The Hustle

There have been few creative bursts of the modern era more epic than George Clinton's in the 70s. He had so many songs in his brain he had to keep creating bands or producing artists to get them all out. One of his key players during this furtive time was guitarist Michael Hampton. "The Kidd" joined George's team while still a teenager when Eddie Hazel started to do his own thing. From there, George used him in Parliament, Funkadelic, the Brides of Funkenstein, Parlay, and with artists like Bootsy Collins, Bernie Worrell and Fred Wesley. Michael still plays with the P-Funk All-Stars to this day and has recently released a free EP called Into the Public Domain that shows he hasn't lost anything in terms of guitar playing. It was a heady time and Michael and I try to wrap our brains around it all, but it was a challenge. However, there's no mistaking that some of the greatest funk music ever made has Michael's stamp on it and we're grateful he's here this week to discuss it with us. Enjoy! 

www.michaelwhampton.com

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Former Boston Globe Music Critic and rock and roll lifer Jim Sullivan joins us this week to discuss his highly entertaining new books Backstage and Beyond. There are two volumes (or one "Complete" version that includes both and some extra chapters) that share his conversations with most of the major movers and shakers over the last 45 years in rock. There's everyone from Jerry Lee Lewis to David Bowie to Ginger Baker to Enya to George Clinton. Jim and I discuss his long career with the Globe and what he does now, why most music critics all like the same music, his thoughts on rock stardom in general and a lot more. Enjoy, it's a blast! 

Backstage & Beyond Complete (eBook) — Trouser Press Books

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It was going so well. Detroit's Von Bondies exploded out of the same garage rock scene that birthed the White Stripes and many others. In fact, Jack White produced their first album, Lack of Communication, in 2002. Things really took off with their Jerry Harrison-produced follow up Pawn Shoppe Heart from 2004 and "C'mon C'mon" became the theme song to the show Rescue Me. But then an unfortunate confrontation with Jack in a bar (and the brutal sucker punch seen 'round the world), and momentum for the band slowed with front man Jason Stollsteimer deciding he'd said everything he had to say. They managed one more album (and a few false starts with other bands), but Jason decided he was happier stepping away from music. Jason does his first interview in about 10 years to give us the history of the band, what he's up to now, why he gave up music, and the facts of that fight and that famous photo. The band had so much promise, it's a shame there isn't more, but we're so honored to hear from Jason this week. Enjoy!

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Jon is joined by former guest Jackie Clary and our great friend Ryan Rauzon to discuss the recently released memoir by Cameron Crowe, The Uncool. We get into our history of fandom with Cameron, our thoughts on the book, on his career, the meaning of his "happysad" theory, rock journalism, and how he and the book have affected our lives. This was recorded live with no edits. If you've read the book, tell us what you think. Enjoy! 

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Britain's Cast are enjoying quite the second chapter. The last few years have seen a creative burst that rivals, if not exceeds, their early work. The result of this is some of their best music including their latest album, Yeah Yeah Yeah produced by former guest Youth. This technicolor masterpiece sees the lads expanding their sound in ways only Youth could inspire. Plus, you might have noticed them opening many shows for the little band Oasis on their monstrous reunion tour last year. Frontman John Power shares stories about releasing one of the biggest debuts in UK rock history, the lean solo years, as well as his time in the La's and why he thinks that band's frontman Lee Mavers has stayed put all this time. Great band - great guy! 

Cast – Cast Band Tour 2025

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