DEC4 Podcast

Our leading contributor Gary Wells joins us to explore two tumultuous decades in the lives of the Beach Boys, through the lens of Malcolm Leo’s 1985 BAFTA nominated biographical documentary, The Beach Boys: An American Band. We learn about some of the key people on both sides of the camera, and of Malcolm Leo’s established method of sourcing a wide variety of music and interview clips (long before the easy accessibility of digital archives) to create an intimate, first-person narrative... #thebeachboys

Find the full episode with supporting background, images and links at our podcast website;
https://dec4podcast.com/2025/03/05/gary-wells-the-beach-boys-an-american-band/

A very warm welcome to the first episode in our occasional series, the Elvis History Vault; our leading contributor, ‪Gary Wells ‬ is along for the ride as we learn about some perhaps lesser known people and events in Elvis’ professional life.

In this clip not featured in the main episode, we discuss a seven year legal battle over unclaimed ticket refunds, for two shows scheduled at the Mid-South Coliseum at the end of August 1977...

More at our podcast website;
https://dec4podcast.com/2026/08/04/elvis-history-vault-1-tour-photographer-bob-heis-vegas-78-jerome-stump-monroe-kye-fleming-ronnie-milsap/

A very warm welcome to the first episode in our occasional series, the Elvis History Vault; our leading contributor Gary Wells‬ is along for the ride as we learn about some perhaps lesser known people and events in Elvis’ professional life.

In this clip not featured in the main episode, we discuss an essential member of Elvis' touring party; sound engineer and pilot Bruce Jackson...

Full episode and details out our website;
https://dec4podcast.com/2026/08/04/elvis-history-vault-1-tour-photographer-bob-heis-vegas-78-jerome-stump-monroe-kye-fleming-ronnie-milsap/

We note with sadness the recent passing of outspoken music writer, Dave Marsh. (August 14, 2026)

https://variety.com/2026/music/news/dave-marsh-dead-bruce-springsteen-born-to-run-1236835488/

We referenced some his commentary in our series on Aloha From Hawaii; He was of the opinion that the dress rehearsal show was not only better than the satellite broadcast performance, but was just about the best 1970s Elvis show ever captured 'in video, film or audio', singling out James Burton and Ronnie Tutt for particular praise. He noted that Elvis 'radiates healthiness and sings fabulously'. Dave Marsh had a few interesting things to say about some iconic bands over the years - his Wikipedia page is well worth a visit.

Link to our full episode here;
⁠
https://dec4podcast.com/2025/06/26/gary-wells-elvis-aloha-from-hawaii-the-complete-story-omnibus-edit/

A very warm welcome to the first episode in our occasional series, the Elvis History Vault; our leading contributor, ‪Gary Wells,‬ is along for the ride as we learn about some perhaps lesser known people and events in Elvis’ professional life.

This time, we remember tour photographer Bob Heis, discuss how it was almost business as usual in Las Vegas in 1978 thanks to Colonel Parker and concert promoter Jerry Weintraub, and learn about an important member of Elvis' touring party, Jerome 'Stump' Monroe. Gary also explains how a remarkable songwriting career blossomed after a chance meeting with the TCB Band on tour.

Episode webpage;
https://dec4podcast.com/2026/08/04/elvis-history-vault-1-tour-photographer-bob-heis-vegas-78-jerome-stump-monroe-kye-fleming-ronnie-milsap/