Southern Rock with Michelle Southern

Today’s Chad’s Collision Center Southern Salute celebrates Alex Van Halen turning 73 and the unbelievable story of how he and his brother Eddie accidentally changed rock history by switching instruments as kids. Plus, Michelle dives into why Alex’s drumming helped make Van Halen one of the most explosive bands of all time and spotlights a deeper cut fan favorite, “Light Up The Sky.”

Matt breaks down a massive weekend series for LSU baseball as the Tigers head to Georgia needing wins to stay on track for postseason positioning. Hear what Jay Johnson told his team ahead of the showdown, injury updates on key players, and why slowing down Georgia’s explosive offense won’t be easy. Plus, Will Wade lands another transfer as LSU basketball keeps building for the future.

Every May, Eagle 98.1’s Michelle Southern catches up with the man who held down afternoons before her, Baton Rouge radio legend Scotty Drake. This year’s conversation marked a pretty wild milestone: Michelle celebrating 8 years in afternoon drive on Eagle 98.1, while Scotty celebrates 8 years of retirement. The two talk motorcycles, road safety, the continued mission of the Motorcycle Awareness Campaign, and how you can grab one of MAC’s bright yellow “Please Watch for Motorcycles” yard signs during Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month. They also discuss encouraging new statistics showing motorcycle fatalities in Louisiana dropped 25% in 2024 compared to the previous year. A Baton Rouge radio reunion with laughs, memories, and an important reminder for drivers across Louisiana: watch for motorcycles.

Michelle talks with Chandler Cleveland, Dealer Principal of Gulf Coast JCB, about the company’s major new Baton Rouge location and the huge grand opening celebration happening on 13769 Airline Highway. They discuss why Gulf Coast JCB chose Baton Rouge, the growth happening across south Louisiana, the importance of the construction industry in our area, and of course… the JCB DIGatron Monster Jam truck rolling into town with two-time Monster Jam World Finals champion Tristan England. The ribbon cutting and open house take place Friday, May 8th at the brand-new Gulf Coast JCB facility in Baton Rouge.

Matt Flynn breaks down the comments from former LSU coach Brian Kelly that have Tiger fans talking. Did Kelly really say Lane Kiffin can win a national championship at LSU because he’s getting resources Kelly never had? Or is everyone missing the bigger point? Matt dives into NIL, the transfer portal era, why “developing players” may not work anymore in college football, and whether Lane Kiffin’s approach can actually deliver championships in Baton Rouge. Plus, the surprising AI comment from Kelly that may hint at another coaching comeback… and why LSU fans should probably hope it happens sooner rather than later.

Today’s Southern Salute celebrates Bill Kreutzmann turning 80 years old. Better known to Dead Heads as “Billy,” Kreutzmann played in every single one of the Grateful Dead’s more than 2,300 live shows and helped create one of the most legendary live music experiences in rock history. Michelle Southern looks back at the drummer’s incredible run with the Dead, the legendary “Rhythm Devils,” and the improvisational style that made every concert feel completely different.”

LSU keeps rolling after a dominant midweek win, but all eyes are now on a possible injury concern after a key Tiger was held out of the lineup. Matt breaks down the Tigers’ latest performance, what Jay Johnson had to say after the game, and why LSU fans are suddenly holding their breath heading into a huge weekend series.

On this day in rock history, May 6th, 1995, Live’s album Throwing Copper finally reached number one on the Billboard chart more than a year after its release. In this Southern Salute, Michelle Southern looks back at the songs that pushed the album to the top, including “Lightning Crashes,” and the emotional story behind one of the biggest rock songs of the decade.