Few bands embody the raw, off-kilter spirit of ‘90s alternative rock like the Toadies. Born out of the humid underground of Fort Worth, Texas, the band shot to national attention with their debut album Rubberneck, an album that was never intended to be a commercial hit, but became one anyway. Anchored by the now-iconic singles “Possum Kingdom” and “Tyler,” Rubberneck was a swirling storm of southern gothic grit and psychotic groove, spending nearly a year on the Billboard 200 and ultimately going platinum.
Fast forward to today, and they’re still full of surprises. Their latest release? A gritty, swagger-heavy cover of Kelly Clarkson’s “Since U Been Gone,” featured on Texas Wild, a compilation honoring a century of Texas State Parks. The record includes Texas artists covering fellow Texans, even flipping the script with Ryan Bingham’s unique spin on “Possum Kingdom.” The mutual respect runs deep – Clarkson has publicly declared Toadies her all-time favorite band.
Recently Donivan Blair of the Toadies joined The Tippy Jo Show in this special crossover episode with the Midwest Mixtape Podcast – just in time for their massive appearance at Pointfest in St. Louis this Saturday, May 17th!
Donivan Blair chats with Tippy from The Barn Studio and dive into everything from the band’s new, darker-toned album “The Charmer” recorded with the late, great Steve Albini – to their honest, no-frills approach to live performance and creative collaboration. The conversation touches on the emotional weight of recording with Albini just weeks before his passing, and how that experience shaped the band’s perspective moving forward.
Donivan opens up about his early struggles adapting to the Toadies’ pick-style bass playing and how playing alongside seasoned musicians pushed his growth. They also reflect on the band’s recent Toadies Day celebration in Fort Worth, share some unexpected love for cover songs – including a surprise shoutout from Kelly Clarkson – and explore Donivan’s deep passion for jujitsu, along with his plans for a new book that combines martial arts and personal growth.
Don’t miss The Toadies live at Pointfest this weekend in St. Louis, where they’ll be performing fan favorites and giving you a taste of The Charmer. 105.7 The Point is bringing the heat once again with Pointfest – a stacked day of high-energy rock and alternative at the Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre on Saturday, May 17, 2025. This year’s lineup delivers a nostalgic punch and fresh edge, featuring fan favorites like 311, The Urge, Toadies, Finger Eleven, Ludo, Sick Puppies, and Alien Ant Farm, alongside rising acts like Post Sex Nachos and Oxymorrons. Whether you’re reliving your early 2000s glory days or discovering new favorites, Pointfest promises a full-throttle experience packed with crowd-surfing anthems, hometown heroes, and nonstop music.
🎶 Listen to exclusive stories behind the new music and more, only on The Tippy Jo Show x Midwest Mixtape Podcast!
👉 SUBSCRIBE for more interviews with your favorite artists. Stream “The Charmer” and the rest of the Toadies catalog!
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The Barn 