Band Practice

Spotting Waldo | Tribute Band Enthusiasts & Music Industry Casualties
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What does it actually take to survive in a rock band today? Welcome to Band Practice, the music podcast that takes you behind the scenes and inside the real world of classic rock bands, iconic tribute acts, and the wild reality of being a working musician. Every week, we dive deep into the ultimate blueprints of rock history—from the legendary songwriting of icons like Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers to the stadium-packing power of the world's biggest tribute bands. We examine the unforgettable gear, the craziest gig stories, controversial cover songs, and the unique subculture of musicians who put on the wigs and step into the boots of bygone stars to keep the flame of live music alive. Whether you are a gigging guitarist navigating the modern music industry, a lifelong classic rock fanatic, or just love great band culture, pull up a chair. Hit subscribe and join the practice session!

  1. Oct 9

    All About NPR Tiny Desk Concerts | Band Practice #46

    NPR Tiny Desk: vulnerable, stripped-back performances crammed between filing cabinets and NPR staffers, all so indie purists can nod approvingly. But there seems to be a certain charm about it al that brings everyone together. NPR Tiny Desk: "vulnerable, stripped-back performances" crammed between filing cabinets and an NPR staffers, all so indie purists can nod approvingly. In Episode 46 of Band Practice, Spotting Waldo takes on NPR's world-famous concert series. Is the intimate format the ultimate showcase for raw musical talent, or just an over-constrained gimmick? The guys debate standouts like Post Malone and Weird Al Yankovic, investigate whether indie band Geese is an industry plant, and explore the behind-the-scenes secrets of Bob Boilen's desk. Plus, a look back at Samuel T. Herring's viral Future Islands performance on Letterman, taking on Guitar Center's corporate vibe, and breaking down a bizarre street interview with John Oates. And of course, we check out some tribune bands! Chapters: 00:00 - Cold Open: John Oates Height Conspiracy 00:33 - Welcome to Band Practice & Intro 02:09 - Unhinged John Oates Street Interview & Facial Fillers 07:53 - Future Islands on Letterman & Patrick Swayze Energy 12:15 - Why We Hate Guitar Center Lesson Booths 16:06 - Buddy Guy Shredding & Eric Clapton Hate 18:16 - Arena Tribute Bands (REO Speedwagon & John Mellencamp) 27:41 - The NPR Tiny Desk Debate: Genius or Overrated? 34:39 - Is the Indie Band 'Geese' an Industry Plant? 37:00 - Behind the Scenes of Bob Boilen's Tiny Desk 46:38 - Best Tiny Desk Alternatives (KEXP & Chris Gethard) 50:58 - Weird Al Yankovic's Tiny Desk & Lasting Legacy 55:24 - Favorite Tiny Desk Concerts (Mac Miller, Post Malone) & Outro =============================== 🎸 ABOUT BAND PRACTICE PODCAST: A podcast about bands, and the bands that tribute them. Operating as the hosts and house band all wrapped into one, Spotting Waldo is a dedicated hub for rock lore obsessives and music industry cynics. We bring a ground-level perspective to music history—breaking down legendary 80s egos, classic rock myths, the bizarre economy of tribute bands, and the ongoing plight of the modern working musician. 🔴 Live Sets! Subscribe and turn on notifications to join the live chat while we record the show.  THE SPOTTING WALDO NETWORK: 🌐 Official Website: https://spottingwaldo.com 👾 Twitch: https://twitch.tv/spottingwaldo 🟢 Kick: https://kick.com/spottingwaldo 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/spottingwaldo 👤 Facebook: https://facebook.com/spottingwaldo 🦋 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/spottingwaldo.bsky.social The happy f***ing wanderers. =============================== Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976: Allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. All rights belong to their respective owners.

    All About NPR Tiny Desk Concerts | Band Practice #46

  2. Jul 29

    Lets Face It: Two-Stepping w/ The Mighty Mighty Bosstones | Band Practice #45

    Get ready to skank! This episode of the Band Practice podcast delivers a massive deep dive into the undisputed kings of ska-core, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones. SpottingWaldo breaks down the 90s Boston music scene, the origin of Ben Carr (the legendary "Dancing Guy"), and the massive crossover success of "The Impression That I Get." Beyond the plaid suits, the conversation explores the band's wildest moments, including performances on Elmopalooza, VH1 One-Hit Wonders, controversial Dicky Barrett stories, and the sudden breakup of the band. Plus, catch up on Hall & Oates hotline news, Robert Fripp & Toyah's lunch table covers, and an exploration of Bosstones tribute bands like Toxic Toast. Whether a diehard Bosstones fan or just discovering the ska revival, this complete breakdown has it all. Jump to a specific topic: 00:00 - Intro: Welcome to Band Practice 02:11 - Hall & Oates Hotline: Old Business 05:30 - Robert Fripp & Toyah's Lunch Table Cover 10:21 - Deep Dive: The Mighty Mighty Bosstones 16:26 - The 90s Boston Music Scene & Band Origins 20:45 - VH1 One-Hit Wonders & The Skacore Breakthrough 23:59 - The Plaid Suits & Diehard Boston Fans 35:23 - Ben Carr: The Origin of "The Dancing Guy" 40:21 - Life After the Hit & Band Finances 44:12 - Bosstones Covers: Sweet Emotion & Detroit Rock City 48:28 - Elmopalooza 1998: The Sesame Street Performance 52:37 - Dicky Barrett's 50th Birthday Celebrity Tributes 01:00:12 - The Pulled Norwood High School Marching Band Video 01:07:24 - Politics & Anti-Racist Action (ARA) in Ska 01:09:32 - Analyzing "The Impression That I Get" 01:19:53 - Exploring Mighty Mighty Bosstones Tribute Bands 01:28:08 - Toxic Toast & Dueling Dicky Barretts 01:35:51 - Dicky Barrett Controversies & The Band's Breakup 01:47:54 - Teens React to Ska & Outro  =============================== 🎸 ABOUT BAND PRACTICE PODCAST: A podcast about bands, and the bands that tribute them. Operating as the hosts and house band all wrapped into one, Spotting Waldo is a dedicated hub for rock lore obsessives and music industry cynics. We bring a ground-level perspective to music history—breaking down legendary 80s egos, classic rock myths, the bizarre economy of tribute bands, and the ongoing plight of the modern working musician. 🔴 Live Sets! Subscribe and turn on notifications to join the live chat while we record the show.  THE SPOTTING WALDO NETWORK: 🌐 Official Website: https://spottingwaldo.com 👾 Twitch: https://twitch.tv/spottingwaldo 🟢 Kick: https://kick.com/spottingwaldo 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/spottingwaldo 👤 Facebook: https://facebook.com/spottingwaldo 🦋 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/spottingwaldo.bsky.social The happy f***ing wanderers. =============================== Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976: Allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. All rights belong to their respective owners.

    Lets Face It: Two-Stepping w/ The Mighty Mighty Bosstones | Band Practice #45

  3. Jul 23

    Out of Touch: The Bitter Breakup of Hall & Oates | Band Practice #44

    They are the most successful duo in pop-rock history, but the story of Daryl Hall and John Oates is way weirder, pettier, and more complicated than "You Make My Dreams" would have you believe. In this episode of the Band Practice podcast, Spotting Waldo digs into the bizarre lore, legendary ego trips, and absolute bangers of the ultimate 80s hitmakers. From Michael Jackson admitting he lifted the iconic "Billie Jean" bassline directly from "I Can't Go for That", to the revelation that "Maneater" actually started out as a reggae track, the secret music history here is insane. We're breaking down the duo's strange early days—including John Oates' stint as a racecar driver—alongside Daryl Hall's bold claim that he essentially invented internet entertainment with Live at Daryl's House, and the time he almost joined Van Halen. But it's not all smooth yacht rock. We also unpack the bitter reality behind the music: why they constantly insist on the clunky "Daryl Hall & John Oates" moniker, their absolute lack of actual friendship off-stage, and John Oates confirming they will never perform together again following their recent legal battles. Plus, we explore the deep-cut pop-culture oddities: - The sacred lore and ultimate demise of John Oates' mustache (and what - Miles Davis had to do with it). - Their chaotic cameos on SCTV, Flight of the Conchords, and Garfunkel and Oates. - How 500 Days of Summer gave them a massive generational resurgence. - Much much more! Plug in, tune up, and get ready for a heavy dose of blue-eyed soul, and music chatter. In this episode: 00:00 – Plug in & tune up.  04:10 – Old Business: Robert & Toyah Sunday Lunch 14:52 – New Business: Pop Star Fantasy Camp 28:35 – The "Elevator Story" 43:33 – Bryant Gumble 58:30 - Tommy Matolla 1:10:40 - We Are the World 1:19:18 - Daryl on "The Barber's Chair" 1:29:15 - 500 Days of Summer 1:40:30 - John Oates' Mustache Legacy 1:50:00 - Miles Davis 1:59:00 - Television Appearances 2:17:00 - Maneater was a Reggae song?? 2:23:45 - The Big D 2:40:40 - Live At Daryl's House 2:49:45 - The Tribute Bands!!! 2:58:45 - Encore: Winaya covers "I Can't Go For That" (https://youtu.be/A6HxWiKXoP8?si=Ua_l1fQm2layTwSx)  =============================== 🎸 ABOUT BAND PRACTICE PODCAST: A podcast about bands, and the bands that tribute them. Operating as the hosts and house band all wrapped into one, Spotting Waldo is a dedicated hub for rock lore obsessives and music industry cynics. We bring a ground-level perspective to music history—breaking down legendary 80s egos, classic rock myths, the bizarre economy of tribute bands, and the ongoing plight of the modern working musician. 🔴 Live Sets! Subscribe and turn on notifications to join the live chat while we record the show.  THE SPOTTING WALDO NETWORK: 🌐 Official Website: https://spottingwaldo.com 👾 Twitch: https://twitch.tv/spottingwaldo 🟢 Kick: https://kick.com/spottingwaldo 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/spottingwaldo 👤 Facebook: https://facebook.com/spottingwaldo 🦋 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/spottingwaldo.bsky.social The happy f***ing wanderers. =============================== Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976: Allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. All rights belong to their respective owners.

    Out of Touch: The Bitter Breakup of Hall & Oates | Band Practice #44

  4. Jul 15

    In the Cult of the Crimson King | Band Practice #43

    Is King Crimson the greatest progressive rock band of all time, or is it just the first to try it?  In this Episode of Band Practice, we are diving headfirst into the mind-bending, lineup-shifting, incredibly volatile world of King Crimson. From the absolute madness of 21st Century Schizoid Man to the structured, polyrhythmic genius of the 80s era, we are breaking down why this band continues to terrify and inspire working musicians. We analyze the legendary leadership of Robert Fripp, his infamous ""guitar craft"" standards, and what happens when a band changes members almost as often as they change time signatures. Plus, we are doing live media reactions to some of the more complex, unhinged internet takes we could find, checking out the local prog tribute scene, and debating whether you can actually enjoy this music without a music theory degree. Plug in, tune up, and get ready for a heavy dose of gear talk, time-signature confusion, and music chatter. 00:00 Band Practice Podcast Intro: Live From Waldorf Studios 03:06 Skid Row Fan Feedback & Snake Sabo's Club 05:58 Eddie Vedder Chugging Beer at the World Cup 08:20 Sebastian Bach vs. Mick Mars: Rock Stage Names 09:47 King Crimson First Impressions & 21st Century Schizoid Man 12:31 Complex Time Signatures & Improvisation in Prog Rock 17:40 The Mellotron: Progressive Rock's Dr. Seuss Machine 28:54 Robert Fripp's Musical Philosophy & King Crimson Origins 40:30 1969 Hyde Park Concert & Jimi Hendrix's Reaction 43:48 In the Court of the Crimson King: Iconic Album Cover Art 48:49 Robert Fripp, Pyromancy, and Wiccan Magic 51:17 Bill Bruford Leaves Yes for Larks' Tongues in Aspic 01:08:27 Robert Fripp's Hiatus & J.G. Bennett's Spiritual Cult 01:16:28 Fripp's Guitar Craft Courses: Guitar Method or Cult? 01:22:12 King Crimson's 80s Return: The Discipline Era 01:28:48 Robert Fripp & Toyah Willcox's Sunday Lunch Videos 01:34:34 Adrian Belew: Guitar Techniques and Cameo Account 01:44:31 Beat: The King Crimson Tribute Band (Steve Vai & Danny Carey) 01:52:17 King Crimson Covers: School of Rock & The Claypool Lennon Delirium 01:58:50 Dave Matthews Discusses Robert Fripp's Guitar Tuning 02:04:21 Final Verdict: The True Legacy of King Crimson =============================== 🎸 ABOUT SPOTTING WALDO: A podcast about bands, and the bands that tribute them. Operating as the hosts and house band all wrapped into one, Spotting Waldo is a dedicated hub for rock lore obsessives and music industry cynics. We bring a ground-level perspective to music history—breaking down legendary 80s egos, classic rock myths, the bizarre economy of tribute bands, and the ongoing plight of the modern working musician.  🔴 WE GO LIVE! Subscribe and turn on notifications to join the live chat while we record the show. 👇 THE SPOTTING WALDO NETWORK: 🌐 Official Website: https://spottingwaldo.com 👾 Twitch: https://twitch.tv/spottingwaldo 🟢 Kick: https://kick.com/spottingwaldo 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/spottingwaldo 👤 Facebook: https://facebook.com/spottingwaldo 🦋 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/spottingwaldo.bsky.social Happy f***ing wanderers.  =============================== Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976: Allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. All rights belong to their respective owners.

    In the Cult of the Crimson King | Band Practice #43

  5. Jul 8

    18 and Life Without a Singer 🎸The Skid Row Saga | Band Practice #42

    Band Practice Episode 42 explores the wild rise and turbulent history of Skid Row, diving deep into the hair metal revolution and the controversies that defined an era of 80s rock. This comedy and music critique episode breaks down the band's biggest moments, including the notorious Jon Bon Jovi publishing rights controversy, the infamous 1989 Springfield bottle incident, and Sebastian Bach's eventual departure for Broadway and awkward morning show interviews. The discussion also covers Dave "Snake" Sabo's signature Kramer Beretta, the revolving door of lead singers, rumors surrounding Lzzy Hale, and the ongoing debate over a potential Rock and Roll Hall of Fame reunion. Catch full episodes, live broadcasts, and more clips across Twitch, Kick, Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram. Chapters: 00:00 - Intro: Welcome to Band Practice 01:13 - Episode 42 Kickoff & Old Business 04:59 - Flashback Heart Attack: Orange County 80s Cover Band 17:15 - Skid Row's Hair Metal Identity Crisis 25:37 - Hair Metal Revolution & Skid Row's Rise 34:46 - The Jon Bon Jovi Publishing Rights Controversy 40:44 - Breaking Down the 1989 Springfield Bottle Incident 48:22 - Dave "Snake" Sabo's Signature Kramer Beretta 55:25 - Meet the Band: Rachel Bolan & Scotty Hill 01:06:33 - Sebastian Bach's Departure & Broadway Run 01:17:50 - Sebastian Bach's Awkward Morning Show Interviews 01:29:07 - The Revolving Door of Skid Row Lead Singers 01:36:45 - Lzzy Hale & Future Vocalist Rumors 01:49:39 - Analyzing the Official '18 and Life' Cover Challenge 01:55:57 - Exploring Skid Row Tribute Bands 02:04:26 - Will Skid Row Reunite for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? =============================== 🎸 ABOUT SPOTTING WALDO: A podcast about bands, and the bands that tribute them. Operating as the hosts and house band all wrapped into one, Spotting Waldo is a dedicated hub for rock lore obsessives and music industry cynics. We bring a ground-level perspective to music history—breaking down legendary 80s egos, classic rock myths, the bizarre economy of tribute bands, and the ongoing plight of the modern working musician.  🔴 WE GO LIVE! Subscribe and turn on notifications to join the live chat while we record the show. 👇 THE SPOTTING WALDO NETWORK: 🌐 Official Website: https://spottingwaldo.com 👾 Twitch: https://twitch.tv/spottingwaldo 🟢 Kick: https://kick.com/spottingwaldo 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/spottingwaldo 👤 Facebook: https://facebook.com/spottingwaldo 🦋 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/spottingwaldo.bsky.social Happy f***ing wanderers.  =============================== Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976: Allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. All rights belong to their respective owners.

    18 and Life Without a Singer 🎸The Skid Row Saga | Band Practice #42

  6. Jun 25

    A Complete Breakdown: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers | Band Practice #41

    Dive into the incredible legacy and enduring music of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers on this episode of the Band Practice Podcast. Join Spotting Waldo for a deep dive into the band's origins in Gainesville, Florida, the simple yet brilliant songwriting style that defined an era, and the crucial contributions of Mike Campbell and Benmont Tench. This episode goes beyond the hits to explore some of the wilder moments in Tom Petty history, including the 1978 acting debut in the movie "FM," iconic cameos on The Larry Sanders Show, and wild fan stories from the Tom Petty subreddit. Plus, stick around for a comedic critique of Tom Petty tribute bands, classic Rickenbacker guitars, and a reaction to Lara Trump's cover of "I Won't Back Down." Whether a lifelong Heartbreakers fan or just discovering the classics, this music critique and comedy deep dive has something for every rock and roll enthusiast. Chapters: 00:00 - Intro: The Return of Band Practice & Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers 02:55 - Tom Petty's Simple Songwriting Style & Early Rock Influences 08:09 - Movie Soundtracks & Exploring the Tom Petty Subreddit 09:33 - Band Origins in Gainesville, Mike Campbell & Benmont Tench 16:30 - Reading Wild Fan Stories & Reviewing Tom Petty Merch 24:02 - Reviewing Tribute Bands & David Spade's SNL Impression 30:19 - Tom Petty's 1978 Acting Debut in the Movie "FM" 34:20 - Cameos on The Larry Sanders Show & The Gary Shandling Show 41:06 - Reacting to Lara Trump's "I Won't Back Down" Cover & Bob Rivers 47:42 - Cameron Crowe's 1978 Interview & Dealing with Fame 50:08 - Critiquing Tribute Band Gear, Rickenbackers & Costumes 01:04:34 - Reacting to a Seductive Drum Cover of "Breakdown" 01:11:18 - Live Tom Petty Karaoke Covers ("You're So Bad" & "Breakdown") & Outro =============================== 🎸 ABOUT BAND PRACTICE PODCAST: A podcast about bands, and the bands that tribute them. Operating as the hosts and house band all wrapped into one, Spotting Waldo is a dedicated hub for rock lore obsessives and music industry cynics. We bring a ground-level perspective to music history—breaking down legendary 80s egos, classic rock myths, the bizarre economy of tribute bands, and the ongoing plight of the modern working musician. 🔴 Live Sets! Subscribe and turn on notifications to join the live chat while we record the show.  THE SPOTTING WALDO NETWORK: 🌐 Official Website: https://spottingwaldo.com 👾 Twitch: https://twitch.tv/spottingwaldo 🟢 Kick: https://kick.com/spottingwaldo 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/spottingwaldo 👤 Facebook: https://facebook.com/spottingwaldo 🦋 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/spottingwaldo.bsky.social The happy f***ing wanderers. =============================== Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976: Allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. All rights belong to their respective owners.

    A Complete Breakdown: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers | Band Practice #41

  7. 07/02/2024

    218 - Mixing it up

    Jack reminisces about dealing with a shoplifter, Kyle wants everyone to watch the new Queer Eye on netflix, and Spike runs into trouble trying to order of the kid's menu.  Also, the boys lean on Spike's experience as a Houlihans bartender while they invent their own specialty cocktails during Segment of the week.  (This is a re-release of the original podcast from 2018.)  For more Waldo visit: www.spottingwaldo.com

  8. 06/24/2024

    217 - Shooting Under Par with Tim Convy

    Tim Convy is our guest in the studio. You know him from the band LUDO, from the radio on Y98FM, from stand up comedy shows all over. After this episode, you'll know him for his sharp analysis of the PGA.  We talk about it all, and get the inside scoop on LUDO's upcoming reunion show. Spike shares his affinity for sound-effect drops in his everyday life, Jack doesn't want to haul his own amp for gigs, and Kyle moves another step closer to unveiling the truth, in his ongoing investigation of Spike's actual age. (This is a re-release of the original podcast from 2018.)  For more Waldo visit: www.spottingwaldo.com

    217 - Shooting Under Par with Tim Convy
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5
out of 5
31 Ratings

About

What does it actually take to survive in a rock band today? Welcome to Band Practice, the music podcast that takes you behind the scenes and inside the real world of classic rock bands, iconic tribute acts, and the wild reality of being a working musician. Every week, we dive deep into the ultimate blueprints of rock history—from the legendary songwriting of icons like Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers to the stadium-packing power of the world's biggest tribute bands. We examine the unforgettable gear, the craziest gig stories, controversial cover songs, and the unique subculture of musicians who put on the wigs and step into the boots of bygone stars to keep the flame of live music alive. Whether you are a gigging guitarist navigating the modern music industry, a lifelong classic rock fanatic, or just love great band culture, pull up a chair. Hit subscribe and join the practice session!

Information

  • Creator
    Spotting Waldo | Tribute Band Enthusiasts & Music Industry Casualties
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    43
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    ©2012 Spotting Waldo
  • Show Website
    Band Practice