Hotline Feature – Larry Groce: Tour Life Meltdowns, Mountain Stage in Morgantown, and the Pressure of a Bond Song

Larry Groce, former longtime host of Mountain Stage, joins Dave Weekley and Coop on Hotline for a wide-ranging conversation that blends music, psychology, and behind-the-scenes storytelling. Larry reflects on witnessing tour-life blowups and why on-the-road pressure can push artists past their limits, while also stressing empathy for performers having their worst day. He previews the upcoming Mountain Stage show in Morgantown featuring Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble, William Matheny, Joe Crookston, and Vienna Teng, and explains why the larger venue gives fans flexibility. The discussion drifts into music lore, including Billy Gibbons turning down $1 million to shave his beard, the cultural weight of James Bond theme songs, and why a great song can elevate a mediocre movie. A relaxed, insightful segment that feels like a master class in music history and human behavior.