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:

Unboxing John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band – The Ultimate Collection & the Story Behind the Album Apr 30, 2021

Show notes

Following the break-up of the greatest band ever assembled, the group's legendary co-leader faced his demons, and extricated them by creating songs that he claimed to be the best he had ever written We explore & celebrate the beginning of John Lennon's solo era, and Unbox the incredible John Lennon/ Plastic Ono Band - The Ultimate Collection (Super Deluxe Box Set) NEXT on Professor of Rock.

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Steven Tyler & Joe Perry on the Story Behind Aerosmith’s Sweet Emotion – Their 70s Breakout Hit Apr 29, 2021

Show notes

In the early 70s 'the bad boys of Boston” know as Aerosmith were a maelstrom of chaos, and chemically induced tension. The leaders Steven Tyler and Joe Perry battled through their toxic relationship between themselves, and an interloper to produce a rockin’ rampage that started with bassist Tom Hamilton’s vibe, Sweet Emotion would be the band’s breakout hit. We relive the 'bitter sweetness' of a classic rock standard NEXT on Professor of Rock.

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Eddie Van Halen & Co. on Hot for Teacher, I’ll Wait, and the Genius of 1984 Apr 28, 2021

Show notes

Today we break down side 2 of the hard rock masterpiece 1984 by Van Halen including the story behind the blazing scorcher Hot For Teacher and the Michael McDonald co penned I’ll Wait, including another cool story about Eddie Van Halen from a recent interview. How David Lee Roth Eddie Van Halen, Michael Anthony and Alex Van Halen set the blue print for the blockbuster 1984 next on Professor of Rock…

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Lou Gramm’s Powerful Voice – Celebrating Foreigner’s Underrated Rock Vocalist & His Top 5 Songs Apr 27, 2021

Show notes

With exclusive commentary from Foreigner’s Mick Jones. To paraphrase a lyric from Foreigner’s song “Urgent”, Lou Gramm has “fire in his veins”. The timbre of Lou’s voice is unmistakable. That beautiful flowing tenor with a perfect measure of gravel that when he was with Foreigner in the 70s, 80s and 90s set the band apart from every other. When Lou wailed it was like the roar of a lion. With songs like “Jukebox Hero”, “Feels Like the First Time” “Cold as Ice”, “I to Know What Love Is” “Waiting For a Girl Like You”, “Hot Blooded” and so many more, Mick Jones, Lou Gramm, and Foreigner were the top of the heap. Here we celebrate the genius of Lou’s instrument, his voice and recognize him as one of the most underrated vocalists.

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Revisiting the Top 5 Songs of 1984 – Ranking Them by All-Time Performance Apr 24, 2021

Show notes

Up next we recalibrate the top 5 songs from a week in the summer of 1984 based on how the songs have done in the decades since. Ranked by all time performance What is the new number one song? Is it Prince? Duran Duran? Huey Lewis? Michael Jackson? or someone else, with commentary from the artists Find out who’s #1 next on Professor of Rock.

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Unboxing The Who Sell Out Super Deluxe Edition & the Story Behind This 1967 Classic Apr 23, 2021

Show notes

Professor of Rock unboxes The Who Sell Out Super Deluxe Edition and tells the history behind this incredible concept album with the stories behind key songs including their top 10 US hit “I Can See For Miles”. Pete Townshend, Roger Daltrey, John Entwistle and Keith Moon were at their most creative. The compelling tale next on Professor of Rock.

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5 Forgotten 70s Hits to Rediscover – Featuring Artist Interviews & Hidden Gems Apr 22, 2021

Show notes

In this edition of 70s Hidden Gems, we dangerously hover over some gory pulp fiction with Bloodrock’s freaky D.O.A, We drift down the sea of heartbreak with Ian Gomm’s Hold On….and come together for a union of humanity with Livingston Taylor “I Will Be In Love With You" (James Taylor’s brother) and Lindisfarne with Run For Home and Robert Palmer’s Every Kind of People. This is A showcase of 5 diverse 70s Hidden Gems that you’re going to love to re discover , including commentary from artists up, NEXT on Professor of Rock

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Breaking Down Van Halen’s 1984 – How Eddie Van Halen & David Lee Roth Made a Rock Classic Apr 16, 2021

Show notes

It was a pivotal crossroads for America’s favorite party band to make the jump to becoming the world’s biggest rock band… Up next we break down Van Halen 1984 song by song including a great story about Eddie Van Halen from his friend and fellow Guitarist Steve Stevens: We go back to the exciting & turbulent year of 1984 song by song including the stories behind the songs including the title track, Jump, Panama, Top Jimmy and Drop Dead Legs NEXT on Professor of Rock

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A Tribute to Casey Kasem – The Voice That Defined 70s & 80s Music Apr 13, 2021

Show notes

Up next we celebrate a true trailblazer of rock and pop music The king of the American top 40 Casey Kasem. This is a tribute to my hero, the man who gave life to all of the classic songs of the 70s and 80s. A legend that brought all of us together every week to honor the biggest songs of the times counting them down one by one from 40 all the way to #1. including an exclusive interview with his daughter Kerri Kasem. For any of you that came of age in the 70s or 80s, this one will bring a smile to your face.

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Alan Parsons on The Alan Parsons Project – Its Connection to Dark Side of the Moon Apr 10, 2021

Show notes

Up next the maestro of music Alan Parsons who engineered the Beatles Abbey Road, Let It Be and Dark Side of the Moon for Pink Floyd takes us through the stories behind crafting his own albums with the Alan Parson’s Project. It’s a can’t miss exploration through his work with Pilot, Ambrosia as well as Tales of Mystery and Imagination, I Robot, Pyramid, Eve, and the Turn of a Friendly Card on Professor of ROCK.

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