50 Years of Maximum Rock n' Roll

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Latest Episodes:

S1:EP15: Midwest Jan 19, 2017

This final episode is a bit of a two-parter. Part one is Bob explaining the impact of, mostly, British rock stars and their crews invading tiny Marissa, Illinois to shop at Ye Old Music. In modern day terms imagine Carrie Underwood strolling into your local music store. Part two ends 50 Years of Maximum Rock & Roll with a few stories from current Heil Sound employees who keep the fires burning for performers worldwide as they build incredible microphones for the next fifty years. It's all about people, isn't it? We think it is. The harvest and the feast. Enjoy.

S1:EP14: A Six Pack Dec 29, 2016

Bob Heil will explain what he means by a six pack and what Creem Magazine has to do with that. He will share some special stories about some of the Rock n' Roll legends that he's worked with (Jimmie Hendrix) and we'll finally hear how he met Joe Walsh.

S1:EP13: Geeking Out Dec 22, 2016

This episode is not about rock stars trashing hotel rooms or epic concerts. It is about the innovation and technology that has gone into much of Bob Heil's career. Bob has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the science of audio and we wanted to give our geeky audio fans a very special episode.

Ep 12: ZZ Top Dec 15, 2016

Before ZZ Top were sharp dressed men they were just a little three piece band from Texas. With no beards. But they had "that sound" driven by Billy Gibbons unmistakable guitar and vocal. Bob Heil and Heil Sound were there on the band's early tours perfecting the live sound where, with a trio, everything mattered.

In this episode you will hear a wonderful and wide ranging discussion by Bob of his work with ZZ Top including some of his secrets for getting the critical guitar and bass sounds on the road. You will also be treated to some little known nuggets too – Billy Gibbons is a voracious reader – so enjoy!

Ep 11: Sex, Drugs, and Rock n' Roll Dec 07, 2016

From Joe Walsh trashing hotel rooms to groupies, Bob Heil recalls some of the crazier stories that to the rest of us seem like legend.

Ep 10: Halls Without Walls Dec 01, 2016

After working at venues around the globe some of Bob Heil's favorite live sound venues were actually right in his own backyard. Bob recalls the iconic Mississippi River Fest and how Kiel Auditorium became a live testing venue for Heil Sound.

S1:E09 Quadrophenia Nov 15, 2016

In this episode Bob Heil sits down with Dave Hines to talk about The Who's Quadrophenia tour and how a meeting with Pete Townsend in London blossomed into the album Quadrophenia and the technology that Bob Heil developed to allow that album to be performed live the way it was intended.

S1:E08 NAMM Show 2016 Highlights Mar 31, 2016

Topics

NAMM, Russ Long, Sandra McCracken, Denny Tedesco, The Wrecking Crew

Synopsis

The annual NAMM show in Anaheim, California is a must-attend event for anyone in the music products industry. It’s an opportunity to see old friends, make new connections, and get a peek at the latest innovations in music gear. As you would expect, Heil had a front-row seat to this year’s event.

In this episode, Dave and Bob chat about the highlights from this year’s NAMM show. You’ll hear about Bob’s connection to Joe Walsh through ham radio, which legendary musician helped birth the PR35 microphone, and why it is the vocal mic of choice for so many artists today. You’ll also hear from producer Russ Long, who shares tips on live tracking, as well the scoop on Sandra McCracken’s latest project. Finally, you’ll hear from filmmaker Denny Tedesco and why his documentary on The Wrecking Crew was such an important project for him.

This episode is packed full of tips and insights for musicians, storytellers, filmmakers, and everyone in between.

Links & Resources

Heil Sound

NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants)

The Wrecking Crew Film

S1:E07 Randy Burton, Legendary Soundman (Part 2) Feb 25, 2016

Topics: Pete Townshend, The Who, B.B. King, Journey, Steve Perry

Synopsis

What is it really like to be a professional touring soundman? While some might believe it’s little more than lugging gear and pushing a few buttons, Heil Sound alum Randy Burton will be the first to tell you it’s much, much more than that.

In this episode--the second half of a two-part interview--Randy dives into stories from the road and shares his perspective on what it really means to be an effective sound engineer and work effectively with artists who are often insecure. You’ll also hear about how he was hit in the head with Pete Townshend’s guitar, how he almost witnessed the demise of Journey’s frontman, Steve Perry, and why he thinks B.B. King is such a nice guy.

Randy’s stories and insights will entertain and inspire you in your own journey as a music fan, sound buff, or fan of classic rock ‘n roll.

Links & Resources

S1:E06 Randy Burton, Legendary Soundman (Part 1) Feb 19, 2016

Topics: Ozark Music Festival, Ted Nugent, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Humble Pie, The Eagles

Synopsis

Music festivals are a staple of the rock ‘n roll industry. Incredible bands, huge crowds, and a rowdy outdoor atmosphere all come together to create an environment where legends are born and history is made.

If you want a firsthand account of some of the craziest and most memorable moments in the history of rock music festivals, look no further than Heil Sound alum Randy Burton. In this episode--the first half of a two-part interview--Randy shares a soundman’s-eye view of 1974’s Ozark Music Festival in Sedalia, Missouri. You’ll hear about Wolfman Jack’s run-in with a wine bottle, Ted Nugent’s on-stage antics, and what Randy thought of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s sound engineer. Randy also shares stories about The Eagles, Sammy Hagar, and J. Geils’ run-in with Black Sabbath.

If you’ve ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of a music festival, you’ll love this episode as Randy Burton shares a unique perspective on a key moment in rock history.

Links & Resources

S1:E05: Peter Frampton, the Man, the Myth, the Legend Feb 11, 2016

Topics: Peter Frampton, Talkbox, Joe Walsh, Quadrophenia, Pete Townsend

Synopsis

Peter Frampton is a legend of rock music and the best-known user of the renowned Heil Talkbox. For the last several decades, his innovation and artistry have helped shape the music you know and love. However, there is one man whose creativity and collaboration with Frampton helped shape his signature sound more than any other. That man is Bob Heil.

In this episode, Bob shares how he came to know and work with Peter Frampton. You’ll discover how many microphones it took to get the iconic guitar tones on Frampton Comes Alive (and how the mic placement was such a crucial factor in the sound). You’ll also learn how Bob’s insistence on teamwork has been a crucial factor in his success.

If you’re a fan of great music and great sound, you’re in for a treat as Bob Heil shares the inside scoop on his friendship and collaboration with Peter Frampton and many other key players in the history of rock n’ roll.

Links & Resources

S1:E04: The Story of the Heil Talk Box Feb 04, 2016

Topics: Talkbox, Dunlop, Bon Jovi, Slash, Tool

Bob Heil is perhaps known best for developing the Talk Box, the renowned device that has been used by rock guitarists for decades to produce a variety of unique sounds. But you might be surprised to learn that the Talk Box didn’t originate in a recording studio or electronics shop.

In this episode, Bob shares the entire history of the famous Talk Box, which has been featured in music by Peter Frampton, Slash of Guns N’ Roses, Richie Sambora of Bon Jovi, Tool, and many others. You’ll hear how Jim Dunlop, George Harrison, and even World War II pilots figure into the history of this iconic device. You’ll also learn why Marissa, Illinois was the rock ‘n roll capital of the world in the early 1970’s.

Prepare to be inspired and amazed at the fascinating history of the Heil Talk Box, a little device that has had a huge impact on modern music.

Links & Resources

Heil Sound

Heil Talkbox

Peter Frampton and Bob Heil conversation

S1:E03: Joe Walsh and the History of Heil Sound Jan 28, 2016

Topics: Joe Walsh, James Gang, Goldline Pro, The Fin, phantom power

Synopsis

What comes to mind when you think of Joe Walsh? You probably think of his incredible contribution to rock music through The Eagles and James Gang (and other groups), as well as his solo work. But you probably don’t picture him as a ham radio operator or an electronics expert.

But in this episode, that’s the Joe Walsh you’ll encounter. Bob Heil shares stories from his decades-long friendship with Joe that began with their mutual interest in ham radio. That friendship blossomed into a collaboration that resulted in numerous advances in modern sound, including large diaphragm dynamics, the Fin microphone, and the Heil Goldline Pro, which later became the PR-20.

No matter what your interest or experience level with sound, you’ll be amazed and inspired by Bob’s stories about Joe Walsh and other legends from the pages of rock ‘n’ roll history.

Links & Resources

S1:E02: Bob Heil and the Modern Stage Monitor System Jan 21, 2016

Topics: Jeff Beck, Grateful Dead, monitors, The Who, ZZ Top

Synopsis

One of the most important, yet most overlooked, parts of a sound system is the monitor setup. Monitors allow the band members to hear themselves and one another in order to give their best performance. In today’s episode, Bob Heil talks about the critical role he played in developing the modern monitor setup and the rock legends who helped make it a reality.

Other gems you’ll discover in this episode include: What does a giant ham radio antenna have to with Jerry Garcia using two vocal mics at the same time while on stage with the Grateful Dead? Also, Bob reveals some secrets behind a couple of Who frontman Roger Daltrey's most famous on-stage moves. Speaking of The Who, you'll find out why Bob duct-taped headphones to Keith Moon's head. You will also hear Bob Heil's top five loudest bands ranked by stage volume.

Join Bob Heil and he shares stories and insights from fifty years of leadership in the modern sound industry.

Links & Resources

S1:E01: From Substitute Organist to the World's Biggest Concert Stages Jan 08, 2016

Topics: The Grateful Dead, Heil Talk Box, Ham Radio, The Who, Joe Walsh

Synopsis:

If you’ve ever listened to Joe Walsh’s “Rocky Mountain Way” or “Do You Feel Like I Do”” by Peter Frampton, you of course heard of the Heil Talk Box. In addition to building that iconic device, Bob Heil also built touring systems for The Who, Humble Pie, and the Grateful Dead. Bob has a history in concert sound that few can match. He continues to be an innovator by designing and building microphones that are used on concert stages, recording studios, broadcast rooms, and podcasts.

In this introductory episode of "50 Years of Maximum Rock n' Roll," Bob traces the story of his success from his early days as a substitute organist at the Fox Theatre in St. Louis, all the way to the world’s biggest concert stages. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how Bob helped shape the music of Joe Walsh, Jerry Garcia, and many other heroes of rock ‘n’ roll.

Prepare to be inspired and entertained by the story of Heil Sound: the company that not only listens to artists, but does something about it.

Links & Resources

The Night That Modern Live Sound Was Born (the historic story of how Bob saved The Grateful Dead’s concert at the Fox Theatre)