The LA Lloyd Podcast

`` He grew up loving two things: Metallica and horror movies. Then both became part of his story. Spencer Charnas of Ice Nine Kills shares the lesson that led him from horror fan to becoming part of the horror family. From Silver Scream Con to finding your own voice instead of chasing everyone else's, this conversation goes far beyond music. If you've ever wondered when to stop following the crowd and start trusting yourself, this one is for you. LA Lloyd welcomes Spencer Charnas for an honest conversation about Metallica, creativity, building Ice Nine Kills, working with McKenna Grace, and why the biggest opportunities often begin the moment you choose your own path.

Kenny Wayne Shepherd joins LA Lloyd to reflect on Ledbetter Heights (30th Anniversary Sessions), the album he recorded while still in high school. Thirty years later, Kenny talks about revisiting those songs, rediscovering the original guitar tones, the musicians who influenced him, and why some of the music means more to him today than it did when he first recorded it at age 18.

Brent Smith of Shinedown joins LA Lloyd for one of his most personal conversations yet. The voice behind hits like Second Chance, Sound of Madness, and A Symptom of Being Human opens up about the fear he still feels before walking on stage, why fatherhood changed his perspective on life, and the gratitude that keeps him grounded after more than two decades at the top of rock radio. Brent shares lessons about success, vulnerability, family, and the mindset that helps him connect with millions of fans around the world while still appreciating every day he's been given. If you've ever struggled with self-doubt, chased a dream, or wondered what drives one of rock's biggest frontmen, this conversation is for you. Brent Smith. Shinedown. Unfiltered and authentic with LA Lloyd.

Framing Hanley frontman Nixon joins LA Lloyd on Rock 30 to discuss the band's return, the new single "The Reckoning," and the upcoming album that he believes is the strongest work of their career. Nixon opens up about stepping away from music, rediscovering his passion for creating, learning to trust himself again, and why chasing expectations nearly took the joy out of songwriting. He also shares why he feels more confident than ever about where Framing Hanley stands in 2026. If you've been a Framing Hanley fan since the beginning—or are discovering the band for the first time—this conversation offers an honest look at a band entering its next chapter with renewed purpose and confidence. Hosted by LA Lloyd.

Amy Lee joins LA Lloyd for a thoughtful conversation as Evanescence prepares to release Sanctuary on June 5. From authenticity and creativity to AI, social media, and the search for genuine human connection, Amy reflects on what continues to drive her as an artist. One moment in particular captures the heart of the discussion: “I want to make something good before I leave this world.” That mindset runs throughout Sanctuary and this conversation, as Amy opens up about purpose, emotional honesty, and why she still believes music matters. The interview also explores the inspiration behind Sanctuary, the current single “Who Will You Follow,” and the creative journey that continues to push Evanescence forward.

Sevendust’s Lajon Witherspoon returns to the LA Lloyd Rock 30 as the band celebrates the release of their new album ONE. In one of their most personal conversations yet, Lajon opens up about brotherhood, the bond between Sevendust and their fans, the healing power of music, and why the “Sevendust Family” continues to grow stronger more than 30 years into the band’s career. The conversation also dives into songs like “Unbreakable” and “Construct,” younger generations discovering Sevendust through social media, and the emotional connection that keeps the 7D Army united year after year.

What begins as a conversation about The Charmer quickly turns into something much deeper. Toadies frontman Vaden Todd Lewis joins LA Lloyd for a raw, unfiltered discussion about survival, self-doubt, mental health, aging in rock, and the moments he never expected to still be here for. Along the way, he also pulls back the curtain on working with Steve Albini and why recording The Charmer the old-school analog way changed everything for the band. One of the most honest Rock 30 conversations in a long time.

Return To Dust joins LA Lloyd backstage in Austin for a conversation that goes way beyond the usual band interview. They break down how “Bored” was literally written under an L.A. underpass while couch surfing between tours, why acoustic songwriting still drives their sound, and how a random meeting in Los Angeles changed everything. The band also opens up about the constant Alice in Chains comparisons, landing tour dates with Yungblud after he personally requested them, and completely reinventing Hey Ya! into something dark, heavy, and emotionally raw. It’s the sound of a band figuring things out in real time — and getting bigger every step of the way.

Autumn Kings’ Jake Diab joins LA Lloyd for a face-to-face conversation in Austin that tracks the band’s full evolution—from an AC/DC concert at 12, to mastering Guitar Hero before ever touching a real instrument, to grinding through years without a safety net. That path leads straight into “Gone, Gone, Gone,” a track co-written with Charlie Scene of Hollywood Undead that captures a band no longer searching, but fully locked in. This isn’t just the story of where they started—it’s the moment everything connects.

This isn’t a surface-level promo hit—this is Billy Morrison pulling the curtain all the way back. He joins LA Lloyd for a conversation that cuts into the real stuff: evolving without selling out, the truth behind “Becoming” with Sully Erna and Nuno Bettencourt, and why keeping it raw in the studio mattered more than making it perfect. He also digs into the mindset behind Hollow and reflects on that long-awaited No. 1 moment with Ozzy Osbourne on “Crack Cocaine.” Honest, unfiltered, and the kind of conversation you don’t usually get.

Zahna joins LA Lloyd for a raw, high-energy conversation on her latest music—including the explosive single “Defiler”—and what she calls the “evil twin” evolution of her previous album Stronger Than Death. She breaks down writing songs in days, working with Brian Head Welch’s crossover label, and balancing life in a husband-wife band. From vocal discipline to faith, doubt, and pushing into new rock territory, Zahna proves she’s built for the long haul—and not backing down.

Story of the Year frontman Dan Marsala joins LA Lloyd to break down the explosive success of A.R.S.O.N., why “Gasoline” is becoming one of their biggest radio hits ever, and how the band has stayed true to their sound for over 20 years. From balancing family life and a career resurgence to navigating evolving music trends and building a multi-generational fanbase, this conversation dives into the heart of a band that never chased the moment—they outlasted it. Plus, insight into their songwriting process, live set strategy, and what’s next with new tour dates on the horizon.

From “Last Resort” to sold-out arenas worldwide, Jacoby Shaddix has lived every high and low rock ‘n’ roll can throw at you — and he’s still standing. In his 20th appearance on Rock 30, Jacoby joins LA Lloyd for a conversation that goes way beyond the music. He breaks down the grind behind the massive “Rise of the Roach” tour, the mindset it takes to keep pushing after decades in the game, and the emotional weight of hearing fans say his songs kept them alive. Then the conversation takes a deeper turn — as Jacoby opens up about faith, recovery, and how his relationship with Jesus Christ continues to guide him through the chaos.

Atreyu vocalist Brandon Saller joins Rock 30 for his 13th guest co-host appearance, discussing the band’s global tours, the viral “RIP” post that launched their single “Dead,” and the Tokyo writing sessions that produced their new song “All For You.”

Matt B. of From Ashes To New returns to Rock 30 for his eighth guest co-host appearance — and this one goes deeper than ever. From ShipRocked 2026 to personal growth on stage, leadership evolution, and the story behind their powerful new single “Drag Me” from Reflections, this is the conversation fans haven’t heard before. Download the podcast and subscribe now.

Four decades later, Guns N’ Roses are still dominating arenas and the Rock 30 Top 10. Duff McKagan joins LA Lloyd to talk stamina, legacy, record-breaking crowds, and the revival of “Nothin’” and “Atlas” — plus what it really takes to sustain that level night after night.

LA Lloyd has an intimate conversation with Halestorm's Lzzy Hale about her music, poetry and her milestones in her life.  In January 2025, Halestorm embarked on a unique and intimate musical journey known as the Living Room Sessions tour. This special tour featured Lzzy Hale and Joe Hottinger performing unplugged shows that brought fans closer to the band's raw talent and emotional depth than ever before.  One of those stops was in Biloxi, MS at Hard Rock Live where this podcast takes place.

You may know Jesse James Dupree as the chainsaw slingin' frontman for Jackyl.  What you may not know is he has a friendship with Brian Johnson of AC/DC that has lasted for decades.  With the similarities in their vocals, it only makes sense they would collaborate together.  What started as some song ideas for Jesse did indeed lead to the two working together on Jesse's solo album Breathing Fire. On a phone call between Jesse James Dupree and Brian Johnson, the two started talking about how the marines would do a cadence while marching.  From that idea, Brian told Jesse about a song idea that was similar to the cadence that eventually led to the duet on Never Gets Old.   Jesse James Dupree is a hero to bikers all across the USA.  He plays all the biggest bike rallies from Daytona to Myrtle Beach to Sturgis.  Also, he is a consultant working with Harley Davidson.  There was even a reality show about his partnership with the Full Throttle Saloon in Sturgis.  Jesse decided to cover The Faces song Stay With Me at the Daytona Bike Fest in 2024.  He will talk about his love of this song and the possibility of doing a studio recording.

LA Lloyd talked with Nita Strauss during her headlining tour with Diamante and Starbenders. They talked about Nita's album Call of the Void which she described as an "educational experience as a songwriter."  The difference in this album compared to her previous ones was the approach of writing songs that were not only for herself but others she worked with.  This led to collaborations with the likes of Lzzy Hale, Dorothy and the Number One song Dead Inside with David Draiman from Disturbed. Nita was asked if she considers herself a role model.  Her take on it is if someone looks at her as one, she takes it very seriously.  She hopes fans that look up to her can sense the positive vibe she gives off.  It's a celebration of her getting away from the self-destructive ways she had been channeling earlier in her life.  

Scott Stevens was the success story of 2023 on the Rock 30 countdown. He released the song Spirits High through his band the Exies.  It took over 30 weeks for the song to reach number one on the Rock 30.  This was made possible with the fans' continuous requests week after week that got it to the top. Scott didn't sit idle with the success of Spirits High.  As he tells LA Lloyd, there's been a lot of things percolating regarding the Exies music.  The next chapter of this story brings us to the new song For What It's Worth.  Its inspiration comes from the path of the Exies eventually coming to a stop.  From there, Scott works with many amazing artists as producer and songwriter.  And then the path eventually leads back to creating music for the Exies again.   LA Lloyd has constantly questioned Scott if there would ever be an Exies reunion.  Fans will be happy to know that it will be at the venue that got it all started for Scott and the band.  After so many years, they will perform May 29, 2024 at The Viper Room in Los Angeles. In addition to Scott's success as an artist, he will talk about working as producer for Dorothy, Shinedown, Lzzy Hale, Daughtry, Starbenders, Lilith Czar and countless others.

Daughtry finally reached Number one on the LA Lloyd Rock 30 with the song Artificial.  Chris will give his thoughts on the inspiration of that song on how society is dealing with the growth of Artificial Intelligence at record breaking speed. You probably noticed in the Artificial video of Chris' workout ethic. He tells LA Lloyd, "I have the strongest willpower of anyone I know." He continued, "If I know that I am preparing for something, there is nothing you can do to make me crack."   The new single from Daughtry is Pieces.  The lyrics will definitely hit you emotionally when you listen to it.  He sings, "I'm learning to live with the pieces of me."  That's pretty heavy knowing the background of his pain losing a family member.  

Papa Roach has an emotional song called leave A Light On. According to Jacoby Shaddix, it's his favorite moment during their set as it is done acoustically with the fans doing a sing-along. Benefitting the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the band's royalties on this song are being donated directly to the AFSP, in perpetuity. Every time the song is streamed, downloaded, or used in any way a donation is being made. The band's initial donation to the AFSP of $155,000 was presented at their final show in Denver, Colorado.  If you or a loved one is in crisis, please reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, or the Crisis Text Line (Text TALK to 741741) to talk to someone who can help. You are not alone. Together, we can talk away the dark." Chris Daughtry attended a Papa Roach show recently in Nashville. Jacoby will talk about how this collaboration came to happen after he invited Chris on stage to sing "Scars."

”Faith” is a word you will hear Scott Stapp mention many times in this Podcast.  The Grammy winning, platinum-certified artist released his fourth solo album, Higher Power on March 15, 2024. Working with long-time friend and producer Scott Stevens, the relationship led to writing some of the best songs in his career. Scott said this regarding the single Higher Power, “Where I was in my life at the time, without that song even being, it was the song that had to be the title track and had to be the first song on the record because that’s where the journey began.”  Dorothy will be featured on a duet on the track If These Walls Could Talk. Scott shares a great story about how he knew the minute he saw her live that she was the only person who had the vocals that would make this song come to life.  In addition, he talks about the Creed Reunion and the Creed Cruise as well.

Slash is a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, original Guns N' Roses member and founder of Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators.  What's next for the Gibson axe-slinger?  He follows his dream and passion to recreate some of the greatest Blues songs ever written.  "Orgy Of The Damned" is a 12-song album dedicated to the Blues featuring Slash on guitar and an all-star lineup of vocalists including Brian Johnson (AC/DC), Chris Stapleton, Beth Hart, Iggy Pop, Paul Rodgers, Gary Clark Jr, Billy F. Gibbons (ZZ Top), Chris Robinson (The Black Crowes), Demi Lovato, Dorothy, and Tash Neal on vocals.  The album will be released May 17, 2024.  Slash covers it all in this Podcast.

Caleb Shomo is one of the most dynamic front persons you will see live.  The Beartooth vocalist brings pure energy and doesn't stop moving for the entire set.   In this podcast, he discusses the sold out shows on his current tour, how he has stepped from his own shadow into the spotlight and why he loves it.  In addition, he talks about working with Country Rock superstar HARDY on the song and video The Better Me...and yes Caleb actually knows how to play golf well. LA Lloyd is very happy for Beartooth getting their first NUMBER ONE song on the Rock 30 called Might Love Myself.

If you haven't discovered the music from Austin Meade, this podcast should intrigue you to listen.  The Texas native has established himself as a story-driven songwriter whose latest album Abstract Art of an Unstable Mind showcases his work.  Blackout is Austin Meade's single that debuted on the Rock 30 late 2023.  According to Austin, the inspiration came to him after attending a Jelly Roll showcase.  He received the VIP treatment and and as he put it, "I'm having a good time until I'm not."  With a passion for cinematic narratives, the video pays homage to the film Fight Club.  I met Austin Meade at The Haute Spot in Cedar Park, TX several months ago.  Austin's Dad made sure that the meeting happened as he has been very influential in helping expand the awareness of his brand and music.  Austin will share some great stories on the powerful influence his father has had on him since day one! 

Josey Scott stepped away from being frontman of Saliva at the end of 2011.  What has he been up to since that major decision?  A LOT! He is back with a new band called “Josey Scott’s Saliva.”  They have been touring and writing in 2023.   Wayne Swinny Wayne Swinny, original Saliva guitarist passed away unexpectedly on March 22, 2023.  Josey was devastated but will share how happy he was he had one last chance to reunite with Wayne and Saliva on September 11, 2022.  At The Blue Ridge Rock Festival September 11, 2022, Josey made his first appearance with the band as a special guest since departing in 2011.  They performed three songs together: “Your Disease”, “Always”, and “Click Click Boom.” Josey Scott’s Saliva has been playing live shows, writing new music and preparing to unleash a new song and album in 2024.  Who has Josey been working with in the studio?  Who is in his current band?  When can you get some new tunes?  Josey will answer all these questions in this Podcast.

Smashing Pumpkins released the highly anticipated triple album Atum: A Rock Opera in Three Acts.  It is the twelfth studio album released in three separate installments of 11 songs—Atum: Act One was released on November 15, 2022, Atum: Act Two was released on January 31, 2023, and Atum: Act Three on May 5, 2023.   Billy Corgan talks in-depth about the album box set.  In addition, he talks about his love of wrestling and the purchase of NWA.

Only days before we heard the news that original Saliva guitarist Wayne Swinny unexpectedly passed away, LA Lloyd interviewed their vocalist Bobby Amaru.  We send condolences to the Saliva fans and family.

White Reaper is a band from Louisville, KY.  Their sound has been called "Garage Punk" but when you see them live, they are just basically a great Rock Band period.  They released their album Asking For A Ride January 27, 2023.  Hunter Thompson, guitarist and Sam Wilkerson will tell LA Lloyd the stories behind many of the songs on the album including their current single Fog Machine.

It's been a long time since we heard a new song from the Exies.  Scott Stevens, vocalist shares the story of how "Spirits High" came to be when he first began working on it in lockdown 2020.  Two and a half years later the song was finalized.  Scott also reveals if there will be more music coming from the Exies. After The Exies split up in 2010, Scott honed his craft of songwriting and producing eventually working with many top rock artists.  In this Podcast, Scott will go artist by artist and give his feelings on working with Halestorm, Shinedown, Daughtry, Scott Stapp and many more.

Rory Rodriguez, Dayseeker vocalist talks in-depth with LA Lloyd about their album Dark Sun which was released November 4, 2022. Fans of the Rock 30 have been requesting the new single from Dayseeker called Without Me.  As Rory explains, we were encouraged to do a co-write with someone outside the band.  That person was Matt Squire, who had worked previously with Panic At The Disco, Te Used and even Demi Lovato.  It was a good decision as the song is turning out to be one of their biggest hits.

Giovannie and the Hired Guns was the surprise success story of 2022.  Their song Ramon Ayala went to number one on not one but two charts. This is the first time since 2006 that an artist’s first career-charting radio single reached No. 1 at both Alternative and Active Rock. LA Lloyd actually recorded this episode in Gio's limo on Congress Avenue in Austin, TX at the historic Paramount Theatre.  It's the perfect match as Giovannie and the Hired Guns was touring with Los Lonely Boys and as you can see from the marquis below, fans love it as this one was SOLD OUT!

Royal Bliss current single Black Rhino was written during lockdown. According to their vocalist Neal Middleton, "originally it was a song written about survival for a rock band."  As time moved forward and the lockdown continued, they changed up the lyrics "to be about a survival of the people, where it's like we're gonna make it through this pandemic."

Robert DeLeo, bassist and principal songwriter of Stone Temple Pilots released his first solo album, Lessons Learned October 21, 2022.  He and LA Lloyd will talk in-depth about this album including a wide variety of unique instruments used and several guests that played on it.

It's been a long time since LA Lloyd said, "this artist is going to change the face of current ROCK."  In fact it was just over 30 years ago after he first played a song called "Smells Like Teen Spirit" from Nirvana.  There's no denying that Rock has been pushed to the underground since the early 2000s.  Even though some great music and artists have emerged in the past 20 years, there really hasn't been a "scene" created since Grunge emerged in the early 90s.  So who is this artist Lloyd believes is leading the pack?  His name is HARDY!!

Trans-Siberian Orchestra has definitely been a holiday tradition for LA Lloyd almost two decades.  The lights, pyro, sound, musicians and vocalists all encompass the true feeling of the holidays turned up to 11.  Al Pitrelli, TSO guitarist and band leader takes us behind the scenes on this podcast.  Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Slash is one of the most recognized guitar players.  Through his career, he has played and collected many amazing guitars. Gibson publishing has released a new book with over 300 pages and more than 400 photographs of these guitars.  Slash talks about the guitars and how this new book was put together utilizing many photos taken by Ross Haflin, who goes back with Slash to 1986 at the beginning of Guns N' Roses.

It was so much fun doing this Podcast with Lzzy Hale from Halestorm for the LA Lloyd Rock 30 Hale-O-Ween special.  Lzzy and LA Lloyd will reflect back to their youth growing up in a rural area trying to find anyone nearby that was passing out that precious candy to fill our pillow case.   Back From The Dead is the latest album from Halestorm.  Lzzy shares a story about one of the songs on the album called Strange Girl.  This song was influenced by a 15-year old girl she met through social media who was struggling with her sexuality while being in lockdown during the Pandemic.  The story inspired Lzzy and she will share the story.  

On September 17, 2002, Theory Of A Deadman released their self-titled debut album.  We celebrate this 20-year anniversary with their vocalist Tyler Connolly.  LA Lloyd has found archived audio of the first interview he did with Tyler in San Antonio, TX only days after the album was released.  It definitely gets a great reaction from Tyler when he hears the audio. 

According to the band, "Thundermother don't just play rock n' roll.  Thundermother are rock n' roll."  Charismatic and grateful describes the all-female Swedish Band whose motto is "We fight for rock n' roll."  They have some great stories to share about their beginning that has now taken them on the Scorpions Rock Believer World tour as the support act.  As their song says, "Watch Out."

While many bands released new albums during the peak of the pandemic, Sully Erna decided to ride it out and use the downtime to be with his closest friends and family.  With the uncertainty of touring, Godsmack began working on new songs that will eventually be released in February 2023 on the album Lighting Up The Sky. Another bombshell that Sully drops is Lighting Up The Sky will probably be the last studio album coming from Godsmack.  He will tell LA Lloyd why the band came up with this decision.  Spoiler alert, the band isn’t breaking up and will continue to tour…just don’t expect new original music.

Shinedown continues to break records.  First, they have more NUMBER ONE SONGS on the LA Lloyd Rock 30 than any other band.  Since they debuted on the Rock 30, over the years they have accumulated nineteen #1 songs including their latest Daylight. The latest album from Shinedown is Planet Zero.  This album has been the most successful album for the band not only in the United States but globally as well.  LA Lloyd and Brent will discuss many of the songs from the album including Lloyd's favorite America Burning.

This Podcast with Ayron Jones is rated F for FILTHY!  While some may misconstrue that word as negative or nasty, Ayron says, “Where I come from, it is used as the highest compliment.”  He worked with Marty Frederickson and Scott Stevens in Nashville to write his new single. Also, check out a reflection where back in January 2022, Ayron performed on the Shiprocked 2022 cruise.  Fans got to see a once-in-a-lifetime experience of his band performing Prince’s Purple Rain. The band was joined by Carmen Vandenburg from Bones UK for a searing solo on guitar.

Love 'em or hate 'em, Nickelback is back!  LA Lloyd has nothing but love for the band.  Get ready for their vocalist Chad Kroeger and guitarist Ryan Peake to discuss many interesting topics.  First, Chad will discuss his vocal cords surgery that led to cancelled tours and a long rest for the vocalist.  The good news is Chad got very motivated and began writing a lot of new material.  The lead-off track "San Quentin" will be featured on their new album "Get Rollin'" which will be released November 18, 2022.

Megadeth released their latest album The Sick, the Dying... and the Dead! on September 2, 2022.  Dave Mustaine joins LA Lloyd to discuss many of the tracks on the album and some guests who contributed to the album including Sammy Hagar.  The current single from Megadeth is called Soldier On which features some serious shredding from Megadeth.

Three Days Grace released their latest album Explosions on May 6, 2022.  Just the same as many bands regarding recording a new album, the dynamic shifted tremendously.  Each member had to work on their parts individually due to lockdowns resulting from COVID-19.  While using ZOOM technology to communicate, Howard Benson produced the album and assisted everyone on how to get the best from each other.  Hear the great stories behind the making of their #1 song So Called Life.  In addition, hear how a tragic tornado in Mayfield, KY led to the backdrop for the video for their song Lifetime.

Pop Evil has literally co-hosted the LA Lloyd Rock 30 every time they have released a new album or featured single.  Their vocalist Leigh Kakaty joins LA Lloyd for his 16th appearance and there will be several things discussed on this Podcast.  First of all, what is the story on their Twitter page showing a photo of Leigh with Mike Tyson?  Eye of the Storm is a song that came to be when the band was unable to tour.  Everyone on the Pop Evil team agreed that this one needed to be finished and get it out to the fans as quick as possible.  If you love the "blue-collar" work ethic of Pop Evil, you are sure to enjoy this conversation with Leigh and LA Lloyd.

Over the past few years LA Lloyd and Chris Motionless have struck up a friendship.  So it's fitting that LA Lloyd welcomes Chris to hang out before the release of Motionless In White's album Scoring The End Of The World comes out June 10, 2022. Did you know a photo taken with Chris Motionless and LA Lloyd became a meme that went viral?  The phrase said "Still getting together with your friend from High School even though you went down very different paths."  You'll hear them have a good chuckle about this photo on the podcast.

The Offspring has had one hell of a ride since their first Number One song "Come Out And Play" was released in 1994.  LA Lloyd struck up a relationship with them that same year that has continued through the present.  Dexter and Noodles, vocalist and guitarist, are featured on this LA Lloyd Podcast.  Let The Bad Times Roll is the tenth album from the band and their first offering in eight years.  According to the band, "There wasn’t a break up, no hiatus (they’ve kept up a steady level of touring during the span between albums), simply the band likes to take their time."  Did you know that The Offspring vocalist Dexter Holland has a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from USC?  He said, “I had kept in touch with my professors and they encouraged me to come back and finish it up.  The band was cool about it,' before adding with a laugh, 'and that only took five years.'”  Great stories like this throughout the Podcast.