Disgraceland Bonus Episode: The Mount Rushmore of Guitarists

Release Date: May 8, 2025

In this engaging bonus episode of Disgraceland, hosted by Jake Brennan and his co-host from Double Elvis Productions, the focus shifts to celebrating the legends of guitar playing. Titled “The Mount Rushmore of Guitarists,” the episode delves deep into the legacies of iconic guitarists, listener opinions, and upcoming discussions on music legends like Prince. Below is a detailed summary capturing all key points, discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode.

1. Introduction to the Afterparty Segment ([02:49])

Jake Brennan kicks off the bonus episode by introducing the “afterparty” concept—a bridge between full-length Disgraceland episodes. This segment aims to provide additional content, including previews, listener interactions, and behind-the-scenes insights.

Jake Brennan:
"Welcome to the Disgraceland bonus episode. A little thing we like to call the afterparty... we're talking about Van Halen Part Two, previewing our coming part two episode on Prince, talking Rat Fink Blues in the Hollywoodland minute, and we get into your voicemails, texts DMs, emails, and as always, a whole lot of Rosie."

2. Van Halen Part Two Discussion ([03:30] - [09:32])

The conversation primarily revolves around Van Halen, especially following the passing of Eddie Van Halen in October 2020. Jake emphasizes Eddie's irreplaceable talent and reflects on recent performances by former bandmate David Lee Roth.

Key Points:

• Eddie Van Halen’s Legacy:
  Jake asserts that Eddie’s unique guitar prowess cannot be replicated.
  "There's no replacing Eddie Van Halen. There was no one like him before we took the stage. And there will never be another like him now that he's gone." ([04:00])

• David Lee Roth’s Recent Performance:
  Roth performed Van Halen songs with a new lineup, which Jake found surprisingly impressive despite lacking Eddie’s signature magic.
  "Roth Van Halen sold 57 million. Hagar Van Halen with 27 million... I love Van Halen." ([09:32])

• Fan Reception and Future Reunions:
  Jake discusses the challenges and potential backlash of any future Van Halen reunions, emphasizing that Eddie’s absence leaves a void that cannot be filled.

3. Previewing the Upcoming Prince Episode ([10:00] - [13:00])

Jake introduces the next major topic—Prince—in a two-part episode format. He encourages listeners to consider which artists best encapsulated their era’s musical spirit.

Discussion Points:

• Greatest Musicians of All Time:
  Questions posed include, "Was Prince the greatest musician of all time?" and comparisons with legends like Stevie Wonder and Nirvana.
  "Whether it was Prince with 'Sign of the Times' or Public Enemy with 'Fight the Power,' which artists best represented their times?" ([13:00])

• Listener Engagement:
  Jake invites listeners to submit their thoughts via calls, texts, and voicemails, fostering an interactive community.

4. Listener Voicemails: Mount Rushmore Selections ([16:56] - [19:32])

Several listeners share their picks for the “Mount Rushmore of Guitarists,” providing diverse perspectives and highlighting the show's community engagement.

Highlighted Voicemails:

• Clint from 573 ([16:56] - [17:21]):
  "Prince, Dimebag Darrell, Eddie Van Halen, and Randy Rhodes."
  Jake’s Response: Appreciates the inclusion of Prince and Randy Rhodes, noting the absence of Jimi Hendrix.

• Clint from 724 ([17:54] - [18:22]):
  "Eddie Van Halen, Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, and Roy Clark."
  Jake’s Response: Expresses interest in Roy Clark and his influence, acknowledging he wasn't previously familiar.

• Caller from 904 ([18:42] - [19:32]):
  "Eddie Van Halen, Jimmy Page, Jimi Hendrix, and Angus Young."
  Jake’s Response: Reminisces about Angus Young’s impact and discusses the importance of Malcolm Young's role in ACDC.

5. Listener Email: The Cars and Little Richard Censorship ([30:10] - [36:19])

Jake addresses an email from Paul C., a listener from near Boston, who inquires about potential episodes on The Cars and questions the censorship in the Little Richard episode.

Key Responses:

• The Cars Episode:
  Jake acknowledges the oversight and commits to future episodes focusing on Boston bands like The Cars and possibly Journey.

• Censorship of Little Richard:
  Explains that the decision to censor certain parts was an editorial choice due to the disturbing nature of the content.
  "It was an editorial decision, creative decision, and that's why we did it." ([36:19])

6. Hollywoodland Minute and Archive Highlights ([31:44] - [33:45])

Jake promotes his other podcast, Hollywoodland, featuring true crime stories related to Hollywood figures. He highlights upcoming episodes on Will Smith and Tim Allen, encouraging listeners to explore over 40 archived episodes.

Jake Brennan:
"Before we get out of here, see what archive episodes we've got waiting for you. Stuff that we discussed or referenced or hinted at in this bonus episode..."

7. Sports Rant and Final Thoughts ([33:45] - [41:24])

In a brief segment, Jake shifts to a personal rant about the Red Sox, expressing frustration over team decisions and the need for immediate success.

Key Points:

• Red Sox Performance:
  Criticizes the team's handling of player Tristan Cassis and the management of promising minor players like Roman Anthony.
  "The Red Sox need to get off their ass and they need to actually start to think about their audience, their fans. We want to see winning now, okay?"

• General Sports Commentary:
  Jake shares his thoughts on the competitive nature of baseball and the importance of field performance over future planning.

8. Closing and Recap ([41:07] - End)

Jake concludes the episode by summarizing key takeaways and reminding listeners about upcoming content, including the next Prince episode and the continuation of series on hip-hop legends.

Final Remarks:

• Subscription and Membership Encouragement:
  Urges listeners to subscribe, leave reviews, and consider becoming All Access members for exclusive content.

• Upcoming Content Preview:
  Highlights future episodes on Slick Rick, Prince Part Two, and various archived topics related to legendary guitarists and hip-hop icons.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• On Replacing Eddie Van Halen:
  "There's no replacing Eddie Van Halen. There was no one like him before we took the stage. And there will never be another like him now that he's gone." ([04:00])

• On David Lee Roth’s Performance:
  "David Lee Roth can put on a classic show, and that was fully on display the other night." ([05:30])

• Listener Clint from 573’s Mount Rushmore Picks:
  "Prince, Dimebag Darrell, Eddie Van Halen, and Randy Rhodes." ([16:56])

• Jake on David Lee Roth’s Authenticity:
  "Dave, go out there, be your authentic schlocky self. Entertain the hell out of us with those incredible songs." ([19:32])

• Responding to Paul’s Email on Censorship:
  "It was an editorial decision, creative decision, and that's why we did it." ([36:19])

• On the Red Sox’s Need for Immediate Success:
  "We want to see winning now, okay? They have the money, they have the talent. They need to stop playing everything for the future." ([37:30])

Conclusion

This bonus episode of Disgraceland enriches the listener experience by blending in-depth discussions on legendary guitarists with active audience participation. Through heartfelt analysis, engaging listener voicemails, and candid responses to feedback, Jake Brennan and his co-host create a dynamic and interactive environment that celebrates the enduring spirit of rock and its icons. As they navigate through the legacies of musicians like Eddie Van Halen and Prince, the hosts also emphasize the unique contributions each artist has made to the ever-evolving landscape of music history.

For those who haven't listened yet, "The Mount Rushmore of Guitarists" offers a captivating exploration of guitar legends, their indelible marks on music, and the passionate community that keeps their memories alive. Whether you're a die-hard fan or new to the true crime and music history blend, this episode promises insightful and entertaining content that will leave you eager for more.