Episode 143: Billy Hopeless (The Black Halos)

The man behind the Didjits, Gaza Strippers and more makes a second appearance. Those who heard the first one (ep17, way back when!) know this is not to be missed. These old friends discuss the upcoming Didjits Record Store Day release, and about 1000 other topics. With songs from Bloody Horror Punx, Didjits, and from one of his theater shows!

Everybody loves and celebrates early Ramones and Buzzcocks, but what about the later parts of their careers? Here Tom and Neil dive into the later albums from these legendary quartets. The first in the series of what will hopefully be a long running thread, reviewing later albums by classic bands! With songs by, of course, Ramones and Buzzcocks. EDITOR'S NOTE: We have been sitting on this one for a few weeks to get more timely episodes up…

It took a while, but the PTID guys finally caught up with the man with a PHD in PUNK. They talk about growing up a punk fan in Southern California in the early '80s. They discuss starting the distro that became a label and eventually a retail store. We also discuss his madcap Facebook Live shows Wednesdays and Fridays! With songs from The Dickies, Devo, Blondie, Vice Squad, Stiff Little Fingers, Adolescents, and 999.

The PTID guys are back home after meeting up in the Windy City to see the Bouncing Souls. They talk about the shows, the people watching, record swapping and the sorry condition of Chicago. Tom finishes his long weekend with a goth experience of his own by dragging his wife to see Gary Numan. With songs by Bouncing Souls, Flatfoot 56, Front Line Assembly and Gary Numan.

This one comes live from Neil's kitchen, so forgive the echo! Neil goes goth with the Satanic doo-wop duo Twin Temple. The next day he goes record shopping with The Drowns and Dr. Disc and sees The Drowns play later that night. Tom spends a night among friends old and new pretending to be Irish watching The Tossers. With songs from Twin Temple, The Drowns, The Tossers and Capgun Heroes. 

Mike comes back to talk to the PTID guys about his excellent new book, "Miles Per Gallon". He never misses a beat as they grill him on the details of the 1983 tour that the book is based on. They catch up on Mike's plan for his next book and the year ahead for Channel 3. With songs by Misfits, 999, Kraut, DOA, Big Boys, Stretch Marks and CH3.

Just the PTID guys for this one, but they cover a wide range of topics. From going to shows on school nights, to horny grandpa versus dementia grandpa for president, to Record Store Day 2024, and the massive No Values punk festival. The music ranges from pop punk to political hardcore, with songs by Poison Idea, Zoanoids, Space Age Zeros, Brigatta Vendetta, The Winks, Dayglo Abortions, Siouxsie and the Banshees, and The Undead. 

The PTID guys welcome The Drowns' bassist/vocalist Andy Wylie. After a couple of fun visits from guitarist/vocalist Rev Peters, they finally talk to the band's other voice! They dig into The Drowns' fantastic new album Blacked Out, the band's creative process and nomadic lifestyle. With music by The Drowns of course!

It's just your favorite platonic couple for this half assed Valentine's Day celebration. The PTID guys catch each other up on current events and upcoming shows. Neil plays punk love songs while Tom looks back in anger. Mercifully, Tender Tom is nowhere to be found. With music from The Pist, The Complicators, Death Ridge Boys, No Time, The Damned, Buzzcocks, The Vibrators, The Only Ones, and Patrik Fitzgerald. 

In this action packed episode, the PTID guys catch up with musician Dickie Devil of Dickie Devil & the Deviant. Or was it famed stuntman Ronin James? They talk about making music, making movies, making up fantasy worlds and trying to launch a sitcom with puppets! With songs from Action Man, Voodoo Death Cult and Dickie Devil & the Deviants. Never heard of them? Their album was Neil’s #3 best album of 2023!