Podcast
It's 1 Louder
Hosted by PJ Pat · EN
Imagine your go-to rock and guitar magazine—brought to life in your ears.
Hosted by PJ Pat, this podcast takes rock lovers and guitar heads behind the curtain for raw, in-depth stories about the players who defined the music you love.
For anyone who eats, sleeps, and breathes rock ‘n’ roll, this is your next obsession!
23episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The Hall of Fame Heist: Maiden, Oasis, and the Class of '26
Apr 1500:07:45Tap to summarizeWhat artist or band should I highlight next?The rock world just got hit with the biggest news of the decade! Join PJ Pat on It’s 1 Louder as we dive deep into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2026. From Iron Maiden finally breaking through the "gatekeeping" to Peggy Gallagher’s legendary intervention in the Oasis feud, we’re breaking down why this is more than just an induction—it’s a correction of history. We also talk Phil Collins, Billy Idol, the dual induction of Joy Division/New Order, and why the "nostalgia economy" of 2026 is bringing rock back to the forefront.What we cover:Iron Maiden's Victory: From Bruce Dickinson's "corpse" comments to the inclusion of Blaze Bayley—why this is a win for the heavy metal community.The Gallagher Brawl: Liam’s hilarious sarcastic response and the "Peggy Gallagher" factor.Billy Idol & Phil Collins: Honoring the architects of the 80s sound.Rick Rubin's Excellence: A look at the man who produced the soundtrack to our lives.The 2026 Rock Resurgence: Why the "Nostalgia Economy" is forcing the Hall to finally respect the fans.Timestamps:00:00 – Intro: The Class of 2026 is officially here!01:09 – Iron Maiden: From "bollocks" to the ballot—Maiden is finally in.02:32 – Oasis: Peggy Gallagher, bucket hats, and the Gen Z rock resurgence.03:57 – Phil Collins: The solo legend gets his second set of flowers.04:22 – Billy Idol: Bringing punk to the mall with Steve Stevens.04:46 – Joy Division & New Order: One entity, two legendary legacies.05:03 – Rick Rubin: The "Yoda of the Studio" wins for Musical Excellence.05:25 – Why Now? How fan power and YouTube changed the Hall's data.06:17 – Closing: Will Maiden bring the 15-foot Eddie? Let us know!Support the showJoin our 11 Club for free. Benefit from exclusive perks and extra merch discounts at https://its1louder.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RockwithPJPat or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/its1louderpodcast/Crank it up 1 louder!
Transcribe →
Zakk Wylde: Engines of Demolition, The "Mom & Pop" Mentality, and a Tribute to Ozzy
Apr 1400:10:52Tap to summarizeWhat artist or band should I highlight next?Get ready to crank it up! In this episode of It’s 1 Louder, PJ Pat dives into the May 2026 issue of Guitar World to explore the high-octane world of Zakk Wylde. We break down Black Label Society’s 12th studio album, Engines of Demolition, and share highlights from Zack’s exclusive interview.Discover why Zack treats BLS like a "mom and pop shop," the pivotal moment at The Stone Pony that changed his approach to songwriting forever, and the deep emotional weight behind "Ozzy's Song"—a poignant tribute to his late mentor and father figure, Ozzy Osbourne. Whether you're a guitar geek or a Doom Crew loyalist, this is an episode you can't miss.Timestamps[0:00] – Intro: New music from the Bearded Barbarian.[0:50] – Fun Fact: Marine biology and Zack’s first "junk" guitar.[1:26] – The BLS Philosophy: Building a "Mom & Pop Shop" one gig at a time.[2:45] – Stay Relentless: Balancing Pantera, Zack Sabbath, and BLS.[3:42] – The Turning Point: Finding authenticity at The Stone Pony.[4:56] – Engines of Demolition: Inside the writing and recording process.[5:46] – "Ozzy's Song": A heartfelt tribute to the Prince of Darkness.Support the showJoin our 11 Club for free. Benefit from exclusive perks and extra merch discounts at https://its1louder.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RockwithPJPat or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/its1louderpodcast/Crank it up 1 louder!
Transcribe →
RUSH 2026: The Reunion, The New Drummer, The Junos and the $2,500 "Working Man" Tax
Mar 2800:07:25Tap to summarizeWhat artist or band should I highlight next?In this emergency "Breaking News" deep dive, we are cranking it to 11 to discuss the most shocking reunion of 2026: RUSH IS BACK. With the Juno Awards "Special Performance" just 24 hours away in Hamilton, PJ Pat breaks down everything you need to know about the "Fifty Something" Tour, the controversial ticket prices, and the powerhouse drummer stepping into the most intimidating seat in rock history.🎧 In This Episode:The Counterparts Obsession: Why the 1993 "Back to Basics" masterpiece is actually the blueprint for the 2026 reunion sound.3 Deep Dive Facts: From the "Caveman" engineering secrets to the "Grunge Parody" origins of the "Stick It Out" riff.Meet Anika Nilles: We go beyond the YouTube clips to look at the German virtuoso (and former preschool teacher!) who won over Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson.The $2,500 Ticket Rant: Are we witnessing the death of the "Working Man" fan? PJ gets real about Ticketmaster’s "Platinum" pricing and the state of the 2026 concert economy.🕒 Timestamps:00:00 – The Red Barchetta Emergency: Rush is Back!02:45 – Why Counterparts is my Favorite Rush Album (Raw & Gritty)06:12 – 3 Lesser-Known Facts about the 1993 Sessions12:30 – Who is Anika Nilles? The Jeff Beck Connection18:15 – Why Anika is the Only Choice for the "Fifty Something" Tour21:40 – The Ticket Price Rant: The $2,500 "Working Man" Tax24:00 – Final Verdict: Mojo or Malfunction?Support the showJoin our 11 Club for free. Benefit from exclusive perks and extra merch discounts at https://its1louder.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RockwithPJPat or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/its1louderpodcast/Crank it up 1 louder!
Transcribe →
Why The Police Really Broke Up: The Toxicity Behind Synchronicity
Mar 300:16:55Tap to summarizeWhat artist or band should I highlight next?At the height of their fame in 1983, The Police were the biggest band in the world—but behind the scenes, they couldn't stand to be in the same room. This episode of the It’s 1 Louder Podcast, PJ Pat gets into the explosive friction that defined the recording of Synchronicity and the eventual collapse of one of rock’s greatest trios.Explore the shifting power dynamics that turned a democracy into a monarchy, the physical altercations that left members with cracked ribs, and the "separate room" recording strategy used to keep the band from killing each other. We also look at the failed 1986 reunion attempt, the massive 2007 world tour, and why Sting eventually called the reunion an "exercise in nostalgia" that left him feeling empty.Whether you're a die-hard fan or a student of rock history, this is the definitive look at the tension that created timeless music but ultimately tore the band apart.Timestamps[00:00] 1983: The peak of The Police [01:22] The story of the breakup begins [02:00] Shifting dynamics and royalty friction [02:48] The violent Synchronicity sessions [03:12] The "separate room" recording strategy [04:16] Why "Every Breath You Take" is the perfect pop song [05:08] The failed 1986 reunion attempt [06:50] Why they actually broke up: The creative tax [07:49] The 2007 Reunion Tour and the "ghosts" of the past [08:23] Stewart Copeland's brutally honest blog posts [10:00] The final show and the "Looney Tunes" exit [11:45] The business of rock: How tour money is split [13:30] Final thoughts on a legendary trioIntro Music by Witch of November. Support the showJoin our 11 Club for free. Benefit from exclusive perks and extra merch discounts at https://its1louder.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RockwithPJPat or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/its1louderpodcast/Crank it up 1 louder!
Transcribe →
Metallica's Best Song Ranked + My Wild Montreal Riot Experience!
Feb 2700:26:15Tap to summarizeWhat artist or band should I highlight next?What is the greatest Metallica song of all time? 🤘 In today’s live stream, I’m diving into a classic 2011 Guitar World magazine to see if they got the #1 spot right.I also share my personal experience being at the infamous 1992 Montreal Riot when James Hetfield was injured and Axl Rose walked off stage. It was complete chaos—cars toppling, fires, and 50,000 pissed-off fans. 🎸🔥In this stream:The wild story of the Metallica & Guns N' Roses Montreal Riot.Reading the untold stories behind "Creeping Death" and other hits.A look at some exclusive Metallica Vinyl Club collectibles.News on Metallica’s residency at the Sphere in Las Vegas!If you love hard rock and heavy metal history, make sure to subscribe! I'm doing these live every Thursday morning to talk shop, read vintage magazines, and rock out. 🤘Let me know YOUR #1 Metallica song in the comments. Support the showJoin our 11 Club for free. Benefit from exclusive perks and extra merch discounts at https://its1louder.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RockwithPJPat or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/its1louderpodcast/Crank it up 1 louder!
Transcribe →
Paul Di’Anno: The Punk Soul of Iron Maiden (RIP)
Feb 1700:10:43Tap to summarizeWhat artist or band should I highlight next?PJ Pat from the It's 1 Louder podcast talks about the man who brought the "street" and the "punk" to Iron Maiden: the legendary Paul Di’Anno.We dive into a heavy and honest Metal Hammer feature about the upcoming documentary, Iron Maiden’s Lost Singer. We’re breaking down why those first two albums hit different, the brutal reality of Paul’s final years, and why he’ll always be the "Lost Hero" of the NWOBHM.Paul wasn't Bruce—he was a different beast entirely. He was the rugged, breathless soul of Maiden that connected the metalheads and the punks.What we're covering: ✅ The "Street" vs. the "Opera": Di’Anno vs. Dickinson. ✅ Heartbreaking insights from the new Wes Orshoski documentary. ✅ The incredible support from Steve Harris and the Maiden faithful. ✅ Why Iron Maiden (1980) is still a perfect masterpiece.00:00:00: Introduction to the topic: Paul Di'Anno's time with Iron Maiden and his "punk" influence.00:02:08: Starting the discussion on the Metal Hammer article, "Iron Maiden's Lost Singer," a documentary by Wes Orshosski.00:03:06: Filmmaker Wes Orshosski's experience and the brutal honesty of filming Paul's final years, including his struggles with health issues and a near-leg amputation.00:04:09: Commercial/Call to Action for the channel's merchandise.00:04:27: Details about Paul's difficult journey to Croatia for surgery.00:05:35: Discussion of Paul's emotional highs and lows, including being reunited with Steve Harris.00:06:45: The tragic news of Paul's death in October 2024 and his enduring legacy.00:07:58: Final thoughts, thanks to the audience, and outro.Rest in peace, Paul. Thanks for the riffs and the attitude. Support the showJoin our 11 Club for free. Benefit from exclusive perks and extra merch discounts at https://its1louder.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RockwithPJPat or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/its1louderpodcast/Crank it up 1 louder!
Transcribe →
The Story of the FrankenStrat: How Eddie Van Halen Built a Legend
Feb 300:13:01Tap to summarizeWhat artist or band should I highlight next?Discover the full history of the most iconic guitar in rock history: Eddie Van Halen’s FrankenStrat. In this video, PJ Pat from the It's 1 Louder podcast dives deep into how Eddie combined the best of Gibson and Fender to create a "super strat" that changed music forever.We cover:The DIY origins of the Frankenstein guitar.The technical secrets behind its legendary "Brown Sound."How Eddie’s modifications influenced guitar manufacturing for decades.The legacy of the stripes and why this instrument remains a holy grail for fans.Conclusion on the guitar's enduring influence on guitar design, music, and the rise of the Super Strat era. Support the showJoin our 11 Club for free. Benefit from exclusive perks and extra merch discounts at https://its1louder.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RockwithPJPat or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/its1louderpodcast/Crank it up 1 louder!
Transcribe →
Exploring The Edge: U2's Iconic Guitarist and His Unique Sound
Jan 1900:10:44Tap to summarizeWhat artist or band should I highlight next?Is U2’s The Edge overrated or a sonic genius? 🎸In this episode of the It’s 1 Louder podcast, host PJ Pat dives deep into the man, the myth, and the beanie-wearing legend himself: The Edge. While critics often claim he’s "nothing without his pedals," the truth is far more complex. We’re breaking down why his signature sound is a masterclass in technical architecture and artistic discipline.We explore:The Man Behind the Moniker: Surprising facts about David Howell Evans (did you know he’s the only non-Irish member of U2?). [00:44]The "Less is More" Philosophy: How The Edge uses sparse rhythms and unique chord choices to create a "Cathedral of Sound." [01:27]The Gear Deep Dive: The Korg SDD-3000: Why the delay isn't actually the most important part of this rack unit—it’s all about the preamp. [05:03]The Deluxe Memory Man: How this finicky analog pedal creates those iconic "shimmering ghosts" and modulated trails. [06:12]The Human Element: Why you can buy the same gear, but you can’t buy the discipline to stay out of the way of your own echoes. [07:05]Recommended Watching: If you want to go even deeper, PJ Pat recommends the 2008 documentary It Might Get Loud, featuring The Edge, Jack White, and Jimmy Page. [03:39] Support the showJoin our 11 Club for free. Benefit from exclusive perks and extra merch discounts at https://its1louder.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RockwithPJPat or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/its1louderpodcast/Crank it up 1 louder!
Transcribe →
Daron Malakian (System of a Down) Reveals the Future of SOAD & New Scars on Broadway Music
Jan 100:24:22Tap to summarizeWhat artist or band should I highlight next?Intro music by Witch of November.PJ Pat from the It's 1 Louder podcast gives his opinions, reads and comments on the iconic guitarist and creative force behind System of a Down, Daron Malakian.In this Metal Hammer interview, Daron opens up about the burning questions every metal fan has. If you're looking for an update on the future of SOAD, a look into the writing process for Scars on Broadway, or his thoughts on the current state of heavy metal music, this is the video for you.We cover:* The writing process for classic System of a Down albums like Toxicity and Mezmerize.* What it would take for SOAD to finally record new material.* The inspiration behind his latest work with Scars on Broadway.* The guitar gear that gives Daron his signature, aggressive metal sound.| 0:00 | Intro: My History with System of a Down & Daron Malakian's Sound || 0:02:54 | Reading the Article: Daron's Simple Life & The Rise of SOAD || 0:04:18 | Remembering the Success of the Toxicity Album || 0:05:00 | Scars on Broadway is Back: New Album Addicted to the Violence || 0:07:09 | SOAD vs. Nu Metal: The Armenian Identity and Being Outsiders || 0:15:54 | The SOAD Songwriting Dynamic: Who Wrote "Chop Suey!"? || 0:18:12 | Daron's Philosophy & The Possibility of Future SOAD Music || 0:19:02 | Final Thoughts, Merchandise Plug, and Thank You Support the showJoin our 11 Club for free. Benefit from exclusive perks and extra merch discounts at https://its1louder.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RockwithPJPat or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/its1louderpodcast/Crank it up 1 louder!
Transcribe →
The Joys of an Affordable Guitar: My Squier Jazzmaster Story
Dec 2200:13:55Tap to summarizeWhat artist or band should I highlight next?In this episode, I share the surprising advantages of owning a budget-friendly guitar, specifically highlighting their beloved Squier Jazzmaster. Despite owning high-end models like a Stratocaster and Telecaster, I detail why my $600 Squier, purchased at a local music store, stands out. From its unique Aqua Green finish to its comfortable neck and reliable tuners, the guitar's features provide excellent value. Also, I recount my memorable trip to Seattle, meeting Pearl Jam's Mike McCready, and how these experiences are immortalized through stickers on the guitar. Ultimately, the episode advocates for choosing guitars based on personal connection and aesthetics rather than brand or price, emphasizing the joy and freedom a less expensive instrument can bring.00:00 Introduction: The Joy of Affordable Guitars00:13 Discovering the Squire Jazz Master01:04 Comparing Costs: Squire vs. High-End Guitars02:00 Craftsmanship and Modifications03:02 A Memorable 50th Birthday Concert04:21 The Seattle Grunge Tour07:50 Emotional Connection to Guitars08:32 Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Guitar Support the showJoin our 11 Club for free. Benefit from exclusive perks and extra merch discounts at https://its1louder.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RockwithPJPat or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/its1louderpodcast/Crank it up 1 louder!
Transcribe →