A History of Rock Music in 500 Songs
Episode: Announcing Pledge Week 2025
Host: Andrew Hickey
Release Date: July 22, 2025
Introduction to Pledge Week
Andrew Hickey opens the episode by announcing the commencement of Pledge Week, a special event dedicated to engaging with the podcast's loyal listeners and encouraging new supporters to join the Patreon community. This week-long event spans from Tuesday through Saturday, featuring the release of five exclusive Patreon bonus episodes to the main podcast feed.
"It's that time of year again, the time that regular listeners have come to know as Pledge Week..." [00:00]
Patreon Bonus Episodes
Hickey elaborates on the nature of the Patreon bonus content, highlighting the significant shift from the previously promised 10-minute weekly bonuses to more substantial and lengthy episodes. These bonus episodes now range from 20 minutes to over 90 minutes, offering in-depth discussions and analyses that delve deeper into the history of rock music.
"...it's no longer completely true, and I'll be refreshing the outro on the podcast soon to acknowledge that instead there's at least one bonus for every main episode, plus other ones as frequently as I can release them..." [00:45]
Currently, there are approximately 200 bonus episodes available, with more being added regularly. Hickey emphasizes the value of these episodes for Patreon supporters, providing extensive content that enriches the listening experience beyond the main episodes.
Supporting Through Patreon
Hickey outlines the Patreon subscription model, inviting listeners to support the podcast for as little as $1 a month. He candidly discusses the necessity of Patreon support for the sustainability of the podcast, stating that Patreon backers are the sole means through which he can continue producing content.
"Patreon is the only way I make my living and my Patreon supporters are the only way I am able to keep doing what I'm doing..." [02:10]
Despite this, Hickey is considerate of his audience's financial situations. He makes it clear that while he appreciates any support, he does not expect listeners to compromise their financial well-being to contribute.
"...I do not want you to sign up to my Patreon if you are short of money yourself..." [02:35]
He further assures listeners that if they cannot afford to support him financially, they can still enjoy the podcast for free and help by spreading the word to friends.
Accessing Bonus Content
Listeners who choose to become Patreon supporters gain access to a substantial library of bonus episodes. Hickey mentions that with the current subscription, supporters can download all available bonus content immediately, offering a substantial archive for enthusiasts eager to delve deeper into rock music history.
"...you could, if you wanted, sign up, pay your $1, download the 200 or so episodes that are there, plus the new ones for $1 a month at patreon.com/andrewhickey..." [03:15]
Closing Remarks
In conclusion, Hickey reiterates his gratitude towards his listeners and announces that he will return with the next main episode, which promises to explore a band that many have been anticipating.
"...I'll be back in a week or so with the next main episode on a band a lot of people have been looking forward to hearing about." [04:00]
Key Takeaways
- Pledge Week 2025 is a dedicated period for listeners to engage with exclusive content and support the podcast via Patreon.
- Patreon Support is crucial for the continuation of the podcast, providing access to extensive bonus episodes that offer deeper insights into rock music history.
- Listener Consideration is paramount; Hickey encourages support without financial strain and offers alternative ways to contribute, such as sharing the podcast with others.
- Upcoming Content promises continued exploration of influential bands in rock music, maintaining the podcast's commitment to comprehensive coverage of the genre.
Notable Quotes
- "Patreon is the only way I make my living and my Patreon supporters are the only way I am able to keep doing what I'm doing." [02:10]
- "...I do not want you to sign up to my Patreon if you are short of money yourself." [02:35]
- "...you could, if you wanted, sign up, pay your $1, download the 200 or so episodes that are there..." [03:15]
This episode serves as a heartfelt and transparent appeal from Andrew Hickey to his dedicated listener base, highlighting the importance of community support in sustaining high-quality content. By offering substantial bonus material and maintaining an open dialogue about the podcast's financial needs, Hickey fosters a strong connection with his audience, ensuring the continued success and growth of "A History of Rock Music in 500 Songs."