The Gracious Two - LIVE Show 094 - Chad Taylor

The Gracious Two, Chad Gracey & John Rotolo welcome Chad Taylor a founding member of the band Live, to discuss the Chads' new podcast and a recent drum video they collaborated on. The video features a previously unreleased track with Chris Shinn on vocals, Patrick on bass, Chad Taylor on guitar and Chad Gracey on drums. The mix highlights Chad’s drumming, particularly his use of ghost notes, and Patrick’s unconventional bass part, showcasing the elemental sound that defined Live.

Chad Taylor recounts their journey to sobriety, highlighting how their excessive drinking, fueled by a family history of alcoholism and a demanding lifestyle, nearly cost them their family and music career. After a particularly embarrassing incident on stage, CT sought help from a friend in AA, leading him to attend his first meeting and eventually admit to his alcoholism. Through the AA program, he learned to confront his powerlessness over alcohol and address his long list of resentments, ultimately finding forgiveness and a newfound sense of freedom.

Taylor talks about his struggles with alcoholism, using music as a coping mechanism and how the toxic environment of the music industry exacerbated his drinking. He shares a story of jumping off stage while intoxicated, injuring his knee, and how this injury, coupled with the end of their band, led to a deeper depression and increased drinking. Despite the pain and consequences, CT found accountability through sharing his story openly.

The band Live’s success was attributed to their collaborative songwriting process, which began to unravel after the passing of Peter Freeman in 2003. The departure of Ed Kowalczyk in 2009 further strained the band, leading to a hiatus.

The band’s first performance was at a talent show, where they started with a U2 song. Chad Taylor recounts his journey with the guitar, starting with a Gibson Les Paul at age 10 and later taking lessons from his middle school band instructor. He also reflects on his past actions, expressing regret and a desire to reconcile with those he hurt, including a former manager and a friend’s daughter who passed away.

½ of Live, Chad Gracey and Chad Taylor discuss their early days, including how their music teacher, Don Karn, brought them together. They share their musical influences, with a focus on classic rock and blues. The conversation then shifts to Chad Taylor's songwriting process, highlighting the creation of songs like “Savior for a Day” and “Operation Spirit.”

The band’s early success was driven by collaborative songwriting, with pivotal songs like “Operation Spirit” and “Selling the Drama” emerging from quick, creative sessions. The band’s dynamic, where each member contributed to the final product, was crucial to their hit songs. Despite the band’s collaborative nature, the success of these seminal songs significantly impacted their career arc.

The song “Damn at Otter Creek” was inspired by a dream and a desire to capture the eerie sound of power lines. The band’s collaborative process, with each member contributing unique ideas, was instrumental in creating the song’s architecture and emotional depth. The final recording, capturing the band’s first full performance of the song, is a testament to their chemistry and creativity.

The band faced internal strife after their manager’s death, leading to a power struggle and Ed’s increasing control over songwriting. This resulted in a strained creative process and a lack of communication among band members. Despite the challenges, they released “Songs from Black Mountain,” which should have been an Ed’s solo album but ultimately became a watered-down Live record.

The Chads & JRo discuss the challenges of maintaining a successful band while dealing with personal struggles and the pressures of fame. The Chads reflect on the impact of their early success, the creative process, and the evolving dynamics within the band. Despite the hardships, they express gratitude for their experiences and acknowledge the contributions of each member, including Ed Kowalczyk.

The podcast discusses the challenges faced by the band, including ego clashes and a lack of strong leadership. Despite hurt feelings, there is a sense of love and a possibility of future collaboration. The guys reflect on their early success and the creative process behind their music, particularly during the recording of “The Distance to Here.”

Chad Taylor discusses the creative process behind Live’s albums and his departure from the band. He expresses frustration with Ed Kowalczyk’s actions, including publicly firing him and using deceptive tactics to manipulate the band’s future. Despite the legal complexities and personal hurt, Taylor asserts his right to perform Live’s music and highlights “Secret Samadhi” as his favorite Live album due to the creative freedom and positive experiences during its production.

The conversation discusses the creative process behind Live’s album “Secret Samadhi,” highlighting the band’s confidence and the magical chemistry they achieved. It also touches on the possibility of the Chads doing a podcast exploring the band’s extensive musical archive and their daily lives, providing insights into their creative journey.

A new project is in the works, providing fans with an inside look at the past. CT emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and letting go of the past, encouraging prayers for all involved and expressing hope for a potential reunion. JRo says at The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame the latest!!!

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