Mike Gomoll talks with Vicki Peterson of The Bangles for a wide-ranging conversation about songwriting, stealing bass lines, and the beautiful story behind her tribute album to her husband John Cowsill's late brothers, Bill and Barry Cowsill.

In this episode, Vicki touches on:

• The making of her and John's tribute album honoring Bill & Barry Cowsill's songwriting legacy
• The Bangles song she's only ever performed live once — and why
• How "I'm In Line" borrowed its bass part from The Jam (who borrowed it from "Taxman")
• Revisiting Walk Like an Egyptian with fresh appreciation decades later
• Why God Only Knows is the song she wishes she'd written
• Her secret path-not-taken: a career in medicine
• What makes a Joey's Song show impossible to replicate — and why the crowd always comes back

This episode also previews Joey's Song's upcoming 80s Night, with sneak peeks at songs artists like Tracy Bonham and Jane Wiedlin are planning to perform.

ABOUT JOEY'S SONG Joey's Song is a federally registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit that brings musicians together for high-energy benefit concerts built on community, generosity, and joy. It's more than a concert — it's a family of artists who show up for each other and for a cause bigger than any single performance, turning music into real support for people who need it. If you've never experienced a Joey's Song event, this conversation is a great look at why the people who play it keep coming back year after year.

Learn more and get involved at joeyssong.org

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the show, and a quick rating or short review in your podcast app really helps us reach more people. Watch the full video on our YouTube channel.

#JoeysSong #VickiPeterson #TheBangles #WalkLikeAnEgyptian #MusicPodcast #Songwriting #Cowsills #NonprofitMusic

Lenny Kaye, longtime guitarist with the Patti Smith Group and the compiler of the landmark Nuggets collection, joins Mike Gomoll on the Joey's Song Podcast.

In this conversation, Lenny looks back at the mid-'70s New York scene around CBGB, why the bands there resisted being labeled, and his theory that every musical scene has a lifespan of about five years. He also talks about how Nuggets came together by accident, why he never saw royalties from it, and the songs he couldn't get the rights to until the 50th anniversary edition. Then he digs into his first solo album, Going Local, released at age 79, plus his goth psych jam band Adrift and how streaming and AI may change the way scenes form.

About Lenny Kaye Guitarist, songwriter, producer, and author, Lenny Kaye has played alongside Patti Smith since the early days, compiled the Nuggets garage-rock anthology, and written books including Lightning Striking and You Call It Madness. He was also a working record producer for 20 years.

About Joey's Song Joey’s Song is a one-of-a-kind rock event that happens only in Madison, Wisconsin. It isn’t mass-produced, and it never tours. Over a couple of nights, rock legends share one stage, trade songs, and join forces in all-star lineups you won’t see anywhere else. Past shows have featured Chris Collingwood, Laura Jane Grace, Kay Hanley, Vicki Peterson, Gail Greenwood, Butch Vig, Curt Smith, and more, and the energy is strictly one-time-only. There’s no tour stop down the road and no second chance later. If you want to be there, this is your shot. Don’t miss out!

Learn more or donate: https://www.joeyssong.org

Follow Joey's Song on Facebook & Instagram for event announcements and artist lineups!

Why get involved Lenny is looking forward to joining the musicians at the upcoming Joey's Song benefit event in Madison, Wisconsin, and to giving back through music. Every ticket and donation helps support people and families affected by epilepsy. Follow the show in your podcast app, and follow Joey's Song on Facebook and Instagram so you don't miss the next episode or event announcement. A quick rating or short review really helps us reach more people. #LennyKaye #PattiSmith #PattiSmithGroup #Nuggets #GoingLocal #CBGB #GarageRock #PunkHistory #NewYorkMusic #JoeysSong #EpilepsyAwareness #MadisonWI

Silversun Pickups bassist Nikki Monninger joins host Mike Gomoll on the Joey's Song Podcast for a warm, wide-ranging conversation ahead of the band's third year performing at Joey's Song. Nikki opens up about the band's latest collaboration with legendary producer Butch Vig — teasing a harder-edged sound and a January release timed near Freezing Man.

The conversation dives into the origin story of Silversun Pickups' relationship with Butch Vig, the "family" atmosphere that's grown around the Joey's Song community, and why the band keeps returning year after year to support epilepsy research. Nikki also reflects on meeting bandmate Brian Aubert during a study abroad program in Cambridge (and finally confirms that infamous airplane story), shares memories of the band's Rock Band fame with "Panic Switch," and talks about welcoming Marissa Paternoster and Hugo Burnham into the Joey's Song fold

Things wrap up with a fun round of This or That (Beatles or Stones, Seinfeld or Friends) and Overrated or Underrated (eight hours of sleep, vintage guitars, and the great debate over making your bed on tour)

Recorded October 7, 2025

Joey's Song is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to funding epilepsy research and treatment. Every stream, download, and share helps push that mission forward.

Learn more, buy tickets, or donate: https://joeyssong.org

Subscribe for more artist interviews and LINERnotes episodes Leave a review on your favorite podcast app — it helps more than you know

#JoeysSong #SilversunPickups #NikkiMonninger #ButchVig #EpilepsyAwareness #PodcastInterview #MusicPodcast #LINERnotes #IndieRock #NonprofitMusic

This interview originally took place August 2025. Go-Go's founding member Jane Wiedlin joins Joey's Song founder Mike Gomoll for a wide-ranging conversation covering the band's surprise return to the festival circuit, five decades of friendship (and occasional friction) within the band, and a deep dive into her life outside music. Jane opens up about the Go-Go's headlining slot at Coachella, the surreal moment Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong joined them onstage for "Head Over Heels," and playing the 80s-themed Cruel World Festival alongside contemporaries like Til Tuesday. She also shares a wild backstage story about a stage-rotation mishap that cut off another band's set mid-song, reflects on what it means to be one of the few bands from that era still performing with its original lineup, and talks candidly about being a trailblazer for women in rock. In the "This or That" segment, Jane picks Beatles over Stones, shows off her prized Beatles "Butcher Cover" memorabilia, recounts a magical Paul McCartney moment at Outside Lands, and reveals she'd rather talk to animals than speak every language — leading into a joyful rundown of her three rescue dogs. About Joey's Song: Joey's Song is a federally registered 501(c)3 charity with one mission: raising money to fund research into treatments and cures for epilepsy. Through concerts, merchandise, and community support, Joey's Song brings together musicians and fans to fight this disease — and have some fun doing it along the way. - Learn more, buy tickets or merch, or donate at https://joeysong.org - Subscribe to this channel and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform — it helps more than you know! Hosted by: Mike Gomoll, Founder of Joey's Song Guest: Jane Wiedlin (The Go-Go's) Theme music composed by: Sam Gomoll

Mike Gomoll and Andy McNamara regroup on LINERnotes, the official podcast of Joey's Song, as Mike shares the inside story of his one-on-one lunch with Rick Nielsen — legendary guitarist and founding member of Cheap Trick.

In this episode: - What it was really like sharing a table with a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer - Why Rick Nielsen might be one of the most down-to-earth legends in music - How Rick's sons, Miles Nielsen and Dax Nielsen, first got involved with Joey's Song - The night Greg Koch stepped in to play Rick's guitar parts - Rick Nielsen's legendary guitar vault - A tease of what's coming for the Joey's Song 2026 lineup SUPPORT JOEY'S SONG: Joey's Song is a federally registered 501(c)(3) charity with one mission — raising money for epilepsy research and treatment. Here's how you can help: - Subscribe to this channel and turn on notifications - Leave a review on your favorite podcast app - Visit https://www.joeysong.org to buy tickets, grab merch, or make a donation - Follow Joey's Song on all socials LISTEN TO THE FULL PODCAST: Available wherever you get your podcasts — search "LINERnotes Joey's Song Joey's Song is a non-profit organization and annual music benefit event dedicated to raising funds and awareness for epilepsy research and care. Founded by the Sticher family in memory of Joey Sticher, a young boy who tragically lost his life to epilepsy at age five, the initiative mobilizes musicians, music lovers, and the entertainment community to combat rare and severe pediatric epilepsy syndromes. Through its star-studded benefit concerts, compilation albums, and special events, Joey's Song brings together nationally recognized artists and local talent to celebrate music while directly supporting medical research, specialized pediatric patient care, and families affected by complex neurological disorders. #JoeysSong #LINERnotes #RickNielsen #CheapTrick #MilesNielsen #DaxNielsen #ClassicRock #RockAndRollHallOfFame #EpilepsyAwareness #NonprofitPodcast #MusicPodcast #WisconsinMusic #FoxCities #ButchVig #SierraSwan

She's the scene stealer of Joey's Song — and in this episode, you'll find out exactly why. Singer-songwriter Sierra Swan joins Joey's Song Founder Mike Gomoll for a wide-ranging and entertaining conversation. From touring the world with Ringo Starr to co-writing with Aimee Mann, from growing up as the daughter of legendary songwriter Billy Swan to singing on a Frank Black solo album with a black eye and a story she probably shouldn't tell — Sierra brings the kind of warmth, candor, and rock 'n' roll wisdom that makes her one of the most beloved recurring artists in the Joey's Song family. Sierra Swan is a Los Angeles-based singer, songwriter, and producer who has released multiple albums and EPs, most recently sharing exclusive new music with fans through her Substack community (Sierra Swan Music). Her collaborators read like a who's who of rock royalty: Ringo Starr, Linda Perry, Aimee Mann, Dave Stewart (Eurythmics), and Frank Black of the Pixies — connections that go back to her famous father, Billy Swan, the songwriter and rockabilly artist who penned "I Can Help," rubbed elbows with Kris Kristofferson at the first-ever recording of "Me and Bobby McGee," and counted John Lennon among his superfans.

In this episode, Mike and Sierra cover: - What it was really like to tour with Ringo Starr — first class all the way, a tight-knit band van, and a love story backstage that Mike found deeply moving

- How Linda Perry pulled strings to get Sierra signed to Interscope — and why Aimee Mann ended up co-writing AND singing on one of her records - Growing up as Billy Swan's daughter — Nashville legends, a communal music scene, and why John Lennon was obsessed with her dad's music - The Frank Black story — a black eye, a wooden ladder, too many drinks, and an impromptu studio session she and her sister still can't believe actually happened - Sierra's take on what's gone wrong in the music industry: the death of the band, the streaming economy, the "grit" that disappeared with the '90s, and why she wakes up every morning tempted to pull her catalog off Spotify - Why Joey's Song feels like "summer camp" and "recess" — and what makes the Girls vs. Boys band format one of the most pure expressions of musical joy she experiences all year Plus: This or That (Beatles vs. Stones, Seinfeld vs. Friends, past vs. future), Overrated or Underrated (vintage guitars, eight hours of sleep, making your bed), and Sierra's Substack where paid subscribers get exclusive music you won't find anywhere on streaming. Joey's Song is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity with one mission: raise money so that research into treatments and cures for epilepsy gets the funding it needs. Our annual flagship benefit, Freezing Man, brings together some of the most talented independent artists in rock to perform, collaborate, and raise money for a cause that matters. Every listen, subscribe, and share helps us spread the word. #SierraSwan #JoeysSong #LINERnotesPodcast #EpilepsyAwareness #EpilepsyResearch #IndieMusicPodcast #RingoStarr #LindaPerry #AimeeMann #BillySwan #FrankBlack #Pixies #DaveStewart #MusicHistory #WomenInRock #IndependentArtist #FreezingMan #MusicPodcast #RockMusic #SongwriterPodcast

Dave, Ryan and Jeremy are joined by Butch Vig, Tanya Donelly, Gail Greenwood, Kay Hanley and Freedy Johnston to cover this CVB classic

The story of how Mike cornered and badgered Chris until he agreed to join Joey's Song