A-Sides

Episode 212 - THEM

With its origins as a New York-based tribute to King Diamond, THEM has shed that skin and re-established the band as a storytelling power metal band with 4 albums under their belt. The band's fifth release, titled Psychedelic Enigma, releases on October 24th, 2025. Troy Norr (aka "KK Fossor" in the band's lore) shares his history within the heavy metal scene on Long Island, creating the band's concepts, initially connecting with guitarist Markus Ullrich, and sets the stage for the band's latest concept album. Thanks to Troy for chatting with A-SIDES for Episode 212.
You can find THEM on Bandcamp for music and merch items: https://them6.bandcamp.com/
Or purchase from their label Steamhammer SPV: https://store.spv.de/collections/them  
Their music is also available on your favorite streaming platform!

Episode 211 - More with Sam Spade

Last December Sam Spade joined A-SIDES for Episode 181, and this year he returns for Episode 211! Sam shares details from being on the road for the first half of 2025, how he stays in shape, his drive and determination to be the best at what he does, his classic rock heroes, and more!
Huge thanks to Sam for returning to the podcast and thanks to everyone who listens! You can follow The Midnight Devils on Facebook and Instagram and also get merch and music through their website here. Be ready for more touring from The Devils in '25 and beyond!

Episode 210 - John Bush

Frontman for multiple heavy metal acts, John Bush is spending the latter half of 2025 celebrating the 40th anniversary of Armored Saint's album, Delirious Nomad, and 3 shows performing songs from his time with Anthrax. John joins A-SIDES to share details on these tours, several pivotal shows in his formative years, how he stays in shape for touring, and the music that fuels his life. 
Huge thanks to John for taking the time to be featured on Episode 210, Liz for scheduling this conversation, Brent Stortzum, and everyone who listens!
You can follow along with Armored Saint online for tour dates, merch, and more on their website. John, along with his other band Category 7, will be performing three shows this December celebrating his tenure with Anthrax. Ticket information is available through their website. You'll also find John's many bands on your favorite streaming app!

Episode 209 - James Black from Finger Eleven

James Black guested on A-SIDES' Episode 164 last summer ahead of the band's run on Creed's Summer of '99 tour, which also featured the band 3 Doors Down. He shared stories on collecting records from film score composers such as John Barry, and a genre titled "exotica", which includes the works of Les Baxter.
For Episode 209, James returns to share more on his music collecting habits and details on the forthcoming studio album from Finger Eleven, titled Last Night On Earth. Ahead of the album's Nov 7th release date, the band has released 3 singles and will embark on a North American tour starting this fall. You can find their tour dates and pre-order the record on their website here.
Huge thanks to James for returning to A-SIDES! And thanks to all who listen!
 
 

Episode 208 - Jared Jones

Episode 193 featured guest Jared Jones from the Nashville-based rock band, Emerge. This latest discussion with Jared picks up right where we left off last spring, diving back into shared musical tastes like Disturbed and Sevendust, his experiences with Revis, listeners' music habits, fall activities, and radio station contests!
Huge thanks to Jared for making another appearance on A-SIDES for Episode 208, and thanks to all who listen! Extra shout-out to Disturbed and the other musicians being honored by the Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66 in Joliet, IL this September!
Emerge's music is available on your favorite app and you can follow them on social media at their Facebook page or Instagram at @emerge_music!

Episode 207 - Everybody Loves Cheap Trick Too

A recurring theme throughout the 6-year lifespan of A-SIDES has been the beloved Illinois rock band Cheap Trick. Episode 190 titled, "Everybody Loves Cheap Trick", was packed with 6 different guests sharing their origin stories and love for Cheap Trick, so this anniversary episode of the podcast seemed like a perfect opportunity for a follow-up. Episode 207 features returning guests, familiar voices, and more!
Brent Stortzum, co-host/musician/Illinois resident
Kenny Wright, drummer and co-vocalist in The Great Affairs
Billy Baker, drum builder/drummer of Valentine Saloon
Dug Pinnick, bassist for King's X
Patrick Kennison, of Heaven Below and Lita Ford
Huge thanks to all 5 friends of the podcast who contributed and shared their passion for Cheap Trick. Thanks to all the friends, guests, and listeners of the last 6 years of A-SIDES, too!

Episode 206 - Emily Burton

Episode 206 of A-SIDES features a conversation with musician and artist Emily Burton, who performs with the all-female Black Sabbath - Black Sabbitch, and California-based rock act, Fireball Ministry. Fireball Ministry scorched the Earth with great albums like 2005's Their Rock Is Not Our Rock, which is now pressed on vinyl through Ripple Music. She shares a few details on the band's formation, growing up in the Midwest, creating artwork, and more!
Check out Black Sabbitch online for merch and live shows at their website. You can also find Fireball Ministry's music through your favorite streaming app and grab the fast-selling vinyl records through their Bandcamp page. 
Huge thanks to Emily Burton and everyone who listens!

Episode 205 - Nikki Stringfield

Following the release of Heaven Below's latest album The Majestic Twelve, Nikki Stringfield returns to A-SIDES to share a few details behind the creation of the album. She also discusses the recent tour with her husband Patrick Kennison which featured them as an opening act for Marty Friedman; life at home between tours; the impact and influence of Ozzy Osbourne; and performing with The Iron Maidens.
For information on Nikki's tour schedule with The Iron Maidens, visit their website here. You can also purchase her solo albums and music with Heaven Below on her own website.
Huge thanks to Nikki for making her third appearance on A-SIDES, as well as thanks to Patrick Kennison, and you for listening to this newest episode!