Metal, Hardcore, Indie, Rock
Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider has joined forces with former MTV Headbangers Ball host Riki Rachtman to launch a new heavy metal podcast titled The Ball. The show premiered on YouTube earlier this week, bringing together two familiar personalities from the history of metal television.
The collaboration reunites two figures who played important roles in introducing heavy metal to mainstream television audiences. Snider hosted MTV’s Heavy Metal Mania in 1985, a program that preceded the launch of Headbangers Ball in 1987. Rachtman later became one of the latter show’s best-known presenters, taking over hosting duties in 1990.
Their new project combines traditional podcast discussions with a filmed video format, allowing fans to watch the conversations as well as listen to them on streaming platforms.
According to Rachtman, the idea is to create an informal show that captures the personalities and experiences of its hosts without relying on heavily scripted or polished production.
The Ball is planned for availability on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. The hosts have also launched a Patreon community, giving subscribers access to advance recordings and opportunities to participate in taping sessions through a dedicated studio hotline.
The new podcast follows an earlier version of The Ball that Rachtman produced independently several years ago, handling the filming and editing himself while selecting the featured music videos and guests.
Outside of his television career, Rachtman is also known for founding the legendary Cathouse nightclub in Los Angeles, which became an important gathering place for the city’s hard rock and metal scene during the late 1980s.
For Snider, the podcast marks another creative venture following his withdrawal from Twisted Sister‘s planned 50th-anniversary reunion activities. The singer stepped away from the performances earlier this year due to health concerns, including degenerative arthritis and heart-related issues.
Despite his reduced involvement in live performances, Snider remains active in the metal community, and his new partnership with Rachtman offers an opportunity to share stories and perspectives from decades spent in the music industry.
The first episode of The Ball is available to watch on YouTube, while further information and exclusive content can be found through the show’s official Patreon page.
