Talking Metal

On this episode of Talking Metal, Mark Strigl is joined by Mike Gemini, drummer for the East Coast hard rock band Fire ‘N Ice. They dig into the band’s rise, their connection to Los Angeles, and the big news surrounding their singer, John Torra, who was recently named the new frontman of Quiet Riot.

Topics covered include:

• How Fire ‘N Ice formed and the story behind the lineup

• John Torra’s path from Fire ‘N Ice to Quiet Riot (and whether the band will continue with him splitting time between both projects)

• Building...

Mark Strigl speaks with Ozzy Osbourne impersonator Vinny Cormier. He is the frontman and lead vocalist of Crazy Train: America’s Authentic Ozzy Experience.

Please consider supporting Mark Strigl on Patreon: patreon.com/talkingmetal A $7-a-month pledge or more gets you a Talking Metal T-shirt, mailed anywhere in the world.

Listen to Mark every day on SiriusXM.

The Talking Metal podcast is independent and is not affiliated with SiriusXM.

Follow Mark on IG: @markstrigl

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/pri...

Talking Metal Podcast — Episode 1010

Scottish guitarist Kieran Robertson, of Geoff Tate’s band and Faster Pussycat, joins Mark Strigl on episode 1010 of the Talking Metal podcast. A major creative force on Geoff Tate’s latest album, Operation: Mindcrime III, Kieran talks about working with Geoff Tate, John Moyer, and the rest of the team on the record, how he first connected with Geoff, and how the album came together.

They also get into Faster Pussycat, the band Kieran joined a number of years back. During the interview, he reveals he is now also a member of a n...

On this episode of Talking Metal, Mark Strigl interviews comedian Don Jamieson, who has two new releases out now: Comedy Is Killing Me and Terrorizing Telemarketers, Vol. 8 with Jim Florentine.

Be sure to connect with Don on social media and check out his latest comedy, tour dates and more at DonJamieson.com.

Mark also shares his thoughts on the recent AC/DC concert he attended at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Support Talking Metal by pledging on Patreon. A $7 monthly pledge gets you a Talking Metal T-shirt mailed anywhere in the world, and lower...

On this episode of Talking Metal, Mark Strigl talks with longtime Europe drummer Ian Haugland.

Ian discusses Europe’s new album, Come This Madness, due September 25, 2026, and working with producer Tom Dalgety. We also dig into the history of Europe, Ian joining the band in the mid-’80s, the group’s rise to international success, The Final Countdown album, Europe’s longtime fan base, and why the band hasn’t toured the United States nearly as much as fans would like in recent years.

Ian also talks about the evolution of Europe’s sound, the band’s longevit...

Mark Strigl and Victor Ruiz hang out and talk about music. Is the way we remember it, the way it was?

Please consider supporting Mark Strigl and Talking Metal on Patreon at patreon.com/talkingmetal for additional content and a Talking Metal T-shirt.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On episode 1006 of Talking Metal, Mark Strigl reviews the recent Iron Maiden show in New Jersey and interviews Craig Pepe of Babylon A.D.

Craig shares stories from his days in Los Angeles in the ’80s, including playing with C.C. DeVille and Lenny Wolf, plus an unexpected story involving Howard Hughes. Craig and Mark also talk about Babylon A.D. and the band’s upcoming appearance at the New York GlamMetalFest in 2027.

Please consider supporting Mark Strigl and Talking Metal on Patreon at patreon.com/talkingmetal for additional content and a Talking Metal T-shirt.

I...

On this episode of Talking Metal, Mark Strigl interviews guitarist Joe Stump via Zoom.

Joe discusses his upcoming solo album, Lord of the Strings, his approach to guitar playing and gear, and the influence of legendary players including Yngwie Malmsteen and Ritchie Blackmore.

Joe also looks back on his time playing with Alcatrazz and gives us an update on what the band is currently up to. Other topics include his career as a solo artist, teaching guitar at Berklee College of Music in Boston, and much more.

Support Mark Strigl and Talking Metal on Patreon...

Alestorm, Babylon AD & Bruce Dickinson.

Support Talking Metal on Patreon! For just $7 a month or more, you can get a Talking Metal T-shirt shipped anywhere in the world.

patreon.com/talkingmetal⁠

And please follow Mark on Instagram: @markstrigl

 Thanks for listening and supporting Talking Metal!

Music cleared by Lickd.

License

e89823233ac14f53a2e2a76345297397

(J3GkQZX7y29)

Song

Mistress of Mercy by Bruce Dickinson

ISRC

GBCHB2300007

Channe...

Talking Metal Episode 1003 — Becky Baldwin

On Episode 1003 of Talking Metal, Mark Strigl interviews bassist Becky Baldwin, who plays bass on the new solo album from Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath.

Becky talks about her love of heavy metal, her approach to playing bass, and how she got involved with Tony Iommi’s new album. She reveals that Iommi was actually considering having Geezer Butler play bass on the album before ultimately choosing Becky to handle the bass duties.

We also discuss Becky’s impressive career, including her work with legendary metal band Mercyful Fate, her ban...

Talking Metal Episode 1002

Support Talking Metal and become part of the show by joining us on Patreon at patreon.com/talkingmetal7. Every Patreon supporter gets a shout-out at the beginning of each episode, and supporters at $7/month or morereceive an official Talking Metal T-shirt, shipped anywhere in the world. You’ll also get exclusive bonus content, direct access to me, and opportunities to actually join me on the podcast—just like several supporters did for our milestone Episode 1000. If you’ve been enjoying Talking Metal over the years, Patreon is the best way to help keep it going while ge...

Talking Metal returns with Episode 1001! This week, Mark Strigl celebrates the music of Mötley Crüe, Twisted Sister, and more.

The episode also features an extensive interview with Lorraine Lewis, best known as the frontwoman of Femme Fatale and Vixen. Lorraine discusses her upcoming European tour, Blacklist Union, Taime Downe of Faster Pussycat, Nita Strauss, the former members of Femme Fatale, her departure from Vixen, and the new music she’s currently working on. She also talks about a recently recorded song featuring Dee Snider of Twisted Sister and her ongoing collaboration with Steve Brown on new...

I am joined by some of my Patreon supporters for Talking Metal 1000.

To anyone who ever listened to an episode of this show - THANK YOU!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mark welcomes Victor Ruiz for a discussion and we listen to Maiden.

Support the show for as little as $2 a month here: patreon.com/talkingmetal - $7 a month supporters get a Talking Metal t-shirt.

 Follow Mark: Instagram @MarkStrigl

 Spread the word: Tell your friends about the Talking Metal podcast! Now in its 21st year.

Music cleared through Lickd.

🎵 Copyrighted music licensed from Lickd. https://lickd.co

The Trooper (2015 Remaster) by Iron Maiden, https://t.lickd.co/l/nJVDoeJmA1R

...

We listen to Iron Maiden AND...

Opus and Michael Modeste of Dead by Wednesday hang with Mark Strigl on episode 998 of the Talking Metal podcast.

Hang with Mark Strigl June 13, 2026 at Toad's Place in CT for the Stevie Nicks and Black Sabbath tribute show.

https://deadbywednesday.com/

Support the show for as little as $2 a month here: patreon.com/talkingmetal - $7 a month supporters get a Talking Metal t-shirt.

 Follow Mark: Instagram @MarkStrigl

 Spread the word: Tell your friends about the Talking Metal podcast! Now i...

Mark Strigl reviews the new documentary on the late Iron Maiden singer Paul DiAnno.

Support the show for as little as $2 a month here: patreon.com/talkingmetal - $7 a month supporters get a Talking Metal t-shirt.

 Follow Mark: Instagram @MarkStrigl

 Spread the word: Tell your friends about the Talking Metal podcast! Now in its 21st year.

🎵 Copyrighted music licensed from Lickd. https://lickd.co

Phantom of the Opera (2015 Remaster) by Iron Maiden, https://t.lickd.co/l/qD7Q25pZnKZ

Interview topics with Joshua Toomey include Primer 55, Bobby Burns, Fred Durst. Stand, David Ellefson and podcasting.

Support the show for as little as $2 a month here: patreon.com/talkingmetal - $7 a month supporters get a Talking Metal t-shirt.

 Follow Mark: Instagram @MarkStrigl

 Spread the word: Tell your friends about the Talking Metal podcast! Now in its 21st year.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Calling this episode 995.5 since I accidentally skipped episode 994.

All talk episode.

Support the show for as little as $2 a month here: patreon.com/talkingmetal - $7 a month supporters get a Talking Metal t-shirt.

 Follow Mark: Instagram @MarkStrigl

 Spread the word: Tell your friends about the Talking Metal podcast! Now in its 21st year.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

SPREAD EAGLE INTERVIEW 2026.

Support the show for as little as $2 a month here: patreon.com/talkingmetal - $7 a month supporters get a Talking Metal t-shirt.

 Follow Mark: Instagram @MarkStrigl

 Spread the word: Tell your friends about the Talking Metal podcast! Now in its 21st year.

In this in-depth interview, I sit down with Spread Eagle bassist Rob DeLuca and vocalist Ray West (two longtime members of the band) to talk about everything past, present, and future.

We dive into their brand-new album The Bruta...

Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Darryl McDaniels — the legendary DMC of Run-DMC — recently donated his time for an incredible cause, helping raise money for my son’s school. I truly can’t thank him enough for his generosity.

Here’s how it all came together: at a recent gala, a meet-and-greet experience with DMC was auctioned off. Fred Buonainto and Marty Monaco placed the winning bid, and I had the pleasure of taking them to the legendary Sound On Sound Studios for an unforgettable hang with DMC himself.

In this episo...

Victor Ruiz and Mark Strigl share thoughts on Dee pulling out of 2026 Twisted Sister shows.

Support the show for as little as $2 a month here: patreon.com/talkingmetal - $7 a month supporters get a Talking Metal t-shirt.

 Follow Mark: Instagram @MarkStrigl

 Spread the word: Tell your friends about the Talking Metal podcast! Now in its 21st year.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mark checks in.

Support the show for as little as $2 a month here: patreon.com/talkingmetal - $7 a month supporters get a Talking Metal t-shirt.

 Follow Mark: Instagram @MarkStrigl

 Spread the word: Tell your friends about the Talking Metal podcast! Now in its 21st year.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Support the show for as little as $2 a month here: patreon.com/talkingmetal - $7 a month supporters get a Talking Metal t-shirt.

 Follow Mark: Instagram @MarkStrigl

 Spread the word: Tell your friends about the Talking Metal podcast! Now in its 21st year.

I recently caught up with bassist Jaron Gulino, known for his work with Lynch Mob and Heavens Edge, for an in-depth conversation covering everything from his musical roots to what’s next in the world of hard rock.

In th...

I recently had the chance to sit down with Josh Todd of Buckcherry to talk about what’s next for the band and reflect on their journey.

We dive into their upcoming appearance at the M3 Rock Festival on May 2 in Columbia, Maryland, along with the new music Buckcherry is currently working on. Josh also shares insight into how the band has successfully toured alongside artists from a wide range of styles.

The conversation also touches on producer Marti Frederiksen, the 25th anniversary of the Time Bomb album, and st...

Barry Goudreau (formerly of Boston) joins Mark Strigl for a deep dive into the 50th anniversary of Boston’s groundbreaking debut album.

Barry shares stories from his time in the band, including working with Brad Delp and Tom Scholz, the early days of forming Boston, and why the group stepped away from making music for a period of time. He also talks about touring with Sammy Hagar, Van Halen, a wild night watching The Exorcist with Ozzy Osbourne, and what he’s up to now.

Plus, don’t miss details on Barry Goudreau’s Engine Room and...

Mark Strigl interviews Trixter guitarist/singer, producer, and songwriter Steve Brown for an in-depth conversation.

Steve discusses Trixter’s upcoming appearance at the M3 Rock Festival in Columbia, Maryland this May, along with his recent production work with Angel and Femme Fatale. He also shares stories about his longtime friendship with KISS guitarist Ace Frehley, memories of Eddie Van Halen, and his thoughts on Bon Jovi and the legacy of the New Jersey rock sound.

The interview also dives into Steve’s new Bon Jovi tribute band, Always Jovi, and...

Mark Strigl interviews Beau Brent from the band FerreTT. He is the organizer of the upcoming New York City Glam Metal Fest. June 27th in Brooklyn. Get tickets here: https://kydlabs.com/e/EV3ea58146-dc50-4bcc-ac65-27175b8aa130

Support the show for as little as $2 a month here: patreon.com/talkingmetal - $7 a month supporters get a Talking Metal t-shirt.

 Follow Mark: Instagram @MarkStrigl

 Spread the word: Tell your friends about the Talking Metal podcast! Now in its 21st year.

See Privacy Polic...

Mark Strigl and Victor Ruiz take a trip back 35 years ago to talk about albums that came out that year.

Find another episode of Mark and Victor talking about what a potential return of Ozzfest might be like on Patreon.com/talkingmetal

Support the show for as little as $2 a month here: patreon.com/talkingmetal - $7 a month supporters get a Talking Metal t-shirt.

 Follow Mark: Instagram @MarkStrigl

 Spread the word: Tell your friends about the Talking Metal podcast! Now in its 21st ye...

Talking Metal – Jeremy Wagner Interview

On this episode of Talking Metal, Mark Strigl sits down with author and extreme death metal musician Jeremy Wagner.

Jeremy discusses his new novel Wretch, diving into his writing process and how storytelling compares to crafting extreme metal. The conversation also touches on his connection with Guns N’ Roses insider Del James, and his work with Broken Hope and Earthburner.

They also explore what it means to be an original death metal musician, Jeremy’s metal upbringing, the influence ofMetall...

Support the show: patreon.com/talkingmetal - $7 a month supporters get a Talking Metal t-shirt.

 Follow Mark: Instagram @MarkStrigl

 Spread the word: Tell your friends about the Talking Metal podcast! Now in its 21st year.

Legendary drummer Will Hunt joins me for an in-depth conversation.. The music before the interview is Evanescence and the closing song of the episode is Killington Pit

We dive into his new band Killington Pit, the recent heartbreaking loss of his father in a motorcycle accident, and the personal strength it ta...

Mark Strigl sits down with longtime Guns N’ Roses insider, tour manager, writer, journalist, and lifelong rock fan Del James for a wide-ranging conversation.

We dive deep into Del’s brand-new graphic novel Consensual Violence, available here:

https://a.co/d/08ZqCKHx

Along the way, Del shares stories and insights on:

His love of professional wrestling

His work with RIP Magazine

Interviewing Alice Cooper

His book Language of Fear

Meeting and working with Guns N’ R...

Mark Strigl interviews Queensrÿche guitarist Michael Wilton in this in-depth conversation recorded in January 2026.

Michael talks about everything from his love of the Seattle Seahawks to the musical direction of new Queensrÿche music, currently being recorded with producer Zeuss and guitarist Mike Stone. The interview also covers plans for more Whip solo music, the 40th anniversary of Rage for Order, memories of touring with Ozzy Osbourne, and the band’s performance at this year’s M3 Rock Festival in Columbia, Maryland — plus much more.

A must-watch for Queensrÿ...

Mark Strigl talks about and plays music.

Support the show: patreon.com/talkingmetal - $7 a month supports get a Talking Metal t-shirt.

 Follow Mark: Instagram @MarkStrigl

 Spread the word: Tell your friends about the Talking Metal podcast! Now in its 21st year.

Slaughter song cleared by Lickd.

🎵 Copyrighted music licensed from Lickd. https://lickd.co

Live Like There's No Tomorrow by Slaughter, https://t.lickd.co/l/pQ9K5nGrDRb

License<...

Mark Strigl and Vice or Ruiz talk about and listen to music from 2025.

Support the show: patreon.com/talkingmetal - $7 a month supports get a Talking Metal t-shirt.

 Follow Mark: Instagram @MarkStrigl

 Spread the word: Tell your friends about the Talking Metal podcast! Now in its 21st year.

Spiritbox music cleared by Lickd.

🎵 Copyrighted music licensed from Lickd. https://lickd.co

Perfect Soul by Spiritbox, https://t.lickd.co/l/GdxY3JPzDzL

License

54...

Mark Strigl wishes you a Merry Christmas and shares deep cuts from Iron Maiden.

Support the show: patreon.com/talkingmetal

 Follow Mark: Instagram @MarkStrigl

 Spread the word: Tell your friends that Talking Metal is back and louder than ever!

Songs cleared for podcasting by Lickd.

🎵 Copyrighted music licensed from Lickd. https://lickd.co

The Wicker Man (2015 Remaster) by Iron Maiden, https://t.lickd.co/l/q9b31Lp1m8W

License

d4da1dc...

Mark Strigl sits down with John Moyer of Disturbed for an in-depth conversation recorded in December 2025.

In this interview, John reflects on Disturbed’s sold-out concert earlier this year at Madison Square Garden in New York City, his journey into the band, and his time with The Union Underground, including why the band never released a second album. John also shares the story behind his audition for Disturbed and discusses the incredible singers he’s performed with over the years, including Scott Weiland, Scott Stapp, Russell Allen, and more.

The...

Mark Strigl talks. Record at night on 12.8.25

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Short talk based episode.

After a three-year hiatus, Talking Metal returned in January 2025 for the twenty year anniversary — and we’re keeping the rock conversation going strong.

 Support the show: patreon.com/talkingmetal

 Follow Mark: Instagram @MarkStrigl

 Spread the word: Tell your friends that Talking Metal is back and louder than ever!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you join me on Patreon for $7 a month or more, I'll send you a Talking Metal shirt and give you extra content.

A video of the full interview is now available on Mark Strigl’s official YouTube channel.

Watch here:  https://youtu.be/LjjGSeq2u8s?si=Up5_y4897c-DNYwT

After a three-year hiatus, Talking Metal returned in January — and we’re keeping the rock conversation going strong.

 Support the show: patreon.com/talkingmetal

 Follow Mark: Instagram @MarkStrigl

 Spread the word: Tell your friends that...

Josey Scott Reflects on Wayne Swinny, Saliva’s Legacy, and New Music in Exclusive Interview with Mark Strigl

In a brand-new exclusive interview, veteran rock journalist Mark Strigl sits down with Josey Scott, the original voice of Saliva and a four-time Grammy nominee. Scott opens up about his powerful return to music, collaborating with producer DJ Scattered Brains (Jelly Roll, Struggle Jennings), and honoring the 25th anniversary of Saliva’s breakthrough album, Every Six Seconds.

Throughout the conversation, Scott speaks candidly about his former bandmates and the late Wayne Swinny, who passed away in 2023.

“Wayn...