Melissa Etheridge

Melissa Etheridge

Author: Ultimate Classic Rock March 28, 2026 Duration: 27:52
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nominee Melissa Etheridge is with us today to talk about her new album, Rise! She tells Matt how the record came together and they also dig into other topics including songwriting, her collaboration with Chris Stapleton, jamming with Chuck Berry at the Rock Hall's grand opening concert in 1995, playing "Thunder Road" with Bruce Springsteen on MTV Unplugged and many other things! Go see Melissa on her tour, which just started last night! You can find tour dates at www.melissaetheridge.com

For anyone who lives and breathes the stories behind the music, The UCR Podcast offers a deep, ongoing conversation about the artists who defined an era and those carrying the torch forward. This isn't just a recap of headlines; it's a thoughtful exploration from the team at Ultimate Classic Rock, led by host Matt Wardlaw. Each episode feels like pulling up a chair with knowledgeable friends who are just as passionate about the legacy of a landmark album as they are about a band's surprising new project. You'll hear candid interviews that go beyond the usual anecdotes, roundtable discussions where different perspectives collide, and analysis that connects yesterday's revolutions to today's scene. Tuning into this podcast means getting a richer understanding of rock's enduring impact, not only through its history but through its very alive and evolving present. It’s for listeners who want context with their news and substance with their stories, all centered on the legends and the culture they continue to shape.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The UCR Podcast
Podcast Episodes
The History of Blue Oyster Cult [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:22
Buck Dharma of Blue Oyster Cult joins Matt for an entertaining look back at some colorful moments from the band's history, including their experience playing with Kiss and the ill-fated Black and Blue tour with Black Sab…
The Raspberries Were Not an ‘Overnight Sensation' [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:41
If you ever felt like the music of Raspberries deserved more appreciation, the good news is that you're not alone. The better news is that they've finally gotten the respect that they deserve and then some. Author Ken Sh…
The Story of Jet's 'Get Born' Album [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:39
Mark Wilson and Nic Cester of Jet join Matt to look back at their 2003 album Get Born, which is being celebrated this week with a special Record Store Day release of rarities and b-sides. They dig through stories behind…
Todd Rundgren Talks Songwriting and More [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:12
The legendary wizard and true star, Todd Rundgren, is with Matt for our latest podcast. Todd tells us about the current tour. What the World Needs Now: The Burt Bacharach Songbook. He discusses how Bacharach impacted his…
Will Evanescence Be Classic Rock Someday? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:30
What happens when a band starts to find an audience with multiple generations of music fans? Amy Lee talks about that with Matt, while detailing her experience covering Led Zeppelin and working with classic rock heavywei…
John 5 Previews His New Kiss Museum [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:45
Motley Crue guitarist John 5 joins Matthew Wilkening and Matt Wardlaw to talk about his lifelong love of all things Kiss. Fans will have an opportunity to see his collection of over 2,500 items starting in May as he open…
Kansas’ Ronnie Platt on His Cancer Journey [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:35
Kansas vocalist Ronnie Platt joins Matt to share the story behind his recent battle with thyroid cancer. We also discuss several musical topics and this summer's upcoming tour dates with .38 Special.
Iron Maiden’s Adrian Smith Looks Back at His Early Days [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:58
Iron Maiden guitarist Adrian Smith checks in with Matt to discuss the new Smith / Kotzen album. He also tells tales about his early days playing music and some of his influences. Plus, he shares his favorite Iron Maiden…
When Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin Met the Black Crowes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:12
Kevin Shirley (Iron Maiden, Rush, Journey) joins Matt to discuss the incredible collaboration between Jimmy Page and the Black Crowes. The pair teamed up in 1999 to revisit Jimmy's past with Led Zeppelin and thankfully,…
Alex Lifeson of Rush Returns With New Music [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:21
Legendary Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson is back with Stygian Wavs, the second album from his band Envy of None. He joins UCR to take us behind the scenes of the creation of Stygian Wavs. Plus, we discuss his '90s work with…