Jean-Michel Basquiat's graffiti in Lower Manhattan was mistaken for a CIA operation. He was the toast of the New York art world while sleeping on floors in squalid apartments. He sold his first painting to Blondie's Debbie Harry for $200. Less than a year later, his paintings were going for more than $20,000. And decades later, the debate over what is and what is not a real Basquiat rages on. This episode contains themes that may be disturbing to some listeners, including a depiction of police b...
May 20, 2025•45 min•Season 17Ep. 172
Bootlegging whiskey, acid tests, grass, and songs about murder. The origins of the Grateful Dead are fascinating and not what most people think. Born out of the tradition of “old, weird America”; bluegrass, jug band music and deadly folk tales, the Grateful Dead, as young adults, were into some strange stuff and we are all better for it. The band would go on to create their very own “new, weird America” due in part to the cultural impact they would have over their near 40-year career. But their ...
May 17, 2025•45 min•Season 6Ep. 64
The Grateful Dead became one of the most influential bands of all time and propelled themselves with improvisation, LSD and an ethos of “freedom”. Through drug busts and CIA surveillance, they thrived and created one of the largest, most fervent and commercially consequential fan bases of all time. Freedom, LSD and improvised blues in the key of bummed the fuck out on this episode of Disgraceland. For a full list of contributors, see the show notes at disgracelandpod.com This episode was origi...
May 16, 2025•48 min•Season 3Ep. 29
This week in the After Party, Jake shares his thoughts on the start of the Diddy trial and (of course) takes your calls, emails, texts and DMs.. Next week, we're presenting our episode on legendary artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Jake wants to know: Which musician also excelled in a second art from or sport? Tell Jake at 617-906-6638, [email protected], or on socials @disgracelandpod. For more great Disgraceland episodes, dive into our extensive archive, including such episodes as...
May 15, 2025•42 min•Season 23Ep. 233
1984. Prince is at his commercial and creative peak. "Purple Rain" – the album, the soundtrack, and the film – is a sensation. But that's when the backlash sets in. That's when Prince's public persona sours, thanks in part to a tell-all story sold by a former bodyguard for a big drug-money payday. All the while, the world is sinking further into chaos and disorder; guns, gangs, murder, AIDS, earthquakes. In these dark times, can Prince find purpose ... and a musical revolution? Prince's "Sign o'...
May 13, 2025•44 min•Season 23Ep. 233
Few pop artists achieved the dizzying creative and career highs that Prince did. An artist who famously stayed away from drugs and most anything that would cause him to lose control, Prince was aided in his legendary musical output by a small army of creative alter egos, who helped him maintain control and helped him reign supreme as one of the greatest pop musicians of all time, until of course, all control was lost. This episode was originally published on June 9, 2020. To view the full list o...
May 12, 2025•44 min
Slick Rick has one of the most iconic voices in hip hip history. His style is completely his own, and his success owes as much to his delivery as it does to his hustle. Slick Rick worked hard to get to the top, and once he made it he was nearly cut down by drugs and violence - violence inflicted upon him by someone from his inner circle. Listen to hear how Slick Rick fought back and continued his flow. This episode was originally released on June 11, 2019. To see the full list of contributors, s...
May 09, 2025•43 min•Season 3Ep. 33
This week in the After Party, Jake hears from you about the Mount Rushmore of Guitarists and opines on a recent performance from David Lee Roth. Next week, we're presenting part 2 of the Prince story, and Jake wants to know: Which artist best represented their times? Tell Jake at 617-906-6638, [email protected], or on socials @disgracelandpod. For more great Disgraceland episodes, dive into our extensive archive, including such episodes as: Episode 85 - Pantera Episode 133 - Jimi Hen...
May 08, 2025•43 min•Season 23Ep. 232
In 1985, David Lee Roth was out and Sammy Hagar was in. One of the biggest lead singer shakeups in music history led to some of the biggest sales of Van Halen's career. It also led to more drama, to Lamborghinis and Ferraris racing through the streets of Los Angeles, to military assault vehicles storming Beverly Hills, to crazed fans and loaded guns – and at the middle of it all, a modern-day warrior, a man with a code, trying to orchestrate his own survival. If there were a Mount Rushmore of gu...
May 06, 2025•43 min•Season 23Ep. 232
On the backs of one of rock ‘n roll’s greatest innovators and one of its greatest ringmasters, Van Halen made some of the greatest music of the late ‘70s and early ‘80s. Guitarist Eddie Van Halen chased the perfect sound while lead singer David Lee Roth chased the next party. They were also ruthless when it came to protecting the unique thing they had created. Nothing was allowed to stand in their way. Not bullies, bootleggers, cynical guitar manufacturers, record producers – even the members of...
May 05, 2025•43 min•Season 16Ep. 167
In part two of the Notorious B.I.G. story we see the young star trying to deal with life after the death of his rival (and one-time friend), Tupac Shakur. We also get a glimpse into the motivation behind the making of his final album, the aptly titled, Life After Death and get deep into the mystery behind his still unsolved murder. This episode was originally published on May 25, 2021. To see the full list of contributors, see the show notes at www.disgracelandpod.com. To listen to Disgracelan...
May 03, 2025•40 min•Season 7Ep. 81
The Notorious B.I.G. entered adulthood as a crack dealer and left this world as one of the most famous hip-hop stars of all time. He was murdered mysteriously and before that was arrested almost too many times to count. He eventually altered the course of hip-hop with the release of his debut album, Ready To Die, an album that served as a soundtrack of sorts for the highly publicized, dangerous, violent beef between himself and his one-time friend, fellow rapper, Tupac Shakur. But that whole sag...
May 02, 2025•44 min•Season 7Ep. 80
This week in the After Party, Jake reflects on Wynona Ryder and her iconic status among Gen X. Plus, Jake wants the Disgos to get in touch and tell him a little more about yourself: What are your favorite genres of music? What books and films do you like? What are your hobbies? Next week, we're presenting part 2 of the Van Halen story, and Jake wants to know: If there were a Mount Rushmore of guitar players, who would you put on it? You can only choose four! Tell Jake at 617-906-6638, disgracel...
May 01, 2025•45 min•Season 23Ep. 231
You know on Disgraceland we bring you dark stories of musicians getting away with very bad behavior. This week, we have something special: A new podcast from 20/20 and ABC Audio, "Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy." In this six-part series, ABC News legal contributor Brian Buckmire takes listeners inside the rise and fall of Diddy, tracing how whispers of abuse came to light and led to his downfall. We’re giving you episode one, "Party's Over." Diddy was a legendary party host. His star-studded "w...
Apr 30, 2025•35 min
Between beatnik parents, an LSD guru godfather, and an unconventional upbringing in Northern California, it’s not surprising that Winona Ryder became America’s endearing weirdo in the 1990s. Her noir starpower shined from an early age in movies like Beetlejuice, Heathers, and Edward Scissorhands, but her penchant for dark roles would lead her towards crime in real life. The only thing weirder than Winona’s $5,000 shoplifting spree and the kidnapping of a girl from her own hometown is how the two...
Apr 29, 2025•45 min•Season 23Ep. 231
Iggy Pop pushed rock further than anyone before him, committing to live acts of sex, sickness, and rumored suicide on stage. From his cocaine fueled bromance with David Bowie, to his search for inspiration in the voodoo rituals of Haiti, Iggy Pop never just crossed the line between art and madness. He bled all over it, and danced on the stains. This episode was originally published on October 15, 2019. To listen to Disgraceland ad free and get access to a monthly exclusive episode, weekly bonus ...
Apr 25, 2025•45 min•Season 4Ep. 41
This week in the After Party, Jake looks at second acts in music history. Which artists went on to form successful groups whose impact matched or exceeded that of their breakthrough group? Plus, we'll hear from you on this question and more. For more great Disgraceland episodes, dive into our extensive archive, including such episodes as: Episode 92 - Derek and the Dominos Episode 154 - Jane's Addiction Episode 137 - New Order Episode 49 and 50 - Guns 'n' Roses To hear an extended version of the...
Apr 24, 2025•42 min•Season 23Ep. 230
As a teenager, Chris Cornell was traumatized by a bad PCP trip that turned him into a recluse for years. Music pulled him out of the darkness when he discovered his four-octave voice by accident – A voice he used to incredible effect as the frontman for both Soundgarden and Audioslave. But the darkness never really went away – it was there in his hometown of Seattle, where tragedies closed the chapter on grunge, and in his music, which was authentic to the very end. This episode contains themes ...
Apr 22, 2025•44 min•Season 17Ep. 177
This week in the After Party, Jake takes your calls on the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame and wonders why some celebrity autobiographies are so hard to find. Plus, Jake looks at which major music stars have not yet written their autobiographies and wonders if they ever will. Next week, we're bringing you a story on Chris Cornell, lead vocalist of Soundgarden and Audioslave. We want to know: Which artists followup bands were bigger or as impactful as their breakthrough bands? Tell Jake at 617-906-663...
Apr 17, 2025•42 min•Season 22Ep. 229
Mama Cass’ role as Hollywood’s hippie den mother pulled her into the orbit of troubling company during the “Summer of Love.” The former singer of The Mamas and the Papas thrived in Laurel Canyon's social circles, which included her close friend Sharon Tate and Sharon’s husband, filmmaker Roman Polanski. But Cass’ alleged involvement in some of the long rumored-hedonistic events put her at the center of a counter-narrative that explosively disrupts the supposed motive for the Manson family murder...
Apr 15, 2025•42 min•Season 10Ep. 116
Cass Elliot, AKA "Mama Cass" from The Mamas and The Papas, broke the mold of female pop superstardom and shattered expectations of what women in music “should” be. She also was arrested in London for theft, dated international drug dealers, and tanked what was supposed to be a career-defining solo performance while flying high on Iranian hashish. To this day, the biggest controversy swirling around the singer is her connection to the 1969 Manson Family murders. Her actions during the so-called “...
Apr 14, 2025•41 min•Season 10Ep. 115
Oasis, Bad Company, Black Crowes, OutKast, White Stripes, Joe Cocker, Joy Division / New Order, Chubby Checker, Cyndi Lauper, Mana, Phish, Soundgarden, Billy Idol, and Mariah Carey. Which 7 artists would you choose to induct into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? Will Billy Idol, the consummate rock 'n' roll animal, make the cut? Next week, we're bringing you a story on Mama Cass Elliot and her connection to Charles Manson and the Tate LaBianca murders. We want to know: Do you believe that the acc...
Apr 10, 2025•39 min•Season 22Ep. 229
With his spiked blond hair, perpetual sneer, and gloved hands clenched in defiance, Billy Idol seemed like an avatar of punk rock dreamed up by central casting. But Idol's look, his attitude, and especially his music were completely authentic. He was a pure rock 'n' roll animal. Few rock stars lived a life as hedonistic and debaucherous as Billy Idol, and even fewer lived to tell the tale. Who is the most debaucherous star you've heard about in Disgraceland? Let Jake know at 617-906-6638, disgra...
Apr 08, 2025•44 min•Season 22Ep. 229
…the Hollywood and true crime spinoff from the award winning music and true crime podcast, DISGRACELAND, and the newest expansion from the folks at Double Elvis. The most dramatic non-fiction stories ever heard come from the world of entertainment. Specifically the dark side of entertainment. The true crime stories from Hollywood; the mysterious death of Brittany Murphy. The vicious, real-life murder that inspired David Lynch’s Twin Peaks. The three conspiracies surrounding Marilyn Monroe’s deat...
Apr 07, 2025•3 min
This week in the After Party, Jake shares his thoughts on the recent release of formerly classified JFK files and how they relate to Watergate and this week's episode on Bob Dylan. Next week, we're bringing you a story on Billy Idol, and we want to know: who is the most debaucherous rock star ever? Tell Jake at 617-906-6638, [email protected], or on socials @disgracelandpod. For more great Disgraceland episodes, dive into our extensive archive, including such episodes as: Episode 64 - Pi...
Apr 03, 2025•48 min•Season 22Ep. 225
Within the recently released "JFK Files” there is a reference to a “Bobby Dyllon” and informant number “T-3390-S." This recent discovery has led to a quick consensus among many JFK assassination scholars that “Dyllon” is the lynchpin between an unknown FBI informant at the heart of a conspiracy theory that scholars are now just beginning to accept as truth: that the “Watergate” scandal was not at all what it seemed; the downfall of a corrupt politician, but was instead, the overthrow of a presid...
Apr 01, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Season 22Ep. 228
This week in the After Party, Jake hears from you about the greatest Seattle artists of the grunge era and makes his own list of the top 10 grunge albums. Next week, we're bringing you a special story on "Voice of His Generation" Bob Dylan. We want to know: who is the voice of your generation? Tell Jake at 617-906-6638, [email protected], or on socials @disgracelandpod. For more great Disgraceland episodes, dive into our extensive archive, including such episodes as: Episode 63 - Chet Ba...
Mar 27, 2025•57 min•Season 22Ep. 227
Though they were one of the first so-called “grunge” bands to sign to a major label, Alice in Chains were something of an outlier in the late ‘80s/early ‘90s Seattle scene. They didn’t fall directly into the punk camp, or the hair metal camp, and even the true metalheads thought they weren’t hardcore enough. This became painfully evident when the band opened a tour for Megadeth, Slayer, and Anthrax, and were hazed, spat on, and booed. Alice’s lead singer, Layne Staley, could take the criticism. ...
Mar 25, 2025•44 min•Season 16Ep. 168
This week in the After Party, Jake looks at video directors from the 80s and 90s who went on to have careers in films. Plus, we hear from you about your favorite early MTV artists, and Jake has big news for fans of Disgraceland, Hollywood, and true crime. Next week, we're bringing you a story about Seattle rockers Alice in Chains, and we want to know: Which Seattle band or artist is your favorite? Thirty five years after the peak of grunge, which bands are you still listening to today? Tell Jake...
Mar 20, 2025•50 min•Season 22Ep. 226
Seven arrests in twelve years and more than a couple sleepless nights inside a London prison. This reads like the description of a stereotypical Sunset Strip metalhead, not that of pop prince George Michael. George’s criminal transgressions include a bust for a “lewd act” in a public place, a crack addiction, numerous car crashes. George Michael was on a collision course with an early death, but he died of a broken heart. Along the way he made great music. Here’s his story. Which early MTV icon ...
Mar 18, 2025•44 min•Season 22Ep. 226
