The Allison Hagendorf Show

One of my favorite bands of the last 20 years finally came over to the house. 🖤 Simon Neil and Ben Johnston of Biffy Clyro joined me for an honest conversation about friendship, longevity, songwriting, mental health, aging, creativity, and what it takes to keep a band together for more than 25 years. We dive deep into their incredible new album Futique, recording at the legendary Hansa Studios in Berlin, working with producer Jonathan Gilmore, and why this record feels so special. We also talk about: ⚡️ Returning to the U.S. after years away ⚡️ Recording at Hansa Studios and the magic of Berlin ⚡️ Working with Jonathan Gilmore (The 1975, Nothing But Thieves) ⚡️ The themes behind Futique and songs like "Hunting Season" ⚡️ Their songwriting process after 10 studio albums ⚡️ Family, kids, baking, and life outside the band ⚡️ "Shot One" and appreciating life in the present moment ⚡️ The emotional story behind "Goodbye" ⚡️ James Johnston's mental health journey and the band's brotherhood ⚡️ The healing power of live music ⚡️ Aging, creativity, and protecting your energy ⚡️ Brian Wilson, "God Only Knows," and Glastonbury ⚡️ Human creativity vs AI ⚡️ Nirvana, Nine Inch Nails, Jeff Buckley, and their musical influences ⚡️ The lessons they've learned after 25 years together ⚡️ Advice they would give their younger selves Plus: brownies, Scotland stories, Glasgow rugby players, and some of the most thoughtful reflections on music I've heard in a long time. If you're a longtime Biffy fan or simply love conversations about creativity, resilience, and finding meaning through music this one is for you. 🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts: https://play.megaphone.fm/sxhb2ibzrw-vle8ombutpa ❤️ FOLLOW ALLISON ON SOCIALS ✅ YouTube: https://youtube.com/AllisonHagendorf ✅ Official Website: https://allisonhagendorf.com ✅ Instagram: https://instagram.com/allisonhagendorf ✅ TikTok: https://TikTok.com/@allisonhagendorf ✅ X: https://x.com/allihagendorf #BiffyClyro #SimonNeil #Futique 00:00 - Welcome 01:39 - Intro 02:24 - Finally Back in the U.S. 03:37 - Playing the New Music Live 04:27 - Recording Futique at Hansa Studios in Berlin 07:15 - Working with Jonathan Gilmore 08:28 - Themes of the Album & "Hunting Season" 10:09 - Songwriting After 10 Albums 12:07 - Baking & Brownies 15:03 - Kids & Family 16:45 - "Shot One" 19:04 - Reflection & Living in the Moment 19:55 - "Goodbye" 24:10 - James Johnston & Mental Health 25:09 - How They're Feeling Right Now 26:50 - The Healing Power of Playing Live 30:01 - Sustaining the Physicality of Touring 31:10 - Glastonbury, Brian Wilson & "God Only Knows" 33:29 - Aging, Songwriting & Perspective 35:39 - Human Creativity vs AI 39:39 - Finding Your Own Music & Influences 43:29 - Nirvana, Nine Inch Nails, Tron & Jared Leto 45:42 - Lessons Learned After 25 Years 49:39 - Glasgow Stories & Scotland 51:22 - Advice to Their Younger Selves 54:03 - Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chocolate-loaded peanut butter cookies, vulnerability, and one of the most honest conversations I’ve ever had on this show. 🍪🎸 In this intimate home hang, I welcome Red Leather for his first-ever in-person podcast interview — and what unfolds is raw, emotional, reflective, and deeply human. From addiction and near-death experiences to sobriety, gratitude, and finding purpose through music, Red Leather opens up about the real stories behind Reno and Tahoe and the life that inspired them. Red Leather opens up about: ⚡️ Writing Reno during active addiction and Tahoe in sobriety ⚡️ The importance of place and creating music in Joshua Tree, Tahoe, Big Bear, and beyond ⚡️ The terrifying true story behind “Last Call” ⚡️ Hitting multiple rock bottoms before finally getting sober ⚡️ His heart attack, overdose, and the moment everything changed ⚡️ “Angel Song,” love, healing, and learning how to receive support ⚡️ “Losing My Religion” and questioning everything you thought you believed ⚡️ Nirvana, Radiohead, and the music that shaped his voice and sound ⚡️ Addiction, escapism, and the cycle of shame ⚡️ Why sobriety gave him clarity and helped him become who he really is ⚡️ The origin of the Red Leather persona and how the mask became a symbol of hope ⚡️ Gratitude as a superpower ⚡️ The role live music plays in human connection and healing ⚡️ His dreams of creating timeless albums and building a lasting legacy Plus: cookies, deep music conversations, Marvin Gaye, Phantom Planet, Radiohead deep dives, and a reminder that it’s never too late to change your life. This is Red Leather , vulnerable, thoughtful, and just getting started. Subscribe on Substack for more behind-the-scenes from our house hangs: allisonhagendorf.substack.com 🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts: https://play.megaphone.fm/sxhb2ibzrw-vle8ombutpa ⸻ ❤️ FOLLOW & SUBSCRIBE TO ALLISON ✅ Substack: https://allisonhagendorf.substack.com ✅ YouTube: https://youtube.com/AllisonHagendorf ✅ Official Website: https://allisonhagendorf.com ✅ Instagram: https://instagram.com/allisonhagendorf ✅ TikTok: https://TikTok.com/@allisonhagendorf ✅ X: https://x.com/allihagendorf ⸻ 00:00 - Intro 01:38 - Welcome & Cookies 03:32 - Reno vs Tahoe & Sense of Place 05:16 - Songwriting Process 06:49 - The Story Behind “Last Call” 11:42 - Rock Bottom & Near-Death Experiences 13:56 - “Angel Song” & Healing Through Love 15:51 - Favorite & Most Surprising Moment on the Album 16:32 - “Losing My Religion” 18:27 - “Get Out of My Head” & Nirvana’s Influence 20:11 - The Role of Music in Life 22:53 - The Start of Addiction 25:03 - Sobriety, Clarity & Becoming Himself Again 25:34 - The Mask, The Costume & The Character 27:38 - Will He Ever Unmask? 28:42 - Message to Anyone Struggling 29:26 - What He Hopes for Himself 30:56 - Gratitude as a Superpower 33:29 - What’s On His Playlist Right Now 35:40 - What Scares Him Now? 37:30 - What Excites Him Now? 41:00 - Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Scott Ian pulled up, immediately grabbed the cinnamon rolls, and we ended up having one of the most honest conversations I’ve had on the show. In this intimate home hang, the Anthrax co-founder opens up about the new album, losing his father, raising a son, staying a true music fan after four decades, and what happiness actually looks like now. We talk about: ⚡️ The emotional weight behind “The Long Goodbye” ⚡️ Writing through grief and catharsis ⚡️ Why Anthrax still pushes themselves creatively after 40+ years ⚡️ Joey Belladonna’s vocals and the chemistry inside the band ⚡️ Public Enemy, “Bring The Noise,” and helping open the door for rap/rock ⚡️ Iron Maiden and the Rock Hall conversation ⚡️ Marriage, family, fatherhood, and perspective ⚡️ Staying inspired and connected to music after all these years ⚡️ The changing music industry and what it means to “make it” now ⚡️ Legacy, happiness, and leading with heart Plus: Dave Grohl pillows, cinnamon rolls, beard talk, and a reminder that the legends who last are usually the ones who stay human. 🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts: https://play.megaphone.fm/sxhb2ibzrw-vle8ombutpa 🍪 Yes, the baked goods always matter. ⸻ ❤️ FOLLOW & SUBSCRIBE TO ALLISON ✅ Substack: https://allisonhagendorf.substack.com ✅ YouTube: https://youtube.com/AllisonHagendorf ✅ Official Website: https://allisonhagendorf.com ✅ Instagram: https://instagram.com/allisonhagendorf ✅ TikTok: https://TikTok.com/@allisonhagendorf ✅ X: https://x.com/allihagendorf ⸻ 00:00 - Arrival & Welcome 01:01 - Intro & Cinnamon Rolls 02:00 - Album Title: Meaning & Translation 03:32 - Is This the Final Journey? 07:15 - Why Now Was the Right Time 09:40 - Opening Tracks & First Impressions 13:19 - “The Long Goodbye” & Processing Loss 15:37 - “It’s For The Kids” 18:32 - “The Edge of Perfection” 20:55 - Dave Grohl Story 22:13 - Joey’s Vocals & Band Chemistry 25:12 - Writing About Love 26:33 - Iron Maiden & Rock Hall 31:10 - Staying a True Music Fan 32:13 - Public Enemy & “Bring The Noise” 39:21 - Rap Meets Metal 40:47 - Fatherhood & His Son 45:44 - Then vs Now in the Industry 48:55 - Family & Life Balance 52:30 - Love, Marriage & Happiness 54:37 - Anthrax Longevity 57:09 - Playing Songs Live 58:05 - Legacy & Leading with Heart 01:04:50 - The Beard Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chocolate chip cookies, real conversation, and a band entering one of the most powerful chapters of their career. 🍪🎸 In this intimate home hang, I welcome Shinedown as they step into a new era with their eighth studio album, EI8HT. From massive milestones to deeply personal loss, this conversation goes far beyond the music. Brent Smith and Zach Myers open up about the mindset behind the album, the emotional weight of the songs, and why this record feels like Shinedown at their most human, intentional, and fully alive. Shinedown opens up about:⚡️ The making of EI8HT and why it feels like a new era⚡️ Their record-breaking success at rock radio and what it means to them⚡️ Why this 18-song album has no filler⚡️ The songwriting, production, and emotional precision behind the record⚡️ Eric Bass’s role as producer, mixer, engineer, and creative force⚡️ Lessons from Desmond Child and the power of a great rhythm section⚡️ Influences from Elton John, Nirvana, Counting Crows, and more⚡️ Why no AI was used on the album and why the human element matters⚡️ “365,” grief, gratitude, and honoring loved ones through music⚡️ Nostalgia, Xennials, and the emotional pull of “Young Again”⚡️ Longevity, brotherhood, and how they’ve stayed connected as a band⚡️ Giving the audience their flowers and the symbolism behind the album artwork⚡️ The story behind “I’m So Glad You Asked” and Eric’s first lead vocal on a Shinedown record⚡️ “The Pilot,” Dave Bassett, and closing the album with one of its most emotional moments⚡️ Health, fitness, touring, and what it takes to perform at this level Plus: cookies, creative philosophy, deep music references, real talk about loss, and a band that continues to evolve without losing who they are. This is Shinedown: reflective, open, and in their best era yet. 🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts: https://play.megaphone.fm/sxhb2ibzrw-vle8ombutpa🍪 Yes, the cookies matter. ⸻❤️ FOLLOW & SUBSCRIBE TO ALLISON✅ Substack: https://allisonhagendorf.substack.com✅ YouTube: https://youtube.com/AllisonHagendorf✅ Official Website: https://allisonhagendorf.com✅ Instagram: https://instagram.com/allisonhagendorf✅ TikTok: https://TikTok.com/@allisonhagendorf✅ X: https://x.com/allihagendorf ⸻00:00 - Intro01:28 - Cookies, First Impressions & Album Conversations07:46 - Success, Accolades & Perspective11:07 - Introducing EI8HT13:16 - The Mindset Behind the Album14:30 - Erik’s Dedication & Creative Process17:25 - What Makes Shinedown Unique18:20 - Lessons from Desmond Child20:51 - Elton John & Musical Influences24:34 - Nirvana, Kurt Cobain & Counting Crows30:59 - Back to EI8HT — Starting from the Bottom33:35 - No AI — Keeping Music Human36:27 - Album Production41:00 - “365,” Loss & Personal Story48:24 - Nostalgia, Xennials & “Young Again”52:00 - Longevity & Staying Power53:23 - Unity & Festival Decisions54:20 - Album Artwork & Symbolism56:20 - “I’m So Glad You Asked”1:00:36 - Album Sequencing1:03:00 - “The Pilot” & Dave Bassett1:09:03 - Proudest Moments1:12:03 - Touring, Fitness & Physicality1:18:41 - Health & Longevity1:23:04 - Entering a New Era1:24:16 - Legacy & Impact1:27:00 - Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chocolate chip banana bread (still warm), coffee, and one of the most legendary guitarists in rock sitting in my kitchen. 🍌🍞🎸 In this intimate home hang, I welcome Zakk Wylde of Black Label Society founder, Ozzy Osbourne’s longtime guitarist, and a true force in music for a conversation that’s as raw, funny, and heartfelt as he is. From life on the road to loss, legacy, and everything in between, Zakk shows up exactly as you’d hope: honest, grounded, and completely himself. Zakk opens up about: ⚡️ His new album and the long road to finishing it ⚡️ Why this record took years — and how time changed the music ⚡️ The balance between heavy riffs and deeply personal ballads ⚡️ Writing “Ozzy’s song” and honoring one of the most important relationships of his life ⚡️ Grief, gratitude, and what it means to truly cherish the time you have with people ⚡️ His first audition with Ozzy — and the advice that changed everything ⚡️ Life on tour, staying physically and mentally strong, and the discipline behind it ⚡️ Marriage, family, and what keeps a relationship strong after decades ⚡️ Why doing what you love is the only path that actually works ⚡️ The importance of authenticity — in music and in life Plus: banana bread, coffee, Ozzy stories, gym talk, guitar nerd moments, and a lot of laughter. This is Zakk Wylde being reflective, hilarious, and fully himself. Subscribe on Substack for more behind-the-scenes from our house hangs: allisonhagendorf.substack.com 🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts: https://play.megaphone.fm/sxhb2ibzrw-vle8ombutpa 🍌🍞 Yes, the banana bread matters. ⸻ ❤️ FOLLOW & SUBSCRIBE TO ALLISON ✅ Substack: https://allisonhagendorf.substack.com ✅ YouTube: https://youtube.com/AllisonHagendorf ✅ Official Website: https://allisonhagendorf.com ✅ Instagram: https://instagram.com/allisonhagendorf ✅ TikTok: https://TikTok.com/@allisonhagendorf ✅ X: https://x.com/allihagendorf ⸻ 00:00 - Intro 01:11 - Welcome, Banana Bread & Fitness 03:57 - The New Album & Long Creative Process 07:57 - Bangers vs. Ballads 09:41 - Writing “Ozzy’s Song” 13:50 - Is It Cathartic to Sing? 16:07 - Auditioning for Ozzy & Early Days 19:39 - Dance Lessons & Stage Presence 20:54 - YUNGBLUD & That Full-Circle Moment 22:12 - Marriage, Family & Doing What You Love ⸻ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices