"I think the past informs the present and the present will take care of itself."

Welcome Bernie Leadon

We’re joined on the Starline by a country rock pioneer. You’ve heard his work in Hearts & Flowers, Dillard & Clark and the Flying Burrito Brothers. A founding member of the Eagles’. His newest solo album is “Too Late to Be Cool”. We welcome Bernie Leadon.

Bernie, let’s go Beyond the Mic. What was the feeling creating “Too Late to Be Cool”?

How does recording analog vs digitally change the way you record and hear an album?

Why did recording this album this way give it a throwback to some of the greatest albums of all time that only used to have 16 tracks?

Bernie, you have led an incredible life, do you truly believe it’s too late to be cool?

You said “Some stories take decades to finish. Why I left. Why I’m back.” How has music touched your soul and who inspired you to return? 

The Rockin' 8:

Bernie Leadon newest solo album is “Too Late to Be Cool” and it’s time for the Rockin’ 8. 8 random questions, Bernie just trust your first instinct.

1. What was the last thing you harvested from your farm?

2. What’s your go-to way to unwind that isn’t music based?

3. Who is the top 3 guitar players of all time?

4. What do your grandkids call you?

5. First banjo you ever owned was what and do you still have it?

INSTANT FOLLOWUP: Which string do you break the most? 

6. Bernie, who is the one artist, living or gone, that you would love to jam with for one song, and what would you play?

7. Favorite place in the world to just think other than your front porch?

8. Who do you admire the most in music right now?

The Back Half:

We’re talking with Bernie Leadon Beyond the Mic with the Back Half. What do you want people to feel when they hear “Too Late to Be Cool”?

How has reflecting on the past help you plan for the future?

Bernie, what’s the most challenging song for you on this album?

Looking back at your life, what is the feeling in your heart when you hear fans applaud?

Why is playing music special to you?

How did working with Glyn Johns help you put a better product out?

Bernie. how has the way you write evolved and improved since starting?

Influences:

We’re talking with Bernie Leadon Beyond the Mic. Who influenced your decision focusing on authenticity rather than commercial success and would you change your mind today?

You have always believed in a music-first philosophy. Has the music industry changed to the fans detriment?

How do you view the current state of Americana and country-rock music today?

Why has your family’s love sustained you and what does one hug from them mean today?

Best memory of your brother growing up?

You play electric & acoustic guitar, banjo, Dobro, mandolin and pedal steel. What’s the instrument you wished you learned?

You’ve played with and for some incredible artists in your life. What’s the one story from the road that still makes you chuckle today?

What’s the quality of a good Mexican restaurant?

The Impossible Question:

What’s the one thing you wish you did sooner and the one thing you wish you never did?

One Big Question:

Bernie, in your life well lived, what do you want people to remember you by?

The Wrap:

He wanted a Vega Banjo growing up, loved singing harmony with Linda Ronstadt. He wants you to hear “Too Late to Be Cool”. Bernie Leadon thanks for taking the time to talk with us today.

And that my friends is Beyond the Mic.