Bass Drum of Death was back in Chicago on 9/24/25 for a show at Beat Kitchen, and I sat down with John Barrett (singer/multi-instrumentalist) shortly before he took the stage.

 

We talked about:

 

*Chicago, and the band’s “Live and Let Die” album that was recorded at Cobra Lounge.

*The new album, “Six,” a fuzzy, garage rock, banger.

*What major lifestyle change has freed John up while on tour?

*The pervasive influence of ZZ Top.

*What does rock and roll mean to John?



Not in Chicago? You may still have a chance to see the band while they’re on tour this Fall! Highly recommended!

 

Car Con Carne is sponsored by Easy Automation: 

 

Looking to transform your home, office, or business into a smart, seamlessly connected space? Easy Automation delivers custom automation solutions tailored to your lifestyle. 

 

Whether you’re upgrading your home entertainment, streamlining your office tech, or enhancing the atmosphere in your restaurant or sports bar, they’ve got you covered.

 

Their expert team designs and installs personalized systems—from smart lighting and climate control to audio/video distribution and robust Wi-Fi networks—all managed through an intuitive app on your favorite device.

 

Easy Automation makes technology work for you—effortlessly, reliably, and always with your satisfaction guaranteed.

 

Visit easy-automation.net or call Dan at 630-730-3728 and take control of your environment today!

 

Car Con Carne is also sponsored by Exploding House Printing.

 

Exploding House can help with all of your screen printing, embroidery and other merch needs.  

 

They’re a truly local Chicago business, right in the Hermosa neighborhood. And their focus is on small businesses, bands, brands, and everything in between. 

 

They’ve worked on products for Meat Wave, Empty Bottle, the Music Box, Dante’s Pizzeria, the Brokedowns, and so many others (check out explodinghouseprinting.com to see the list). 

 

Jonathan at Exploding House has been doing screen printing for decades. He knows what he’s doing - besides his technical expertise, he delivers production efficiency and cost awareness to offer boutique print shop quality at much lower, large print shop prices. 

 

Check out their work on Instagram at (at)explodinghouse, or go to their website or email info@explodinghouseprinting.com to get a quote!

Bass Drum of Death was back in Chicago on 9/24/25 for a show at Beat Kitchen, and I sat down with John Barrett (singer/multi-instrumentalist) shortly before he took the stage.
&nbsp;
We talked about:
&nbsp;
*Chicago, and the band&rsquo;s &ldquo;Live and Let Die&rdquo; album that was recorded at Cobra Lounge.
*The new album, &ldquo;Six,&rdquo; a fuzzy, garage rock, banger.
*What major lifestyle change has freed John up while on tour?
*The pervasive influence of ZZ Top.
*What does rock and roll mean to John? 
Not in Chicago? You may still have a chance to see the band while they&rsquo;re on tour this Fall! Highly recommended!
&nbsp;
Car Con Carne is sponsored by Easy Automation:&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Looking to transform your home, office, or business into a smart, seamlessly connected space? Easy Automation delivers custom automation solutions tailored to your lifestyle.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Whether you&rsquo;re upgrading your home entertainment, streamlining your office tech, or enhancing the atmosphere in your restaurant or sports bar, they&rsquo;ve got you covered.
&nbsp;
Their expert team designs and installs personalized systems&mdash;from smart lighting and climate control to audio/video distribution and robust Wi-Fi networks&mdash;all managed through an intuitive app on your favorite device.
&nbsp;
Easy Automation makes technology work for you&mdash;effortlessly, reliably, and always with your satisfaction guaranteed.
&nbsp;
Visit easy-automation.net or call Dan at 630-730-3728 and take control of your environment today!
&nbsp;
Car Con Carne is also sponsored by Exploding House Printing.
&nbsp;
Exploding House can help with all of your screen printing, embroidery and other merch needs.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
They&rsquo;re a truly local Chicago business, right in the Hermosa neighborhood. And their focus is on small businesses, bands, brands, and everything in between.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
They&rsquo;ve worked on products for Meat Wave, Empty Bottle, the Music Box, Dante&rsquo;s Pizzeria, the Brokedowns, and so many others (check out <a href="http://explodinghouseprinting.com">explodinghouseprinting.com</a> to see the list).&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Jonathan at Exploding House has been doing screen printing for decades. He knows what he&rsquo;s doing - besides his technical expertise, he delivers production efficiency and cost awareness to offer boutique print shop quality at much lower, large print shop prices.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Check out their work on Instagram at (at)explodinghouse, or go to their website or email <a href="mailto:info@explodinghouseprinting.com">info@explodinghouseprinting.com</a> to get a quote!

Car Con Carne is an award-winning interview podcast hosted by legendary Chicago media personality James VanOsdol (Q101, WXRT, WGN, WLUP). Hosted in James's car, at live events, restaurants, brewpubs and recording studios, Car Con Carne offers engaging and honest conversations with people you want to know, mostly from the world of music.