Eric Dahl's Journey from Accidental Guitar Collector to National TV Host

Summary

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Podcast Summary

Podcast: Almost Live...Nashville
Host: Tony Mantor
Guest: Eric Dahl (Host of "Rock and Review with Eric Dahl," author, music journalist)
Episode: Eric Dahl's Journey from Accidental Guitar Collector to National TV Host
Date: July 9, 2025

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Overview

In this engaging episode, Tony Mantor welcomes Eric Dahl, a veteran Nashville media personality, author, and long-time musician known for his nationally syndicated TV show, "Rock and Review with Eric Dahl." The conversation dives into Dahl’s extraordinary journey from gigging musician and accidental guitar collector to hosting over 1,000 interviews with music legends and expanding his show to a nationwide audience. Both host and guest reflect on Nashville's unique music community, lessons learned from years in the industry, and the joy of storytelling that brings out the hidden gems in superstar interviews. Listeners receive thoughtful advice and behind-the-scenes insights valuable for aspiring creatives, music fans, and anyone pursuing a dream.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

Eric Dahl’s Origin Story: From Musician to Accidental Guitar Collector

• Background: Grew up in southeast Missouri, became immersed in guitar and music, originally aimed for rock stardom ([02:40]).
• Career Shift: Initially attended Belmont in Nashville, then switched paths after observing the tough competition for musicians, earning a degree in mass communications (with music minors) ([05:09]).
• Las Vegas Years: Worked in TV, played gigs to support his gear addiction ([06:56]).
• The Lucille Incident: Accidentally bought B.B. King's stolen Lucille guitar at a Las Vegas pawn shop, ultimately returning it to King—an event that changed his career trajectory ([03:31]).
  • "I accidentally bought his Lucille from a pawn shop in Las Vegas. ... And so then when Gibson called me and then his managers called me and told me that they thought I had his stolen Lucille...since I wouldn't take money, then Mr. King wanted to meet me." — Eric Dahl ([03:31])
  • The returned Lucille became King’s main guitar from 2009–2014 and eventually auctioned for $198,000 ([03:31]).

Transition to Nashville: Finding Community and Opportunities

• Move Motivations: Wanted a better environment to raise his daughter and proximity to family ([05:09]).
• Musician’s Reality: Humble about not playing as much in Nashville, acknowledging the city’s deep talent pool ([06:56], [07:33]).
• Nashville Music Scene: Highlights the camaraderie and sense of belonging among musicians and techs at local shops ([06:33]).
  • "It's such a great community of people and everybody helps everybody." — Eric Dahl ([06:33])

The Path to TV Host & Interviewing Legends

• "Rock and Review": Started as a local Nashville segment, now syndicated to 17 million viewers on 48 stations ([12:19], [13:52]).
  • The show’s expansion was a leap of faith: "...like a Hail Mary football pass. And the head guy at the company goes, yeah, we're going to air this on every CW and My TV station that we own." — Eric Dahl ([13:26])
• Interview Philosophy: Both Mantor and Dahl favor unscripted interviews built on deep research and genuine listening to get artists to share more candid, meaningful stories ([10:55], [12:19]).
  • "To give the best interview, you have to listen to the interviewee." — Eric Dahl ([10:56])
  • "I believe it's too sterile if you do it that way [with scripted questions]." — Tony Mantor ([11:24])
• Memorable Interviews:
  • Dolly Parton: A standout moment, both for her presence and the homework required.
    • "...probably one of the ones, to me, that really has stood out and everybody goes back to watch and share is the Dolly Parton interview..." — Eric Dahl ([09:24])
    • "I created a file that was probably inch, inch and a half thick." — Eric Dahl ([10:00])
  • Bobby Rush, Billy Bob Thornton, Gary Sinise, Pete Anderson, Johnny Lang: Artists are surprised and grateful for deep-dive, knowledgeable questions ([14:38], [16:40], [17:56], [21:01], [27:13]).

The Joy of Nuggets—Uncovering Untold Stories

• Both host and guest seek to uncover unknown “nuggets” or “gold” during interviews—those surprising personal stories or details nobody else gets ([16:17]).
  • "I always call it, like, the nugget. ... The interesting little story that everybody doesn't know, but it's there." — Eric Dahl ([15:38])

Mutual Respect with Artists & the Interview Process

• Artist Trust: Both emphasize never putting an artist “on the spot” or in a bad light. Publicists and managers appreciate this approach ([18:33], [18:43]).
  • "My job is not here to bring them down. I think the world brings us down enough." — Eric Dahl ([18:43])
• Post-Interview Magic: Sometimes the most candid, memorable moments happen off-camera when the guard is down ([17:14], [18:21]).

Growth, Syndication, and New Platforms

• Expanding the Show: Recently achieved nationwide syndication; aiming for more markets and considering podcasting again ([21:43]).
• Spotify Playlists: Dahl curates a “Hot Picks” playlist from show guests—a visual and musical extension of the interviews ([21:03]).

Reflecting on Fame and Influence

• Both men express humility at being recognized for interviews rather than stardom; they find surreal joy in hosting and learning from music legends ([08:43], [15:11]).
• Influence: The reach of their shows has brought unlikely figures to them; Dahl recalls surprise audience encounters referencing deep-cut interviews ([23:51]).

The Nashville Difference

• Community Vibe: In Nashville, artists from Vince Gill to Tommy Emmanuel are accessible, grounded, and approachable ([29:44], [31:15]).
  • "We are in the best place for anyone that loves music. I mean, there's not a better place we could be." — Tony Mantor ([31:38])

Aspiring Entertainers: Key Takeaways

• Preparedness & Persistence: Deep research and listening are more important than rigid scripts ([10:55], [11:28]).
• Failures Before Success: The “ten-year town” myth is real—even the biggest stars struggled for years ([19:41]).
• Following Unique Paths: Success may come in unexpected forms, as with Dahl’s shift from musician to trusted interviewer ([08:17], [13:52]).

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• Returning B.B. King’s Lucille:
  "Sitting there next to him when you're giving it back, it was just priceless." — Eric Dahl ([03:31])

• On Interview Prep:
  "I've got, you know, folders, I've got huge amount of information. But also, I think to give the best interview, you have to listen to the interviewee." — Eric Dahl ([10:45]-[10:56]) "The essence is that because I was doing what I was doing, I became more known worldwide than probably if I had continued as a singer." — Tony Mantor ([08:33])

• On Unsung Magic Moments:
  "Sometimes you can ask them that one question that catches them off guard ... and then the reaction from it. It's worth a million bucks." — Tony Mantor ([16:59])

• On Artist Relations:
  "With our shows I like artists to know that I'm never going to hang them out to dry." — Eric Dahl ([18:33])

• On Community:
  "And everybody helps everybody." — Eric Dahl ([06:33]) "We are in the best place for anyone that loves music." — Tony Mantor ([31:38])

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Eric’s Accidental Lucille Story: [03:31]
• Why Move to Nashville: [05:09]
• Adjusting to Nashville’s Competition: [07:33]
• Becoming an Interviewer & Dolly Parton Interview: [09:24]-[10:31]
• Interview Philosophy (Preparation & Listening): [10:45]-[12:19]
• Show Expansion to National Syndication: [13:26]-[13:52]
• On Building Trust with Artists: [18:33]-[19:18]
• Failures in Creative Careers: [19:41]
• Leveraging Multiple Media Platforms (Spotify, Magazines): [21:01], [22:39]
• Memorable Encounters & Being Recognized: [23:51]
• Artist Accessibility in Nashville: [29:44], [31:15]
• Bucket List Interviews (Deceased & Living): [28:02]
• Nashville’s Unique Music Community: [31:38]-[32:17]

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Conclusion

This episode offers a candid look at the winding paths, challenges, and joys of music media careers through the eyes of two insiders. Eric Dahl’s journey, highlighted by his B.B. King Lucille story and deep rapport with musical icons, exemplifies the value of preparedness, curiosity, and community. Listeners gain a renewed appreciation for Nashville’s collaborative environment, the importance of authenticity in storytelling, and the unpredictable but rewarding roads to success in entertainment.

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Transcript

[Tony Mantour]

My career in the entertainment industry has enabled me to work with a diverse range of talent. Through my years of experience, I've recognized two essential aspects. Industry professionals, whether famous stars or behind the scenes staff, have fascinating stories to tell. Secondly, audiences are eager to listen to these stories which offer a glimpse into their lives and the evolution of their life stories. This podcast aims to share these narratives, providing information on how they evolve into their chosen career. We will delve into their journey to stardom, discuss their struggles and successes, and hear from people who help them achieve their goals. Get ready for intriguing behind the scenes stories and insights into the fascinating world of entertainment. Hi, I'm Tony Mantour. Welcome to Almost Live Nashville. Joining us today is Eric Dahl, host of the nationally syndicated Rock and Review with Eric Dahl TV show. Based in Nashville, Tennessee. He's a multifaceted talent. Beyond interviewing artists, bands, authors and documentarians on his show, he's a freelance magazine writer and a published author of two editions of B.B. king's Lucille and the Loves Before Her. He's a passionate music enthusiast and guitarist. He brings a wealth of captivating stories to share. It's an honor to have him here. Thanks for joining us today.

[Eric Dahl]

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[Tony Mantour]

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[Eric Dahl]

I'm thrilled. Man, that was so fun when you brought it up. I'm like going, we gotta make this work.

[Tony Mantour]

Oh, absolutely. I'm glad that we did. So for the people that don't know you, let's give them a little background on what you do.

[Eric Dahl]

Wow. You know, much like yourself, kind of a musician since I was a young child, kind of a guitar nut. I work in television. Started when I was 19 years old back in the mid-80s. I do the rock Interview with Eric Dahl television show based out of here in Nashville, which is a lot of fun as you and I were talking before the show with all the music artists, and I kind of became semi known, I guess, Tony from back in 2009, when I accidentally bought B.B. king stolen Lucille when I was living in Las Vegas and returned that to Mr. King. And Mr. King then let me write the books that I did about his Lucilles and about our story. So I guess that's kind of me in a nutshell, you know, just kind of between music and media and, you know, all things in between. Tony.

[Tony Mantour]

So what did it feel like to give Lucille back to him? That must have been incredible.

[Eric Dahl]

You know, it was so funny because it was one of those moments in time. And I know you've had the same ones, Tony, because, you know, you've worked with such big names and had so many, you know, big names on your podcast and everything to where it seems surreal because, like, whenever it came down, I accidentally bought his Lucille from a pawn shop in Las Vegas. And I didn't know that it was stolen from him, obviously, at the time. And so then when Gibson called me and then his managers called me and told me that they thought I had his stolen Lucille, it was interesting because, you know, since I wouldn't take money, then Mr. King wanted to meet me. And so that was my inroad, since I'm not going to take money for a stolen guitar. And they're like, well, what do you want, Eric? It's like, well, I'd like a replacement Lucille, if possible, because this most money I ever spent on a guitar before. So I played his prototype 1-80th birthday Lucille every night the week before I gave it back because I knew I'd probably never see it again or get to touch it. Tony, Once again, you know, getting to go into Mr. King's office there in Las Vegas and. And see him almost in tears as you're giving it back to him, because he never thought he was going to see that guitar again. And that's the only Lucille he played from 09 until 2014, when he stopped playing. And then his family, the estate of B.B. king, auctioned it off, and it sold for, I believe, $198,000 in 2019. And I owned it for two and a half months. So, I mean, but the happiness on B.B. king's face and sitting there next to him when you're giving it back, it was. It was just priceless.

[Tony Mantour]

Yeah, I can only imagine. So how did the transition from Vegas to Nashville happen?

[Eric Dahl]

You know, it's funny because, you know, when you look back, it's like, oh, that Path totally makes sense. But, you know, I was raised back in southeast Missouri, Tony, down below St. Louis, in a little town. And so when I graduated high school, I came to Belmont to become a rock star in the early 80s, as so many people are prone to do, or become a country star or songwriter, whatever. And there were so many starving musicians getting degrees from Belmont at the time, I thought I should maybe rethink this career in music. And so I ended up moving back to southeast Missouri and going to college and getting a degree in mass communications, TV and radio music minor in jazz and classical and guitar. And then my career with TV took me out to Las Vegas for a decade after Missouri, and then they moved me here to Nashville, Tennessee in 2011, because I wanted to be in a better place to raise my daughter. She was like four or five at the time. And we still have family that lives up in southeast Missouri, so it's like four hours away. And so that's kind of how I ended up back in Nashville. And I'm not leaving this time, but because, like, as you and I know, it's everywhere you go here with music people, it's kind of like cheers, because everybody kind of knows you. It's like I was at Joe Glazers earlier today, taking over a couple of guitars. You know, you've got all these A list musicians coming in and out, and you're just trying to get your guitars adjusted or fixed. And I had to leave one to get the electronics worked on. And you're hanging out, talking with Joe Glazer.

[Tony Mantour]

Yeah.

[Eric Dahl]

You know, and it's like going. It's just like. And I love that with the music stores and with everything here in Nashville, it's such a great community of people and everybody helps everybody.

[Tony Mantour]

Yes. A pretty great atmosphere here, for sure.

[Eric Dahl]

And once you're a part of that community, it's like going. It's just very comfortable. So for me, moving back here to Nashville really felt natural.

[Tony Mantour]

Yeah, it does. Do you still play much?

[Eric Dahl]

I don't play as much music here as I did in the past, like in Missouri and Vegas. I played a lot in Vegas. I played all the casinos here. Everybody's trying to make it. Tony. I was always trying to support my guitar addiction.

[Tony Mantour]

Yeah.

[Eric Dahl]

You know, so I could buy one more guitar, one more pedal, one more amp. And so, you know, here I play the occasional songwriter round, which I did get to play at the Bluebird. A friend of mine invited me to do that with him, which was very humbling. When you're sitting next to top Musicians, and you're playing your little original songs.

[Tony Mantour]

Well, that was pretty cool. So when you first move here, did you have that pie in the sky, I want to be a star thing going on?

[Eric Dahl]

Oh, totally, Tony. Totally. Because, I mean, I think the problem is. And you and I have seen it, you can grasp it now. You know, looking back in the little town in Missouri, I was considered a pretty darn good guitarist. You know, as a teenager, it's like people wanted to hire me, and I was in bands, and I was known in this tiny pond. And then you come to Nashville, Tennessee, and it's a giant pond of musicians and songwriters, and you're a tiny little fish. And it's like going. You know, it's like, maybe this wasn't the best idea.

[Tony Mantour]

Yeah, I know what you mean. I think what happened to me also happened to you. Before I moved to Nashville, my whole plan was to record. Release a record record and then get that big hit.

[Eric Dahl]

Totally.

[Tony Mantour]

I did have some hit records. I just unfortunately never got the one that put me over the top. The irony of everything is that because Millsap and Paxton talked me into moving down here, doing what they do because they were retiring, and that's production.

[Eric Dahl]

Right.

[Tony Mantour]

So the essence is that because I was doing what I was doing, I became more known worldwide than probably if I had continued as a singer.

[Eric Dahl]

Yeah, it's. It's funny. It's. You know, when I go back home now, it's to southeast Missouri. People are like, going, oh, Eric, you're such a star. It's like going, no, I'm really not a star. I interview stars. You know, once again, I think when they see us interviewing people like, you know, like Dolly Parton or Slash, Jon Bon Jovi, you know, whomever. I mean, Charlie Pride, Kenny Rogers, you know, they. They're like, going, oh, well, you guys are hanging out. It's like, well, I interview them. It's not like we're going down and catching a coffee at the well. But, you know.

[Tony Mantour]

Yeah.

[Eric Dahl]

And you become friends with some of them, as you know, Tony.

[Tony Mantour]

Yeah, I totally get that. Now. Of all the people that you've interviewed, which one stands out?

[Eric Dahl]

You know, it's like. And once again, you and I do a lot of interviews and. And I love it. I always look forward to the next one. But probably. Probably one of the ones, to me that really has stood out and everybody goes back to watch and share is the Dolly Parton interview. I got called the day before, and they said, hey, we just had somebody drop out in this media day. Would you take a 10 minute pool to interview Dolly Parton? I'm like, yes. Before they even finish the sentence, Tony.

[Tony Mantour]

Yes, absolutely.

[Eric Dahl]

Yeah. You have to wear a chicken suit and dance around with feathers. Yes. Sign me up. I'm interviewing Dolly Parton. I'll put on the chicken suit.

[Tony Mantour]

Yep.

[Eric Dahl]

You know, whatever it was going to take. But it's like it was one of those moments in time, too, to where she was so in the moment, you know, And I mean, I know, like with all these artists, you've had these same situations, Tony, to where it's like, and you and I are of the same mind, where you don't want to give the same interview everybody else does. And so I knew at the time, you know, she was talking about a brand new album. Certainly did all the prep with that. But I'm not kidding you, Tony. I. I created a file that was probably inch, inch and a half thick. And so as soon as they told me I was going to have the interview the next day, I started doing my homework.

[Tony Mantour]

Yeah. And doing that homework means that you've interviewed her a thousand times.

[Eric Dahl]

In my head. In my head. Because, you know, you and I are the same, too. To work. I've had major artists coming on the show and it's like, well, we'd like to see your list of questions, Mr. Dahl. It's like, there is no list of questions.

[Tony Mantour]

I get that all the time, too.

[Eric Dahl]

I've got, you know, folders, I've got huge amount of information. But also, I think to give the best interview, you have to listen to the interviewee.

[Tony Mantour]

Yes.

[Eric Dahl]

You know, and so whenever Dolly was speaking, I was listening to her answers and then basing questions from that. And then we were actually able to talk more about, you know, what an incredible businesswoman she is, which is. Has been continually proven to this day with the new Dolly Parton Hotel and Wine and Cookbook. And, you know, the list goes on and on.

[Tony Mantour]

Yeah, that's exactly what I do. I do not script my interviews in any way.

[Eric Dahl]

Nope.

[Tony Mantour]

I believe it's too sterile if you do it that way. That's just my opinion.

[Eric Dahl]

I think it's too confining. And I think, you know, and once again, you and I do it the same way. And. And I learned it from back when I used to produce live sports and I saw my sports announcers because I was in the truck producing, and they would come in and do the same thing. They would have this crazy files on all of the athletes and all this. So whenever I came up with the Idea to do the Rock interview with Eric Dahl. That's the way I started doing it because it's like I wanted to be over prepared. But, you know, like I told you, Tony, when we first met, originally, I pitched the idea for the TV show to news, and it wasn't for me to host it. It was for news people to do it. And then it was like going, that's a great idea, Eric. And they're like, why don't you do it? It's like, oh, that wasn't the idea. And then you start doing it, you know, doing the interviews and everything. I'm like going, why didn't I start doing this like 20 years ago? We're in our 13th year. So last week we hit interview 1082.

[Tony Mantour]

Wow, that's awesome. Now, you started out in Nashville Rock and Review.

[Eric Dahl]

Yeah.

[Tony Mantour]

Now you're nationwide.

[Eric Dahl]

It's kind of weird, you know, it's so funny, Tony, because once again, your shows have certainly, you know, this show and your other show have excelled as well. And so I know, you know, what the feeling is like, but it's also. I don't know, I. I still haven't fully absorbed it. You know, it's like, I'm so many months into this. The Rock Interview show was always kind of like a stepchild to where. Oh, that cute little entertainment show that Eric does. It's like when he pulls in, you know, musicians and producers. In fact, you know, a lot of artists that you've worked with over the years have been on the show. They let me do my thing because it was like, news was in the morning, news was in the afternoon and night. And then I would do mine time in between. And when it wouldn't bother anybody, it's like, come on, we're going to the studio, Put my logo up, turn on the lights. We're going to do it now. You know, it's kind of like an underground show. And then finally, you know, last fall, I reached out to the regional program director with Sinclair and said, hey, we're going into our 13th year. And it's like, I'd really like to get this show into more markets. And so, like, you know, you and I were discussing. It's like, okay, create this one sheet, do this sizzle reel. Do this and stand on your left foot and send it to me. It's like, okay. And I did it. And then it was like kind of like a Hail Mary football pass. And the head guy at the company goes, yeah, we're going to air this on every CW and My TV station that we own. And so we went from hitting in Nashville, 800,000 to a million viewers in December to January. 17 million.

[Tony Mantour]

Yeah. That's nice.

[Eric Dahl]

And it's like, you know, you know, because we, you know, Nashville, good size market. But when you're going in 23 markets and 48 TV stations, and you're all the way to Portland and Austin and Cincinnati, and, you know, I think the great thing to me is that it helps the artist and the bands.

[Tony Mantour]

Yeah.

[Eric Dahl]

And then, you know, because if they're doing the interview with us, at least then it's a bigger footprint.

[Tony Mantour]

Absolutely.

[Eric Dahl]

And I think that's the goal. Because if we're doing it already, I would at least like it to get out there more, you know?

[Tony Mantour]

Absolutely. You want to take the amount of time that you put into it, and then when you produce it.

[Eric Dahl]

Right.

[Tony Mantour]

Plus all the editing that goes into it to make it the best it can be.

[Eric Dahl]

As we both know, you want as.

[Tony Mantour]

Many people as possible watching it to help build what you're doing.

[Eric Dahl]

Right. Because I think that's the fun of it is to where I hope that people that watch the interviews. My goal always is when I have an artist or band on the show or an author or a music documentarian or. It's one of the best interviews they've ever had and that they want to come back on the show and they tell their friends. And so to me, it's very flattering when you have somebody like a Pete Anderson come on, and Pete's having the time of his life and it shows, and he's sending you, like, thank you emails and texts and everything going. It's like, oh, and that was just a great interview. It's like, well, you know, that's the goal, Tony.

[Tony Mantour]

Exactly. I think you and I will agree on this. We both had people that influenced our music as we was growing up. Then all of a sudden we're in a situation where they're calling us, wanting to be on our show. Then all of a sudden, they're in our studio, and it's like, wow, Right? With everything that they've done in their careers and what we're doing, it's almost a surreal moment.

[Eric Dahl]

It really is. And I made this joke before, too, Tony, to where I kind of feel like I'm the sometimes the Forrest Gump of television show interviewers. There's a picture of me and George Clinton, and I'm like, going, yeah, that's me, George Clinton, and Parliament. And, you know, or the picture of me and Dolly and just you know, all these huge names that I get to hang out with an interview and have a conversation and hopefully bring interesting things out. Just like, you know, with Peter Frampton getting to bring out stuff about how he found the banjo Laylee in his grandma's attic. And that's how he started playing music. I always call it, like, the nugget. You know, the interesting little story that everybody doesn't know, but it's there.

[Tony Mantour]

Yeah, absolutely. That's what I try and do on every show. Sometimes I can't get it, but I try and find that one thing that they may have never been asked before.

[Eric Dahl]

Yeah. And I think that's where the gold is.

[Tony Mantour]

Yeah.

[Eric Dahl]

Because to me, it's always so much fun, Tony, to where the artist or the band or, you know, the author and everything are kind of astonished that you know that.

[Tony Mantour]

Absolutely.

[Eric Dahl]

Like, the first time I had Bobby Rush on the show and I knew all of Bobby's work, I mean, my family was very steep in the blues and his music and everything. And I started bringing up stuff to Bobby, and Bobby's like, how do you know this? It's like going, bobby, it's like you were on the road with Bo Diddley and with B.B. king and with all these guys and Buddy Guy, and it's like going, yeah, I know about your career.

[Tony Mantour]

Yeah. And the beauty of it is sometimes you can ask them that one question that catches them off guard that they weren't expecting, and then the reaction from it. It's worth a million bucks.

[Eric Dahl]

It's just gold. I mean, whenever you hit that, you know, to where. When you catch them off guard that much. And unfortunately, too. And you know this as well, Tony, sometimes it happens like, before or after the interview, you know, like after the audio shut down or the cameras are shut down. And I've had, like, personal moments, like with Dolly, you know, like when I got done interviewing Dolly, and Dolly leads over to me and pats me on the arm and goes, eric, I forgot how much you prepare for these and how much fun it is with you. And it's like going, why is the camera not rolling now? I think the first time I interviewed the Boxmasters with Billy Bob Thornton, we're off to the side and they're doing another interview thing, and Billy Bob's sitting next to me and telling me stories about interviewing Julia Roberts.

[Tony Mantour]

Nice.

[Eric Dahl]

You know, and complimenting me on the interview. You know, it's like going, it's like kind of strange moments, Tony. It's like going, I didn't think that a kid From a small rural town in southeast Missouri, being raised on a gravel road, you know, would be sitting next to, you know, top artists, you know, top musicians and artists from the world, you know, all styles of music.

[Tony Mantour]

Yeah.

[Eric Dahl]

And hanging out, having a conversation with them.

[Tony Mantour]

Yeah. One thing that I do on my podcast is once it's done, we have our conversation afterwards. That's sometimes when they'll let their guard down. I'll ask them a question, and it's there for the taking.

[Eric Dahl]

Totally. And that's the gold.

[Tony Mantour]

Yeah.

[Eric Dahl]

You know, because then they're comfortable with you. And I think also for you and I both, Tony, to where with our shows. I like artists to know that I'm never going to hang them out to dry.

[Tony Mantour]

Right.

[Eric Dahl]

You know, and I tell publicists and managers this as well. To where it's like, I don't know what kind of shows you guys have done, but I can tell you I am not going to ask anything that will put the artist or band in a poor light. If they want to bring up something, whether it be about their personal life or their faith or whatever, I'm open to it. They can bring it up. My job is not here to bring them down. I think the world brings us down enough. It's hard enough to do what you and I do and what music artists and everybody does, Especially in the creative realm, where you don't need to have an interview where somebody's going to kick you and keep you down.

[Tony Mantour]

Yeah. That's no fun for anyone. The whole object of what we do is to try and tell a story in such a way that people find out something this interesting they might not have known about.

[Eric Dahl]

Right.

[Tony Mantour]

That's the icing on the cake. And then we get that one question. Hopefully, that puts the cherry on the top.

[Eric Dahl]

It's so true. Because it's like. It's like just, you know, to where, you know, once they're relaxed with you, as, you know, people will open up. And that's where the pearl is when they open up and they really share what motivates them or, you know, what drives them to create the music, to write the songs they do, you know, getting over their own fears and everything to do it. Man, you can't beat that. Because I think we can all relate. And I think so many of these artists, too, the music artist, a lot of them came from humble beginnings, and a lot of them had failures, Tony. And people don't realize that because, you know, as everybody always jokes in Nashville, 10 year town, it's like people don't see even somebody like Blake Shelton how many failures he had during a span of time to get where Blake take is now.

[Tony Mantour]

That's right. And that's 10 years if you're lucky.

[Eric Dahl]

10 years if you're lucky. Yeah. Because it's like going, you know, it's like sometimes it takes 13 like me, Tony. It's like. And now I'm trying to get the show to, you know, expand again. So, you know, I had that talk a week ago with the corporate people to see it's like, okay, we've had a good run with this first season in, in syndication. So in July, seeing if we can, you know, bump it up again and get into to more Marcus with the TV show. And it's really, for me, it's to help out the artist.

[Tony Mantour]

Right.

[Eric Dahl]

And the bands and the music people. And that's why also, like yourself, always trying to come up with new and creative ways.

[Tony Mantour]

Absolutely. That's the only way to keep building.

[Eric Dahl]

A month or two ago I did a Spotify channel to where now I do a playlist. So any artist that comes on the show, I go and pull my two favorite songs and I put it in my hot picks for 2025 with the Rock interview with Eric Dahl. And it's a wonderful picture too. It's from New York where it's like the head, the mold of the Statue Liberty and I've got my finger up the nose and that's the hot pick. So it's like, you know, you got a visual and you got music. Tony.

[Tony Mantour]

Yeah, that's great. That actually was one of my next questions. What's next? You're pitching it to syndication of larger markets now.

[Eric Dahl]

Right, Right. I think now, you know, just like yourself and I mean, you know, your show has done so well for the right reasons and you've got a heart for it. Same for me. It's like now that we've gotten into 23 markets, 48 stations, we reach 14% of the United States right now. And that's just with the half hour show, not counting the two minute interviews. So now I would like to expand out to more because Sinclair has, I believe, 186 TV stations. So it would be nice to jump into more of the Fox markets, maybe some of the abc, NBC, CBS stations that we have, and expand out again. And then I'm gonna have to think about if I'm gonna get back into the podcast business again, which, you know, I haven't been in for years. Just trying to find the time, you know, Tony, to where doing the actual job that I do here for Fox 17, my TV 30, and CW Nashville. But then the Rock and Review is my pet project.

[Tony Mantour]

Right, right.

[Eric Dahl]

Then on the side, nights and weekends, when I'm not trying to sleep, I write for two magazines.

[Tony Mantour]

That's right.

[Eric Dahl]

You know, I write for Worship musician magazine and guitar.com out of the UK and I'm trying to work on my third book.

[Tony Mantour]

Okay.

[Eric Dahl]

It's been a slow roll since you're.

[Tony Mantour]

Known in the uk. This may reach some of them. I don't know if you know or not, but this podcast gets simulcast to stations over there as well.

[Eric Dahl]

That's incredible. You know, what I love about the uk, and I've got a lot of friends over there, is that they really treat music like a listening room. Tony, you know, which, you know, and you being a producer, you get it as well, you know, with artists and everything. They know the artists, they know the music, they know the lyrics. And I think, you know, in UK and Europe, they care. Yes, they care about the music. And it's interesting, too, with the B.B. king Lucille thing. I've had people reach out to me from the UK going, hey, which Lucille do I have? And then I have to kind of go through. It's like, okay, well, here's the model that you own. Because it's like, you know, it's a tiny niche. I'm like the Lucille Whisperer.

[Tony Mantour]

Yeah. The beauty of it all is you get to people's ears that will listen to what you say that you never thought would happen.

[Eric Dahl]

Right.

[Tony Mantour]

I mean, I've had people reach out to me that want to be on my show. And I go, man, I can't believe they listen to this.

[Eric Dahl]

I know. It's the same with, you know, it's like I. I had a hypo one time, and I know you can relate to this, Tony, to where I was at a guitar show here in Nashville and somebody had seen the Eric Johnson interview that I did at City Winery, and they go, hey, you know that time you were interviewing Eric Johnson and you asked him this question, and I kind of had that William Shatner moment with, like, the Tribbles to where I'm like, going, geez, what episode was that? You know, trying to get. Trying to remember that interview and going, okay, I was a City Winery, and I was on. On stage with Eric Johnson. And we're talking and you're trying to remember that, you know, because, I mean, once again, it's like, you know, just like you. It's like, I'm up to 1082 interviews now and doing it for 13 years. It's like you interview a lot of people.

[Tony Mantour]

Yeah, I get that.

[Eric Dahl]

And it's tough to remember every instance. And certainly I remember something from everyone. Like, if you ask me with any artist, any person, I can tell you something from every interview. Can I tell you the whole interview? No.

[Tony Mantour]

Yeah. I'm like you. I remember bits and pieces, but I just can't remember it all. And then somebody might say, this is what you said. And I'm going, I don't think I would have said that.

[Eric Dahl]

I know. It's like. It's like you almost have to go back and watch your own material going, did I really say that? It's like, I shouldn't have said that.

[Tony Mantour]

Yeah. Did I really ask that question?

[Eric Dahl]

Right, right, exactly. It's like, what prompted that question?

[Tony Mantour]

You know, the great thing about this is we can laugh about it, we can joke about it, we can have fun with it, but the good thing is that we're having conversations and people will remember those conversations because of the people that we have on the show.

[Eric Dahl]

Right, Totally. I think. You know, and certainly a lot of people reach out to me still on the BB King Lucille deal, because that was such a part of my history and went international. But I think as the TV show has gotten a bigger bandwidth and certain had a lot of major artists on and everything too, to where I think people can relate to it, because hopefully, you know, just like you do with your show, Tony, you're trying to ask questions that are not the average question. It's not the typical interview. It's something deeper, more unique. And I like to talk about their charities. You know, when I had Gary Sinise on and talking about his son's last album, it's like going, I'm interested because. And Tony, you know, you and I are music fans. We don't have to pretend. We actually mean it and we care and we want to know more.

[Tony Mantour]

Yes. Not only that, the beauty of it is because we are musicians, we can talk to other musicians, like musicians talk to musicians, whereas other interviewers, and nothing against them, they might not understand music like we do. So they're going off all the information that comes off the bio.

[Eric Dahl]

Exactly. Yeah. Because you and I certainly use a producer and myself as a musician, have an ear for it. So when we're going through and listening to the new songs, you know, I'll say, well, you know, on track number three, I really like that B3. And they're going, oh, you notice the Hammond B3? I'm like, yeah, kind of obvious. Yeah, you know, it's like, you know, or you bring up the slide guitar or whatever else. And that's the thing for me, too. It's like, I think it's fun with the rock and review to where artists can come on and talk about the musical instruments they use. Like, I had Johnny Lang in one time. And we got done, Tony, and we're leaving the studio, and Johnny says to me, eric, I gotta tell you, that's the first time I ever did a TV interview and got to talk about my guitars. And I said, well, Johnny, you're in Nashville.

[Tony Mantour]

Yeah, exactly.

[Eric Dahl]

Because to me, it's like going, obviously watching the musicians. I had Reverend Peyton on a few weeks ago, and we were talking about Samantha Fish last week and Dan Huff and different ones to where it's like, yeah, I know what guitars you play. Maybe tell me what amps and pedals or what you. You know, it's like, I find that interesting because, you know, you. I can go pretty far down that. You know, it's like going, what microphone were you used on? But I think it's fun, too, because I think it gives depth.

[Tony Mantour]

Absolutely. I get that 100%. So I ask a lot of people this question. I ask them what they have for a bucket list with you. I want a complete different bucket list. Who is in your bucket list that you would most like to interview, living or dead? Didn't anyone tell you that you're not supposed to answer a question with a question? But since you did, give me one of each.

[Eric Dahl]

Okay. You know, deceased. I would have to say I would love to have Stevie Ray Vaughn on. Being raised by my mom and dad were such big music people and big into the blues. And then when Stevie Ray came back on with the blues and really reinvigorated that. I think it would be very enjoyable, you know, to have an in depth conversation with Stevie Ray about his influences today. It's like, there's so many great artists I would like to have on. I've been trying to get Billy Gibbons on. That's kind of like a Holy Grail thing for me. And then, you know, I would like to get somebody like Lady Gaga, you know, once again, because it's like to pick her brain about her songwriting. You know, it's like when I've had Desmond Child on, and it's like going. Just the. The way their brains work differently, Tony and I think that, you know, different spectrums. It's like going, I'm always looking forward to the next Interview of who's coming on. And I don't look back a lot. I'm not a rearview mirror kind of guy. You know, it's like if you said, well, who did you air last week, Eric? I'm like, I'm gonna have to look because I can't remember because I'm already working on tomorrow's interview and just constantly going ahead. But I would have Billy Gibbons from ZZ Top on the show. He's a big one. And like I said, you know, Lady Gaga in a totally different lane.

[Tony Mantour]

Yeah, I bet she would be great because her as an artist is so different than anyone else.

[Eric Dahl]

Exactly.

[Tony Mantour]

I like to use the analogy that a person can be a nice person, and then when they go on that football field or whatever sport it is, they become a monster. Well, sometimes that's the same thing with singers. They're nice until they hit that stage, and then bam, Right? They become the person that they are on stage rather than the person that walked onto the stage. And that perception just amplifies.

[Eric Dahl]

Right. You know, and the prime example of that for me, and I've interviewed him once, and I'm planning to have him back on the show. Joe Bonamassa, to where when you bump into Joe around Nashville and stuff, and he's buying guitars, amps and pedals, as he is prone to do, got a baseball cap, he's hanging out just like me and you. But then when he puts on his. This suit and sunglasses and slicks back his hair, oh, it's. It's. It's blues rock star time.

[Tony Mantour]

It sure is. And another perfect example of that is Vince Gill.

[Eric Dahl]

Right.

[Tony Mantour]

I had taken Lenny Welch backstage. It's Grand Ole Opry. Vince was there that night. I don't know if you heard or not, but unfortunately, Lenny died last month.

[Eric Dahl]

Oh, I didn't know that.

[Tony Mantour]

Yeah, it was very unexpected. So after the show, it was Lenny, a background singer, and Vince Gill and myself. Lenny was talking about the old days, how we got started back in the 50s and the 60s, and the stories were going on. I looked at Vince, I said, where else can we have this conversation.

[Eric Dahl]

Other than the. Backstage at the Opry?

[Tony Mantour]

Yeah, I know. And people expect Vince Gill to be that same person that he is on stage.

[Eric Dahl]

Yeah.

[Tony Mantour]

And in this case, you're seeing the guy. That's Vince Gill.

[Eric Dahl]

Right. It's so funny because, you know, having bumped into Vince at different guitar shops and stuff, and he always goes, eric, you know, he's like that humble guy, you know, In February, I took my girlfriend out to Vegas and we saw him with the Eagles at the Sphere and I'm thinking that's the same guy. I bumped into a rumble seat guitars while I was trying out a 64 Gibson. And you know, and it's just. It's Vince.

[Tony Mantour]

Yeah, that's Nashville. That's the beauty of it.

[Eric Dahl]

It really is. And I think that's what's so unique is like, you know, as you know too, because. And you've worked with so many of the greats, Tony, but Tommy Emanuel and like all these people that you just bump into around here and you have them on the show and you're like going. And then, you know, Tommy's playing Carnegie Hall.

[Tony Mantour]

Yeah, yeah.

[Eric Dahl]

You know, and he just got a Grammy last year. And I'm like going, okay, I've been in Tommy's living room talking guitars and.

[Tony Mantour]

It'S like going, yeah, I totally get that. We are in the best place for anyone that loves music. I mean, there's not a better place we could be.

[Eric Dahl]

And I think also for you and I, we're in. In the best place we could be in for the right reasons. You know, I think following the path for your show and for my show, both to where we're legit, we do the homework. People come on our shows, they know what they're going to get and they enjoy the whole deal to where, you know, it's fun whenever people come in the studio, as you know, when I've had you on and people are going, so is the teleprompter going to go off yet? There's no teleprompter. There's no net. That's why I always say there's no net. But I won't let you fall.

[Tony Mantour]

Yeah, that's great. Well, you know, we could talk about this for hours. So I just got to say this has been great.

[Eric Dahl]

Well, I'll tell you what, Tony, I appreciate it and congratulations on both of your shows doing so well. And I know this one's to be expanding. I hope in the near future with the caliber of artists you've had on. I'm humbled to be invited on your show, Tony. And you know, it's fun. It's fun to have friends like you to where we help out each other and, and we all win. But you do a great job with your show and, and thank you for having me on it.

[Tony Mantour]

Oh, it's been my pleasure.

[Eric Dahl]

Thank.

[Tony Mantour]

Thanks for joining us today. We hope you enjoyed the show. This has been a Tony Mantour production. For more information, contact media plateaumusic.com.

[Eric Dahl]

I don't mean to interrupt your meal, but I saw you from across the cafe. And you're the Geico Gecko, right?

[Tony Mantour]

In the flesh.

[Eric Dahl]

Oh my goodness. This is huge. To finally meet you. I love Geico's fast and friendly claim service. Well, that's how Geico gets 97 customer satisfaction.

[Tony Mantour]

Anyway, that's all.

[Eric Dahl]

Enjoy the rest of your food.

[Tony Mantour]

No worries.

[Eric Dahl]

So are you just gonna watch me eat? Oh, sorry. Just a little starstruck.

[Tony Mantour]

I'll be on my way.

[Eric Dahl]

If you're gonna stick around, just pull up a chair. You're the best. Get more than just savings. Get more with Geico.