Can I Pod With Madness - Kerrang, Metal Hammer and Rock in the 80s

As “promised” very early on in the history of this podcast, we've had a look at the BBC Arts programme Arena's Heavy Metal documentary, from April 1989. Mick Wall and Jon Hotten of Kerrang were NOT IMPRESSED with the programme, and neither were any of the people that wrote in about it. Featured are Ozzy and Geezer, Bruce Dickinson going for the presenting gig, Ax Rose at his most Ax Rose, David “LeRoth”, and loads of thrash. It all adds up to not much but to a dopey 17 year old at the time it was a fun watch. BBC4's Heavy Metal Britannia from 2010 was a lot better. In addition we've got complaints about Guns n Roses’ tardiness, Spinal Tap II review, Metal documentaries we have loved and Napalm Death on Craig Charles' What's That Noise,. A note on Heavy Metal Heaven: At the end of ‘89 year the BBC repeated the documentary alongside some related shows- among others they showed The Decline of Western Civilization Part 2, a Def Leppard doc,and live concerts by Ozzy, Metallica, and that black and white Led Zeppelin TV performance from Denmark. This was all under the banner of Heavy Metal Heaven and presented by Elvira, Mistress of the Dark (sample quote “tonight I've got a couple of biggies for you... no, not *those*”). That's all on YouTube so, go crazy. Special note: our AMAZING theme music this week is by our pal Ol of @nithered_music - it really annoys me that the BBC in '89 completely failed to do THE OBVIOUS THING for a metal documentary on Arena, namely a metal version of Brian Eno's Another Green World, but we have fully rectified that terrible oversight. Special Special Note: Full unexpurgated version of this pod is on our Patreon - lots of Red Dwarf talk, for some reason. PWM67 ARENA recorded Feb 20th 2026

It's 1988 once again and our cover star is Robert Plant, looking to regain his crown as THE prime hard rock frontman (it says here). To be honest he's just back with a new album that's a bit more Zeppelin than his definitely not Zeppelin no sir! recorded output from the early 80s. Most of this is about their famously disastrous Live Aid performance, but there's a bit of slagging off David Coverdale for good measure. There's an Ozzy interview that's suspiciously similar to one from Metal Hammer that we covered in an early episode, but I'm sure no one remembers that so I think we can get away with it. Meanwhile Nikki Sixx is simultaneously both dead and alive, like Schrodinger’s Cat on smack. Warfare have the best song titles! Cher impersonations aplenty! We review Wonder Man and take a deep dive into M. Night Shyamalan's plant-based shitfest The Happening. Also: Belinda Carlisle, Pepsi and Shirlie, Screaming Marionettes, Bastard Head, Malicious Mercenaries and, er, Impotent Society. Plus all the baking cork updates you could possibly want. Note that this episode appears in (mostly) unedited form on our Patreon, the shorter version is here on the main podcast feed (so if you're pushed for time, listen to this one!) PWM66 recorded 6th Feb 2026

We’re looking at Kerrang from Aug ‘86, so as usual there’s news of another forthcoming Alice Cooper album, and Iron Maiden have a single out (one of their best although we are arguing about that one). Elsewhere we delve into the world of Madam X, and our main feature this week finds Run DMC colliding with Aerosmith, for one of the most bulletproof stone cold classics of the 80s. That’s not a hot take, I know, everyone likes that song. And the video’s even better. There’s plenty of distractions in terms of ranking the Spice Girls solo jams, movie reviews, run ins with horror icons and talkin’ Tolkien. Also another digression into the world of The KLF. Note that this episode appears in (mostly) unedited form on our Patreon, so if you want to listen to us going on about a shaved Bill Oddie, Garage Days, and Tusk, that’s THE PLACE TO BE. PWM65 recorded January 26th 2026

Kerrang 233, Apr 89 Come with us as we take a fun nostalgic trawl through the minutiae of the late 80s rock scene, in order to distract from the continuing awfulness of the modern world. Our topic today is Kerrang from April 1989. What were you up to? Black Sabbath (actually just Tony Iommi) is on the cover and we have yet another New Alice Cooper Album nugget. We’ve missed the birthday of Ray Phillips from Budgie but someone in Kommunication is here to put things right, and from the looks of it both Extreme and Dream Theater get their first notices in this very issue. A review of The Cult’s Sonic Temple leads us to consider our short lived career as drummers, however we’re far more interested in this article about Lawnmower Deth, those lads sound like a laugh. Along the way we’ve got hamster updates, meme reminiscences, tattoo stuff and a DEEP KUTZ from a very well known band that one of us has never heard of, even though they’ve been mentioned many times on this podcast. Note that this episode appears in (mostly) unedited form on our Patreon, so if you want to listen to us going on about Lawnmower Man, seemingly endless scrolling through YouTube, and moaning about AI, get your ass signed up to our exclusive band of sickos. PWM64 recorded 16th January 2026

It's the Nineties again, and two veteran swordmasters return to the field of battle. Yes, violin bows at the ready, Coverdale Page have embraced their destiny to team up for an album of uh... hoary old blues rock. Meanwhile shock news, Bruce Dickinson has left Iron Maiden, and ‘Arry and the lads are “surprised, to say the least”. I think we all would have been surprised if, as Kerrang suggest, his replacement had been Paul Di'Anno. Also in this edition: 2 Tribes, Infectious Grooves, Blind Melon, Fish, and Jon Bon Jovi’s wang. Along the way, the usual digressions and nonsense on Michael Bolton, East 17, Lego, Labyrinth and the Stranger Things finale. . Note that this episode appears in (mostly) unedited form on our Patreon. I cut out a lot of the extraneous waffle here - imagine that - BUT if you want to listen to us going on in excruciating detail about hamsters, Jane McDonald and the difficulty of obtaining signed Whitesnake albums from eBay, that’s where you need to go! PWM63 recorded 10th Jan 2026

We're back for another year of metal memories and deep digressions - taking a look this week at Kerrang, Nov 87. Great White are on the cover but we're far more concerned with this Wolfsbane interview. This leads us to discussing Home Star Runner, whether Wolfsbane does actually repel werewolves and we learn what constitutes "Scram Metal" Apart from that we've got our Christmas Roundup, ASMR spectacular, Karaoke report and like every other basic bitch on the planet we've been watching Stranger Things. Who's our favourite, least annoying character? You'll find out in PWM62! PWM62 recorded 4th January 2026

Here's a preview of our second Patreon exclusive Pod. Our Christmas BONUS pod calls for something unprecedented so we’re unveiling our amazing CHRISTMAS QUIZ which hasn’t got a name, but needs to be heard to be believed. We watched Krampus and have OPINIONS - and we also reveal our YouTube Wrapped (like Spotify Wrapped but from a company that’s slightly less despicable). Our feature presentation is a look at Metal Hammer from the wildly futuristic year 2014! What’s the rock press like in the age of streaming and social media, other than loads of stuff about bands I’ve never heard of? We discover Babymetal 11 years after everyone else, and elsewhere we go through Taylor Momsen’s favourite records. And then go through ours. We’re not entirely out of our comfort zone as a big chunk of this mag is dedicated to a look back at 1984, although we don’t even get to that part, so we’ll be picking it up in a future episode. Want to get an insight into some of Can I Pod With Madness’ deepest, darkest secrets - and overhear us practically have a domestic over a certain Batman related song? Then our Patreon is for you! In addition to the bonus pods, you also get access to the PWM digital archive where you can read along with us, early episode access and we'll even send you our old, used Kerrangs! PWM61 recorded 17th December 2025

Merry Christmas, FOR REALS THIS TIME. When we're not roasting your favourite Christmas movies, we’re delving into a *very* festive Kerrang from 1985. Lemmy, Venom's Cronos and those lads from Ratt are all getting into the spirit, while the mag does its bit for women's lib by getting the top female rock stars of the day together for a photoshoot. And then referring to them as tarts. Stryper are the cover stars, appropriately enough for the birth of Christ, but Robert Sweet is keen to point out he knows all about sin. Meanwhile, Yes’ Jon Anderson has a Christmas Album out but it's anyone's guess why he's in a heavy metal magazine. And as for Frank Sidebottom... We have a lengthy feature on Starship, one time psychedelic godheads, now purveyors of smooth AOR (and the record Rolling Stone perpetually pegged as the worst ever, but fuck them, We Built This City is ace). And what's more Grace Slick is excellently snarky in the interview. Don't miss our third annual Festive Blowout! PWM60 recorded 6th December 2025

Christmas is rapidly approaching so we're discussing a modern festive Cinematic classic, which you've probably not seen but consider this your recommendation to watch Poinsettias For Christmas- particularly if you're really fucking into Poinsettias. In November 1988 we have a news report of an imminent album release from Mötley Crüe- which turns out to be a reality warping mystery. Are ‘ver Crüe a nexus of paranormal anomalous weirdness? We're investigating the shit out of it. The Macc Lads have been banned by the Police, Marillion are still looking for a new lead singer, and Queen are rereleasing a shit ton of their old singles on CD. This leads us into some *very* salty opinions about the output of Freddie and the lads. And Christmas songs in general. Kommunication leads us to rediscover a forgotten piece of 80s culture, and we reminisce about the time The Who replaced Keith Moon mid concert, and Journey pioneered the video game tie in. There's an interview with David Lee Roth, which is as unhinged as you'd want, and someone in the Klassifieds needs to get his hands on Europe's sexiest videos, for completely non pervy reasons, no doubt. Beware - this is a HIGHLY SEXUAL EPISODE! PWM59 recorded 27th November 2025

It's September 1992 and Faith No More's Mike Patton is on the cover regurgitating *something*. Bryan Adams has a single out that we've completely forgotten, but we're still fans of all of his Mel C collaborations. Axl Rose is picking up industry awards left right and centre, but does that mean he's calmed down a bit? We'll find out! Bon Jovi have a “controversial” new single out, but we’re more interested in King Diamond’s Christmas song OBVIOUSLY. Marillion are celebrating 10 years of having a record contract with EMI (let's see how that one pans out) but Kerrang is throwing shade at their audience. Cover stars FNM are interviewed on what sounds like a pretty shitty tour, and the whole thing's a bit grim, meanwhile The Black Crowes are sick of hearing about how great the 60s were but at least Monster Magnet are bringing their psychedelic heaviosity to the UK's toilets. We dig into the charts, and relate a story of youthful excitement, vandalism and East 17. Also the usual crap about personal ads. We ain't changing this winning formula! PWM58 Recorded November 9th 2025

A Very Merry Christmas from everyone at PWM Towers. We’re celebrating by lobbing up as much tinsel as humanly possible, rewatching one of our favourite cold themed horror movies and perusing Q number 46 from July 1990. The venerable mag does a Where Are They Now on Jilted John, which leads us to remember John Shuttleworth’s appearance on Vic and Bob’s All Nighter from Xmas 1993. Some bloke writes in about how he was in Queen, and we sidestep The Stone Roses’ current legal problems by focusing on their affection for it’s grim up North urtext Rita Sue and Bob Too. Finally we get to a big ass article about Prince where we learn something about his background and theorise about how he manages to fit everything in, particularly regarding his legendary appetite for bangin’. Also we do a not particularly deep dive into his album covers. Talking of musical genius, New Kids on the Block have an album out and we cover the two best songs, Tonight (The Beatles perfected) and Stay With me Baby (Reggae the way it was always meant to be: Performed by Donnie Wahlberg). Along the way we talk concert videos, movie recommendations, and - big shocker - some Chris De Burgh news. PWM57 Recorded November 2nd 2025

How much for Prince’s shoes? It’s the Spooky/Christmas season so we’re discussing Trick or Treat related anxiety, dressing as Lindsey Buckingham for Halloween, and which of the CIPWM corporation is of no use when it comes to wrapping presents. We go through a couple of our Christmas movie favourites - no change there, then - and review some of our recent TV watches (Andor! Mayfair Witches! The Ed Gein Show!). By the way, did you ever notice rock bands in the 90s were really fucking into serial killers, for some reason? Meanwhile, in 1990, it’s July and, much like Muriel Gray’s best friends, we’re looking at Q Magazine issue 46. This particular publication, you’ll recall, is thick as a dick, so we’re only going to scratch the surface, but along the way we’ll look at some Rock Auctions (Rawktions) and how Jimi Hendrix's guitar is somehow both under and overpriced, a report on that John Lennon Tribute Concert you forgot all about, and some news reports about The Dogs D’Amour (Kerrang adjacent!) and Janet Jackson (Cat related content!). We hear from a listener, who has a recommendation that we thoroughly enjoy. Recorded 4th Oct 2025

Here's a preview of our first Patreon exclusive Pod. An attempt to cover Metal Hammer's KISS Fan Mag stays mostly off track as we lurch into an AMAZING Bret Michaels Based Quiz, literally sing the praises of Poison, take an uncomfortably deep dive into the work of Michael Bolton, and offer our hot new recommendation - or, if you will, Rockommendation for 2025: Vixen. Also, for some reason, a review of Andor. Full Episode includes: Sounds pretty good right? Not just a bog standard episode behind a paywall! To listen to the whole unexpurgated mess, just sign up to our Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/c/PodWithMadness In addition to the bonus pods, you also get access to the PWM digital archive where you can read along with us, early episode access and we'll even send you our old, used Kerrangs! Recorded: 26th Sept 2025

We’re back to finish off Kerrang 258, even though we did all the good bits last time. The old reliable maniacs in the letters page and personal ads come through for us, once again so don’t worry about that! There’s MORE Jim Steinman discourse, because that dude can’t be limited to one podcast. We do a DEEP KUTZ that we’ve already done, review some horror movies, and bring back TV KRYMEZ! Video Fears! Endless Friends chat! The best superhero music revealed! And the 347th mention of The Decline of Western Civilization Part 2: The Metal Years on this podcast. We *really* need to watch that movie. This episode is not sponsored by Candy Kittens but it fucking might as well be - however, please note this is now an EG Daily fan podcast. Recorded 14 Sept 2025

It's September so we're talking Christmas TV ads OBVIOUSLY. Meanwhile, in 1989 it's also September and Kerrang have an interview with Jim Steinman. Have a guess whether you think he's a fan of Dire Straits or the Police Academy franchise. There's a certain amount of shade thrown at Mitch Pileggi but that's down to our antipathy for Skinner from the X-Files, and not his appearance in the extremely metal horror movie Shocker. Bruce Dickinson’s solo career and stage trousers are discussed. We reminisce about the worst Christmas Eve ever and look back at the best live performers from the early 2000s Pop Idol era. And we ascertain the exact moment in history when Alice Cooper was at his sexiest. Also we launch our Patreon. Come on, it had to happen. Shoutout to @Kerrang_Classic_Magazine for posting stuff from the issue. This week’s secret theme: Ken Russell. Recorded 7th September 2025

We're back with our heads in Metal Hammer this week- it's 1988 - Ozzy is on tour, King Diamond is robbing graves and Van Halen is utterly indecipherable. When we're not reading about a respectable heavy metal mum (37 - so she'd be 74 now, hello if you're listening ma'am), we spiral into the rabbit hole of all rabbit holes, Rotherham's very own Jive Bunny. If that wasn't enough of an irrelevant tangent for you we also dig into a nefarious conspiracy around Fruit of the Loom. Also ANOTHER Kompetition update, Nizlopi memories and stuff about Christmas. Please note this episode features the first mention of Ed Sheeran on this podcast. And very probably the last. Plus a DEEP KUTZ DUET. Recorded 15th August 2025

Caught Up In The Rapture of Me! We’re jumping forward two years to find Kerrang well and truly established, hitting its 50th issue and smushing a cake onto Ian Gillan’s head. The celebrated Child In Time screamer currently finds himself NOT in the ranks of the mighty Purps, but somehow inexplicably in the doom laden court of another seminal 70s metal combo. Who could that be? Stonehenge based shenanigans aside, we have a feature on Venom, who are NOT HAPPY. Also disgruntled are Fastway, and most of the Korrespondents on the letters page. Crikey! Nazareth's Dan McCafferty appears in a photo I will never post on Instagram, and I regret to note that we're definitely losing the Quo fans with this episode. Luckily Ozzy shows up on the back cover and all is well again. We've got some DEEP KUTZ, an argument about DEEP KUTZ, and a Kompetition Update! Recorded 6th August 2025

Join us as we look back on fifty glorious years of podcasting, in our ass-blasting, spectacular Anniversary Blowout!! We're teleporting all the way back to June ‘81 to check out a little magazine called Kerrang, The Sounds Heavy Metal Special (and The Empire Strikes Back Monthly issue 146). We look at some of the lesser known NWOBHMers (hello Handsome Beasts!), and check out the OFFICIAL 100 Greatest Heavy Metal songs. What’s at number 1? The answer may shock you. Or, y’know it may not. Saxon get a big article that's mostly about tea. And there’s a lot of pics IN COLOUR! Works brilliantly on a podcast, that does. We unveil a new feature, SUPERFICIAL SKRATCHEZ, PWM Ghostwatch continues, we chronicle our day trip to Whitby, bid a fond farewell to Ozzy and even manage to inadvertently shoutout to some of our listeners. And there's some fun end of term games too! Etc! Recorded 30th July, 2025

Ch-ch-ch, Ha-ha-ha. Here's the second part of our DEEP dive into the rock scene of the late 90s. Kerrang is counting down the 100 Coolest Rock Stars and we attempt to guess who's made the list. Is Saffron from Republica here? You'll have to listen to find out. Also, amid tales of hanging around in graveyards (goth af), we're reminiscing about stoner rock pub gigs, examining ghost physics, and continuing to bang on about Buffy. What’s workplace team building like in Sunnydale? Who's the 90s equivalent of Lisa Dominique? Who remembers Live Aid? What’s a Alice Cooper slasher crossover? Can we name the members of Reef? Plus: Korntroversy! Recorded July 13, 2025 This week's ad is for @musicnoteswithjess

Gettin' it straight in '98 y'all! We're just back from a Star Wars "convention", and tearing ourselves away from playing (Kessel) Sabacc long enough to record a podcast, we're tackling a Kerrang from the modern era (27 years ago). The deeply ungoogleable pop punk band A are recalled, as is the unloved meteor based sci fi blockbuster Armageddon. We examine how Disney *really* banked on the popularity of that movie well past its use by date, and also the curious marketing decision of forcing people who want to go to Honey I Shrunk The Audience to watch a seemingly endless advert for Kodak. The Prodigy and The Beastie Boys are all over this issue, and Dream Theater predictably get a right kicking in the live reviews. The Presidents of the USA are no more (for the moment, at least). One of us saw them live. The other was clearly too busy watching Julia Valet on Superock. David Lee Roth might be ignoring the 90s but we sure as hell aren't! This week's ad is for @PolyphonicPress Recorded 31st May 2025