Shows / Professor of Rock
Professor of Rock
The ultimate rock music history podcast for fans of the greatest era of music. If you’ve ever wondered about the true stories behind your favorite songs, or wanted to hear directly from the legends who made them, Professor of Rock is your new go-to podcast. Hosted by music historian and superfan Adam Reader, this show brings the golden era of music back to life with exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes stories, and deep dives into the songs that shaped our lives. This podcast uncovers how…
Episodes
- Professor of Rock
From Wedding Singer to Metal Icon: The Rise of Sebastian Bach
Coming up, an interview with a legendary 5 octave range singer who blew up radio in the 80s with his band, with songs that have become rock classics, including…
- Professor of Rock
Top Albums of 1984 – The Smiths, Prince, The Cars, and More Rock Legends
Coming up, we're counting down the greatest albums of music’s greatest year, 1984... fueled by a barrage of powder kegs, including a full-on brawl between two…
- Professor of Rock
1994 Countdown: Iconic Songs from Beck, Lisa Loeb, and Soundgarden
Coming up, it really is our Final Yearly Songs Countdown…and we end with a bang. One of the best years ever. A year where Beck, the worst rapper in history…
- Professor of Rock
How Kiss Saved Their Career with “Forever” After 12 Years Without a Hit
Coming up, Kiss, the hard rock band whose career was saved by a cheesy ballad written by a man who became a punchline due to a joke in the comedy film Office…
- Professor of Rock
Rock’s Greatest Rivalries: Band Feuds That Made History
Coming up… Rock rivalries are the stuff of legend. Behind the spotlight, egos clash, tempers flare, and sometimes the stage just isn’t big enough to hold all…
- Professor of Rock
FROM THE VAULT: Queen’s 'Bohemian Rhapsody': How Freddie Mercury Leaked the Song That Became a #1 Hit
On this day in 1969, Freddie Bulsara—later Freddie Mercury—made his live debut with Ibex in the UK. To celebrate his legacy, we revisit the story of Queen’s…
- Professor of Rock
How the Beach Boys Made One of the Greatest Songs Ever—And One of the Worst
Coming up… The story of a legendary band’s 22-year gap between #1 Hits…in the 60s, they had one of the greatest #1 hits in history. It was not only genius…It…
- Professor of Rock
Van Halen’s Wild Studio Stories: Forgotten Lyrics, Accidental Genius, and More
Coming up, we get the story behind one of the greatest bands of the rock era from their Rough and Ready bassist, including the story behind a classic album…
- Professor of Rock
FROM THE VAULT: 5 Overlooked 80s New Wave Gems That Deserve More Recognition
We're taking it back with a classic POR countdown. Reintroducing the story of 5 cult classics from 80s New Wave. I’ve said it before, Some people are sticklers…
- Professor of Rock
Top 5 Haunting Female Vocal Performances of the ’70s: Donna Summer, Patti Smith & More
Coming up, we’re counting down the most Haunting female vocal performances of the 70s, including Donna Summer with a vocal on “Love to Love You Baby” that was…
- Professor of Rock
FROM THE VAULT: When The Beatles Took on The Who with “Helter Skelter”
On this day in 1962, Ringo Starr played his first show with The Beatles, marking the start of the classic Fab Four lineup. To celebrate, we revisit the wild…
- Professor of Rock
Countdown: The Greatest Songs of 1961 Including Roy Orbison’s Vocal Masterpiece
Coming up… I said I was done, but then I got overwhelming feedback to keep going, so let’s take it one by one. Today, we unravel the story of a classic…
- Professor of Rock
When Ego Ruined Everything: Rock’s Most Infamous Self-Destruct Moments
They had the fame. They had the fans. They had it all… until one decision brought it all crashing down. You loved the first one, so here’s part 2, counting…
- Professor of Rock
The Story Behind Supertramp’s “The Logical Song” – A Classic Rock Masterpiece
Coming up next, Supertramp, a rock band that may be the most under-appreciated of the classic rock era… We just talked about them in a countdown, and we got so…
- Professor of Rock
How “Love Is a Battlefield” Was Rewritten and Became an ’80s Anthem
Coming up, an interview with Neil Giraldo, one of the best guitarists and producers of the 80s, on a true classic from the decade. Here's how it went... Two of…
- Professor of Rock
FROM THE VAULT: Randy Bachman on How “You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet” Became an Accidental #1 Hit
On this day in 1977, Bachman-Turner Overdrive announced their breakup, marking the end of a remarkable run by one of the most powerful rock acts of the '70s…
- Professor of Rock
7 Hilarious Non-Parody Rock Songs You Won’t Believe Aren’t Jokes
In a world that is way too serious, we all need a lot more humor in our lives. In this episode, we’re going to spotlight 7 of the funniest non-parody songs of…
- Professor of Rock
FROM THE VAULT: How George Harrison Inspired Led Zeppelin to Write The Rain Song
Known to many as hard and heavy rockers, Led Zeppelin has written some of the greatest pulse-pounding classics of the past half-century. But at one point they…
- Professor of Rock
1993’s Top Songs: R.E.M., Billy Joel, Duran Duran, Whitney Houston & Blind Melon
Coming up…What may be the last good year for mainstream music…There were about 10 crappy songs for every great one. But don’t worry, the 11 good ones in…
- Professor of Rock
5 Unsolved Rock Mysteries: The Strangest Lost Songs Ever Found
Coming up, we’re counting down 5 of the most compelling cold cases in rock… songs that were recorded back in the day, but then fell into obscurity… only to…
- Professor of Rock
Nick Kershaw’s “Wouldn’t It Be Good”: The 80s Anthem That Live Aid and Pretty in Pink Reimagined
In 1984, a rookie named Nick Kershaw put out a song that became a teenage anthem called Wouldn’t It Be Good for the outcasts and the have-nots, and it earned…
- Professor of Rock
Styx's “Renegade”: The Accidental Hit That Made Tommy Shaw a Rock Legend
Coming up an interview with one of the defining voices of 70s and 80s rock: Tommy Shaw. He joined Styx after they already had a couple of hits, but they…
- Professor of Rock
Improv Magic: The Untold Stories Behind Pink Floyd, The Who, and More
Improvisation is the X factor behind some of the greatest tracks of the Rock Era—moments of spontaneous genius nborn from gifted talent and instinct. On this…
- Professor of Rock
FROM THE VAULT: How David Gilmour’s Voice Elevated Pink Floyd’s Greatest Songs
FROM THE VAULT: David Gilmour’s Most Powerful Vocal Performances with Pink Floyd In this special vault episode, we shine a spotlight on one of rock’s most…
- Professor of Rock
Oldies But Goldies: The Untold Stories Behind the 1962 Hits That Changed Music
It was the year of golden oldies. In fact, it was the year that was described when people say the oldies but goodies. So many incredible songs, including the…
- Professor of Rock
Ozzy Osbourne’s Greatest Songs: A Tribute to Heavy Metal’s Icon
He was the madman who redefined heavy metal… an unlikely rock hero who became a legend. With the passing of Ozzy Osbourne on July 22, 2025, the world lost more…
- Professor of Rock
How Living Colour’s “Cult of Personality” Broke Barriers on MTV and Rock Radio
There are only a few dozen songs that came on the radio and rearranged our brains; they smacked us upside the head and changed the way we looked at the world…
- Professor of Rock
FROM THE VAULT: Interview with Geoff Downes: How "Video Killed the Radio Star" Became an 80s Icon Despite Peaking in the 70s
On This Day in Rock History, 1981, music changed forever with the launch of MTV, and the very first video to air was “Video Killed the Radio Star” by The…
- Professor of Rock
England Dan & John Ford Coley: The Soft Rock Duo Who Rivaled Zeppelin
I love stories like this… I've got one half of the underrated duo England Dan and John Ford Coley, that maybe the kings of the line, "Oh, that’s who sings that…
- Professor of Rock
BONUS: Adam and Janda Lane remember Ozzy Osbourne on the Behind The Song podcast
In this special episode of Behind The Song, Janda Lane is joined by Adam Reader for an emotional conversation about the passing of one of rock’s most iconic…
- Professor of Rock
Top 10 Albums of 1979: Fleetwood Mac, The Clash, AC/DC & More
Coming up, we’re breaking down a year that might be the best ever for the lost art of the ALBUM: 1979. It was truly a year of classics. Including a record by…
- Professor of Rock
FROM THE VAULT: How Cream Turned a Poem About Real Estate into the Psychedelic Rock Classic “White Room”
On this day in 1966, Cream (Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, and Ginger Baker) made their explosive live debut at The Twisted Wheel in Manchester. Just three years…
- Professor of Rock
Top 10 Songs of 1992: From Nirvana’s Revolution to Metallica’s Surprising Ballad
Coming up, it’s the story of 10 classic songs from a tsunami year in music. Tsunami as in a year where 1 song wiped out the status quo on radio and MTV… With…
- Professor of Rock
How Cake’s “The Distance” Became the Coolest Song of the ’90s
Coming up next, I have to admit, I was pretty intimidated to interview today’s guest, John McCrea of Cake. This witty singer is wicked smart. Cake's song The…
- Professor of Rock
Weird Al Yankovic’s Greatest Parodies: From “White & Nerdy” to “Amish Paradise”
What does a comedy legend do after he’s conquered the 80s with some of the funniest take downs of classic songs with food and hospitals, and then skewered the…
- Professor of Rock
Jimi Hendrix’s Final Days, Wild Legends, and the Truth About “Purple Haze”
Today, we have one of those rare classic songs, Purple Haze, that has a multitude of stories and legends behind it. First of all, it’s the mother of all…
- Professor of Rock
How Walter Egan Turned a Crush on Stevie Nicks Into a 1978 Classic
Coming up, I had a blast with my guest today, Walter Egan… a man who many call a one-hit wonder, but that’s too easy... Sure, he created a huge hit in the late…
- Professor of Rock
Remembering Ozzy Osbourne – Ozzy’s Post–Sabbath Comeback Begins with “Crazy Train” and Randy Rhoads
As we continue our tribute to the late, great Ozzy Osbourne, we revisit one of the most electrifying chapters of his legendary career with the creation of…
- Professor of Rock
Remembering Ozzy Osbourne – The Redemption Behind “Mama, I’m Coming Home”
Today, we honor the Prince of Darkness: Ozzy Osbourne, who has passed away, leaving behind one of the most legendary and unfiltered legacies in the history of…
- Professor of Rock
The Lost Rebel Anthem: How Rock’s Boldest Hit Disappeared from Culture
So this was probably the most difficult episode I’ve ever made. But it’s one that I hope will provoke a real discussion… So one of the main reasons rock ’n’…
- Professor of Rock
The Power of the Rock Community: Why We Won’t Back Down in the Music Rights Fight
It’s been such a crazy week as I’ve been fighting this music rights scam. At one point, I was about ready to give up hope. But I can’t believe how much good…
- Professor of Rock
FROM THE VAULT: Motley Crue’s 'Home Sweet Home': The Epic Music Video MTV Had to Stop Playing
Don’t go anywhere. Next up: the most-watched episode in Professor of Rock history! FROM THE VAULT: Today, it’s an epic track from a throwaway album… Or at…
- Professor of Rock
FROM THE VAULT: The Story Behind The Beatles’ Perfect Double A-Side – Penny Lane & Strawberry Fields Forever
Today's vault episode serves up one of Adam's favorite episodes. The collaborative genius of Lennon & McCartney created many of the most celebrated…
- Professor of Rock
Top 10 B-Sides That Became Iconic Hits: Queen, Fleetwood Mac, Pearl Jam & More
Alright, for this episode, we’re flipping the record over to uncover some of the greatest surprise hits of the rock era… That’s right, it’s the revenge of the…
- Professor of Rock
Michael Anthony Reveals How Van Halen Conquered Rock ‘n’ Roll
Ya know, every now and again I do an interview and I have a pinch-me moment. All of a sudden, I have the realization that I’m talking to True Rock Royalty……
- Professor of Rock
FROM THE VAULT: How Def Leppard Defied the Odds to Create Hysteria – An 80s Rock Masterpiece
🎸 On This Day in Rock History: In 1978, Def Leppard played their first-ever gig at Westfield School in Sheffield, setting the stage for their legendary career…
- Professor of Rock
FROM THE VAULT: Rob Halford on Writing Breaking the Law and How Judas Priest Brought Metal to MTV
On this day in rock history, Judas Priest released their eighth studio album, "Screaming For Vengeance," which went on to sell millions worldwide. To honor the…
- Professor of Rock
Top 10 Albums of 1985: Tears for Fears, Dire Straits, Kate Bush & More
Coming up, we're taking the time machine to the 80s and going on a shopping spree at the record store. We're gonna track down the ten best albums of 1985…
- Professor of Rock
Wind of Change, Enter Sandman, and the Songs That Rocked 1991
Coming up, it was a year of changes in radio and pop culture. A year that many tout as one of the greatest in music history, and rock made a big comeback, with…
- Professor of Rock
The Rise and Fall of Creedence Clearwater Revival: The Tragedy Behind “Have You Ever Seen the Rain”
Today’s story is one of the saddest in rock history. Creedence Clearwater Revival was a band that had as much potential as any who ever recorded a song… They…
- Professor of Rock
FROM THE VAULT: Interview with Thomas Dolby: Playing Live Aid With David Bowie and Writing for Michael Jackson
On this day in 1985, Live Aid made music history. To mark the anniversary of perhaps the most iconic concert ever staged—simultaneously in London and…
- Professor of Rock
When Rock Songs Go Wrong: The Bizarre True Stories Behind Music’s Darkest Myths
Coming up, it’s an episode that isn’t for the faint of heart. Today, we’re getting spooky as we explore the most cursed songs of the rock era and beyond. There…
- Professor of Rock
The Untold Story of Rush’s Biggest Hits: Interviews with Two Rock Legends
Coming up next, its 2 of the 3 principles of one of Rock’s Greatest trios on a few of the greatest songs of the 80s. And some all-time Myths are busted in this…
- Professor of Rock
The Story of “More Than Words” by Extreme: A Power Ballad That Changed Everything
Up next, Nuno Bettencourt, who may have taken over as the GOAT of all guitarists, tells the story of Extreme's biggest hit, More Than Words… Nuno and Extreme…
- Professor of Rock
Stevie Nicks, Dolores O’Riordan & Alanis: Rock’s Most Unique Female Singers
Coming up, we’re counting down the most distinctive, unique, one-of-a-kind voices of the rock era: “Female singer edition.” The list includes Alanis…
- Professor of Rock
FROM THE VAULT: How a Schoolteacher Wrote Elvis Presley’s “Heartbreak Hotel” and Made Music History with Her Son
On July 8, 1954, Elvis Presley's debut single, “That’s All Right,” was played for the first time on Memphis radio, marking a pivotal moment in his career and…
- Professor of Rock
The Beatles' Chart Takeover and 10 More Iconic Songs of 1964
Coming up, we're telling the story of 11 songs that truly defined one of the most pivotal years in the Rock Era, starting with The Beatles, a band so big they…
- Professor of Rock
The Bee Gees Comeback: From Disco Backlash to "You Win Again"
COMING UP next, the Bee Gees were the biggest band of the 70s with 8 #1 hits in under 4 years… they were everywhere until they weren’t. What a difference a few…
- Professor of Rock
The Greatest Music Records of All Time—And Why No One Will Ever Top Them
In music, trends come and go, chart-toppers rise and fall—but every once in a while, an artist or a band does something that is completely untouchable. I’m…
- Professor of Rock
A Tribute to Dan Fogelberg – The Unsung Hero of ’70s and ’80s Songwriting
There’s No Teaser Today…We have a very special episode of Professor of Rock today covering a legendary singer-songwriter who we lost. To me, it was one of the…