S1:E01: From Substitute Organist to the World's Biggest Concert Stages

S1:E01: From Substitute Organist to the World's Biggest Concert Stages

Author: With Bob Heil January 9, 2016 Duration: 38:05

Topics: The Grateful Dead, Heil Talk Box, Ham Radio, The Who, Joe Walsh

 

Synopsis:

If you’ve ever listened to Joe Walsh’s “Rocky Mountain Way” or “Do You Feel Like I Do”” by Peter Frampton, you of course heard of the Heil Talk Box. In addition to building that iconic device, Bob Heil also built touring systems for The Who, Humble Pie, and the Grateful Dead. Bob has a history in concert sound that few can match. He continues to be an innovator by designing and building microphones that are used on concert stages, recording studios, broadcast rooms, and podcasts.

 

In this introductory episode of "50 Years of Maximum Rock n' Roll," Bob traces the story of his success from his early days as a substitute organist at the Fox Theatre in St. Louis, all the way to the world’s biggest concert stages. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how Bob helped shape the music of Joe Walsh, Jerry Garcia, and many other heroes of rock ‘n’ roll.

 

Prepare to be inspired and entertained by the story of Heil Sound: the company that not only listens to artists, but does something about it.

 

Links & Resources

 

The Night That Modern Live Sound Was Born (the historic story of how Bob saved The Grateful Dead’s concert at the Fox Theatre)

 

Heil Sound

 

The Grateful Dead

 

Joe Walsh

 

The Who

 


Step inside the control booth and workshop of a true audio legend with 50 Years of Maximum Rock n' Roll. Hosted by Dave Hines, this podcast is a direct line to the life and mind of concert sound pioneer Bob Heil. Each episode unfolds like a backstage pass, weaving together personal journals and untold history from the heart of the rock and roll explosion. You’ll hear Bob’s firsthand accounts from the chaotic, groundbreaking tours with bands like The Who, Humble Pie, and the James Gang, where the very idea of modern live sound was being forged night after deafening night. The stories go deep into the gear that shaped an era, including the intimate tale of creating the iconic Talk Box that defined a generation through Peter Frampton’s voice. This isn't just a look back; it’s a living conversation. Bob is joined by special guests who were right there in the trenches with him, sharing their perspectives on the culture and society that swirled around the music. And because innovation never stopped, he pulls back the curtain on his current work, discussing the cutting-edge microphone designs he’s developing today. For anyone fascinated by the intersection of music, technology, and personal history, this podcast offers a rare, unfiltered journey through five decades of sonic revolution, told by the man who helped turn the volume up to eleven.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 15

50 Years of Maximum Rock n' Roll
Podcast Episodes
S1:EP15: Midwest [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:23
This final episode is a bit of a two-parter. Part one is Bob explaining the impact of, mostly, British rock stars and their crews invading tiny Marissa, Illinois to shop at Ye Old Music. In modern day terms imagine Carri…
S1:EP14: A Six Pack [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:05
Bob Heil will explain what he means by a six pack and what Creem Magazine has to do with that. He will share some special stories about some of the Rock n' Roll legends that he's worked with (Jimmie Hendrix) and we'll fi…
S1:EP13: Geeking Out [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:39
This episode is not about rock stars trashing hotel rooms or epic concerts. It is about the innovation and technology that has gone into much of Bob Heil's career. Bob has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the scie…
Ep 12: ZZ Top [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:05
Before ZZ Top were sharp dressed men they were just a little three piece band from Texas. With no beards. But they had "that sound" driven by Billy Gibbons unmistakable guitar and vocal. Bob Heil and Heil Sound were ther…
Ep 11: Sex, Drugs, and Rock n' Roll [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:00
From Joe Walsh trashing hotel rooms to groupies, Bob Heil recalls some of the crazier stories that to the rest of us seem like legend.
Ep 10: Halls Without Walls [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:44
After working at venues around the globe some of Bob Heil's favorite live sound venues were actually right in his own backyard. Bob recalls the iconic Mississippi River Fest and how Kiel Auditorium became a live testing…
S1:E09 Quadrophenia [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:52
In this episode Bob Heil sits down with Dave Hines to talk about The Who's Quadrophenia tour and how a meeting with Pete Townsend in London blossomed into the album Quadrophenia and the technology that Bob Heil developed…
S1:E08 NAMM Show 2016 Highlights [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:54
Topics NAMM, Russ Long, Sandra McCracken, Denny Tedesco, The Wrecking Crew Synopsis The annual NAMM show in Anaheim, California is a must-attend event for anyone in the music products industry. It’s an opportunity to see…
S1:E07 Randy Burton, Legendary Soundman (Part 2) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:02
Topics: Pete Townshend, The Who, B.B. King, Journey, Steve Perry Synopsis What is it really like to be a professional touring soundman? While some might believe it’s little more than lugging gear and pushing a few button…
S1:E06 Randy Burton, Legendary Soundman (Part 1) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:32
Topics: Ozark Music Festival, Ted Nugent, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Humble Pie, The Eagles Synopsis Music festivals are a staple of the rock ‘n roll industry. Incredible bands, huge crowds, and a rowdy outdoor atmosphere all come…