The Conan and Jordan Show – Geddy Lee

Summary

Conan and Jordan Dive Deep into Audio Excellence with Geddy Lee

The Conan and Jordan Show – Geddy Lee from the podcast Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend offers a unique blend of insightful discussion and characteristic humor. In this episode, hosts Conan O’Brien and Jordan Schlansky engage with Geddy Lee, the iconic bassist and vocalist from the legendary rock band Rush, delving into topics ranging from audio mastering to fandom dynamics.

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1. Exploring the Quest for the Perfect Audio Pressing

The episode kicks off with Jordan Schlansky’s passionate discourse on audio quality, specifically focusing on Rush’s seminal album, Moving Pictures. Jordan expresses his dedication to finding the optimal mastering of the album, highlighting his preference for the original Dutch vinyl pressing. He remarks at [03:46],

"Back in the day, before things were kind of standardized in the digital age... any given CD pressing might have a different sound to it."

Jordan’s pursuit underscores a broader conversation about the evolution of audio technology, contrasting the warmth and dynamics of analog recordings with the often "squashed" dynamics of modern digital releases. He laments the industry trend towards maximizing loudness, which can compromise the richness of the music.

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2. Geddy Lee’s Insights on Digital vs. Analog Recording

Bringing a professional perspective to the table, Geddy Lee shares his experiences with Rush’s transition from analog to digital recording techniques in the early 1980s. At [09:40], Geddy explains:

"When we recorded at the studio, we were one of the first bands... to use a digital mix down system... we experimented with a lot of that kind of stuff."

He elaborates on the challenges and innovations involved in adopting computerized mixing during a time when digital technology was nascent in the rock genre. Geddy also touches on the meticulous efforts to capture the authentic sound of drummer Neil Peart, noting the use of a microphone taped to his chest to better capture his performance nuances.

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3. The Science of Fandom and Audio Fidelity

As the conversation progresses, the discussion seamlessly transitions into the realm of fandom. Jordan addresses the fervent dedication of Rush fans, many of whom share his obsessive interest in audio quality. At [07:44], Geddy observes:

"The level of our fan base possesses is quite daunting. ... they've been lucky to have such a dedicated fan base."

This mutual appreciation highlights the symbiotic relationship between artists and their listeners, where fans like Jordan play a pivotal role in preserving and celebrating the intricate details of their favorite music.

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4. Navigating Personality Dynamics and Fandom Expectations

The episode takes an entertaining turn as Conan introduces a candid segment between himself and Jordan, showcasing their contrasting personalities. Jordan’s unwavering professionalism and understated demeanor collide humorously with Conan’s exuberant and playful nature. This dynamic is epitomized when Jordan bluntly responds to a light-hearted query about hosting Geddy Lee at his Toronto home:

[12:37] Geddy Lee: "Fuck, no."

This candid moment underscores Jordan’s distinct approach to interactions, juxtaposed against Conan’s more affable and humorous style.

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5. Reflections on Identity and Media Influence

Delving deeper, Jordan articulates his views on personal identity and the influence of media figures, drawing from his admiration of Tristan Rogers from General Hospital. At [31:08], he muses:

"We are a product of our environment... Every single human being that's around you, every single object becomes part of you."

This philosophical insight reveals Jordan’s introspective nature and his belief in the profound impact of one's surroundings on personal development, further enriching the episode’s thematic depth.

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6. Concluding Banter and Final Thoughts

As the episode nears its end, Conan and Jordan engage in their typical witty banter, reflecting on the episode's events and their interactions with Geddy Lee. Conan humorously laments Jordan’s bluntness, while Jordan maintains his composed demeanor, emphasizing his contentment and passion despite the spirited exchange.

Geddy Lee wraps up the conversation by expressing gratitude and acknowledging the unique dynamics of the show:

[37:23] Geddy Lee: "Thank you, Conan. It's great to be here. It's nice to meet you, too."

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Notable Quotes

• Jordan Schlansky [03:46]: "Back in the day, before things were kind of standardized in the digital age... any given CD pressing might have a different sound to it."

• Geddy Lee [09:40]: "When we recorded at the studio, we were one of the first bands... to use a digital mix down system... we experimented with a lot of that kind of stuff."

• Geddy Lee [12:37]: "Fuck, no."

• Jordan Schlansky [31:08]: "We are a product of our environment... Every single human being that's around you, every single object becomes part of you."

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Conclusion

This episode of Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend masterfully intertwines technical discussions on audio mastering with the charismatic interplay between hosts and their guest. Through Geddy Lee’s expert insights and the hosts’ engaging banter, listeners gain a deeper appreciation for the nuances of music production and the intricacies of fandom. The episode not only celebrates Rush’s enduring legacy but also highlights the unique personalities that make the show a beloved staple for fans seeking both friendship and authentic conversation.

Transcript

[Conan O'Brien]

You know that feeling you get when you're waiting for something to happen, a certain outcome?

[Jordan Schlansky]

Yeah.

[Conan O'Brien]

You get a little queasy. Sona. Yeah, I get. I know what you're talking about. You know, taxes used to be about waiting and wondering and worrying.

[Geddy Lee]

Yeah.

[Conan O'Brien]

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[Jordan Schlansky]

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[Conan O'Brien]

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[Jordan Schlansky]

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[Geddy Lee]

A Monday Warrior mean me.

[Jordan Schlansky]

Stride Today's Tom Sawyer.

[Geddy Lee]

Mean, mean pr.

[Conan O'Brien]

Well, that iconic song can only mean one thing. It's the Conan and Jordan show, and I'm joined, of course, I'm Conan O'Brien. I don't think that shouldn't have to be said. And I'm joined by my enemy, my friend, my frenemy, a man I loathe, a man I love. Mr. Jordan Schlansky.

[Jordan Schlansky]

Yes. Hi.

[Conan O'Brien]

You've been in my employ for how many years now, Jordan?

[Jordan Schlansky]

Decades.

[Conan O'Brien]

Okay.

[Jordan Schlansky]

Yes. Nice. And you bring up that iconic song Tom Sawyer by Rush that starts our show. I would like to point out that longtime listeners of our show may have noticed something a little different today in that our engineer Eduardo graciously played my preferred mastering of that song. This is not the readily available mastering that any fool would get on a streaming service these days.

[Conan O'Brien]

Any fool.

[Jordan Schlansky]

Okay. I have put a lot of time and money into seeking out the best version of all of my favorite music. I have bought. Bought probably 20 versions of that album on various media.

[Conan O'Brien]

Right. Well, better that than have your kids go to college. Yeah.

[Jordan Schlansky]

These are hobbies. We all have our hobbies.

[Conan O'Brien]

Okay?

[Jordan Schlansky]

Okay. These are benevolent pursuits. You spend your money on various hobbies. I believe you have a collection of guitars.

[Conan O'Brien]

No, they were all given to me.

[Jordan Schlansky]

I understand. Well, that's impressive.

[Conan O'Brien]

That's cool. When you just know famous people, they give you guitars.

[Jordan Schlansky]

Yes, well, we can all aspire to that level.

[Conan O'Brien]

So this is a special. This. To cut to the chase, this is a. What's different about this pressing of that song?

[Jordan Schlansky]

Okay. Like all of us, I like music. Some say the language of music is older than the word language itself. Music is a great unifier, much like food. Okay? When we all disagree on so many things, we all appreciate music. I go one step further. I like to have the best version of music to listen to. I like my music to sound as good as possible. Back in the 70s, when you were growing up, you might have called me a hi fi guy. Okay? So for any given music, I'd have.

[Conan O'Brien]

A different term for you now, but this goes out to families, so I'm not going to do it. So again, I'm going to try and get you to the point, rather than taking us to.

[Jordan Schlansky]

Well, this is a radio show. We talk. That is our. That is our venture here.

[Conan O'Brien]

We are here to talk different about this pressing.

[Jordan Schlansky]

Interrupt my talking. But that's the whole point.

[Conan O'Brien]

What's different about this pressing?

[Jordan Schlansky]

Okay, There are many. Back in the day, before things.

[Conan O'Brien]

Were you going back to the day. I just want to know what's different about this person.

[Jordan Schlansky]

This is a spoken word program, is that correct?

[Conan O'Brien]

Yes.

[Jordan Schlansky]

Okay, so I am speaking words, all right? That is what I was told the assignment was. All right? I'm here to complete the assignment. All right? Today we're going to spend, I don't know, a half hour talking about different.

[Conan O'Brien]

Guess what, you just passed that mark.

[Jordan Schlansky]

Different CD pressings. Okay? So now things are kind of standardized in the digital age, but back in the 80s and 90s, my preferred musical genres, any given CD pressing might have a different sound to it. If you bought a CD of a given album in Japan, it would sound different than one in West Germany. Okay, so Rush Moving Pictures is the album in question. 1981, it was released on various media, of course, vinyl. Now, that's very expensive, so keep your greasy fingers off of it. You can touch the. Yeah, you can touch the case. I don't want it on the disc. Okay?

[Conan O'Brien]

I wasn't going to touch the disc and I. How did you know that I had Liquid Grease for lunch?

[Jordan Schlansky]

Well, I just know you for I've known you for decades and we've had these experiences before. So basically, I have in a quest. This is actually a very well recorded album, very well mixed, a lot of dynamics. But in recent releases, those dynamics are squash. There's a trend to make digital releases of music sound as loud as possible. Okay. Nobody wants their song to sound quieter on the radio or on a streaming service compared to the song next to it. You know, your body language makes me feel a bit rushed. This is going to take a while. Okay.

[Conan O'Brien]

Okay.

[Jordan Schlansky]

Yeah. This is not. This is not punch. This is a slow burn.

[Conan O'Brien]

No pun intended. I did not mean to rush you.

[Jordan Schlansky]

Yeah, you got something?

[Conan O'Brien]

Do I have something?

[Jordan Schlansky]

Yes, you got. Okay.

[Conan O'Brien]

I have a little.

[Jordan Schlansky]

I guess this is more important than what I was talking about.

[Conan O'Brien]

I think you're going to agree that it is.

[Jordan Schlansky]

Okay.

[Conan O'Brien]

I have a special guest for you today who's joining us right now. All right, let's get him in here. I think this is a big moment. There he is. Geddy Lee.

[Jordan Schlansky]

Oh, yes.

[Conan O'Brien]

What do you mean, oh, yes?

[Jordan Schlansky]

Speak of the devil.

[Conan O'Brien]

This is your God. Getty, how are you? Great to see you.

[Geddy Lee]

I'm good.

[Jordan Schlansky]

I can't believe.

[Conan O'Brien]

I just.

[Geddy Lee]

I'm learning.

[Conan O'Brien]

I just spring Getty into my conversation and you go, oh, yes, you freak.

[Jordan Schlansky]

Okay. For anyone that doesn't know, we've been joined by Gedd. I believe your original name was Gary Levy, Toronto, Canada. Perhaps a man of Willowdale.

[Geddy Lee]

I think I was born Gary Lee Weinrib and changed it to Geddy Lee, which is a long story.

[Jordan Schlansky]

Yes.

[Conan O'Brien]

Where are you right now, Getty? Where are you zooming in to us from?

[Geddy Lee]

I'm at home in Toronto. Toronto, Canada.

[Conan O'Brien]

Lovely. And first of all, let me thank you, Getty, because you are an iconic musician, you're a big deal, and for you to join our ridiculous show is very cool. And so thank you so much for doing that. The reason I wanted you to join is I talked to Jordan. We've traveled the world together. We have a famous relationship. I think 40% of the time, Jordan is trying to talk to me about you, your music, and it's very flattering. But I thought you should come together now and you should talk to Jordan because Jordan claims that this pressing is much better of superior quality. Can you hear the difference, Getty?

[Geddy Lee]

I'm learning so much today. I can tell you from Jordan just listening to you guys talk about this stuff. There was a time I could hear the difference. I couldn't swear to hear the difference today because I'm a Little bit older and my hearing isn't what it used to be. But audio files know far more about that quality of sound than the guys that actually make the records. I think.

[Conan O'Brien]

Isn't that incredible? Jordan is basing his whole life. It's like a religion to him that this is the only version that can be played. You, Getty Lee can't hear the difference.

[Jordan Schlansky]

I understand that. Nevertheless, I appreciate what he's done, and now I want to hear his work in the best way possible. It's really honoring him and his bandmates.

[Conan O'Brien]

Okay.

[Jordan Schlansky]

Okay.

[Conan O'Brien]

All right.

[Jordan Schlansky]

So I like a dynamic version.

[Conan O'Brien]

Now.

[Jordan Schlansky]

My favorite recording or mastering of Moving Pictures was actually an original Dutch vinyl record. And there is a famous digital rip of that online. And I requested permission to play it on air, and I was unable to obtain that permission.

[Conan O'Brien]

Are you feeling, are you feeling at all unsafe right now? Are you feeling that you're in the presence of, I don't know, a madman? Someone who.

[Geddy Lee]

I'm, I'm very impressed and I understand that the Rush fans are quite nerdy, as I am myself, and this is sort of living proof of that, I think. If you know the Dutch pressing of one of our records. That's right. That is, if that doesn't qualify for Nerdism, I don't know what that.

[Conan O'Brien]

Thank you for identifying the exact nature of the illness.

[Jordan Schlansky]

Well, you're a nerd. These men and their engineers at Le Studio in Morin Heights, Quebec, in 1980, 1981, one spent a lot of time to get a certain sound. Okay. They experimented with different techniques. Digital technology was new at that time. Their drummer, Neil Peart, wore a microphone taped to his chest to get a drummer specific.

[Conan O'Brien]

You know, it might be interesting to hear Geddy Lee talk about Rush. Getty, would you like to say anything about those days and some of the innovations and with the sound you were going after? Are we going to let R2D2 over here spit out this bullshit? Go ahead, Getty Lee, you have the microphone.

[Geddy Lee]

I'd be happy to chime in. Yes, but, but yes, Jason, you're correct.

[Conan O'Brien]

Yes, it's Jordan. By the way.

[Geddy Lee]

When we recorded at the studio, we were one of the first bands certainly in the genre of music we were making, to use a digital mix down system. And, you know, computerized mixing was kind of a new thing in 1980. So we experimented with a lot of that kind of stuff. And, and it was not easy because you're wrestling with new technology. But you're, you're quite right that rock bands were not doing that because they were one of the last of the genre to convert from analog to digital. And a lot of people were questioning the validity of.

[Conan O'Brien]

Right.

[Geddy Lee]

Of digital music for hard rock. Anyway, it was a hell of a good sound, a hell of a good noise that we ended up with. And we spent, you know, weeks, if not months at the studio in the snow in the winter of 1980. So, yeah, it was. And Neil did indeed have a microphone taped to his chest, particularly, I think, for the song Vital Signs, so we can get the sound that he hears in terms of. There's a certain impact the drummer gets from his drum kit.

[Conan O'Brien]

Sure.

[Geddy Lee]

That nobody else can hear because they're in front of the drums and not sitting behind the kit. So we wanted to blend some of that in. So. So all those nerdy facts are true.

[Conan O'Brien]

And thank you for doubling down on the nerdy thing. But, Getty, I'm curious. Did you. Could you have had any idea back in 1980, you're up in Quebec, that all these years later, I mean, here we are some 44 years later, and that someone like a Jordan, and Jordan is not. I mean, Jordan's very peculiar, but Rush fans really know this stuff. That's gotta. It must blow your mind to think that what you guys were doing back then is now chapter and verse. It's like talking about something in the Bible or the Talmud. It's. It's got to be kind of freaky for you, huh?

[Geddy Lee]

Yeah, it is. The level of our fan. The level of knowledge that our fan base possesses is quite daunting. And they, like you did at the beginning of the show, talking about pressings, et cetera, et cetera. But we've been lucky to have such a dedicated fan base. I don't think we would have ever made it into the Rock and Roll hall of Fame without their fervent please to put us in there. But certainly I'm grateful to their level of nerdism and their fanaticism, but they do know more about us than. Than we can even remember. I can assure you that.

[Conan O'Brien]

Now, Getty, this is an awkward question, but say Jordan were to show up outside your home in Toronto, would you invite him in and let him stay for a week?

[Geddy Lee]

Fuck, no.

[Conan O'Brien]

Sorry.

[Geddy Lee]

Am I allowed to say.

[Conan O'Brien]

Oh, that was the greatest thing that ever happened? Getty Lee, thank you so much. Jordan, I'm sorry, but that's just the answer. That's the answer. It's the way it's gonna have to be.

[Jordan Schlansky]

Look, I appreciate the music. I understand that we don't need to know each other in real life. I respect that professional distance. Nevertheless, I appreciate the music. I have many things to say which will go unsaid today and stay for another day.

[Geddy Lee]

You have a chance to ask him anything you want.

[Conan O'Brien]

This is your chance. This is your big chance.

[Geddy Lee]

Shoot a fire away.

[Jordan Schlansky]

More so requests than questions. I've educated myself on most of the knowledge base out there. But of course there are requests. Certain material I would like to see. There was a 1990. 1990 concert at the palace of Auburn Hills, Michigan on the Presto Tour. It was shot by the intel in House cameras at the venue and parts of it were released on a special album release a few years ago. But it wasn't the entire concert. I'd like to see the entire concert on video of that Presto show because that was my first concert. April19.

[Conan O'Brien]

Do you know what he's talking about, Getty?

[Geddy Lee]

Vaguely, actually. I think some of those venues did record our shows back then. There is a show that we did record in 1997 in Toronto at the Amphitheater that we have yet to release. But there is some talk about doing something with that, but time will tell. But I don't remember that particular footage that you're talking about.

[Jordan Schlansky]

Yeah, it was. It was released under the name through the Rabbit Hole. And I understand the artist doesn't necessarily oversee every aspect of this. That would be incredibly tiresome. And that's not his responsibility. His responsibility was to make the music and then he has the right people that he trusts to take it from there. And I respect that. I'm not requesting that you handle it personally. But if it ever comes up discussions there, there is a call for that by the fans and I would like to see the last. Some of the later albums, such as Vapor Trails and Clockwork Angels, released in a more dynamic form. In 2015, the Abbey Road engineer Sean McGee remastered most of their catalog from their Mercury years and then some of the later releases as well. But he never got to those two. And there isn't really. There aren't really good dynamic releases of those. I would like to hear those at some point in the future. Thank you for your time and attention.

[Geddy Lee]

Dude, you need to send me a.

[Jordan Schlansky]

List of this thing.

[Conan O'Brien]

Yeah, Getty. It doesn't seem to be. I'm noticing he's not writing any of this down, by the way.

[Jordan Schlansky]

I'm well aware.

[Conan O'Brien]

And I did notice he has, like me, he has a button in his study that alerts security and he's been leaning on that thing for about 10 minutes.

[Jordan Schlansky]

Yes.

[Conan O'Brien]

Getty, you are a very good sport in addition to being an incredibly talented musician and a great guy. And it was very nice of you to drop in and, and, and speak to Jordan. I worry about Jordan, frankly, and I think after this conversation, you're a little worried about him, too.

[Geddy Lee]

In all seriousness, I understand it's his birthday, so.

[Conan O'Brien]

Or.

[Geddy Lee]

Or coming up to his birthday. Is that recently passed?

[Jordan Schlansky]

Recently passed, yes.

[Conan O'Brien]

Okay.

[Geddy Lee]

Well, I just want to wish you a happy birthday.

[Jordan Schlansky]

Thank you.

[Geddy Lee]

Thank you for being a fan.

[Jordan Schlansky]

Thank you.

[Geddy Lee]

I really appreciate it. And hopefully we will get to meet on a. A more human level than through the zoom machine.

[Conan O'Brien]

Maybe security present.

[Jordan Schlansky]

Yeah.

[Conan O'Brien]

It's also my bar mitzvah today, Getty, so if you want to say a word about that.

[Jordan Schlansky]

Yes.

[Conan O'Brien]

Getty Lee, thank you so much. It's very kind of you to call in. And our regards to your. To your bandmates and to all the good people in Toronto. That's one of my favorite towns in the world. So thank you.

[Geddy Lee]

Thank you, Conan. It's great to be here. It's nice to meet you, too.

[Jordan Schlansky]

Likewise.

[Geddy Lee]

Big fan.

[Jordan Schlansky]

Take care.

[Conan O'Brien]

Take care. Yeti Lee. Thank you very much.

[Geddy Lee]

Thank you.

[Conan O'Brien]

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[Jordan Schlansky]

What?

[Conan O'Brien]

Yep. We're teaching people good value. Shorten the game with Monopoly expansions. All three packs are available to purchase now at Amazon.com, monopoly is a trademark of Hasbro.

[Jordan Schlansky]

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[Conan O'Brien]

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[Jordan Schlansky]

I met him a few times. He's incredibly well spoken. He's enjoyable. When you listen to him speak in interviews, just the way he forms words.

[Conan O'Brien]

Those are called sentences.

[Jordan Schlansky]

Yeah, yeah, right. But the way he puts words together, and that's a sentence. The man's very intelligent, well spoken. I enjoy listening to people like that.

[Conan O'Brien]

I don't know, I mean, I listen to him, he seemed like a nice, smart guy, but I think I'm just.

[Jordan Schlansky]

As intellig, you know, the idea.

[Conan O'Brien]

I make words too, and put them into sentences.

[Jordan Schlansky]

I think there's a conflation with the idea of fandom. So most people are fans and they feel like they need to meet the person, they need to hang out with the person. I'm a huge fan of Rush, but I don't feel the need to hang out or even meet him.

[Conan O'Brien]

Guess what? That feeling is shared by, I think by Geddy Lee and the rest of the members of Rush, which I think works out nicely. You don't feel the need to meet them. And he does not want to meet you and shouldn't really meet you, because.

[Jordan Schlansky]

Based on this presentation, based on what he was given, I would not want to meet me either.

[Conan O'Brien]

So you understand what I'm saying is.

[Jordan Schlansky]

He'S saying he's seeing a very limited side of me.

[Conan O'Brien]

No, no, no, no, no, no. He's not seeing a limited side of you.

[Jordan Schlansky]

That is, you know, he is seeing what he just presented to him.

[Conan O'Brien]

What was just presented to him is you.

[Jordan Schlansky]

We have many other side personality.

[Conan O'Brien]

I was. No, you don't. No, you don't. What I'm saying is you're a fucking floor lamp that I've been looking at for years. I've walked around it, I've pushed it on and I've turned it off. And now you're saying there's many sides to me.

[Jordan Schlansky]

There are many sides to me, and I think he would appreciate some of them. First of all, I don't care if he would appreciate them because I have no interest in bonding with him. Nevertheless.

[Conan O'Brien]

That's so rude. This guy just called in to wish you a happy birthday and suddenly you're saying, I don't give a flying.

[Geddy Lee]

Fuck me.

[Jordan Schlansky]

My birthday passed two months ago. I was being polite. Now listen to me. Now listen to me.

[Conan O'Brien]

Oh, so Getty Lee has to know your birthday.

[Jordan Schlansky]

Exactly what fool in this room told Getty Lee that my birthday was right now. And I have to play along like a jackass because I'm not going to be the ass that tells him. No, you're wrong. That's wrong.

[Conan O'Brien]

You did tell him I was polite.

[Jordan Schlansky]

That's the best I can do. I'm not going to flat out lie. Yes, today.

[Conan O'Brien]

I think within two months is a fairly good shot. There are 12 months.

[Jordan Schlansky]

That's a sixth of the year, for God's sake.

[Conan O'Brien]

So what? He came within a six. He came within a six.

[Jordan Schlansky]

What kind of scale?

[Conan O'Brien]

If I got within a six of Bridget Bardot, I'd be fucking happy. Now you listen to me, you son of a bitch.

[Jordan Schlansky]

What I'm saying.

[Conan O'Brien]

Ingrate. We just arranged. You know what it costs for us to get Geddy Lee on the phone? Nothing. $600,000.

[Jordan Schlansky]

What I'm saying is the man likes. Okay. He has a preference for French wine. My. I have a presence for Italian wine. Nevertheless, there are things that we could connect on should either of us want to. I don't want to. I don't want to. No offense saying that. No offense to them. And I enjoy listening to his music and I enjoy listening to him speak. But I don't make any pretense that him and I would ever go hang out. Nor would I. I'm an introvert. I fear human interaction. I avoid it.

[Conan O'Brien]

Like, you have a radio show with me.

[Jordan Schlansky]

Yeah. With. I have one human being here and some nice gentlemen over here, but I'm not talking to large quantities of people.

[Conan O'Brien]

Okay, first of all, you're saying that if you passed a cafe, if you were walking. Strolling along. Right. If you were strolling along and you passed a cafe and Geddy Lee was sitting there and he happened to remember you and he said, oh, Jason. And you went, what's. Jordan?

[Jordan Schlansky]

Yeah.

[Conan O'Brien]

And he said, have a seat. Let's share a bottle of French wine. You wouldn't join him?

[Jordan Schlansky]

Okay, first of all, of course I would be polite. Secondly, if I walked by.

[Conan O'Brien]

Be polite. Wouldn't you be honored?

[Jordan Schlansky]

If I walked by and he didn't recognize me and he was sitting there? I would absolutely not approach him either before or after this experience. Okay? I would give the man his space. I have no interest. It doesn't do anything. I'd rather go home, put my headphones on at 3am and listen to my favorite pressing of moving pictures and get lost in it than sit down at a cafe with a man that clearly wanted to be alone.

[Conan O'Brien]

No, I'm different than You. I want to know the man. I'm someone who likes people. I interact. I know we're on this spinning blue globe we call Earth for a short time. And so, no, I don't want to huddle off in the dark and, you know, put my headphones on and, and, and have the same technical experience that I've had many times before. You know, I find that, well, you.

[Jordan Schlansky]

And I are different. Maybe you're, you're somehow consumed by the idea of fame. Nope.

[Conan O'Brien]

And also, fame doesn't interest me at all.

[Jordan Schlansky]

And also, as you'll know a lot of artists, he's actually a very friendly, gregarious man with great social skills. But there are many artists are kind of at the other end of the spectrum and are more introverted like myself and don't necessarily want to connect with people. Of course, they do it out of obligation to their fan base, but. Yeah. So I don't need to impose myself on it.

[Conan O'Brien]

I'm going to give you my takeaway from what we just experienced. Your favorite band of all time, Rush, Getty Lee. I surprise you with Getty Lee. And you went, ah, yes, yes. Which stunned me because. Unbelievable.

[Jordan Schlansky]

This is. What did you expect? What would you have expected?

[Conan O'Brien]

I thought you'd be. Would crack a smile and go, oh, my. Oh, whoa. Oh, hey, Whoa.

[Jordan Schlansky]

This is thumpering. You wanted thumpering. That to you, shows that, wow, I've done well. You've got the thump fring from me. I'm saying I saw him, I acknowledged him. I, I, I.

[Conan O'Brien]

You acknowledged him.

[Jordan Schlansky]

I understood you acknowledged him.

[Conan O'Brien]

Like you went into a supermarket.

[Jordan Schlansky]

Yes.

[Conan O'Brien]

You were looking for, you know, you were looking for a bag of Snickers bars.

[Jordan Schlansky]

Yeah.

[Conan O'Brien]

And you went in the candy aisle and you went, ah, there they are. Yeah. Yeah, that's, that's the reaction you gave. You saw, you know, you saw some Nutter Butter cookies you were looking for. Hmm. Yes, there they are. There was no, that's all. And I thought. I found that to be unusual. The other takeaway is you go on and on and on about the difference in these audio pressings. He didn't know. He didn't know what you were talking about.

[Jordan Schlansky]

I didn't expect him to know. I wouldn't expect. That's not his job. He passes that off to other people. I don't have access to those other people. You put, you put him up on a screen, so he's the man I made my case to. If you put the, the head of their catalog up on, on screen, I would have made a Better case to them.

[Conan O'Brien]

Okay, now listen, I've had the experience of, you know, being an artist. I have a great vast body of work going back, I mean, even before 1993.

[Jordan Schlansky]

I'm familiar with it. Well, North Report. Yeah, let's not go that far back, necessarily. The news.

[Conan O'Brien]

Okay, now you overdid it. But the Groundlings, Well, Lampoon before that. So what I'm saying is I've been making comedy pretty much steadily since 1981.

[Jordan Schlansky]

Even earlier.

[Conan O'Brien]

Since you as a fan.

[Jordan Schlansky]

Yeah.

[Conan O'Brien]

Probably have liked to go back sometimes and watch my old work.

[Jordan Schlansky]

Yeah, I do it regularly as part of my career.

[Conan O'Brien]

No, no, no, as a fan.

[Jordan Schlansky]

Yeah, I do. I'm a huge fan of the show. I was happy to work on it for so long because I was a fan of it. But I'm going to say very clearly, I have no interest in famous people simply because they're famous.

[Conan O'Brien]

Yes, you do. You must sometimes. You must sometimes when you and I are walking around together be thinking, oh my God, this is Conan O'Brien.

[Jordan Schlansky]

That thought does occur to me based on situations that happen around me. But I don't reject you or accept you simply because you're famous. I don't seek out famous people. I don't feel any more exhilaration talking to a famous person than a non famous.

[Conan O'Brien]

Liar.

[Jordan Schlansky]

Now, liar. There are some famous people that I am infatuated with that I've never met. Okay. Neil Diamond, Tristan Rogers from General hospital in the 1980s.

[Conan O'Brien]

Jesus.

[Jordan Schlansky]

There are certain. There are certain.

[Conan O'Brien]

What a list.

[Jordan Schlansky]

Yes, there are.

[Conan O'Brien]

Neil Diamond, Tristan Rogers.

[Jordan Schlansky]

Sarah, I can.

[Conan O'Brien]

General Hospital.

[Jordan Schlansky]

I can count on one hand the amount of famous people. I was very interested to meet John Williams. I've met him a number of times. Of course, the famous composer. He was a big one for me. Neil Diamond. I never had the chance to meet John Ritter. I did meet. Wonderful guy. He was wonderful. He was on, he was on my list. Kristen Rogers. He's Australian. Yes, he certainly a beautiful voice. I don't know how old he is.

[Conan O'Brien]

78.

[Jordan Schlansky]

Okay, that sounds about right. He, I modeled my personality after him. I watched General Hospital religiously in the 1980s. It was him, it was John Riley who played Sean Donnelly, who I met at the Grove once. The late, great John Riley.

[Conan O'Brien]

Hold it, hold, hold it. Stop for just a second.

[Jordan Schlansky]

Okay.

[Conan O'Brien]

You're saying that you didn't have a personality. You were an empty vessel and you decided to. You watched a soap opera and you saw a person acting on a soap opera and modeled who you are after that person.

[Jordan Schlansky]

You Certainly extrapolated a bit. Okay, I gave you. I think you embellished the core of what I was saying.

[Conan O'Brien]

I just repeated what you said.

[Jordan Schlansky]

The man spoke like music. You listen to the words that come out of his mouth in his Australian accent. And he speaks like music. He could play it all. He could play the mystery, he could play the drama. Love, anger. That. That episode with him, him and bert. His. In December 1986. His Burt Ramsey as former police commissioner that betrayed him and became head of the mob. When he yelled at him at the end of that episode, that was like, stunning. That changed. Yes.

[Conan O'Brien]

What boy your age is watching these soap operas? These soap operas were meant for housewives.

[Jordan Schlansky]

There was a time I sought out those old episodes of General Hospital. I tried to get the footage. It was unavailable. Everywhere they would put out little retrospectives on VHS of, like, Luke and Laura's wedding. No one gives a shit about that. We've all seen times. I want to see The Aztec Treasure, 1984. I want to see the Asian Quarter from 1985.

[Conan O'Brien]

So your whole life is chasing lost footage that no one else gives a shit about? You just said you had one question for Getty Lee. Yes. Yes, we gave a concert. 1991. 1990. 1990.

[Jordan Schlansky]

I'm sorry.

[Conan O'Brien]

Oh, I missed it. I missed it by less than how you mount t missed your birthday and you know what I'm saying?

[Jordan Schlansky]

Two months. Unacceptable.

[Conan O'Brien]

And I saw you guys performed dance on the rooftop of Beth Israel Hospital. And I just want to say so I've seen most of it, but some. There's a section where you guys take a bathroom break and it's missing. And so you're asking for that footage. He doesn't know what the fuck you're talking about.

[Jordan Schlansky]

I know he doesn't know what the fuck. I'd rather meet Tristan Rodgers than getting Lee. God damn it. There, I said it. I said it. Get Tristan Rogers. Who's Tristan Rogers? Get Tristan Rogers up. I want Tristan Rogers.

[Conan O'Brien]

Okay, so your list is Neil Diamond.

[Geddy Lee]

Will you be excited for Tristan Rogers.

[Conan O'Brien]

When you come to. No, I'll do an impression of him. I'll do an impression of. Of you bringing him up. Oh, guess what? We have a. A treat for you. The person you modeled your entire personality on, who you've never met before. And here he is, and you go like, ah, yes, that's what you're going to do.

[Jordan Schlansky]

Okay, first of all, let's pretend that as human beings, we're not influenced by the media figures we're exposed to every day. Like Tony Hopkins said, in the Silence of the Lambs, we covet what we see every day around us. Okay? I saw him every day. I found him compelling. He had charisma. The charisma that I have, I learned from him.

[Conan O'Brien]

Oh, okay. Well, then guess what? He should be shot.

[Jordan Schlansky]

Okay?

[Conan O'Brien]

He should be sued. What do you mean, the charisma you have?

[Jordan Schlansky]

This man is cool as ice. Okay? I don't equate somebody's talent by their level of fame, their level of objective fame, okay? He may not be the most famous person in this town, but to me, he's the most compelling.

[Conan O'Brien]

Can I ask you something? So have you ever wondered or, I don't know, if you've had therapy, and my guess is you have not. I think you would. I don't think a therapist would be able to help you. I think it'd be like a therapist.

[Jordan Schlansky]

I don't need help.

[Conan O'Brien]

Hold on. I think it'd be like a therapist sitting. And there's a toaster oven on the couch.

[Jordan Schlansky]

I'm fine.

[Conan O'Brien]

Oh, yeah. People that say, I don't need help. I'm fine. Shouting it usually are fine. So my question is, do you ever wonder why you needed. Why couldn't you just let your own personality form? Why did you need to take it from a character on General Hospital?

[Jordan Schlansky]

Ideal. The ignorant ideal. Let me explain to you how human psychology works. Okay? Let me explain to you. Nature and nurture. We are a product of what we are exposed to every day. Now, you can look at this as a negative or you can look at this as empowering. We can choose what we surround ourselves with every day. These things will become part of our personality. You are comprised in part of me because you have been exposed to me. I have rubbed off on you in ways you may or may not be aware of. We are a product of our environment, as strong as we think we are mentally, I'm true to myself. Your self is based on your environment. Every single human being that's around you, every single object becomes part of you. I am a part of you and I will always be.

[Conan O'Brien]

Yeah, you're inside me. Listen, I wanna say something. Jordan, you say you're fine. You say you're okay. I'm just gonna notice. Yeah, I think we've all noticed it. You've been shouting for much of the last 15 minutes. I keep seeing Eduardo reach over and turn the dials down because you're gonna blow out these beautiful microphones. These are gorgeous.

[Jordan Schlansky]

Shure SMB7s.

[Conan O'Brien]

That's.

[Jordan Schlansky]

Yeah, these have a very Low gain, by the way. You need a very powerful mixer to extrapolate the proper sound. You can use a cloudlifter, though, which a lot of amateur podcasters do. And now they have a new model that has a built in preamp. They're a little bit longer, they're shiny, and they say short down the side. So what I'm saying is the fact that I'm shouting doesn't preclude me from being content. I am a content man.

[Conan O'Brien]

It stuns me. This, that sxm, they're a big company. Big company. And they are in business with all the biggest talents and somehow you're on there now.

[Jordan Schlansky]

Yeah. I apparently am a radio host on SiriusXM.

[Conan O'Brien]

Yeah. And it's stunning to me the amount of bibble, babble, blither and blather that spews out of this face of yours that I'd like to smash. It's incredible that people are listening in their cars right now. They're Dodge, Knees, Neons, there's Chevrolet, Googles. I'm just making up car names. I don't know.

[Jordan Schlansky]

For anyone wondering what it's like to be a radio host, I'll tell you what it's like. There's no change to my life. There are no perks. I'm not even convinced we have a radio show. I've seen clips of it on YouTube. I don't have. There's no mug in front of me with the Conan O'Brien show logo that has two meatballs that look like the orange chicken at Panda Express. I don't feel. You tell me we have a radio show and you think I'd feel some level of accomplishment to be a radio host, a goal that I never set for myself but somehow found me and I just have a normal life. I don't get free things. I don't get special privileges at restaurants. Just for anyone wondering, maybe you aspire to be a radio host and you think your life will change. I'm here to tell you there is zero change.

[Conan O'Brien]

So you thought that by sitting next.

[Jordan Schlansky]

To me on a radio show, you'd.

[Conan O'Brien]

Be ushered into a better seat?

[Jordan Schlansky]

Yes. Yes, I did.

[Conan O'Brien]

I would think the Lucky Duck Chicken House. You thought, okay, that's incredible. You're a mystery to me. You continue to be a mystery. I try to make you happy by bringing you, I'm happy, one of your icons daily. I try to get you therapy. You say you don't need it. You still shout. I don't know. This was an incredible experience for me to watch. You I try to help you. I try to do nice things for you. I took you to Italy. You can all watch it. I do all these extraordinary things for you and you, you always end up angry. You seem angry.

[Jordan Schlansky]

I'm not angry. I'm content. I'm passionate. I appreciate the things you've done to me. I'm self aware to you.

[Conan O'Brien]

You just said to you done to.

[Jordan Schlansky]

Me for me, with me. You could choose your. You could choose your conjunction.

[Conan O'Brien]

Freud's on line one.

[Jordan Schlansky]

Yeah, yeah, I appreciate them. I'm passionate about them. Look, people say apathy is the worst insult. If I shout and I'm passionate, don't worry so much about am I angry, Am I happy? Just, just be happy that you're evoking a respons.

[Conan O'Brien]

Yeah, Mussolini shouted and he was just trying to get his point across.

[Jordan Schlansky]

If that's the criteria for being a dictator, then you know, I think half of the population is guilty.

[Conan O'Brien]

Okay, well, we got off on a crazy tangent. I think you brought up Mussolini and I think that's weird. Okay, listen, we had a wonderful episode. I think you got to meet one of your great heroes and talk to him. I know you say you've met him before but he got to call you two months after your birthday which is a big deal.

[Jordan Schlansky]

He Happy birthday me two months late and called me by the wrong name. And I, I again, I wasn't expecting anything out of this interaction.

[Conan O'Brien]

So why do you keep mentioning it by the way?

[Jordan Schlansky]

This interaction. I didn't even know this interaction was going to happen. I don't think you guys have disclosed that. I wasn't aware that this was.

[Conan O'Brien]

I think it's clear, clear to everyone that you don't know what's happening.

[Jordan Schlansky]

Yeah, I walked, I walk into this room. I was told to spit in a. Sit in a different spot than normal. Okay, so there was an agenda, clearly. But I am fine with the way this interaction went. I think I, I think he understands now that there is an appreciation of his work on a very grand and.

[Conan O'Brien]

When asked if he would hang out with you, he said f I, I.

[Jordan Schlansky]

Don'T need to hang out with him.

[Conan O'Brien]

Yeah, well, I think he. You don't even have to worry about it.

[Jordan Schlansky]

I don't have to worry about it?

[Conan O'Brien]

You don't have to reject the date that you've not invited on.

[Jordan Schlansky]

Not worried about that.

[Conan O'Brien]

All right, well listen, this has been our episode of the Conan and Jordan show featuring a guest appearance by Jordan's all time hero, Getty Lee. We're going to try and get this gentleman from General Hospital, Tristan Rogers. Tristan Rogers to be on soon. And you say you molded your personality around him. That is a sad story. Sad story about a sad little boy who Pinocchio who one day wished he would become real. And listen to real boy.

[Jordan Schlansky]

Listen to him speak.

[Conan O'Brien]

Okay, peace out.

[Geddy Lee]

The Conan and Jordan show with Conan O'Brien and Jordan Schlansky is produced produced by me, Frank Smiley, executive produced by Adam Sachs, Jeff Ross and Jim McClure engineering and mixing by Eduardo Perez. Our supervising producer is Andrew Gruse. Talent booking by Paula Davis, Geena Bautista and Brit Kahn. The theme song is Tom Sawyer by Rush. You can rate and review this show on Apple Podcasts and you might find your review read on a page. Future Episode Got a question for Conan and Jordan? Call the team Coco Hotline [phone] and leave a message. It too could be featured on a future episode. And if you haven't already, please subscribe to Conan O'Brien needs a friend wherever fine podcasts are downloaded and be sure to subscribe and tune into Conan O'Brien radio channel 104 on SiriusXM.

[Conan O'Brien]

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