Carl’s RollerCoaster Podcast

Ep. 57 Phil X ( Bon Jovi, The Drills)

Phil X, is a Canadian musician. Since 2013, he has played lead guitar with Bon Jovi and officially replaced former lead guitarist Richie Sambora in 2016.

It's Phil's 2nd appearance on the podcast!

PHIL X & THE DRILLS are proud to unleash their latest album, ‘POW! Right In The Kisser’ to the world! Alongside the release, out via Frontiers Music Srl, the band is sharing the hot fresh track, “Broken Arrow.” A new visualizer for the single is below. The journey of PHIL X & THE DRILLS is one of relentless passion and perseverance. From their early days stirring up the Hollywood rock scene in 2003, to their breakout EP ‘Kick Your Ass in 17 Minutes’ (2009), the band has always kept fans hooked with their high-energy sound and jaw-dropping performances.

As PHIL X became a YouTube sensation through his work demoing vintage guitars for Fretted Americana, the band’s visibility skyrocketed, eventually evolving into the powerhouse known as PHIL X & THE DRILLS. Over the years, the band has worked with an incredible roster of guest drummers, including Josh Freese (Sting, Foo Fighters), Abe Laboriel Jr. (Paul McCartney), and Taylor Hawkins (Foo Fighters), among others.

‘Stupid Good Lookings Vol. 1’, showcased the band’s knack for pushing boundaries and delivering unforgettable rock tracks. In 2024, PHIL X & THE DRILLS hit a new career milestone, opening for Mötley Crüe at Summerfest in Springfield, IL, where their performance left 10,000 fans and industry professionals in awe.

Now, with ‘POW! Right in the Kisser’, they’re set to take the next big step in their musical journey.

Ep. 56 John McMurtrie (Professional Photographer)

John McMurtrie (born 1969) is a British music photographer. He makes portraits of musicians, usually in the heavy rock arena. He has shot covers for Metal Hammer magazine and Total Guitar magazine and also contributes to Rolling Stone (USA) and Qmagazine (UK).^{[citation needed]}

He is the official photographer for Iron Maiden and author of the book Iron Maiden: On Board Flight 666, a behind-the-scenes photo documentary. It includes photographs taken during the Somewhere Back In Time Tour (2008–09) and The Final Frontier Tour (2010–11) aboard the band's custom Boeing 757, Ed Force One. A presentation of the book was held from 5 to 31 August 2011 at the British Music Experience at the London O2.

On 20 November 2014, the paperback version of On Board Flight 666 was published by Orion.

IRON MAIDEN ROYAL MAIL STAMPS - John Photographed 5 of the 8 Special postal stamps issued in Feb 2023.

On 29 March 2012 at the 2011 Professional Photographer of the Year awards, McMurtrie won the Best Portfolio award and was runner-up for News Editorial Photographer of the Year. He was a runner-up for News Photographer of the Year in 2011 and was nominated for the 2012 Terry O'Neill award.

He was listed in Professional Photographer magazine's "100 Photography Heroes" 2013 special issue.

Ep. 55 Stoic Principles to become unshakable

Ep. 54 Wise Words from Jillian Turecki

Ep. 53 The Kipling Poem

Ep. 52 Peter DiStefano (Porno for Pyros)

Peter DiStefano (born July 10, 1965, in Santa Monica, California, U.S.) is an American guitarist and songwriter, best known for his work in the alternative rock band Porno for Pyros (the Jane's Addiction offshoot featuring vocalist Perry Farrell and drummer Stephen Perkins).

Composer. Guitarist. Producer. Founding Member of Porno For Pyros.

An awe inspiring conversation with this absolute legend!

Enjoy!

Much love

x

Ep. 51 Dani Marshall (Production Bush, Breaking Benjamin, Halestorm)

Dani is an amazing Production Assistant, TM Assistant, Photographer and all around amazing person.

She has gone through some very impressive changes in her professional life, whilst going through some pretty hard changes in her personal life as well, in order to truly find herself on both levels of her life.

This is a very inspirational conversation. Finding your happy place, your happy path of life is no small feat and not fearing the unknown, is something to strive for.

I'd hope everyone can take something out of Danielle's experiences and message here.

Much love, X

Ep. 50 Michael Miller (Tech, TM - Mariah Carey, Rob Zombie, Alice Cooper)

Michael is a well rounded experienced professional of the music touring business, with lots of insights about the industry and how to pave your way into living the life of your dreams.

Having worked with the likes of Mariah Carey, Rob Zombie, Alice Cooper, Orianthi, Pat Travers, REO Speedwagon amongst many others, Michael has lived, seen and worked through it all during the 80's, 90's and 00's. 

Please enjoy this very insightful conversation!

Much love,

x

Ep. 49 John Wiseman (Executive Vice President PRG, Worldwide Sales)

John began his career in live event production in 1979 as the concert chairman at California State University, Sacramento. Shortly after, he launched a small production company and began managing local bands, one of which, Steel Breeze, was signed to RCA records with John as their manager and executive producer. The band went on to support national tours for Kansas, Hall & Oates, and The Who, opening the door for John and his long career in the concert touring industry. In 1985, John was recruited by Wil Sharpe, President /CEO of legendary production company Showco Inc., to develop a sales and marketing plan for their fledgling subsidiary Vari-Lite. Over the next 7 years, Vari-Lite grew to become the largest automated lighting company in the world and firmly established automated lighting as the standard in concert touring, television, film, theaters and theme parks, creating an entirely new market. He continued to further his career in manufacturing and sales by introducing the premier Italian manufacture, Coemar’s automated lighting fixtures to the U.S. market. In 1996 he joined High End Systems/Flying Pig Systems as Executive Vice President, running their worldwide sales force and joining their Board of Directors until 2004. While there, John was instrumental in launching Catalyst, the first computer-based media server that integrated lighting and video into one discipline. In a move to get back to being on the front lines of productions, in 2004 John accepted an offer to become the CEO of XL Touring Video. After four successful years, he broke off to create his own company, Chaos Visual Productions, which was acquired by PRG in 2015. John currently resides in Northern Nevada and in his current role as Executive Vice President, Worldwide Sales, he enjoys the partnership and breadth of PRG’s world class capability to service high end clients such as Beyonce, Foo Fighters, Coldplay, and Keith Urban and oversees executive touring services for Kevin Hart, Nicki Minaj, and Ricky Martin.

Ep. 48 Stoicism (Short positive Stoic message)

A little short Stoic message, for us all to remind ourselves to focus on what's under our own control and be happy!