Mike Mantione of Five Eight: Weird, Wild, and Wonderfully Real

What happens when a band turns raw emotion and reckless energy into three decades of relentless, unapologetic rock?  That’s the story of Five Eight, Athens’ underground pop-punk heroes.In this episode, Five Eight frontman Mike Mantione gets real about life on the road, the power of connection, and why weirdness might just be the key to longevity. From wild ‘90s tours (yes, there were naked shows 😳) to sharing the stage with R.E.M., Mike opens up about the band’s evolution, the moments that shaped their sound, and what keeps the fire alive decades later.We get into:🎥 How the band’s documentary (Weirdo) came to life after years in the vault🚐 Life on the road with R.E.M. 🎸 Why every show has its own energy — and no setlist is ever safe 🔥 The chaos, freedom, and philosophy of live performance 💭 Their new single, “I’m Alone” — why being lonely isn’t always a bad thing 💡 Mike’s advice for young artists: stay real, stay fearless, and give it everythingIf you’ve ever been to a sweaty, loud, unforgettable show — or dreamed of going — this one’s for you.To find out where Five Eight is playing next, visit their website.--------------------Did you know Metro Atlanta has 200+ concerts EVERY WEEK! And we've got the full scoop!  Discover concerts, festivals, and open mics near you + exclusive videos from Atlanta's music scene!🔗 LiveMusicJunkiez.com 📸 Instagram 📘 Facebook 📺 YouTube