The Wilkes-Barre Delusion: When "Musicologists" Attack

Is there anything more painful than a local “legend” trying to rewrite history with the confidence of a man who just found Wikipedia for the first time? In this segment, we dig into the bizarre world of Shadoe Steele and his absolute obsession with a band called Cinch.Steele—billed as a “musicologist”—claims that Cinch was a Billboard powerhouse that only missed the #1 spot because of a “lack of technology” and “unhip” program directors in major markets. It’s the ultimate industry cope. He’s out here counting beats per minute and claiming “quasi-professional” recordings from Northumberland, PA, were actually global smash hits being suppressed by a massive conspiracy.The reality? The track “Where Are You Now” sounds like a bargain-bin REO Speedwagon demo that REO would have laughed out of the room. We tear down the “Wilkes-Barre Billboard” fantasy and expose the hilariously desperate attempts to manufacture prestige out of thin air. It’s a masterclass in local radio delusion and the kind of industry “substance” that makes us want to drink heavily.The version you’re seeing here is the “sanitized” edit. To hear the full, unfiltered, and legally dangerous deep dive—including the stuff that gets us banned elsewhere—join the Inner Circle at https://classicmetalshow.locals.com. Become a VIP and get the substance the mainstream won’t touch. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cmspn.substack.com/subscribe