Tributes, Cancelled Careers, And Nashville War Stories :: Ep 34 Circling the Drain

Tributes, Cancelled Careers, And Nashville War Stories :: Ep 34 Circling the Drain

From Circling The Drain by John E. Bozeman & Jay Harper

April 15, 2026 · 50 min · Episode 34

About this episode

The episode explores the changing landscape of music and radio, discussing tribute concerts, the decline of country radio, and the impact of politics on artists' careers.

In this episode of Circling The Drain, Johnny B, Jay Harper, and Jim McCarthy dive deep into the changing world of music and radio from the perspective of insiders who have lived it. They start with why some artists get massive tribute concerts while others do not, then slide into a raw, honest look at country radio’s glory days, its corporate-driven decline, and what happens to artists and broadcasters when the industry moves on. From Taylor Hawkins and Eddie Van Halen, to Waylon Jennings, Jason Aldean, Kacey Musgraves, and Tim McGraw, the guys unpack how careers peak and fade, how politics can tank a fan base, and why loyalty in production teams still matters. Along the way, you will hear behind the scenes stories from Nashville radio, Country Radio Seminar, hall of fame inductions, and on air rivalries the hosts now regret. It is a brutally honest, funny, and nostalgic ride through a business that is, quite literally, circling the drain. Listen for – Why some legends get big tribute concerts and others never do – How corporate ownership and streaming gutted local radio – The unspoken 20 year shelf life of most country stars – When politics and award shows push fans away –…

People in this episode

Hosts: Johnny B, Jay Harper, Jim McCarthy

Topics covered

  • music industry
  • country radio
  • tribute concerts
  • artist careers
  • Nashville stories
  • corporate influence
  • politics in music

Keywords

  • tribute concerts
  • country radio
  • music industry
  • artist careers
  • Nashville
  • politics
  • streaming

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