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The Vinyl Guide

If you like records, just starting a collection or are an uber-nerd with a house-full of vinyl, this is the podcast for you. Nate Goyer is The Vinyl Guide and discusses all things music and record-related. Nate is a 40+ year vinyl collector, owns some of the most highly desired titles and enjoys them thoroughly. The Vinyl Guide is his journey through the history of music to speak with the artists and technicians who made music history and get the stories behind the records.

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  2. Ep536: Danny Goldberg - Bumping Into Geniuses (Led Zeppelin, Nirvana, & more)

Ep536: Danny Goldberg - Bumping Into Geniuses (Led Zeppelin, Nirvana, & more)

Feb 23, 2026

Danny Goldberg shares insider stories from his 50-year career as Led Zeppelin's publicist and Nirvana's manager, revealing Kurt Cobain's creative genius and the first-hand dynamics behind rock's biggest bands.

Order Danny's book "Bumping Into Geniuses" here

Topics Include:

  • Danny discusses the 2026 reissue of "Bumping into Genius"
  • Admits his turntables are mostly for show, prefers streaming now
  • Kept about 100 vinyls including The Fugs on ESP Records
  • Answered a Billboard ad not knowing music business existed
  • Found his calling through enthusiasm and sensitivity to artists
  • Became Led Zeppelin's US publicist in 1973 for Houses of the Holy
  • The biggest band in the world had never gotten positive press
  • Peter Grant described them as "just mild barbarians"
  • Bonzo would arrive early to tune drums for each room's acoustics
  • Jimmy Page avoided TV—felt it couldn't deliver Zeppelin's true sound
  • Physical Graffiti era: Danny became Swan Song Records vice president
  • His blues tribute pitch rejected—later repurposed for Foghat
  • Robert Plant was eloquent and handled most press duties willingly
  • Jimmy's Crowley interest rarely came up in day-to-day interactions
  • Met Ringo, never John or George—All Things Must Pass is essential
  • Nirvana's 92 Australian tour produced the Rolling Stone cover shoot
  • Kurt's "Corporate magazines still suck" shirt was pure tightrope genius
  • He storyboarded every Nirvana video shot by shot himself
  • Appeared on Headbangers Ball in a dress to subvert metal culture
  • Nevermind hit five radio formats simultaneously—unprecedented crossover success
  • Kurt agreed to edit In Utero packaging for Walmart-only kids
  • Fame invaded his privacy—tabloid coverage of Courtney infuriated him
  • Depression and heroin predated fame—confirmed by Chris Novoselic
  • Danny dismisses conspiracy theories—Seattle PD had no coverup motive
  • Sub Pop planned "Cash Cow"—Kurt licensed it back as Incesticide
  • Incesticide liner notes rank among Kurt's most remarkable creative statements
  • Danny calls In Utero Kurt's best songwriting, his personal favorite
  • Bonnie Raitt's Nick of Time gave Danny credibility to expand management
  • John Silva brought Redd Kross, leading to Sonic Youth, then Nirvana
  • Born Innocent documentary on Redd Kross earns Danny's recommendation

High resolution version of this podcast is available at: www.Patreon.com/VinylGuide