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:

Mike Ness of Social Distortion on Covering Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire” May 28, 2020

Show notes

Punk poet, Mike Ness of Social Distortion discusses his love for Johnny Cash with Professor of Rock. He tells the story behind covering the Man in Black's classic song "Ring of Fire.

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Toto’s Steve Lukather and David Paich on Recording Michael Jackson’s Thriller May 25, 2020

Show notes

Steve Lukather and David Paich of Toto tell the hilarious story of working on the biggest selling album in the history of this planet, Michael Jackson’s Thriller. Including “The Girl Is Mine” with Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson. Outside of selling millions of records as Toto, Steve Lukather and David Paich have worked on hundreds of albums from the mid 70s and on that have sold in excess of half a billion copies.

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5 Underrated 90s Songs Featuring Richard Marx, The Outfield, and More May 23, 2020

Show notes

Featuring exclusive commentary from Grammy Winner Richard Marx and Tony Lewis from the Outfield presenting 5 songs from the 90s that haven't been given their due. Despite a resurgence of 90s music in TV shows and movies of late as well as increased radio play and streaming, our five featured songs are less played, but deserve special recognition. Listen to them in the playlist below.

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Depeche Mode’s Tumultuous and Triumphant Journey Through the 90s May 22, 2020

Show notes

Musically, the 90s were a very fruitful decade for Depeche Mode. In 1990, they truly conquered America with Violator which sold 4.5 million copies in the US and featured their first top ten hit with “Enjoy the Silence” followed by their first number one album in the states with Songs of Faith and Devotion and then after a long hiatus released Ultra in 97 that went to the top 5 in america and #1 in the UK, . The 90s were also a very dark time for the band as issues of substance abuse and personal differences fractured the band. Andy Fletcher struggled with mental instability and wasn't able to continue with the second half of the Exotic tour in 94. Alan Wilder left the band permanently in 95, David Gahan almost died with a near fatal overdose in mid 96, Martin Gore even contemplated breaking up the band and releasing the music he had written at that time as a solo project. But what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger and the band persevered, setting them up for the long run. This is the history of that time.

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How Bon Jovi Rose to Fame with Anthems of Hope and Resilience May 21, 2020

Show notes

The thing about Jon Bon Jovi and his incredible band is the music they've created has always got your back. From "Livin' On A Prayer" and "You Give Love a Bad Name" to "Wanted Dead or Alive" and "It's My Life", their music gives us redemption and faith against all odds. Mostly it's music of hope, which is a powerful thing, especially in the times we live in. As Jon Bon Jovi says "You live for the fight when that's all that you've got". You got to keep the faith.

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Heart's Ann Wilson on Covering Stairway to Heaven May 18, 2020

Show notes

Artist Website - https://bit.ly/AnnWilsonWebsite

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Why The Cure’s “Just Like Heaven” Is the Perfect 80s Pop Song May 16, 2020

Show notes

In the 80s, many new wave bands hit the top spot on the charts, Duran Duran, Berlin, the Human League, Aha, Blondie Culture Club etc. But how The Cure never did, is a head scratcher. They created so many luscious and hook laden classics, it was disarming. Songs like In-between days, the LoveCats, Boys Don't Cry, The Caterpillar, Let's Go To Bed and of course Just like Heaven, which in my opinion is a perfect pop song.

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How Duran Duran Blended Style and Substance to Rule the 80s and Beyond May 15, 2020

Show notes

Duran Duran were undeniable pin-up idols. Teenage girls plastered their walls with pictures of each member of the band for sure, but, the music of Duran Duran was NOT Tiger Beat/ bubble gum fare. Duran Duran actually wrote amazing songs, with heady lyrics that gave their music substance, and artistic credibility.. In each Duran Duran creation, there is some clever turn of phrase, or engrossing subtext that set them apart from other bands in the 80s and 90s, but not just from other bands of those decades, they could write catchy hooks and melodies with the best in the history of the Rock

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Celebrating Little Richard: The Founding Father of Rock, Soul, and Funk May 12, 2020

Show notes

Little Richard was a trailblazer that boldly set the standard for rock vitality. He was THEE pioneer of soul & funk, and, arguably, the first rhythm and blues "crossover" artist.

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Sammy Hagar on Van Halen’s 1988 Hit “When It’s Love” May 11, 2020

Show notes

The Red Rocker, Sammy Hagar tells the story of Van Halen’s 1988 top 5 hit: “When it’s Love" from their magnificent album 0U812. The song was a #1 hit on the rock charts. Written by

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