This guest makes me want to go back and revisit some old favorites. Welcome drummer Stephen Hodges to the podcast. And man, we hit on a whole lot in this episode, like the importance of hanging out, how once upon a time, musicians could make a living playing a club 5 to 6 nights a week, the importance of playing with more than just sticks, and the difficulties of playing without cymbals. THAT started after meeting and playing with Tom Waits and learning his unusual percussive desires. But his career began way before that as an accompanist in college for the dance department. In addition to playing with Tom Waits, he’s played with some other legendary artists like Billy Preston, David Lynch, Marc Ford, Stevie Wonder, and Mavis Staples. He was also in one of the strangest touring versions of Smashing Pumpkins. Stephen talks about how he began his long-term gig with Mavis Staples. In fact, they had to cancel their first two gigs because they rehearsed so hard that Mavis had to rest her voice! His job with Mavis has also given him a fascinating look into the unique relationship between her and Bob Dylan, which almost led to him filling in for Dylan’s drummer. Almost. He has a new album with mssv, his band with Mike Baggetta and Mike Watt, called Human Reaction. This band is a unique mix of jazz and punk. It’s fascinating! Stephen talks about the band, how they write and play the music live, well ahead of recording it. The music is challenging and fun. You really never know where each song is going to go! Check it out at mainsteamstopvalve.com or mssv on Facebook and grab the new album Human Reaction. Check out the podcast @PerformanceAnx on X & Instagram and Performance Anxiety on Facebook or reach out at [email protected]. Check out our merch at performanceanx.threadless.com. You can send coffee money to ko-fi.com/performanceanxiety. Now enjoy a wonderful history lesson with Stephen Hodges of mssv on Performance Anxiety on the Pantheon Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices