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The New Dad Rock

The New Dad Rock

By: Steve Nelson & Keith Nottonson
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Two college radio DJs during the 90s, hosts Keith and Steve helped expose bands like Nirvana, Pavement and PJ Harvey. They went to shows, interviewed musicians and reviewed albums for various zines and papers. They worked security at concerts and once, even did load-in for Phish. Now they’re dads. Whether you want to explore lesser-known music or take a trip down memory lane, tune in to The New Dad Rock. Join hosts Keith and Steve as they navigate the ages together, sharing their love of music across various eras and genres. Always well intentioned, often well informed, seldom boring, The New Dad Rock will expand your mind.

© 2026 The New Dad Rock
Music Social Sciences
Episodes
  • EP 112. How Old Is Too Old?
    May 26 2026

    On this episode of The New Dad Rock Podcast, we ask the question every aging music fan eventually faces: when is a band too old to keep going — and are we too old to care? Using the 2026 class of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a jumping-off point, we dig into the strange, emotional lifecycle of legacy artists, reunion tours, and rock immortality. From the long-overdue induction of Iron Maiden and New Order/Joy Division in the same Hall class, we unpack what “classic rock” even means anymore.

    We also talk retirement — or the apparent impossibility of it — through the lens of Ozzy Osbourne, Motley Crue and Slayer, while checking in on enduring cult heroes like Mercury Rev, Afghan Whigs, led by the intrepid Greg Dulli. Along the way, we revisit unforgettable tours from Pavement, and Modest Mouse, say goodbye to late-night TV as we know (featuring Tom Waits and David Byrne), and ask whether bands like LCD Soundsystem and Hawkwind have discovered the secret to aging gracefully — or just loudly.

    Let us know what’s up.

    Support the show

    Did you know that The New Dad Rock has swag? Coffee mugs, pillow and t-shirts in a multitude of colors and arm lengths.

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    30 mins
  • EP 111. Is John Mayer Dead?
    Feb 10 2026

    Episode 111 finds Steve and Keith riding the chairlift straight into the soul of music discovery. Inspired by that eternal mountain question — what is the liftie listening to right now? — the dads talk skiing, snow culture, and the strange magic of hearing life-changing music while dangling above the trees.

    Along the way, they dig into a mix of new discoveries and familiar names seen from a fresh altitude: The Grateful Dead, John Mayer, Wet Leg, Lily Allen, Amaarae, ROSALÍA (LUX), Fomies, and Hooveriii. Some of it’s warm, some of it’s icy, some of it hits like fresh powder, and some of it feels like the weird playlist blasting from a shack at the top of the mountain.

    It’s a little less talk, a little more glide — music first, banter second — as The New Dad Rock continues its long, strange trip in episode 111. Strap in, lower the bar, and enjoy the ride. 🎿

    Let us know what’s up.

    Support the show

    Did you know that The New Dad Rock has swag? Coffee mugs, pillow and t-shirts in a multitude of colors and arm lengths.

    Show More Show Less
    26 mins
  • EP 110. Are CDs Still A Thing?
    Jan 27 2026

    Steve goes up into the attic to sort through his CDs, what he finds will change the course of The New Dad Rock.

    Tune in to reminisce about spending $20 on imported CD singles that had two crappy songs on them.

    Settle the debate of whether Sugarbush is better than Killington.

    And most importantly...fuck ICE!

    Let us know what’s up.

    Support the show

    Did you know that The New Dad Rock has swag? Coffee mugs, pillow and t-shirts in a multitude of colors and arm lengths.

    Show More Show Less
    25 mins
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