Interview: Dave Getz of Big Brother & Holding Company - Janis Joplin Stories, In-Depth Band History & New Solo Music

Welcome to The Legends Podcast by All Day Vinyl, hosted by Scott Dudelson — where iconic musicians share the untold stories behind the music that shaped generations.

In this powerful episode, Scott is joined by legendary drummer & artist Dave Getz, best known as an original member of Big Brother and the Holding Company, the groundbreaking band that forever changed the face of rock and roll alongside the incomparable Janis Joplin.

From growing up in Brooklyn and absorbing early jazz influences, to finding himself at the heart of San Francisco’s psychedelic explosion, David traces his remarkable journey through one of the most revolutionary periods in American music history. What began as a pursuit of painting at art school soon gave way to an unexpected path—one that led to packed clubs on Haight Street, cultural upheaval, and the thunderous sound of a new era being born.

David opens up about what it was like to collaborate with Janis Joplin, and how their raw, emotional chemistry fueled Big Brother’s explosive energy on stage and in the studio. He recounts the behind-the-scenes process of recording the band’s landmark album Cheap Thrills—a record that didn’t just capture a moment, but defined a generation.

Listeners will hear intimate reflections on the band’s iconic performance at the Monterey Pop Festival, their battles with the mainstream record industry, and the tension between artistic freedom and commercial pressure. David speaks candidly about the band’s highs and lows, the tragedy of Janis’s passing, and the legacy they all helped shape.

But this is more than a trip through the past—David is still creating, still pushing forward. The episode also highlights his recent solo release, Anthems, Themes, and Little Stories—an evocative collection of music that blends storytelling, poetry, and musicianship honed over a lifetime. His ongoing work as a visual artist and composer reflects a restless creative spirit that refuses to be confined to any one era or medium.

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