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No script. No filter. No five-minute limit on trouble. Opium Western Radio is where classic rock, cold drinks, and conversation collide. The Opium Western bandmates sit down and let it...
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No script. No filter. No five-minute limit on trouble.
Opium Western Radio is where classic rock, cold drinks, and conversation collide. The Opium Western bandmates sit down and let it roll. No agenda. No green room prep. Just the kind of conversation that used to happen after the show, before everyone forgot to hit record. Expect music, opinions, cigars, the occasional argument, and a lot of laughing at things that probably shouldn't be funny.
New episodes dropping regularly. Subscribe so you don't miss it.
show less
Opium Western Radio is where classic rock, cold drinks, and conversation collide. The Opium Western bandmates sit down and let it roll. No agenda. No green room prep. Just the kind of conversation that used to happen after the show, before everyone forgot to hit record. Expect music, opinions, cigars, the occasional argument, and a lot of laughing at things that probably shouldn't be funny.
New episodes dropping regularly. Subscribe so you don't miss it.
Episodes & Posts
Episodes
Posts
13 JUL 2026 · This week on Opium Western Radio, there isn't much of an agenda—and that's exactly the point. The conversation begins with Kirk Hammett's comments about modern music before wandering through everything from vintage glam rock makeup and Naked Zoo stories to songwriting, touring, political expression, musical freedom, and what "living the good life" really means. Along the way you'll hear:
- why musicians never really take a day off
- the obsession with chasing the perfect guitar tone
- stories from the glam-rock 80s
- Brian's unforgettable "Queen City Sluts" performance
- why music often says more than words ever can
- thoughts on entertainers, politics and knowing your audience
- dreams of touring Europe with Opium Western
- what freedom actually means to lifelong musicians
- a healthy dose of completely pointless (but hilarious) "rinky-dink" conversation
No script. No filter. Just friends talking music.
Resources & Mentions
- Living the Good Life Podcast – Hosted by Kimberly Henrie
- Kirk Hammett (Metallica)
- Clive Davis
- The Police
- The Clash
- U2
- Lita Ford
- The Chicks (formerly Dixie Chicks)
- Dave Brubeck Quartet
- Humble Pie
- Peter Frampton
- Ted Nugent
- Bob Ross
- Mister Rogers
- Naked Zoo (Bryan's former band)
- Crazy Craig's Shipwreck – Kimberling City, Missouri Opium Western:
Dane Mulligan - vocals, guitar
Steve Froese - drums, vocals
Bryan Lawson - bass
OpiumWestern.com
For Booking Info: (541) 399-6878 or dane.clayton@gmail.com
Opium Western Radio produced in part by King Henrie Creative LLC.
27 JUN 2026 · In an era where the digital floodgates dump tens of thousands of new tracks onto streaming platforms every week, carving out a distinct sonic identity requires more than just standard-issue musical talent. It demands an uncompromising vision, a refusal to give up on a core sound concept, and—if you ask the members of Opium Western—a healthy dose of what they call "shared lunacy".The band—comprising frontman Dane Mulligan, drummer Steve Froese, and newly minted bassist Bryan Lawson—recently sat down on Opium Western Radio to pull back the curtain on their inner workings. Far from a standard corporate board meeting, the conversation revealed a tight-knit brotherhood of industry veterans navigating the delicate balance between high-art perfectionism and old-school, off-the-cuff grit.
Raising the Bar in a Cacophonous Market
For frontman Dane, creating music is less about casual "crafting" and more about holding oneself to a relentless, sometimes agonizing standard. "You’ve gotta keep the bar up here," Dane says, acknowledging that an artist's analytical brain can occasionally threaten to strip away the simple joy of listening.That dedication to quality is already bearing fruit. Courtesy of distributor DistroKid, Opium Western has officially made its entrance onto major streaming networks including iTunes, Spotify, Amazon, and Pandora with their exquisitely produced track, "Make Me Love You". While the band admits to being fiercely protective of their space in a crowded market—joking about their distaste for being lumped into generic genres—they look at the live stage as the ultimate arbiter of their catalog."That is the litmus test," Dane notes regarding how they select material to record. "That is the way you know if you've got something worth recording, you play these tunes... get out there and see how they go over on stage and if it clicks. If it does, go record it
."Next up on the band's tracking radar? Re-recording "Mi Vida, Mi Corazon" (a passion project deeply rooted in Dane's love for classic Mexican norteño and banda music) alongside their driving track "Over the Top".
The Architecture of the Groove
While Dane directs the sonic landscape from the front, the structural integrity of Opium Western relies heavily on its powerhouse rhythm section. For drummer Steve, the mandate is simple: keep the time rock solid and make the music feel good, drawing inspiration from studio legends like the late Jeff Porcaro of Toto and Steve Gadd.
"Lay the groove down," Steve says of his underlying philosophy.
That foundation found its missing puzzle piece with the addition of Bryan, whom Dane jokingly calls the "FNG" (f-ing new guy) thrown straight into the fire. Brian is no stranger to the grueling demands of the industry; he famously quit high school at age 16 to embark on a full-scale tour bus circuit, later spending 12 years traveling the globe as the bassist for the Osmonds.
Steve and Bryan share a deep history, having spent years cutting their teeth in various shows across the Branson strip. That shared mileage has granted the duo a rare, non-verbal telepathy on stage. "We can read each other on stage, even without a rehearsal and without reading a chart," Steve explains. "He can look at me and make some sort of signal, and I know exactly where he's going. That's called a rhythm section, man."
Spontaneity Over Fabrication
What truly anchors Opium Western's appeal is their refusal to succumb to the sterile, over-fabricated trends of the modern, laptop-dominated industry. They choose instead to do things "the old-fashioned way," leaning heavily into live chemistry and the volatile magic of the unpredictable. Whether it involves Dane throwing up his hands mid-set to launch into an impromptu "Star-Spangled Banner" or demanding a drum solo on the fly, the band actively courts the awkward, singular moments that audiences remember.
This penchant for absolute spontaneity reached hilarious heights when the band brainstormed a satirical concept for their sophomore album: The Silent Treatment. Inspired by the terrifying absolute silence reported by Apollo astronauts, the band envisioned a 10-track record of complete, un-mastered sonic bliss to take the "less is more" ethos to its logical extreme.
While The Silent Treatment might remain a brilliant inside joke for now, the band's focus is firmly fixed on the road. Though they openly fantasize about legendary bucket-list stages like Colorado's Red Rocks Amphitheatre and London's iconic Royal Albert Hall, Opium Western remains grounded in the raw, intimate club spaces where real human connection happens.
As the band prepares to map out its upcoming tour dates, they are leaving it up to the listeners to dictate the route. Fans looking to see Opium Western's shared lunacy up close can submit venue requests and voice questions directly through the show notes of the Opium Western Radio podcast.
https://opiumwestern.com
23 JUN 2026 · Oh, my gosh! Welcome! Welcome to Episode 4! Thank you so much for being here!
You guys, today’s show is so big. It is so good. We have the entire band in the house! We’ve got Dane, we’ve got Steve, and drum roll please... we have Bryan! The new guy! The FNG! He’s being thrown right into the fire!
They’re talking about stage swag, handling the crazy heat, and how they arrange songs without completely driving each other crazy. It’s so good.But seriously, it’s a total party until Steve starts eating pepperoni right into the microphone. No, I'm serious! He brought a whole charcuterie board! We talk about the telepathic voodoo of a real rhythm section, why Kid Rock might be a glorious hack, and Dane drops a bombshell—he thinks Taylor Sheridan is the Antichrist! I know! It gets wild!🎸
What’s in this episode?:
- More Humid Than Humid: The guys talk about being completely locked inside the AC, dealing with brutal summer weather, and dropping a classic White Zombie reference right out of the gate!
- The '80s Metal Vault: High school reunions, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, and the devastating Van Halen split of 1986.
- Commanding the Crowd: A debate on stage presence, why Post Malone can hold 20,000 people with just a microphone, and the raw soul it takes to truly connect with an audience.
- The Pretty-Boy Advantage: Dane and Steve admit they brought Bryan into the band for his awesome bass energy—and because his good looks distract the crowd from a "homely bunch of gits."
- Gourmet Bicycle Tires: A fun detour into steak, seafood, and the existential guilt of accidentally eating highly intelligent octopuses.
- Shared Lunacy: Brilliant band names that should have been album titles, how Ray Kroc totally stole the McDonald's empire, and a deadpan reminder from Bryan to Remember the Alamo!
🎙️ The Backstage Pass (Shout-Outs):
- The Anthems: Jeff Beck's Going Down, Iron Maiden's Hallowed Be Thy Name, Don Henley's Heart of the Matter.
- The Fuel: Price Chopper pepperoni, Boar's Head, and the band's official, totally unsponsored snack of choice: Zesta Saltines!
- The Destinations: Life-changing Mexican food in Tucumcari and Uncle Julio's in Dallas.
📢 WE NEED YOU ON TOUR!
Listen to me, you guys. The guys are setting up their tour routes right now, and they need to know where the real fans are hiding! If you are in Colorado, Memphis, or anywhere on the map, speak up! Drop a comment below and tell these guys exactly where to show up and play live!And hey, if you have a question for Dane, Steve, or Bryan, DM us a voice note with your question, or DM us on socials. They might just answer it on the next show!As Steve says, you’ve gotta be happy to listen to this show—there is zero compassionate listening happening here! We love you guys!Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!
We'll see you next week, everybody! Opium Western:
Dane Mulligan - vocals, guitar
Steve Froese - drums, vocals
Bryan Lawson - bass
OpiumWestern.com
For Booking Info: (541) 399-6878 or dane.clayton@gmail.com
Opium Western Radio produced in part by King Henrie Creative LLC.
16 JUN 2026 · Episode Summary:
The crew is back for week three, and things are getting wonderfully off the rails. With Kimberly preparing to pilot her mobile command center across state lines, Dane and Steve hold down the fort to talk about the official streaming release of their new single, "Make Me Love You". But what starts as a discussion about blues-rock chemistry, pristine venue acoustics, and legendary classic rock drum grooves quickly devolves into a brilliant, self-produced marketing breakthrough: an upcoming album featuring absolutely zero noise.From dreaming about the majestic stages of Red Rocks and Royal Albert Hall to inventing a genre-defying concept that would make Spinal Tap proud, this episode bridges the gap between old-school musical grit and pure, unscripted comedy.Key Moments & Hot Takes:
- The USS Iowa of RVs: Kimberly maps out her upcoming 15+ hour journey, proving that true leaders can run a global musical explosion from just about anywhere.
- "Make Me Love You" is Live! The band celebrates dipping their toes into the digital space via DistroKid. You can now find the track weaving its way into your favorite playlists on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon, and Pandora.
- The Struggle of the Soul: A candid look at why true artists find it so difficult to put a monetary value on something that comes straight from the soul.
- Acoustic Dreams: Dane and Steve break down what makes a venue legendary (hint: wood walls good, concrete and mirrors bad) and swap stories about crossing paths with Red Rocks Amphitheatre.
- The "Silent Treatment" Masterpiece: In an extended, unfiltered brainstorming session, the guys pitch their next boundary-pushing concept—a 10-track album of sheer, unadulterated silence. It’s visual, it’s terrifyingly quiet, and it’s completely self-produced.
- Laying the Groove: Steve pays homage to studio legends Jeff Porcaro (Toto) and Steve Gadd, breaking down what it actually means to keep the time rock-solid and stay out of the way.
- The Next Track: A sneak peek at what's next in the pipeline, including plans to cut fan-favorites like "Mi Vida, Mi Corazon" and the high-energy "Over the Top".
Look Out For:
Dane: "We’re going to put out an album with complete silence. Seriously. Ten tracks of sheer silent bliss... It's open to interpretation. It's about what you thought. What did YOU hear?"
Steve: "Silent Treatment. Yeah. Silent and deadly... I didn't hear a single mistake."
Connect with Opium Western:
- Stream the new single "Make Me Love You" on iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, and Amazon.
- Leave us a comment on the episode and let us know: What did you hear (or see) during our Silent Treatment preview? Opium Western:
Dane Mulligan - vocals, guitar
Steve Froese - drums, vocals
Bryan Lawson - bass
OpiumWestern.com
For Booking Info: (541) 399-6878 or dane.clayton@gmail.com
Opium Western Radio produced in part by King Henrie Creative LLC.
13 JUN 2026 · There is a distinct moment in every live performance where the room shifts. The crowd stops checking their phones, the casual chatter at the back of the bar fades away, and an unexplainable, electric current links the stage to the audience. On paper, we call it a successful gig. In the studio, we call it chemistry. But when you are standing under the stage lights, it goes by a much simpler name: mojo.
In the latest episode of Opium Western Radio, the band sat down to unpack exactly what goes into creating, capturing, and sustaining that elusive spark. What started as a recap of a rainy Saturday night solo show quickly turned into a masterclass on the artistic process, the intense reality of professional music, and why classic energy never goes out of style.
Filling the Melting Pot
Every musician has to get their inspiration from somewhere. As Dane beautifully put it during the episode, creating an original sound requires "going to the well". What is fascinating about a band like Opium Western is that their well is dug deep into genres that look completely different from the classic, atmospheric rock they perform on stage.When you peer into their collective musical DNA, you don't just find standard rock templates. You find the intricate, brass-heavy arrangements of Chicago, the unpredictable structures of Frank Zappa, the genre-bending technical mastery of Jeff Beck, and the complex rhythms of jazz-fusion powerhouses like Return to Forever and the Mahavishnu Orchestra.
On the surface, it sounds like an erratic mix. But as the guys explained, these influences function as a massive internal melting pot. When the band launches into a heavy jam session or a sprawling live solo, they aren't pulling from a rehearsed script. They are subconsciously pulling little nuances, syncopations, and melodic shapes from decades of deep crate-digging. That eclectic vocabulary is what keeps a performance unpredictable, layered, and entirely free from stale clichés.
The Illusion of Effortlessness
We live in a culture that loves to romanticize the life of an artist. We see a band on stage looking entirely relaxed, throwing out flawless riffs, and we assume they simply rolled out of bed with an innate gift. But Opium Western Radio pulled back the curtain on that myth with refreshing honesty.To put it bluntly: making music look effortless is an incredible amount of work."Music is effing work," Dane shared during the conversation. "Everything associated with trying to make it a profession is just a shit ton of work."There is a vast difference between being a "bedroom warrior" who plays flawlessly in total isolation and being a professional musician who is paid to deliver magic on command.
True professionalism isn't just about technical accuracy; it is the rare ability to conjure up your mojo at will, regardless of the room, the sound system, or how you feel that day. It requires rigid discipline—meticulous vocal warm-ups, repetitive finger exercises, and a relentless commitment to analyzing your own mistakes. The goal of all that backstage footwork is to build a foundation so solid that when you finally step into the spotlight, the performance can be completely free, joyful, and fluid.
The Mechanical Soul of Sound
One of the most compelling segments of the episode centered on how we consume music today. In an era dominated by hyper-compressed digital files, streaming algorithms, and tiny bluetooth speakers, the band made a passionate defense for the mechanical reproduction of sound.Sound, at its core, is purely mechanical energy. It is a physical vibration that moves through the air and physically registers within the human ear. This is exactly why vinyl records, eight-track tapes, and home-recorded cassettes continue to experience a massive resurgence. There is an organic "girth" and warmth found in analog mediums that simply cannot be replicated by digital ones and zeros.
This mechanical energy is also why live music possess such a documented, therapeutic quality. When a live band plays a four-hour set, the sound waves do something digital tracks can't mimic—they soothe, they ground, and they heal. It transforms a simple evening out into a profound energy exchange between the band and the listeners.
Deconstructing the Magic: "Make Me Love You"
Of course, a conversation about the creative process wouldn't be complete without looking at a real-world example. The band took some time to break down the origins of their track, "Make Me Love You".
The song started with a classic piece of real-life inspiration: a chance encounter with an edgy, compelling redhead at a country bar in Wichita. But while the lyrical spark came from a single moment of intense attraction, the sonic identity of the track was built in the studio through meticulous collaboration.Steve broke down how he used his formal music theory background to take Dane's initial piano demo and elevate it into something massive. Instead of settling for a predictable, top-line harmony, he introduced a dynamic call-and-response structure. By stacking the vocals into rich, three-part major scale harmonies, the band took a gritty, bluesy foundation and gave it a sweeping, cinematic depth that gives the song its unforgettable footprint.
What’s Next for Opium Western
With their engineer returning from a month-long vacation, the band is officially gearing up to step back inside the studio. They have a handful of fresh tracks in the can, a few hidden gems they are digging out of the archives to completely retrack, and an undeniable groove that promises their upcoming releases will be their strongest yet.
Until those new tracks drop, the mission remains simple: keep seeking out live music, keep dialing into the analog soul of rock 'n' roll, and most importantly, don't wait for a special occasion to celebrate. In the words of Steve, "You don't need a reason to have a party. Just have a fricking party."
Opium Western Radio is an unfiltered, unscripted look at the music and everything around it. Catch the full episode on your favorite podcast platform, and head over to opiumwestern.com to stream "Make Me Love You" today.
9 JUN 2026 · Welcome back to week two of Opium Western Radio!
This week, the guys are back in the studio with Kimberly to unpack what it really takes to transition from a "bedroom warrior" to a professional gigging musician, the timeless magic of analog energy, and the wild backstory behind their track, "Make Me Love You".Whether you're a lifelong crate-digger or a digital native, grab a glass of wine, turn up the speakers, and dive deep into the classic rock melting pot with us.
Inside The Episode:
- The Saturday Monsoons: Dane recaps his recent solo gig at the Tree House and how a sudden storm brought out the best in the local crowd.
- Going to the Well: A look inside the band's massive eclectic influences—from Chicago and Jeff Beck to Zappa and jazz-infused rock—and how those diverse sounds become the secret sauce for their jam sessions.
- The Work vs. The Play: Why making music look effortless actually requires a "shit ton of work", the grit it takes to conjure up your mojo at will, and why the best performances are a pure energy exchange with the audience.
- Mechanical Soul vs. Digital Ether: The band gets nostalgic over vinyl, eight-tracks, and home-recorded cassettes, breaking down why the human ear responds so beautifully to the mechanical, healing reproduction of sound.
- The Story Behind "Make Me Love You": Dane shares the true (and edgy) backstory of a chance encounter with a Myspace redhead at a country bar in Wichita, and Steve explains how he used his music theory background to build the track's massive, stacked vocal harmonies.
- Studio Archives & A Live Jam: The guys share an update on heading back into the studio to retrack some archive gems and wrap up the show by writing a brand-new track right on the spot.
"If it's badass and cool now, guess what? 20 or 30 years from now, it still will be. It never goes out of style." — Dane
Mentioned in this Episode:
- Artists & Tracks: Chicago (25 or 6 to 4), The Doors, Jeff Beck, Chick Corea, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Ozzy Osbourne (Crazy Train), Paul McCartney, and Kansas.
- The Gear & Nostalgia: Classic Klipschorn speakers, eight-track tapes, and the lost art of holding your finger on a cassette recorder record button.
Let's Party!
Opium Western is always on the hunt for the next great stage, and yes—they play private parties! If you have a reason to celebrate (or even if you don't), reach out to Kimbetly to get the band booked. As Steve says: "Just have a fricking party!"
Connect With Us:
- Website:
https://opiumwestern.com/
- Listen & Subscribe: Available wherever you get your podcasts.
Opium Western Radio: No script, no filter, just the music and everything around it. Opium Western:
Dane Mulligan - vocals, guitar
Steve Froese - drums, vocals
Bryan Lawson - bass
OpiumWestern.com
For Booking Info: (541) 399-6878 or dane.clayton@gmail.com
Opium Western Radio produced in part by King Henrie Creative LLC.
1 JUN 2026 · Saddle Up, Rock & Rollers: Inside the Gritty, High-Energy World of Opium Western Radio
If you think you know what to expect when you cross the state line into the legendary entertainment hub of Branson, Missouri, think again. The region might be deeply rooted in standard country and classic variety shows, but just south of town, there is a musical revolution brewing that is loud, bone-crushing, and completely unapologetic.
Welcome to the inaugural episode of *Opium Western Radio*, hosted by the charismatic Kimberly Henrie. In this premiere session, Kimberly sits down with Dane Mulligan and Steve Froese, two-thirds of the powerhouse band **Opium Western** (rounded out by their missing-in-action bandmate, Bryan Lawson) . What follows is a wild ride diving into the realities of working in a tourist town, the fascinating origins of a highly provocative band name, and the exact moment two seasoned musicians realized they had lightning in a bottle. Grab a drink, keep your hands inside the cart, and let’s unpack the best moments from the interview.
The Reality of the "Conveyor Belt" Resort TownThe interview kicks off right in the heart of "MOARK"—that unique, state-line territory blending Missouri and Arkansas. Operating primarily around Branson and Eureka Springs, Arkansas, Opium Western has a front-row seat to the modern tourist economy . When asked what they love most about local performances, Dane paints a vivid picture: *"When you work in a resort town... it’s like there’s a conveyor belt, and they are bringing people in all the time. You don’t have to go anywhere except get on stage and play."This setup eliminates the exhausting, endless driving from venue to venue that breaks so many indie bands. Instead, the world comes to them. However, it isn't always smooth sailing. The guys chat candidly about how fluctuating gas prices and a unpredictable economy act as a barometer for tourist seasons. Steve, who keeps his finger on the local pulse by working during the day at the area's Price Chopper, notes that when out-of-town driving traffic slows down, a fascinating counter-phenomenon occurs: the locals show up in droves because they are staying close to home and looking for great entertainment. Demystifying the Name: What is an "Opium Western?" Let's address the elephant in the room—and the name that stops people dead in their tracks. *"Every time somebody asks, 'What's the name of your band?' and I say 'Opium Western,' we get some sort of reaction,"* Dane laughs, joking that some look at them like they represent "Junkies United." But as Kimberly wisely points out, if you think too hard about it, you’re missing the point. It’s entirely a vibe. The name traces its roots back to Dane’s original project, *Desert Saints*, out of Phoenix and Scottsdale. When he transitioned to recording his own music, he wanted a moniker that evoked a specific cinematic aesthetic. An "Opium Western" isn't a literal drug reference; it's a subgenre of filmmaking. Much like the phrase "Spaghetti Western" was coined for gritty 1960s frontier flicks shot by Italian filmmakers, an Opium Western describes a darker, grittier, more historically accurate, and graphic depiction of the Old West. Think of movies like *Tombstone* or *Wyatt Earp*—places where empty laudanum bottles littered the streets and the atmosphere was thick with tension. Translated into their sound, it represents an earthy rock-and-roll style: picturesque, over-the-top, haunting, and deeply infused with the blues. It’s the musical equivalent of that spooky, out-of-tune piano playing in the corner of a high-stakes frontier saloon. From Military Tours to Million Dollar Quartets: Steve’s Story One of the highlights of the episode is tracing the incredible roadmap that brought drummer Steve Froese to the Opium Western lineup. Hailing from the Dallas area, Steve's professional break came in the late 1990s when he began touring with country star Penny Gilley (cousin to the legendary Mickey Gilley). With Gilley, Steve traveled the globe performing for American troops via the USO and MWR (Military Welfare and Recreation), completing multiple tours in South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Oman. A "cattle call" audition eventually lured Steve away from teaching drums in Texas and brought him straight to Branson’s RFD Theater. Once in town, his versatility exploded. Steve became a first-call drummer for the area's top productions, playing in the local Eagles Tribute show, *Red Hot 'n' Blue*, Bill Haley's original *Comets*, Jay Osmond, and the critically acclaimed *Million Dollar Quartet* . He even casually drops the fact that *The Brady Bunch* star Barry Williams ("Greg Brady") is a close personal friend. But while show-town gigs require a disciplined, polished frame of mind, Steve was itching to let the animal out of the cage. He wanted bone-crushing, unapologetic rock. In 2017, a mutual drummer friend put him in touch with Dane Mulligan—and the rest is history . The Seminal Moment: April 7th, 2018 Every great band has a breakthrough moment where the stars align and the musicians realize they are part of something bigger than themselves. For Opium Western, that moment happened on a crowded night at Waxy O'Shea's on the Branson Landing. Dane recalls setting up for the gig feeling absolutely petrified. It was still the dinner hour, and patrons' dinner plates were mere feet from the band's massive speakers. But as the night progressed and the dinner crowd transitioned into party mode, the magic happened. They launched into their second set, engineered specifically to get people moving. Steve’s incredible background as an *entertainer*—not just a technical musician—meant he knew exactly how to drive a crowd and command a room. As Dane describes it, Steve didn't just keep time; *"he can swing that beat like a giant-ass barn door." Midway through the set, surrounded by a lively crowd featuring two separate bachelorette parties, Opium Western fired up "Sex on Fire" by the Kings of Leon. When the chorus hit, something unprecedented happened: the entire room of 100-plus people began screaming the lyrics back to the stage in unison. "I’d never experienced that in my life,"* Dane admits. *"I was so shocked that I stopped playing for a second. Then I realized... if I stop, we're pretty well effed!" The crowd was so intensely locked into the band's danceable rock energy that they literally refused to let the guys take a break, forcing them to play straight through multiple extra songs while the band begged for water. It was the definitive proof that Dane’s fertile creative imagination and Steve’s powerhouse showmanship had locked together seamlessly.What’s Next for Opium Western? Opium Western is stepping out of the shadow of standard covers and diving headfirst into writing, recording, and producing their own original music—tracks like "Make Me Love U" that perfectly preserve that classic rock, blues-infused spine. They aren't your traditional cowboy-hat-wearing country act, even if they occasionally tip their hats to Willie Nelson. They are a living, breathing rock-and-roll spectacle designed to keep you dancing. If Episode 1 of *Opium Western Radio* is any indicator, this podcast is going to be just like their live shows: unpredictable, fiercely entertaining, and a hell of a lot of fun. Be sure to tune in next time, and if you ever find yourself near Branson, go look for the guys swinging the biggest musical barn door in the Midwest. Have you caught an Opium Western show yet? What’s your favorite track from their set? Let us know in the comments below!*
31 MAY 2026 · Welcome to Opium Western Radio. In this first episode, Dane Mulligan and Steve Froese sit down with Kimberly Henrie to introduce themselves, the band, and the podcast. Two musicians with decades of stories between them — from USO tours in Korea to Bill Haley's original Comets to the night at Waxie O'Shea's that proved Opium Western was something real. This is where it starts.
TIMESTAMPS
[00:00] Welcome to Opium Western Radio
[00:01] Introductions — Dane Mulligan, Steve Froese, and Bryan Lawson
[00:02] Playing resort towns — the Branson conveyor belt
[00:04] How long has Opium Western been a band?
[00:05] What the name Opium Western actually means
[00:07] Spaghetti Westerns, Tombstone, and the gritty Western vibe
[00:08] Rock vs. Western — what kind of band are they really?
[00:09] The blues element — and the haunted piano in the corner
[00:10] Steve's background — Penny Gilley, USO tours, Korea
[00:13] Bill Haley's Comets, Barry Williams, Jay Osmond, and the road to Opium Western
[00:14] How Dane and Steve found each other
[00:15] The night at Waxie O'Shea's that changed everything
[00:16] Making people dance to classic rock — why it matters
[00:18] The difference between a musician and an entertainer
[00:19] Playing to an audience of one
[00:23] How Dane and Steve play off each other on stage
[00:24] Steve's Kiss origin story — the Paul Lynde Halloween Special, 1976
[00:27] Dane playing guitar and bass simultaneously — how and why
[00:29] Make Me Love You — how it came together
[00:32] People talk with their feet — how to read a room
[00:33] What future episodes will look like
[00:35] Where to find Opium Western live
[00:36] Make Me Love You — the Easter eggs, the Jesus Christ Superstar line, and the Roxanne moment
[00:39] More music coming — Over the Top, Dwight Yoakam, and the full album plan
[00:41] Bryan Lawson preview — and why you should come back for Episode 002
TOPICS COVERED
Origins of Opium Western — the name, the concept, the band
Playing resort towns and tourist destinations
The danceable element of classic rock — Hendrix, Zeppelin, and groove
Steve's career — USO tours, Branson tribute shows, professional musicianship
The difference between a musician and an entertainer
Playing to an audience of one — connecting personally at scale
Dane playing guitar and bass simultaneously
Make Me Love U — the recording process, Easter eggs, and spontaneous moments
Reading a room and playing to the audience
What's coming — more music, the full album, and Bryan Lawson
LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED
Opium Western — http://opiumwestern.com
Make Me Love U — available on YouTube
Waxy O'Shea's, Branson Landing — the gig that started it all
Mansion Studios — recording studio used for Opium Western
Chris Omardian — producer/engineer (son of Michael Omardian, Steely Dan)
Penny Gilley — country artist, cousin of Mickey Gilley; Steve's early touring connection
Bill Haley's Comets — Steve performed with original members in Branson
Paul Lynde Halloween Special,
1976 — Steve's first Kiss experience
The White Stripes / Jack White — inspiration for Dane's guitar and bass approach Opium Western:
Dane Mulligan - vocals, guitar
Steve Froese - drums, vocals
Bryan Lawson - bass
OpiumWestern.com
For Booking Info: (541) 399-6878 or dane.clayton@gmail.com
Opium Western Radio produced in part by King Henrie Creative LLC.
29 MAY 2026 · No script. No filter. No five-minute limit on trouble. Opium Western Radio is where classic rock, cold drinks, and conversation collide. The Opium Western bandmates sit down and let it roll. No agenda. No green room prep. Just the kind of conversation that used to happen after the show, before everyone forgot to hit record. Expect music, opinions, cigars, the occasional argument, and a lot of laughing at things that probably shouldn't be funny. New episodes dropping regularly. Subscribe so you don't miss it. Opium Western:
Dane Mulligan - vocals, guitar
Steve Froese - drums, vocals
Bryan Lawson - bass
OpiumWestern.com
For Booking Info: (541) 399-6878 or dane.clayton@gmail.com
Opium Western Radio produced in part by King Henrie Creative LLC.
No script. No filter. No five-minute limit on trouble. Opium Western Radio is where classic rock, cold drinks, and conversation collide. The Opium Western bandmates sit down and let it...
show more
No script. No filter. No five-minute limit on trouble.
Opium Western Radio is where classic rock, cold drinks, and conversation collide. The Opium Western bandmates sit down and let it roll. No agenda. No green room prep. Just the kind of conversation that used to happen after the show, before everyone forgot to hit record. Expect music, opinions, cigars, the occasional argument, and a lot of laughing at things that probably shouldn't be funny.
New episodes dropping regularly. Subscribe so you don't miss it.
show less
Opium Western Radio is where classic rock, cold drinks, and conversation collide. The Opium Western bandmates sit down and let it roll. No agenda. No green room prep. Just the kind of conversation that used to happen after the show, before everyone forgot to hit record. Expect music, opinions, cigars, the occasional argument, and a lot of laughing at things that probably shouldn't be funny.
New episodes dropping regularly. Subscribe so you don't miss it.
Information
| Author | Opium Western |
| Organization | Opium Western |
| Categories | Performing Arts , Music Interviews , Music Commentary |
| Website | - |
| kinghenriecreative@gmail.com |
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