Classic Metal Show

The CMS Network
The CMS Network
  • 3.7 (42)
  • Music Commentary
  • Updated Daily

Since 1996, THE CLASSIC METAL SHOW has been the ultimate destination for honest, no-holds-barred talk about hard rock, heavy metal, and everything in between. This isn't just another channel. It's an uncensored community. On our paid tier, you get commercial-free access to all of our daily episodes, plus bonus content, behind-the-scenes insights, and the opportunity to interact with us directly. If you're tired of corporate music media and you want the truth from two guys who have been doing this for over two decades, this is your new home. Disclaimer: If you can't handle opinions that aren't your own, you're in the wrong place. We're not here to make friends. We're here to talk metal. Deal with it, crybabies! cmspn.substack.com

  1. 12h ago

    IS YOUTUBE CENSORSHIP DESTROYING CREATORS?

    A content creator with half a million followers gets wiped out over a tiny video from three years ago! Neeley and Chris Akin break down how YouTube’s bot algorithm nukes entire livelihoods overnight and why you’re an idiot if you don’t back up your content elsewhere. Subscribe now so you never miss an uncensored moment! KILLER DEAL ON RATT’S DANCIN’ UNDERCOVER (40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION) Here! https://amzn.to/4k3BXji DEF LEPPARD’S PYROMANIA (40TH ANNIVERSARY) on Vinyl Is Amazing! They won’t last long! https://amzn.to/4shIObe 80s fun is encapsulated in this one release - WARRANT’S CHERRY PIE! Revisit it again here! https://amzn.to/3UtvQKR WARNING: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this video belong solely to the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other agency, organization, employer, or company. This content is presented strictly for entertainment purposes and represents the subjective opinions of the hosts and guests, not factual assertions. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cmspn.substack.com/subscribe

    IS YOUTUBE CENSORSHIP DESTROYING CREATORS?

  2. 12h ago

    Why Did THE PINEAPPLE THIEF Go Back To 1970s Recording Methods?

    Has modern recording technology taken something essential away from rock music? THE PINEAPPLE THIEF frontman Bruce Soord thinks there’s something irreplaceable about musicians creating together in the same room. Get FAR AND WIDE from The Pineapple Thief Here: https://amzn.to/4ygui4x In this exclusive CHRIS AKIN PRESENTS interview, Chris Akin sits down with Soord to discuss the band’s new album, *Far and Wide*, their move from longtime label Kscope to InsideOut, and why the group deliberately returned to a more traditional approach to writing and recording. Soord explains how working together as a band helped capture the energy of their live performances, why drummer Gavin Harrison pushed everyone to become better musicians, and why this new creative direction isn’t just a temporary experiment. The conversation also gets personal. Soord reveals the heartbreaking experience involving his father’s final days that inspired “Still Living,” discusses his changing approach to vocals and songwriting, and explains why the band’s musical complexity must serve the emotion of a song. PLUS: - Why THE PINEAPPLE THIEF left Kscope after approximately 20 years. - How Gavin Harrison helped elevate the band’s musicianship. - Why recording together can accomplish things remote collaboration cannot. - The emotional story behind “Still Living.” - Why “No Exceptions” represents the band’s collaborative approach. - How Bruce Soord’s singing voice has evolved. - Why touring America is becoming increasingly expensive. - Why Soord wants fans supporting independent record stores. Is the future of rock music actually hiding in the way bands made records 50 years ago? Watch the full interview and decide for yourself. Watch commercial free and without delayed publishing by becoming a CMS VIP at https://classicmetalshow.locals.com All comments are merely the opinions of the people speaking them, are for comical performance, and are in no way stated as factual. #ThePineappleThief #BruceSoord #GavinHarrison #ChrisAkinPresents #FarAndWide #ProgressiveRock This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cmspn.substack.com/subscribe

    Why Did THE PINEAPPLE THIEF Go Back To 1970s Recording Methods?

  3. 1d ago

    WHY IS SEBASTIAN BACH THREATENING US?

    Sebastian Bach showed up in our comments again throwing a full-blown temper tantrum! He claims our channel is complete garbage and dares us to call him a liar to his face. Neeley and Chris Akin break down Bach’s online meltdown, why KK’s Priest completely crushed it live, and Chris’s experience at the brand new Killbox comedy club in Akron. Hit subscribe and join the debate! DAVE LANDAU’S PARTY OF ONE: A FUZZY MEMOIR is available now for a limited time! Get yours today! https://amzn.to/4i5KQGz W.A.S.P.’s THE 7 SAVAGE 1982-1994 (SECOND EDITION) is a killer box set! Get it before it sells out! https://amzn.to/4zIcukc KK’s PRIEST’S THE SINNER RIDES AGAIN is an amazing vinyl that you need! https://amzn.to/4yX1v6w WARNING: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this video belong solely to the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other agency, organization, employer, or company. This content is presented strictly for entertainment purposes and represents the subjective opinions of the hosts and guests, not factual assertions. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cmspn.substack.com/subscribe

    WHY IS SEBASTIAN BACH THREATENING US?

  4. 2d ago

    ROGER WATERS vs. JAMES HETFIELD: WHY'S EVERYONE SO SENSITIVE? | CMS LIVE 10/17/26

    WHY’S EVERYONE SO SENSITIVE? Roger Waters is taking shots at Metallica’s James Hetfield, Shane Gillis is catching heat over his comedy, and KK’s Priest is revisiting Judas Priest history. Apparently, everybody has something to be pissed off about! Tonight on THE CLASSIC METAL SHOW, Neeley and Chris Akin dig into three controversies that have rock and comedy fans talking! 🔥 **ROGER WATERS vs. JAMES HETFIELD:** Waters unloaded on the Metallica frontman over his approach to politics at concerts. Does Waters have a legitimate argument, or did he completely undermine his own message by personally attacking Hetfield? 🔥 **SHANE GILLIS CONTROVERSY:** The comedian is facing backlash over his SNL material. Has comedy become too sensitive, or should comedians expect criticism when they push boundaries? We’ll get into it on THE CUT! 🔥 **KK’S PRIEST / JUDAS PRIEST:** Chris was at the Cleveland Agora to see W.A.S.P. and KK’s Priest! He’s bringing his firsthand concert review, plus a discussion about K.K. Downing and Tim “Ripper” Owens revisiting classic Judas Priest material. No corporate-approved opinions. No carefully rehearsed talking points. Just Neeley, Chris, the stories, and whatever arguments break out along the way! **JOIN THE LIVE CHAT!** Agree with us? Think we’re completely full of shit? Get in the conversation while we’re LIVE! 📺 SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17 ⏰ 9:00 PM EASTERN 📍 LIVE ON RUMBLE Get commercial free versions of our episodes, advance releases and exclusive content by subscribing to Rumble Premium! https://rumble.com/premium NOTE: Everything said here, and on every episode of all of our shows, are 100% the opinions of the hosts. Nothing is stated as fact. Do your own research to see if their opinions are true or not. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cmspn.substack.com/subscribe

    ROGER WATERS vs. JAMES HETFIELD: WHY'S EVERYONE SO SENSITIVE? | CMS LIVE 10/17/26

  5. 5d ago

    Def Leppard With Goo Goo Dolls: Is This the WORST Tour Pairing?

    Imagine spending decades listening to Def Leppard, waiting for another opportunity to see them live, and then discovering that the big arena tour pairs them with the Goo Goo Dolls. GREAT DEAL ON DEF LEPPARD’S THE COLLECTION, VOL. 4 ON VINYL: https://amzn.to/4jP3CnY LIKE THE GOO GOO DOLLS? GET LIVE FROM THE ACADEMY, NEW YORK ON VINYL: https://amzn.to/4yIuvi5 Would you still buy a ticket? On THE CLASSIC METAL SHOW, Chris Akin and Neeley ask the question that apparently nobody involved in putting this tour together bothered to answer: WHAT THE HELL DO THESE BANDS HAVE IN COMMON? Def Leppard built its reputation with massive guitars, arena-rock anthems and albums like Pyromania and Hysteria. The Goo Goo Dolls became known for an entirely different brand of radio-friendly rock. Now they’re sharing an arena-tour bill with The Struts also involved. Chris isn’t buying it. After initially considering using his recent interview connection with Def Leppard guitarist Phil Collen to attend the Ohio show, Chris completely changes his mind when he discovers the lineup. But the bigger question isn’t simply whether these bands belong together. Could Def Leppard actually change its performance to fit the audience? Chris wonders whether songs like “Love Bites,” “Two Steps Behind” and “Miss You in a Heartbeat” might become more important to a setlist designed for fans who came to hear “Iris.” Neeley brings another possibility into the discussion: maybe the teenagers who loved Def Leppard in the 1980s became Goo Goo Dolls fans in the 1990s. Maybe the pairing makes more sense commercially than it does musically. The hosts also revisit the days when Pyromania was selling so quickly that record stores couldn’t keep it stocked, question whether this unusual lineup can fill major arenas, and take another shot at the modern ticketing business for making concert prices unnecessarily difficult to determine. And Chris reveals why he’s willing to pass on a potentially valuable concert opportunity rather than waste a favor on a show that doesn’t interest him. Are Def Leppard and the Goo Goo Dolls a surprisingly smart combination, or has arena-rock touring officially become a game of throwing unrelated bands together and hoping people buy tickets? Hear the argument, then tell us whether you’d pay to see this tour. Get commercial free versions of our episodes, advance releases and exclusive content by subscribing to Rumble Premium! https://rumble.com/premium NOTE: Everything said here, and on every episode of all of our shows, are 100% the opinions of the hosts. Nothing is stated as fact. Do your own research to form your own opinions. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cmspn.substack.com/subscribe

    Def Leppard With Goo Goo Dolls: Is This the WORST Tour Pairing?

  6. 6d ago

    Are Aerosmith Fans Paying for a Concert or an All-Star Cash Grab?

    WHEN DID SEEING YOUR FAVORITE ROCK BAND BECOME A LUXURY PURCHASE? Speaking of luxury purchases, this is a GREAT deluxe version of their debut on vinyl! https://amzn.to/4hY19VP Aerosmith is preparing for two special Hollywood Bowl performances, and THE CLASSIC METAL SHOW’s Neeley and Chris Akin have a serious question: Who the hell is paying these ticket prices? What starts as a discussion about Aerosmith’s return quickly becomes a brutal examination of the modern concert business. The guys look up available seats during the show and discover prices ranging from hundreds of dollars in distant sections to nearly $1,000 for better locations. And that’s before parking, food, drinks, travel, and everything else that turns a night of rock and roll into a major financial commitment. But the price is only half the problem. With an enormous guest list featuring Guns N’ Roses, Run-DMC, Sammy Hagar, Billy Idol, Nuno Bettencourt, Tom Morello and others, Chris wonders how much actual Aerosmith music fans will get for their money. Could Steven Tyler and company deliver only a handful of songs while celebrity guests take over the rest of the evening? Is this another attempt to recreate the success of Ozzy Osbourne’s farewell event? Could the concerts lead to a new Aerosmith tour, or is that wishful thinking? Neeley digs into the potential economics of the shows, from ticket revenue to the possibility of a paid livestream, while Chris argues that the industry has turned the bands ordinary fans helped build into expensive attractions those same fans can barely justify attending. They also discuss the increasingly outrageous prices attached to major concerts, including Metallica, and explain why neither host would spend thousands for a couple of hours of live music. Aerosmith may still be one of rock’s biggest names. But does that make any ticket price acceptable? Watch and weigh in: Would you spend $1,000 to see Aerosmith, especially without knowing how much of the show would actually feature the band? #Aerosmith #ConcertPrices #TheClassicMetalShow #StevenTyler #ClassicRock #RockMusic #HollywoodBowl #LiveMusic Get commercial free versions of our episodes, advance releases and exclusive content by subscribing to Rumble Premium! https://rumble.com/premium NOTE: Everything said here, and on every episode of all of our shows, are 100% the opinions of the hosts. Nothing is stated as fact. Do your own research to form your own opinions. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cmspn.substack.com/subscribe

    Are Aerosmith Fans Paying for a Concert or an All-Star Cash Grab?

  7. Oct 21

    Are Classic Metal Bands Becoming Nothing More Than Brand Names?

    Does Judas Priest still deserve to be called Judas Priest when the musicians who built the band are no longer there? And could KK’s Priest actually be delivering a more authentic version of the legendary metal band’s music? On this episode of THE CLASSIC METAL SHOW, Neeley and Chris Akin tackle the controversial question of whether original band members really matter anymore. GET JUDAS PRIEST’S INVINCIBLE SHIELD ON VINYL: https://amzn.to/4eoNsy4 QUIET RIOT’S METAL HEALTH IS A LEGENDARY RELEASE! GET IT ON VINYL HERE: https://amzn.to/4zqx9ZK WHITESNAKE’S ALL ACCESS: LIVE IS THE ULTIMATE WHITESNAKE EXPERIENCE! GET IT TODAY! https://amzn.to/4duz9I3 DOKKEN’S THE ELEKTRA YEARS BOX SET IS A MUST HAVE FOR ANY HAIR METAL FAN! GET YOURS NOW! https://amzn.to/4hBlpxC The discussion starts with the reported retirement of longtime Judas Priest bassist Ian Hill, which raises an uncomfortable question about the band’s future. With Rob Halford still fronting Priest, but the band’s founding lineup no longer intact, is this still the legendary Judas Priest fans grew up with—or has the name become bigger than the musicians? Neeley brings his firsthand experience from a recent KK’s Priest concert, where KK Downing and Tim “Ripper” Owens delivered a performance that left him seriously questioning which version of the Priest legacy he’d rather see. But here’s where the argument gets interesting. **If a replacement musician sounds better, plays better and delivers a stronger concert than an original member, why should fans care who’s actually onstage?** Chris and Neeley take that question straight into the heart of classic metal, examining bands like Quiet Riot, W.A.S.P., Dokken and Whitesnake. Is the original lineup sacred, or are fans allowing nostalgia to dictate what qualifies as a legitimate band? The guys also explore whether KK Downing could ever return to Judas Priest, what that would mean for the musicians involved, and whether some legendary bands might actually benefit from younger performers keeping their music alive. Before all that, Chris reveals an unbelievably named bargain hair trimmer, the guys argue over brand loyalty, and a frustrating Vizio television purchase turns into a rant about smart TV advertising, privacy and the ridiculous things consumers put up with. Plus, a Dangerous Toys debut album reissue giveaway for THE CLASSIC METAL SHOW’s Locals community! **The real question isn’t just whether Judas Priest is still Judas Priest. It’s whether the music, the musicians or the name on the ticket matters most.** So where do YOU stand? Would you rather see Judas Priest with Rob Halford or KK’s Priest with KK Downing and Tim “Ripper” Owens? Get commercial free versions of our episodes, advance releases and exclusive content by subscribing to Rumble Premium! https://rumble.com/premium NOTE: Everything said here, and on every episode of all of our shows, are 100% the opinions of the hosts. Nothing is stated as fact. Do your own research to form your own opinions. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cmspn.substack.com/subscribe

    Are Classic Metal Bands Becoming Nothing More Than Brand Names?

  8. Oct 20

    Did W.A.S.P. Finally Silence the Backing Track Critics?

    Is a $90 night of W.A.S.P. and KK’s Priest actually a better deal than spending thousands to see Metallica in a massive arena spectacle? And did Blackie Lawless finally put the backing-track controversy to rest? GET WASP’S THE LAST COMMAND ON VINYL! WHAT A GREAT RELEASE!! https://amzn.to/4zxheZT KK’S PRIEST’S THE SINNER RIDES AGAIN IS SO GREAT! FIND OUT FOR YOURSELF HERE! https://amzn.to/3TN7LhR On this edition of THE CLASSIC METAL SHOW, Neeley returns from seeing W.A.S.P. and KK’s Priest at the Des Plaines Theatre, and his review might surprise some longtime critics. After previously questioning whether Blackie Lawless was relying too heavily on backing tracks, Neeley says this performance was a completely different experience. Was Blackie actually delivering the goods this time? And KK’s Priest wasn’t exactly screwing around either. With K.K. Downing bringing the classic Judas Priest attitude and Tim “Ripper” Owens delivering powerful vocals, Neeley explains why the show was worth every penny. That leads Chris and Neeley into a bigger argument about concert prices. When bands are charging astronomical amounts for elaborate arena productions, are fans actually getting a better show, or are they just paying for expensive technology and a famous name? Is the real value in heavy metal found in smaller theaters with musicians who still know how to kick ass? But the concert discussion is only the beginning. Chris gets an unexpected surprise when a CMS listener buys him a ticket to see W.A.S.P. and KK’s Priest in Cleveland. The guys also discuss Don Dokken’s interactions with fans after a Pennsylvania concert and what makes the classic metal community different from other music audiences. Then they revisit the controversy surrounding Quiet Riot’s new young singer, John Torra. Can one replacement vocalist really help revive an entire genre, or is the excitement getting completely out of control? The conversation eventually goes completely sideways as the guys tear into classic horror movies. Is Hellraiser really the masterpiece some fans claim? Why does Freddy Krueger remain such an entertaining horror character? And are the original Nightmare on Elm Street movies still better than what Hollywood produces today? Finally, Chris admits he’s having a hard time caring about professional sports anymore. Has the product become boring, or did the real enjoyment always come from hanging out with friends and watching the games together? It’s classic CMS: hard rock, heavy metal, expensive concerts, horror movies, sports, and two guys who couldn’t follow a corporate radio script if their lives depended on it. **ON THIS EPISODE:** - Did Blackie Lawless finally deliver a convincing live vocal performance? - Are W.A.S.P. and KK’s Priest worth more than expensive arena concerts? - Is K.K. Downing still one of heavy metal’s most commanding performers? - Can Tim “Ripper” Owens still deliver the classic Judas Priest material? - Why did a CMS listener buy Chris a concert ticket? - What happened when fans met Don Dokken after a show? - Is Quiet Riot’s new singer getting too much attention? - Are classic horror movies better than today’s Hollywood productions? - Has professional sports lost its entertainment value? **THE CLASSIC METAL SHOW — HAIL AND KILL!** Join the CMS community: https://classicmetalshow.locals.com Get commercial free versions of our episodes, advance releases and exclusive content by subscribing to Rumble Premium! https://rumble.com/premium NOTE: Everything said here, and on every episode of all of our shows, are 100% the opinions of the hosts. Nothing is stated as fact. Do your own research to form your own opinions. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cmspn.substack.com/subscribe

    Did W.A.S.P. Finally Silence the Backing Track Critics?
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3.7
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About

Since 1996, THE CLASSIC METAL SHOW has been the ultimate destination for honest, no-holds-barred talk about hard rock, heavy metal, and everything in between. This isn't just another channel. It's an uncensored community. On our paid tier, you get commercial-free access to all of our daily episodes, plus bonus content, behind-the-scenes insights, and the opportunity to interact with us directly. If you're tired of corporate music media and you want the truth from two guys who have been doing this for over two decades, this is your new home. Disclaimer: If you can't handle opinions that aren't your own, you're in the wrong place. We're not here to make friends. We're here to talk metal. Deal with it, crybabies! cmspn.substack.com

Information

  • Channel
    The CMS Network
  • Creator
    The Classic Metal Show: Hail and Kill!
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    1K
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © The CMS Network
  • Show Website
    Classic Metal Show

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