Bob “Angelo” Sawyer is a British guitarist most known for his time playing in legendary heavy metal bands Iron Maiden and Praying Mantis. He’s performed alongside other classic acts such as Motörhead, Saxon, Samson, and Hawkwind.

In today’s episode of GIG NIGHTMARES, Bob tells some stories from his book “Iron Maiden and Praying Mantis: The Early Days”, including tour bus breakdowns on the 1980 Metal for Muthas tour, sword fights in club bathrooms, mischief with Paul Di’Anno and Clive Burr, and a rare show that had bassist Steve Harris handling lead vocals for Iron Maiden.

// #newpodcast #musicpodcast #professionalmusician #gignightmares #diy #ironmaiden #prayingmantis #nwobhm #heavymetal #saxon #motorhead #hawkwind #samson

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Rosie Thorn is a singer from Southeastern Pennsylvania most notable for singing with groups like The Discoteks, Shameless, and Gilligan, a new tribute to yacht rock.

In today’s episode, Rosie talks about how she started singing professionally and what she’s seen during her time, such as nasty bar fights, shady band members, audience fatalities, and more on GIG NIGHTMARES.

You can catch Rosie Thorn live with Gilligan at the Landis Theater in Vineland, NJ on September 5, 2025.

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Mark Newman is a guitarist and singer/songwriter from New York. Throughout his lifelong career, he’s been a sideman for music icons like John Oates (Hall & Oates), Sam Moore (Sam & Dave), Jim McCarty (Yardbirds, Renaissance), Willy DeVille (Mink DeVille), Bobby Whitlock (Derek & the Dominoes), and Sam the Sham, as well as his own original music projects.

On today’s episode, Mark tells a few of his Gig Nightmares, including dealing with aggressive soundmen, getting locked out of the gig as he’s about to go onstage, having guitar amps fail mid-gig, a disastrous gig filling-in with a hot-headed Chuck Berry, and much more.

https://marknewman.us/home

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Matti Frost is a multi-instrumentalist based in Pennsylvania. Since 2013, he’s been the singer/rhythm guitarist/main songwriter of Philadelphia-based metal outfit Frost Giant. He’s also notable for having drummed with bands like Live Fast Die, The Commercials, and many more.

On today’s episode of GIG NIGHTMARES, Matti reflects on an ill-fated DIY tour he embarked on 25 years ago with The Commercials through the great Canadian wilderness, getting stopped at the border and being torn apart by mosquitoes, as well as other odd misadventures from his time with the band.

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Gary Shea is an American rock bassist best known for his work with Alcatrazz and New England. Since the late 60’s, Gary’s been performing all over the world on some of the most iconic stages alongside bands like KISS, Rush, Kansas, Styx, AC/DC, Journey, and more.

In today’s episode, Gary tells a few stories from his new book “No Bass, No Party: Sketches of My Life in Music”, including turning down a gig with singer-songwriter Al Stewart to join New England, clearing up rumors about Yngwie Malmsteen and Graham Bonnet, getting ripped off by managers and being sued for $1 million at age 26, and much more on GIG NIGHTMARES.

https://www.alcatrazzofficial.com/

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Rich Goldberg is the president and founder of NJ-based booking agency Ultra Artists. In the 80’s and 90’s, he booked many iconic acts including Greg Allman, The B-52’s, Billy Idol, Cyndi Lauper, Thomas Dolby, The Romantics, The Ramones, The Nerds, and many more.

In today’s episode, Rich details some of the issues he’s dealt with as a booking agent, such as “intimidation” from rival booking agents, getting suckerpunched by venue security, having to bail his artists out of jail, contracted bands not showing up to gigs, vehicle breakdowns, wildlife accidents, and more on GIG NIGHTMARES.

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Mark Briody is the rhythm guitarist & co-founder of American heavy metal band Jag Panzer. Since the release of their debut “Ample Destruction” in 1984, the band has left their mark on heavy metal history. They’ve toured the world many times over, making numerous appearances at international festivals like Wacken and Sweden Rock, and released their 12th studio album “The Hallowed” in 2023.

In today’s episode, Mark tells some stories of real-life Spinal Tap moments with Jag Panzer, including falling through stage floors, CB radio interference with equipment during gigs, fistfights in the studio, having to sneak into his own gigs, donating blood to fund recordings, and much more on GIG NIGHTMARES.

https://jagpanzer.com/jpnew/

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Carlos Drouet is a singer from New Jersey. Having taught himself how to sing working for tips on public transit buses as a kid in Ecuador, he has been singing and playing guitar in a handful of local cover bands for the past few years, most notably Faith in Chaos.

In today’s episode, Carlos tells nightmare stories from working with a former guitarist who would curse band members out onstage, stop songs and start them over if any mistake was made, cancel gigs hours before they’re scheduled to start, cancel gigs in the middle of said gig as they’re performing, and much more on GIG NIGHTMARES.

You can catch Carlos with Faith in Chaos at their next gig on April 12, 2025 at O’Leary’s Publik House in Jersey City, NJ.

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