Disgraceland Bonus Episode Summary Episode Title: Bonus Episode - Irish Artists, Def Leppard and Huey Lewis
Release Date: March 13, 2025
Host: Double Elvis Productions (Jake Brennan)

Introduction to the After Party

The bonus episode of Disgraceland serves as an engaging after-party, bridging the gap between the main weekly episodes. Host Jake Brennan welcomes listeners to delve deeper into the stories behind the latest full episode, which focused on the iconic rock band Thin Lizzy. This episode additionally explores discussions on Def Leppard, Huey Lewis, Gene Hackman, and Odell Beckham Jr., among others.

Thin Lizzy and Def Leppard: A Tale of Influence and Downfall

Jake Brendan delves into the interplay between Thin Lizzy and Def Leppard, highlighting how Def Leppard's groundbreaking album Pyromania impacted Thin Lizzy's trajectory.

• Pyromania's Revolutionary Production:

  • "He recorded the bass and guitars to a drum machine, not to the drums, which is unheard of." (14:25)
  • Producer Mutt Lange employed unconventional techniques, using drum machines for initial recordings before overdubbing live drums. This resulted in a hyper-focused drum sound that set Pyromania apart from other albums of its time.

• Phil Lynott's Reaction:

  • Upon hearing Pyromania, Phil Lynott of Thin Lizzy felt overshadowed and believed Thin Lizzy couldn't compete with the evolving music landscape. Jake notes, "Phil was clouded by drugs at the time, and that was likely the bigger contributor to Thin Lizzy's breakup." (16:40)
  • Despite debates about the authenticity of this story, corroboration from Vivian Campbell suggests Phil was indeed discouraged by Def Leppard's success.

• Joe Elliott's Perspective:

  • Joe Elliott of Def Leppard shares his disappointment, viewing his band's success as a catalyst for Thin Lizzy's dissolution. Jake reflects, "Joe Elliott...has he told this story from the perspective not of someone who's bragging, but from the perspective of someone who's supremely bummed out by his part in the breakup of one of his favorite bands." (15:55)

Gene Hackman and the Mysterious Circumstances of His Death

The episode touches upon the tragic and perplexing details surrounding Gene Hackman's death:

• Circumstances:

  • Hackman's wife, Betsy Arakawa, succumbed to Hantavirus, leading to Hackman's own demise from heart failure after a week of confusion and wandering.
  • "Hackman...spent the next seven days after his wife died roaming around his house with his wife lying on the bathroom floor." (17:10)

• Additional Tragedy:

  • During this period, the couple's dog also died on the premises, adding another layer of sorrow to the narrative.

Controversies Surrounding Sean "Diddy" Combs and Odell Beckham Jr.

Jake addresses recent allegations involving high-profile figures Sean "Diddy" Combs and Odell Beckham Jr.

• Allegations:

  • A woman accuses Beckham of gang rape alongside Diddy Combs, although Beckham vehemently denies the allegations.
  • "I've been informed of the allegations about me in a suit...there is absolutely no truth to those allegations." (19:45)

• Legal Proceedings:

  • The case against Combs is set to begin in May, but current allegations remain unverified and are not part of the federal case.

• Skepticism:

  • Jake advises listeners to approach these allegations with caution, emphasizing the lack of concrete information.
  • "Nobody but the accuser and the accused know...take them with a grain of salt." (20:30)

Bill Murray's Controversial Claims About Bob Woodward

Exploring a surprising claim by Bill Murray, Jake discusses Murray's skepticism towards renowned journalist Bob Woodward:

• Murray's Assertion:

  • On a Joe Rogan episode, Murray suggested that Woodward might have been involved in framing Richard Nixon, drawing parallels to Woodward's portrayal in his book about John Belushi.
  • "Bill Murray believes Bob Woodward is based on the lies Woodward printed in his book on Bill Murray's friend John Belushi." (20:55)

• Historical Context:

  • Woodward, initially an intelligence officer, transitioned to journalism, co-authoring "All the President's Men" which exposed the Watergate scandal.

• Jake's Take:

  • Jake finds Murray's claims unfounded and encourages skepticism towards such allegations.
  • "You go Bill Murray call bullshit on the bullshitter smearing Belushi." (21:20)

Upcoming Episodes and Listener Engagement

Jake announces next week's focus on George Michael, inviting listeners to reflect on their favorite 80s MTV artists. He poses the question:

• "Which 80s MTV star is your fave?" (22:00)

Listeners are encouraged to share their favorites via voicemail, text, or social media, with Jake promising to feature their responses in future episodes.

Listener Voicemails and Messages: Celebrating Irish Artists

The bonus episode spotlights listener contributions celebrating Irish musical talent.

• Dodie Rhodes from Seattle on U2:

  • "U2 offered me something different. They were bright and colorful and really sexy and, well, and frankly, grunge is not sexy at all." (18:23)
  • Highlights U2's role as a beacon of hope during the dark grunge era in Seattle.

• Jenny from Boston on Stiff Little Fingers & Sinead O'Connor:

  • "Stiff Little Fingers has that punk undertone, everything about it. Sinead O'Connor, graceful, beautiful, voice of an angel." (21:06)

• Other Voicemails:

  • 206 writes: Enthusiast for The Pogues and The Cranberries, emphasizing their versatility across punk, rock, and folk genres.
  • 503 writes: Suggests featuring dynamic female artists like Pussy Riot and Bonnie Raitt, praising the show's commitment to diverse storytelling.

• Jake's Responses:

  • Appreciates the passion and selections, mentioning how past episodes covered similar artists and encouraging continued listener engagement.
  • "Love this voicemail. Thanks, Dodie Rose." (18:30)

Closing Remarks and Future Plans

Jake wraps up the episode by acknowledging listener support, promoting Disgraceland All Access membership, and teasing upcoming content:

• Membership Benefits:

  • Access to exclusive episodes, ad-free listening, and additional bonus content for $5/month.
  • "Become an All Access member today and help support the show." (22:45)

• Future Content:

  • Preview of discussions on Chaos, a Netflix documentary based on Tom O'Neill's book, and an upcoming episode on Slipknot.

• Final Notes:

  • Encourages listeners to explore the extensive archive of past episodes covering various artists and true crime stories.
  • Shares Billboard chart recap from January 4, 1986, reflecting on the day Phil Lynott passed away.

Notable Quotes with Attribution and Timestamps

• "Phil Lynett was the single greatest performer I've ever seen. He had incredible stage instincts." — Huey Lewis (14:10)
• "I've lost weight, healed my relationship with food, and have way more energy." — Jake Brennan (01:41)
• "There's a reason we did this [dedicated to St. Patrick's Day]." — Jake Brennan (22:00)

Conclusion

This bonus episode of Disgraceland offers a rich exploration of the intricate relationships within the music industry, tragic personal stories, and the enduring impact of Irish artists. Through listener interactions and in-depth discussions, Jake Brennan skillfully weaves narratives that highlight both the glamour and the dark underbelly of entertainment history. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the podcast, this episode provides compelling insights that resonate with true crime and music enthusiasts alike.