Celebrity Jobber with Jeff Zito – John Corabi (February 6, 2026)

Episode Overview

In this episode of the Celebrity Jobber podcast, host Jeff Zito sits down with rock musician John Corabi to explore his journey from humble beginnings to global recognition. The discussion focuses on Corabi’s early life, his first job, and pivotal moments in his music career—including his high-profile stint as Mötley Crüe’s frontman. Corabi shares personal stories and reflections on luck, timing, and the perception of being a "journeyman" in the music industry. The episode also highlights his new solo album, "New Day," and the introspective single "When I Was Young."

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Reminiscing and Songwriting (05:28–08:23)

• "When I Was Young" Inspiration:
  • Corabi and collaborator Marty wrote the song reflecting on their pasts and relationships with their sons.
  • The song's last verse is a conversation with his son, offering advice and reflecting on life choices.
• Quote:
  • “It’s just someone reminiscing about their life in conversation with their offspring and kind of in some way, maybe giving them advice. All the things I’ve done right, all the things I’ve done wrong. Here’s the advice: make it count.” — John Corabi (07:51)

2. Family Background & Early Musical Spark (08:23–10:07)

• Blue Collar Roots:
  • No musical lineage; mother worked in a factory; father in various office and union jobs in Philadelphia.
  • Received a guitar as a child as an unexpected gift—no particular reason or request.
  • Early win at a school talent show (covered “House of the Rising Sun” and “I’m Not Your Stepping Stone”).
• Quote:
  • “I just got a guitar for—I was, I don’t know, seven, eight years old... No idea why my parents bought one, but they got me this guitar.” — John Corabi (09:13)

3. Transition to Music as a Career (10:45–13:56)

• Cover Band Beginnings:
  • Started playing covers in Philadelphia/New Jersey clubs as a teenager—regularly earning $600–$700 per week in the late ‘70s.
  • Inspired by rock idols and album credits, aspired to write original music and move beyond covers.
• Turning Point:
  • “At one point, I just said, ‘I’m done. I don’t want to do the covers anymore. I want to write my own music...’” — John Corabi (12:42)

4. First Job Experience: The "Huckster" (15:02–17:40)

• First Hustle at Age 10:
  • Sold fruit and vegetables door-to-door from the back of a truck in his Philly neighborhood (“huckster”).
  • Did odd jobs like mowing lawns to buy himself things he wanted.
  • Quit after falling off the truck and splitting his lip—a childhood accident leaving a lasting scar.
• Quote:
  • “I did that until I fell off the back of his truck and I split my lip open... I’ve got a massive scar under here.” — John Corabi (17:04)

5. The Big Break: Mötley Crüe & Its Double-Edged Sword (18:15–20:54)

• Joining Mötley Crüe:
  • Gig that propelled him into the spotlight; acknowledges it as his career’s main turning point.
  • Despite success, it’s a double-edged sword—fans always associate him with that era.
• Quote:
  • “To some degree, not to be negative, it was a bit of a curse as well... Even with this new material, there’s some people like, ‘I’m waiting for him to do something heavy again like the Motley record.’…I did that 35 years ago.” — John Corabi (20:54)

6. Journeyman Reality & Reflections on Luck (21:15–24:50)

• No Regrets, But Not by Design:
  • His varied career wasn’t planned; opportunities and necessity shaped his path.
• Industry Realities:
  • Many transitions (Scream, Union, Ratt, etc.) motivated by the need for steady income.
• Quote:
  • “It was more about…four guys needing to pay their electric bill... and they just went to gigs that actually guaranteed them more money. That was it.” — John Corabi (24:50)

7. Writing His Memoir: "Horseshoes and Hand Grenades" (25:47–28:56)

• Book Origin:
  • Named after his father’s quip: “Close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades.”
  • Feels he’s always been in the right place at the wrong time—a recurring theme of being “almost” at the top.
• Quote:
  • “After interviewing with you as much as I did … my dad said something to me years ago and it totally sums up my career. I’ve been close, I’ve been at the right place, but always at the wrong time.” — John Corabi (27:49)

8. Gratitude & Perspective on Success (28:57–32:12)

• Broad Definition of Success:
  • Appreciative of his longevity across many projects—even if not a household name.
  • Recognizes luck and timing are huge factors in music industry success.
• Quote:
  • “I do realize there’s people out there that are a million times more talented than me—they never got one record deal. So on that part, I truly, truly feel very blessed.” — John Corabi (30:28)
  • “I’ve just been, like, right there where I could almost reach the brass ring... Now it’s like, you know, just do the best you can. Just keep putting out music.” — John Corabi (31:30)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “My parents were always, you know, well, save your money.” — John Corabi (15:51)
• On the impact of being with Mötley Crüe:
  “That was the thing that put me on the map... The Motley Thing was the one that really projected me into a lot of different lights.” — John Corabi (19:04)
• Reflecting on career ups and downs:
  “50% or more of this business is being at the right place at the right time and luck, no doubt.” — John Corabi (31:45)
• Genuine gratitude:
  “I am truly very blessed to be able to sit here and talk to you about my 19th record. Wow.” — John Corabi (30:28)

Important Segments & Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment | |---------------|--------------------------------------------------------| | 05:28-08:23 | “When I Was Young” songwriting and family stories | | 08:23-10:07 | Early life, family background, unexpected first guitar | | 10:45-13:56 | Cover bands, transition to original music, first gigs | | 15:02-17:40 | First job as a “huckster,” work ethic as a child | | 18:15-20:54 | Major break with Mötley Crüe, fame and fallout | | 21:15-24:50 | “Journeyman” reality, band transitions and necessity | | 25:47-28:56 | Writing “Horseshoes and Hand Grenades,” meaning behind title | | 28:57-32:12 | Gratitude for career and perspective on success |

Episode Takeaways

• John Corabi’s career is a testament to persistence, adaptability, and making the most of opportunities—despite never quite attaining “household name” status.
• Fortune and timing play gigantic roles in the music industry, and Corabi is honest about both the highs and the frustrations that come with that truth.
• New album “New Day” and single “When I Was Young” mark a more personal and unfiltered chapter in his musical legacy.
• Corabi's upbringing was distinctly blue-collar, and his drive for financial independence and self-improvement started early with humble jobs.
• He frames his life not with regret, but with gratitude, humor, and realism about both luck and the industry’s capriciousness.

For More

• John Corabi’s new album "New Day" drops April 24th, 2026.
• Learn more and pre-order at johncorabi.com.

Summary by Podcast Playground. This episode captures the spirit of “what if” for musicians and dreamers alike—an honest conversation about luck, hustle, and the unpredictable ride that is life in music.