Seeing Them Live

Brothers Matheus and Thiago Khouri of Brazilian rock band Banda AL9 join Seeing Them Live to discuss their rise from posting acoustic covers on YouTube and Facebook to building a social following of over 2 million. They share their first concert experience seeing Paul McCartney in São Paulo in 2010, how their parents’ love of classic rock shaped them, and why they began releasing originals after growing an audience. The duo recounts their 2023 breakout as the song “Charma De Amor” went viral, leading to a Steve Aoki remix and a Tomorrowland performance, and motivating them to create English versions like “She Calls Me Love” to reach global fans. They talk about working with Little Steven Van Zandt’s Wicked Cool Records, their upcoming album “Hey, Hey, We’re Banda AL9” (July 17), a week performing in New York. The episode closes with an acoustic performance of “She Can Do It All.”

In this episode of Seeing Them Live, Charles welcomes his daughter, Lily, to discuss her first concert: seeing Harry Styles live in Lisbon in 2023, and the stressful effort to get her first passport in time. Lily shares how she discovered Harry’s music during COVID through Fine Line and Harry’s House, while her dad recounts missing expensive United Center tickets, buying Lisbon show tickets, and navigating repeated passport denials tied to an improperly notarized form and an outdated version sent by the agency. After contacting Rep. Sean Casten, Lily’s passport shipped just in time, allowing the family to fly to Portugal just in time to catch Wet Leg’s opener and Harry’s set, including crowd moments like Bohemian Rhapsody and favorites like Matilda. They also discuss later shows, including Lollapalooza 2025 for Olivia Rodrigo with Weezer, and upcoming plans to see Harry at Madison Square Garden.

Eric Vollweiler, a longtime producer and marketing strategist in the film festival and entertainment world, joins Seeing Them Live to trace how early theater trips with his dad and concerts with his mom shaped his path—from Aerosmith/Black Crowes at SPAC to Grateful Dead/CSN in Buffalo and a standout Ziggy Marley show in Vermont. He recalls moving to NYC in 1996, promoting clubs like the China Club and Tunnel (where he broke his wrist breakdancing), and explains guest lists and commissions. Vollweiler shares how he knew Vin Diesel (Mark Sinclair) through Manhattan catering and later through festival nonprofit work, plus seeing the Beastie Boys during Sundance 2006. He discusses launching the Vollweiler Agency, film festival basics, Sundance venues, the Hip Hop Film Festival, and practical advice on research, sponsorship decks, fundraising, promotion, and volunteering/interning.

In this episode of Seeing Them Live, host Charles welcomes back Paul Peterson, a retired technology manager and lifelong audiophile who hosts the podcast 'An Avid Listener.' They delve into the intriguing topic of how bands evolve through lineup changes and the impact these shifts have on live performances. With personal anecdotes and examples from renowned bands like The Beach Boys, The Doors, AC/DC, and Grand Funk Railroad, they explore whether it's the original members or the music itself that draws fans to concerts. The discussion also touches on tribute bands, live recording experiences, and the importance of researching band lineups before attending shows. Join them for a deep dive into what truly makes a live music experience memorable.

Part two of our 2025 year-end concert review features incredible stories from Andy, Jessica, Steve, and superfan Dawn Fontaine. The show kicks off with Dawn who attended 55 shows this year and now books concerts for her favorite band Soraia. Dawn shares her unbelievable experience flying on the Rolling Stones' private jet in 2002, meeting Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and the band, and hearing them play her favorite song the next night. Steve recounts seeing Lady Gaga's mind-blowing performance in Vegas (ranking it in his top 10 all-time), plus St. Vincent, Joan Jett, and Adele. Andy highlights Mdou Moctar's incredible guitar work, the surprise hit of Joe Russo's Almost Dead in Vegas, and Neil Young performing at Meigs Field. The crew also discusses the challenges of presales, the magic of small venues, and their most anticipated 2026 shows including Rush, Iron Maiden, Radiohead, and Guns N' Roses.