#197: Listen to This While Rocking Out with Todd Tucker
Being in a band has been one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done. There’s really nothing that can compare to being onstage while people are singing and dancing along to YOUR SONGS. I look out, and I see people who would otherwise never interact in life just vibing to music, and it’s so magical. (Shameless plug: Check us out here.)
Today’s guest had a hair metal band back in the 80s, and then hair metal went the way of the dodo as grunge took over the world. But now, he’s getting the band back together.
Todd Tucker is the director and writer of Rockbottom, a new movie featuring so many impressive musicians — and don’t worry, we’ll get to them all in the episode.
We’re chatting about the inspiration for Rockbottom, his career as a makeup and special effects artist, and how he got hurt doing a very unathletic move during the making of The Passion of the Christ.
Highlights of our conversation
Where the idea for Rockbottom came from. (1:54)
The worst gig Todd ever played. (4:15)
What it was like working with a cast and crew that has such a rock and roll pedigree and the songwriting process for a film like this. (7:24)
How Todd balanced writing for people who grew up on 80s music as well as younger generations. (11:50)
Todd and I share our stories about Zack Ward, who starred as Scut Farkus in A Christmas Story, among many other roles. (15:17)
What it’s like directing a feature film (including directing yourself). (18:00)
Todd’s most memorable special effects and makeup artist experiences, including perhaps the strangest injury ever. (24:21)
A sneak peek at what Todd is working on next. (28:20)
Todd’s top three 80s rock and roll albums to listen to. (31:08)
Where to find Todd Tucker
Learn more about Todd and Rockbottom on Instagram and watch the movie on Amazon Prime!
Can’t get enough Good People, Cool Things? Check out Fun Fact Friyay and Sports R Dumb for more misadventures.