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 track from Sicksense's debut EP 'Kings Today' AND Mike reads an exclusive passage from his upcoming debut novel 'Reap Sleep Rock Repeat'.   Season 4 of 'My Classic Album' ends in style! For more information on the show: Head over to www.myclassicalbum.co.uk Like us on Facebook at 'My Classic Album with Mike Norris' Follow us on Instagram @myclassicalbumpodcast Or on Twitter @mca_podcast Music Credits: 'This Is Rock' by Silvia Marchese 'Make Believe' by Sicksense. Out now on the band's debut EP 'Kings Today' All music rights reserved to their respective owners.

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 to get the best out of the band in the studio? Which track from 'Slipknot' earned the band their first Grammy nomination? Why was 'Purity' removed from the tracklist shortly after the album's release?   PLUS: Enjoy 'Kings Today', the title track from Sicksense's debut EP! For more information on the show: Head over to www.myclassicalbum.co.uk Like us on Facebook at 'My Classic Album with Mike Norris' Follow us on Instagram @myclassicalbumpodcast Or on Twitter @mca_podcast Music Credits: 'This Is Rock' by Silvia Marchese 'Kings Today' by Sicksense. Out now on the band's debut EP 'Kings Today' All music rights reserved to their respective owners.

Deepfall vocalist Terry DeWit drops by My Classic Album to chat about Alice In Chains's uncompromising second studio album 'Dirt'. In the throes of a heroin addiction, AiC vocalist Layne Staley approaches 'Dirt' with unflinching honesty which still hits hard to this day. Together Mike and Terry discuss the state of the band and the world around them as they recorded the album that would make them one of the cornerstones of 90's rock. How did the 1992 Los Angeles Riots impact the recording of 'Dirt'? Which track on the album was inspired by an altercation where Sean Kinney broke a table over Jerry Cantrell's head?!? Who was the important family member that inspired the band's iconic single 'Rooster'?   PLUS: Hear Mike's thought upon finally seeing the 'Bat Out of Hell' musical, and enjoy 'Revolution', the new single from Deepfall!   For more information on the show: Head over to www.myclassicalbum.co.uk Like us on Facebook at 'My Classic Album with Mike Norris' Follow us on Instagram @myclassicalbumpodcast Or on Twitter @mca_podcast Music Credits: 'This Is Rock' by Silvia Marchese 'Revolution' by Deepfall. An independent release played with permission from the artist.  All music rights reserved to their respective owners.

Leader of Down's Tim Atkinson joins Mike on this edition of 'My Classic Album' to celebrate the album that ushered in a new era for Motorhead... 1986's 'Orgasmatron'. From a member of the Motorhead fan club to forming a band with their legendary guitarist Wurzel, Tim has a truly enviable perspective of the Motorhead story with today's chosen album being Wurzel's first with the iconic band. Why did Lemmy not appreciate the production on 'Orgasmatron'? Which song on the album was nearly the title track? (and in turn inspired the epic artwork) How did the presence of two guitarists for the first time impact the classic Motorhead sound?   PLUS: Enjoy 'Hitman', a standout track from Leader of Down's new album featuring former Iron Maiden guitarist Dennis Stratton!   Rock out with Motorhead on a new episode of 'My Classic Album'. For more information on the show: Head over to www.myclassicalbum.co.uk Like us on Facebook at 'My Classic Album with Mike Norris' Follow us on Instagram @myclassicalbumpodcast Or on Twitter @mca_podcast Music Credits: 'This Is Rock' by Silvia Marchese 'Hitman' by Leader of Down. Released on Cleopatra Records from their new album 'The Screwtape Letters'.  All music rights reserved to their respective owners.

The best selling debut album of the new Millennium gets the 'My Classic Album' treatment as Fame on Fire vocalist Bryan Kuznitz joins Mike to chat about Linkin Park's 'Hybrid Theory'. An important album in both Mike and Bryan's formative years, together they discuss the early days of one of the biggest bands of the 21st century and how 'Hybrid Theory' is still influencing music over 20 years on. How did Chester Bennington react to the record label's attempts to oust Mike Shinoda from the band? Were the synths on 'Crawling' inspired by new wave bands such as Depeche Mode? Which song includes unused loops from a classic Beastie Boys album? PLUS: Enjoy 'Plastic Heart', the latest single from Fame on Fire! All on another jam packed episode of 'My Classic Album'. For more information on the show: Head over to www.myclassicalbum.co.uk Like us on Facebook at 'My Classic Album with Mike Norris' Follow us on Instagram @myclassicalbumpodcast Or on Twitter @mca_podcast Music Credits: 'This Is Rock' by Silvia Marchese 'Plastic Heart' by Fame On Fire. Released on Hopeless Record from the forthcoming album 'Welcome To The Chaos' released 22nd July 2022.  All music rights reserved to their respective owners.

Arran Day from UK rockers These Wicked Rivers drops by 'My Classic Album' to chat with Mike about 'Deja Vu' from Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young! Already a force to be reckoned with as a trio, the addition of Stephen Stills's former Buffalo Springfield bandmate foreshadowed an album that would inspire many including Arran for decades to come. How much creative involvement did Neil Young have on the album? Which historic musical event hosted only the second performance of CSNY? What personal memories does 'Our House' evoke for Arran?   PLUS: Enjoy These Wicked Rivers and their track 'Evergreen', a standout from their 2020 album 'Eden'. Sit back and enjoy another episode of 'My Classic Album'. For more information on the show: Head over to www.myclassicalbum.co.uk Like us on Facebook at 'My Classic Album with Mike Norris' Follow us on Instagram @myclassicalbumpodcast Or on Twitter @mca_podcast Music Credits: 'This Is Rock' by Silvia Marchese 'Evergreen' by These Wicked Rivers. Released on Rock People Records from the 2020 album 'Eden'.  All music rights reserved to their respective owners.

30 years after its initial release, Tori Amos's debut album is still inspiring musicians including Loz Campbell who joins Mike to chat all things 'Little Earthquakes'. On a crusade to make the piano more than a passive instrument, Tori created an album that kickstarted a critically acclaimed career.   Which professional wresting legend has singled out 'Winter' as his favourite song? How did Tori react to her label rejecting her initial recordings for 'Little Earthquakes'? Who is involved in an upcoming graphic novel inspired by songs from the album?   PLUS: Hear 'Bad Girl', the latest single from our guest Loz Campbell! Disclaimer: Due to the lyrical themes present in 'Me and a Gun', some of the content of this episode of 'My Classic Album' makes reference to and discusses rape. If you have been affected by any of the issues discussed please contact one of the services below: Rape Crisis in the UK on 0808 802 9999 // www.rapecrisis.org.uk RAINN in the US on 800 656 4673 // www.rainn.org For more information on the show: Head over to www.myclassicalbum.co.uk Like us on Facebook at 'My Classic Album with Mike Norris' Follow us on Instagram @myclassicalbumpodcast Or on Twitter @mca_podcast Music Credits: 'This Is Rock' by Silvia Marchese 'Bad Girl' by Loz Campbell.  All music rights reserved to their respective owners.

50 years after its initial release, Wishbone Ash's third studio album is still influencing rock bands the world over. In a special anniversary episode of 'My Classic Album', Mike is joined by Firekind bass player Dan Morris to celebrate the album 'Argus'. From hearing it around the house in childhood to touring with founding Wishbone member Martin Turner, Dan's emotional connection to the album is evident making him just one of generations of musicians inspired by this iconic album. What albums did 'Argus' beat to be named Sounds magazine's album of the year? In what way are the opening lyrics of 'Time Was' eerily prophetic for guitarist Ted Turner? Is 'Argus' a concept album? Mike is also joined by the creative force behind 'Argus', former bass player, vocalist and founding member of Wishbone Ash Martin Turner as he reflects on 50 years of his magnum opus. Where did Wishbone Ash get the inspiration for their trademark twin guitar sound? Who was the inspiration behind fan favourite 'Blowin' Free'? How did Martin react when the band wanted the song left off the album?   PLUS: Enjoy 'Sound of Rain', a track from Firekind's latest album 'What I Have Found Is Already Lost'. All that and so much more on this bumper episode of 'My Classic Album'. For more information on the show: Head over to www.myclassicalbum.co.uk Like us on Facebook at 'My Classic Album with Mike Norris' Follow us on Instagram @myclassicalbumpodcast Or on Twitter @mca_podcast Music Credits: 'This Is Rock' by Silvia Marchese 'Sound of Rain' by Firekind. Available on their 2020 album 'What I Have Found Is Already Lost'. All music rights reserved to their respective owners.

Mike is joined by Goodbye June guitarist Tyler Baker as they enter 'Bayou Country' with Creedence Clearwater Revival! The first of three studio albums released by CCR throughout 1969, Tyler and Mike discuss how the band took the world by storm with their swamp rock sound. Which popular TV show recreated the 'Born on the Bayou' riff for it's transitional scenes? Who does Tyler believe recorded the definitive version of 'Proud Mary'. CCR or Ike and Tina Turner?  What does 'Keep On Chooglin'' mean? PLUS: Enjoy 'Step Aside', the opening track from Goodbye June's latest album 'See Where The Night Goes'. For more information on the show: Head over to www.myclassicalbum.co.uk Like us on Facebook at 'My Classic Album with Mike Norris' Follow us on Instagram @myclassicalbumpodcast Or on Twitter @mca_podcast Music Credits: 'This Is Rock' by Silvia Marchese 'Step Aside' by Goodbye June. Available on their new album 'See Where The Night Goes' released on Earache Records. All music rights reserved to their respective owners.

All aboard!!! Guitarist extraordinaire Sammy Boller stops by to chat with Mike about 'Blizzard of Ozz', the iconic debut solo album from the Prince of Darkness himself Ozzy Osbourne. Together Mike and Sammy celebrate the album that resurrected Ozzy after his dismissal from Black Sabbath and hail the ungodly talent of guitarist Randy Rhoads.   How much of an influence has Randy's guitar playing been on Sammy? Why were the contributions of Bob Daisley and Lee Kerslake removed from the 2002 remaster of 'Blizzard of Ozz'? Who fought for Randy's classical instrumental 'Dee' to remain on the album?   PLUS: Hear the title track from Sammy's 2020 album 'Kingdom Of The Sun'. This episode of 'My Classic Album' is dedicated to Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins who passed away 25th March 2022. Keep on rocking! For more information on the show: Head over to www.myclassicalbum.co.uk Like us on Facebook at 'My Classic Album with Mike Norris' Follow us on Instagram @myclassicalbumpodcast Or on Twitter @mca_podcast Music Credits: 'This Is Rock' by Silvia Marchese 'Kingdom of The Sun' by Sammy Boller. Available on his 2020 album 'Kingdom Of The Sun' released on Candyrat Records.  All music rights reserved to their respective owners.

Fred Hale and Andy 'Moose' Muse make up two fifths of UK Southern Rock band Sons of Liberty. Fred and Moose kindly took time out to chat with Mike about the southern rock album that started it all - the debut album from Lynyrd Skynyrd. After ten years on the live circuit, Skynyrd took full advantage of their big break. Together Fred, Moose and Mike explore why the songs on 'Pronounced' have endured so strongly for nearly 50 years. How did Ronnie Van Zant react when producer Al Kooper wanted 'Simple Man' kept off the album? What does Moose make of Metallica's cover of 'Tuesday's Gone'? Why does 'Free Bird' end with that iconic instrumental jam? PLUS: Enjoy 'I Come In Peace', a track from Sons of Liberty's latest album 'Aces and Eights'. A southern fried good time on this episode of 'My Classic Album'.   For more information on the show: Head over to www.myclassicalbum.co.uk Like us on Facebook at 'My Classic Album with Mike Norris' Follow us on Instagram @myclassicalbumpodcast Or on Twitter @mca_podcast Music Credits: 'This Is Rock' by Silvia Marchese 'I Come In Peace' by Sons Of Liberty. An independent release played with permission from the artist.  With thanks to O'Neill PR All music rights reserved to their respective owners

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 nicest possible way!)   PLUS: Enjoy 'I Didn't Like You Anyway', the massive new single from The Hot Damn!   Celebrate the awesomeness that is Toto on this awesome edition of 'My Classic Album'. For more information on the show: Head over to www.myclassicalbum.co.uk Like us on Facebook at 'My Classic Album with Mike Norris' Follow us on Instagram @myclassicalbumpodcast Or on Twitter @mca_podcast Music Credits: 'This Is Rock' by Silvia Marchese 'I Didn't Like You Anyway' by The Hot Damn. An independent release played with permission from the artist.  All music rights reserved to their respective owners

Before Neil Young waged war on Spotify, he was already one of the most acclaimed singer songwriters of all time. Mike is joined by British blues rock guitarist and songwriter Jack J Hutchinson to celebrate Young's breakthrough album 'After The Gold Rush'. A regular on greatest album lists, 'After The Gold Rush' saw Neil build on his success with Crosby, Stills and Nash and record an album that still resonates with listeners over 50 years on. How was 'After The Gold Rush' inspired by a Dean Stockwell screenplay of the same name? Why did Lynyrd Skynyrd reference Neil Young and 'Southern Man' in their iconic 'Sweet Home Alabama'? Who did Neil write the classic 'Only Love Can Break Your Heart' for?   PLUS: Enjoy 'I Will Follow You' - a fantastic track from Jack's 2020 album 'Back To The Blues'   Another great episode of 'My Classic Album'. For more information on the show: Head over to www.myclassicalbum.co.uk Like us on Facebook at 'My Classic Album with Mike Norris' Follow us on Instagram @myclassicalbumpodcast Or on Twitter @mca_podcast Music Credits: 'This Is Rock' by Silvia Marchese 'I Will Follow You' by Jack J Hutchinson. Released on the 2020 album 'Back To The Blues' on Psychedelic String Records. Jack's latest album 'The Hammer Falls' is out now! All music rights reserved to their respective owners.

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 have on the band? Why did the breakout single ‘Welcome To The Black Parade’ nearly not make the album? How did Liza Minnelli become involved with the song ‘Mama’?   PLUS: Enjoy ‘Animosity’ from The Warning’s latest EP ‘Mayday’. Join the Black Parade on this epic edition of 'My Classic Album'. For more information on the show: Head over to www.myclassicalbum.co.uk Like us on Facebook at 'My Classic Album with Mike Norris' Follow us on Instagram @myclassicalbumpodcast Or on Twitter @mca_podcast Music Credits: 'This Is Rock' by Silvia Marchese 'Animosity' by The Warning. Released on Republic Records a division of UMG Recordings inc & Lava Music LLC All music rights reserved to their respective owners.

Mike returns with all new episodes of 'My Classic Album' as the podcast begins its 4th season! Season 4 kicks off with our most ambitious episode yet as Mike is joined by the King of Slide Guitar Troy Redfern to break down all three acts of Frank Zappa's rock opera 'Joe's Garage'. Released in two parts by Zappa in 1979, Troy and Mike explore 'Joe's Garage' as a whole; often ambitious, constantly surreal yet ultimately packing an emotional punch as the story reaches its conclusion. How does 'Joe's Garage' use xenochrony- a technique Zappa pioneered that is ever present throughout the album? Is the beautiful 'Watermelon In Easter Hay' the apex of Frank Zappa's career? What on Earth is plooking?   PLUS: Enjoy ''Westward the Sun'; the opening track from Troy's 2020 album 'Thunder Moon'. AND: Mike shares his thoughts and pays tribute to Meat Loaf following his passing in January 2022.   Enjoy our opening episode of Season 4... and remember... "THE WHITE ZONE IS FOR LOADING AND UNLOADING ONLY!"   For more information on the show: Head over to www.myclassicalbum.co.uk Like us on Facebook at 'My Classic Album with Mike Norris' Follow us on Instagram @myclassicalbumpodcast Or on Twitter @mca_podcast Music Credits: 'This Is Rock' by Silvia Marchese 'Westward the Sun' by Troy Redfern. An independent release played with permission from the artist.  The album 'Thunder Moon' is available at https://troyredfern.bandcamp.com/album/thunder-moon All music rights reserved to their respective owners.

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 of Nevermind? Is Roger Taylor 'in denial'?   PLUS: Podcasters Assemble! Hear from some of my esteemed podcast peers as The Rock Guys Podcast, A Sound Purchase and Concerts That Made Us all share their thoughts on 'Nevermind' AND: Enjoy 'Love Keeps Kicking', a standout track from Martha's latest studio album. OH BUT THERE'S MORE: Find out which track YOU voted as the best song on 'Nevermind'.   The perfect way to end our third season of 'My Classic Album'. For more information on the show: Head over to www.myclassicalbum.co.uk Like us on Facebook at 'My Classic Album with Mike Norris' Follow us on Instagram @myclassicalbumpodcast Or on Twitter @mca_podcast Music Credits: 'This Is Rock' by Silvia Marchese 'Love Keeps Kicking' by Martha. Released on and played with permission from Big Scary Monsters Recording Company.  All music rights reserved to their respective owners.

Singer songwriter Riva Taylor joins Mike to share her love for 'Diva', the debut solo album from the iconic Annie Lennox. After ruling the 80's with Dave Stewart as part of Eurythmics, Annie kickstarted her solo career with an album full of career defining songs including 'Why', 'Little Bird' and 'Walking On Broken Glass'. Together Riva and Mike discuss how Annie was able to forge her own path throughout the 90's and beyond. Which song on the album does Dave Stewart believe Annie wrote about him? How did the single release for 'Cold' make UK chart history? In what way did Annie Lennox pave the way for the Spice Girls?   PLUS: Hear 'IN LOVE (no more)', a standout track from Riva's most recent EP 'TWH.2' Enjoy another jam packed episode of 'My Classic Album'. For more information on the show: Head over to www.myclassicalbum.co.uk Like us on Facebook at 'My Classic Album with Mike Norris' Follow us on Instagram @myclassicalbumpodcast Or on Twitter @mca_podcast Music Credits: 'This Is Rock' by Silvia Marchese 'IN LOVE (no more)' by Riva Taylor Released on and played with permission from Bloom Recordings.  All music rights reserved to their respective owners.

One of the most accomplished guitarists on the planet Ron 'Bumblefoot' Thal joins Mike to share his love of Yes and their 1977 album 'Going For The One'. From the moment Ron first heard the title track as a child growing up in Staten Island, he was transported into a world created by the sheer beauty he heard across the five tracks on 'Going For The One'. Together with Mike, Ron shares why his love for this album still runs deep and strong to this day. What led Rick Wakeman to return to Yes after leaving in 1973? Which band delayed production of 'Going For The One' due to their own time at Mountain Studios in Montreux? Has Ron ever had the pleasure of playing a vachalia; the Portugese guitar of choice used on 'Wondrous Stories'? PLUS: Mike samples Ron's infamous 'Bumblef**ked' Hot Sauce live on the show with some moral support from Evanescence's Jen Majura! AND: Hear Bumblefoot's fantastic 2020 single 'Planetary Lockdown'.   An unforgettable episode of 'My Classic Album'. Music Credits: 'This Is Rock' by Silvia Marchese 'Planetary Lockdown' by Bumblefoot Released on and played with permission from Bumblefoot Music All music rights reserved to their respective owners.

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 Minutes To Midnight', how much closer has the world come to doomsday? PLUS: Hear 'Driving In Style', an awesome cut from Thundermother's latest album 'Heat Wave' Horns in the air for another episode of 'My Classic Album'. Music Credits: 'This Is Rock' by Silvia Marchese 'Driving In Style' by Thundermother (taken from their 2020 album 'Heat Wave'. Released on and played with permission from AFM Records) All music rights reserved to their respective owners.

The legendary David Bowie finally makes his 'My Classic Album' debut courtesy of Def Leppard guitarist Phil Collen. Phil joins Mike on this episode to discuss Bowie's celebrated album 'Aladdin Sane'. With a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame career of his own, Phil reveals the impact David Bowie had on him in his formative years and how this album set him on his own musical journey... and of course with Mike being such a huge Def Leppard fan he couldn't resist some chat about 'Hysteria' and beyond! In Phil's opinion, how does 'Aladdin Sane' improve on Bowie's breakthrough 'The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and The Spiders From Mars'?  Why did Def Leppard choose to cover 'Drive In Saturday' for their 2006 covers album 'Yeah!'? What unique Bowie recording was Phil's band mate Joe Elliott able to give to the man himself? PLUS: Hear a preview of some great episodes coming this summer on 'My Classic Album' including conversations with Ron 'Bumblefoot' Thal and Riva Taylor! An unmissable episode of 'My Classic Album'. For more information on the show: Head over to www.myclassicalbum.co.uk Like us on Facebook at 'My Classic Album with Mike Norris' Follow us on Instagram @myclassicalbumpodcast Or on Twitter @mca_podcast   Music Credits: 'This Is Rock' by Silvia Marchese All music rights reserved to their respective owners.