Vicki Peterson and John Cowsill episode artwork

EPISODE · Mar 8, 2026 · 55 MIN

Vicki Peterson and John Cowsill

from CORE · host Andy McNamara

Rock legends Vicki Peterson of The Bangles and John Cowsill of The Cowsills took some time to talk about a wide-ranging series of topics prior to their performance at Round Lake Farms in Brillion.The two talk about their collaborative album Long After the Fire — a heartfelt tribute to the songwriting of Barry and Bill Cowsill — and share the full story of how they met as teenagers at the Sweetwater Cafe in Redondo Beach, California back in 1978. From the early days of the Paisley Underground to sold-out Beach Boys tours, from recording in an 8x18-foot home studio with aging ProTools to working with legendary photographer Henry Diltz (and Pamela Springsteen!) on the album artwork.John opens up about the pressures of stepping into the spotlight as a front man after decades behind the drum kit, his years touring with the Beach Boys and his current work with The Smithereens, and what it's like being married to your bandmate. Vicki reflects on the Bangles' punk roots, the Paisley Underground scene, the surprise success of Walk Like an Egyptian, and why she'd fight the synthesizers all over again.They also dive into their beloved annual performance at Joey's Song — the epilepsy fundraiser in Madison — share memories of Johnny Cash, Minnie Pearl, Elton John, Bernie Taupin, Hugh Hefner's Playboy After Dark, and much more.Long After the Fire is available now wherever you stream or buy music.WCZR Code Zero Radio is an Independent streaming rock, live from Appleton, Wisconsin.

Rock legends Vicki Peterson of The Bangles and John Cowsill of The Cowsills took some time to talk about a wide-ranging series of topics prior to their performance at Round Lake Farms in Brillion.The two talk about their collaborative album Long After the Fire — a heartfelt tribute to the songwriting of Barry and Bill Cowsill — and share the full story of how they met as teenagers at the Sweetwater Cafe in Redondo Beach, California back in 1978. From the early days of the Paisley Underground to sold-out Beach Boys tours, from recording in an 8x18-foot home studio with aging ProTools to working with legendary photographer Henry Diltz (and Pamela Springsteen!) on the album artwork.John opens up about the pressures of stepping into the spotlight as a front man after decades behind the drum kit, his years touring with the Beach Boys and his current work with The Smithereens, and what it's like being married to your bandmate. Vicki reflects on the Bangles' punk roots, the Paisley Underground scene, the surprise success of Walk Like an Egyptian, and why she'd fight the synthesizers all over again.They also dive into their beloved annual performance at Joey's Song — the epilepsy fundraiser in Madison — share memories of Johnny Cash, Minnie Pearl, Elton John, Bernie Taupin, Hugh Hefner's Playboy After Dark, and much more.Long After the Fire is available now wherever you stream or buy music.WCZR Code Zero Radio is an Independent streaming rock, live from Appleton, Wisconsin.

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Vicki Peterson and John Cowsill

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This episode was published on March 8, 2026.

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Rock legends Vicki Peterson of The Bangles and John Cowsill of The Cowsills took some time to talk about a wide-ranging series of topics prior to their performance at Round Lake Farms in Brillion.The two talk about their collaborative album Long...

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