The Hustle

Latest Episodes:

Book Club - Pat Gilbert author of Passion is a Fashion: The Real Story of the Clash Sep 25, 2026

Show notes

The Clash were labeled "the only band that mattered," but why? Yes, Joe, Mick, Paul and Topper represented an anti-authoritarian stance, but what was at the core of their rebelion? Author and insider Pat Gilbert joins us to discuss his book Passion is a Fashion that is probably the most detailed Clash book you'll ever read. Each member comes to life - for better or worse - and their progress from punk rockers to world music alchemists is laid out in full. Pat knows the entire Clash family intimately and gives us his take on the machinery. And, there's a giveaway! Enjoy!

www.quarto.com/books/9781805704133/passion-is-a-fashion

https://www.patreon.com/c/thehustlepod

Bonus - Mick Wall Returns Sep 18, 2026

Show notes

The inimitable Mick Wall returns to shoot the shit with us this week. Topics include: Motley, GnR, Jimi, Kalodner, Duran Duran, Simple Minds, Billy Squier, never-ending farewell tours, concerts in general, books, podcasts and anything else we (he mostly) could think of. We had a blast!

Episode 592 - Gary Numan Sep 16, 2026

Show notes

This week it's the legendary Gary Numan! Spenwood Books is at it again with the recent publication of Gary Numan - A People's History. The hook for the book is that it tells Gary's story through the words and memories of "Numanoids" who bought the albums, saw him in concert, met him, and have stayed loyal over almost 50 years. Gary joins us this week to talk about his incredible journey. His evolution from synth pioneer, to pop has-been, to icon has been dramatic and triumphant. If all you know is "Cars," you need to explore everything else this man has to offer. Enjoy!

www.garynuman.com www.spenwoodbooks.com www.patreon.com/c/thehustlepod

Episode 591 - Wesley Stace aka John Wesley Harding Sep 08, 2026

Show notes

Whether he goes by his long running stage name, John Wesley Harding, or his often used real one, Wesley Stace has built an unexpected career over 40+ years. He starts out like a storyteller in song form, politically minded and with a busker's spirit, but that has evolved over the years to include different styles and expressions that have always remained a level of quality. He just put out a new album, as Wesley Stace, called The Last Heist, which sees him carrying on with the slight jazz vibe he's been into the last few years. Wesley joins us this week to discuss his different personas, his years at Sire Records with Seymour Stein and Howie Klein, curating his Cabinet of Wonders variety show, and tons more. Enjoy!

www.wesleystace.com www.patreon.com/c/thehustlepod

Episode 590 - Dennis Drew and Steven Gustafson of 10,000 Maniacs Sep 01, 2026

Show notes

This week we welcome Dennis Drew and Steven Gustafson of 10,000 Maniacs. It hasn't been easy for this excellent band. They got off to a slow start, but broke through on their magical third album In My Tribe with enduring singles like "What's the Matter Here" and "Like the Weather". But after a couple more studio albums that kept the success growing and a hugely successful Unplugged album, lead singer Natalie Merchant left the band. The guys quickly replaced her with Mary Ramsey and continued to record and tour, just not at the same trajectory. This Labor Day weekend the band will celebrate their 45th Anniversary at the Jamestown Arts Festival, where it all began. Dennis and Steve reflect on the journey and share some incredible stories. Enjoy!

www.maniacs.com www.patreon.com/c/thehustlepod

Book Club - Brad Tolinski & Chris Gill authors of Blow By Blow: The Jeff Beck Story Sep 01, 2026

Show notes

For our latest Book Club we're welcoming authors Brad Tolinski and Chris Gill of the fantastic new book, Blow By Blow: The Jeff Beck Story. Admittedly, I've always respected Jeff more than enjoyed him, so to help with this conversation I invited the biggest Beck fan I know, Brad Page, host of the I'm In Love With That Song podcast. Together we hear all sides on Jeff, the good and not-so-good, and the case is made whether he's one of the greats. The book is excellent and this conversation should get you thinking and maybe even inform your opinion as well. Enjoy!

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0KPbR0LRmyVjkh3G4v58GZ?si=8tSDWIMVTxeuiESaO80Hwg&nd=1&dlsi=7728a2cca267487c

www.patreon.com/c/thehustlepod

www.dacapopress.com/titles/brad-tolinski/blow-by-blow/9780306836589/

Episode 589 - Lou Gramm of Foreigner/Solo Aug 26, 2026

Show notes

Lou Gramm has been one of rock's greatest voices for 54 years. Foreigner's finally in the Hall of Fame and he's celebrating an amazing legacy with a deserved farewell tour happening now and a new solo album called Released. The album is made up of stray songs from his heyday that were unfinished until now and a few new songs done in the style of AOR's 80s peak. Lou joins us this week to discuss these things as well as his current relationship with Mick Jones (things are good right now), his health, Foreigner's well-documented finances, his faith, and lots more. Lou has left an indelible mark on rock music and has always been an example of how good the genre can be. He deserves all the respect there is!

www.lougrammofficial.com

www.patreon.com/c/thehustlepod

Episode 588 - John Kalodner Aug 18, 2026

Show notes

John Kalodner, famous for his long beard, white suit and magic ears, is one of the most famous and influential non-musicians in music history. He's the famous A&R man that brought us groups like Foreigner, Asia and Survivor and guided the rebirth of legends like Aerosmith, Whitesnake, Journey and Cher (which he has some salty feelings about). Maybe only Clive Davis has brought bigger songs and careers to life over the last 50 years. John joins us this week to spill on dozens of the artists he's worked with including Heart, Wang Chung, Kenny Loggins, REO Speedwagon, XTC, Billy Idol, Berlin, Madness, GnR and tons more. We didn't even bother including music this time - just let the stories flow. It's an instant classic!

www.johnkalodner.com www.patreon.com/c/thehustlepod

Episode 587 - Barry Eastmond Aug 12, 2026

Show notes

You may not know the name Barry Eastmond, but chances are good if you were paying attention to r&b hits in the 80s that you know a bunch of his songs. He started out as a session keyboardist playing with greats like Change and Starpoint, but his big breakthrough was when he penned "You Are My Lady" for Freddie Jackson and watched it climb the pop and r&b charts. He went on to have a long and fruitful partnership with Freddie and Billy Ocean, who he continues to work with on new material right now. For Billy he wrote hits like "When The Going Gets Tough" and "There'll be Sad Songs". We also hear about Anita Baker, Jeffrey Osborne, The Temptations, Aretha, Al Jarreau, James Ingram, Diana Ross, Steve Perry, Britney Spears and tons more. It's rare we get to go deep on soul music on the podcast, so we're especially grateful to hear from Barry. Enjoy!

www.barryeastmond.com
www.patreon.com/c/thehustlepod

Episode 586 - Gary Daly of China Crisis Aug 05, 2026

Show notes

Gary Daly of China Crisis joins us this week to discuss the band's wild history. They began as an artier synthpop band - not quite as hooky as Human League, but not as adventurous as Japan. On their third album they began working with off-and-on collaborator Walter Becker of Steely Dan and they morphed into something entirely different. This pairing, odd as it sounds, worked wonders and separated China Crisis from their peers. Maybe chart toppers weren't in their future, but a career of high quality was. Gary connects these dots for us and also discusses their future plans which, in the short-term, include touring the US with the Lost 80s Live tour that kicks off in a couple weeks. Gary's as much a comedian as he is a musician, you'll love this!

www.chinacrisismusic.com
www.patreon.com/c/thehustlepod

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