Ep028: Michael Des Barres: Swan Song Artist, Singer/Actor

Michael Des Barres is a legendary figure in both music and acting, boasting a career that spans over five decades. In the 1970s, his band Detective was signed to Led Zeppelin's record label, Swan Song, propelling his musical journey. By the 1980s, he performed at Live Aid and seamlessly transitioned into acting, becoming a familiar face in numerous iconic TV shows such as "MacGyver," "Seinfeld," "Melrose Place," "Miami Vice" and "Roseanne." In 2020, Michael released the documentary "Who Do You Want Me To Be?", offering a glimpse into his multifaceted career. He continues to actively pursue music, with a new album titled "It's Only Rock 'n' Roll," featuring 70's covers, slated for release in October 2024.

Steve Rosen joins us to reflect on his remarkable career as a music journalist. He shares anecdotes and insights from his encounters with rock legends, particularly taking us behind the scenes of his 1977 and 1986 interviews with Jimmy Page. Since 1973, Steve Rosen has captivated the world of music journalism. Rosen has been at the forefront with his detailed writings and intimate interviews with some of the biggest names in the industry. From AC/DC to Pink Floyd, Aerosmith to Led Zeppelin, Rosen's career reads like a who's who of rock royalty.  With over 1,000 interviews to his name, he has graced the pages of esteemed publications such as Rolling Stone, Musician, Guitar Player, Guitar World, Creem, and Circus; Rosen has given fans a window into their musical idols’ lives and minds.  In addition to his journalistic pursuits, Rosen is a prolific author, having written biographies of iconic figures such as Ozzy Osbourne, Prince, and Bruce Springsteen. His latest work, ToneChaser, is a deeply personal glimpse into his 26-year friendship with the legendary Eddie Van Halen.

From the moment Dave Lewis first heard "Whole Lotta Love," he embodied Led Zeppelin's spirit. In 1979, he launched the renowned Tight But Loose fanzine, igniting a prolific career as an author of many Led Zeppelin books and magazine articles. Having experienced over 150 Zeppelin-related concerts, his passion for the band knows no bounds. Today, he remains an active figure on social media, enriching fans with insights, reviews, and updates on all things Led Zeppelin. Widely respected as a premier Zeppelin historian, he lives by the mantra: "Not just a band, a way of life."

Wayne Jablonski is a lifelong Zeppelin enthusiast hailing from the vibrant East Coast scene of the 1970s. Wayne's passion for Led Zeppelin led him on a journey attending 16 legendary Led Zeppelin concerts between 1973 and 1977. Wayne brings his experiences of these electrifying performances to the forefront as he shares his captivating tale with us.

Mike Tremaglio is a distinguished archivist specializing in Led Zeppelin, with over four decades devoted to meticulously researching the band. Renowned for his prolific contributions online and in print, particularly his retrospectives featured in Dave Lewis’s Tight But Loose magazine, he has co-authored the definitive book "Evenings with Led Zeppelin: The Complete Concert Chronicle" in collaboration with Dave Lewis. Join us as we delve into the fascinating journey and unwavering dedication of Mike Tremaglio in documenting every facet of Led Zeppelin's remarkable career.

In 1973, Danny Goldberg became the publicist for the world's biggest band, Led Zeppelin. As the band ventured into establishing their own record label, Swan Song, Danny was invited to serve as its vice president. His instrumental role in expanding the label involved bringing in notable acts such as Bad Company, Pretty Things, Maggie Bell, Dave Eduments, and Detective. In this episode, Danny Goldberg shares his remarkable journey working alongside Led Zeppelin, recounting his challenges and the profound connections he forged with the band. With a career spanning over five decades, Goldberg's influence extends across the realms of music, having collaborated with legendary figures like Patti Smith, Warren Zevon, Bruce Springsteen, Kiss, Stevie Nicks, the Eagles, Susan Blond, Michael Des Barres, Steve Earle, and many others. Holding esteemed positions such as President of Atlantic Records and Chairman of Warner Bros. Records, he has personally managed iconic artists like Nirvana, Bonnie Raitt, and The Allman Brothers. Tune in as Danny Goldberg shares the captivating stories that have shaped his extensive and impactful career in the music industry.

Artie Costanzo is a devoted fan with a remarkable history of attending 19 unforgettable Led Zeppelin concerts and capturing ten legendary performances on tape. For nearly five decades, Artie's recordings have been cherished within the trading community, celebrated for the infectious enthusiasm he brought to each concert as an ardent audience member. In this exclusive podcast, Artie invites us on a captivating journey through time, beginning with his first-hand experiences of witnessing the iconic band at the Fillmore East in 1969 and then delving into the subsequent series of electrifying East Coast Led Zeppelin shows that unfolded from 1971 to 1977. Artie offers a truly unique insider's perspective on attending these Led Zeppelin New York concerts and the exhilarating endeavor of recording them.

Sean Hathwell, also known as Strider, is a devoted Led Zeppelin enthusiast who's experienced the magic of 14 electrifying Led Zeppelin concerts in the vibrant landscape of Southern California. In this podcast, Sean embarks on an unforgettable journey, delving into his vivid memories of his inaugural two Led Zeppelin concerts, commencing in 1972 at the iconic LA Forum and the mesmerizing Long Beach Arena. These shows were recorded and featured on the 2003 release of How The West Was Won 2003. Join us as he takes us back in time and shares the exhilarating tales of those unforgettable nights.

Mark Hayward is behind one of rock and roll's most intriguing transactions: selling the Royal Albert Hall 1970 film reels to Led Zeppelin in 1999. Today, Mark shares his firsthand account of acquiring these historical films, providing exclusive insights into his initial acquisition, the unforgettable screening with the band, and the infamous courtroom drama that followed. Get ready to delve into the captivating details of this remarkable tale as Mark Hayward takes us on a journey through music history like no other.

Ellen Almendarez shares her firsthand memories of attending three iconic Led Zeppelin performances in 1977, spanning from Fort Worth to Largo and New York. With her personal insights and unique perspective, Ellen offers a vivid recounting of these unforgettable shows, providing listeners with an immersive journey through the magic of Led Zeppelin's legendary concerts.