DISGRACELAND - podcast cover

DISGRACELAND

Exactly Right and iHeartPodcastswww.disgracelandpod.com

DISGRACELAND is an award-winning music and true crime podcast about musicians getting away with murder and behaving very badly. Jerry Lee Lewis's 5th wife? Dead. Sid and Nancy? Both dead. Why? Because musicians are insane, and insane things happen to them.

Why did we lose Amy Winehouse at 27? Was Debbie Harry really abducted by Ted Bundy as she claims? Is Patti Smith not just the "Godmother of Punk", but also the "Original True Crime Girl"? What really happened the night of the Jay Z nightclub stabbing? What do the Diddy indictments truly reveal? All these stories and more, on artists from every genre and their true crimes, in our massive 260-plus story archive. The Dead, the Stones, Johnny, Willie, Frank, Kurt, Courtney, Gaga, Lana, Taylor, and too many to name.

DISGRACELAND is music history come to life through audio storytelling as you've never heard it before, with revealing facts: yes, assassins are the real reason the Beatles quit touring—reclaimed myths: no, Mama Cass didn't die from choking on a ham sandwich––and constant reckoning between art and artist––all told through the lens of true crime.

This is the podcast for the self-proclaimed "Disgos", the musically obsessed and the true crime heads; the outsiders, the independent thinkers who know that the best history is the history that gets buried. DISGRACELAND is where host Jake Brennan tells the stories they didn't want told. The kind you'll end up telling someone else. Get ready to uncover hidden truths and buckle up for truly edge-of-your-seat storytelling.

New, fully scripted, sound-designed episodes are released every Tuesday. Bonus chat-style episodes where Jake responds to voicemails, texts, and emails from Disgos hit on Thursdays, and "Rewind" episodes from our archive drop on Sundays.

DISGRACELAND is not a journalistic podcast. It's an entertainment podcast inspired by true events. Certain dialogue and scenes are dramatized, as is common in scripted entertainment based on real stories. Sources and credits for each episode are available at www.disgracelandpod.com.

To unlock ad-free listening, exclusive content, and connect with your fellow Disgos, go to www.disgracelandpod.com to become an All Access member. 

Rocka Rolla.

 

Last refreshed:
Download Metacast podcast app
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

Bonus Episode: A Brief History of Gun Violence from Music’s Past

“The Devil’s Right Hand" – the gun. Many have died by it in music history. From the unknown piano player who helped influence rock ‘n’ roll to iconic stars like Marvin Gaye and John Lennon. On the heels of our Dr. John episode detailing the shooting that changed the trajectory of his career, and in advance of our Martin Scorsese archive episode detailing the rock ‘n’ roll director’s plan to shoot and kill his producer, we are giving you a brief history of gun violence in music history with a spe...

Nov 20, 202535 minSeason 25Ep. 257

Dr. John: A Shooting, Federal Prison, and Voodoo Healing

A gunshot ended his career as a guitar player, but opened up a path to becoming an iconic piano man. Heroin, pimping, and federal prison nearly ended him, but Voodoo––and music––saved him. Listen to find out how one of New Orleans’ most notorious musicians, Mac Rebennack, became Dr. John. For a full list of contributors, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠disgracelandpod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ To listen to Disgraceland ad free and hear an exclusive mini-episode that explores Dr. John's stay in a psychiatric hospital and ...

Nov 18, 202532 minSeason 25Ep. 257

Bonus: From the Nitrous Mafia to the Italian Mafia, the Criminal Enterprises That Infiltrate Music Culture

Gangsters, rude boys, drug dealers, soviet bootleggers, ticket scalping syndicates, and psychedelic chemists—why do criminals like the “Nitrous Mafia” associated with Phish, and the Italian Mafia linked to Tommy James, so often infiltrate and influence music culture? This topic, along with your voicemails, texts, and emails, and in the All Access portion, Jake and Zeth unpack the fascinating history of violence in Jamaican music. You can become an All Access member and hear this and more exclusi...

Nov 13, 202532 minSeason 25Ep. 256

Phish: Community, Hippie Crack, and the Nitrous Mafia

A parking lot ruled by shady nitrous oxide dealers. And a bandleader whose addiction nearly killed him. This is the story of Trey Anastasio and Phish – and their improbable comeback. For a full list of contributors, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠disgracelandpod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ To listen to Disgraceland ad free and hear an exclusive mini-episode that further explores Phish and the Nitrous Mafia, become a Disgraceland All Access member at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠disgracelandpod.com/membership⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Sign up for our newsl...

Nov 11, 202536 minSeason 25Ep. 256

Bonus: The Next Incel Killer Already Has A Playlist

This episode is being published for the first time on Friday, November 7th. An episode of the same title was mistakenly published previously. The media blamed AC/DC for inspiring a serial killer. Rebecca Shaefer’s murderer claimed inspiration from a U2 song. When the next incel murder happens, will we blame Morrissey? Radiohead? Or will we finally learn our lesson and treat the music as a mirror, and not a weapon? This topic, along with your voicemails, texts, and emails, and in the All Access p...

Nov 07, 202534 minSeason 25Ep. 255

AC/DC Pt. 2: Dirty Deeds, Dead Friends, and Murder for Hire

This is the story of the greatest rock ’n’ roll band on earth. AC/DC was forged in discipline, sharpened by grief, resurrected by obsession … and nearly undone by one final dirty deed that no one saw coming: murder. For a full list of contributors, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠disgracelandpod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ To listen to Disgraceland ad free and hear an exclusive mini-episode about the making of Back in Black , become a Disgraceland All Access member at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠disgracelandpod.com/membership⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Sign up...

Nov 04, 202538 minSeason 25Ep. 255

Bonus Episode: Why Does Hollywood Ignore The Most Impactful Music?

This week in the After Party, Jake wonders why horror film soundtracks, despite their importance to the mood of their films, are so often ignored by Hollywood when it comes to award season. Plus, we hear from you on the movies that scare you. Next week we're bringing you a brand new part 2 episode on AC/DC. AC/DC's Back in Black is the biggest selling rock album of all time. Jake wants to know: What do you think is the greatest rock album ever? Share your thoughts at 617-906 6638, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

Oct 30, 202532 minSeason 25Ep. 254

Bonus Episode: Backmasking and the Death of the Dangerous Rockstar

This week in the After Party, Jake looks back at the 1980s satanic panic and the uproar over supposed "backmasking" – the spurious claim that rock stars were hiding demonic messages in their music. Plus, we hear from you on your favorite Heavy Metal bands. Next week we're bringing you an episode on The Exorcist, and Jake wants to know: what movies scare you? Share your thoughts at 617-906 6638, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠disgracelandpod@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or on socials @disgracelandpod. To hear an ...

Oct 23, 202534 minSeason 25Ep. 254

Judas Priest: Satanic Panic, Censorship, Heavy Metal Suicide, and Defenders of the Faith

They helped create the genre of heavy metal, and then Satan and the censors tried to destroy them. Judas Priest defended the metal faithful on stage and in the courts, and became icons in the process. For a full list of contributors, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠disgracelandpod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ This episode contains themes that may be disturbing to some listeners, including suicide. If you’re thinking about suicide, or are worried about a friend or loved one, call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. To...

Oct 21, 202541 minSeason 25Ep. 254

Bonus Episode: Music and Monsters

This week in the After Party, Jake is thinking about monsters – the fictitious kind and the kind that are all too real. Plus, we hear more spooky stories from you and get your recommendations on scary music. Next week we're bringing you an episode on Judas Priest and the Satanic Panic of the 1980s, and Jake wants to know: who is your favorite heavy metal band? Share your thoughts at 617-906 6638, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠disgracelandpod@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or on socials @disgracelandpod. For more ...

Oct 16, 202535 minSeason 25Ep. 254

Bonus Episode: Musical Sherpas and Spooky Sounds

This week in the After Party, Jake suggests some songs for spooky season and wonders if ChatGPT will replace the musical sherpas who guided us in our youth. Plus, we hear your stories about who turned you on to your favorite music. Next week we're bringing you an episode on Harry Houdini (with a side of Red Hot Chili Peppers), and Jake wants to know: what scary music do you play this time of year? What songs, bands or albums creep you out? Share your thoughts at 617-906 6638, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠dis...

Oct 09, 202536 minSeason 25Ep. 253

Pentagram: Demons, Curses, and Doom

In 1971, a teenage metalhead named Bobby Liebling flipped a five-pointed star upside-down, gave his band a cursed name, and summoned a sound so heavy it would echo for generations. But for Bobby and his bandmates, doom metal wasn’t just a genre – it was a prophecy. Drug addiction, jail time, sabotage, and strange hauntings followed, all as the myth of Pentagram grew louder underground. This is the story of the greatest band you’ve never heard – and the curse they could never shake. For a full li...

Oct 07, 202537 minSeason 25Ep. 253

Bonus Episode - Spooky Stories and Superbowl Shows

This week in the After Party, Jake reacts to the news that Bad Bunny will perform at this year's Superbowl halftime show. And as we kick off spooky season, we hear from you about our recent Led Zeppelin episode, your creepy stories, and more. Next week we're bringing you an episode on Pentagram, and Jake wants to know: who was your musical sherpa? Who introduced you to great music in your formative years? Share your thoughts at 617-906 6638, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠disgracelandpod@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

Oct 02, 202535 minSeason 25Ep. 252

Disgraceland All Access - New Mini-Episodes Available Now

Big news for Disgraceland All Access Members! Rocka Rolla subscription members on Apple Podcasts and Patreon will now receive a special, exclusive mini-episode in their feed on Tuesdays, immediately following the release of that week's new full episode. In Disgraceland, you know we dive deep to uncover the wildest true stories about music legends. But what happens to all the stories that don't make it into an episode of Disgraceland? What about the EXCESS excess? That's where these mini-episodes...

Oct 01, 20251 min

Led Zeppelin Pt. 2: The Haunting at Headley Grange

In 1971, Led Zeppelin holed up in an old English house in the countryside to make the album that would crown them the biggest rock band on earth. But they weren’t alone inside Headley Grange. This is a story about obsession, occult rituals, and music made in the shadows. About pentagrams. About black magick. About a song that felt like it was being written by an unseen spirit. And about a house that went from forgotten ruin to something far stranger—and the band that may have changed that house ...

Sep 30, 202538 minSeason 25Ep. 252

Bonus Episode - Bad Men, Good Music, and the Developing D4VID Saga

This week in the After Party, takes a look at the latest true crime and music in the news. Plus, your voicemails, DMs, and emails on rock 'n' roll movies and lots of other subjects. Spooky season is just around the corner, and we've got an episode on Headley Grange, the haunted estate where Led Zeppelin created their greatest work. Jake wants to hear your spooky stories - ghosts, hauntings, the paranormal... share your thoughts at 617-906 6638, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠disgracelandpod@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

Sep 25, 202533 minSeason 14Ep. 148

Bonus Episode - Rock 'n' Roll Movies, Music Headlines, and Buford Pusser

This week in the After Party, Jake is thinking about movies that have a rock 'n' roll attitude. Plus, your voicemails, DMs, and emails on what artists you couldn't stand, but now kind of like. Jake wants to know: What are your favorite rock 'n' roll movies? Share your thoughts at 617-906 6638, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠disgracelandpod@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or on socials @disgracelandpod. To listen to an extended version of the After Party and hear Jake and Zeth's movie and music recommendations, beco...

Sep 18, 202535 minSeason 25Ep. 250

Jimmy Buffett: Escape Artist, Incorporated.

Key West drug traffickers, God’s Own Bad-Ass, flying bullets, and the billion-dollar business of escape. Jimmy Buffett wasn’t just the “Margaritaville Guy” – he was a hustler, a ham, and a near pirate who turned a hangover into an empire. For a full list of contributors, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠disgracelandpod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ To listen to Disgraceland ad free and get access to weekly bonus content and more, become a Disgraceland All Access member at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠disgracelandpod.com/membership⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ . Sign up for our newslet...

Sep 16, 202534 minSeason 25Ep. 250

Bonus Episode: Hanging with Hip Hop Stars, the VMAs, and the Return of the Biggest Band on the Planet

This week in the After Party, Jake contrasts the cultural irrelevancy of the MTV Video Music Awards with the triumphant return of Oasis to stadiums and the public consciousness. Plus, your voicemails, DMs, and emails, including a report from a listener who attended a recent Oasis concert. On Tuesday, we're bringing you a new episode on Jimmy Buffet, and Jake wants to know: Are there artists that you once couldn't stand that now you find yourself loving? Which artist has grown on you over time? S...

Sep 11, 202531 minSeason 24Ep. 249

50 Cent Pt. 2: Federal Raids, a Stabbing in the Studio, and a Dead Man’s Game

Curtis Jackson took his name from a stickup man – and then proceeded to play by that dead man’s rules. This episode traces the violent legacy of the original 50 Cent and the rise of 50 Cent the rapper through his feud with Ja Rule, the Lorenzo brothers, Kenneth “Supreme” McGriff, and Murder Inc. Records. This is about how Curtis Jackson a/k/a 50 Cent became a rap king, despite a nine-shot assassination attempt that failed to kill the man—or the myth. For a full list of contributors, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠di...

Sep 09, 202534 minSeason 24Ep. 249

Bonus Episode: Mystery Recordings and Tortured Geniuses

This week in the After Party, Jake takes a closer look at the tales of mysterious rumored recordings from music history. Plus, your voicemails, DMs, and emails! On Tuesday, we're bringing you a new episode on 50 Cent, and Jake wants to know: Which hip hop artist (living or dead) would you most want to have a drink with?" Share your thoughts at 617-906 6638, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠disgracelandpod@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or on socials @disgracelandpod. To listen to an extended version of the After Par...

Sep 04, 202535 minSeason 24Ep. 248

Brian Wilson: Love and Mercy, Murder, Theft, and Manipulation

Brian Wilson was the quiet one. The genius in the bathrobe. The ghost at the piano bench. He wrote Pet Sounds, rewrote pop music history, and was nearly destroyed for it. This is the story of how mercy, murder, theft, and family fractured the mind behind the Beach Boys—and how Brian Wilson reclaimed his music, his story, and his soul. For a full list of contributors, visit ⁠⁠⁠disgracelandpod.com⁠⁠⁠ To listen to Disgraceland ad free and get access to a monthly exclusive episode, weekly bonus cont...

Sep 02, 202543 minSeason 24Ep. 248

Bonus Episode: Compton, Conspiracies, and Mercy

This week in the After Party, Jake takes a look at the important musical history of Compton. Plus, your voicemails, DMs, and emails on subjects ranging from mercy to Lemmy to Frankie Goes to Hollywood(?). On Tuesday, we're bringing our episode on the late Brian Wilson, and Jake wants to know: Who is the best example from music history of a "tortured genius?" Share your thoughts at 617-906 6638, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠disgracelandpod@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or on socials @disgracelandpod. To listen t...

Aug 28, 202533 minSeason 24Ep. 247

Kendrick Lamar: The Streets, the Studio, and the Struggle for Mercy

Before Kendrick Lamar became one of the greatest lyricists of his generation, he was K.Dot—a kid from Compton with a front-row seat to trauma, loyalty, violence, and survival. This is the story of good kid, m.A.A.d city and the real-life events that fueled it. It’s about a drive-by shooting that changed Kendrick forever. About a murder. About a robbery. About friends who vanished and others who couldn’t be saved. It’s about escaping the cycle without forgetting where you came from. And above all...

Aug 26, 202535 minSeason 24Ep. 247

Bonus Episode: 80s Metalheads, Life-changing Concerts, and Ozzy Osbourne

This week in the After Party, Jake looks into some of the rumors and conjecture surrounding the death of Ozzy Osbourne. Plus, we hear from you about your concert going experiences! On Tuesday, we're bringing our episode on Kendrick Lamar, and Jake wants to know: What artists have shown mercy, forgiveness or kindness? Share your thoughts at 617-906-6638, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠disgracelandpod@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or on socials @disgracelandpod. To listen to an extended version of the After Party a...

Aug 21, 202536 minSeason 24Ep. 246

Bonus Episode: Suspicious Deaths, Small-Town Myths, and the Record Store That Helped Make Me

This week in the After Party, we’re digging up the stories they didn’t want told. Jake throws back to a formative encounter with a record store burnout who unknowingly set him on the path to Disgraceland. Jake talks AC/DC, Bon Scott, and the rock and roll myths that shaped him (and you)—and tees up a deeper dive in the bonus section into some of the most suspicious musician deaths of all time. From Elliott Smith’s stab wounds to Al Jackson Jr.’s unsolved murder, these are stories too sketchy, to...

Aug 14, 202535 minSeason 24Ep. 245

The Temptations Pt 2: The Tammi Terrell Tragedy

When Motown singer Tammi Terrell died at the age of 24, Marvin Gaye was the only one from her label allowed at her funeral. The rest – especially her former boyfriend, the Tempations’ David Ruffin – were banned. So what happened between them? The answer lies in a story of fame, furs, cocaine, and a scandal that still casts a shadow over soul music. To see the full list of contributors, see the show notes at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.disgracelandpod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ . Sadly, there is a long list of mistreated women throu...

Aug 12, 202535 minSeason 24Ep. 245

Bonus Episode: The Culture Changed Every Ten Years… Until It Didn’t

From the Beatles to Nirvana to Pulp Fiction and Friends , every decade used to bring a cultural reset—new sounds, new voices, new aesthetics that changed the way we dressed, talked, and thought. But for the past 25 years, that cycle stopped. Why? In this week’s After Party, Jake takes us back to a time when artists shaped the culture—and breaks down how corporatization, consolidation, and the algorithm killed the artist as changemaker. Plus: a bonus section packed with receipts on music, movies,...

Aug 07, 202530 minSeason 24Ep. 244

Run-DMC (Pt. 2): Loyalty, Betrayal, and Who Shot Jay

Run-DMC’s Jam Master Jay helped take hip-hop global, but behind the decks was a man under pressure – fiercely loyal yet financially strapped, and secretly entangled in a dangerous world he couldn’t spin his way out of. So when the music industry turned cold and the bills stacked up, Jay made choices that brought the streets back to his doorstep. This is the true story behind his murder: a tangled web of old friends, bad drug deals, silence, and betrayal. And it’s part of hip-hop history that no ...

Aug 05, 202533 minSeason 24Ep. 244

Bonus Episode: Sanitized Biopics, California Wildfires, and Underrated Rock Stars

This week in the After Party, Jake looks further into the CASSM (Corporate Algorithmic Studio Storytelling Machine) and explores the reasons behind the sanitized versions of music history that are served up everywhere but in Disgraceland. Plus, an update on the developments in the California wildfire benefit story, and your voicemails and DMs! On Tuesday, we're bringing you part 2 of our story on hip hop legends Run-DMC and Jake wants to know: Who is the most influential rap group of all time? S...

Jul 31, 202531 minSeason 24Ep. 243
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android