The Holy Triumvirate known as Rush finally make their way into the pantheon of legendary bands covered on 'My Classic Album'. Mike is joined by guitarist Travis Larson to discuss the iconic 'Moving Pictures' From the moment Travis was given a mix tape from his school friend Jennifer including songs from 'Moving Pictures', the pair began an epic adventure of Rush fandom and ultimately a successful career in music together for over twenty years. Together Mike and Travis explore the impact 'Moving Pictures' had not only on the Travis Larson band but music lovers and even popular culture for four ..read more

Lzi Hayes, one quarter of rising UK rockers The Hot Damn joins Mike to geek out over one the majesty of Toto and their celebrated fourth studio album. A band with mixed fortunes in the early 80's, Toto were in danger of being dropped by their label while simultaneously contributing to Michael Jackson's 'Thriller'. Lzi and Mike explore why Toto IV brought the band back from the brink.   How was 'Rosanna' influenced by John Bonham's performance on Led Zeppelin's 'Fool In The Rain'? Which track on the album features an Eagle on backing vocals? Why is Steve Lukather such a bastard? (In the ni ..read more

Buckle in and enjoy one of the most fun episodes of 'My Classic Album' you'll have the pleasure of listening to as Mike is joined by Evanescence guitarist Jen Majura to chat about Steve Vai's third album 'Sex & Religion'. Conceived as a group project and released under the band name Vai, 'Sex & Religion' is an extraordinary album that not only introduced the world to Devin Townsend but also introduced a young Jen Majura to the majesty of Steve Vai and helped kickstart her own journey as a guitarist.   How has bass player TM Stevens played an integral role in Jen's musical career ..read more

Ale, Dany and Pau make up a trio of sisters who also happen to be one of the fastest rising bands in rock today! The Warning take time out to join Mike and celebrate their chosen classic album: My Chemical Romance’s ‘The Black Parade’. An album influential on all three sisters, The Warning share the impact the story of The Patient’s journey to the afterlife has had. Together Mike and the band explore the album in full including how the influence of classic albums of the past is present for all to see on ‘The Black Parade’. What impact did recording the album at the haunted Paramour Mansion hav ..read more

One of the most successful and critically acclaimed albums of all time; Nirvana's second album 'Nevermind' becomes only the 5th album to earn an anniversary special on 'My Classic Album'. Martha's Nathan Stephens-Griffin returns to the podcast to sit down with Mike and discuss an album that changed music forever, and played a huge role in their friendship as teenagers as well as their mutual love of music. Why do we have the Pixies to thank for a key hallmark of the Nirvana sound? How did a frustrating day in the studio for Nirvana shape what would become 'Endless, Nameless'; the hidden track ..read more

'My Classic Album' crashes into the 1980's as we look back at the most underrated jewel in the David Lee Roth era of Van Halen: 1981's 'Fair Warning'. Guitarist Will Wallner joins Mike to discuss an album that took Van Halen away from the carefree vibes of their early work towards a darker, heavier and at times more sinister sound. A conversation recorded three months to the day since Eddie Van Halen's passing, 'Fair Warning' stands as a testament to the legendary guitarist's creativity and sheer vision.   Did tensions within the band contribute to the sound we hear on 'Fair Warning'?&nbs ..read more

Sicksense September and Season 4 of 'My Classic Album' come to an end as Vicky Psarakis joins Mike to chat about Evanescence's debut album 'Fallen'. 'Fallen' saw Evanescence and singer Amy Lee become superstars overnight. Together Vicky and Mike explore their love of the album and its importance in their teenage years.   Which Meat Loaf song brought founding members Amy Lee and Ben Moody together? Why did the band shy away from their popularity in the Christian rock scene? How did 12 Stones singer Paul McCoy come to be involved on 'Bring Me To Life'? PLUS: Enjoy 'Make Believe', another tr ..read more

This month has been christened 'Sicksense September' here on 'My Classic Album' as members of this fantastic new band join Mike to discuss the classic albums that have inspired them! First up it's Robbie J. Fonts (also of Stuck Mojo) who has chosen the debut album from metal legends Slipknot! Emerging from the Iowa music scene, Slipknot turned metal on it's head upon signing to Roadrunner Records and releasing their first album in 1999. As parents freaked at the masked ninesome, the youth found a band that spoke their language.   What unbelievable measures did producer Ross Robinson go to ..read more

Emlee Johansson, drummer of Swedish rockers Thundermother joins Mike to discuss Iron Maiden's iconic 5th album 'Powerslave'. Amongst an unparalleled run of albums from Maiden in the 1980s, for many (including Emlee), 'Powerslave' sits as the pinnacle of the legendary metal band's career. Emlee recalls hearing opening track 'Aces High' for the first time and how this directly impacted her own journey into music. Which song on 'Powerslave' harkens back to themes from 'The Number of The Beast'? How has Nicko McBrain influenced Emlee's own drumming style? Over 30 years since the release of '2 Minu ..read more

Shauna Tohill, lead singer of Rews joins Mike as they express themselves about Madonna's final album of the 80's 'Like A Prayer'. As Madonna looked to capitalise on the album market, 'Like A Prayer' brought forth a collection of reflective, controversial and deeply personal songs that were a huge part of Mike and Shauna's childhoods and stand as the pinnacle of the Queen of Pop's career.  How did a young Shauna react to the now iconic music videos for the likes of 'Express Yourself' and 'Cherish'? Why was 'Love Song', a collaboration with Prince not released as a single? Who was Jessie, t ..read more