Podcast
The Rock and Metal Profs
Hosted by Matt Alschbach & Court Lewis · EN
Professors Dr. Courtland Lewis and Matt Alschbach offer a fun and academic analysis of Rock and Metal acts from the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s and 2000s. This research-driven podcast relies on primary and secondary sources, and NEVER uses A.I. in any capacity.
11episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Episode 70: The Scorpions Part II
Mar 700:58:13Tap to summarizeThe Profs chat recent rock and metal news, and they examine the Scorpions' records from 1984's "Love at First Sting" to 2022's "Rock Believer." Dr. Lewis takes the lead on this one! We thank all our listeners for taking the time to download and listen. We appreciate you!
Transcribe →Episode 69: The Scorpions, Part 1
Jan 3100:50:53Tap to summarizeIt's time to ROCK YOU LIKE A HURRICANE! Undeniably the greatest hard rock/metal band in German history, the Scorpions heralded career spans 60 years! Few bands have made a greater impact on the history of modern rock/metal music than the Scorps. The Profs look at the early history of the band as it coalesced in postwar West Germany and how Rudolph Schenker, Klaus Meine, Uli Jon Roth, Michael Schenker, Herman Rarebell, Francis Buchholz and Matthias Jabs sought to reshape the world's perception of Germany and Germans. Court and Matt examine postwar German history, the band's early albums and touring, and their rise to fame (and controversy) in the 1970s and 80s. Part one of two episodes. As always, we are so grateful to our listeners who download, listen and recommend the show to others! Thank you!
Transcribe →Episode 68: 2025 Year in Review and the State of Rock and Metal in 2026
Jan 1900:55:51Tap to summarizeCourt and Matt are back with their admittedly fragmentary best of 2025 concerts and albums. The Profs also discuss recent rock and metal news, and the state of the genre in 2026. Megadeth, Anthrax, Queensryche, Accept, Ratt, Slaughter, L.A. Guns, Iron Maiden, Ghost, Helloween, Ozzy, Wings of Steel, Alice Cooper, KISS, Phantom Spell, VV and Peter Criss were all topics covered, and more! Look for new episodes coming soon!
Transcribe →Episode 67: Favorite Drummers and Percussionists with R. Alan Siler
Dec 1901:08:16Tap to summarizeCourt and Matt have guested on R. Alan Siler's podcast "Modern Musicology" on multiple occasions, and we thought it was time to turn the tables! On our final episode of 2025 the Profs interview the busiest man in America -- drummer, librarian, author, performer, music connoisseur, and host of multiple podcasts -- R. Alan Siler. Alan has performed in many bands, including tribute acts covering KISS, David Bowie, Heart and Kate Bush. He's performed in orchestras, folk groups, and jazz ensembles. He is the owner and editor of kOZMIC Press, LLC. He also hosts multiple podcasts, including our personal favorite, Modern Musicology. We asked Alan to explain the difference between drummers and percussionists, and to give us his personal favorites and most influential drummers. Spoiler -- We'll be talking about Neil Peart and Eric Carr quite a bit! Our thanks to all of our listeners and friends who support us each year by downloading and listening to every episode of RAMP. We do the show for you! Our heartfelt gratitude for taking the time to listen in! Happy Holidays!
Transcribe →Episode 66: Episode 66: Ghost -- The Profs are Back!!!
Oct 2501:02:50Tap to summarizeWell, we decided to bring the show back after a 3-year hiatus. On the eve of Halloween, what better way to celebrate our return to podcast glory than with the ultimate horror band, GHOST! Court and Matt, with shows to follow as time permits. No social media presence this time, but you can email us at Therockprofs@gmail.com. Welcome back, and as always, thanks so much for your listenership and support! Now, LET THE RITUAL BEGIN!
Transcribe →Episode 65: The Evolution of Rock and Metal
Sep 301:11:37Tap to summarizeThe Profs discuss the origins and evolution of rock and metal!
Transcribe →Episode 64: The Sunset Strip in the 1980s
Sep 301:01:20Tap to summarizeOh the excess and bombast of the Sunset Strip in the late-70s and 1980s! The Profs discuss the epicenter of rock and metal in the 70s-80s as the Sunset Strip in L.A. became ground-zero for some of the greatest rock and metal acts in American history.
Transcribe →Episode 63: KISS in the early-80s
Sep 301:05:54Tap to summarizeYes, we know we talk about KISS too often. However, in our defense, those early-80s KISS albums were SPECTACULAR. Court and Matt discuss the iconic albums "Creatures of the Night", "Music from the Elder", "Lick it Up" and "Animalize."
Transcribe →Episode 62: Rock and Metal Music Festivals
Sep 301:07:07Tap to summarizeOh the glory of the all-day music festival. US Fest, Ozzfest, Louder than Life, Wacken and Hellfest. So many festivals and so many bands! The Profs discuss the pros and cons of rock and metal music festivals, and cover some of the best and worst ones they've attended.
Transcribe →Episode 61: Podcast Producer Tim Williamson Takes over RAMP
Sep 301:14:59Tap to summarizeIn this special episode of RAMP, our podcast producer and colleague Tim Williamson takes over the show. We talk about whatever he wants to talk about!
Transcribe →