July 21, 1988

Slaying the Monsters of Rock

Rock critic Ken Tucker has seen most of the heavy metal acts on the package tour's bill. He admires Metallica and the Scorpions; Van Halen has its merits, but he says Dokken and Kingdom Come are bland. Collectively, the bands' popularity shows that metal is a genre that should't be ignored -- though Tucker prefers to enjoy it from the comfort of his own home.

06:25

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Ken Tucker

Other segments from the episode on July 21, 1988

Fresh Air with Terry Gross, July 21, 1988: Interview with Harry Connick, Jr.; Review of the Monsters of Rock tour; Interview with Thomas Disch; Review of the film "The Decline of Western Civilization…

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July 21, 1988

27:30

Harry Connick, Jr.: The Fresh Air Concert

The New Orleans-based, twenty-year-old pianist and singer started performing when he was five, and later studied with Ellis Marsalis. Connick says, as a younger musician, he has more to prove -- which fuels his drive to learn more.

Interview

Harry Connick, Jr.

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July 21, 1988

09:21

Science Fiction Writer Thomas M. Disch

The novelist once said that science fiction is a branch of children's literature -- an assertion he largely stands by today. Nonetheless, he makes a concerted effort to write for adults, using the genre to satirize serious topics. His newest book for young readers is called The Brave Little Toaster Goes to Mars.

Interview

Thomas M Disch

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July 21, 1988

03:35

Give Me Superstardom or Give Me Death

Film critic Stephen Schiff reviews the new documentary The Decline of Western Civilization Part II: the Metal Years. He says the compelling movie is a revealing look at how fans and musicians participate in the decadent culture of heavy metal music.

Review

Stephen Schiff

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He began his career with the Yardbirds in 1966. Two years later, Page formed Led Zeppelin. His powerful playing established the framework for classic tracks like "Whole Lotta Love," "Rock 'N' Roll," "Black Dog," "When The Levee Breaks" and "Achilles Last Stand." Remastered footage from several 1970s Led Zeppelin concerts has just been released on a 2-DVD set.

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March 17, 2009

44:21

Acrassicauda: Heavy Metal Hardship In Baghdad

The Iraqi heavy-metal band Acrassicauda had problems playing their music under Saddam Hussein, but they didn't get death threats until after the American invasion. Two band members — and the filmmaker who made a documentary about them — talk with Fresh Air's Terry Gross.

Interview

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June 21, 2005

45:07

Judas Priest Lead Singer Rob Halford

Judas Priest has a new album out, Angel of Retribution, and is on tour this summer. Originally from Birmingham, England, Judas Priest pioneered the heavy metal sound in the 1970s and '80s. Lead singer Halford left the band in 1991, citing internal tension, and in 1998, he disclosed that he is gay during an interview on MTV. Nicknamed the "Metal God," Halford returned to Judas Priest in 2003.

Interview

Rob Halford

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May 3, 2023

52:30

Daughter of Warhol star looks back on a bohemian childhood in the Chelsea Hotel

Alexandra Auder's mother, Viva, was one of Andy Warhol's muses. Growing up in Warhol's orbit meant Auder's childhood was an unusual one. For several years, Viva, Auder and Auder's younger half-sister, Gaby Hoffmann, lived in the Chelsea Hotel in Manhattan. It was was famous for having been home to Leonard Cohen, Dylan Thomas, Virgil Thomson, and Bob Dylan, among others.

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May 2, 2023

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This fake 'Jury Duty' really put James Marsden's improv chops on trial

In the series Jury Duty, a solar contractor named Ronald Gladden has agreed to participate in what he believes is a documentary about the experience of being a juror--but what Ronald doesn't know is that the whole thing is fake.

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Slaying the Monsters of Rock

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Other segments from the episode on July 21, 1988

Harry Connick, Jr.: The Fresh Air Concert

Science Fiction Writer Thomas M. Disch

Give Me Superstardom or Give Me Death

Transcript

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