Music

Classic Metal Show

Since 1996, THE CLASSIC METAL SHOW has been the ultimate destination for honest, no-holds-barred talk about hard rock, heavy metal, and everything in between.

This isn’t just another channel. It’s an uncensored community.

On our paid tier, you get commercial-free access to all of our daily episodes, plus bonus content, behind-the-scenes insights, and the opportunity to interact with us directly.

If you’re tired of corporate music media and you want the truth from two guys who have been doing this for over two decades, this is your new home.

Disclaimer: If you can’t handle opinions that aren’t your own, you’re in the wrong place. We’re not here to make friends. We’re here to talk metal. Deal with it, crybabies!

cmspn.substack.com

Latest Episodes:

Did Skid Row Blow It While Aerosmith Said Goodbye? | THE CLASSIC METAL SHOW LIVE 10/31/26 Nov 09, 2026

Show notes

Did Skid Row make a mistake introducing its new singer? Was Aerosmith’s farewell really the end? And should some of classic rock’s biggest names finally call it quits?

On this Halloween edition of **THE CLASSIC METAL SHOW**, Neeley and Chris Akin deliver another uncensored, opinionated look at the world of hard rock, heavy metal, and the ridiculousness surrounding it.

**IN THIS EPISODE:**

🔥 **SKID ROW:** Justin Sargent steps into the spotlight as the band’s new singer, but was The Who’s “Won’t Get Fooled Again” the right song to introduce him?

🔥 **AEROSMITH:** Steven Tyler and company celebrate their legacy at the Hollywood Bowl alongside major rock guests. Was it a fitting farewell, or is there still more money to be made from the Aerosmith name?

🔥 **TRIUMPH, DEEP PURPLE & CHEAP TRICK:** With canceled tours, aging musicians, and changing stage performances, when should legendary rock bands finally retire?

🔥 **CMS AFTER DARK:** Neeley and Chris revisit their own history, past relationships, drunken arguments, on-air confrontations, Halloween memories, and stories that probably should have stayed private.

Plus discussion of Quiet Riot, W.A.S.P., Anthrax, John Bush, Joey Belladonna, and more.

🎸 Aerosmith albums, vinyl and classic releases: https://link.amazon/B05Qy9gwU

🤘 Guns N’ Roses, Sammy Hagar and classic rock collectibles: https://link.amazon/B0fzqsfuQ

**GET THE COMPLETE CMS EXPERIENCE**

The public version contains Episodes 1, 2, 4, and 5. The exclusive third segment, **THE CUT**, is not included.

Become a CMS VIP member for just **$4.99 per month** and get:

- THE CUT, available on demand exclusively to VIP members

- Full, uncensored CMS episodes ahead of the public release

- Commercial-free episodes

- Early access to CHRIS AKIN PRESENTS interviews

Join here: https://classicmetalshow.locals.com

**THE CLASSIC METAL SHOW — 30 YEARS OF SAYING WHAT EVERYONE ELSE WON’T.**

Everything expressed on this program represents the opinions of the hosts and guests.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cmspn.substack.com/subscribe

Can Phil Soussan Reinvent Himself With Cosmo Fighter? Nov 08, 2026

Show notes

Phil Soussan has played with some of rock’s biggest names. But working with William Shatner might be one of the most unusual experiences of his entire career.

GET PHIL SOUSSAN’S VIBRATE HERE: https://amzn.to/3TV5QYE

The former Ozzy Osbourne bassist joins Chris Akin on CHRIS AKIN PRESENTS to discuss how he ended up performing with the legendary Star Trek actor, what happened when Shatner faced a Riot Fest audience, and why the music they’re creating together is far heavier than some people might expect.

And yes, Tony Iommi is involved.

Beyond the Shatner connection, Phil has something else demanding his attention: COSMO FIGHTER, an ambitious solo project that puts him in complete creative control.

Phil explains why he decided to handle nearly every aspect of the recording process himself, from songwriting and instrumentation to vocals, mixing and mastering. Chris pushes back on whether doing everything yourself can actually hurt a record by eliminating the outside perspectives that make great bands work.

The conversation also takes on an increasingly important question for veteran musicians: Is releasing a full album all at once still the smartest way to reach fans?

Phil believes the music business has changed enough that the old release model no longer makes the same sense. His answer is to divide COSMO FIGHTER into three four-song EPs, giving listeners a continuing stream of new material instead of one release that might quickly disappear.

They also tackle the pressure musicians face when expressing opinions, the unintended consequences of technology, the realities of streaming revenue, and why fans who love an artist’s music should consider actually buying something.

Plus, Phil discusses his live band, the heavier material coming on future COSMO FIGHTER releases, and his plans to keep making music that refuses to stay inside one musical box.

From Ozzy Osbourne to William Shatner to his own creative future, Phil Soussan has plenty to say.

Watch the complete conversation with Chris Akin.

Get commercial free versions of our episodes, advance releases and exclusive content by subscribing to Rumble Premium! https://rumble.com/premium

NOTE: Everything said here, and on every episode of all of our shows, are 100% the opinions of the hosts. Nothing is stated as fact. Do your own research to form your own opinions.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cmspn.substack.com/subscribe

Is Scardust Redefining Progressive Metal? Noa Gruman Explains! Nov 07, 2026

Show notes

What happens when a metal band decides that musical boundaries are completely meaningless?

GET ALL THE BEST CMS MERCHANDISE HERE: https://classicmetalshow.creator-spring.com/

SCARDUST vocalist **Noa Gruman** joins Chris Akin on **CHRIS AKIN PRESENTS** to explain why progressive metal doesn’t have to follow anyone’s rules. From crushing riffs and soaring vocals to pop melodies, symphony orchestras, and full metal choirs, Scardust is building a sound that refuses to fit neatly into any category.

Noa discusses the band’s *Souls* album, their ambitious cover of Clean Bandit’s “Symphony” featuring violinist Mia Asano, and the surprising evolution of HELLSCORE, her metal choir that’s gone on to collaborate with Sabaton, Amorphis, Epica, and other major metal acts.

She also reveals what’s happening with Scardust’s next album, discusses plans to return to touring in 2027, and explains why working with Sabaton has been such an inspiring experience.

But there’s another side to the conversation. When Chris brings up the financial realities of being an independent metal musician, Noa offers a sobering perspective on what it actually takes to keep a band alive.

**Is Scardust pushing progressive metal forward, or has the entire concept of musical genres become outdated?**

Watch the interview and decide for yourself.

🤘 **SUPPORT SCARDUST:**

Official Website: https://scardust.co

🔥 **SUPPORT CHRIS AKIN PRESENTS:**

Get commercial free versions of our episodes, advance releases and exclusive content by subscribing to Rumble Premium! https://rumble.com/premium

NOTE: Everything said here, and on every episode of all of our shows, are 100% the opinions of the hosts. Nothing is stated as fact. Do your own research to form your own opinions.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cmspn.substack.com/subscribe

DID THIS DUMMY GET WHAT HE DESERVED? Football Madness & AI Girlfriend Disaster! Nov 06, 2026

Show notes

You couldn’t make these stories up! Chris and Neeley wrap up the night with two bizarre real-world stories, outrageous commentary, and the kind of uncensored conversation that makes THE CLASSIC METAL SHOW what it is.

TONY IOMMI’S FROM THE DARK IS AMAZING. VINYL VERSION RIGHT HERE! https://link.amazon/B05VDcMc8

First up: **Did a football fan really restrain his wife so he could watch a game in peace?** A Virginia man named Terry Ward was reportedly arrested after allegedly taping his wife to a chair in the basement while he watched football. Charged with felony abduction and misdemeanor assault on a family member, Ward had a court appearance scheduled for November 10. Chris and Neeley dig into the bizarre allegations, debate the situation, and turn the story into an extended, no-holds-barred discussion about football obsession, relationships, and domestic drama.

Then things get even stranger.

**A man sells his belongings, travels more than 1,200 miles, and discovers his dream girlfriend isn’t real!** Brazilian bricklayer Edamar Martins reportedly believed he had found the woman he wanted to marry. Instead, the woman he pursued, Jessica Oliveira, turned out to be an AI-generated character. After arriving in another city and running out of money, Martins reportedly needed assistance getting home. Even more unbelievably, he hasn’t given up on finding love.

Chris and Neeley tear into the absurdity of the situation, discuss the increasingly convincing world of AI-generated personalities, and question how anyone could sacrifice everything for a relationship without meeting the person first.

Plus, the guys thank comedian Jim Florentine for stopping by, recognize the fans who support CMS, and close out the show with Candlebox’s “Don’t You,” requested by Fuego.

It’s football, artificial intelligence, online romance, questionable decisions, and unfiltered comedy—all delivered the Classic Metal Show way.

**WARNING:** This episode contains frequent strong language, crude sexual humor, adult subject matter, and jokes involving domestic violence. Viewer discretion is advised.

Support THE CLASSIC METAL SHOW on Locals for just $5 per month and get bonus features, music, and exclusive content: https://classicmetalshow.locals.com

Get commercial free versions of our episodes, advance releases and exclusive content by subscribing to Rumble Premium! https://rumble.com/premium

NOTE: Everything said here, and on every episode of all of our shows, are 100% the opinions of the hosts. Nothing is stated as fact. Do your own research to see if their opinions are true or not.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cmspn.substack.com/subscribe

IS ROCK NOSTALGIA STILL ROCKING? Nov 05, 2026

Show notes

The Classic Metal Show is talking new music, old-school rock-star mythology, and the larger-than-life personalities that made the ‘80s and ‘90s metal scene unforgettable.

GET DOWN’S VOLUME V ON VINYL HERE: https://link.amazon/B01gRR6Ke

Chris and Neeley check out “The Myth,” the new song from Down, discussing its heavy groove, changes in musical direction, Phil Anselmo’s vocal effects, and why the track has them looking forward to hearing the band live. The conversation also revisits Down’s history and the lasting impact of NOLA.

Then the focus turns to Lita Ford and her upcoming album, Dracula. The guys listen to a preview and debate the song, her musical legacy, her career beyond the MTV era, and the role that image, hit singles, and rock-star celebrity played in keeping artists relevant.

The discussion expands into memories and opinions about the personalities, appearances, relationships, and excesses associated with classic hard rock. It’s an unfiltered conversation about the music, the people behind it, and how the legends of the era look through the eyes of longtime metal fans.

Topics include:

* Down’s new song, “The Myth”

* Phil Anselmo’s vocal production and the song’s shifting grooves

* Down’s history and the enduring appeal of NOLA

* Lita Ford’s Dracula preview

* Lita Ford’s legacy, signature songs, and MTV-era image

* Chris Holmes, Tommy Lee, Robin Crosby, and the rock-star image of the 1980s

The personalities and stories that continue to fuel classic-metal conversations

The Classic Metal Show is where hard rock and heavy metal get discussed without the corporate filter. Expect strong opinions, irreverent humor, musical memories, and plenty of disagreement.

Get commercial free versions of our episodes, advance releases and exclusive content by subscribing to Rumble Premium! https://rumble.com/premium

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cmspn.substack.com/subscribe

DAMN, ARE YOU 2 PISSED? | THE CLASSIC METAL SHOW Nov 03, 2026

Show notes

Chris Akin and Neeley are back for another uncensored, no-holds-barred edition of THE CLASSIC METAL SHOW, where nothing is off limits and nobody is safe from their opinions!

GET DEEP PURPLE’S SPLAT HERE: https://link.amazon/B095HynaS

Chris barely makes it back in time for the show after spending the evening seeing comedian Jim Florentine with Seth Williams. What follows is a brutally honest conversation about comedy, obnoxious audience members, internet trolls, the music business, and the ridiculous things people do that make everyone else want to lose their minds.

It’s another episode full of blunt opinions, personal stories, comedy, music talk, and the kind of unpredictable conversation that has kept THE CLASSIC METAL SHOW going for decades.

If you agree, disagree, or think the guys are completely out of their minds, join the conversation and let them know what you think.

Subscribe for more Classic Metal Show discussions, interviews, music opinions, and uncensored entertainment.

Get commercial free versions of our episodes, advance releases and exclusive content by subscribing to Rumble Premium! https://rumble.com/premium

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cmspn.substack.com/subscribe

DID THIS DUMMY GET WHAT HE DESERVED? | CMS LIVE 10/24/26 Nov 02, 2026

Show notes

Neeley and Chris Akin are back with another unpredictable night of classic metal, outrageous opinions, and unfiltered comedy! This week, comedian Jim Florentine joins the show for a hilarious conversation about hecklers, comedy-club etiquette, awkward audiences, and what happens when people think they’re part of the act. Jim also shares stories from his career, rock-star encounters, and the unpredictable world of live entertainment.

A GREAT DEAL ON TOTALLY TWISTED: THE STUDIO ALBUMS 1982-1987 ON VINYL: https://link.amazon/B077NEJQk

The guys tackle a bizarre story about a Virginia man accused of taping his wife to a chair so he could watch football in peace. Is this the most ridiculous football-fan story ever? The guys have plenty to say about it! Plus, they discuss online reviews, annoying fans, controversial rock stars, AI-generated imagery, and why some people take their opinions way too seriously.

Of course, there’s plenty of music talk, too! Hear the guys discuss Down’s new song “The Myth,” revisit classic hard-rock favorites, and deliver the kind of irreverent commentary that keeps The Classic Metal Show different from every other music show.

Support The Classic Metal Show!

Become a Locals VIP member for just $5 per month to help support the show and get special bonus features, exclusive content, and early access!

https://classicmetalshow.locals.com

WARNING: This show contains explicit language, adult humor, and potentially offensive opinions intended for a mature audience.

DISCLAIMER: Everything said here, and on every episode of all of our shows, represents the opinions of the hosts. Nothing is stated as fact. Do your own research to determine whether their opinions are true or not.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cmspn.substack.com/subscribe

ROGER WATERS VS JAMES HETFIELD? Oct 30, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of The Classic Metal Show, Neeley and Chris Akin examine Roger Waters calling Metallica’s James Hetfield a “nobody” after Hetfield declared Metallica keeps politics off their stage. The hosts also react to horrifying concert clips of Beach Boys legend Mike Love looking like a living corpse being propped up on stage.

Nothing Better than Metallica’s MASTER OF PUPPETS on vinyl: https://amzn.to/4zvXeGM

Amazing version of Pink Floyd’s WISH YOU WERE HERE (50TH ANNIVERSARY) on Vinyl: https://amzn.to/4i72l9C

Beach Boys’ GOOD VIBRATIONS: THIRTY YEARS OF THE BEACH BOYS is all you’ll ever need! https://amzn.to/4BcCDcp

WARNING: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this video belong solely to the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other agency, organization, employer, or company. This content is presented strictly for entertainment purposes and represents the subjective opinions of the hosts and guests, not factual assertions.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cmspn.substack.com/subscribe

WHY ARE TICKETS SO EXPENSIVE? Oct 29, 2026

Show notes

Is the live concert industry completely dead? David Reece (Bangalore Choir, ex-Accept) joins Neeley and Chris Akin to dissect $7,000 Metallica tickets, corporate venue takeovers, and why the music industry is systematically screwing both artists and fans.

• Check out Bangalore Choir - Payload: https://amzn.to/4hTjHb6

• Grab Accept - Eat The Heat: https://amzn.to/4i0SwK5

• Check this one out - Bangalore Choir’s ON TARGET: https://amzn.to/4jtyri8

DWARNING: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this video belong solely to the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other agency, organization, employer, or company. This content is presented strictly for entertainment purposes and represents the subjective opinions of the hosts and guests, not factual assertions.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cmspn.substack.com/subscribe

IS YOUTUBE CENSORSHIP DESTROYING CREATORS? Oct 28, 2026

Show notes

A content creator with half a million followers gets wiped out over a tiny video from three years ago! Neeley and Chris Akin break down how YouTube’s bot algorithm nukes entire livelihoods overnight and why you’re an idiot if you don’t back up your content elsewhere. Subscribe now so you never miss an uncensored moment!

KILLER DEAL ON RATT’S DANCIN’ UNDERCOVER (40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION) Here! https://amzn.to/4k3BXji

DEF LEPPARD’S PYROMANIA (40TH ANNIVERSARY) on Vinyl Is Amazing! They won’t last long! https://amzn.to/4shIObe

80s fun is encapsulated in this one release - WARRANT’S CHERRY PIE! Revisit it again here! https://amzn.to/3UtvQKR

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cmspn.substack.com/subscribe

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