The Hoodrat Recap: a Podcast For The Hold Steady

Rich Tarbell was there from the jump. Like, the actual jump — first shows, floor sweat, all of it. Then somehow he ended up with a camera pass and a direct line to more rock stars than you can shake a setlist at. (Spoiler: they were mostly lovely. Except for one guy from the ’80s who clearly never got the memo that it stopped being the ’80s.) Rich sits down with us to talk Hold Steady history, the beautiful chaos of those early shows, and how a fan becomes the guy with the best seat in the house.Photo credit: Rich Tarbellhttps://richtarbell.com/Buy Rich's book here:https://tinyurl.com/3s5jsf8bCheck out Shagwuf here:https://tinyurl.com/yebxc5r3Please send us a voicemail:https://www.speakpipe.com/TheHoodratRecapPodcastPlease contact us at:https://linktr.ee/thehoodratrecap?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=8a8d133d-6a72-4625-a7ab-c3624d823383

This week on The Hoodrat Recap, we kick things off with a transatlantic voicemail from Stuart in Scotland 🇬🇧—because the Unified Scene clearly has no borders.Then we sit down with Lee from Atlanta for a Scene Profile conversation about one of the sneakiest entry points into THS fandom: the humor. From tossed-off one-liners to blink-and-you-miss-them punchlines buried in heavy moments, we talk about how the jokes are often the hook that pull listeners deeper into the songs—and keep them coming back.Finally, we turned it over to you. We asked listeners to send in the funniest THS lyrics, and you absolutely delivered. From classic crowd-favorite lines to deep cuts only the most dedicated fans would catch, we celebrate the moments that prove sometimes the saddest stories come with the sharpest laughs 😄🎤📼Funny when they shouldn’t be. Honest when they don’t have to be. And always worth another listen.Check out Lee Clontz’s blog here:https://clontz.blog/2026/02/22/fargo-humor-and-the-hold-steady/Listen to Tad Kubler’s new songs here:https://tadkubler.bandcamp.com/album/the-casanova-complexSend us a voicemail here:https://www.speakpipe.com/TheHoodratRecapPodcastListen to Gaspar & Mike breakdown the movie ”Project Hail Mary” this April here:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/film-studies/id1738835569https://open.spotify.com/show/6U78l2eCnoQ1T5bMbTNLna?si=ir75HvAJSIujqlMQdYGV5Q

This week on The Hoodrat Recap, we wade deeper into the muck 💎🕳️ as Round Three of Diamonds in the Drains kicks off—with the controversial middle three albums taking center stage. Lines are drawn, takes are flying, and nobody’s pretending this is an easy stretch of the catalog.Kevin reports back from Union Pool in Brooklyn with a firsthand review of Craig Finn’s solo show, breaking down the set, the stories, and how it hit in a more intimate room. (Or should we say right outside the room.)But first we hear from Jeffrey , who leaves an all-timer message detailing his origin story of fandom with THS—a generational saga, and a reminder of how deep this thing goes.Drain responsibly.Please send us a voicemail:https://www.speakpipe.com/TheHoodratRecapPodcasthttps://linktr.ee/thehoodratrecap?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=8a8d133d-6a72-4625-a7ab-c3624d823383

We made it to the finish line, folks…and somehow still want more. In this episode, we break down Night Four of Massive Nights and then zoom out to look at the entire whirlwind weekend. From rare cuts to sing-along chaos to those “I can’t believe they played THAT” moments, we relive every highlight.Kevin hits us with the impossible question: “Which night was the best night?” We try to answer it. We fail. We debate it anyway.Then—we drop some actual news about a huge weekend of shows coming this summer. Yes, you heard it here first.Gaspar and Mike open up about their spontaneous decision to add a surprise “fifth night” to the weekend, and how that experience gave them a whole new appreciation for the “Unified Scene” and all of you who showed up and showed out.If you were in the room, this is your victory lap. If you couldn’t make it, this is your all-access recap. Let’s go.Please send us a voicemail:https://www.speakpipe.com/TheHoodratRecapPodcasthttps://linktr.ee/thehoodratrecap?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=8a8d133d-6a72-4625-a7ab-c3624d823383

Scene Report from Brooklyn Bowl:Night Two of Massive Nights 10 came out swinging, starting with the annual Pub Quiz—and this year delivered what might be the single greatest Hold Steady trivia question ever asked. (No spoilers… but trust us, it brought the house down.)From there, the night exploded into something historic: a full-album performance of Separation Sunday, played front-to-back by a special six-piece opening band cheekily calling themselves Separation & The Sunday’s. They tore through the 20-year-old classic with a blistering, reverent energy that set the tone for a wild night.And the main event? Eighteen more songs—a scorching, career-spanning set packed with deep cuts, favorites, and all the Massive Nights magic fans come for.Tune in for the complete breakdown of Night Two: the surprises, the singalongs, the lore, and why Massive Nights 10 is already shaping up to be one for the books.Visit us at:https://linktr.ee/thehoodratrecapLeave us a voicemail at:https://www.speakpipe.com/TheHoodratRecapPodcastSend us an email:Thehoodratrecap@gmail.com

In this Massive Nights 25 Preview, we kick things off with Gaspar’s unbelievable run-in with none other than Daniel Radcliffe. Yes, that Daniel Radcliffe. After recognizing Gaspar's tee-shirt, Harry Potter himself apparently lit up and proclaimed that The Hold Steady is his favorite rock band — setting the tone perfectly for the magic that Massive Nights always brings.Then we turn things over to you — the listeners.You told us your wish list for the 10th-ever Massive Nights, and you did not disappoint. From deep cuts to full-album dreams to the covers you’re hoping to hear, we run through every hopeful request.You also shared what you’re thankful for as THS fans this year — and it turns out there’s a lot to be grateful for in the Unified Scene.Catch The Hoodrat Recap at:https://linktr.ee/thehoodratrecap?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=5a95d70e-20c7-4761-b2be-d4c19995786cSend us a voicemail:https://www.speakpipe.com/TheHoodratRecapPodcastMassive Nights 25 is almost here. Let’s get into it.

This week on The Hoodrat Recap, we’re diving into the live music scene with a full report on Craig Finn and the Band of Forgiveness, who are tearing across the United States with their latest tour. The Hold Steady frontman’s newish solo project is proving to be essential viewing for fans of literate, character-driven rock and roll.Gaspar phones in from (Le) Poisson Rouge in New York City, where he caught the band in their element at the intimate Greenwich Village venue. Meanwhile, Mike recounts his experience at The Fine Line in Minneapolis—a hometown show with all the energy you’d expect from Finn playing his old stomping grounds.We also talk about opener James Felice, the bug-photographing squeeze box wizard who brings his accordion and keyboard magic to warm up the crowd. The big question: does this multi-talented musician actually look like Robin Thicke, or have we all been staring at stage lights too long?Whether you caught one of these October 2025 shows or are living vicariously through us, this episode captures the spirit of a songwriter at the peak of his powers, surrounded by a crack band and playing rooms that hang on every word.Topics: Craig Finn, Band of Forgiveness, Le Poisson Rouge, The Fine Line Minneapolis, James Felice, tour reports, live music scene​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Send us a voicemail:https://www.speakpipe.com/TheHoodratRecapPodcastSend us an email:thehoodratrecap@gmail.comCheck out everything at:https://linktr.ee/thehoodratrecap

In this episode of The Hoodrat Recap: Scene Report from BostonDamon takes us straight into the rain-soaked streets of Boston with a first-person breakdown of the latest Hold Steady show. From a weather delay that had fans buzzing, to the moment the lights finally came up, Damon captures every detail. How did the Dropkick Murphys crowd react to the confetti-soaked antics of the Unified Scene? We’ve got the play-by-play. Martin Fitzgerald ReturnsThen we welcome back Martin Fitzgerald, the Quiz Master himself. Martin gives us some juicy behind-the-scenes details about his forthcoming book, and of course, he hits us with one of his famous quizzes — the kind that keeps everyone on their toes. Turning the TablesBut this time, we flip the script. The hosts put Martin in the hot seat with quiz questions submitted directly from our audience. How does the Quiz Master handle being quizzed? You’ll want to hear this showdown. Dealey Plaza & The Unified SceneIn classic Martin fashion, he also ponders whether the outcasts who drifted toward Dealey Plaza on 11/22/63 — avoiding the “main stage” of history — share a spiritual link with members of the Unified Scene, carving out their own space away from the mainstream.It’s another blend of live music storytelling, sharp trivia battles, and deep-cut philosophy--served Hoodrat style.https://linktr.ee/thehoodratrecap?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=04522c26-de54-4765-9127-a5c199e839d9Leave us a voicemail:https://www.speakpipe.com/TheHoodratRecapPodcast

Join us and Dave Gottlieb of Death or Glory and Manager of The Hold Steady and Guitarist extraordinaire  Steve Selvidge for a talk about “the business” of The Hold Steady!Plus Dave and Steve announce Massive Nights and give some insight into the band’s new fan club Lanyards!  You will even get a chance to win a free Lanyards account in our latest contest!Show Notes:Check out Lanyards—another way to stay connected to everything that makes being a Hold Steady fan so special. It’s full of great perks: early access to tickets and events like Massive Nights 10, lower ticketing fees, soundcheck and happy hour invites, first listens to live recordings, vintage merch, and exclusive archival content. Annual members also get a limited-edition Lanyards t-shirt. Sign up now and you’ll unlock the full audio from the Separation Sunday 20th Anniversary show, rare footage like the first-ever live performance of “Stuck Between Stations,” and more.https://tinyurl.com/4uduvr5yCraig Finn  is playing an intimate house show in NY!Get tickets here:http://www.hamiltonparkhouseconcerts.comCheck out The Tisburys new album: “A Still Life Revisted”https://thetisburys.comMichael & Jeremy Steal Your Podcast - has stolen our Podcast!  Check it out here:https://tinyurl.com/4k8zmeu9Send us a voicmail to be entered in the contest:https://www.speakpipe.com/TheHoodratRecapPodcast

Bill from Chicago might’ve said it best: the Hoodrats kicked off an epic night at The Bowery Ballroom by squeezing into the tiniest bar in NYC—and things only got bigger from there. Vermont Cat and Gaspar join the recap to break down a Craig Finn show that featured up to eleven musicians on stage at once. Which songs soared? Which moments hit hardest?Then, Gaspar gives his take on Craig’s Rough Trade set and dives deep into a startling reveal about the character “Nathen” that has his red yarn conspiracy board tangled in new directions.Finally, the Diamonds in the Drain game returns—but this time, it’s the bonus tracks under the microscope. Can Kevin resist peer pressure, or will “Kevin is Whenever” go rogue and crown a different gold medal track than the rest of the gang? Tune in for music nerding, bold takes, and group text energy turned all the way up.Fill out our quick survey:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1MqdvDjV3PioUvMlYeJNFwnzpKJT8S9vU_NTXIsd5TLM/viewform?edit_requested=true&pli=1Leave us a voicemail:https://www.speakpipe.com/TheHoodratRecapPodcast

 Gaspar tries to keep up as Stage Right Mike and Spunky Comstock recount their wild adventure to Codfish Hollow, Iowa, where they caught Craig Finn and Bob Mould performing together.* The guys describe their unconventional journey following directions that included "take a left at the cow pasture" and encountering a town crier dressed remarkably like Jesse Ventura from "Predator."* Mike and Spunky share how they tempted fate by visiting the Buddy Holly crash site the morning after seeing two iconic bespectacled frontmen perform. Spunky nicely ties Craig Finn to the "Dukes of Hazard" opening theme.* Gaspar and Mike offer their predictions and Wishlist's for opening acts at the upcoming Minnesota shows.* Mike provides his unique brand of travel advice for first-time visitors to Minnesota, including essential destinations, local customs, and food recommendations that may or may not be helpful.Send us a voicemail:https://www.speakpipe.com/TheHoodratRecapPodcastContact us:Thehoodratrecap.com

This week on *The Hoodrat Recap*, your favorite *The Hold Steady* fancast, we’re diving into the band’s epic March 2025 London takeover! Join us as Jonas from Norway and Chris from Richmond hop on the mic to break down all the sweaty, singalong glory of “The Weekender,” “The Electric Ballroom,” and “The 100 Club” shows. From blistering riffs to barstool anthems, we’re recapping every moment that made these nights unforgettable.Then, we dive into our voicemail inbox, which is overflowing with messages from fans who made the trip—especially our friends from the Netherlands, who may or may not have left their own country simply because they ran out of beer.Oh, and guess what? “From Meatloaf to Billy Joel” is back, baby! We’re hyping a fan’s new band that’s so good it might just save rock ‘n’ roll—or at least get us free drinks. Crack a cold one, crank the volume, and join us for this sloppy, glorious mess. Probably on Spotify unless we screwed up the upload again!--- Send us a voicemail Right NOW!!https://www.speakpipe.com/TheHoodratRecapPodcastListen to Deathlounge here:https://deathlounge.bandcamp.com/

Dive into the musical odyssey with us as we explore the elusive tracks of The Hold Steady!In this episode, we delve deep into the vault of fan requests for the ultimate "white whale songs" - those tunes from The Hold Steady that fans have been yearning to hear live but have never had the chance. Listeners have submitted their most coveted songs, and we're here to discuss, reminisce, and maybe even dream about the day these tracks see the light of the stage. But that's not all! Gear up for another thrilling round of our beloved game, "Diamonds in the Drain Game." This time, we've got some middleweight contenders ready to battle it out for the glory of gold, the shimmer of silver, and the honor of bronze. Whether you're a die-hard Hold Steady enthusiast or just love a good musical challenge, this episode promises to entertain, educate, and maybe even inspire you to chase your own musical white whales. Don't miss out!Send us a voicemail at:https://www.speakpipe.com/TheHoodratRecapSend us an email at:Thehoodrarrecap@gmail.comAll things Hoodrat Recaphttps://linktr.ee/thehoodratrecap