When Clark Vogeler joined the Toadies in 1996, there was no way to imagine the band would still be going, selling out rooms across North America. Thirty years later, the veteran guitarist finds himself navigating a beautifully unpredictable landscape, touring behind The Charmer, a gritty, tough new LP recorded with the late, legendary Steve Albini. Sitting over pizza at The Art of Pizza in Chicago (3033 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60657), Vogeler reflects on how the band has defied time to become a cross-generational force. From old-school fans to teenagers crowding the front row, the Toadies are experiencing a career renaissance they never could have predicted decades ago. Vogeler pulls back the curtain on the creative process behind the new material, including the dark, self-critical inner voice that inspired frontman Vaden Todd Lewis to write the album's title track as a way of making peace with his own creative friction. Being an independent band in 2026 comes with freedom, a sharp contrast to the major label pressures the Toadies faced in the 1990s. By self-funding their studio time through relentless touring, the band completely owns their masters, ensuring their creative output stays entirely in their own hands. As they prepare to share the stage at the Vic Theatre with Local H, Vogeler chats about the camaraderie of the road, the enduring legacy of Steve Albini, and why age has absolutely nothing to do with making great, muscular rock and roll. Featured Sponsor: Exploding House Printing Exploding House Printing is here for all of your screen printing, embroidery, and other merchandising needs. They're local, headquartered in the heart of Hermosa. Here's why I want you to consider them for your t-shirts, merch, whatever—their focus is on small businesses, bands, brands, and everything in between. Check out their work on Instagram at @explodinghouse, or check out their site at explodinghouseprinting.com for a quote, or to see a list of some of their clients.
