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Michael Bland

Referenced in 8 episodes

Episode 257 cover

#257: Album Imploder: AS GOOD AS DEAD (with Steven Haigler) Part Two

May 29, 2026

Local H's Scott Lucas, Gabe Rodriguez, and producer Steven Haigler dissect their 1996 album "As Good As Dead" track by track, revealing the influences behind songs like the kazoo-featuring "Lovey Dovey," the straight-edge parody "Back in the Day," and hit single "Bound for the Floor." The discussion covers production techniques, songwriting inspirations ranging from Led Zeppelin to REM, and how the band deliberately positioned themselves as being from Zion, Illinois rather than Chicago to differentiate from the 90s alternative rock scene. They also address the controversy around "Eddie Vedder," explain why the album's master tapes are likely lost in the Universal fire, and reflect on how the record's themes of small-town claustrophobia have endured beyond its initial reception as disposable summer rock.

Episode 125 cover
🤘 Iron Maiden

#125: 125. LIFERS LIVE!!! - In Madison with Cathy Dethmers

July 7, 2023

Scott Lucas, Gabe Rodriguez and Ben Reiser of the Lifers podcast recorded a live episode in Madison, Wisconsin with special guest Kathy Dethmers, who opened and ran popular music venues O.K.'s Corral and High Noon Saloon. They discussed the history and impact of those venues on Madison's music scene, Kathy's experiences as a venue owner, and played a few humorous games like Iron Maiden vs Replacements trivia and Cards Against Humanity.

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#100: 100th Episode!!!

January 13, 2023

In this special 100th episode of the Lifers podcast, hosts Scott Lucas, Ben Reiser, and Gabe Rodriguez reminisce about their favorite moments and guests from the show's history. The conversation covers many of the most memorable episodes, interviews and stories that have made the podcast entertaining over the past 100 weeks.

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#32: Road Report #5: On The Road With Soul Asylum (Final Week)

September 17, 2021

Scott Lucas recounts playing Soul Asylum's hit song "Runaway Train" at a show, which angered frontman Dave Pirner at the time, though Pirner later claimed it was a joke. The episode features several interview clips with Soul Asylum band members discussing how they joined the group and what touring has been like during the pandemic.

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#30: Road Report #3: Waiting For Scott

September 3, 2021

Scott Lucas of Local H joins the podcast late after a long night selling merchandise on tour with Soul Asylum. Before Scott arrives, co-hosts Gabe Rodriguez and Ben Reiser discuss the podcast with Ryan Hembree, Lucas's bandmate, covering topics like tour life, food options, and fandom. The conversation turns to Lucas being perceived as bullying Rodriguez, which Lucas plans to address further in a future episode.

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#29: Road Report #2: Three Days of the Wyndham (In West Virginia with Jeneen Anderson)

August 27, 2021

While stuck in a hotel in Charleston, West Virginia for three days due to show cancellations, Scott Lucas and Ryan Smith from the band Local H discuss their current tour, music, and movies with their tour manager Janine Anderson. Janine shares stories about working her way up in the music industry as a woman tour manager, dealing with difficult people along the way, and learning to navigate the job with more confidence over the years. Despite the challenges, Janine expresses feeling lucky to work with the band and crew she currently tours with.

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#28: Michael Bland

August 20, 2021

Michael Bland discusses his career as a drummer, starting in church at a young age before joining Prince's band the New Power Generation in 1989. He reflects on Prince as a musician and bandleader, and shares behind-the-scenes stories from his time working with Prince. Bland also talks about drumming with Paul Westerberg and Soul Asylum, the Minneapolis music scene, and the challenges facing the music industry today.

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#25: Dave Pirner

July 31, 2021

In the podcast, Scott Lucas from the band Local H interviews Dave Pirner from Soul Asylum. They discuss the 1980s Minneapolis music scene that Soul Asylum emerged from, Pirner's creative influences and approach to songwriting, the challenges of sudden fame in the 1990s, and Pirner's move to New Orleans to recenter himself. Lucas and Pirner also share their frustrations with people refusing to get vaccinated against COVID-19, forcing them to postpone touring plans.