WTF with Marc Maron Podcast: Episode 1645 - Peter Wolf

Release Date: May 22, 2025
Guest: Peter Wolf, Singer-Songwriter and Former Frontman of the J. Giles Band
Book Discussed: Waiting on the Moon

1. Introduction to Peter Wolf and His Memoir

In Episode 1645 of WTF with Marc Maron, host Marc Maron welcomes Peter Wolf, the renowned singer-songwriter and former frontman of the J. Giles Band. Peter discusses his latest literary endeavor, Waiting on the Moon, a memoir that transcends traditional autobiographies by weaving together a series of essays and short stories about the influential figures he has encountered throughout his life.

Peter Wolf [14:39]: "This book reads like a fast train. You'll get a glimpse of everyone passing by through the window."

2. The Genesis of Waiting on the Moon

Peter delves into the inspiration behind his memoir, highlighting how his storytelling prowess in dressing rooms and parties led him to pen down his experiences. Influenced by works like Truman Capote's Dogs Bark and Christopher Isherwood's Berlin Stories, Peter aimed to create a non-chronological collection of vignettes that capture fleeting yet impactful moments with various luminaries.

Peter Wolf [16:04]: "I decided to write a book of basically short stories of the people that I admired, the people I was privileged to get to meet."

3. Early Life and Musical Inspirations

Peter recounts his formative years, describing his deep-rooted connection to music and the arts. Growing up in a musically inclined family, with a father who was a baritone and a passion for painting, Peter's early exposure to show business and iconic venues like the Apollo Theater and Club 47 in Boston profoundly shaped his artistic trajectory.

Peter Wolf [35:13]: "I ended up living with my Russian Jewish grandmother, who was from Odessa. She was a great singer, songwriter, and she was in the Yiddish theater in New York."

4. Encounters with Legendary Musicians

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Peter's interactions with legendary musicians such as Muddy Waters, Bob Dylan, and John Lee Hooker. He shares heartfelt anecdotes, including organizing Muddy Waters' surprise birthday party amidst the turmoil of Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination and his early, albeit unconventional, attempts to connect with Bob Dylan.

Peter Wolf [62:10]: "Muddy was in the middle of the band, and I tell Otis Band's wife, and she starts screaming, 'You gotta tell Muddy.' And Muddy says, 'Young people, listen to me. Something terrible has happened.'"

Peter Wolf [52:50]: "I was standing right next to him, he was talking to this guy, so I take his glass of wine and I drink it. He had no idea I was there."

5. The Dynamics of the J. Giles Band

Peter provides an in-depth look into the formation and eventual fragmentation of the J. Giles Band. He discusses the creative tensions between band members, particularly focusing on the divergence in musical directions that led to the band's split. This segment offers a candid glimpse into the challenges of maintaining creative harmony within a successful group.

Peter Wolf [30:05]: "When the key members have a crack, it's like a crack in a marriage. The band members are caught in between, just like family members in a family crisis."

6. Personal Anecdotes and Life Lessons

Throughout the conversation, Peter shares personal stories that illustrate his life's serendipitous nature. One such tale involves a childhood encounter with Marilyn Monroe in a movie theater, a moment that underscores the unexpected intersections between his life and the broader tapestry of American culture.

Peter Wolf [33:55]: "We were sitting in this theater... She just got married to Arthur Miller. And then we were both locked together, our heads were locked together."

7. Reflections on Creativity and Legacy

As the episode winds down, Peter reflects on his enduring passion for music and the arts, emphasizing the importance of authentic connections and the legacy one leaves behind. He speaks fondly of his friendships with Van Morrison and other contemporaries, highlighting the mutual respect and admiration that have sustained these relationships over the years.

Peter Wolf [68:38]: "John Lee Hooker... one of the sweetest, most gentle and most sensitive people you can meet."

8. Conclusion and Recommendations

Marc Maron and Peter Wolf conclude their conversation by highlighting the depth and breadth of Peter's memoir. They encourage listeners to explore Waiting on the Moon to gain a deeper understanding of the intricate web of relationships that have influenced Peter's musical journey.

Marc Maron [84:16]: "I would read the book. It's called Waiting on the Moon. It's available now."

Notable Quotes

• Peter Wolf [14:39]: "This book reads like a fast train. You'll get a glimpse of everyone passing by through the window."

• Peter Wolf [30:05]: "When the key members have a crack, it's like a crack in a marriage."

• Peter Wolf [33:55]: "We were sitting in this theater... She just got married to Arthur Miller. And then we were both locked together."

• Peter Wolf [68:38]: "John Lee Hooker... one of the sweetest, most gentle and most sensitive people you can meet."

Final Thoughts

Episode 1645 offers listeners an intimate portrayal of Peter Wolf's life, enriched by his interactions with some of the most influential figures in music and the arts. Through Waiting on the Moon, Peter Wolf not only chronicles his personal journey but also paints a broader picture of the cultural landscape that shaped him. This episode is a must-listen for enthusiasts of music history, memoirs, and compelling storytelling.