Joey's Song goes to see Fountains of Wayne as they headline a stage at Summerfest

Mike & William discuss Brian Wilson's legacy and their 4 favorite Brian compositions

A quick look at the marketing challenges we face at Joey's Song

Pulling back the curtain on charity concert production isn't always glamorous, but it's always fascinating. Today, I'm taking you along for a day that could swing toward triumph or disappointment – the unpredictable reality of running Joey's Song.

My mission lately has been expanding our footprint beyond local recognition to a national stage, which means navigating the complex world of professional publicity. The morning kicks off with genuine anticipation as I prepare for a Zoom meeting with executives from RCPMK – the prestigious firm handling publicity for the Grammys, Hollywood A-listers, and music icons. This conversation represents a potential turning point in how we present Joey's Song to wider audiences.

As the day unfolds, I candidly share our biggest communication challenge: clearly defining what Joey's Song actually is. We're not simply a concert. We're not just a charity event. We're a unique fusion of both, and articulating this unique identity requires expertise and strategy. Following the promising RCPMK meeting, I hit the road to Rockford, Illinois, for lunch with Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Rick Nielsen of Cheap Trick fame. These one-on-one connections with music industry legends form the backbone of our work – casual conversations over meals that strengthen relationships and open doors to new possibilities.

By day's end, I'm pleased to report it was "one of those good days" – the kind that reminds me why all the behind-the-scenes work matters. The relationships built, strategies developed, and challenges tackled represent just a single day in the life of Joey's Song. Now imagine what happens in the other 364 days each year! Subscribe to hear more insider stories as we continue growing our mission to harness the power of music for meaningful change.

Send us a text

Support the show

Visit www.joeyssong.org to learn more about Joey's Song and the work we do and get details on our next set of shows. Also be sure to follow us on all popular social media platforms with our handle @joeyssong

Joey's Song is a federally registered 501(c)3 charity that raises money to fund research into treatments and cures for epilepsy. Joey's Song is 100% volunteer with no paid staff, so we are able to convert more dollars into life saving research.

Our Joey's Song family of artists include Rock N Roll Hall of Famers, Grammy and Emmy winners and Top 40 hitmakers.

• (00:00) - Introduction to the day ahead
• (01:26) - Meeting with RCPMK publicists
• (02:28) - Journey to meet Rick Nielsen
• (03:15) - Lunch with Rock Hall legend
• (03:56) - Reflecting on a successful day

Mike takes a look at Dead & Company and the Grateful Dead legacy as they complete another long run of shows at the Sphere in Las Vegas

Send us a text

Support the show

Visit www.joeyssong.org to learn more about Joey's Song and the work we do and get details on our next set of shows. Also be sure to follow us on all popular social media platforms with our handle @joeyssong

Joey's Song is a federally registered 501(c)3 charity that raises money to fund research into treatments and cures for epilepsy. Joey's Song is 100% volunteer with no paid staff, so we are able to convert more dollars into life saving research.

Our Joey's Song family of artists include Rock N Roll Hall of Famers, Grammy and Emmy winners and Top 40 hitmakers.

• (00:00) - Welcome to Mic Drop
• (00:42) - Dead & Company Today
• (02:14) - John Mayer's Role
• (04:20) - The Dead's Musical Legacy
• (06:41) - The Sphere Experience & Final Thoughts
• (08:49) - Joey's Song Charity Connection

Welcome to our video/podcast. Joey's song will be expanding our podcast output with video pods (accessible via our YouTube channel) and the audio right here on your favorite pod supplier.

Send us a text

Support the show

Visit www.joeyssong.org to learn more about Joey's Song and the work we do and get details on our next set of shows. Also be sure to follow us on all popular social media platforms with our handle @joeyssong

Joey's Song is a federally registered 501(c)3 charity that raises money to fund research into treatments and cures for epilepsy. Joey's Song is 100% volunteer with no paid staff, so we are able to convert more dollars into life saving research.

Our Joey's Song family of artists include Rock N Roll Hall of Famers, Grammy and Emmy winners and Top 40 hitmakers.

• (00:00) - Introduction to Mic Drop Series
• (00:25) - What Mic Drop Is About
• (00:46) - How to Stay Connected
• (01:04) - Looking Ahead to 2026 Event

What makes live albums from the 1970s such an enduring force in rock history? Join us as we reminisce about the raw energy that electrified audiences and catapulted bands like Kiss and Bob Seger to stardom, with the iconic "Kiss Alive" and Seger's "Live Bullet" as our focal points. Mike & William share an intriguing look at how these recordings became more than just music—they were lifelines connecting fans to their favorite bands in an era long before streaming and music videos. We kick things off by diving into how Kiss harnessed the power of live performance to overcome band challenges and propel themselves into rock legend status.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn as we explore the business savvy of Kiss members Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, who pushed the band to new heights through strategic decisions and relentless ambition. From the transformation of Bob Seger from a Midwest favorite to a national icon, to the captivating use of the talk box by Peter Frampton, we dissect how these live albums not only captured iconic performances but also propelled artists into cultural phenomena. The episode is peppered with personal anecdotes and humorous tales, reflecting on how these legendary albums still resonate and hold a prominent place in music collections today.

Our nostalgic journey wouldn't be complete without celebrating Cheap Trick's "Live at Budokan" and its role in transforming regional pride into global recognition. With roots that run deep in the Midwest, the band's story is intertwined with memories of local pride and a sense of community, which we explore in depth. We also spotlight the Joey's Song benefit event, where music serves as a powerful force for good, bringing communities together while supporting epilepsy research. Join us in celebrating not just the music and its history, but the enduring sense of connection it fosters among fans and artists alike.

Send us a text

Support the show

Visit www.joeyssong.org to learn more about Joey's Song and the work we do and get details on our next set of shows. Also be sure to follow us on all popular social media platforms with our handle @joeyssong

Joey's Song is a federally registered 501(c)3 charity that raises money to fund research into treatments and cures for epilepsy. Joey's Song is 100% volunteer with no paid staff, so we are able to convert more dollars into life saving research.

Our Joey's Song family of artists include Rock N Roll Hall of Famers, Grammy and Emmy winners and Top 40 hitmakers.

• (00:21) - Live Albums
• (14:29) - Live Album Impact on Artists
• (25:04) - Seminal Live Albums in Rock
• (40:13) - Cheap Trick
• (52:20) - Midwest Benefit Concert Discussion