DISGRACELAND

This week in the After Party, Jake is thinking about the connection between psychopathy, artistry, and trauma. So many great artists are also undeniably damaged people. Is their trauma at the root of both their artistry and their disgraceful behavior? Plus, we hear more from you on great girl groups!

Next week, we're bringing you the terrifying story of Bjork and an obsessed fan , and Jake wants to know: What is the most wild and deranged story of obsessive fandom in music history? Tell Jake at 617-906-6638, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠disgracelandpod@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or on socials @disgracelandpod.

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Discover the controversial story behind Marilyn Manson, aka Brian Warner. Accused by multiple women of abuse—allegations he denies—what do his own revelations of past inhumanity reveal about him? And what can those admissions tell us about the serious accusations swirling around his name? Tune in to explore the complexities behind the artist and the allegations against him.

This episode contains content that may be disturbing to some listeners, including sexual assault and sexual abuse.

Was Marilyn Manson the most subversive artist of the 90s? If not, who was? Tell Jake at 617-906-6638, disg...

Madonna always knew her life would be art. She rose through the late 70s New York scene reinventing pop iconography and feminism alike. But whether it was Toronto police threatening her for indecency, her short-fuse husband, Hollywood bros exploiting her charisma, or far worse, Madonna learned quick: the world doesn’t know what to do with a truly free woman.

To view the full list of contributors, see the show notes at ⁠www.disgracelandpod.com⁠.

This episode was originally published on October 22, 2019.

To see the full list of contributors, see the sho...

This week in the After Party, Jake ponders the greatest girl groups of all time and wonders about our AI-driven future if AI doesn't even have the Go-Gos on its radar as one of the all time great girl groups.

Next week, we're presenting our episode on Marilyn Manson, and Jake wants to know: Who was the most subversive artist of the 1990s? Tell Jake at 617-906-6638, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠disgracelandpod@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or on socials @disgracelandpod.

For more great Disgraceland episodes, dive into our extensive archive, including such episodes as:

Episode 93 - Taylor Swift

Episo...

Serial killers, drug addiction, avoiding death, destruction, punk rock cliches and surviving an unmentionable “rumor” all while doing something no group of female musicians had ever done before.

Which "girl group" is the greatest of all-time? Tell Jake at 617-906-6638, disgracelandpod@gmail.com, or on socials @disgracelandpod.

To see the full list of contributors, see the show notes at ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.disgracelandpod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠.

To listen to Disgraceland ad free and get access to a monthly exclusive episode, weekly bonus content and more, become a Disgraceland All Access member at ⁠⁠⁠⁠disgracelandpod.com/membership⁠⁠⁠⁠.

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GG Allin, the notoriously transgressive punk rocker, pushed the limits further than anyone before or after. For GG, there were no limits. No laws. He lived and performed well outside the boundaries of the mainstream and saw himself as the leader of what he called "The Rock 'N Roll Underground," for whom he pledged he would one day make the ultimate sacrifice: commit suicide on stage. Listen to this episode of Disgraceland to hear about GG Allin's final days. Buckle up, Sickos.

To see the complete list of contributors, visit ⁠disgracelandpod.com⁠

This episode was orig...

This week in the After Party, Jake takes a look at the upcoming slate of episodes in Disgraceland and hears from you on the Diddy trial, Phish, and more.

Next week, we're presenting our episode on the Go-Gos, and Jake wants to know: Are the Go-Gos the greatest "girl group" of all time? If not, who is? Tell Jake at 617-906-6638, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠disgracelandpod@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or on socials @disgracelandpod.

For more great Disgraceland episodes, dive into our extensive archive, including such episodes as:

Episode 138 - ⁠Merle Haggard⁠

Episode 117 - ⁠50 Cent⁠

Episode 157...

Jean-Michel Basquiat's graffiti in Lower Manhattan was mistaken for a CIA operation. He was the toast of the New York art world while sleeping on floors in squalid apartments. He sold his first painting to Blondie's Debbie Harry for $200. Less than a year later, his paintings were going for more than $20,000. And decades later, the debate over what is and what is not a real Basquiat rages on.

This episode contains themes that may be disturbing to some listeners, including a depiction of police brutality.

This episode was originally published on April 25, 2024.

Basquiat...

Bootlegging whiskey, acid tests, grass, and songs about murder. The origins of the Grateful Dead are fascinating and not what most people think. Born out of the tradition of “old, weird America”; bluegrass, jug band music and deadly folk tales, the Grateful Dead, as young adults, were into some strange stuff and we are all better for it. The band would go on to create their very own “new, weird America” due in part to the cultural impact they would have over their near 40-year career. But their connection to the traditional music that spawned them was due in large pa...

The Grateful Dead became one of the most influential bands of all time and propelled themselves with improvisation, LSD and an ethos of “freedom”. Through drug busts and CIA surveillance, they thrived and created one of the largest, most fervent and commercially consequential fan bases of all time. Freedom, LSD and improvised blues in the key of bummed the fuck out on this episode of Disgraceland.

For a full list of contributors, see the show notes at ⁠disgracelandpod.com⁠

This episode was originally published on April 16, 2019.

To...

This week in the After Party, Jake shares his thoughts on the start of the Diddy trial and (of course) takes your calls, emails, texts and DMs..

Next week, we're presenting our episode on legendary artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Jake wants to know: Which musician also excelled in a second art from or sport? Tell Jake at 617-906-6638, ⁠⁠⁠disgracelandpod@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠, or on socials @disgracelandpod.

For more great Disgraceland episodes, dive into our extensive archive, including such episodes as:

Episode 20 - Marvin Gaye

Episode 193 - The Replace...

1984. Prince is at his commercial and creative peak. "Purple Rain" – the album, the soundtrack, and the film – is a sensation. But that's when the backlash sets in. That's when Prince's public persona sours, thanks in part to a tell-all story sold by a former bodyguard for a big drug-money payday. All the while, the world is sinking further into chaos and disorder; guns, gangs, murder, AIDS, earthquakes. In these dark times, can Prince find purpose ... and a musical revolution?

Prince's "Sign o' the Times" was a socially conscious record that addressed contemporary issues head on. What artist best...

Introducing Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson: Break the Generational Patterns Holding You Back (How to Build Confidence, Responsibility, and Emotional Resilience) from On Purpose with Jay Shetty.

Follow the show: On Purpose with Jay Shetty

Can you remember the first time you felt truly in charge of your own decisions?

What’s one thing you picked up from your family that you wish you could unlearn?

In this heartfelt episode, Jay Shetty sits down with former First Lady Michelle Obama and her brother, coach and mentor Craig Robinson, for an intimate co...

Few pop artists achieved the dizzying creative and career highs that Prince did. An artist who famously stayed away from drugs and most anything that would cause him to lose control, Prince was aided in his legendary musical output by a small army of creative alter egos, who helped him maintain control and helped him reign supreme as one of the greatest pop musicians of all time, until of course, all control was lost.

This episode was originally published on June 9, 2020.

To view the full list of contributors, see the show notes at ⁠www.disgracelandpod.com...

Slick Rick has one of the most iconic voices in hip hip history. His style is completely his own, and his success owes as much to his delivery as it does to his hustle. Slick Rick worked hard to get to the top, and once he made it he was nearly cut down by drugs and violence - violence inflicted upon him by someone from his inner circle. Listen to hear how Slick Rick fought back and continued his flow.

This episode was originally released on June 11, 2019.

To see the full list of contributors, see...

Introducing Khloé Kardashian: My Side that Nobody Knows (Truth Behind Headlines, Divorce, Co-Parenting) from On Purpose with Jay Shetty.

Follow the show: On Purpose with Jay Shetty

Have you ever been seen in a way that didn’t feel true to who you are?

Who do you feel truly sees you for who you are?

Today, Jay sits down once again with the incredible Khloé Kardashian to talk about growth, healing, and what it really means to evolve on your own terms. It’s been six years since Khloé first sat down wi...

This week in the After Party, Jake hears from you about the Mount Rushmore of Guitarists and opines on a recent performance from David Lee Roth.

Next week, we're presenting part 2 of the Prince story, and Jake wants to know: Which artist best represented their times? Tell Jake at 617-906-6638, ⁠⁠disgracelandpod@gmail.com⁠⁠, or on socials @disgracelandpod.

For more great Disgraceland episodes, dive into our extensive archive, including such episodes as:

Episode 85 - Pantera

Episode 133 - Jimi Hendrix

Episode 173 - Public Enemy

In 1985, David Lee Roth was out and Sammy Hagar was in. One of the biggest lead singer shakeups in music history led to some of the biggest sales of Van Halen's career. It also led to more drama, to Lamborghinis and Ferraris racing through the streets of Los Angeles, to military assault vehicles storming Beverly Hills, to crazed fans and loaded guns – and at the middle of it all, a modern-day warrior, a man with a code, trying to orchestrate his own survival.

If there were a Mount Rushmore of guitarists, which four players should have their fac...

On the backs of one of rock ‘n roll’s greatest innovators and one of its greatest ringmasters, Van Halen made some of the greatest music of the late ‘70s and early ‘80s. Guitarist Eddie Van Halen chased the perfect sound while lead singer David Lee Roth chased the next party. They were also ruthless when it came to protecting the unique thing they had created. Nothing was allowed to stand in their way. Not bullies, bootleggers, cynical guitar manufacturers, record producers – even the members of Van Halen themselves.

This episode was originally published on March 26, 2024.

To see t...

In part two of the Notorious B.I.G. story we see the young star trying to deal with life after the death of his rival (and one-time friend), Tupac Shakur. We also get a glimpse into the motivation behind the making of his final album, the aptly titled, Life After Death and get deep into the mystery behind his still unsolved murder.

This episode was originally published on May 25, 2021.

To see the full list of contributors, see the show notes at ⁠www.disgracelandpod.com⁠.

To listen to Disgraceland ad free and get acces...

The Notorious B.I.G. entered adulthood as a crack dealer and left this world as one of the most famous hip-hop stars of all time. He was murdered mysteriously and before that was arrested almost too many times to count. He eventually altered the course of hip-hop with the release of his debut album, Ready To Die, an album that served as a soundtrack of sorts for the highly publicized, dangerous, violent beef between himself and his one-time friend, fellow rapper, Tupac Shakur. But that whole saga almost never happened. Find out what changed the course of Biggie...

This week in the After Party, Jake reflects on Wynona Ryder and her iconic status among Gen X. Plus, Jake wants the Disgos to get in touch and tell him a little more about yourself: What are your favorite genres of music? What books and films do you like? What are your hobbies?

Next week, we're presenting part 2 of the Van Halen story, and Jake wants to know: If there were a Mount Rushmore of guitar players, who would you put on it? You can only choose four! Tell Jake at 617-906-6638, ⁠disgracelandpod@gma...

You know on Disgraceland we bring you dark stories of musicians getting away with very bad behavior. This week, we have something special: A new podcast from 20/20 and ABC Audio, "Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy." In this six-part series, ABC News legal contributor Brian Buckmire takes listeners inside the rise and fall of Diddy, tracing how whispers of abuse came to light and led to his downfall.

We’re giving you episode one, "Party's Over." Diddy was a legendary party host. His star-studded "white parties" were glittering displays of wealth and social capital that started in th...

Between beatnik parents, an LSD guru godfather, and an unconventional upbringing in Northern California, it’s not surprising that Winona Ryder became America’s endearing weirdo in the 1990s. Her noir starpower shined from an early age in movies like Beetlejuice, Heathers, and Edward Scissorhands, but her penchant for dark roles would lead her towards crime in real life. The only thing weirder than Winona’s $5,000 shoplifting spree and the kidnapping of a girl from her own hometown is how the two stories unexpectedly intertwine.

This episode contains themes that may be disturbing to some listeners, including kidnap...

This week in the After Party, Jake looks at second acts in music history. Which artists went on to form successful groups whose impact matched or exceeded that of their breakthrough group? Plus, we'll hear from you on this question and more.

For more great Disgraceland episodes, dive into our extensive archive, including such episodes as:

Episode 92 - Derek and the Dominos

Episode 154 - Jane's Addiction

Episode 137 - New Order

Episode 49 and 50 - Guns 'n' Roses

To hear...

As a teenager, Chris Cornell was traumatized by a bad PCP trip that turned him into a recluse for years. Music pulled him out of the darkness when he discovered his four-octave voice by accident – A voice he used to incredible effect as the frontman for both Soundgarden and Audioslave. But the darkness never really went away – it was there in his hometown of Seattle, where tragedies closed the chapter on grunge, and in his music, which was authentic to the very end.

This episode contains themes that may be disturbing to some listeners, incl...

From games of chicken on private planes to one member surviving a private plane crash, the Eagles as a group very narrowly survived themselves. During their early days, they dosed out on Peyote and reimagined and reconfigured a new FM sound for the ages that would result in unimaginable success and excess. When their debut record was released on Geffen Records in 1972, America couldn’t have been more ready for their breezy, countrified Southern California sound. Yet something else came with their that heady, golden age of California in the 1970s, that era of endless cocaine, groupies, money, and ex...

This week in the After Party, Jake takes your calls on the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame and wonders why some celebrity autobiographies are so hard to find. Plus, Jake looks at which major music stars have not yet written their autobiographies and wonders if they ever will.

Next week, we're bringing you a story on Chris Cornell, lead vocalist of Soundgarden and Audioslave. We want to know: Which artists followup bands were bigger or as impactful as their breakthrough bands? Tell Jake at 617-906-6638, disgracelandpod@gmail.com, or on socials @disgracelandpod.

Oasis, Bad Company, Black Crowes, OutKast, White Stripes, Joe Cocker, Joy Division / New Order, Chubby Checker, Cyndi Lauper, Mana, Phish, Soundgarden, Billy Idol, and Mariah Carey.

Which 7 artists would you choose to induct into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? Will Billy Idol, the consummate rock 'n' roll animal, make the cut?

Next week, we're bringing you a story on Mama Cass Elliot and her connection to Charles Manson and the Tate LaBianca murders. We want to know: Do you believe that the accepted narrative on Helter Skelter is true? Did...

With his spiked blond hair, perpetual sneer, and gloved hands clenched in defiance, Billy Idol seemed like an avatar of punk rock dreamed up by central casting. But Idol's look, his attitude, and especially his music were completely authentic. He was a pure rock 'n' roll animal. Few rock stars lived a life as hedonistic and debaucherous as Billy Idol, and even fewer lived to tell the tale.

Who is the most debaucherous star you've heard about in Disgraceland? Let Jake know at 617-906-6638, disgracelandpod@gmail.com, or on socials @disgracelandpod.

 …the Hollywood and true crime spinoff from the award winning music and true crime podcast, DISGRACELAND, and the newest expansion from the folks at Double Elvis.

The most dramatic non-fiction stories ever heard come from the world of entertainment. Specifically the dark side of entertainment. The true crime stories from Hollywood; the mysterious death of Brittany Murphy. The vicious, real-life murder that inspired David Lynch’s Twin Peaks. The three conspiracies surrounding Marilyn Monroe’s death. The indecent arrest of John Waters. Dennis Hopper’s easy riding and excessive 70s Hollywood. Woody Harrelson’s Dad’s conne...

This week in the After Party, Jake shares his thoughts on the recent release of formerly classified JFK files and how they relate to Watergate and this week's episode on Bob Dylan.

Next week, we're bringing you a story on Billy Idol, and we want to know: who is the most debaucherous rock star ever? Tell Jake at 617-906-6638, disgracelandpod@gmail.com, or on socials @disgracelandpod.

For more great Disgraceland episodes, dive into our extensive archive, including such episodes as:

Episode 64 - Pigpen

Episode 85...

Within the recently released "JFK Files” there is a reference to a “Bobby Dyllon” and informant number “T-3390-S." This recent discovery has led to a quick consensus among many JFK assassination scholars that “Dyllon” is the lynchpin between an unknown FBI informant at the heart of a conspiracy theory that scholars are now just beginning to accept as truth: that the “Watergate” scandal was not at all what it seemed; the downfall of a corrupt politician, but was instead, the overthrow of a president––Richard Nixon––who was about to reveal the truth about the Kennedy assassination. Bob Dylan’s––or “Bobby Dyllon’s”...

This week in the After Party, Jake hears from you about the greatest Seattle artists of the grunge era and makes his own list of the top 10 grunge albums.

Next week, we're bringing you a special story on "Voice of His Generation" Bob Dylan. We want to know: who is the voice of your generation? Tell Jake at 617-906-6638, disgracelandpod@gmail.com, or on socials @disgracelandpod.

For more great Disgraceland episodes, dive into our extensive archive, including such episodes as:

Episode 63 - Chet Baker

E...

Though they were one of the first so-called “grunge” bands to sign to a major label, Alice in Chains were something of an outlier in the late ‘80s/early ‘90s Seattle scene. They didn’t fall directly into the punk camp, or the hair metal camp, and even the true metalheads thought they weren’t hardcore enough. This became painfully evident when the band opened a tour for Megadeth, Slayer, and Anthrax, and were hazed, spat on, and booed. Alice’s lead singer, Layne Staley, could take the criticism. He had a prankster’s spirit, not to mention a rock ‘n roll att...

This week in the After Party, Jake looks at video directors from the 80s and 90s who went on to have careers in films. Plus, we hear from you about your favorite early MTV artists, and Jake has big news for fans of Disgraceland, Hollywood, and true crime.

Next week, we're bringing you a story about Seattle rockers Alice in Chains, and we want to know: Which Seattle band or artist is your favorite? Thirty five years after the peak of grunge, which bands are you still listening to today? Tell Jake at 617-906...

Seven arrests in twelve years and more than a couple sleepless nights inside a London prison. This reads like the description of a stereotypical Sunset Strip metalhead, not that of pop prince George Michael. George’s criminal transgressions include a bust for a “lewd act” in a public place, a crack addiction, numerous car crashes. George Michael was on a collision course with an early death, but he died of a broken heart. Along the way he made great music. Here’s his story.

Which early MTV icon is your favorite? Why? Tell Jake at 617-906-6638, disgrace...

This week in the After Party, all the stars come out to play: Def Leppard, Huey Lewis, Gene Hackman, Odell Beckham, Jr and of course, Thin Lizzy! Plus, we hear from you about your favorite Irish artists.

Next week, we're bringing you a story about George Michael, one of the all-time great pop vocalists and a major star of the early MTV era. We want to know: Which early-era MTV star was your favorite? Tell Jake at 617-906-6638, disgracelandpod@gmail.com, or on socials @disgracelandpod.

For more great Disgraceland episodes, dive into our extensive a...

What made the band Thin Lizzy different from your standard 1970s rock and punk? Crime, that’s what. The criminals who populated Phil Lynott’s mother’s bar and the stories they told that influenced the songs Phil wrote. That and a harmonized guitar assault. 

Who is your favorite Irish band? Why? Tell Jake at 617-906-6638, disgracelandpod@gmail.com, or on socials @disgracelandpod.

To listen to Disgraceland ad free and get access to a monthly exclusive episode, weekly bonus content and more, become a Disgraceland All Access member at disgracelandpod.com/membership.

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This week, Jake reflects on the recent passing of two legends: David Johansen and Gene Hackman. Plus, we hear from you on rock n' roll actors, great guitarists, and day drinking with punk legends in a strip club.

Next week, we're bringing you a story about Thin Lizzy. In honor of Thin Lizzy and of Saint Patrick's day, we want to know: Who is your favorite Irish band? Tell Jake at 617-906-6638, disgracelandpod@gmail.com, or on socials @disgracelandpod.

For more great Disgraceland episodes, dive into our extensive archive, including such episodes as: