Seeing Them Live

S04.E06 – Banda AL9: Moments That Shaped Their Music

In this episode of Seeing Them Live, host Charles sits down with brothers Matheus and Thiago Khouri of the Brazilian rock band Banda AL9. The duo shares the story of their first concert experience — seeing Paul McCartney at Morumbi Stadium in São Paulo in 2010, when Matheus was just 12 and Thiago was 10. Raised by rock-and-roll-loving parents who saw Queen at the same stadium in 1985, the brothers grew up immersed in the music of the Beatles, Deep Purple, and other classic acts. Their father taught them guitar, and before long they were forming bands with school friends. The name "Banda AL9" itself is a nod to a street name in Portuguese and the number nine, inspired by Jack Black's declaration in School of Rock that nine is a magic number. The conversation traces the band's rise from humble beginnings posting cover songs on Facebook and YouTube in 2013 to becoming a viral sensation. After strategically building a fan base with acoustic covers of fifties and sixties rock classics, they released their debut EP of Portuguese-language originals in 2019, with the song "Ela Me Ligou" becoming their first viral hit in Brazil. The pandemic era saw them recording a live studio album just before lockdowns began, and by 2023, everything changed. Their original song "Charma De Amor" exploded on TikTok and Instagram, reaching audiences far beyond Brazil. This caught the attention of world-famous DJ Steve Aoki, who invited them to perform at Tomorrowland and encouraged them to record in English — leading to the international hit "She Calls Me Love." Matheus and Thiago also discuss their exciting new chapter with Little Steven Van Zandt's Wicked Cool Records label. Through a connection with artist Kurt Baker, Steven heard their music, loved it, and signed them — even writing an original song for the band, set for release in July alongside their new album, Hey, Hey, We're Banda AL9. The brothers recount their whirlwind first trip to New York City, which included a live session at SiriusXM's Underground Garage, a free concert at the Cutting Room, and meeting Nickelodeon star Drake Bell. The episode wraps up with an acoustic performance of their latest single, "She Can Do It All," and talk of a potential U.S. tour later in the summer — with a stop in Chicago for fried chicken and deep-dish pizza high on their wish list. BANDS: Banda AL9, The Beatles, Bruce Springsteen (E Street Band), Deep Purple, Little Richard, Queen. VENUES: Allianz Parque, Cutting Room, Morumbi Stadium, SiriusXM, Tomorrowland. PATREON:https://www.patreon.com/SeeingThemLivePlease help us defer the cost of producing this podcast by making a donation on Patreon.WEBSITE - BECOME A GUEST:https://seeingthemlive.com/Visit the Seeing Them Live website and click on the link to fill out a form so we can consider you as a guest on the show.INSTAGRAM:https://www.instagram.com/seeingthemlive/FACEBOOK:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550090670708

S04.E05 – Lily’s Passport to Seeing Harry Styles

In this episode of Seeing Them Live, host Charles Zona is joined by his daughter Lily for a conversation about her journey into live music — starting from the very beginning. The episode opens with a throwback to Charles's first-ever podcast test recording, where an 11-year-old Lily had never been to a concert. From there, Lily traces her love of Harry Styles back to the COVID era, when her mom played his album Fine Line around the house. That early introduction blossomed into a full-blown fandom, and when Harry's House dropped and the tour kicked off, the family set their sights on seeing him live — not in Chicago, but in Lisbon, Portugal. What followed was a months-long ordeal to secure Lily's passport in time for the show. After the initial application was denied due to an improperly notarized form — and then delayed a second time because the passport agency itself had sent an outdated version of the required document — the family found themselves scrambling with barely days to spare. Charles details the frantic calls to the passport agency, the last-ditch email to Illinois representative Sean Casten, and the miraculous late-night moment when Lily checked the passport status on her dad's phone and discovered it had shipped. They picked it up Monday morning and were on a flight to Portugal that afternoon, arriving just in time for the Tuesday night concert at the 60,000-capacity Passeio Marítimo de Algés. The concert itself didn't disappoint. Lily and Charles describe the electric atmosphere, from 60,000 fans belting out Bohemian Rhapsody before the show to Harry's Alan Watts-inspired intro and the surprise appearance by Wet Leg. Lily shares her favorite moments, including an intimate acoustic performance of Matilda on the catwalk and a close encounter during Late Night Talking. The episode wraps up with a look at Lily's growing concert resume — including Olivia Rodrigo at Lollapalooza 2025 (with a surprise Weezer cameo) and up-and-coming country artist Maddox Batson — plus the exciting news that the family has tickets to see Harry Styles again at Madison Square Garden on his upcoming Together, Together tour in support of his new album Kiss All the Time, Disco Occasionally. BANDS: Harry Styles, Lainey Wilson, Maddox Batson, Muscadine Bloodline, Olivia Rodrigo, Queen, Weezer, Wet Leg. VENUES: Allstate Arena, Grant Park (Lollapalooza), Madison Square Garden, Passeio Marítimo de Algés, Salt Shed, United Center. PATREON:https://www.patreon.com/SeeingThemLivePlease help us defer the cost of producing this podcast by making a donation on Patreon.WEBSITE - BECOME A GUEST:https://seeingthemlive.com/Visit the Seeing Them Live website and click on the link to fill out a form so we can consider you as a guest on the show.INSTAGRAM:https://www.instagram.com/seeingthemlive/FACEBOOK:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550090670708

S04.E04 – Eric Sees the Beastie Boys at 8,000 Feet

This episode of "Seeing Them Live" features Eric Vollweiler, a seasoned producer, marketing consultant, and strategist in the film, festival, and entertainment industry with nearly two decades of experience. Charles explores Eric's journey from his early concert experiences to his current work helping festivals and creators connect with audiences, sponsors, and industry partners, including major festivals like Sundance, Cannes, and Toronto. Eric's passion for live entertainment was shaped early—his mother took him to his first concert at age 14, seeing Aerosmith with Black Crows at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. He also attended a massive Grateful Dead and Crosby, Stills & Nash show that drew 70,000 people. After high school, Eric moved to New York City in 1996, working at legendary nightclubs like the China Club and the Tunnel under mentor Michael James. During this time, he even worked alongside a young Mark Sinclair—now known as Vin Diesel—at an elite catering company. His nightclub experience ended when he broke his wrist breakdancing at the Tunnel, prompting him to move back upstate for college. Eric's festival career began in 2001 when he volunteered at Sundance, eventually co-producing seven events there. A memorable highlight was sneaking into a Beastie Boys performance at the 2006 Sundance Film Festival. He recently launched the Vollweiler Agency, which provides comprehensive services to festivals including sponsorship acquisition, advertising, and social media strategy. Currently, he's working on the 11th annual Hip Hop Film Festival in New York City, which focuses on hip-hop culture through the lens of filmmaking. At the heart of his work is a commitment to filmmakers and providing opportunities for the next generation, guided by his philosophy: "Never ask the CEO for a job, but ask him to learn" and "the humbler you are, the better you'll be in life." BANDS: Aerosmith, Beastie Boys, Betty Buckley, Black Crows, Crosby Stills and Nash, Grateful Dead, Jerry Garcia, Melba Moore, U2, Ziggy Marley VENUES:  Buffalo Highmark Stadium, China Club, Egyptian Theater, Knickerbocker Arena, Life, Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Saratoga Race Course, Sundance Film Festival, The Tunnel PATREON:https://www.patreon.com/SeeingThemLivePlease help us defer the cost of producing this podcast by making a donation on Patreon.WEBSITE - BECOME A GUEST:https://seeingthemlive.com/Visit the Seeing Them Live website and click on the link to fill out a form so we can consider you as a guest on the show.INSTAGRAM:https://www.instagram.com/seeingthemlive/FACEBOOK:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550090670708

S04E03 - The Band Played On: Paul Talks About Seeing Bands Live After a Lineup Change

In this episode of "Seeing Them Live," host Charles welcomes back Paul Peterson, a retired technology manager and lifelong audiophile who hosts the podcast 'An Avid Listener.' Together, Charles and Paul explore the complex world of bands performing with significantly changed lineups. The conversation was sparked by Paul's recent concert experiences, including seeing Alan Parsons and the Doobie Brothers with almost entirely new members, which led him to question what makes a band authentic and what concertgoers are really seeking when they buy tickets based on a famous name.Charles and Paul examine numerous examples of lineup changes with varying outcomes. They contrast successful transitions like AC/DC replacing Bon Scott with Brian Johnson and Iron Maiden swapping Paul Di'Anno for Bruce Dickinson, with more questionable situations like Grand Funk Railroad touring without Mark Farner, the Beach Boys performing with only Mike Love, and Queen continuing with Adam Lambert. The discussion reveals how fans often purchase tickets unaware of major personnel changes, raising questions about transparency and the power of brand names in the music industry.Paul encourages listeners to research bands before attending concerts and seek experiences that offer more than nostalgia. He emphasizes the value of artists sharing stories and offering unique performances rather than simply recreating studio recordings, praising innovative approaches like Steely Dan performing entire albums in sequence and intimate acoustic sets from aging rockers. While lineup changes are inevitable, the key is transparency and delivering an experience that justifies the ticket price—whether through musical excellence, storytelling, unique venues, or discovering new bands at smaller, more intimate settings.BANDS: AC/DC, Alan Parsons, Beach Boys, Beatles, Black Sabbath, BoDeans, Brian Auger, Doobie Brothers, Duke Tomato and the All Stars, Eagles, Emerson Lake and Palmer, Flaming Lips, Fleetwood Mac, Gov't Mule, Grand Funk Railroad, Grateful Dead, Heart, Iron Maiden, James Gang, Johnny Reno and the Sax Maniacs, Led Zeppelin, Led Zeppelin Two, Motley Crue, Pink Floyd, Queen, Rolling Stones, Scorpions, Steely Dan, Super Tramp, The Doors, The Who, Toto.VENUES: Arcadia, Auditorium Theater, Candlestick Park, Chicago Stadium, City Winery, Empty Bottle, Fitzgerald's, Hollywood Bowl, House of Blues, Living Room, Riot Fest, Shea Stadium, The Sphere. PATREON:https://www.patreon.com/SeeingThemLivePlease help us defer the cost of producing this podcast by making a donation on Patreon.WEBSITE - BECOME A GUEST:https://seeingthemlive.com/Visit the Seeing Them Live website and click on the link to fill out a form so we can consider you as a guest on the show.INSTAGRAM:https://www.instagram.com/seeingthemlive/FACEBOOK:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550090670708

S04E02, Part 2 of 2 – The Encore: Wrapping Up 2025’s Live Music Scene

Welcome to Part 2 of the second annual Seeing Them Live Year End Concert Review show, where a panel of returning guests share their favorite live music experiences from 2025. Host Charles brings together an eclectic group of music enthusiasts including Andy, Jessica, Steve, and superfan Dawn Fontaine to discuss the most memorable live music experiences of 2025.Dawn shares highlights from her incredible 55-show year, including intimate performances by New York punk bands The Lousekateers and Typhoid Rosie at JJ's Tavern in Florence, Massachusetts, and her milestone 50th Soraia show at Music Fest in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The conversation takes an extraordinary turn when Dawn recounts her once-in-a-lifetime experience winning a contest in 2002 that put her on the Rolling Stones' private jet, where she met and chatted with Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood, and the late Charlie Watts. The band even played her favorite song, "Can't You Hear Me Knocking," at the Denver show the next night. Dawn also discusses her new role booking shows for Soraia, turning her passion for the band into a dream job that allows her to be part of their team.Steve brings the star power with his account of seeing Lady Gaga at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, which he ranks in his top 10 concerts of all time despite not being a superfan. He describes the show as mind-blowing, with incredible choreography, costume changes, and an intimate piano performance of "Die With a Smile" that transformed the energy of the 18,000-person venue. Steve also highlights seeing St. Vincent at the Tabernacle in Atlanta, praising her guitar skills and stage presence influenced by David Byrne, as well as catching Joan Jett with Alanis Morissette and being amazed at how Joan's voice hasn't changed over the decades. His Vegas weekend also included the Psychedelic Furs at House of Blues and Adele at Caesars Palace, making for an unforgettable concert trip.Andy rounds out the episode with his diverse concert year, starting with the mesmerizing guitar work of Mdou Moctar at The Space and a spontaneous third-row experience seeing Los Lobos and Los Lonely Boys at Hard Rock Gary. His spring break trip to Vegas delivered a surprise highlight when he caught Joe Russo's Almost Dead at Brooklyn Bowl, calling it his surprise concert of the year with their incredible double guitar attack. Andy also shares his Bonnaroo experience, seeing Neil Young perform his new song "Crime in the White House" at Meigs Field (where they unknowingly appeared in the music video), and attending Riot Fest to see Jack White and the Beach Boys with John Stamos. The episode wraps with the group discussing their most anticipated 2026 shows, including Iron Maiden, Radiohead, Guns N' Roses with Public Enemy and Ice Cube, and the long-awaited Rush reunion.BANDS: Adele, Alanis Morissette, Ashley Gavin (comedian), Beach Boys, The, Beaches, The, Billy Idol, Black Crows, The, Buddy Guy, Cocktail Slippers, The, Cure, The, Dead & Company, Dogs in a Pile, Florence and the Machine, Gary Numan, Grunge Worthy, Guns N' Roses, Ice Cube, Idiot Kids, The, Iron Maiden, Jesus and Mary Chain, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Joe Russo's Almost Dead, Lady Gaga, Lamp, Los Lobos, Los Lonely Boys, Lousekateers, The, Luke Combs, Marcus King, Mdou Moctar, Mighty Suicide Squirrels, The, Mogwai, Neil Young, Nine Inch Nails, Nirvana, Otis and the Elevators, Pretenders, The, Psychedelic Furs, The, Public Enemy, Radiohead, Rolling Stones, The, Rush, Rush Tribute Project, Soraia, Sonic Youth, St. Vincent, Talking Heads, Typhoid Rosie, Yeah Yeah Yeahs.VENUES: Aragon Ballroom, Bonnaroo, Brooklyn Bowl, Caesars Palace, Crypto Center, Douglas Park, FM Kirby Center, Foxborough Stadium (Patriots Stadium), Garcia's, Hard Rock (Gary, Indiana), Hotel Figueroa, House of Blues (Las Vegas), JJ's Tavern (Florence, Massachusetts), Meigs Field, Metro, The, Music Fest (Bethlehem, Pennsylvania), Redwood Bar (Redwood Grill), Riot Fest, Salt Shed, The, Soldier Field, Space, The, Sphere, The, Tabernacle, The, T-Mobile Arena, United Center, Vic, The, World Music Theater, Zinzenplatz stage (at Music Fest). PATREON:https://www.patreon.com/SeeingThemLivePlease help us defer the cost of producing this podcast by making a donation on Patreon.WEBSITE - BECOME A GUEST:https://seeingthemlive.com/Visit the Seeing Them Live website and click on the link to fill out a form so we can consider you as a guest on the show.INSTAGRAM:https://www.instagram.com/seeingthemlive/FACEBOOK:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550090670708