Silversun Pickups bassist Nikki Monninger joins host Mike Gomoll on the Joey's Song Podcast for a warm, wide-ranging conversation ahead of the band's third year performing at Joey's Song. Nikki opens up about the band's latest collaboration with legendary producer Butch Vig — teasing a harder-edged sound and a January release timed near Freezing Man.

The conversation dives into the origin story of Silversun Pickups' relationship with Butch Vig, the "family" atmosphere that's grown around the Joey's Song community, and why the band keeps returning year after year to support epilepsy research. Nikki also reflects on meeting bandmate Brian Aubert during a study abroad program in Cambridge (and finally confirms that infamous airplane story), shares memories of the band's Rock Band fame with "Panic Switch," and talks about welcoming Marissa Paternoster and Hugo Burnham into the Joey's Song fold

Things wrap up with a fun round of This or That (Beatles or Stones, Seinfeld or Friends) and Overrated or Underrated (eight hours of sleep, vintage guitars, and the great debate over making your bed on tour)

Recorded October 7, 2025

Joey's Song is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to funding epilepsy research and treatment. Every stream, download, and share helps push that mission forward.

Learn more, buy tickets, or donate: https://joeyssong.org

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This interview originally took place August 2025. Go-Go's founding member Jane Wiedlin joins Joey's Song founder Mike Gomoll for a wide-ranging conversation covering the band's surprise return to the festival circuit, five decades of friendship (and occasional friction) within the band, and a deep dive into her life outside music. Jane opens up about the Go-Go's headlining slot at Coachella, the surreal moment Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong joined them onstage for "Head Over Heels," and playing the 80s-themed Cruel World Festival alongside contemporaries like Til Tuesday. She also shares a wild backstage story about a stage-rotation mishap that cut off another band's set mid-song, reflects on what it means to be one of the few bands from that era still performing with its original lineup, and talks candidly about being a trailblazer for women in rock. In the "This or That" segment, Jane picks Beatles over Stones, shows off her prized Beatles "Butcher Cover" memorabilia, recounts a magical Paul McCartney moment at Outside Lands, and reveals she'd rather talk to animals than speak every language — leading into a joyful rundown of her three rescue dogs. About Joey's Song: Joey's Song is a federally registered 501(c)3 charity with one mission: raising money to fund research into treatments and cures for epilepsy. Through concerts, merchandise, and community support, Joey's Song brings together musicians and fans to fight this disease — and have some fun doing it along the way. - Learn more, buy tickets or merch, or donate at https://joeysong.org - Subscribe to this channel and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform — it helps more than you know! Hosted by: Mike Gomoll, Founder of Joey's Song Guest: Jane Wiedlin (The Go-Go's) Theme music composed by: Sam Gomoll

Mike Gomoll and Andy McNamara regroup on LINERnotes, the official podcast of Joey's Song, as Mike shares the inside story of his one-on-one lunch with Rick Nielsen — legendary guitarist and founding member of Cheap Trick.

In this episode: - What it was really like sharing a table with a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer - Why Rick Nielsen might be one of the most down-to-earth legends in music - How Rick's sons, Miles Nielsen and Dax Nielsen, first got involved with Joey's Song - The night Greg Koch stepped in to play Rick's guitar parts - Rick Nielsen's legendary guitar vault - A tease of what's coming for the Joey's Song 2026 lineup SUPPORT JOEY'S SONG: Joey's Song is a federally registered 501(c)(3) charity with one mission — raising money for epilepsy research and treatment. Here's how you can help: - Subscribe to this channel and turn on notifications - Leave a review on your favorite podcast app - Visit https://www.joeysong.org to buy tickets, grab merch, or make a donation - Follow Joey's Song on all socials LISTEN TO THE FULL PODCAST: Available wherever you get your podcasts — search "LINERnotes Joey's Song Joey's Song is a non-profit organization and annual music benefit event dedicated to raising funds and awareness for epilepsy research and care. Founded by the Sticher family in memory of Joey Sticher, a young boy who tragically lost his life to epilepsy at age five, the initiative mobilizes musicians, music lovers, and the entertainment community to combat rare and severe pediatric epilepsy syndromes. Through its star-studded benefit concerts, compilation albums, and special events, Joey's Song brings together nationally recognized artists and local talent to celebrate music while directly supporting medical research, specialized pediatric patient care, and families affected by complex neurological disorders. #JoeysSong #LINERnotes #RickNielsen #CheapTrick #MilesNielsen #DaxNielsen #ClassicRock #RockAndRollHallOfFame #EpilepsyAwareness #NonprofitPodcast #MusicPodcast #WisconsinMusic #FoxCities #ButchVig #SierraSwan