S1:E02: Bob Heil and the Modern Stage Monitor System

S1:E02: Bob Heil and the Modern Stage Monitor System

Author: With Bob Heil January 21, 2016 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 one another in order to give their best performance. In today’s episode, Bob Heil talks about the critical role he played in developing the modern monitor setup and the rock legends who helped make it a reality.

 

Other gems you’ll discover in this episode include: What does a giant ham radio antenna have to with Jerry Garcia using two vocal mics at the same time while on stage with the Grateful Dead? Also, Bob reveals some secrets behind a couple of Who frontman Roger Daltrey's most famous on-stage moves. Speaking of The Who, you'll find out why Bob duct-taped headphones to Keith Moon's head. You will also hear Bob Heil's top five loudest bands ranked by stage volume.

 

Join Bob Heil and he shares stories and insights from fifty years of leadership in the modern sound industry.

 

Links & Resources

 

Heil Sound

 

KSHE 95

 

Jeff Beck

 

The Grateful Dead

 

The Who

 

ZZ Top


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…