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:

Why Are Galactic Cowboys Suddenly Relevant Again? Sep 30, 2026

Show notes

A new Galactic Cowboys album, an $88,000 Kickstarter, Pantera memories, Christian metal, aging rock bands and one hell of a debate about who actually counts as the real band. Monty Colvin doesn’t hold much back.

THIS BOX SET IS CRAZY GOOD!! GET GALACTIC COWBOYS’ THE BOX THAT BUD BOUGHT (THE METAL BLADE YEARS HERE: https://amzn.to/4AsNWNi

Watch commercial free and without delayed publishing by becoming a CMS VIP at https://classicmetalshow.locals.com

All comments are merely the opinions of the people speaking them, are for comical performance, and are in no way stated as factual.

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

Are Re-Recorded Classic Rock Albums A Total Scam? (2012 Archive) Sep 29, 2026

Show notes

When classic 80s bands lose the rights to their original master recordings, they usually run straight to the studio to re-record their biggest hits. But what happens when the new versions sound completely unmitigated, flat-out terrible? We listen to Loverboy’s re-recorded tracks side-by-side with the originals, and the drop in quality is mind-blowing. From shot vocal cords to completely lifeless guitar playing, why are bands putting out garbage like this, and does anyone actually buy these things?

DON’T MISS OUT ON GETTING LOVERBOY’S ROCK N’ ROLL REVIVAL HERE: https://amzn.to/46SDzVn

Watch commercial free and without delayed publishing by becoming a CMS VIP at https://classicmetalshow.locals.com

All comments are merely the opinions of the people speaking them, are for comical performance, and are in no way stated as factual.

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 Nostalgia Keeping Dead Rock Bands Alive? Sep 29, 2026

Show notes

What happens when the guys who built classic metal are still out there playing decades later?

GET JIM FLORENTINE’S JERSEY TRASH AT A GREAT PRICE HERE: https://amzn.to/47eA4IR

Chris Akin and Matt Hartnett get into the uncomfortable questions about aging rock stars, nostalgia, anniversary tours and whether some bands are simply trying to recreate a past that can’t be recreated. They also go behind the scenes on dealing with musicians, publicists and some truly bizarre interviews—including the infamous War Kings experience.

But the bigger question is harder to answer: when this generation is finally gone, who is actually left to take its place?

The full episode, exclusive third segment, and early interviews are already on Locals: https://classicmetalshow.locals.com

All comments are merely the opinions of the people speaking them, are for comical performance, and are in no way stated as factual.

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

CMS LIVE 9/19/26: Could This Be The Wildest Classic Metal Show "Off Show" Yet? Sep 28, 2026

Show notes

Neeley is off chasing Dokken, which means Chris Akin gets to do something he rarely gets to do — run a LIVE Classic Metal Show “off” show.

DON’T WAIT! TERRORIZING TELEMARKETERS VOL. 8 IS AVAILABLE NOW: https://amzn.to/4iDjUjk

And this one has the potential to get completely out of hand.

Joining Chris is Hart O The Matter host Matt Hartnett, along with comedian Jim Florentine and Galactic Cowboys bassist Monty Colvin.

Florentine comes in with plenty to talk about, including his new comedy special JERSEY TRASH and TERRORIZING TELEMARKETERS VOL. 8, his comedy album with Don Jamieson that is currently sitting at #1.

Then there’s Monty Colvin, who has the new Galactic Cowboys release WHAT PLANET ARE YOU FROM? coming up, plus his MONTY’S ROCKCAST podcast.

With this collection of personalities in one room, the real question isn’t whether things will get weird.

It’s how weird they’re going to get.

Watch commercial free and without delayed publishing by becoming a CMS VIP at https://classicmetalshow.locals.com

All comments are merely the opinions of the people speaking them, are for comical performance, and are in no way stated as factual.

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 Alex Van Halen's $475 Signed Book Really Worth It? Sep 25, 2026

Show notes

Alex Van Halen has a new book coming — and the price tag becomes the real story.

GET ALEX VAN HALEN’S BOOK BROTHERS IN HARDCOVER HERE: https://amzn.to/4isjkoE

Neeley and Chris Akin dig into the book’s expensive signed edition, the unreleased 1974 demo included with it, the option to make monthly payments, and the surprising numbers being discussed when it comes to Van Halen’s alleged net worth.

Then the conversation takes a turn into the economics of rock stardom, with comparisons involving Eddie Van Halen, David Lee Roth, Don Henley, Darius Rucker, Steven Tyler and Gene Simmons.

And if you thought the $20 meal-ticket story was ridiculous, wait until you hear the towel story.

Watch commercial free and without delayed publishing by becoming a CMS VIP at https://classicmetalshow.locals.com

All comments are merely the opinions of the people speaking them, are for comical performance, and are in no way stated as factual.

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

Are Motley Crue Fans Finally Sick of the Reissues? Sep 25, 2026

Show notes

Motley Crue is back with another reissue, and the reaction here is anything but enthusiastic.

GET MOTLEY CRUE’S TOO FAST FOR LOVE 45TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION ON VINYL HERE: https://amzn.to/4AfzHeI

Neeley and Chris Akin go deep on why they believe Motley Crue has become the king of recycling its own catalog, whether there’s actually anything worthwhile about the latest package, and why the band’s history of anniversary editions has become so frustrating.

They also revisit Too Fast for Love, Shout at the Devil, Dr. Feelgood, the influence of Bob Rock, Metallica’s Black Album, and the absurd prices attached to some of the Motley Crue collectibles being sold to fans.

And yes, the question comes up: are fans simply willing to keep paying for it?

Watch commercial free and without delayed publishing by becoming a CMS VIP at https://classicmetalshow.locals.com

All comments are merely the opinions of the people speaking them, are for comical performance, and are in no way stated as factual.

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 Slayer Still Better Than Almost Every Metal Band? Sep 24, 2026

Show notes

Slayer is back, but the bigger question is whether a band that supposedly retired can still justify the hype every time it steps onstage.

GET SLAYER’S SOUNDTRACK TO THE APOCALYPSE BOX SET HERE: https://amzn.to/46qWmH9

Neeley and Chris Akin go deep on why Slayer’s limited appearances may actually make the band more valuable, why the live show remains an absolute assault on the senses, whether six shows a year can make more sense than recording and touring, and why Kerry King’s solo project simply doesn’t have the same pull as Slayer itself.

They also revisit the insanity of old-school Slayer shows, the Clash of the Titans era, Seasons in the Abyss, the difference between nostalgia and actually delivering onstage, and the bizarre contrast between Tom Araya’s stage persona and the person they describe away from the microphone.

Then the conversation turns to Megadeth, Dokken, lineup changes, and whether some classic metal bands have become little more than the name attached to whoever happens to be in the current lineup.

And when they actually watch recent Slayer footage, the reaction is pretty much what you’d expect.

Four guys.

A ridiculous amount of noise.

And Slayer still sounding like Slayer.

Watch commercial free and without delayed publishing by becoming a CMS VIP at https://classicmetalshow.locals.com

All comments are merely the opinions of the people speaking them, are for comical performance, and are in no way stated as factual.

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

Was This 70s Rocker Actually a Satanic Cult Leader? (2018 Archive) Sep 23, 2026

Show notes

70s rock was built on pure degeneracy, but one iconic guitarist allegedly took things to a whole new level of dark, twisted weirdness. From bizarre occult rituals and creepy groupie encounters to accusations of literal black magic, the stories behind Led Zeppelin make regular rock star antics look like Sunday school. Were these guys just completely burnt-out junkies playing mind games, or was there actually something sinister pulling the strings? We dive into the most unhinged allegations from a new tell-all book and break down whether the hype is real or total bullshit.

YOU NEED TO HAVE ALL THE LED ZEPPELIN, AND IT’S HERE IN A SINGLE COLLECTION: https://amzn.to/4hkjSux

Watch commercial free and without delayed publishing by becoming a CMS VIP at https://classicmetalshow.locals.com

All comments are merely the opinions of the people speaking them, are for comical performance, and are in no way stated as factual.

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

Was Evel Knievel’s Snake River Canyon Jump Really A Fake? Sep 23, 2026

Show notes

Was Evel Knievel’s infamous Snake River Canyon jump the real deal—or was it one giant piece of television trickery?

GET THE EVEL KNIEVEL STUNT CYCLE TOY HERE: https://amzn.to/4gRInQN

A CMS fan sent in a theory that takes the conspiracy route: maybe Evel was never actually inside the SkyCycle when it launched, maybe the whole thing was camera manipulation, and maybe the “failed” landing was part of the plan.

Neeley and Chris Akin tear into that theory while watching the original footage, looking at what can actually be seen during the launch, the parachute failure, the crash, Evel’s rescue, and his condition immediately afterward.

And then there’s the bigger question: if this was all fake, why would anybody bother staging a failure?

The discussion also gets into the SkyCycle’s intended landing, the later recreation of the jump, Evel’s other crashes, Wembley Stadium, King’s Island, and why comparing Evel’s motorcycle jumps with Robbie Knievel’s is a lot more complicated than simply comparing the numbers.

Watch commercial free and without delayed publishing by becoming a CMS VIP at https://classicmetalshow.locals.com

All comments are merely the opinions of the people speaking them, are for comical performance, and are in no way stated as factual.

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

Were Fake Shoes the Best Souvenir From Korea? Sep 23, 2026

Show notes

Chris Akin opens up about one of the strangest souvenirs from his time in Korea: buying ridiculously cheap knockoff shoes and eventually sending around 200 pairs home. That leads into stories about fake Rolexes, custom-made tuxedos, a blood-covered white tux jacket, broken hands, and the very questionable lengths he went to in the 1980s to impress girls.

GET ALEX VAN HALEN’S BROTHERS IN HARDCOVER HERE: https://amzn.to/4cGGgwH

And yes, somehow Corey Hart, Adam Ant, The Romantics and Katrina and the Waves all become part of the story.

It’s nostalgia, bad decisions, questionable fashion and classic CMS stupidity all rolled into one conversation.

Watch commercial free and without delayed publishing by becoming a CMS VIP at https://classicmetalshow.locals.com

All comments are merely the opinions of the people speaking them, are for comical performance, and are in no way stated as factual.

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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