We’re Really Excited About the Rush Reunion!

We’re Really Excited About the Rush Reunion!

Author: Ultimate Classic Rock October 7, 2025 Duration: 33:29
It's the news that many of us never saw coming. Rush will return in 2026. Matt was in attendance last night at the private event at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland where Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson announced their reunion plans and shared some great war stories. The events that followed that incredible night made a summit with Chuck Armstrong necessary to discuss a number of topics. We share our reunion thoughts, of course, plus news of a contest opportunity for UCR and Loudwire fans to win a trip to see Rush in Chicago on July 18. There's some "fly on the wall" style commentary about some of the people who were in attendance, including industry legends Cliff Burnstein and Peter Mensch and also, former WMMS music director Donna Halper, who played "Working Man" for the first time on U.S. radio and helped set an important course for the band here in the States. We even discuss an interesting Rush promo item that you might need to add to your life. Big thanks to the folks at the Rock Hall, particularly Jason Hanley and J.R. Johnson, for letting Matt spend some time in the studio there at the Hall to have this conversation!

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
Glen Matlock of the Sex Pistols [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:54
Legendary Sex Pistols bassist Glen Matlock joins us today to talk about his new documentary, I Was a Teenage Sex Pistol. Glen tells Matt about the formative days for the group, how things fell apart and how he's lived ou…
Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:21
Today, we're heading back to the '80s with Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull, who reflects on the work that the band did during that decade, including 1984's Under Wraps. There's a new "Unwrapped Edition" box set for the album…
Billy Corgan of Smashing Pumpkins [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:02
Billy Corgan is with us today to talk about the upcoming Smashing Pumpkins "Rats in a Cage" tour happening this fall to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their landmark double LP, Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness.…
Inside the History of April Wine [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:28
April Wine guitarist Brian Greenway joins Matt to discuss his nearly 50-year history with the group. He takes us through his memories of recording many of the Canadian band's most popular singles, including the rocky roa…
Ritchie Blackmore Looks Back at Rainbow's 'Rising' at 50 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:17
Guitar legend Ritchie Blackmore gives a rare interview to the UCR Podcast to discuss his history with both Rainbow and Deep Purple. He looks back at how Rainbow came to be and how the group progressed as they made their…
Joe Satriani [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:53
Joe Satriani is with Matt for the second installment of our two-part look at the upcoming SatchVai album. You can hear an interview with Steve Vai that was posted as our previous episode as well. Joe shares his view on t…
Steve Vai [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:54
We've got conversations on tap featuring both Joe Satriani and Steve Vai. In our first episode, Steve joins Matt to talk about the current SatchVai tour as well as the album that's been taking shape. They also discuss ot…
The Legacy of Chris Cornell's Music [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:40
Mark Menghi of Metal Allegiance and Brann Dailor of Mastodon are with Matt today to talk about the latest release from King Ultramega, the all-star collective that’s been honoring the music of Chris Cornell, including hi…
Gary Holt and Chris Poland [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:36
Metal maniacs and hard rock fanatics, this one's for you. We've got two separate conversations today. Former Megadeth guitarist Chris Poland joins Matt to talk about his current project, Nuclear Messiah and their new alb…
The 2026 Rock Hall Inductees [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:19
Episode 100 finds Matt and UCR's Gary Graff teaming up to look at this year's class of inductees for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (announced on Monday evening during American Idol). What can we expect from Iron Maiden…