the Pennsylvania Rock Show

The Pennsylvania Rock Show welcomes members of Skell for Episode 841 as Bill dives into the band's past, present, and future. This episode explores the release of the remastered version of “Suicide Eyes,” Skell's upcoming album, their upcoming live performance with A Common Crown at Edgewood Winery on August 28th, and the return of Pat “Bones” Bono to the band.For fans of Pittsburgh rock, Pennsylvania metal, hard rock, alternative metal, and independent music, Skell is a band worth watching. In this conversation, Bill gets into what makes Skell tick and how the band's sound, lineup, and direction have continued to evolve.One of the major topics of the episode is “Suicide Eyes,” a track that is receiving new life through a remastered release. The conversation looks at the song's history and what it means to revisit older material with modern production while preserving the character and intensity that made the original recording important.Skell is also preparing for the release of their next album, giving fans something new to anticipate. Bill and the band discuss the album, the creative process behind their music, and what listeners can expect as Skell moves into its next chapter.The episode also looks ahead to Skell's upcoming show with A Common Crown at Edgewood Winery on August 28th. Live performances are an important part of the band's identity, and this upcoming event provides another opportunity for fans of Pennsylvania rock and metal to experience Skell on stage.Another major storyline is the return of Pat “Bones” Bono to the band. His return has had a significant impact on Skell's trajectory, and Bill talks with the band about how bringing Bones back into the fold has influenced their direction, chemistry, songwriting, and future plans.Episode 841 is a conversation about evolution, history, new music, live shows, lineup changes, and what happens when musicians with unfinished business get another opportunity to create together.If you're searching for new Pennsylvania rock bands, Pittsburgh rock, Pennsylvania metal, hard rock, independent metal, local bands, original music, or interviews with the musicians creating today's underground rock scene, this episode of the Pennsylvania Rock Show belongs on your playlist.From the remastered “Suicide Eyes” to a new album, an upcoming show with A Common Crown, and the return of Pat “Bones” Bono, Skell has plenty happening right now.Tune in to Episode 841 of the Pennsylvania Rock Show and hear Bill talk with Skell about where they've been, where they are now, and where they're headed next.

The Pennsylvania Rock Show welcomes Refestramus (re-fes-TRA-mus), the Chicago-based progressive hard rock project led by songwriter and drummer Derek Ferguson. In Episode 839, Bill sits down with Derek for an in-depth conversation about the band's unusual name, musical influences, songwriting, recording process, and the creative ideas behind Refestramus.The name Refestramus was coined by Derek's mother to mean “rearrange,” and that concept perfectly describes the project's approach to music. Refestramus takes elements of classic progressive rock, hard rock, cinematic storytelling, experimental music, traditional folk influences, and unconventional sounds and rearranges them into something uniquely its own.The band's influences reach far beyond conventional rock. Refestramus draws inspiration from progressive rock pioneers such as Van der Graaf Generator and Styx, the experimental electronic work of Delia Derbyshire and the BBC Radiophonic Workshop, and traditional Russian folk music. These diverse influences come together to create music that is ambitious, atmospheric, theatrical, melodic, and unpredictable.The featured Refestramus song on Episode 839 is “Storms,” taken from the band's third album, Morri's Rock Boutique, released in 2026 through Melodic Revolution Records. The album represents one of the most ambitious chapters in the Refestramus story and features an impressive collection of guest musicians from the worlds of progressive rock, hard rock, and experimental music.Morri's Rock Boutique includes guest appearances from David Jackson of Van der Graaf Generator, Joe Deninzon of Kansas, Rick Witkowski of Crack the Sky, Lynx of Old Blood, and vocalist Nam Chumo. Core contributions also come from Jan Christiana and Dyanne Potter Voegtlin of Octarine Sky.“Storms” provides listeners with an opportunity to experience the combination of musicianship, storytelling, atmosphere, and progressive songwriting that defines Refestramus. The song and album demonstrate how modern independent musicians can draw from decades of musical history while creating something that refuses to simply imitate the past.During the conversation, Derek Ferguson takes Bill behind the music to discuss the creative process that goes into Refestramus recordings, the artists and sounds that have influenced him, and the challenges of bringing such a wide range of musical ideas together. The discussion offers an inside look at independent progressive rock, experimental songwriting, studio production, and the importance of following a creative vision.If you're a fan of progressive rock, progressive hard rock, classic prog, experimental rock, cinematic music, concept-driven songwriting, Chicago musicians, independent rock, or bands that refuse to stay inside traditional musical boundaries, Episode 839 of the Pennsylvania Rock Show is one you won't want to miss.Discover Refestramus, hear “Storms” from Morri's Rock Boutique, and join Bill and Derek Ferguson for a conversation about rearranging the rules of progressive rock.

When plans change, the Pennsylvania rock community always finds a way to keep the music alive. Episode 837 of the Pennsylvania Rock Show proves exactly that as Joey and Paul Cha of Pittsburgh-area hard rock band Black Ridge step in for an unforgettable conversation about their music, upcoming performances, and the passion that fuels one of Western Pennsylvania’s rising independent rock bands.Host Bill originally planned to spend the weekend covering Barage Fest 2026 and producing a festival recap episode. Sometimes life has other plans, but thanks to Black Ridge, the show goes on. While a Barage Fest recap is still in the works for a future episode, this installment shifts the spotlight onto a band that continues to build momentum throughout the Pennsylvania rock scene.During this episode, Joey and Paul discuss three of Black Ridge’s powerful original songs: “Hard Wired,” “Take My Power Back,” and “Brick by Brick.” Each track showcases the band’s blend of driving guitar riffs, memorable hooks, energetic performances, and emotionally charged songwriting. Whether you’re discovering Black Ridge for the first time or already following their journey, you’ll gain new insight into the stories and inspiration behind their music.The conversation also explores Black Ridge’s upcoming live shows, what fans can expect from their high-energy stage performance, and the work that goes into building an engaging live rock experience. Bill and the band discuss performing for audiences, connecting with fans, and the importance of supporting local venues and the independent music community.If you’re passionate about discovering new hard rock bands, original Pennsylvania music, independent artists, Pittsburgh rock, local concerts, unsigned musicians, or behind-the-scenes conversations with working bands, this episode belongs on your playlist.The Pennsylvania Rock Show continues its long-standing mission of introducing listeners to outstanding independent musicians from Pennsylvania and beyond. Every episode celebrates the artists, songwriters, performers, and creators who keep rock music alive through dedication, creativity, and unforgettable live performances.Subscribe to the Pennsylvania Rock Show on your favorite podcast platform and YouTube channel for exclusive interviews, new music discoveries, live performance discussions, and conversations with independent rock, metal, blues, Americana, country, punk, and alternative artists from across the music world.Support independent music. Support local bands. Support the artists who continue building the future of rock music—one song, one show, and one fan at a time.