Heartland Rock with Erin Osmon, RIP Glen Hansard
Summary
Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot first pay tribute to the late Glen Hansard, reflecting on his career and Oscar-winning work. They then interview author Erin Osmond about her book *Won’t Back Down*, which argues that 1980s Heartland Rock artists like Springsteen and Mellencamp were part of a subversive, populist movement against Reagan-era policies. The discussion explores how these protest songs were often misinterpreted as patriotic anthems and examines the genre's lasting cultural impact.
Topics discussed
Intro, Patreon support, and Goose Island beer ad
Glenn Hansard's early life, The Frames, and Once
Glenn Hansard obituary, Quince, and Squarespace ads
Defining Heartland Rock and its political context
Misinterpretation of Springsteen and Mellencamp's lyrics
Bob Seger's 'Like a Rock' and helping Detroit workers
Neil Young's SNL performance and misunderstood messages
Talkspace mental health support advertisement
Production values, R.E.M., and the 80s rock scene
Tracy Chapman, Bonnie Raitt, and the middle class
Modern country rock and the decline of mass movements
Heartland Rock's legacy in indie and alternative music
Erin Osmond's personal connection to the genre
Essential songs: Don Henley and John Mellencamp
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