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:E05: Peter Frampton, the Man, the Myth, the Legend [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:57
Topics: Peter Frampton, Talkbox, Joe Walsh, Quadrophenia, Pete Townsend Synopsis Peter Frampton is a legend of rock music and the best-known user of the renowned Heil Talkbox. For the last several decades, his innovation…
S1:E04: The Story of the Heil Talk Box [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:12
Topics: Talkbox, Dunlop, Bon Jovi, Slash, Tool Bob Heil is perhaps known best for developing the Talk Box, the renowned device that has been used by rock guitarists for decades to produce a variety of unique sounds. But…
S1:E03: Joe Walsh and the History of Heil Sound [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:43
Topics: Joe Walsh, James Gang, Goldline Pro, The Fin, phantom power Synopsis What comes to mind when you think of Joe Walsh? You probably think of his incredible contribution to rock music through The Eagles and James Ga…
S1:E02: Bob Heil and the Modern Stage Monitor System [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:45
Topics: Jeff Beck, Grateful Dead, monitors, The Who, ZZ Top Synopsis One of the most important, yet most overlooked, parts of a sound system is the monitor setup. Monitors allow the band members to hear themselves and on…