Music

Professor of Rock

The ultimate rock music history podcast for fans of the greatest era of music. If you’ve ever wondered about the true stories behind your favorite songs, or wanted to hear directly from the legends who made them, Professor of Rock is your new go-to podcast. Hosted by music historian and superfan Adam Reader, this show brings the golden era of music back to life with exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes stories, and deep dives into the songs that shaped our lives. This podcast uncovers how timeless tracks were made, the creative breakthroughs, the near-breakups, and the powerful moments that defined music history. Each episode is a masterclass in rock culture and nostalgia—whether it’s a chart-topping ‘80s anthem, a one-hit wonder with a wild backstory, or a candid conversation with the legends themselves. Hear the Stories. Relive the Music. Only on Professor of Rock.

Latest Episodes:

How 38 Special Turned an Old Saying Into a #1 Classic Rock Anthem Jun 29, 2022

Show notes

38 Special’s 80s Classic Rock Hit Hold On Loosely came from a great story: it’s one of the most recognizable riffs in music history with a memorable chorus that’s tattooed on your brain at first listen. The catchy title came from a line that singer Don Barnes had heard on on old time talk show, the guitarist, Jeff Carlisi said the riff he was going for was the Cars meets Lynyrd Skynard and they finished it with a Jim Peterik from a rival band Survivor who’s who band mates were upset with him for writing a hit for someone else. This one has all the drama of great rock and Roll story with interviews with the singer and rival band member. the story is coming up next on professor of rock.

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The 80s Synth-Pop Queen America Forgot: Alison Moyet’s Best Songs Jun 28, 2022

Show notes

Despite massive success in her native United Kingdom, and other parts of Europe, Alison Moyet is far from a household name in America. She’s had 9 Top-30 singles, and 5 Top-5 solo hits in the UK, not to mention the multitude of fans that adored her as one of the first New Wave dance divas as the lead singer of Yazoo, or Yaz as they were known in america, with synthesizer virtuoso Vince Clarke- of Erasure and ex-Depeche Mode fame. She should be huge because here songs both solo and with Yazoo are 80s classics especially Don’t Go, Only You, Invisible and Situation. Today we celebrate her 5 best songs on professor of rock .

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The Untold Truth of AC/DC’s ‘You Shook Me All Night Long’ & The Back in Black Legacy Jun 25, 2022

Show notes

In 1980, AC DC lead singer Bon Scott died under tragic and mysterious circumstances... missing his band’s big break Back in Black by a matter of months. His replacement, another iconic rocker, named Brian Johnson was selected by guitarists and brothers Angus and Malcolm Young… They all picked up the pieces and penned the biggest rock album of all time. Yet questions linger about how much of the album They actually wrote. Following the trail of a supposed 40-year cover-up, today we examine the testimonies of bandmates, girlfriends, and confidants... to uncover the authorship of the superior rocker You Shook Me All Night… from the 80s masterpiece.

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The 10 Greatest #2 Hits of the 80s: Legendary Songs That Just Missed #1 Jun 24, 2022

Show notes

The coveted #1 HIT! It’s the top of the summit that every artist desires, whether they admit it or not. I”m not saying they are all writing for #1 But every artist I've interviewed who’s topped the charts is proud of the achievement... and of course the record labels lived for this. But what about the bridesmaids? The rung just below. The close but no cigar #2? Today I’m counting down the 10 greatest #2 hits from my favorite decade… The 80s! With artist commentary including Def Leppard, Air Supply, Crowded House and a host of great #2 hits by the Cure, Tears for Fears, Foreigner, Bruce Springsteen, Prince and Journey … NEXT on the Professor of Rock.

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The Story Behind Guns N’ Roses’ Surprising 80s Hit: How "Patience" Defied Expectations Jun 22, 2022

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Gun N’ Roses had just come off a massive album that shook the world called Appetite for Destruction with a batch of controversial heavy rock songs that had parents and teachers in an uproar and teenagers hanging on their every word. Every one was fired up about their upcoming material. .. Surprisingly, it ended up being a sensitive, kind-hearted song about being tolerant and understanding… What? It was a song that traded in face melting riffs for soft and affectionate acoustic sentiment called Patience… It became a huge hit even though the lead singer hated his vocal on it, and everyone’s still trying to figure out who it’s really about. Up next Axl Rose, Izzy Stradlin, Duff Mckagen and the great Slash on the song that got me grounded and punched in the stomach... Find out next on professor of rock brought to you by Zenni Eyewear.

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Elton John’s “Madman Across the Water”: The Slow-Rising 70s Classic That Became a Masterpiece Jun 21, 2022

Show notes

Today we celebrate Elton John's "Madman Across The Water" 50th Anniversary Reissue, the brilliant rock n’ roll psychosis of a slow-rising classic…It took people a little bit to realize that this 70s album was a master work but Elton John and Bernie Taupin knew they had a batch of stellar songs and 50 years later it’s still a mystery... l "When it was released in 1971...Many thought the name of the LP referred to Richard Nixon…Some thought it was Adolf Hitler... But, has the real subject of Bernie Taupin’s title ever been revealed? with classic songs like Levon and Tiny Dancer we find out NEXT on Professor of Rock.

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Paul McCartney’s Bond Anthem “Live and Let Die”: From Criticized Theme to Rock Classic Jun 18, 2022

Show notes

When music critics found out former Beatle Paul McCartney was writing a movie theme back in the 70s, the reactions were definitely mixed. Yeah, some were positive. But others? They had no faith in the music. In fact one of the producers was ready to pass on what would become a game changer for a lounge act…Paul McCartney and Wings reinvigorated one of the most popular film franchises in history. And then Guns N’ Roses cover made it Sir Paul’s most popular composition collectively with a stellar cover. Up next he struggle to get this song in James Bond’s movie of the same name and how McCartney had the last laugh.

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Andy Fletcher: The Quiet Force That Held Depeche Mode Together Jun 15, 2022

Show notes

As many of you no doubt already know, we recently lost another musical legend. On May 26 Depeche Mode’s own Andy Fletcher passed away from natural causes at his home. He was 60 years old. Band members Dave Gahan and Martin Gore made the somber announcement: "We are shocked and filled with overwhelming sadness with the untimely passing of our dear friend, family member and bandmate Andy 'Fletch' Fletcher". Fletch had a true heart of gold and was always there when you needed support, a lively conversation or a cold pint. Our hearts are with his family...”

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Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill”: 80s Classic Finally Hits #1 After 37 Years Jun 14, 2022

Show notes

"Coming up….the story of an art rock heroine Genius named Kate Bush and the story of her beautiful and compelling 80s hit, Running Up that Hill (Deal With God) which just went to #1 a full 37 years after it hit radio. Kate was frustrated by a lack of empathy from the man she loved. To solve the problem, she came up with a bold plan to reverse the role of the sexes.We enter the mind of a true music maverick, and go between the layers of a heavenly classic from the 80s that just got a new lease of life from Stranger Things …NEXT on Professor of Rock.”

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Nirvana's Nevermind 30th Anniversary Super Deluxe Edition: A Deep Dive Jun 10, 2022

Show notes

Get the Nirvana Nevermind 30th Anniversary Super Deluxe Edition here: https://shop.nirvana.com/products/nevermind-30th-deluxe-5cd

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