Last Updated on January 16, 2026
Welcome to the Beat Motel podcast, where this week Andrew is joined by Dr Sam for a deep-dive into one of music’s most controversial themes: why so many fascinating artists are also colossal bellends.
What starts as a light-hearted waffle about lubricated lips and ear balm (yeah, that happened) quickly takes a sharp swerve into the murky territory of artists who challenge our moral compasses. From Marilyn Manson’s whiny victim lyrics to Jerry Lee Lewis marrying his 13-year-old cousin, no sacred cows are spared. We get philosophical, sociological, and sometimes just downright sweary. But it’s all in the name of exploring the big question: can you separate the art from the arsehole?
Also featuring:
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Suede and the joy of glam simplicity
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Why Lou Reed was a magnificent pain in the neck
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The brilliance and bafflement of Charles Mingus
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Courtney Love finally getting the credit she deserves
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ODB being… well… ODB
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Dinosaur Jr’s PR agent’s polite “don’t even bother” energy
And yes, we talk about cancel culture. And yes, we know that’ll annoy someone. Good.
### Riffs of the week
#### Dr Sam’s Riff
– Say Sue Me – Vacation (0.15)
#### Andrew’s Riff
– Suede – Disintegrate (2:10)
### Dr Sam’s track choices
1. Marilyn Manson – User Friendly (opening)
2. Hole – Celebrity Skin (0.31)
3. Jerry Lee Lewis – Help Me Make It Through the Night (1:00)
4. Charles Mingus – Vassarlean (2.56)
### Andrew’s track choices
1. Lou Reed – Satellite of love (1:00)
2. ODB – Shimmy shimmy ya (0:44)
3. Dinosaur Jr – Freak Scene (2:18)
4. Inspiral Carpets – I want you – Featuring Mark E Smith (0:29)
Email us – beatmotel@lawsie.com
