The MusicRadar.com Podcast

Chad Smith first crossed paths with Stone Gossard in 1991. The Red Hot Chili Peppers were enjoying their first flush of real fame following the release of their breakthrough album, Blood Sugar Sex Magik, and needed a band for the first slot of a three-act bill that also included The Smashing Pumpkins, who had just their debut album, Gish.

The concluding part of the RHCP icon's backstage chat with the legendary Carlos Santana. Presented in partnership with Drum Channel

Part one of the RHCP icon's backstage chat with the legendary Carlos Santana. Presented in partnership with Drum Channel

RHCP drummer Chad's conversation with the Tom Tom Club and former Talking Heads rhythm section continues. Recorded over dinner in NYC.

Chad sits down with iconic alt-rock rhythm section Tina and Chris to chat about memories of the Ramones and CBGBs, touring, family life... and male health advice.

The concluding part of Chad Smith's conversation with The Avett Brothers backstage at Firefly Music Festival.

Red Hot Chili Peppers drum icon Chad Smith chats with modern Americana superstars The Avett Brothers, backstage at Firefly Music Festival.

In this concluding part of Chad Smith's meeting with Rush’s Alex Lifeson the pair discuss record producers, sports and more.

In part three of our In Conversation series, drum icon Chad Smith chats some more with Rush’s Alex Lifeson. In this podcast, the two artists discuss the history of their two bands and the state of modern rock.

In the second edition of our In Conversation podcast series, Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith continues his conversation with Rush legend Alex Lifeson. In this instalment, the pair chat about Alex’s experiences as an artist and a pilot, songwriting, former band mates and more.

In this first edition of our new In Conversation podcast series, award winning Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith chats to legendary Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson. In this instalment, the two musicians talk about everything from gear to family histories, meeting their heroes and more over dinner at the Sunset Marquis, Hollywood.

2005's Electro-Harmonix POG was a revolutionary octave pedal that found favour with players across the globe, not least a certain Mr Jack White. 2009 sees POG: The Sequel in the shape of the new POG2 stompbox. Taking all of the cool features of the original POG and cramming them into a smaller housing, the effects gurus at EHX have also taken the opportunity to enhance the algorithm and add a second sub-octave, an attack control and eight user presets amongst other upgrades. For more gear video and the best music news, reviews and tuition, head to www.musicradar.com.

After Michael Jackson's untimely death, the whole world got a glimpse of a striking, blonde guitarist sharing the stage with the King Of Pop during what would be his last rehearsal. In just a few seconds, music fans realized what Carlos Santana, Eric Clapton and Steve Vai, among others, already know: the the Australian-born guitar player called Orianthi is a first-class shredder. "Playing the guitar is my whole life," she says. "I can't imagine doing anything else." In this exclusive interview, Orianthi talks about working with Michael Jackson ("he was the best, and he made me feel like I could do anything"), and she also discusses her upcoming major-label debut. For more on Orianthi and the best music news, reviews and tuition, head to www.musicradar.com.

Since 1969, "that little band from Texas," ZZ Top has cornered the market on down-and-dirty, boogie-woogie blues rock that makes you want to do all kinds of nasty, fun things. The unmistakable sound of Billy Gibbons' guitar has much to do with that, and he's still going strong. In fact, ZZ Top are about to enter the studio with maverick producer Rick Rubin and embark on what Gibbons calls "possibly our greatest chapter yet." The man Jimi Hendrix once called "America's greatest young guitar player" sat down with MusicRadar to discuss - what else? - guitars, guitars and more guitars! For more on Billy Gibbons and the best music news, reviews and tuition, head to www.musicradar.com.

Last time MusicRadar checked in with Tom Morello, the former Rage Against The Machine/Audioslave guitarist has put his electric axe on ice and was channeling all of his, er, rage, with an acoustic. But with his new band Street Sweeper Social Club, a collaboration with The Coup's Boots Riley, Morello is plugged in once again and is back to making "crushing, face-melting guitar music.". And the world is a better place for it. In this exclusive MusicRadar interview, Morello talks about his return to rock, the on-again-off-again status of Rage, and what we can expect next from the explosive, politically active musician. For more on Tom Morello and the best music news, reviews and tuition, head to www.musicradar.com.

It hasn't been the easiest of years for Joe Perry and Aerosmith. The Boston-based band had planned on having a new album out by now, but medical malfunctions have been piling up faster than the guitarists impressive array of riffs. "It's very frustrating, but we'll get through it," the guitarist says, "and we're going to have our fiercest record since back I the day." Until then, Perry is looking forward to hitting the road for a summer tour with ZZ Top, which he discusses in this exclusive interview. "We're honored to be paired with them," he says. Fore more on Aerosmith and the best music news, reviews and tuition, head to www.musicradar.com.

Caleb Followill shakes his head in amazement at the fact that Kings Of Leon are becoming one of the world's biggest bands. But the guitarist and singer adds that this is all part of the plan. ""Who in their right mind forms a band with the goal of being totally average? That would just be foolish." On King Of Leon's latest album Only By The Night, they're nobody's fools. "We pushed ourselves to the limit," says Followill, "and succeeded rather well." In an absorbing interview, Caleb talks about the Kings' music and what fuels his lyrics: "wine and women." For more on Caleb Followill and the best music news, reviews and tuition, head to www.musicradar.com.

Kings of Leon's Matthew Followill might be the only cousin in a band of brothers (Caleb, Nathan and Jared are the siblings), but as the group's forceful lead guitarist, he's staked his claim in the musical enterprise, and he knows it. "If I quit, they could probably find another guitar player and become a really boring band and then... you know...fail," he says before letting out a laugh. In this refreshingly candid interview, Matthew talks about his love of Gibson guitars, the phenomenal rise of Kings Of Leon and what lies ahead for the band. For more on Matthew Followill and the best music news, reviews and tuition, head to www.musicradar.com.

Chris Cornell's new album is called Scream, but it's something he's doing very little of on his much-debated collaboration with producer Timbaland. "I fully expect a lot of people not to understand it," he says. But the former frontman for Soundgarden and Audioslave is undeterred. "I already did Black Hole Sun, I already did Rusty Cage - it's time to do other things." In this revealing interview, Cornell talks about his new album, but he also strolls down grunge memory lane and discusses his Seattle days with Soundgarden. For more on Chris Cornell and the best music news, reviews and tuition, head to www.musicradar.com.

"This album took my mind to cosmic places," says Mastodon guitarist and singer Brent Hinds of the band's newest magnum opus, Crack The Skye. And when you consider that Hinds says, "My mind's the most cosmic place I could ever visit," this gives you an indication of the expansive musical experience the Atlanta-based progressive metal band have created with Crack The Skye. In this colorful interview, Hinds discusses the band's unique approach to writing and recording. He even recalls a recent near-death experience that "made me a new person and let me tap into my ultimate creativity." For more on Mastodon and the best music news, reviews and tuition, head to www.musicradar.com.

"We already have the money, and we have enough fame," says Sammy Hagar. "This band is about being part of something great again - maybe something better than we've ever been in." Hagar's in good company in the oddly named supergroup Chickenfoot: guitar god Joe Satriani, fellow ex-van Halen friend Michael Anthony on bass and Red Hot Chili Pepper drummer Chad Smith round out this fearsome foursome. In this no-holds-barred, laugh-filled interview, the band members talk about their formation and how they plan to take on the world - again. For more on Chickenfoot and the best music news, reviews and tuition, head to www.musicradar.com.

"My success still amazes me," says Bryan Adams - which, in itself, is amazing since the veritable hit machine has sold over 65 million albums worldwide during a nearly three-decade career. The writer of radio anthems most music fans know by heart claims to have "no formula. You just do the work. After that, it's all in the stars." In this exclusive interview, Adams talks about songwriting, guitars, along with his growing passions, such as photography and philanthropy. But he stresses that "music will always be my first and biggest love." For more on Bryan Adams and the best music news, reviews and tuition, head to www.musicradar.com.

As the guitar-playing and singing half of the acclaimed Akron, Ohio blues-rock duo The Black Keys (which also includes drummer Pat Carney), Dan Auerbach strives to make music that is real. "That's the only stuff that lasts," he says matter-of-factly. The Black Keys have issued a string of widely - and wildly - praised, unruly albums (2008's Danger Mouse-produced Attack & Release was a commercial breakthrough) and now Auerbach has recorded a raw and moody solo album called Keep It Hid. Full of soul-shaking gospel, bone-rattling rock and psychedelic blues, it's the kind of record that'll have you up for days - in a good way. For more on Dan Auerbach and the best music news, reviews and tuition, head to www.musicradar.com.

Fleetwood Mac have sold over 100 million albums, but don't ask drummer Mick Fleetwood for the formula to the band's amazing success. "The whole thing is a mystery to me," he says. The same holds true for his blues-based style of drumming. "I just respond to a vibe," he says, "a musical heartbeat." Plenty of hearts will be beating a lot faster this spring when Fleetwood Mac embark on a greatest hits tour - and when it comes to hits, they have almost nothing but. In this exclusive interview, Mick Fleetwood talks about playing with the mighty Mac. For more on Mick Fleetwood and the best music news, reviews and tuition, head to www.musicradar.com.

Danny Goldberg was Led Zeppelin's publicist when the band ruled the world - and he was barely out of his teens. Later, after establishing himself as a top-flight artist manager, he helped usher in the alternative rock movement by guiding the all-too-brief career of Nirvana. In his new book, Bumping Into Geniuses, Goldberg recounts the incredible highs and crushing lows of his four decades in the music industry, and in this exclusive interview he shares many of those fascinating anecdotes. For more on Danny Goldberg and the best music news, reviews and tuition, head to www.musicradar.com.

Red Hot Chili Peppers' guitarist John Frusciante's music is strange, moody and unique - like Frusciante himself. He's issued numerous solo recordings during his tenure with the Peppers, and with the band on an indefinite hiatus, he's produced his most beguiling album yet, The Empyrean. Lovers of six string madness will revel in this collection, but it's filled with enough haunting tunes to lure any music aficionado. In this exclusive interview, Frusciante discusses his unorthodox approach to following his muse, and he hints that Chili Peppers fans shouldn't hold their breathe waiting for the next record. For more on John Frusciante and the best music news, reviews and tuition, head to www.musicradar.com.

Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora calls himself "the luckiest guy alive," but his incredible success - over 120 million albums sold worldwide - is the result of "wishing, wanting and working." Special emphasis on 'working,' as Sambora, in his 25-year partnership with Jon Bon Jovi, has never been afraid to get his hands dirty, whether it's wailing on his axe or writing songs that get stadium fists raised. In this exclusive interview, Sambora talks about Bon Jovi's record-breaking tour, the country-flavored album Lost Highway and what may lie ahead for the Jersey boys. For more on Richie Sambora and the best music news, reviews and tuition, head to www.musicradar.com.

Snow Patrol frontman Gary Lightbody is enjoying his first Number 1 smash - only it's not by Snow Patrol. Instead, X Factor diva Leona Lewis has scored with Lightbody's song Run. "It's a beautiful thing," says the Northern Ireland-born singer and songwriter. And Snow Patrol aren't doing badly either: their last album, 2006's Eyes Open, was a multi-platinum winner, and their latest, A Hundred Million Suns, is off and running. In this exclusive interview, Lightbody talks about his approach to writing and his hopes for Snow Patrol to endure. For more on Gary Lightbody and the best music news, reviews and tuition, head to www.musicradar.com.

Fall Out Boy guitarist Joe Trohman is a serious metalhead, but he keeps his head-banging riffs in check on the band's latest and poppiest effort yet, Folie A Deux. "For me to insert Randy Rhoads licks into Fall Out Boy's music would sound crazy," he says. Even so, he adds grit and gusto to each track - even some dirty blues on the breakout hit I Don't Care. In this exclusive interview, Trohman talks about Fall Out Boy's rapidly changing musical landscape, the pressures of celebrity and how a lover of Slayer has sold millions in the world of emo. For more on Joe Trohman and the best music news, reviews and tuition, head to www.musicradar.com.

As frontman and leader of The Flaming Lips, Wayne Coyne has cornered the market on unruly, hallucinogenic albums. His debut as a film director has yielded something no less trippy: Christmas On Mars. "It's a holiday movie, but one you can enjoy any time," says Coyne. "My main artistic goal is to alter one's senses, so if I can put you in the Christmas mood in August, then I've succeeded." In this exclusive interview, Coyne talks about the seven-year process of making Christmas On Mars and discusses plans for the next Flaming Lips album. For more on Wayne Coyne and the best music news, reviews and tuition, head to www.musicradar.com.

Michael Anthony calls himself "the ultimate rock 'n' roll sideman." But when you've spent over 25 years providing the thunderous bass and high-flying background vocals for Van Halen, does the word 'sideman' really apply? For reasons known only to Eddie Van Halen, Anthony was passed over for the band's recent reunion tour with singer David Lee Roth. Bummer, right? Yes, but Anthony's got a brand new 'supergroup' in Chickenfoot, which includes Joe Satriani, Sammy Hagar and Chad Smith from the Red Hot Chili Peppers. A revealing interview with a man who's done it all. For more on Michael Anthony and the best music news, reviews and tuition, head to www.musicradar.com.

The Las Vegas band The Killers burst onto the world scene in 2004 with Hot Fuss, a dazzle-razzle update of new wave and post-punk that sold in the millions and topped Top 10 lists everywhere. After releasing the Springsteen-esque Sam's Town in 2006, The Killers are back to their danceable, groove-filled ways on Day & Age, their finest album yet. In this extensive interview, guitarist Dave Keuning talks about his distinctive, understated style, and how it feels to be on the brink of superstardom. For more on Dave Keuning and the best music news, reviews and tuition, head to www.musicradar.com.

Duff McKagan leads a dual life. By day he's a doting father to two girls who makes time to go to parent-teacher meetings. By night he's the hard-charging bassist for Velvet Revolver and the leader of his own band, Loaded. Oh, and he used to be in this little group called Guns N' Roses too. In a no-holds-barred interview, McKagan reminisces about his years in GN'R and how the band shattered around him, offers his thoughts on Axl Rose and Chinese Democracy, and talks about Velvet Revolver and their ongoing search for a new lead singer. For more on Duff McKagan and the best music news, reviews and tuition, head to www.musicradar.com.

Joe Bonamassa has had the blues his whole life. Literally. By age seven, he was learning his first blues licks. By 12, he was sharing the stage alongside guitar greats such as Buddy Guy and Danny Gatton. A pro since his mid-teens, he's released a string of acclaimed albums including his latest, Live From Nowhere In Particular. In a smart and snappy interview, Bonamassa talks about how the blues has always been part of his soul, and why he feels it's important to teach young children the power of music. For more on Joe Bonamassa and the best music news, reviews and tuition, head to www.musicradar.com.

As the musical muscle behind The Red Hot Chili Peppers, drummer Chad Smith's seismic funk-grooves have made hips shake the world over. A powerfully versatile player, he's lent his impeccable chops to artists like The Dixie Chicks, John Fogerty and scores of others, appearing on over 100 albums. The Peppers are currently on hiatus, but Smith isn't standing still - in a laugh-filled interview with MusicRadar, he talks about his new 'supergroup' with Sammy Hagar, guitarist Joe Satriani and bassist Michael Anthony. Their code name is Chickenfoot, but Smith promises something much better. For more Chad Smith and the best music news, reviews and tuition, head to www.musicradar.com.

Ever since he stormed the music world in the mid-'80s with his intense "neo-classical" guitar style that combined the likes of violion virtuoso Paganini and Deep Purple's Ritchie Blackmore, Yngwie Malmsteen has continually upped the ante for guitar heroics. On his newest release, Perpetual Burn, the Swedish guitar monster teams with singer Ripper Owens for an overwhelming bonanza of operatic-tinged rock 'n' roll. In an exclusive MusicRadar interview, Malmsteen talks about his unorthodox playing style, why he'll never appear on a hip-hop album, and why Stratocasters are the best guitars in the world. For more Yngwie Malmsteen and the best music news, reviews and tuition, head to www.musicradar.com.

The Nuge. Terrible Ted. The Motor City Madman. Over the years, Ted Nugent has gone by many names, but whatever you call him, this Detroit rock legend lives by the credo that one must work hard and play even harder. With classics such as Wang Dang Sweet Poontang, Wango Tango and Cat Scratch Fever, Nugent could easily rest of his laurels. But as he recently said in an interview with MusicRadar, "I'm dancing better at 60 than I was in my 20s." A wide-ranging and often hilarious talk about music, sex, politics, hunting, and why they all mix. For more Ted Nugent and the best music news, reviews and tuition, head to www.musicradar.com.

Throughout his career, Sammy Hagar has been in his share of groups (Montrose, HSAS, Van Halen) and he's spent considerable time as a solo artist (his new album, Cosmic Universal Fashion, drops in November), but at the ripe age of 60 he's convinced that new supergroup Chickenfoot (with Chad Smith, Joe Satriani and Michael Anthony) will be his finest hour. Recently Hagar sat down with MusicRadar for a candid and free-wheelin' interview in which he talked about, among other things, Chickenfoot, what really went wrong with Van Halen, and his new album. For more Sammy Hagar and the best music news, reviews and tuition, head to www.musicradar.com.

Herman Li, one half of DragonForce's guitar hit-squad, never stops trying to better himself. The UK-based "extreme power metal" group have just released their fourth album, Ultra Beatdown, and during recording, Li and Sam Totman (also guitars) routinely clocked in 20 and 30 takes - sometimes more - trying to nail their solos. "We're trying to reach a level of playing that nobody has ever heard before," says Li. "That doesn't come easily." With a year-long DragonForce tour looming, Li sat down with MusicRadar to discuss Guitar Hero, the intricacies of recording, his brand-new Ibanez signature E-Gen 18 guitar, and why Fall Out Boy sits next to Steve Vai in his CD collection. For more DragonForce and the best music news, reviews and tuition, head to www.musicradar.com.

Joe Satriani is a busy man. Despite already releasing a full studio album this year - Professor Satchifunkilus And The Musterion Of Rock - followed up by a gigantic tour, the legendary guitarist is already back in the studio with his new supergroup. Provisionally dubbed Chickenfoot, the band also features Sammy Hagar, former Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony and Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith. Satriani recently sat down for his second interview with MusicRadar this year. In addition to the band, he was eager to discuss his new 'Black Dog' guitar, Ibanez's faithful recreation of the axe he played in the late '80s and early '90s. "There's so much going on with me right now," he says. "So much to do, so much to talk about." For more Joe Satriani and the best music news, reviews and tuition, head to www.musicradar.com.

Having recently kicked off what is to be mammoth 18-month world tour in support of new album Dig Out Your Soul, Noel Gallagher sat down for an exclusive conversation with MusicRadar and Guitar World magazine. Our podcast finds Gallagher holding forth in a gentlemanly mode - a far cry from his grandiose rants of yesteryear - with time taken out to reveal how he uses GarageBand for Oasis demos plus his thought on videogames (really). To read the entire interview, pick up the January 2009 issue of Guitar World. For more Oasis and the best music news, reviews and tuition, head to www.musicradar.com.

As guitarist for Rage Against the Machine (and the short-lived Audioslave) Tom Morello has created sounds with six strings that have turned heads, dazzled senses and shattered nerve endings. On a rare day off, Morello sat down with MusicRadar to discuss the new record and to examine his approach to guitar playing, both as a solo artist and a member of Rage. For more Tom Morello and RATM, as well as the best music news, reviews and tuition, head to www.musicradar.com.

Malakian formed Scars On Broadway in 2006 with System drummer John Dolmayan, and their self-titled debut is one of the 2008's freshest surprises. Gone are the herky-jerk time changes and overt politics of System Of A Down; the new album is a hook-filled, straight-forward, song-oriented effort. Before hitting the road with Scars, Malakian sat down with MusicRadar to discuss the new album, the status of System Of A Down, and what makes his musical mind tick. For more Scars On Broadway and System Of A Down, as well as the best music news, reviews and tuition, head to www.musicradar.com.

Mastodon were so pleased with 2006's Blood Mountain that they didn't know if they were going to be able to top it. But Bill Kelliher is confident that their new album - as yet untitled but due 2009 - will do it. During a pre-show break, Kelliher checked in with MusicRadar to enthuse about the new record. "It'll mess you up completely. It's got balls, killer solos, the whole thing's insane. I don't know if the world is ready for it," says the guitarist. Listen the full interview here - but for more on Mastodon, as well as the best music news, reviews and tuition, head to www.musicradar.com.

Since hooking up with guitarist and co-writer Zac Farro, things have happened quickly for Williams and her Paramore mates. Their major-label debut, Riot!, powered by the frenetic singles Misery Business, Crushcrushcrush and That's What You Get, went platinum in the US, gold in the UK, and in numerous music magazines the band was named "No. 1 Group To Watch". Williams took time out from Paramore's The Final Riot! 2008 Tour to talk to MusicRadar about her musical youth, forming Paramore, and her conflicts about "female-fronted" groups. For more interviews and the best music news, reviews and tuition, head to www.musicradar.com.

As the guitarist in Extreme, the Boston-based hard rock band he's reformed after a 13-year break, Nuno Bettencourt became a guitar god in the late '80s and early '90s. Years later, as the first versions of new track Star began to surface, Bettencourt sat down with MusicRadar for an extensive interview. The ever-opinioned guitarist spoke effusively about the current state of music, the ongoing influence of Queen, getting the old gang back together - and he even answered some of MusicRadar's user's questions. For more Nuno Bettencourt and the best music news, reviews and tuition, head to www.musicradar.com.

Seemingly impervious to changes in musical fashion, Def Leppard continue to thrive. Their latest release, Songs From The Sparkle Lounge, is their perkiest effort in years, and even finds the pop-metallurgists teamed with country boy Tim McGraw on the track Nine Lives. Before hitting the road with Lep for yet another summer tour bonanza, Campbell sat down with MusicRadar to discuss his role in the band, working the blues into pop and how he's dealt with big-headed lead singers (no, we don't mean Joe Elliot). For more Def Leppard and the best music news, reviews and tuition, head to www.musicradar.com.

During the recent summer NAMM show, MusicRadar sat down with Matt Sorum - drummer with Velvet Revolver and formerly Guns N' Roses - in the crowded bar of his hotel to talk about the states of VR and GN'R, the rumor of his involvement with Oasis, and how he handles the vicissitudes of lead singers. The engaging and candid skin basher was happy to opine away. And when it came to Scott Weiland, he didn't hold back. For more Velvet Revolver and Guns N' Roses, as well as the best music news, reviews and tuition, head to www.musicradar.com.

Drumming for possibly the biggest prog-metal band in the world isn't enough for Mike Portnoy. Furiously motivated, he's not just the Dream Theater drummer - he also co-produces their albums, writes lyrics, designs artwork and more. It's not all Theater, either; he plays in prog-rock supergroups such as Liquid Tension and Transatlantic, and if that too weren't enough, he's also in four insanely-happening tribute bands - including Beatles act Yellow Matter Custard. During a massive Dream Theater tour, Portnoy checked in with MusicRadar to discuss the band and his love of playing the music of his heroes. For more Dream Theater and the best music news, reviews and tuition, head to www.musicradar.com.

Armed with his signature Fender Telecaster, a face full of greasepaint and a wholly individualistic approach to music and style, John 5 has become one of the world's most popular guitarists. His blend of turbo-charged pickin'-and-a-grinnin' meets gonzo goth metal has evolved into something of a cottage industry on solo albums such as Vertigo, The Devil Knows My Name and his newest release, Requiem. MusicRadar caught up with John 5 to talk about the new album, his early days as a guitarist and the thought process necessary for a being a genre skipper. For more John 5 including guest guitar lessons, as well as the best music news, reviews and tuition, head to www.musicradar.com.