11-24-25 - Playdio DAY ONE - Band 22 - VINCDICATED

Summary

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Holmberg’s Morning Sickness Podcast

Episode: Playdio DAY ONE – Band 22: VINCDICATED

Air Date: November 24, 2025
Host(s): John Holmberg, Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, Dick Toledo
Key Segment: Playdio Competition – Band 22: Vindicated

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Episode Overview

This episode continues the annual Playdio event, where local bands compete for a chance to become the show's next theme song creators. The hosts review and critique submissions live on air. In this segment, they introduce and react to Band 22: Vindicated, a heavy metal act from Phoenix. The show's signature style is lighthearted, irreverent, and occasionally brutal in its musical judgments.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Setting the Stage: Playdio Continues

• John recaps the Playdio premise: bands vie to write the show’s 2026 theme.
• He notes speculation that some entries might be AI-generated, explaining the requirement for live performance to prove authenticity.
• Some humorous banter about sports, with John lamenting that NBA star Kevin Durant isn’t playing for “personal reasons.”
  • John: “Personal reasons. Get over it. You’re going to work. Everybody's got personal problems." (04:21)

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2. Band Introduction: Vindicated

[05:56]

• Band bio is read aloud:
  • Phoenix-based, high-energy heavy metal.
  • Influences include Megadeth, Van Halen, Pantera, Metallica, and others.
  • Claims a blend of old-school aggression and modern intensity.
  • Boasts of sharing the stage with big names (Powerman 5000, Fear Factory) and getting support from members of Tesla.
  • The hosts begin to poke fun at the bio’s excessive length.
    • John: “Their bio’s too goddamn long. Here we go. It’s Vindicated, everybody." (07:16)

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3. Song Play & Reaction

[07:30 - 08:46]

• The band introduces their track with a lengthy, dramatic spoken-word intro reminiscent of “V for Vendetta”:
  • Unknown: “The only verdict is vengeance. A vendetta held as a votive but in vain for the value and veracity of such shall one day vindicate the vigilant and the virtu..." (07:30)
• The actual song then begins, described as high-energy metal, but the hosts’ reactions quickly turn sour.
  • John: “That was just brutal. Your drummer’s having a seizure. I would have stopped at the beginning part. Got my wallet out and put it right in his mouth.” (08:46)
  • Bret: “We hit the wall on the last one. You decided to push forward.” (09:08)

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4. Host Panel Discussion & Ratings

[09:10 - 10:24]

• The hosts openly mock the theatrical intro and chaotic drumming.
  • John: “Metronome would be like, I quit. What’s he doing?" (08:46)
  • They agree that long intros are only suitable for established bands, not newcomers.
    • John: “The only people who can do it are massive... New bands that screw around with that, we’re bored.” (09:56)
  • Larry, the station’s Program Director, chimes in complaining about drawn-out intros.
    • John: “Larry… he goes, I hate when they effing do this. Just get to it. Has no place in that song.” (09:31)
• The panel decides to rate Vindicated’s effort a 3 out of 10, mostly for the effort in their overlong bio and intro.
  • John: “I’ll give them a three just for taking all that time to write that book for a biography.” (09:19)
  • Bret: “I’ll give a three for their three minute intro before the song.” (09:28)

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5. Playdio Competition Wrap-Up

[10:24 - 10:55]

• The hosts joke about how many bands remain and tease the next day’s schedule.
• They briefly revisit their favorite band of the day: Witness Protection, questioning if they might be AI-generated.
  • John: “But the winner of today, in my opinion, is witness protection. Who’s with me? Oh, yeah.” (10:47)
• Lighthearted ribbing continues as they sign off for the segment.

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Notable Quotes

• On band bios:

  • John: “Their bio’s too goddamn long. Here we go. It’s Vindicated, everybody. Let’s see if they can do exactly that.” (07:16)

• On performance quality:

  • John: “Your drummer’s having a seizure. I would have stopped at the beginning part. Got my wallet out and put it right in his mouth.” (08:46)

• On long intros:

  • John: “The only people who can do it are massive... New bands that screw around with that, we’re bored.” (09:56)

• On show ratings:

  • John: “I’ll give them a three just for taking all that time to write that book for a biography.” (09:19)
  • Bret: “I’ll give a three for their three minute intro before the song.” (09:28)

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Key Segment Timestamps

• [02:58] – Playdio context and banter, AI speculation
• [05:56] – Vindicated’s bio and introduction
• [07:30] – Spoken-word intro for Vindicated’s song
• [08:18] – Vindicated’s song begins
• [08:46] – Hosts’ immediate post-song reactions
• [09:19] – Ratings and discussion on intros
• [10:24] – Panel wraps, reflects on Witness Protection

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Summary & Takeaways

This Playdio episode captures the irreverent, sometimes harsh, yet authentic spirit of Holmberg’s Morning Sickness. Vindicated, Band 22, brings a theatrical yet unwelcome long intro and a song that didn’t land with the hosts, earning some of the most colorful critiques of the day. The show offers honest, sometimes blunt feedback—tempered with humor—making it clear that even seasoned live acts need to read the room (and keep bios and intros tight).

Those seeking a no-nonsense (and no mercy) review of local Arizona talent—and a taste of morning show caustic wit—need look no further than this Playdio installment.

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Transcript

[Dick Tolitto]

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[Brett Vesely]

Hey, it's Brett Vesely and I'm here with Byron from MMP Guns. Look, Byron, I have a friend wanting to sell some guns he inherited. What's the best way for him to do that?

[Byron]

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[Brett Vesely]

Okay, but what if he lives out of state?

[Byron]

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[Brett Vesely]

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[John Holberg]

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[Brady]

To do it too.

[John Holberg]

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[Dick Tolitto]

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[John Holberg]

Still stream in Hberg's Morning Sickness online at 98kupd.com all right, right in the middle of Playo 2025 for 2026. The champion will be the 2026 theme song band. And they're going to write us a theme song. And that's a great thing. People are questioning whether or not the bands that we've liked so far were AI. I've had a couple of guys go, I think that's an AI voice and things like that. We'll find out. That's why we make them play it live tonight and unfortunately, tomorrow or tomorrow. I'm sorry. Yeah, I'm jumping ahead, Brett. I'm trying to get out of it as fast as I can. Here's. Here's some news. Kevin Durant's here tonight with the Houston Rockets. And guess who just said he's not playing tonight for personal reasons. He's basically saying you to the fans of Phoenix one last time. And I got to give it to Kevin Durant, 28 points a night. Played a lot of games here. It wasn't his fault. This team stunk. But he didn't help. And he's going to get. He's going to get Booed by the fans. I think when he touches the ball. And he doesn't deserve it. Bradley Beal took a beating. Well, he's not. But I'm just saying, if you.

[Byron]

When he.

[John Holberg]

If he's. If he's on the court, but he's. For personal reasons. Come on. The NBA should make him come back. This is an interesting matchup.

[Dick Tolitto]

So.

[John Holberg]

Personal reasons. Get over it. You're going to work. Everybody's got personal problems. Look, Brett's been going through hell. You don't even know half of what Brett's got going on. Areas you gotta. You got a few people in your family going sideways. Areas. Brady had kidney removed earlier. He missed a week. Personal reasons. Kevin, get your ass on the floor for an hour and a half. Deal with him after. Meanwhile, you got Bill Bidwell running around hobnobbing downtown. Michael. I'm calling him Bill forever. He's Bill to me. They're all built. Junior. No, no, he's. Yeah, he's. He's basically Junior from smoking a bandit Tick turd. Anyway. All right, let's keep going with this. I'm enjoying Palladio a lot, Brett.

[Brett Vesely]

Oh, yeah, that last one was a gem.

[John Holberg]

All right. Oh, look, we're gonna have some clunkers.

[Brett Vesely]

Yeah, the first 12, 13.

[John Holberg]

Why you gotta crap on all this? We had so much good happening. Let's try some more. Vindicated. How appropriate that the. Let's hear this guy again. There you go.

[Brett Vesely]

Top notch.

[John Holberg]

Nice and flat, too. Sorry. Vindicated is the band. Vindicated is the song. And after that last one, we may be vindicated. Let's hope you got a bio for Vindicated.

[Dick Tolitto]

I gave it to you. Did you throw it away already?

[John Holberg]

Probably.

[Brett Vesely]

Oh, well.

[John Holberg]

Number 22, veins.

[Brady]

There it is.

[John Holberg]

There we go. I didn't know he handed me that. Vindicated is a high energy heavy metal band based in Phoenix. Rooted in the power of precision, classic metal band draws inspiration from legends like Megadeth, Van Halen, Fight, Pantera, Testament, Gojira, Metallica, Slipknot, Malice and Chainsaw. Their sound blends old school aggression with modern intensity, delivering an authentic metal experience that hits hard and connects deeply with fans of the genre's golden era. Vindicated has shared the stage. Wow. It's going on for a bit. Shared the stage with major acts like Powerman, 5000 Carbillara, Fear Factory, and the legendary Marquis Theater. The band has headlined multiple venues across various cities and recently earned the honor of performing as direct support at the world famous Whiskey Go Go. All the stuff he mentions, I'm Going to do us. David Lee as a proud note. Oh, here we go with pride again. Vindicated has received support from members of Tesla and through guitarist Cameron Cummings, and built a genuine friendship with them. A connection that continues to inspire the band to uphold the same level of pride, passion, professionalism every time they take the stage. And notes about the song. You can't check out yet. You gotta listen to the dams. You can't just hit the button. All right, let's go. Vindicated. Vindicated. Their bio's too goddamn long. Here we go. It's vindicated, everybody. Let's see if they can do exactly that.

[Unknown Poet/Guest]

The only verdict is vengeance. A vendetta held as a votive but in vain for the value and veracity of such shall one day vindicate the vigilant and the virtu.

[John Holberg]

Smiles of verbiage fears most Verse.

[Unknown Poet/Guest]

So let me simply add that it's.

[John Holberg]

My very good honor to meet you.

[Unknown Poet/Guest]

And you may call me.

[Dick Tolitto]

Oh.

[Brady]

I'm trying to clue what I'm supposed to be doing But I got a whole lot of non luck. Why did you expect what's supposed to happen? This ain't no charity why can't you just let me be? Oh and then it crashed and run again the out all these many days I'd say it again. What the is there to think about?

[John Holberg]

That was just brutal. Your drummer's having a seizure. I would have stopped at the beginning part. I'd have stopped that song immediately. Got my wallet out and put it right in his mouth. He's something wrong with him. Metronome would be like, I quit. What's he doing? Now we're getting mean cuz it's the end of the day again. But that one deserved.

[Brett Vesely]

We hit the wall on the last one. You decided to push forward.

[Brady]

You know what?

[Brett Vesely]

You're right.

[John Holberg]

That's my fault. Let's stop there.

[Brett Vesely]

Shall we get it out of the way?

[John Holberg]

Let's just stop there.

[Dick Tolitto]

Probably good places any I'll give them.

[John Holberg]

I'll give them a three just for taking all that time to write that. That book for a biography. Ready?

[Brett Vesely]

Yeah.

[John Holberg]

Three, right?

[Brett Vesely]

Yeah. I'll give a three for their three minute intro before the song.

[John Holberg]

And there's another thing. Larry, our program director's in here and he goes, I want to hear a little Vindicated. And I hit the button and it starts. And he goes, I hate when they effing do this.

[Dick Tolitto]

Just get to it has no place in that song.

[John Holberg]

This guy programs music for a radio station for the last 25 years. I think you getting mad at him is dumb. He doesn't know good music. I hear you Guys, please. Yeah, okay. We've been successful for. Larry, Please explain yourself with that. Even. It's even annoying when you do that on stage.

[Brett Vesely]

Yes.

[John Holberg]

I mean, people are standing there and they're waiting, and you've got this long drone out right now. The only people who can do it are massive. Absolutely. New bands that screw around with that. We're bored. Got corn on stage. They have the right to do it. Yes. They've earned it. They didn't do it first. Usually do it at the very first song, though.

[Dick Tolitto]

For Christ's intro into the.

[John Holberg]

The Beatles gave you. I want to hold your hand before they gave you sergeant Peppers. They earned it.

[Brett Vesely]

Mild leather pants said this is gay.

[John Holberg]

All right, that's it. Threes across the board. All right, we'll stop there. That means we only got nine tomorrow. Oh, no. That's right. Ah, damn it.

[Brett Vesely]

I forgot.

[John Holberg]

There's an extra 10. Shoot.

[Brady]

Keep going.

[John Holberg]

No, you want another one, Brady? Brady wants another one.

[Brett Vesely]

He can't hear anyway. This isn't fair.

[John Holberg]

That is. That's true. He's at an advantage.

[Brady]

What?

[John Holberg]

He's had a huge advantage. He can't hear any of this. Well, I tell you what I'm going to do before we go to commercial. And that is. And this is. I'm tainting the pool here. I'm playing witness protection again. I want to hear this again. I loved this. I'm playing it into the break. Toledo. All right, I'm gonna play it right now. It is a great song. And I. You know, Reckless Eden's another. We've had some good stuff here this morning. We'll get our little. Our score sheets together. Toledo will get our top five going into tomorrow. But the winner of today, in my opinion, is witness protection. Who's with me? Oh, yeah. Now, there are a lot of people who think this is AI. A lot. I don't know. We'll find out. We're talking to the guy who is in the band. He's like, I'm gonna try to scramble to get this together. I don't know if we can play it live because it's just the two of us. We'll see. I like this one. It's witness protection. It's Breath of Poison. Today's leader in the clubhouse for Palladium, Arizona's most powerful rock radio station. He said, fully erect. It's John Holmerg here from the morning sickness. And it's time to talk about TVs Doug Hopkins of my home group and Doug hopkins.com boy, that team at Doug Hopkins office is amazing. Not only will Doug Hopkins buy your home for cash as is and get that deal done lickety split, his team is unbelievable. So if you've got a place that needs a ton of work, Doug will help you out by making that cash offer as is. Or he'll list your place if it's already perfect. All you have to do is start the process online@doug hopkins.com or grab the phone and sing Hopkins 1-800-sale- now. It's John Holberg here from the morning sickness and it's time to talk about FanDuel. It's NBA tip off week and FanDuel is your home for live betting. FanDuel is giving new customers $300 in bonus bets if your first $5 bet wins. So just visit FanDuel.com KUPD to sign up today and play your game with FanDuel, official betting partner of the NBA. 21 plus in present in Arizona. First online real money wager only $5 first deposit required. Bonus issued as non withdrawable bonus bets which expires seven days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook fanduel.com gambling problem call 1-800-next-step or text next step to 533-42.