The (unofficial) Lifers Database

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Band

Duran Duran

Referenced in 10 episodes

Episode 246 cover
🤘 Iron Maiden

#246: Russ Spice and the East Side Kids of 1983

January 23, 2026

Scott Lucas and his bandmates from Local H host lifelong friend Russ Spice, a sound engineer who grew up with Scott in Zion, Illinois in the early 1980s. They reminisce about their shared childhood experiences, including learning guitar together, forming teenage bands with songs like "I Hate You," ordering pizza to their teacher's classroom, and a memorable incident where a young Gary Coleman punched Russ in the gut after being asked for an autograph at their elementary school. The group discusses their favorite cultural moments from 1983, including albums like Iron Maiden's "Piece of Mind," Genesis's self-titled record, and Pink Floyd's "The Final Cut," as well as movies like "Scarface," "Risky Business," and "The Dead Zone," with the conversation devolving into a heated debate between Scott and Ben about the merits of different film scores and David Cronenberg adaptations.

Episode 205 cover
🤘 Iron Maiden

#205: William Goldsmith

January 22, 2025

In this episode of the Lifers podcast, Scott Lucas, Gabe Rodriguez and Ben Reiser interview Will Goldsmith, drummer of the influential band Sunny Day Real Estate. Goldsmith discusses the band's early days, getting signed to Sub Pop, their breakup and recent reunion, his drumming influences, and working with bassist Greg Saran. The hosts also discuss the recent passing of filmmaker David Lynch and share their favorite music moments from Lynch's films.

Episode 182 cover
🎸 Replacements

#182: Jim DeRogatis

August 2, 2024

Jim DeRogatis, a veteran music critic, joins the Lifers podcast to discuss his career, the R. Kelly case he helped expose, and his favorite drummers. DeRogatis shares anecdotes about interviewing Kurt Cobain, touring with the band Wire, and turning down an opportunity to participate in the Surviving R. Kelly documentary.

Episode 173 cover
🎸 Replacements

#173: Jonny Polonsky

May 31, 2024

Jonny Polonsky discusses his musical journey from growing up in Chicago to becoming a professional musician in LA. As a teenager, he made home recordings that he sent to Frank Black of the Pixies, which led to getting signed to Rick Rubin's American Recordings label. Polonsky has since worked as a solo artist and played with bands like Puscifer. His new album Supernatural Radio is coming out on Loose Groove Records.

Episode 167 cover
🎸 Replacements

#167: Jake Burns

April 19, 2024

Jake Burns, lead singer of the punk band Stiff Little Fingers, discusses the band's early days in Northern Ireland during the Troubles in the late 1970s. He talks about the influence of The Clash on Stiff Little Fingers' songwriting, getting support from BBC DJ John Peel, and the band's decision to participate in Rock Against Racism concerts. Burns also explains the factors that led to Stiff Little Fingers' initial breakup in the early 1980s before later re-forming.

Episode 154 cover
🎸 Replacements

#154: Tyler Spencer (aka Dick Valentine!!!)

January 19, 2024

Tyler Spencer, also known as Dick Valentine from the band Electric Six, discusses the longevity of his music career and putting out an album nearly every year since 2006. He reflects on the band's early days playing in Detroit and touring, as well as their breakthrough hit "Danger! High Voltage". The hosts and Spencer also debate their picks for the best disco songs by rock bands.

Episode 131 cover

#131: Rick Ness 2: The Krakening!

August 18, 2023

In this lighthearted conversation, Rick Ness of the band Fig Dish shares humorous stories and insider details about recording the band's songs and music videos. The hosts and Rick also engage in playful banter about their differing opinions on Billy Joel's music and personal life.

Episode 122 cover
🎸 Replacements

#122: Post-tour Reflections, Dolly Parton’s Coleslaw & How To DJ A Prom (w/Steve Reidell)

June 16, 2023

Scott Lucas, Gabe Rodriguez and Ben Reiser reflect on their recent live podcast shows in Chicago and Madison. They are joined by guest Steve Reidell, who DJed the shows under his former stage name Steve Sleeve. The hosts discuss 1982 prom songs they would hypothetically DJ, including hits by Adam Ant, The Dazz Band, Duran Duran, Prince, and Billy Idol.

Episode 71 cover
🤘 Iron Maiden

#71: Ed Valauskas

June 24, 2022

Ed Valauskas, a producer and bassist who works at Q Division Studios in Boston, discusses his music career and involvement with the annual Hot Stove Cool Music charity event. Ed shares stories about playing with various artists like Graham Parker, making records with Juliana Hatfield, and the untimely passing of his friend and Fountains of Wayne member Adam Schlesinger.

Episode 59 cover

#59: Greg Suran

March 25, 2022

Greg Suran discusses his long career as a touring and session guitarist, playing with acts like Cupcakes, Sunny Day Real Estate, the Goo Goo Dolls, Joe Walsh, the B-52's, and Lionel Richie. He shares stories of his experiences, from recording with famous producers to meeting musical legends while on the road with Joe Walsh. Suran reflects on the all-consuming dedication required of professional musicians and the disorienting impact the pandemic had on those who've built their lives and identities around performing.