It’s hard to believe that VH1 Classic’s That Metal Show has been on the air for eight seasons now. Yet since 2008, hosts Eddie Trunk, Jim Florentine, and Don Jamieson have talked to some of the biggest names in hard rock and metal (mostly classic rockers, but a few from today’s scene have graced their stage as well). They’ve also made us laugh with segments like “Stump The Trunk,” “TMS Top 5” and “The Throwdown.” And this Saturday, August 20, That Metal Show returns to the air with another new season. To celebrate its return, co-host Don Jamieson was kind enough to give us a recap of each episode airing this season.
Tony Iommi – What better way to start off the new season of TMS than with the Godfather of Heavy Metal? We gave him the entire hour and covered everything Sabbath including a “Throwdown” over who was the best Sabbath replacement singer – Ray Gillan, Glenn Hughes or Tony Martin. Tony was a great sport and other than him not wearing the fringe jacket, it was an amazing appearance! Phil Collen from Def Leppard ripped on guitar.
Stephen Pearcy / Tim “Ripper” Owens – The head Ratt came back for more in his second appearance and talked about his Metal In America tour, his new solo disc and the ever-dysfunctional Ratt family. Tim “Ripper” Owens also stopped by and talked Yngwie, Priest and being a stunt double in Boogie Nights! Billy Sheehan returned from last season to beat the shit out of his bass.
Tom Morello / Dug Pinnick – We had Tom on our tribute to Dio episode, but we needed to had him back to get into all things Rage, Audioslave and how he used to have a black mullet! Dug Pinnick from the criminally underrated Kings X also joined us to talk rockin’ into his 60’s, some of his new side projects and vitamins! And a surprise guest comes on to “Stump The Trunk.” Tony MacAlpine shreds on guitar.
Corey Taylor / Jack Blades and Brad Gillis – I love the fact that we did a show with someone from Slipknot and members of Night Ranger on the same show! Corey discusses SK, Stone Sour, his new book & my farts! Jack and Brad break my balls after I guess incorrectly that Twisted Sister sold more CD’s than Night Ranger. Billy Sheehan finger bangs his bass.
Scott Ian and Charlie Benante / Snake Sabo – Scott and Charlie talk about Anthrax’s best album to date, “Worship Music” and the Big 4. Snake Sabo talks old Skids days, the state of the band now and his “day” job. Eddie’s dream of getting a member of UFO on the show comes true when Vinnie Moore guests on guitar.
Sammy Hagar – we give the Red Rocker the entire hour to talk Montrose, Van Halen and of course, tequila. Oh yeah, and sex under the stage! “Stump The Trunk” becomes an all-celebrity edition with old friends of the show stopping by to try and take the big man down. And then it’s a “Throwdown” over who is the better Sammy guitarist, Eddie Van Halen or Joe Satriani. Testament’s Alex Skolnick channels the tone from hell on guitar.
Michael Sweet / Jani Lane / Taime Downe – TMS goes back to the Sunset Strip-era with Jani & Taime waxing poetic about the “bad” old days and we talk Yellow & Black Attack with Michael Sweet (who confesses he doesn’t go to church all that often!) [editor’s note: this was written before Jani Lane’s death.] Good to see Jani alive, well and most importantly sober. He’s a real likable guy, very bright and interesting. Taime is well…Taime! Still off the wall after all these years. Phil Collen brings the riffage on guitar.
Mike Portnoy / John Sykes – Not only great to have Portnoy back on the show to explain what the hell happened with Dream Theater and Avenged Sevenfold, but also to announce with John a new “super” band with the two of them and a bass player to be named later! Tony MacAlpine delivers the shreddage once again.
Rick Nielsen / Graham Bonnet – So pumped to have had guitar maestro Rick Nielsen talk about Cheap Trick, his massive guitar collection and plug Eddie’s book throughout the show. Graham Bonnet talks Rainbow, Alcatrazz, MSG and what it was like to play with guitarists like Steve Vai, Richie Blackmore, Michael Schenker and Yngwie Malmsteen. Vinnie Moore rocks us on guitar.
Lars Ulrich – Love him or hate him, there’s no better way to end our season than with Metallica’s outspoken drummer who was, well..outspoken! We talked King Diamond, the album Metallica did with Lou Reed and our “Throwdown” pits Kill ‘Em All against Ride The Lightning. Alex Skolnick thrashes our brains out on guitar.
