Beardo And Weirdo

In this episode, the guys kick things off by recapping Chris's massive performance at the Welcome to Rockville festival in front of eighty thousand screaming rock fans. Chris shares what it is really like to step onto a stage of that magnitude and how his bandmates handle the pressure, while Craig shares his own nerve-wracking experiences opening for comedy legends like Russell Peters and Louie Anderson in sold-out arenas. The two then take an embarrassing trip down memory lane, pulling up vintage high school photos that prove Chris once looked like a used car salesman and Craig belonged in an eighties hair metal band.The stories get even wilder as Craig recounts his recent trip to the Saturday Night Live season finale party at the iconic 30 Rock skating rink. He details his incredible celebrity encounters, including secretly filming Paul McCartney, Steven Spielberg, and Lorne Michaels, as well as accidentally photobombing Will Ferrell while chatting with Chad Smith from the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Craig also shares highlights from hosting an anti-bullying benefit concert in Seattle, featuring epic backstage moments and jam sessions with Nancy Wilson of Heart, Mike Inez of Alice in Chains, and Chris Ballew from The Presidents of the United States of America. To top it off, Craig reveals the ruthless prank Mike Inez pulled on him involving a loud, inappropriate video on a quiet first-class flight.Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more amazing stories from the worlds of rock and comedy.

In this powerful episode, Chris & Craig sit down with Andrew Tkaczyk, the legendary drummer for The Ghost Inside, to discuss his incredible journey of survival and determination following the band's tragic 2015 bus accident.Andrew opens up about the life-altering impact of the crash, which resulted in the loss of his right leg and ten days spent in a coma. He shares the raw details of his recovery process, including the mental and physical hurdles of relearning how to play the drums with a prosthetic limb. The conversation explores the technical innovations that allowed him to return to his craft, such as the specialized "Hammer" trigger system and a custom-designed drum throne that provides the stability he needs to perform at a professional level. Andrew also discusses the profound emotional experience of the band’s 2019 comeback show at The Shrine in Los Angeles, an event that proved to the world—and to himself—that he could still dominate the stage despite his injuries.Beyond the technical side of drumming, the group discusses the importance of a positive mindset and the support of the heavy metal community. Andrew explains his "no excuses" philosophy and how he handles the daily challenges of life as a musician with a disability. Chris Kael and Craig Gass also share their own perspectives on professional resilience and the drive required to maintain a career in the entertainment industry. To wrap things up, Andrew gives an update on his solo project, One Decade, and shares what is next for The Ghost Inside.Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more deep dives into the lives of your favorite rock and metal icons!

In this heart-warming episode, the guys are joined by fan-favorite couple James B. Jones and Shelley Wolfe from the hit Netflix reality series, Love on the Spectrum.James and Shelley open up about their incredible journey navigating their relationship in the public eye, celebrating over two years of being together. They share their honest feelings about filming a reality television show, adjusting to the constant presence of cameras, and dealing with being recognized by fans in public places. The couple also takes the time to break down common misconceptions about autism, powerfully explaining that individuals on the spectrum are completely capable of living independent, successful lives and emphasizing that autism should be viewed as a different ability rather than a disability. Craig also shares a deep personal connection, relating their societal experiences to his own childhood growing up with a completely deaf family.The conversation then takes an exciting turn into the world of heavy metal and rock music, revealing the couple's shared passion for bands like Suffocation, Morbid Angel, Alice Cooper, and Amon Amarth. The absolute highlight of the episode occurs when David Draiman, the legendary lead singer of the rock band Disturbed, makes a surprise drop-in appearance to say hello to James and Shelley, sharing the story of how they originally became friends at a concert in Boston. Keeping the metal brotherhood alive, Chris Kael even extends a personal invitation for the couple to attend an upcoming Five Finger Death Punch tour date as his VIP guests.To wrap up the show, James and Shelley share details about their public speaking engagements at local schools to raise autism awareness, discuss their online merchandise store, and explain how fans can request personalized video messages from them on Cameo.

In this episode, the guys are joined by legendary rock drummer Phil Varone of Saigon Kick and Skid Row for an incredibly honest and hilarious conversation about the highs and lows of the rock and roll lifestyle.Phil holds nothing back as he shares some of the wildest stories from his early touring days, starting with a terrifying encounter in Houston where he had to hide on the floorboard of a car to escape an angry NFL running back. He also dives into unbelievable behind-the-scenes moments from touring with KISS. Listeners will hear the hilarious truth behind Paul Stanley's bizarre stage banter, the time Ace Frehley got lost in the crowd in his full leotard, and an epic rivalry where Phil outsmarted Gene Simmons with the help of a little person during a performance of I Love It Loud.The conversation then shifts to the darker side of fame as Phil opens up about his battle with extreme cocaine addiction and the reality of his infamous appearance on VH1's Sex Rehab. Phil and Chris share a deep bond over their respective journeys to sobriety, discussing the harsh truths of drug abuse, the regret of watching their past behaviors on film in Phil's documentary Waking Up Dead, and the life-changing power of humility and accountability.Today, Phil is fifty-eight years old, completely sober, and thriving in a different world as a successful senior video editor for television and film. He also discusses his new ventures, including doing stand-up comedy on the upcoming Monsters of Rock Cruise and the recent Atlantic licensing deal for Saigon Kick. Tune in for an inspiring and side-splitting episode about surviving the chaos of the music industry and finding true peace.Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more amazing rockstar interviews and exclusive stories!

In this episode, the guys are joined by stand-up comedian and Kill Tony Golden Ticket winner Ric Diez for a hilarious conversation bridging the worlds of heavy metal and stand-up comedy.Craig and Chris kick things off by sharing incredible behind-the-scenes stories from attending Alice in Chains guitarist Jerry Cantrell's massive 60th birthday party in Los Angeles. They detail their run-ins with rock and roll royalty and pop culture icons, including Faith No More drummer Mike Bordin, King's X bassist Doug Pinnick, Gavin Rossdale of Bush, and a surprisingly jovial Kato Kaelin. The guys also discuss the infamous on-stage brawl between Jane's Addiction bandmates Perry Farrell and Dave Navarro.The stories get even wilder as Craig explains his unique survival tactic for opening for massive arena bands like Metallica and System of a Down: walking on stage and lying to the crowd by pretending to be the tour manager. Craig shares a side-splitting story about taking this prank to the next level while opening for Sebastian Bach in Detroit, making the audience scream absurd things, only to have Sebastian completely turn the tables on him as the show started.Guest Ric Diez then opens up about his comedy journey, reflecting on his overnight success getting the Golden Ticket on his very first Kill Tony pull and the aftermath of his controversial battle with Hans Kim. Ric also shares the terrifying details of his absolute worst gig ever: a charity show in Brussels where an innocent crowd-work joke about a married couple and their cats almost ended with him being chased out of the venue.Finally, Craig previews his upcoming all-star charity jam at the Moore Theater in Seattle featuring members of Heart, Shinedown, and the Presidents of the United States of America. Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more amazing stand-up comedy secrets and exclusive rockstar stories!

In this episode, Chris and Craig are joined by Zach Myers, the lead guitarist of the multi-platinum rock band Shinedown.Zach takes us on a deep dive into his incredible journey in the music industry, starting from getting his first record deal at just fourteen years old. He opens up about the immense pressure of following up the massive success of The Sound of Madness album, the anxiety behind releasing the hit single Bully, and the band's staggering achievement of scoring twenty-four number-one hits.The conversation takes a wild turn as Chris Kael and Zach swap unbelievable touring stories, including the terrifying night Chris had to be wheeled out of an arena in Billings, Montana on a stretcher due to a drug overdose. Zach also shares candid stories about his bandmate Brent Smith's past battles with addiction, including a hilarious but dark memory of Brent accidentally smoking a Lifesaver mint thinking it was crack cocaine.Beyond the wild rockstar tales, Zach reveals his deeply emotional side. He discusses the profound impact of fatherhood, sharing heartwarming stories about his kids, trying to hold back tears in Target, and his infamous snuggle contract. The trio also pays tribute to the late, legendary Philadelphia radio DJ Pierre Robert, recalling unforgettable late-night jam sessions at the WMMR station. Finally, Zach explains the beautiful story of how Shinedown secretly brought their original bassist, Brad Stewart, back on stage to perform with them at Madison Square Garden after almost twenty years apart.Make sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more amazing rock history and exclusive interviews!CHAPTERS:00:00:00 Zach Myers from Shinedown on Comedy & Music00:04:04 What is Rockstar Zach Myers Actually Doing Tonight in Vegas?00:05:11 Getting a Record Deal at 14 & Learning to Play Guitar00:07:17 Why Stand-Up Comedy is Harder Than Being a Rockstar00:08:55 Bombing on Stage in Front of System of a Down00:11:20 How Dave Chappelle Saved a Terrible Comedy Set in 199800:14:10 Growing Up in Memphis to Becoming a Famous Rockstar00:16:15 How Zach Myers Met His Wife (And Why She's a Better Musician)00:18:11 Fatherhood & Why Being a Dad Makes You More Emotional00:20:25 Channeling Emotion into Hit Songs & The Saddest Movies00:22:44 The Anxiety of Songwriting & Following Up "The Sound of Madness"00:24:23 Breaking Records: How Shinedown Scored 24 Number One Singles00:25:43 Why Shinedown Takes Their Fans So Seriously (The Last Seat)00:27:45 Dealing with Imposter Syndrome & Why We Stopped Meet and Greets00:31:18 Why Zach Myers Drives 6 Hours on Days Off to See Live Music00:32:32 The Absolute Biggest Perk of Being a Famous Rockstar00:34:18 Getting Starstruck: Meeting Roger Clemens & Sports Legends00:35:31 The Incredible Randy Johnson "Bird Killer" Signed Baseball Story00:37:23 Kid Rock's FaceTime Game & Why Donald Trump Doesn't Sleep00:39:02 Taking Mushrooms for the First Time at 42 for Anxiety00:39:37 Chris Kael's Terrifying Meth Overdose Ambulance Story00:43:49 Shinedown's Brent Smith & The Dark Reality of Alcohol Addiction00:45:39 Buying Drugs in the Worst Parts of Town & Brazilian Favelas00:46:34 Finding Hidden Drugs Under Bunks & Touring with Addicts00:49:33 Being Best Friends with Nikki Sixx from Mötley Crüe00:52:29 Eddie Vedder, Joey Ramone, and Firing Terrible Tour Techs00:58:29 The Secret to Shinedown's Healthy Band Dynamic & Riding One Bus01:00:37 The Epic Reunion: Brad Stewart Joins Shinedown After 20 Years01:04:25 Inside Shinedown's First Madison Square Garden Headlining Show01:05:27 A Heartfelt Tribute to Legendary Philadelphia Radio DJ Pierre Robert01:12:17 "Checking Oil": How to Keep Bandmates Laughing on Stage

In this incredible episode, the guys are joined by heavy metal legend and Twisted Sister frontman, Dee Snider.Dee opens up about the frightening health reality check that ultimately forced his retirement from live performances. He details the hypertension, heart conditions, and worn-out joints that led his family to intervene and beg him to stop touring to save his own life. He also shares a hilarious story about how Iron Maiden's Bruce Dickinson almost convinced him to risk a comeback after bragging about thrusting and parrying on stage with his own new hips.The conversation dives deep into rock history, highlighting Dee's lifelong commitment to sobriety since the age of 13 and his beautiful, unlikely friendship with Motörhead's Lemmy Kilmister. Dee reveals how Lemmy acted as a guardian angel by introducing Twisted Sister and saving them from a hostile UK festival crowd early in their career, and expresses what it meant to receive one of the rare bullets containing Lemmy's ashes after his passing.Dee also discusses his unwavering integrity over the years, from his iconic PMRC Senate hearing testimony against Al Gore to his relentless advocacy that helped secure a $750 million insurance payout for the victims of the Station Nightclub fire. Finally, he explains the deeply personal reason he decided to try ayahuasca and plant medicine for the very first time at 70 years old to help him transition from a lifelong "warrior" into a peaceful "wizard."This episode is an absolute masterclass in rock and roll history, storytelling, and personal integrity! Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more amazing interviews, and check out Craig and Chris on their respective comedy and music tours.CHAPTERS:00:00:00 Intro: Dee Snider on Twisted Sister, Health & Lemmy00:02:57 The Terrifying Medical Diagnosis That Forced Dee Snider to Retire00:08:33 George Carlin's Best Advice on Aging and Mortality00:11:35 Dominating Morning Radio vs. Howard Stern00:13:38 The Dark Psychology Behind Celebrity Impressions00:16:14 "Don't Tell Your Mother": Dee Snider's Intense Dad00:17:40 Surviving the 80s: Why Dee Snider Stayed 100% Sober00:20:32 Receiving Lemmy Kilmister's Ashes Inside a Bullet00:22:12 Twisted Sister Fired Dee Snider for a Coffee Addiction?00:25:53 Will Twisted Sister Continue With a New Lead Singer?00:30:15 Who Will Replace Dee Snider in Twisted Sister?00:32:08 Stopping the Show: Why Dee Snider Protected Female Fans00:35:48 Inventing the Stage Dive (And When It Went Horribly Wrong)00:37:45 The PMRC Senate Hearing: Destroying Al Gore's Censorship00:42:12 The Dirty Reality of Washington Politics Exposed00:44:29 The Station Nightclub Fire Tragedy & The Aftermath00:47:51 Shaming the Music Industry: $750M Justice for Great White Fans00:51:08 Escaping Peru During Peak COVID-19 Lockdowns00:52:41 Why Dee Snider Took Shrooms for the First Time at 7000:56:00 Ayahuasca, Plant Medicine, and Ending "Warrior Mode"00:59:42 Losing Control: How the Rockstar Ego Almost Destroyed Him01:02:14 Healing Generational Trauma & Forgiving His Father01:05:31 The Brutal Reality Behind Writing "The Price" on a Toilet01:08:35 From MTV Fame to Complete Bankruptcy in the 90s01:10:47 Why Twisted Sister Hated Soundchecks with Dee Snider01:11:53 Hiring a Bodyguard to Protect the Audience FROM Dee Snider01:15:40 "I Didn't Speak Lemmy": Translating Motörhead01:16:46 Was Lemmy Kilmister Literally an Earthly Angel?01:21:39 How Motörhead Saved Twisted Sister from a Hostile UK Crowd01:24:34 The Emotional Reality of Announcing His Retirement01:26:28 Surviving the 80s Rockstar Ego & Staying Married01:32:23 When Five Finger Death Punch Opened for Twisted Sister01:35:22 George Carlin: Crossing the Finish Line Bruised & Beaten01:36:31 Tricking Paul Stanley with a Fake Gene Simmons Impression

In this episode of the Beardo and Weirdo podcast, Chris and Craig interview Stephen Rea, who discusses his four-decade-long relationship with Ozzy Osbourne. His unique journey began in 1984 when Stephen’s mother wrote a letter to the Ozzy Osbourne Fan Club inquiring about tickets for the first Rock in Rio festival. This simple act led to an unexpected invitation from Ozzy's team, resulting in a private breakfast where the then 15-year-old Stephen met Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne for the first time.The conversation explores Stephen’s transition from a superfan to a trusted "consultant" and employee within Ozzy's inner circle. He provides a candid look at life on the road during the 1980s, describing the grueling reality for road crews who faced 7 a.m. call times and relentless schedules. He also shares lighthearted memories of Ozzy's notorious pranks, such as his habit of bribing hotel porters for master keys to sneak into rooms and shave people's eyebrows while they slept.The episode concludes with a poignant reflection on Ozzy’s later years and his enduring humanity. Stephen recounts the emotional experience of watching Ozzy’s final rehearsals for the song "Mama, I'm Coming Home," where the physical toll of Parkinson’s was evident despite the singer's immense effort. Stephen describes their final private meeting just weeks before Ozzy's passing, where the legendary performer expressed his gratitude for their long friendship, emphasizing that despite his global fame, Ozzy remained a humble and often insecure "family guy" to the very end.This is one episode you won't want to miss.CHAPTERS:00:00:00 Talking To Stephen Rea00:02:31 Meeting Ozzy Osbourne00:06:25 Ozzy Osbourne Was A Kind Person00:08:02 Meeting Ozzy Was Surreal00:10:20 Being A Ligger With Ozzy00:12:40 Stephen Rea Writes Like A Fan00:16:43 Ozzy Osbourne's Inner Circle00:18:59 Stephen Wrote Everything Ozzy Said00:20:11 Never Asked For Anything From Ozzy00:22:14 Sharron Osbourne00:24:29 Jack Osbourne's Forward for Ozzy And Me00:28:36 Friends Of Ozzy Osbourne00:30:02 Chris Kael Meeting Ozzy Osbourne00:31:45 Black Sabbath Band Mates00:35:48 The Real Job Working With Bands00:38:28 Roadies Work Very Hard00:42:53 Ozzy Osbourne's Recovery From Drugs00:45:34 Drinking With Ozzy in Dublin00:48:05 Aliases00:49:43 Ozzy Becoming Frail00:54:49 Ozzy's Funeral00:56:37 Last Words With Ozzy00:59:55 Finding Out Ozzy Died01:01:56 Ozzy's Imposter Syndrome01:04:06 Ozzy Hating His Own Music01:05:22 Stephen's Favorite Question01:07:07 Top 3 Ozzy Osbourne Songs01:08:19 Stephen's Crazy Story01:10:00 Getting the "Ozzy and Me" Book

On this episode of Beardo and Weirdo, Chris & Craig dive deep into the life of Roddy Bottum from Faith No More. Roddy shares his incredible journey through the highs and lows of rock stardom, including his struggles with drug addiction and the emotional rollercoaster of writing his memoir, 'The Royal We.' This isn't just a story about music - it's a raw and honest look at the challenges he faced while navigating fame, friendship, and personal demons. Roddy opens up about the emotional weight of his past, the impact of his father's illness, and the surprising connections he made with fellow musicians like Courtney Love and Kurt Cobain. He reflects on the importance of vulnerability in creativity and how getting sober transformed his artistic expression. If you've ever wondered what it's like to be in the spotlight while battling addiction, this episode is a must-listen. Join us as we explore the complexities of life as a rock star and the power of storytelling in healing. Roddy's insights are not just for fans of Faith No More; they're for anyone who has ever faced their own struggles and sought a way to overcome them. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that might just change your perspective on life and creativity.CHAPTERS:00:00:00 Introducing Roddy Bottum00:03:14 Recoding "The Royal We" Was Emotional00:05:46 Roddy Bottum Drug Addiction00:08:18 Roddy Bottum Losing His Father00:10:23 Relationship with Mothers00:12:55 Comedic Moments in "The Royal We"00:14:19 Meeting Courtney Love00:17:10 Becoming A Rock Star00:19:49 Faith No More and Metallica00:21:56 Being A Gay Rockstar00:24:41 Faith No More Name Change00:26:16 Bringing People On Tour00:28:04 Drugs Becoming An Issue00:31:53 Deciding To Get Sober00:33:38 Being Creative Off Drugs00:35:31 Coming Out As Gay00:42:35 Drug Recovery00:45:54 The Royal We Book00:47:18 Dave Lee Friendship00:48:46 Expectation of Being A Rockstar00:50:58 Talking About "Faith No More"00:52:20 The Royal We Book Tour00:53:26 Rehab with Courtney Love and Kurt Cobain

Chris & Craig talk to Cody Jinks, the country artist, who's about to go on tour with Five Finger Death Punch. In this candid conversation, Cody opens up about his unexpected journey from thrash metal to country music, revealing how he started writing country songs after the breakup of his thrash band. He shares his experiences with sobriety, the challenges of being a solo artist, and the importance of community in both the metal and country scenes. Cody's story is not just about music; it's about resilience, recovery, and the power of friendship. He emphasizes the significance of treating his band and crew like family, a lesson he learned from his own experiences in the industry. As he prepares for an exciting summer tour, Cody invites fans to join him for a unique blend of country and metal, promising an unforgettable experience. Don't miss out on this incredible journey and the chance to see Cody live on stage with Five Finger Death Punch!CHAPTERS:00:00:00 Cody Jinks On Tour00:03:19 Starting A Thrash Band00:05:42 From Thrash To Solo Artist00:06:57 Influences00:09:07 Lead Singer Disease00:11:51 What Pushed Cody To Country?00:13:11 Opening For Big Bands00:16:14 Corrosion Of Conformity00:17:30 Stress Of Opening For Bands00:19:33 Sobriety00:23:30 Being Religious00:24:59 Alcohol And Creativity00:26:25 Talk Back Mic00:29:19 Inspiring Sobriety00:31:09 Touring With Five Finger Death Punch00:32:37 The Worst Food To Eat00:34:09 Nerd Clusters00:37:14 The 5FDP Tour00:38:18 Independent Touring00:40:29 Motorcycles00:41:16 Treating Your Fans Right00:43:42 Wallmart First Class00:45:58 When Chris Almost Screwed Up00:46:50 Favorite Comedian00:49:20 Mitch Hedberg Documentary00:53:07 Making Changes In Your Life00:57:14 Sam Darnold

On this episode of Beardo and Weirdo, Chris and Craig dive deep into the wild past of comedian Dave Landau! From crazy concert stories to the ups and downs of life on the road, Dave shares it all (and sometimes shares TOO much!). He recounts his experiences with legendary musicians, the chaos of live shows, and the lessons learned from his past. With a mix of humor and honesty, Dave takes us through his journey of recovery and the importance of staying true to oneself. Whether it's about the time he had a gun pulled on him during a set or the unforgettable moments with rock legends, Dave's stories are both entertaining and thought-provoking. Join us for a rollercoaster ride of laughter and life lessons that you won't want to miss! CHAPTERS:00:00:00 Here's Dave Landau00:01:54 The Elvis Thing00:07:30 Musical Influence00:09:14 Worst Concert00:13:46 DUIs00:19:17 Being Chased00:22:13 Deciding To Go Sober00:26:52 Smashing the Garage Door00:28:15 Spitting On A Cop00:31:05 Cops Love Chris00:33:16 Cops Drinking Your Beer00:36:04 Moments Of Clarity00:38:47 Dark humor00:40:50 Doing Cocaine When You're Older00:43:55 Getting Sober on the Road00:49:33 Losing Friends00:53:55 The Doors Movie00:55:36 Comedy Clubs00:57:05 Fan Pulls A Gun On Dave01:00:07 People Who Run Comedy Clubs01:02:47 Jay Medicinehat01:05:04 Revenge For Being Stiffed01:07:52 The Alice Cooper Concert01:10:53 Jack White- White Stripes01:12:25 Aaron Freeman01:13:28 Fathers Forgiveness01:15:37 Where The Passion Is

In this episode, Chris and Craig are joined by the legendary comedian Tom Rhodes, who shares incredible stories about opening for music icons like James Brown and Ray Charles. Tom's unique perspective on comedy and life shines through as he discusses his journey, the importance of kindness on stage, and the deep connections he's formed with his ex-wife and friends. With a blend of humor and heartfelt moments, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who appreciates the art of comedy and the power of storytelling. Join us as we dive into Tom's world and discover what makes him one of the most respected comedians in the industry. Don't miss out on this engaging conversation that will leave you laughing and inspired! CHAPTERS:00:00:00 Introducing Tom Rhodes00:01:28 Dealing with Hecklers00:02:26 Music and Comedy00:03:06 The Rolling Stones00:03:54 Chris and Tom00:07:50 New York City00:10:17 Cocaine in Amsterdam00:13:31 Porn Industry00:15:31 "Rock Star" Comic00:21:17 Vietnam00:26:27 Around The World00:29:44 Ghost Visitor00:35:07 Best Advice00:39:06 Comedy Underground00:41:21 Influences00:44:32 Faith Religion and Comedy00:46:17 James Brown and Ray Charles00:48:27 Opening For Ray Charles00:52:20 The Who00:54:26 Greatest Concert00:56:14 Prince00:58:51 Johnny Cash01:02:27 Favorite Comedian01:05:58 98 Rock In Baltimore