Shows / The Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock Podcast
The Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock Podcast
The Ugly American Werewolf in London is a weekly podcast about classic rock, hard rock, progressive rock, heavy metal, early MTV, 80s music, UK vs. US chart success and all things rock! Hosted by The Wolf and Action Jackson, who interview rock legends, review classic albums and concerts of their favorite classic rock bands each week. Once a month, they welcome musicians, writers and fans to First Concert Memories to tell about one particular night where a live concert changed their life. Action…
Episodes
The Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock PodcastUAWIL #265: 2025 Part 1 - The Albums, Authors & Podcasters
What a year 2025 has been! We want to take the opportunity to thank all of our loyal listeners and all the new ones who've found us this year. In a year of…
The Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock PodcastUAWIL #264: Top 10 80s Movie Soundtracks
The 1980s were an incredible time for pop and rock music. Thanks to technology and MTV, many genres enjoyed great success throughout the decade. But movies…
The Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock PodcastUAWIL #263: Yes Live in 2025
Yes has been around for more than 55 years. They've made some of the world's best progressive rock music and even had some success on the pop charts. While The…
The Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock PodcastFirst Concert Memories #29: Bay City Rollers with Holly Cantos of What Difference Does it Make?
The Wolf and Action Jackson were too young and too straight to get into 70s heartthrobs The Bay City Rollers. The Scottish boys were plastered all over every…
The Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock PodcastUAWIL #262: The Beatles - Rubber Soul
The Wolf & Action Jackson will admit they aren't the world's biggest Beatles fans. Though we appreciate their influence to help create the music we love…
The Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock PodcastUAWIL #261: Queen - A Night at the Opera
Queen found themselves in trouble in late 1975. They had a terrible management contract they were desperate to get out of, they'd had to cancel a tour which…
The Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock PodcastUAWIL #260: Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Evening Live Review
When The Wolf saw that Jason Bonham was bringing his Led Zeppelin Evening to town he was interested but a little skeptical. Though John Bonham's oldest child…
The Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock PodcastUAWIL #259: Motorhead - Ace of Spades
Every metalhead knows Motorhead for their all out attack playing style with raunchy lyrics that bounces you from one three minute bludgeoning to the next. When…
The Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock PodcastFirst Concert Memories #28: Scarlet Rivera & Stu Allen play Bob Dylan's Rolling Thunder Revue
On a very special First Concert Memories we welcome two extraordinary guests to not only tell us all about a series of concerts from 50 years ago but for an…
The Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock PodcastUAWIL #258: Asia - Astra
1982 saw supergroup Asia reach the top of the charts with their self-titled debut which would go onto be the #1 selling album in the US that year. Smash hit…
The Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock PodcastUAWIL #257: Simple Minds - Once Upon A Time
By 1985, Simple Minds were coming off a #1 album in the UK with Sparkle in the Rain and sales from all around the world. But it only went to #64 in the US and…
The Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock PodcastUAWIL #256: Rush Reunion Hot Take
Long time listeners know that Rush is one of The Wolf's top 3 favorite bands of all time. The Wolf & Action Jackson camped out to see Rush on the Roll The…
The Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock PodcastUAWIL #255: Dire Straits - Making Movies
Mark Knopfler is a celebrated guitar player and songwriter. And while his voice may not win awards for being pretty, his world-weary story songs fit his…
The Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock PodcastUAWIL #254: The Police - Zenyatta Mondatta
By 1980, The Police were really on a roll. Their first two albums, Outlandos d'Amour and Regatta de Blanc had introduced their punk/reggae stylings to the…
The Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock PodcastFirst Concert Memories #27: Led Zeppelin with Tony Michaelides
As teenagers, The Wolf & Action Jackson dreamed of seeing Led Zeppelin live. However, the boys came of age in the 1980s after the band had broken up following…
The Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock PodcastUAWIL #253: Steve Hackett - Voyage of the Acolyte
1975 found Genesis in a time of transition. After coming off a lengthy and technically difficult tour for their 1974 album The Lamb LIes Down On Broadway, most…
The Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock PodcastUAWIL #252: Oasis - What's The Story Morning Glory
Longtime listeners of our show know that The Wolf is an unabashed American Oasis fan. Though he wasn't onboard from the jump, once he discovered the melodies…
The Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock PodcastUAWIL #251: Rush - Caress of Steel
In late 1975, Rush were feeling confident. Their previous album Fly By Night had taken a step forward from their eponymous debut and new drummer Neil Peart had…
The Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock PodcastUAWIL #250: Hugh Syme Interview
We at The Wolf are excited to present our 250th episode of UAWIL and want to take a moment to thank all our loyal listeners & social media followers. Building…
The Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock PodcastFirst Concert Memories #26: Van Halen 5150 with Ilan Fong
On the 26th edition of First Concert Memories, we go back to 1986 to hear the story of one young rock fan's first ever Van Halen concert. Our Pantheon Podcasts…
The Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock PodcastUAWIL #249: The Replacements - Tim
By 1985, The Replacements had seen and done a few things. They'd recorded a couple of records (see our review of Let It Be at 40) and been out on some tours…
The Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock PodcastUAWIL #248: The Black Crowes Live in '25
The Wolf has had a complicated relationship with The Black Crowes. As a young man, he felt the music industry had conspired to anoint the Crowes as the next…
The Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock PodcastUAWIL #247: Pink Floyd - Wish You Were Here
It's hard to imagine being in Pink Floyd in 1975. 1973's Dark Side of the Moon had not only achieved high praise from the critics but had sold better than most…
The Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock PodcastUAWIL #246: Queensryche - Empire
Queensryche were always different from their hard rock & hair metal brethren in the 80s & 90s. Based out of Seattle, Geoff Tate (vocals), Chris DeGarmo (lead…
The Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock PodcastFirst Concert Memories #25: Bruce Springsteen 1980 with Richard from Rock N Roll Archeology
As we start our 3rd year of First Concert Memories, the monthly sidecast from your friends at The Ugly American Werewolf in London, we welcome our friend…
The Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock PodcastUAWIL #245: Santana - Abraxas
1969 was a big year for Carlos Santana. He played Woodstock one week before his debut album was released and he saw it rise the charts and sell millions in the…
The Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock PodcastUAWIL #244: Yes - Drama
Most casual Yes fans aren't familiar with their 1980 release Drama. After 8 years of gold and platinum releases, Drama failed to sell as well as its 70s prog…
The Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock PodcastUAWIL #243: Eric Clapton - Behind The Sun Reboot with Guitar Tech Lee Dickson
In a first for us hear at The Wolf, we're rebooting a previous episode with cool, never before heard material. On Episode 221 we did our usual track by track…
The Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock PodcastUAWIL #242: Alan Hunter & Eric Clapton Guitar Tech Lee Dickson Interviews on Live Aid at 40
You might ask boys - if you've already done two 1+ hour episodes on Live Aid at 40, what more could you possibly have left for a third? The only thing we left…
The Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock PodcastUAWIL #241: Live Aid at 40 Part 2 - The Good, The Bad & The Ugly
Welcome to Part 2 of our deep dive into Live Aid as it turns 40. In Part 1 we spoke about the creation and buildup to the event on July 13, 2025 at Wembley…
The Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock PodcastUAWIL #240: Live Aid at 40 - Part 1
Live Aid may have been the cultural event for Gen X'ers just as Woodstock was for their baby boomer parents. Bob Geldof had led a group of British pop artists…
The Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock PodcastFirst Concert Memories #24: Rush with Brad Page of I'm In Love With That Song Podcast
Longtime listeners know that The Wolf & Action Jackson hava a special place in their hearts for Rush, the Canadian power trio that went through many phases and…
The Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock PodcastUAWIL #239: Iron Maiden Live in Stockholm X2 - Run For Your Lives Tour
When Iron Maiden announced they'd be doing the Run For Your Lives Tour in 2025-26, The Wolf & Action Jackson knew they would have to go see a couple of shows…
The Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock PodcastUAWIL #238: Help! - The Beatles
Listeners of The Wolf know that despite the fact that The Wolf lived mere yards (or meters) from Abbey Road, he and Action Jackson aren't huge Beatles fans…
The Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock PodcastUAWIL #237: The Session Man - Nicky Hopkins Documentary Review
While the average rock fan may not know the name Nicky Hopkins, the average rock legend knows the name very well and most likely worked with him at some point…
The Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock PodcastUAWIL #236: Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow
Ritchie Blackmore is known as a guitar legend and as one of the more mercurial figures in rock. The Rock N Roll Hall Of Famer rose to power with Deep Purple…
The Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock PodcastFirst Concert Memories #23: Jimi Hendrix with DJ Danny Meyers
As The Wolf & Action Jackson grew up throughout the 1980s and their taste for guitar driven rock music grew, the legend of Jimi Hendrix always loomed large. A…
The Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock PodcastUAWIL #235: Fleetwood Mac (1975)
By 1975, Fleetwood Mac had already had many iterations and lineups. Started by veterans of John Mayall's Bluesbreakers, early Fleetwood Mac were a blues based…
The Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock PodcastUAWIL #234: REM - Fables of the Reconstruction
By 1985, REM had carved out a following both in their home base of Athens, GA and at colleges and indie radio stations around the US. Their first two albums…
The Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock PodcastUAWIL #233: Metallica Live Night 2 in Nashville - Owners Suite!
The Wolf & Action Jackson are so happy to be able to share the story of Night 2 of Metallica in Nashville on Saturday, May 3. While the first night of the No…
The Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock PodcastUAWIL #232: Metallica Live in Nashville Night 1
Though The Wolf saw Metallica kickoff their 72 Seasons/No Repeat Weekend Tour in Amsterdam in 2023, Jackson was not able to join. In fact, Action Jackson…
The Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock PodcastFirst Concert Memories #22: Ted Nugent with Jon Verno of Metal Mayhem ROC
We are happy to welcome our fellow Pantheon Podcast brother Jon Verno, host of Metal Mayhem ROC, to share his first EVER concert at the age of 13 - Ted Nugent…
The Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock PodcastUAWIL #231: Motley Crue - Theater of Pain
By 1985, Motley Crue were in a tough place. Though they'd achieved success, wealth and worldwide fame thanks to their first 2 albums Too Fast For Love and…
The Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock PodcastUAWIL #230: Sting - Dream of the Blue Turtles
As long time listeners of the show know, The Wolf and Action Jackson were and remain huge fans of The Police. When they were 10, Synchronicity and Every Breath…
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UAWIL #229: Robert Plant - Shaken N Stirred
Listeners of our show know of our love for Led Zeppelin and their iconic lead singer, Robert Plant. Already this year we've devoted 2 shows to Physical…
The Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock PodcastUAWIL #228: Dire Straits - Brothers in Arms
While Dire Straits were a solid band that had radio hits since their first album was released in 1978, there was nothing to portend the outrageous fortune they…
The Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock PodcastUAWIL #227: Pete Townshend - Empty Glass
By 1980, Pete Townshend was 34 or 35, regarded as a true legend of rock music and a revered songwriter. He was one of the true pied pipers of rock n roll. The…
The Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock PodcastFirst Concert Memories #21: KISS with Brian Slagel, CEO of Metal Blade Records
We all have vivid memories of our first rock concerts. You know the ones - when you're young, full of anticipation with no knowledge or understanding of the…
The Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock PodcastUAWIL #226: Judas Priest - British Steel
By 1980, Judas Priest were ready to take on all the world! Fresh off their classic live album Unleashed In The East, Priest were ready to conquer America and…
The Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock PodcastUAWIL #225: Becoming Led Zeppelin Review
As long-time followers of our show are aware, The Wolf and Action Jackson are HUGE Led Zeppelin fans. When it was announced several years back that there would…
The Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock PodcastUAWIL #224: Aerosmith - Toys In The Attic
It's possible that Aerosmith is the greatest American rock band of all time. And in our opinion, their best album was 1975's Toys In The Attic which is still…
The Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock PodcastUAWIL #223: Bad Company - Straight Shooter
Bad Company hit the scene in 1974 in a big way. Signed to Led Zeppelin's Swan Song label and managed by Peter Grant, the supergroup composed of Paul Rodgers…
The Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock PodcastFirst Concert Memories #20: The Who with Farmer John of Vinyl Relics
For The Wolf and Action Jackson, The Who in 1989 were coming back one last time to perform - something they hadn't done since the early 80s and had sworn off…
The Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock PodcastUAWIL #222: Jeff Beck - Blow By Blow
By the mid-70s, Jeff Beck was a bit of an enigma. He started out as a blues player in The Yardbirds replacing Eric Clapton and sharing the stage for few shows…
The Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock PodcastUAWIL #221: Eric Clapton - Behind The Sun
By 1985, Eric Clapton's storied career seemed to be flaming out. The Rock God status he'd attained in the 60s with The Yardbirds and Cream and maintained as a…
The Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock PodcastUAWIL #220: Phil Collins - No Jacket Required
In 1985, Phil Collins could do no wrong. His album No Jacket Required would eventually hit the top spot in the US and the UK. He'd also have the top album and…
The Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock PodcastUAWIL #219: Led Zeppelin - Physical Graffiti Part 2
On Part 2 of our track x track review of Physical Graffiti as it turns 50, we review the 2nd LP/CD. While there is little in the world of rock music that can…
The Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock PodcastFirst Concert Memories #19: The Sex Pistols with Amy Linden
Though there has been lots of timeless music made over the years, punk music was the most tied to a certain time as any genre. The enormous explosion that was…
The Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock PodcastUAWIL #218: Led Zeppelin - Physical Graffiti Part 1
1975, Led Zeppelin were at the height of their rock god power. They'd made 5 albums that sold off the charts, especially in the US where they enjoyed the…
The Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock PodcastUAWIL #217: Vision Quest Soundtrack
Vision Quest was released in theaters February 15, 1985. Based on a book that was hot in the young adult space, it featured a young Matthew Modine as Loudon…