this episode underscores music’s multifaceted power: it entertains, inspires, challenges, and, ultimately, transcends generations.

From the 27 Club to Cringe Lyrics: Sampling, Guilty Pleasures & Rock ‘n’ Rap Confessions

This session takes you on a deep dive through some of music’s most fascinating and controversial corners. We kick off exploring the infamous 27 Club, reflecting on the pressures, tragedies, and the “bulletproof” mentality of young rock stars and rappers who shaped music history but left too soon.

Then we switch gears into the world of sampling — breaking down iconic tracks like Amen Brother and Funky Drummerthat have been the backbone of countless hits. We unpack the legality, creativity, and evolving business of sampling, including insights from hip-hop legends on how royalties could be more fairly split.

Next, we get real about cringeworthy and downright bizarre lyrics across genres — from rock classics with questionable themes to provocative rap verses that push boundaries. The conversation also highlights guilty pleasures, those catchy songs you belt out in the car but hesitate to admit loving (yes, Thong Song and Yummy are on that list).

Rounding it out with personal stories — like winning a noise ticket dispute after blasting Welcome to the Jungle and a highway encounter trying to outrun a Nickelback song — this session is a wild ride through music’s highs, lows, and everything in between.

The 27 Club: The Myth and Reality

• The hosts discuss the infamous “27 Club” — a tragic group of artists who died at the age of 27, often drug or alcohol related.
• Names mentioned: Kurt Cobain, Amy Winehouse, Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Brian Jones, Robert Johnson, and more.
• Discussion about the pressures of success by age 27 and how many rock stars at that age feel bulletproof, reckless, and self-destructive.
• The hosts reflect on personal memories at 27—successful yet still climbing professionally—and relate that to the mindset many musicians had.
• Noted exceptions to drug-related deaths include cases of pneumonia or accidents.
• Mac Miller is brought up as a more recent example, with memories of his cavalier attitude and the “bulletproof” rock star persona.

Sampling in Music: The Art, The Controversy, and The Legacy

• The episode shifts to talk about music sampling, highlighting its significance and common misconceptions that sampling is illegal or “theft.”

Cringeworthy Lyrics in Popular Songs

• The hosts continue their rundown of painfully bad or awkward lyrics from various genres, especially rock and pop.
• Examples and highlights include:
  
  • Red Hot Chili Peppers: If I Can’t Make You Dance, I Guess I Better Make You Piss Your Pants — catchy but odd lyric.
• • Sade’s Smooth Operator — criticized for some odd or unfortunate lines, including references to “a beachfront property in Chicago.”
• • Winger’s Seventeen — a controversial lyric about a young girl being “old enough” despite her youth, making it inappropriate by today’s standards.
• • Benny Mardones’ Into the Night — discussed as “pedophile rock” due to the lyric about a sixteen-year-old girl. Hosts find it disturbing despite the song’s popularity and presence on yacht rock stations.

Walk-Up Anthems & Rock Docs: Nostalgia, Noise, and the Real Story

MLB Walk-Up Music and Stadium Culture

• Origins and evolution of MLB walk-up songs (early 2000s).
• Traditional organ music nostalgia, such as at Chavez Ravine and with the St. Louis Cardinals.
• MLB walk-up music guidelines explained by NBC Sports: MLB Walk-Up Music Rules.
• Famous player walk-up song moments and fan-favorite anthems.

Beastie Boys Retrospective

• Analysis of the Apple TV+ documentary Beastie Boys Story: Watch here.
• Transition from Licensed to Ill to Paul’s Boutique and their evolving sound.
• Tribute to Adam Yauch (MCA) and the band’s legacy.
• Influence of producers Rick Rubin and Russell Simmons.
• The iconic Sabotage music video directed by Spike Jonze: Sabotage Video.

Rock Documentaries and Band Legacy

• Nostalgia for VH1’s Behind the Music: Classic Episodes.
• The debate over “original members” and band authenticity versus nostalgia-driven tours.
• Recent tours featuring bands like Journey (Journey + Def Leppard Tour) and Oingo Boingo (Oingo Boingo Official Site).

Band Identity and Authenticity

• Discussion on whether a band remains “real” without its original members.
• Examples: Johnny Marr and The Smiths, Adam Lambert and Queen, KISS’s rotating lineup.
• Mention of Dogstar and drummer Rob Mailhouse: Dogstar Band Info.

Grunge Albums

• Highlighting seminal albums:
  Nirvana – Nevermind and the impact of “Smells Like Teen Spirit”: MTV Debut.
• Alice in Chains – Dirt: Listen on Spotify.
• Pearl Jam – Ten: Album Review.
• Stone Temple Pilots – Core, noted for early ’90s energy.
• Soundgarden – Badmotorfinger: Wikipedia.
• Evolution of music genres like rap, with pioneers such as Run-D.M.C. and Public Enemy shaping the industry.
• The shift from MTV and traditional radio to social media platforms (TikTok, Instagram) as music discovery tools.
• Challenges in concert ticketing: scalping bots, inflated fees, and Pearl Jam’s historic fight against Ticketmaster.
• Nostalgia for physical music culture: collecting band stickers, tour shirts, and the communal concert experience.
• Tribute to David Johansen of the New York Dolls, recognized for his influence on punk and glam rock, and his alter ego Buster Poindexter:
  
  • David Johansen Wikipedia
  • New York Dolls Wikipedia

#MLBMusic #WalkUpSongs #BeastieBoys #GrungeAlbums #RockDocumentaries #BandAuthenticity #ConcertCulture #MusicNostalgia #Ticketmaster #DavidJohansen #BlackTeeSociety

There’s something magical about the music that shaped you—especially when you weren’t expecting it.

In this episode of Black Tee Society, we jump headfirst into the deep end of music nostalgia. We talk about those unexpected moments: like learning Alice Cooper is not just a rock icon, but also a golf fanatic. Or discovering that your favorite opening act, years later, would headline stadiums.

From those small discoveries to massive moments—this episode is full of them.

The Opening Act Matters More Than You Think

Ever been to a concert just to find the opener was better than the headliner? We have. From Johnny Marr to The Posies, we share stories of musical discovery—some of which changed how we saw music forever.
Fun fact: Green Day’s first-ever live show under their name was as the opener for Operation Ivy’s last performance. You can’t make this stuff up.

The Soundtrack of Our Lives

We dive deep into the great movie and TV soundtracks that didn’t just accompany scenes—they defined eras.
Some of our all-time favorites:

• Pretty in Pink (John Hughes never misses)
• Singles (Peak grunge greatness)
• Valley Girl (the Rhino re-release is a treasure trove)
• Bohemian Rhapsody (one band, one epic catalog)
• Stranger Things (nostalgia done right)
• Reservoir Dogs (Tarantino’s music supervision is legendary)
• Guardians of the Galaxy (every single track’s a banger)

And yes, we’re still mad that “Coconut” is stuck in our heads because of Reservoir Dogs.

Festivals: Finding the Line Between Curated and Chaos

We break down the current state of music festivals—and how some have lost their genre identity altogether.
Case in point? Stagecoach booking both Jelly Roll and the Backstreet Boys. Confused yet? We are too.

But not all is lost—Cruel World in LA is doing it right:
One day. Two stages.
Acts like OMD, New Order, The Go-Go’s, and Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds? Now that’s how you do it.

We also unpack the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (ten days long and hundreds of artists deep) and the Tortuga Festival (country? hip hop? reggae? all of the above?).

Conclusion: great music is out there—you just need a festival that knows who it is.

Cassettes, Fan Letters, and Finding That One Band

We also share personal stories—from writing actual fan mail to The Posies and getting a handwritten letter back, to keeping mixtapes and fake IDs in the same memory box. Because that’s what music does: it sticks with you, long after the encore.

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

Search for Black Tee Society and subscribe so you never miss an episode.
Got a favorite opening act? Soundtrack that changed your life? Let us know in the comments or hit us up on social.

What's with The Grammy's? Is it still relevant. Must watch Rock Docs and assorted other BS. Does anyone read liner notes, or show notes anymore?

Josh and Dave worked together in rock radio 25 years ago and have been friends ever since. They both love music, and not just what you hear but everything behind the music from band fights and groupies to the legend, rock stars and the stories... Oh, the stories. Join in the jack-assery. Drop the needle.

Catalogue - 1st Record bought, best record ever owned, first concert attended, best concert attended.

1st Record - Aerosmith, Night in the Ruts, Best Record - Guns & Roses, Appetite for Destruction, first concert, Jackson 5 (with parents) 1974 MGM Grand. Bow Wow Wow and Untouchables in 1982 or 1983, Best Concert - Guns and Roses at the Great Western Forum with Skid Row.

Vinny Paul and the Stanley Cup