The Rhythm Section: A Memphis Music Podcast

#99. Bobby Ireland | Hairspray Nation

In this episode of The Rhythm Section Podcast, hosts Derrick and Jeff kick things off by recapping a night out at Neil’s Music Room enjoying a killer set by The Boneyard. Then they welcome special guest Bobby Ireland, drummer for Hairspray Nation, for a deep dive into his musical journey. Bobby shares how he landed the gig with Hairspray Nation and how it’s become a family affair with his son Nick on guitar. He also revisits his early days playing with childhood friends Todd Poole and Ronnie Spain, their shared obsession with KISS, and starting their first band together.
Bobby gives heartfelt insight into his late father Rick Ireland’s legacy in the Memphis music scene and his time at Ardent Studios. From funny first audition stories to almost landing a record deal with his original band “Ireland,” Bobby’s journey is rich with history. He also shares how a job at Apple unexpectedly pulled him back into music, and the amazing rise of his son Matt’s teenage band, Under The Radar. A full-circle story you won’t want to miss.
 
TIP BUCKET
If you find it in your heart to donate to the cause and help fuel the podcast you can do so through our new Venmo and CashApp. Your support is greatly appreciated and will help shine a brighter spotlight on the great Memphis Music Community.
Venmo - @‌therhythmsectionpod
CashApp - $therhythmsectionpod
Thanks for tuning in and supporting the Rhythm Section Podcast.
 
🌐 Follow The Rhythm Section Pod: therhythmsectionpod.com
📺 WATCH - YouTube and Facebook
🎧 LISTEN - Apple and Spotify
 
🎙️ This is an SRP Studios Production - SRPStudiosLLC.com

REPLAY | Eric Stone, The Deb Jam Band [6/5/24]

Today’s featured guest is Eric Stone, vocalist for The Deb Jam Band. In addition to learning more about The Deb Jam Band, the gang talks about Eric’s start as a vocalist and musician in church growin up, his experiences in touring the chitlin circuit for several years, his first plastic guitar, his sparkly shoes and much much more. Eric’s story is rich with history and came to play. Fun was had by all!!
Apple - https://bit.ly/3rqqZLP
Spotify - https://bit.ly/3EJOGBO
YouTube - https://bit.ly/3UgqsY2
 
TIP BUCKET
If you find it in your heart to donate to the cause and help fuel the podcast you can do so through our new Venmo and CashApp. Your support is greatly appreciated and will help shine a brighter spotlight on the great Memphis Music Community.
Venmo - @‌therhythmsectionpod
CashApp - $therhythmsectionpod
Thanks for tuning in and supporting the Rhythm Section Podcast.
🌐 Follow The Rhythm Section Pod: therhythmsectionpod.com
🎙️ This is an SRP Studios Production - SRPStudiosLLC.com

#98. Ronnie Knight | Rock The Boat

On this episode of The Rhythm Section Podcast, hosts Derrick and Jeff kick things off with a quick chat with Eric Graham from Deadfall Road to promote their epic July 4th Reunion show, Concert Under The Trees, in Arlington, TN—featuring Your Mom’s New Boyfriend at 4:30pm and Deadfall Road headlining at 8pm. Plus, they’re celebrating the digital release of Come What May! (More at deadfallroad.band)
The main interview dives deep with special guest Ronnie Knight, drummer for Rock The Boat, as he shares his musical journey—from early influences and high school gigs to wild Stage Stop memories and near-label deals with Roxy Blue. Ronnie takes us through his history with bands like Tempest, 901, Triple X, M Slider, and Xavion. A must-listen for Memphis music lovers and drumming fans alike.
 
TIP BUCKET
If you find it in your heart to donate to the cause and help fuel the podcast you can do so through our new Venmo and CashApp. Your support is greatly appreciated and will help shine a brighter spotlight on the great Memphis Music Community.
Venmo - @‌therhythmsectionpod
CashApp - $therhythmsectionpod
Thanks for tuning in and supporting the Rhythm Section Podcast.
 
🌐 Follow The Rhythm Section Pod: therhythmsectionpod.com
📺 WATCH - YouTube and Facebook
🎧 LISTEN - Apple and Spotify
 
🎙️ This is an SRP Studios Production - SRPStudiosLLC.com

REPLAY | John Roth, Guitarist for Winger & Starship [3/20/24]

Today’s featured guest is John Roth, legendary Memphis guitarist and long-time member of Winger and Starship. We go deep into his history, covering his different projects over the years and how he landed the gigs for Winger and Starship.
Apple - https://bit.ly/3rqqZLP
Spotify - https://bit.ly/3EJOGBO
YouTube - https://bit.ly/3UgqsY2
 
TIP BUCKET
If you find it in your heart to donate to the cause and help fuel the podcast you can do so through our new Venmo and CashApp. Your support is greatly appreciated and will help shine a brighter spotlight on the great Memphis Music Community.
Venmo - @‌therhythmsectionpod
CashApp - $therhythmsectionpod
Thanks for tuning in and supporting the Rhythm Section Podcast.
🌐 Follow The Rhythm Section Pod: therhythmsectionpod.com
🎙️ This is an SRP Studios Production - SRPStudiosLLC.com

#97. Brent Dennis | Music BoXx

In this celebratory episode of The Rhythm Section Podcast, hosts Derrick and Jeff kick things off with a heartfelt recap of their epic Episode 100 live taping at Rooster’s on June 7th. They show love to the incredible fans, venue staff, and all the special guests who helped make it a night to remember.
Then, the spotlight shifts to a lively feature interview with Brent Dennis, lead vocalist of the high-energy party band Music BoXx. Brent shares the band’s origin story, talks about his fellow bandmates, reflects on his time in the Navy, and opens up about his journey from singing with Lee Ann’s Alarm Clock to fronting Music BoXx. From vocal influences to hilarious concert memories (including a Poison show mishap), Brent also breaks down how the band picks the right songs to keep crowds dancing.
 
TIP BUCKET
If you find it in your heart to donate to the cause and help fuel the podcast you can do so through our new Venmo and CashApp. Your support is greatly appreciated and will help shine a brighter spotlight on the great Memphis Music Community.
Venmo - @‌therhythmsectionpod
CashApp - $therhythmsectionpod
Thanks for tuning in and supporting the Rhythm Section Podcast.
 
🌐 Follow The Rhythm Section Pod: therhythmsectionpod.com
📺 WATCH - YouTube and Facebook
🎧 LISTEN - Apple and Spotify
 
🎙️ This is an SRP Studios Production - SRPStudiosLLC.com

REPLAY | Davy Dave Smith, The Deb Jam Band and Landslide [3/13/24]

Our featured guest is legendary bassist Davy Dave Smith. After our Josheen Moisturizer shenanigans, we dig deep into Dave’s history as a Memphis bass player both on stage and in the studio. He has worked with such acts as Kris Kristofferson and Rita Coolidge, Jonny Lang, Buddy Guy, John Mayall, Cat Power, Leo Kottke, Luther Allison, Al Green, Willie Mitchell, Steve Cropper, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Scotty Moore, Dj Fontana, Rufus Thomas, Wilson Pickett, Ike Turner, BB King, and others. Currently, Dave works with The Deb Jam Band and Landslide: A Memphis Tribute to Fleetwood Mac
Apple - https://bit.ly/3rqqZLP
Spotify - https://bit.ly/3EJOGBO
YouTube - https://bit.ly/3UgqsY2
 
TIP BUCKET
If you find it in your heart to donate to the cause and help fuel the podcast you can do so through our new Venmo and CashApp. Your support is greatly appreciated and will help shine a brighter spotlight on the great Memphis Music Community.
Venmo - @‌therhythmsectionpod
CashApp - $therhythmsectionpod
Thanks for tuning in and supporting the Rhythm Section Podcast.
🌐 Follow The Rhythm Section Pod: therhythmsectionpod.com
🎙️ This is an SRP Studios Production - SRPStudiosLLC.com

#96. Preston Jones | Your Mom’s New Boyfriend

In this episode, Derrick is joined by guest co-host Steve Owens, who fills in for Jeff and recaps Rooster’s Original Night from Sunday, May 25th. Steve also shines a light on Take 12, a fresh band making waves in the Memphis scene.
The featured interview is with Preston Jones, lead vocalist for Your Mom’s New Boyfriend. Preston shares the story of how the band came together, current and former members, and his own trial-by-fire debut on stage. From his musical inspirations to his journey into live performance, Preston brings energy, heart, and a whole lot of rock to the show.
 
From the studio to the stage… The Rhythm Section Podcast is turning 100!
Join us as we celebrate our 100th episode with a special live recording — filmed in front of a live audience at Rooster’s Blues House Highland in Memphis! Saturday, June 7th. Doors open at 3 PM. Showtime is 3:30 to 5pm
EVENT LINK - https://www.facebook.com/events/3488137631328229/?rdid=kMaYRpAxdcyrEQXC&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F1Ejx8thGFy%2F#
 
TIP BUCKET
If you find it in your heart to donate to the cause and help fuel the podcast you can do so through our new Venmo and CashApp. Your support is greatly appreciated and will help shine a brighter spotlight on the great Memphis Music Community.
Venmo - @‌therhythmsectionpod
CashApp - $therhythmsectionpod
Thanks for tuning in and supporting the Rhythm Section Podcast.
 
🌐 Follow The Rhythm Section Pod: therhythmsectionpod.com
📺 WATCH - YouTube and Facebook
🎧 LISTEN - Apple and Spotify
 
🎙️ This is an SRP Studios Production - SRPStudiosLLC.com

REPLAY | Julian Wong, Formerly Known As [3/6/24]

Our featured guest is Julian Wong, guitarist for Formerly Known As. Julian is one of the most laid-back humans and always has a smile on his face. In this interview, you will learn about his beginnings as a musician, his influences, and much more.
Apple - https://bit.ly/3rqqZLP
Spotify - https://bit.ly/3EJOGBO
YouTube - https://bit.ly/3UgqsY2
 
TIP BUCKET
If you find it in your heart to donate to the cause and help fuel the podcast you can do so through our new Venmo and CashApp. Your support is greatly appreciated and will help shine a brighter spotlight on the great Memphis Music Community.
Venmo - @‌therhythmsectionpod
CashApp - $therhythmsectionpod
Thanks for tuning in and supporting the Rhythm Section Podcast.
🌐 Follow The Rhythm Section Pod: therhythmsectionpod.com
🎙️ This is an SRP Studios Production - SRPStudiosLLC.com

Special Conversation with Becky Croft & Paul Moreau | Promoting the Thomas Halfacre Benefit

In this special episode of The Rhythm Section Podcast, Derrick and Jeff dedicate the show to their dear friend and beloved Memphis Icon, Thomas Halfacre, as he courageously battles cancer. They're joined by Becky Croft and Paul Moreau, two close friends of Thomas, to help promote the upcoming benefit concert at Rooster’s Blues House Highland on Sunday, June 1st.
Becky shares powerful insight into Thomas’s journey, their long-standing friendship, and details on how supporters can reserve tables with a donation, bid on auction items, buy exclusive t-shirts, and enter the 50/50 raffle. Paul highlights the incredible lineup of bands and musicians coming together to lift Thomas up through the power of music. This is more than a concert—it’s a community rallying for one of their own.
 
LOCATION
Rooster’s Blues House Highland
535 South Highland Street, Memphis
Sunday June 1st - 5-10pm - $10 at the door
All proceeds benefit Thomas’s medical expenses
 
BANDS
The Pinch - 5pm
Play Rough - 6pm
Black 59 - 7pm
Almost Famous - 8pm
 
SPECIAL GUESTS at 9pm
John Roth, Jeff Adams, Kevin & Bethany Paige, Paul Moreau, Vanessa Sudbury, Shara Matlock, Steve Rhodehamel, Ken Houston, Ronnie Knight, Seth Kuykendall, Patrick O’Daniel, David Haynes, Tom Slagle, Josh Haynes, Bobby Ireland, Jimmy Fulp
 
SHIRTS FOR SALE
100 Shirts ready for sale
$20/shirt
Purchase at event only - first come first serve
CASH ONLY
 
TABLE RESERVATIONS
Reserve a 4-top with a donation of $100
Facebook Message Cindy Wilson for reservations
CASH ONLY
 
Thomas Halfacre GoFundMe
https://www.gofundme.com/f/thomas-halfacres-stage-four-cancer-fight?attribution_id=sl:752a7b2a-73ad-4a7d-88a7-2609cc6e0b16&lang=en_US&utm_campaign=man_ss_icons&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link&fbclid=IwQ0xDSwKXeSlleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHkNZVR0JdTR2Lj4gAWtdkhZWeb7doj4ROBHNhb5rgZHkykrvMncdT2_JaHIN_aem_x24CqZMX2vrSWPMwowC4pA

#95. Joel Rustenhaven & T-Bone Hood | Rustenhaven

In this heartfelt and high-energy episode of The Rhythm Section Podcast, Derrick and Jeff kick things off with another tribute to their friend Thomas Halfacre and his upcoming cancer benefit concert. They share all the details about the event at Rooster's Blues House Highland on Sunday, June 1st—featuring bands like Almost Famous, Black 59, Play Rough, and The Pinch, with special guests John Roth, Jeff Adams, Kevin & Bethany Paige, Paul Moreau, Vanessa Sudbury, Shara Matlock, Steve Rhodehamel, Ken Houston, Ronnie Knight, Seth Kuykendall, Patrick O’Daniel, David Haynes and Tom Slagle. They also dive into how #ILoveThomasThursday and a wildfire group text helped Thomas go viral in the best way.
In the feature interview, the guys are joined by Joel Rustenhaven and T-Bone Hood of The Rustenhaven Band. They share hilarious stories about the band’s original name drama, how they got started as musicians, their wide-ranging influences, and what it’s like performing in the casino circuit with bandmates Eric Westpy and JJ Barnett. From heartfelt to hilarious, this one hits all the right notes.
www.rustenhaven.com
 
From the studio to the stage… The Rhythm Section Podcast is turning 100!
Join us as we celebrate our 100th episode with a special live recording — filmed in front of a live audience at Rooster’s Blues House Highland in Memphis! Saturday, June 7th. Doors open at 3 PM. Showtime is 3:30 to 5pm
EVENT LINK - https://www.facebook.com/events/3488137631328229/?rdid=kMaYRpAxdcyrEQXC&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F1Ejx8thGFy%2F#
 
TIP BUCKET
If you find it in your heart to donate to the cause and help fuel the podcast you can do so through our new Venmo and CashApp. Your support is greatly appreciated and will help shine a brighter spotlight on the great Memphis Music Community.
Venmo - @‌therhythmsectionpod
CashApp - $therhythmsectionpod
Thanks for tuning in and supporting the Rhythm Section Podcast.
 
🌐 Follow The Rhythm Section Pod: therhythmsectionpod.com
📺 WATCH - YouTube and Facebook
🎧 LISTEN - Apple and Spotify
 
🎙️ This is an SRP Studios Production - SRPStudiosLLC.com