Music In My Shoes

The lights drop in Atlanta and Paul McCartney steps into a room full of memory—and invention. We unpack how an icon in his eighties still delivers a two-hour-forty marathon by leaning on tight harmonies, a punchy horn section, and the kind of live tech that lets Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite explode off a modern stage. The show’s emotional peak arrives when Paul sings I’ve Got a Feeling with John via Get Back footage, a moment that proves technology can connect past and present without cheapening either one. From there we chase the thread of discovery. Remember when The Doors felt brand new again in 1980? A radio deep dive, Apocalypse Now, and a greatest hits record turned Hello, I Love You and Riders on the Storm into fresh obsessions for a new generation. We map that rush forward and backward: how L.A. Woman and Morrison Hotel still punch, how Mr. Mojo Risin’ became every teenager’s riddle. Along the way, we decode the stories behind The Rolling Stones’ Get Off of My Cloud and Neil Diamond’s Cracklin’ Rosie, and how fame, loneliness, and late-night singalongs sneak into pop myth. Then we give American Beauty the close listen it deserves. From Box of Rain’s tenderness to Ripple’s campfire wisdom and Truckin’s road-scarred grin, we talk sequencing, sunshine daydream codas, and the tradition behind I Know You Rider. We round out the tour with U2’s Boy—lean, urgent, and still startling—and a Ramones reappraisal that finds great songs beneath Phil Spector’s glossy wall. Through it all, one idea keeps returning: artists adapt, listeners evolve, and the best songs keep meeting us where we are. If that resonates, hit play, follow the show, and share it with a friend who loves live music and music history. Leave a review to tell us which song hit you differently this time—we’ll feature our favorite takes on a future episode. Send us a one-way message. We can’t answer you back directly, but it could be part of a future Music In My Shoes Mailbag!!!

A leather jacket, an iconic eagle logo, and a three-chord blur that changed everything—tour manager Monte A. Melnick joins us to reveal how the Ramones became an institution without ever chasing the charts. From booking chaos and van miles to Sire Records deals and night-after-night precision, Monty shares the systems and scrapes that kept the band loud, fast, and on time. We go inside the job nobody sees: shows and hotels, wrangling crews, negotiating with agents, and surviving mismatched arena bills where batteries and ice picks rained from the crowd. Monte explains why the Ramones doubled down on headlining their own rooms, how CBGB’s gave them a lab to refine short, no-solo songs, and why minimalism was a deliberate design, not a limitation. He walks through Joey’s rise from drums to the mic, Dee Dee’s volcanic creativity and volatility, Tommy’s drum architecture to Marky’s transition, and Johnny’s iron will that protected the brand. If you’ve ever wondered how a band with modest sales became a global touchstone, this conversation connects the dots: discipline over myth, craft over chaos, and a road team that made it all possible. Listen, share with a fellow Ramones fan, and leave a review to tell us your favorite track—and why it still hits. Send us a one-way message. We can’t answer you back directly, but it could be part of a future Music In My Shoes Mailbag!!!

A band doesn’t thrive for thirty plus years by accident. Guitarist/Singer and cofounder Johnny Hickman opens up about the simple pact that kept Cracker alive—stay the course, skip the drama, and serve the song. We dig into how he and David Lowery decide who sings what, which ideas belong to Cracker versus solo projects, and how rotating players and richer arrangements kept the sound evolving without losing its soul. Johnny shares the heart of their identity as a conversation between his signature riffs and David’s singular voice, a push-pull that lets them morph styles while staying unmistakably Cracker. From the pressure to follow Kerosene Hat with more of the same to choosing strings, keys, and pedal steel instead, he explains how ignoring trends led to a fan favorite. We swap notes on Tom Petty and Mike Campbell’s riff-to-song alchemy, why Boys of Summer proves genre lines are flimsy, and how great songs outlast scenes and labels. Community threads through everything: Camp In and Camp Out’s curated nights and those joyous, glitchy “Live from the Cave” streams that carried fans through lockdown. Johnny previews a Halloween return on his public page “Johnny from Cracker,” complete with costumes and sly covers alongside Cracker staples. Hit play for candid stories behind I Hate My Generation, Loser, and the band’s onstage philosophy: play the hits proudly, let the deep cuts breathe, and keep the room connected. If Cracker ever sound like your favorite band, Johnny says, you’ll bring friends—and that’s exactly how this family keeps growing. Enjoy the conversation, share it, and subscribe so you don’t miss the celebration and more. Send us a one-way message. We can’t answer you back directly, but it could be part of a future Music In My Shoes Mailbag!!!

A rush of tour news collides with ticket chaos, memories from Nassau in ’82, and why certain songs outlast the charts. We dig into supergroups, The Jam’s perfect demo, UK vs US tastes, and the small human moments that keep music personal. • Rush 2026 reunion dates and presale chaos • First Rush show memories at Nassau Coliseum • The Jam’s Sound Affects and demo vs studio • UK vs US charts and what sticks • Motorhead, Simple Minds, Arcadia highlights • Thunderstruck’s long fuse and video camera angle • Smashing Pumpkins tour stories and Garbage opener Please like and follow the Music in My Shoes Facebook and Instagram pages If people out there have anything that, you know, they think might be a cool topic to talk about, please feel free to send it in, which you can do by reaching us at musicinmyshoes@gmail.com Send us a one-way message. We can’t answer you back directly, but it could be part of a future Music In My Shoes Mailbag!!!

A listener’s mailbag turns into a rapid-fire set of rock face-offs as we celebrate 100 episodes, relive moments from the show, and crack up at studio bloopers. We end with gratitude, a look at global listeners, and a simple truth: the music keeps us here. • Stones over the Who for longevity and range • Led Zeppelin’s blues power vs Aerosmith’s early punch • Pink Floyd’s concept mastery vs Queen’s showmanship • Eagles’ guitar craft vs Fleetwood Mac’s radio gold • ACDC’s consistency vs Van Halen’s eras • Tom Petty’s steady 80s line vs Springsteen’s stamina • Def Leppard’s teen‑era imprint vs Scorpions’ singles • Rush’s precision over Yes’s gloss • Styx memories vs Kansas staples • Nirvana’s cultural break vs Foo Fighters’ endurance • Jagger archetype vs Tyler disciple • Plant’s thunder vs Freddie’s crowd command • Morrison’s magnetism vs Daltrey’s polish • Billy Joel’s authorship vs Elton John’s catalog • Prince’s virtuosity vs Bowie’s reinvention • Blooper reel highlights and shared laughter • Minute with Jimmy gratitude and partnership • Audience reach across 73 countries and 1,055 cities Hit play, pick your winners, and tell us what we got wrong. Subscribe, share with a friend who loves a good music argument, and leave a review with your matchup—we might feature it next. “Music In My Shoes" where music and memories intertwine. Learn Something New or Remember Something Old Visit our Facebook and Instagram pages and spread the word if you enjoy the podcast.  Contact us at musicinmyshoes@gmail.com with your own musical memories. Send us a one-way message. We can’t answer you back directly, but it could be part of a future Music In My Shoes Mailbag!!!

We trace a loud, joyful route from under a bridge in Brooklyn to an Atlanta club, catching legends who still hit hard and a tight-knit indie circle that turns baseball into song. Small moments—an unexpected wave, a signed drumhead, a kind word—become the glue of a scene that endures. • CBGB Festival under the K Bridge with Melvins, Lunachicks, Johnny Marr, The Damned, Jack White, and Iggy Pop • the Damned’s stamina and goth-tinged White Rabbit standout • Johnny Marr leading Smiths and Electronic songs with strong vocals • Jack White spanning The White Stripes, The Raconteurs, and solo cuts • Iggy Pop at 78 delivering Stooges and solo classics • festival logistics, pricing for young fans, and crowd culture observations • Terminal West doubleheader: The Minus 5 and The Baseball Project lineup crossover • Featuring Scott McCaughey, Peter Buck, Mike Mills, Steve Wynn and Linda Pitmon • merch win: signed one of a kind drumhead • music history notes on the Beatles, the Clash, and Red Hot Chili Peppers “Music In My Shoes" where music and memories intertwine. Learn Something New or Remember Something Old Visit our Facebook and Instagram pages and spread the word if you enjoy the podcast.  Contact us at musicinmyshoes@gmail.com with your own musical memories. Send us a one-way message. We can’t answer you back directly, but it could be part of a future Music In My Shoes Mailbag!!!

Janis Joplin's untimely death on October 4, 1970, marked a profound loss for rock music just sixteen days after Jimi Hendrix's passing. We explore her remarkable legacy, breakthrough at the Monterey Pop Festival, and participation in the legendary Festival Express train tour across Canada. • Janis Joplin died at age 27 with only four albums released, yet her impact remains enormous • "Mercedes-Benz" was the last song Joplin recorded before her death • The Festival Express train tour featured impromptu jam sessions with Joplin, The Grateful Dead, and The Band • Room 105 at the former Landmark Motor Hotel (now Highland Gardens Hotel) has become a shrine to Joplin • We compare rankings of greatest female vocalists across genres, including Ann Wilson, Stevie Nicks, and Whitney Houston • Notable discussion of other musical icons including David Bowie's "Scary Monsters" album, Genesis' "Turn It on Again" Split Enz "I Got You" and The Cure "Close to Me" You can reach us at musicinmyshoes@gmail.com. Please like and follow the Music in My Shoes Facebook and Instagram pages. Send us a one-way message. We can’t answer you back directly, but it could be part of a future Music In My Shoes Mailbag!!!

Music shapes our memories and creates connections across generations, from legendary drummers who defined rock to the venues that launched careers and the songs that withstand time. • John Bonham of Led Zeppelin died September 25, 1980, at age 32 • Exploration of the greatest drummers of all time across various lists • Hal Blaine, session drummer extraordinaire, played on over 35,000 songs including hits by The Beach Boys, Simon & Garfunkel, and Frank Sinatra • Cameron Crowe's "Almost Famous" premiered September 22, 2000, drawing from his teenage experiences writing for Rolling Stone • The film features Stillwater, a fictional band incorporating elements from various bands Crowe encountered • "The Odd Couple" premiered on television September 24, 1970, with the "Password" episode remaining a fan favorite • APB live at My Father's Place in Roslyn, New York, a venue crucial in launching careers of bands like Billy Joel and The Police • Camper Van Beethoven's 40th anniversary performance of 'Telephone Free Landslide Victory' at 40 Watt, Athens, GA “Music In My Shoes" where music and memories intertwine. Learn Something New or Remember Something Old Visit our Facebook and Instagram pages and spread the word if you enjoy the podcast.  Contact us at musicinmyshoes@gmail.com with your own musical memories. Send us a one-way message. We can’t answer you back directly, but it could be part of a future Music In My Shoes Mailbag!!!

We remember Jimi Hendrix's final performances and lasting legacy as arguably the greatest guitarist of all time. From his final show in Germany where fans booed him for weather delays to his breakthrough at the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival, we trace the trajectory of this revolutionary musician. • Examining Hendrix's final days, including his last performance at the Love and Peace Festival in Germany on September 6, 1970 • Breaking down Hendrix's iconic Monterey Pop Festival performance where he set his guitar on fire • Analyzing Hendrix's discography, including his debut album "Are You Experienced" and its lasting impact • Comparing guitar rankings from Rolling Stone and Consequence that both place Hendrix at #1 • Discussing what made Hendrix's guitar playing revolutionary, including his mastery of feedback • Looking back at hit TV Shows; Get Smart and The Golden Girls • Highlighting David Bowie's "Fame" and John Lennon's contribution to the track • Exploring the 1995 charity album "Help" that was recorded, mixed and released in just five days Contact us at musicofmyshoes@gmail.com and please like and follow our Music In My Shoes Facebook and Instagram pages. Live life and keep the music playing. Send us a one-way message. We can’t answer you back directly, but it could be part of a future Music In My Shoes Mailbag!!!

The Rolling Stones' "Get Yer Ya-Ya's Out" changed rock history as the ultimate live album experience, capturing the raw energy of their November 1969 performances with new guitarist Mick Taylor delivering an unforgettable sound. • Released September 4, 1970, it features definitive versions of classics like "Jumpin' Jack Flash," "Midnight Rambler," and "Sympathy for the Devil" • Side one includes Chuck Berry's "Carol," while side two features "Little Queenie" • 40th anniversary edition includes additional tracks plus performances from opening acts BB King and Ike & Tina Turner • Jimmy reveals how Suzanne Vega's "Tom's Diner" became the test song for creating the MP3 format • Discusses AC/DC's "You Shook Me All Night Long" from 1980 and its universal appeal across generations • Explores Silverchair's "Tomorrow" from 1995, recorded when band members were just 15 years old • Features listener feedback through the Music in My Shoes mailbag segment “Music In My Shoes" where music and memories intertwine. Learn Something New or Remember Something Old Visit our Facebook and Instagram pages and spread the word if you enjoy the podcast.  Contact us at musicinmyshoes@gmail.com with your own musical memories. Send us a one-way message. We can’t answer you back directly, but it could be part of a future Music In My Shoes Mailbag!!!

Journey back to the summer of 1970 as we explore the legendary Isle of Wight Festival, where music lovers converged on a small island off England's southern coast for five days of extraordinary performances. What makes this festival particularly special is how well it was documented – allowing us to experience these historic performances through recordings and film footage decades later. From Chicago's early hits to The Who's powerful performance of "Tommy," the festival showcased artists at pivotal moments in their careers. Jim Morrison's haunting performance with The Doors stands as one of his final shows. Meanwhile, Miles Davis demonstrated how jazz could captivate rock audiences, and Jimi Hendrix delivered unforgettable performances just weeks before his death. We'll also transport you to the 1995 HORDE Festival in Atlanta, a touring concert series that helped bands like The Black Crowes and Blues Traveler reach larger audiences by combining their fan bases.  Along the way, we explore summer hits that defined their eras – from KC and the Sunshine Band's disco anthem "Get Down Tonight" to The Kings' double-hit "This Beat Goes On/Switching to Glide." We'll also examine how The Cure's 1985 album "Head on the Door" marked their transition to mainstream success with its distinctive sound. These weren't just concerts – they were cultural touchstones that helped define musical movements and create the shared experiences that bind music fans together. Join us as we celebrate the festivals, songs, and albums that shaped rock history and continue to influence how we experience music today. “Music In My Shoes" where music and memories intertwine. Learn Something New or Remember Something Old Visit our Facebook and Instagram pages and spread the word if you enjoy the podcast.  Contact us at musicinmyshoes@gmail.com with your own musical memories. Send us a one-way message. We can’t answer you back directly, but it could be part of a future Music In My Shoes Mailbag!!!

There's something magical about a determined paperboy chasing John Cusack down, saying "I want my two dollars!" That's the power of an unforgettable movie moment - it sticks with you for decades. In this episode, I dive into why Johnny the Paperboy from 1985's "Better Off Dead" created one of cinema's most quotable running gags despite being just a minor character in the film. But that's just the beginning of our musical journey. I share my recent rockstar encounter with Cheap Trick's legendary guitarist Rick Nielsen, who took time to reminisce over an old band photo I brought him to sign. There's nothing quite like watching a music legend examine his younger self and tell stories about the shoes he wore in 1977! And yes, he flipped the bird in our photo together - a true rock and roll moment I'll never forget. The concert experiences continue as I recount seeing Cheap Trick open for Rod Stewart (who sounds incredible at 80!), connecting with podcast listeners at shows, and my adventure of turning lawn seats into something much better. We explore musical history with deep dives into Squeeze's 1985 comeback tour, Queen's landmark album "The Game" (their only US #1), and why The Cars' underappreciated "Panorama" album deserves another listen. Plus, Jimmy takes us back to 1955 to discover Big Maybel's original version of "Whole Lot of Shakin' Going On" before Jerry Lee Lewis made it famous. Throughout our musical exploration, we discover how certain songs become time machines, instantly transporting us back to specific moments with friends, first listens, and the emotions attached to them. From $2 newspaper deliveries to multimillion-dollar rock tours, this episode celebrates how music connects our past to our present. Give it a listen, then share your own musical memories with us - we'd love to hear which songs define your life's soundtrack! “Music In My Shoes" where music and memories intertwine. Learn Something New or Remember Something Old Visit our Facebook and Instagram pages and spread the word if you enjoy the podcast.  Contact us at musicinmyshoes@gmail.com with your own musical memories. Send us a one-way message. We can’t answer you back directly, but it could be part of a future Music In My Shoes Mailbag!!!

We welcome special guest Lucy, who attended The Beatles' historic concert at Atlanta Stadium on August 18, 1965, sharing her firsthand experience of Beatlemania and still treasuring her original ticket stub nearly 60 years later. • Discussion of the Beatles' film "Help!" including its madcap adventure plot and innovative music videos • Deep dive into the Atlanta Stadium concert, the only Beatles show in the city • Lucy reveals that despite having good seats, the constant screaming made it impossible to hear any of the music • Lucy and her friend's post-concert adventure trying to catch another glimpse of the Beatles in the stadium tunnels • Reflections on growing up alongside the Beatles' evolving music and the heartbreak felt when the band broke up • Discussion of Lucy's later experiences seeing Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr in concert • The Beatles' music as a unique cultural connector spanning multiple generations “Music In My Shoes" where music and memories intertwine. Learn Something New or Remember Something Old Visit our Facebook and Instagram pages and spread the word if you enjoy the podcast.  Contact us at musicinmyshoes@gmail.com with your own musical memories. Send us a one-way message. We can’t answer you back directly, but it could be part of a future Music In My Shoes Mailbag!!!

We take a nostalgic journey through the MTV top videos of 1990, revealing fascinating behind-the-scenes stories and cultural impacts of songs that defined a generation. • Iggy Pop's "Candy" featuring Kate Pearson after Chrissy Hynde was ghosted  • Midnight Oil's "Blue Sky Mine" highlighting the deadly impact of asbestos mining in Australia • Suzanne Vega's "Tom's Diner" remixed by DNA and its connection to MP3 technology development • Vanilla Ice and the "Under Pressure" sounding "Ice Ice Baby" • Faith No More's "Epic" video controversy regarding the flopping fish • 30 years after his death, Jerry Garcia's enduring legacy and the unique experience of seeing the Grateful Dead live • The Cure's "In Between Days" spent just one week on Billboard despite its cultural impact • MC Hammer's "U Can't Touch This" claiming the top spot on MTV's 1990 countdown Visit our Facebook and Instagram pages and spread the word if you enjoy the podcast.  Contact us at musicinmyshoes@gmail.com with your own musical memories or suggestions for future episodes. Send us a one-way message. We can’t answer you back directly, but it could be part of a future Music In My Shoes Mailbag!!!

Ozzy Osbourne's triumphant final performance and sudden passing just 17 days later highlights his remarkable journey from heavy metal pioneer to beloved cultural icon. We explore his legacy while reminiscing about forgotten musical gems that transport us back to specific moments in time. • Ozzy's final concert "Back to the Beginning" in Birmingham featured major bands like Metallica and Guns N' Roses paying tribute • Black Sabbath was a pioneer of heavy metal with classics like "Paranoid" and "Iron Man" • Ozzy was fired from Black Sabbath in 1979 before launching a successful solo career • The Osbournes reality show (2002-2005) introduced Ozzy to a new generation as a lovable family man • 40th Anniversary of "Weird Science." So... What would you little maniacs like to do first? • Martha and the Muffins' "Echo Beach" (1980) remains a beloved summer anthem despite limited commercial success • New Order's "Perfect Kiss" peaked at #5 on Billboard Dance Club Songs chart in July 1985 • Smoking Popes' "Need You Around" gained popularity through the Clueless soundtrack • Stone Temple Pilots' "Sour Girl" is surprisingly their only song to make the Billboard Hot 100 Visit our Facebook and Instagram pages and spread the word if you enjoy the podcast. Contact us at musicinmyshoes@gmail.com with your own musical memories or suggestions for future episodes. Send us a one-way message. We can’t answer you back directly, but it could be part of a future Music In My Shoes Mailbag!!!

Journey back to the summer of 1980 through a recently listened to hour of WPLJ radio from July 18, highlighting the soundtrack of that era and the memories it evokes. • Exploration of a genuine hour of WPLJ radio from July 18, 1980 • Discussion of Willie Nelson's "On the Road Again" from the movie Honeysuckle Rose • Reminiscing about my Top 5 Favorite All-Time Live Album, The Kinks "One for the Road" • Connections between Caddyshack's release and Kenny Loggins' hit "I'm Alright" • Memories of seeing the B-52s perform in Atlanta in 1990 • Jimmy's special segment on This Is Spinal Tap's enduring comedy legacy • Reflection on "Teach Your Children" by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young  “Music In My Shoes" where music and memories intertwine. Learn Something New or Remember Something Old Please like and follow the Music in my Shoes Facebook and Instagram pages Contact us at musicinmyshoes@gmail.com Send us a one-way message. We can’t answer you back directly, but it could be part of a future Music In My Shoes Mailbag!!!

The day the world stopped to listen. July 13, 1985 stands as a pivotal moment when music transcended entertainment to become a global force for humanitarian change. Live Aid connected London's Wembley Stadium and Philadelphia's JFK Stadium through groundbreaking satellite technology, reaching nearly 2 billion viewers. What made Live Aid revolutionary wasn't just its scale but its immediacy. Unlike Woodstock or other historic concerts we experience through curated footage, Live Aid happened in real-time before our eyes. From Status Quo kicking off with "Rockin' All Over The World" to the "We are the World" finale, we witnessed music history unfiltered—technical glitches, microphone failures, and all. This raw authenticity created an unprecedented shared global experience. The performances ranged from career-defining triumphs to disappointing reunions. U2 transformed from cult favorites to superstars with their electrifying 11-minute rendition of "Bad," featuring Bono's spontaneous rescue of a fan from the crushing crowd. Queen delivered what many consider rock's greatest live performance, with Freddie Mercury commanding 72,000 people like a conductor before his orchestra. Phil Collins made the impossible happen—performing in London, flying on the Concorde to New York, and helicoptering to Philadelphia to play with Eric Clapton and Led Zeppelin all in the same day. Beyond raising millions for Ethiopian famine relief, Live Aid fundamentally changed how we understand music's potential impact. It created the blueprint for benefit concerts that continues today, proving that artists could mobilize massive global action. Four decades later, in our fragmented media landscape, Live Aid's achievement seems even more remarkable—a singular moment when music united humanity across continents, cultures, and borders for a cause greater than ourselves. Music in My Shoes" where music and memories intertwine. Learn Something New or Remember Something Old Please like and follow the Music in my Shoes Facebook and Instagram pages and share the podcast with friends on your social media. Contact us at musicinmyshoes@gmail.com.   Send us a one-way message. We can’t answer you back directly, but it could be part of a future Music In My Shoes Mailbag!!!

Rock music's evolution unfolds through fascinating personal stories and historic milestones in this nostalgic journey across seven decades of American music. From Bill Haley's groundbreaking "Rock Around the Clock" hitting #1 in 1955, we travel through time exploring the authentic connections between fans and artists before security barriers existed. The conversation weaves through the 40th anniversary of "Back to the Future." We explore how the movie's iconic "Johnny B. Goode" scene serves as both plot device and tribute to Chuck Berry's profound influence on rock music, creating a perfect time-travel metaphor that resonates even today. Our musical journey continues with firsthand accounts from Athens' vibrant music scene at AthFest, where affordable wristbands unlock access to emerging talent with deep local connections. We share highlights from performances by T. Hardy Morris, The Bad Ends, Slightly Famous Somebodies, and Elijah Johnston, capturing the community spirit that makes regional music festivals so special.  The episode celebrates additional music milestones including the Rolling Stones' "Satisfaction" hitting #1 sixty years ago with its revolutionary fuzz tone, Dave Grohl's remarkable one-man-band approach on the first Foo Fighters album, and U2's contribution to the Batman Forever soundtrack. These stories illustrate how music transcends time, connecting generations through shared cultural touchpoints that continue to influence how we experience music today. Whether you're a longtime fan or discovering these classics for the first time, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the stories behind the songs that shaped American musical history. Send us a one-way message. We can’t answer you back directly, but it could be part of a future Music In My Shoes Mailbag!!!

What happens when lifelong fandom meets musical opportunity? Matt Hughes knows firsthand. Having grown up purchasing Black Sabbath albums, Matt eventually found himself trading guitar solos with Tony Iommi and jamming alongside Bill Ward through Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp experiences that transformed his relationship with music. The most remarkable chapters of Matt's story revolve around Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp, which he describes as "life-changing." Through this innovative program, musicians of all skill levels get to perform with rock legends. For Matt, this meant playing Hendrix's "Hey Joe" with Bill Ward and Lita Ford, and later receiving "the nod" from Tony Iommi to take a guitar solo during Black Sabbath's "Into the Void." These surreal moments—capped by Iommi gifting him a guitar pick—illustrate how the boundaries between fan and musician can beautifully blur. As we anticipate Black Sabbath and Ozzy's final performance together in Birmingham on July 5, 2025, Matt's experiences offer a unique perspective on music's power to create meaningful connections across decades. His story reminds us that passion, persistence, and a willingness to participate can transform our relationship with the music and artists we love. We also look back at the Billboard Hot 100 Chart from July 13, 1985. Songs included are Dire Straits "Money for Nothing" and Dead or Alive "You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)." What made #1? Listen to find out!!! Music in My Shoes" where music and memories intertwine. Learn Something New or Remember Something Old Please like and follow the Music in my Shoes Facebook and Instagram pages and share the podcast with friends on your social media. Contact us at musicinmyshoes@gmail.com. Send us a one-way message. We can’t answer you back directly, but it could be part of a future Music In My Shoes Mailbag!!!

Jim and Jimmy reflect on some of the iconic music from the summer of 1980, exploring how these cultural touchstones shaped friendships and created lasting memories during a transformative time. • The summer of 1980 wasn't just hot—it was transformative. As we celebrate the 45th anniversary of The Blues Brothers film, we dive deep into why this musical comedy masterpiece continues to captivate audiences decades later. From the extraordinary lineup of musical legends (James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, and Cab Calloway) to the spectacular car chases through Chicago's streets, this film represents a perfect convergence of comedy, music, and cultural history. • Paul McCartney's "Coming Up" hitting #1 on Billboard Hot 100 in June 1980, sparking new friendships through shared musical experiences • The Clash's "London Calling" making an impact on American radio with its apocalyptic sound and provocative lyrics • Rolling Stones' "Emotional Rescue" album release combining rock with disco influences • REM's "Fables of the Reconstruction" and Talking Heads' "Little Creatures" marking significant 1985 album releases • Listener feedback on past episodes discussing favorite cover songs and musical memories • And yes—Jimmy finally watched The Goonies! His verdict? "A great movie with fantastic acting from those kids." Sometimes peer pressure works for good! Music in My Shoes" where music and memories intertwine. Learn Something New or Remember Something Old Please like and follow the Music in my Shoes Facebook and Instagram pages and share the podcast with friends on your social media. Contact us at musicinmyshoes@gmail.com. Send us a one-way message. We can’t answer you back directly, but it could be part of a future Music In My Shoes Mailbag!!!