July 14, 2023

S2 - E21 - VINCE BARNHILL - The Story of Universal Rehearsal Studios & The Heartbeat of Local Rock & Roll

S2 - E21 - VINCE BARNHILL - The Story of Universal Rehearsal Studios & The Heartbeat of Local Rock & Roll

Highlights of the Show:

  1. An in-depth interview with Vince Barnhill, the force behind Universal Rehearsal, a 24/7 hub that has nurtured iconic bands and artists including Pantera, Drowning Pool, The Toadies, Reverend Horton Heat, The Dixie Chicks, and Miranda Lambert. Just to name a few.
  2. Unveiling the history of Universal Rehearsal, birthed from the ashes of an office space used as a drum studio and transformed into an unparalleled rehearsal space for the music industry.
  3. Diving into the vibrant DFW Rock & Metal scene of yesteryears and the influence of Universal Rehearsal in honing many national acts and local bands.
  4. Exploring the importance of preparation in the music industry, with insights on how national acts have utilized Universal Rehearsal for comprehensive pre-tour preparations.
  5. Discovering the stories of memorable encounters with legends like Slash from Guns N' Roses and Lance Lopez, along with the success stories of bands like The Toadies.

Episode Description: In this electrifying episode of 'Common Cents The Podcast', we sit down with Vince Barnhill, the visionary behind Universal Rehearsal, a groundbreaking 24/7 rehearsal space that's sculpted the sound and trajectory of countless iconic bands and artists. Vince's journey, from working at a Christian Gift Company to creating a music sanctuary, is a testament to the power of resilience and vision.

We turn back the clock to revisit the thriving DFW Rock & Metal scene and understand how Universal Rehearsal became a platform for legendary acts to perfect their craft. From intricate light shows to synchronized choreography, Vince has provided an invaluable platform for meticulous pre-tour preparations.

However, the heart of Universal Rehearsal isn't just rehearsal rooms and stages. It's the vibrant community that Vince has nurtured with respect and dedication. From treating superstars like Jason Newstead of Metallica as equals to fostering a harmonious atmosphere amongst fans and artists, Vince's approach has been integral to Universal Rehearsal's popularity and success.

Hold on to your headphones as Vince regales us with tales of his chance encounter with Slash, his admiration for the virtuosity of Lance Lopez, and the electrifying experience of The Toadies' reunion show at Possum Kingdom. We also explore the remarkable camaraderie within the music community at Universal Rehearsal, highlighting instances of collective action and unexpected jam sessions.

Tune into this episode of 'Common Cents The Podcast' and get ready to embark on a journey through time, music, and the indomitable spirit of rock 'n' roll with Vince Barnhill. This is one episode you don't want to miss!