DIAMOND CAST:

Go behind the scenes with Diamond Black, the dark rock band fronted by Ben Christo (The Sisters of Mercy), as they pull back the curtain on their creative journey. From songwriting secrets and recording sessions to the music industry’s hidden truths, Diamond Cast is where heavy riffs meet deep conversations. Join Ben, Adam, and Vincent as they discuss the stories behind the music, their influences, the highs and lows of band life, and the anthems that guide them through the darkness. Featuring special guests, fan Q&As, and uncensored banter, this podcast is more than just music—it's a community. New episodes every week. Tune in, turn it up, and let Diamond Cast guide you.

This week on Diamond Cast, we're talking about something younger music fans may never fully experience again: Buying an entire album based on a single song. Before streaming, playlists and algorithms, discovering music often meant taking a leap of faith. You'd hear one track on the radio, on MTV, in a film or from a friend... and then spend your hard-earned money on an album hoping the rest was just as good. We discuss the albums that paid off, the albums that surprised us, and the records whose deep cuts ended up being even better than the singles. Along the way we talk about The Pixies, Garbage, Babylon Zoo, Social Distortion, Marilyn Manson, W.A.S.P., The Lemon Twigs, discovering artists through remixes, hidden tracks, album sequencing, and the unique power music has to transport us back to a specific moment in our lives. 00:00 – Intro 00:48 – This week's topic: buying albums based on one song 01:38 – Natalie: Wave of Mutilation & The Pixies 09:05 – Southland Tales, The Pixies & unexpected connections 09:32 – Adam: Version 2.0 by Garbage 11:35 – Ben: Babylon Zoo & The Boy With The X-Ray Eyes 13:34 – Discovering bands through remixes 20:54 – Albums where the deep cuts beat the singles 23:20 – The Offspring & Pretty Fly (For A White Guy) 26:55 – How music transports us through time 32:13 – Natalie: White Light, White Heat, White Trash 33:12 – How do we actually listen to albums? 41:52 – Adam's pick: Mechanical Animals 48:44 – Natalie's pick: The Crimson Idol 54:29 – Adam's pick: Everything Harmony ************************************************ Join the Diamond Black Community: Support the band and get an extra 15 minutes of Diamond Cast every week on Patreon: Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/DiamondBlackOfficial YouTube Memberships – Join via the “Join” button on our channel Merch – https://diamondblackofficial.com/store Bandcamp – https://diamondblack.bandcamp.com Listen to Diamond Black: Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/5APKOSAXQZh2Kv46TnvEVG Apple Music – Search “Diamond Black” Follow us: Instagram & Facebook – @diamondblackofficial X (Twitter) – @dmondblk ************************************************ Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/DiamondBlackOfficial Join the Discord: https://discord.gg/N5t8ueajMJ Merch: https://diamondblackofficial.com/store/ Bandcamp: https://diamondblack.bandcamp.com/ Listen on Spotify, Apple & all major platforms ************************************************ Join our lovely DIAMOND BATS on YouTube in the live-chat! Please ‘like’ the video if you enjoyed it, and leave a comment too as it really helps the band get more views and get spread around Youtube! We really appreciate all the support! DIAMOND BLACK MERCH - www.diamondblackofficial.com/store Ben - @benchristomusic Adam - @adamhartist Vincent - @vincentvdrums Natalie - @diamondblacksnaps Instagram - @diamondblackofficial Facebook - @diamondblackofficial X - @dmondblk Email us! mail@diamondblackofficial.com

This week on Diamond Cast, we're talking about something younger music fans may never fully experience again:

Buying an entire album based on a single song.

Before streaming, playlists and algorithms, discovering music often meant taking a leap of faith. You'd hear one track on the radio, on MTV, in a film or from a friend... and then spend your hard-earned money on an album hoping the rest was just as good.

We discuss the albums that paid off, the albums that surprised us, and the records whose deep cuts ended up being even better than the singles.

Along the way we talk about The Pixies, Garbage, Babylon Zoo, Social Distortion, Marilyn Manson, W.A.S.P., The Lemon Twigs, discovering artists through remixes, hidden tracks, album sequencing, and the unique power music has to transport us back to a specific moment in our lives.

00:00 – Intro
00:48 – This week's topic: buying albums based on one song
01:38 – Natalie: Wave of Mutilation & The Pixies
09:05 – Southland Tales, The Pixies & unexpected connections
09:32 – Adam: Version 2.0 by Garbage
11:35 – Ben: Babylon Zoo & The Boy With The X-Ray Eyes
13:34 – Discovering bands through remixes
20:54 – Albums where the deep cuts beat the singles
23:20 – The Offspring & Pretty Fly (For A White Guy)
26:55 – How music transports us through time
32:13 – Natalie: White Light, White Heat, White Trash
33:12 – How do we actually listen to albums?
41:52 – Adam's pick: Mechanical Animals
48:44 – Natalie's pick: The Crimson Idol
54:29 – Adam's pick: Everything Harmony

************************************************

Join the Diamond Black Community:

Support the band and get an extra 15 minutes of Diamond Cast every week on Patreon:
Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/DiamondBlackOfficial

YouTube Memberships – Join via the “Join” button on our channel
Merch – https://diamondblackofficial.com/store

Bandcamp – https://diamondblack.bandcamp.com

Listen to Diamond Black:
Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/5APKOSAXQZh2Kv46TnvEVG
Apple Music – Search “Diamond Black”

Follow us:
Instagram & Facebook – @diamondblackofficial
X (Twitter) – @dmondblk

************************************************

Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/DiamondBlackOfficial
Join the Discord: https://discord.gg/N5t8ueajMJ

Merch: https://diamondblackofficial.com/store/
Bandcamp: https://diamondblack.bandcamp.com/
Listen on Spotify, Apple & all major platforms

************************************************

Join our lovely DIAMOND BATS on YouTube in the live-chat!

Please ‘like’ the video if you enjoyed it, and leave a comment too as it really helps the band get more views and get spread around Youtube! We really appreciate all the support!

DIAMOND BLACK MERCH - www.diamondblackofficial.com/store

Ben - @benchristomusic
Adam - @adamhartist
Vincent - @vincentvdrums
Natalie - @diamondblacksnaps
Instagram - @diamondblackofficial
Facebook - @diamondblackofficial
X - @dmondblk

Email us! mail@diamondblackofficial.com

10 3

YouTube Video VVU0Q01lalc0Q01rUE9fWkpBeVBpVHlBLmV0Nm15Y0Z4eGl3

The Lost Art of Taking a Chance on an Album | Diamond Cast 074

Diamond Black June 7, 2026 7:00 pm

This week on Diamond Cast, we’re pulling back the curtain on the huge amount of work that happens behind the scenes in a modern independent band. From editing Diamond Cast episodes and fixing websites, to building EPKs, managing merch, touring logistics, customs paperwork, and surviving endless service stations — we dive into everything the audience doesn’t usually see. We also talk about: – The realities of touring with The Sisters of Mercy – The hidden costs of live shows – What a carnet actually is – Developing routines on tour – Our different roles within Diamond Black Along the way we somehow end up discussing He-Man, action figures, and moral messaging in media. Plus: a small mental health tip that genuinely helps us — practising gratitude. 00:00 – Intro 00:36 – The first day of summer in the UK 06:08 – Diamond Black action figures & He-Man discussion 12:01 – Moral messaging in media 15:40 – This week’s topic: the work behind the scenes 17:01 – What fans never see 18:50 – Editing Diamond Cast & fixing websites 21:16 – Building our EPK 25:46 – Our daily work routine 29:34 – Touring with The Sisters of Mercy 31:51 – Ben’s customs disaster story 34:24 – What is a carnet? 36:18 – The real cost of touring 37:53 – Learning to love service stations 42:30 – The challenge of routines on tour 46:47 – Our different roles while touring 51:10 – Mental health tip: practising gratitude ************************************************ Join the Diamond Black Community: Support the band and get an extra 15 minutes of Diamond Cast every week on Patreon: Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/DiamondBlackOfficial YouTube Memberships – Join via the “Join” button on our channel Merch – https://diamondblackofficial.com/store Bandcamp – https://diamondblack.bandcamp.com Listen to Diamond Black: Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/5APKOSAXQZh2Kv46TnvEVG Apple Music – Search “Diamond Black” Follow us: Instagram & Facebook – @diamondblackofficial X (Twitter) – @dmondblk ************************************************ Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/DiamondBlackOfficial Join the Discord: https://discord.gg/N5t8ueajMJ Merch: https://diamondblackofficial.com/store/ Bandcamp: https://diamondblack.bandcamp.com/ Listen on Spotify, Apple & all major platforms ************************************************ Join our lovely DIAMOND BATS on YouTube in the live-chat! Please ‘like’ the video if you enjoyed it, and leave a comment too as it really helps the band get more views and get spread around Youtube! We really appreciate all the support! DIAMOND BLACK MERCH - www.diamondblackofficial.com/store Ben - @benchristomusic Adam - @adamhartist Vincent - @vincentvdrums Natalie - @diamondblacksnaps Instagram - @diamondblackofficial Facebook - @diamondblackofficial X - @dmondblk Email us! mail@diamondblackofficial.com

This week on Diamond Cast, we’re pulling back the curtain on the huge amount of work that happens behind the scenes in a modern independent band.

From editing Diamond Cast episodes and fixing websites, to building EPKs, managing merch, touring logistics, customs paperwork, and surviving endless service stations — we dive into everything the audience doesn’t usually see.

We also talk about:
– The realities of touring with The Sisters of Mercy
– The hidden costs of live shows
– What a carnet actually is
– Developing routines on tour
– Our different roles within Diamond Black

Along the way we somehow end up discussing He-Man, action figures, and moral messaging in media.

Plus: a small mental health tip that genuinely helps us — practising gratitude.

00:00 – Intro
00:36 – The first day of summer in the UK
06:08 – Diamond Black action figures & He-Man discussion
12:01 – Moral messaging in media
15:40 – This week’s topic: the work behind the scenes
17:01 – What fans never see
18:50 – Editing Diamond Cast & fixing websites
21:16 – Building our EPK
25:46 – Our daily work routine
29:34 – Touring with The Sisters of Mercy
31:51 – Ben’s customs disaster story
34:24 – What is a carnet?
36:18 – The real cost of touring
37:53 – Learning to love service stations
42:30 – The challenge of routines on tour
46:47 – Our different roles while touring
51:10 – Mental health tip: practising gratitude

************************************************

Join the Diamond Black Community:

Support the band and get an extra 15 minutes of Diamond Cast every week on Patreon:
Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/DiamondBlackOfficial

YouTube Memberships – Join via the “Join” button on our channel
Merch – https://diamondblackofficial.com/store

Bandcamp – https://diamondblack.bandcamp.com

Listen to Diamond Black:
Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/5APKOSAXQZh2Kv46TnvEVG
Apple Music – Search “Diamond Black”

Follow us:
Instagram & Facebook – @diamondblackofficial
X (Twitter) – @dmondblk

************************************************

Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/DiamondBlackOfficial
Join the Discord: https://discord.gg/N5t8ueajMJ

Merch: https://diamondblackofficial.com/store/
Bandcamp: https://diamondblack.bandcamp.com/
Listen on Spotify, Apple & all major platforms

************************************************

Join our lovely DIAMOND BATS on YouTube in the live-chat!

Please ‘like’ the video if you enjoyed it, and leave a comment too as it really helps the band get more views and get spread around Youtube! We really appreciate all the support!

DIAMOND BLACK MERCH - www.diamondblackofficial.com/store

Ben - @benchristomusic
Adam - @adamhartist
Vincent - @vincentvdrums
Natalie - @diamondblacksnaps
Instagram - @diamondblackofficial
Facebook - @diamondblackofficial
X - @dmondblk

Email us! mail@diamondblackofficial.com

13 5

YouTube Video VVU0Q01lalc0Q01rUE9fWkpBeVBpVHlBLlRqVkctaWtmSDZN

The Reality of Life Behind the Scenes in a Band | Diamond Cast 073

Diamond Black May 24, 2026 7:00 pm

This week on Diamond Cast, we’re talking about identity — in music, in art, and in the instruments we carry with us for years. Ben’s long-lost guitar has finally returned, which sparks a wider conversation about why certain guitars become deeply personal and tied to creativity itself. We also discuss dream guest guitarists, the artists who continue to influence our songwriting, and how identity is explored through films like The Cable Guy, The Fisher King, and the work of Andy Kaufman. Along the way, Natalie goes on a passionate rant about Enduring Love, and Ben shares more details about his university songwriting lectures — including thoughts on formal music education, practice, performance, and whether there’s actually a “correct” way to hold a guitar pick. A thoughtful and surprisingly wide-ranging episode about art, performance, and the strange things that shape us creatively. 00:00 – Intro 00:34 – Welcome to the Black Charade 02:29 – Ben’s long-lost guitar returns 05:40 – Why instruments become part of our identity 07:53 – Dream guest guitarists 13:43 – The artists who stay with us creatively 16:12 – Natalie’s Enduring Love rant 20:42 – Identity in art: The Cable Guy, Andy Kaufman & The Fisher King 26:18 – Update on Ben’s university songwriting lectures 31:15 – Inside Ben’s songwriting class 35:25 – Is there a “correct” way to hold a pick? 38:50 – Formal lessons vs teaching yourself 42:35 – Does performing arts school help or hinder? 45:33 – Practice makes perfect? 47:18 – Performing in lecture rooms vs onstage ************************************************ Join the Diamond Black Community: Support the band and get an extra 15 minutes of Diamond Cast every week on Patreon: Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/DiamondBlackOfficial YouTube Memberships – Join via the “Join” button on our channel Merch – https://diamondblackofficial.com/store Bandcamp – https://diamondblack.bandcamp.com Listen to Diamond Black: Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/5APKOSAXQZh2Kv46TnvEVG Apple Music – Search “Diamond Black” Follow us: Instagram & Facebook – @diamondblackofficial X (Twitter) – @dmondblk ************************************************ Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/DiamondBlackOfficial Join the Discord: https://discord.gg/N5t8ueajMJ Merch: https://diamondblackofficial.com/store/ Bandcamp: https://diamondblack.bandcamp.com/ Listen on Spotify, Apple & all major platforms ************************************************ Join our lovely DIAMOND BATS on YouTube in the live-chat! Please ‘like’ the video if you enjoyed it, and leave a comment too as it really helps the band get more views and get spread around Youtube! We really appreciate all the support! DIAMOND BLACK MERCH - www.diamondblackofficial.com/store Ben - @benchristomusic Adam - @adamhartist Vincent - @vincentvdrums Natalie - @diamondblacksnaps Instagram - @diamondblackofficial Facebook - @diamondblackofficial X - @dmondblk Email us! mail@diamondblackofficial.com

This week on Diamond Cast, we’re talking about identity — in music, in art, and in the instruments we carry with us for years.

Ben’s long-lost guitar has finally returned, which sparks a wider conversation about why certain guitars become deeply personal and tied to creativity itself. We also discuss dream guest guitarists, the artists who continue to influence our songwriting, and how identity is explored through films like The Cable Guy, The Fisher King, and the work of Andy Kaufman.

Along the way, Natalie goes on a passionate rant about Enduring Love, and Ben shares more details about his university songwriting lectures — including thoughts on formal music education, practice, performance, and whether there’s actually a “correct” way to hold a guitar pick.
A thoughtful and surprisingly wide-ranging episode about art, performance, and the strange things that shape us creatively.

00:00 – Intro
00:34 – Welcome to the Black Charade
02:29 – Ben’s long-lost guitar returns
05:40 – Why instruments become part of our identity
07:53 – Dream guest guitarists
13:43 – The artists who stay with us creatively
16:12 – Natalie’s Enduring Love rant
20:42 – Identity in art: The Cable Guy, Andy Kaufman & The Fisher King
26:18 – Update on Ben’s university songwriting lectures
31:15 – Inside Ben’s songwriting class
35:25 – Is there a “correct” way to hold a pick?
38:50 – Formal lessons vs teaching yourself
42:35 – Does performing arts school help or hinder?
45:33 – Practice makes perfect?
47:18 – Performing in lecture rooms vs onstage

************************************************

Join the Diamond Black Community:

Support the band and get an extra 15 minutes of Diamond Cast every week on Patreon:
Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/DiamondBlackOfficial

YouTube Memberships – Join via the “Join” button on our channel
Merch – https://diamondblackofficial.com/store

Bandcamp – https://diamondblack.bandcamp.com

Listen to Diamond Black:
Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/5APKOSAXQZh2Kv46TnvEVG
Apple Music – Search “Diamond Black”

Follow us:
Instagram & Facebook – @diamondblackofficial
X (Twitter) – @dmondblk

************************************************

Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/DiamondBlackOfficial
Join the Discord: https://discord.gg/N5t8ueajMJ

Merch: https://diamondblackofficial.com/store/
Bandcamp: https://diamondblack.bandcamp.com/
Listen on Spotify, Apple & all major platforms

************************************************

Join our lovely DIAMOND BATS on YouTube in the live-chat!

Please ‘like’ the video if you enjoyed it, and leave a comment too as it really helps the band get more views and get spread around Youtube! We really appreciate all the support!

DIAMOND BLACK MERCH - www.diamondblackofficial.com/store

Ben - @benchristomusic
Adam - @adamhartist
Vincent - @vincentvdrums
Natalie - @diamondblacksnaps
Instagram - @diamondblackofficial
Facebook - @diamondblackofficial
X - @dmondblk

Email us! mail@diamondblackofficial.com

14 3

YouTube Video VVU0Q01lalc0Q01rUE9fWkpBeVBpVHlBLjVjV0YwTDRoS2o0

Songwriting, Identity & Ben’s Long-Lost Guitar Returns | Diamond Cast 072

Diamond Black May 17, 2026 7:00 pm

This week on Diamond Cast, we somehow end up deep in the psychology of school pencil cases, lunchboxes, band logos scribbled on bags, alternative fashion rebellion and the bizarre social hierarchies of growing up in the UK. We also answer your questions about the future of Diamond Black, whether bands should keep going forever, artists growing older, Iron Maiden, Meat Loaf, AC/DC, and how modern rock music approaches mental health and emotional struggle differently than it used to. Plus: – Adam finds vintage STAR SCREAM merch in the garage – School tie rebellion explained – Why carrying a sports bag could ruin your social life – Through The Misery’s original title – The strange rules of being “cool” at school – And a Patreon bonus segment involving “The Devil’s Flaming Hoof”... ************************************************ Join the Diamond Black Community: Support the band and get an extra 15 minutes of Diamond Cast every week on Patreon: Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/DiamondBlackOfficial YouTube Memberships – Join via the “Join” button on our channel Merch – https://diamondblackofficial.com/store Bandcamp – https://diamondblack.bandcamp.com Listen to Diamond Black: Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/5APKOSAXQZh2Kv46TnvEVG Apple Music – Search “Diamond Black” Follow us: Instagram & Facebook – @diamondblackofficial X (Twitter) – @dmondblk ************************************************ Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/DiamondBlackOfficial Join the Discord: https://discord.gg/N5t8ueajMJ Merch: https://diamondblackofficial.com/store/ Bandcamp: https://diamondblack.bandcamp.com/ Listen on Spotify, Apple & all major platforms ************************************************ Join our lovely DIAMOND BATS on YouTube in the live-chat! Please ‘like’ the video if you enjoyed it, and leave a comment too as it really helps the band get more views and get spread around Youtube! We really appreciate all the support! DIAMOND BLACK MERCH - www.diamondblackofficial.com/store Ben - @benchristomusic Adam - @adamhartist Vincent - @vincentvdrums Natalie - @diamondblacksnaps Instagram - @diamondblackofficial Facebook - @diamondblackofficial X - @dmondblk Email us! mail@diamondblackofficial.com

This week on Diamond Cast, we somehow end up deep in the psychology of school pencil cases, lunchboxes, band logos scribbled on bags, alternative fashion rebellion and the bizarre social hierarchies of growing up in the UK.

We also answer your questions about the future of Diamond Black, whether bands should keep going forever, artists growing older, Iron Maiden, Meat Loaf, AC/DC, and how modern rock music approaches mental health and emotional struggle differently than it used to.

Plus:
– Adam finds vintage STAR SCREAM merch in the garage
– School tie rebellion explained
– Why carrying a sports bag could ruin your social life
– Through The Misery’s original title
– The strange rules of being “cool” at school
– And a Patreon bonus segment involving “The Devil’s Flaming Hoof”...

************************************************

Join the Diamond Black Community:

Support the band and get an extra 15 minutes of Diamond Cast every week on Patreon:
Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/DiamondBlackOfficial

YouTube Memberships – Join via the “Join” button on our channel
Merch – https://diamondblackofficial.com/store

Bandcamp – https://diamondblack.bandcamp.com

Listen to Diamond Black:
Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/5APKOSAXQZh2Kv46TnvEVG
Apple Music – Search “Diamond Black”

Follow us:
Instagram & Facebook – @diamondblackofficial
X (Twitter) – @dmondblk

************************************************

Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/DiamondBlackOfficial
Join the Discord: https://discord.gg/N5t8ueajMJ

Merch: https://diamondblackofficial.com/store/
Bandcamp: https://diamondblack.bandcamp.com/
Listen on Spotify, Apple & all major platforms

************************************************

Join our lovely DIAMOND BATS on YouTube in the live-chat!

Please ‘like’ the video if you enjoyed it, and leave a comment too as it really helps the band get more views and get spread around Youtube! We really appreciate all the support!

DIAMOND BLACK MERCH - www.diamondblackofficial.com/store

Ben - @benchristomusic
Adam - @adamhartist
Vincent - @vincentvdrums
Natalie - @diamondblacksnaps
Instagram - @diamondblackofficial
Facebook - @diamondblackofficial
X - @dmondblk

Email us! mail@diamondblackofficial.com

14 3

YouTube Video VVU0Q01lalc0Q01rUE9fWkpBeVBpVHlBLkNrQ0U3b3VIRTlR

Why School Was Basically Tribal Warfare & Mental Health in Rock Music | Diamond Cast 071

Diamond Black May 10, 2026 7:00 pm

This week on Diamond Cast, we cover a lot of ground — from AC/DC & Iron Maiden and life on tour to a bigger question: Who actually gets to define rock music? We talk about Ben being out on tour with Ricky Warwick, meeting Jacoby Shaddix, and some classic AC/DC discussions (including the important question… what’s in Angus Young’s satchel?). From there, we dive into: – Iron Maiden being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame – Whether awards and institutions really matter – Who defines genres and cultural influence – The idea of naming the sound Diamond Black is creating We also get into festivals, Eurovision (yes, really), talent shows, and the strange world of music industry recognition. Plus: new merch, upcoming shows, and a Patreon preview where Ben shares his story of appearing on a TV talent show. 00:00 – Intro 00:35 – Welcome 01:19 – Ben on tour with Ricky Warwick & AC/DC talk 02:57 – What’s in Angus Young’s satchel? 07:05 – Ignoring the naysayers 13:08 – Hanging out with Jacoby Shaddix 16:04 – New merch alert 18:36 – Jack In The Green & Hastings bike run 20:58 – Festivals: too hot or too wet? 26:16 – Iron Maiden & the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 31:20 – Who defines rock music? 37:03 – The most influential bands in culture 39:45 – Naming the Diamond Black sound 42:11 – Other Rock Hall inductees 45:50 – Eurovision: our thoughts 49:46 – Ben wrote a song for Eurovision 52:03 – Upcoming shows we're attending 54:20 – Do music awards matter? 56:05 – Talent shows: good or bad? 01:03:59 – Patreon preview: Ben’s talent show story ************************************************ Join the Diamond Black Community: Support the band and get an extra 15 minutes of Diamond Cast every week on Patreon: Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/DiamondBlackOfficial YouTube Memberships – Join via the “Join” button on our channel Merch – https://diamondblackofficial.com/store Bandcamp – https://diamondblack.bandcamp.com Listen to Diamond Black: Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/5APKOSAXQZh2Kv46TnvEVG Apple Music – Search “Diamond Black” Follow us: Instagram & Facebook – @diamondblackofficial X (Twitter) – @dmondblk ************************************************ Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/DiamondBlackOfficial Join the Discord: https://discord.gg/N5t8ueajMJ Merch: https://diamondblackofficial.com/store/ Bandcamp: https://diamondblack.bandcamp.com/ Listen on Spotify, Apple & all major platforms ************************************************ Join our lovely DIAMOND BATS on YouTube in the live-chat! Please ‘like’ the video if you enjoyed it, and leave a comment too as it really helps the band get more views and get spread around Youtube! We really appreciate all the support! DIAMOND BLACK MERCH - www.diamondblackofficial.com/store Ben - @benchristomusic Adam - @adamhartist Vincent - @vincentvdrums Natalie - @diamondblacksnaps Instagram - @diamondblackofficial Facebook - @diamondblackofficial X - @dmondblk Email us! mail@diamondblackofficial.com

This week on Diamond Cast, we cover a lot of ground — from AC/DC & Iron Maiden and life on tour to a bigger question:

Who actually gets to define rock music?

We talk about Ben being out on tour with Ricky Warwick, meeting Jacoby Shaddix, and some classic AC/DC discussions (including the important question… what’s in Angus Young’s satchel?).

From there, we dive into:
– Iron Maiden being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
– Whether awards and institutions really matter
– Who defines genres and cultural influence
– The idea of naming the sound Diamond Black is creating

We also get into festivals, Eurovision (yes, really), talent shows, and the strange world of music industry recognition.

Plus: new merch, upcoming shows, and a Patreon preview where Ben shares his story of appearing on a TV talent show.

00:00 – Intro
00:35 – Welcome
01:19 – Ben on tour with Ricky Warwick & AC/DC talk
02:57 – What’s in Angus Young’s satchel?
07:05 – Ignoring the naysayers
13:08 – Hanging out with Jacoby Shaddix
16:04 – New merch alert
18:36 – Jack In The Green & Hastings bike run
20:58 – Festivals: too hot or too wet?
26:16 – Iron Maiden & the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
31:20 – Who defines rock music?
37:03 – The most influential bands in culture
39:45 – Naming the Diamond Black sound
42:11 – Other Rock Hall inductees
45:50 – Eurovision: our thoughts
49:46 – Ben wrote a song for Eurovision
52:03 – Upcoming shows we're attending
54:20 – Do music awards matter?
56:05 – Talent shows: good or bad?
01:03:59 – Patreon preview: Ben’s talent show story

************************************************

Join the Diamond Black Community:

Support the band and get an extra 15 minutes of Diamond Cast every week on Patreon:
Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/DiamondBlackOfficial

YouTube Memberships – Join via the “Join” button on our channel
Merch – https://diamondblackofficial.com/store

Bandcamp – https://diamondblack.bandcamp.com

Listen to Diamond Black:
Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/5APKOSAXQZh2Kv46TnvEVG
Apple Music – Search “Diamond Black”

Follow us:
Instagram & Facebook – @diamondblackofficial
X (Twitter) – @dmondblk

************************************************

Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/DiamondBlackOfficial
Join the Discord: https://discord.gg/N5t8ueajMJ

Merch: https://diamondblackofficial.com/store/
Bandcamp: https://diamondblack.bandcamp.com/
Listen on Spotify, Apple & all major platforms

************************************************

Join our lovely DIAMOND BATS on YouTube in the live-chat!

Please ‘like’ the video if you enjoyed it, and leave a comment too as it really helps the band get more views and get spread around Youtube! We really appreciate all the support!

DIAMOND BLACK MERCH - www.diamondblackofficial.com/store

Ben - @benchristomusic
Adam - @adamhartist
Vincent - @vincentvdrums
Natalie - @diamondblacksnaps
Instagram - @diamondblackofficial
Facebook - @diamondblackofficial
X - @dmondblk

Email us! mail@diamondblackofficial.com

13 4

YouTube Video VVU0Q01lalc0Q01rUE9fWkpBeVBpVHlBLlpQa2NRMHJyV0NV

Who Defines Rock? | Diamond Cast 070

Diamond Black May 3, 2026 7:00 pm

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Touring, Gigs, and Staying Alive on the Road | DIAMOND CAST 002

This week on Diamond Cast, we’re talking live music, touring, and the realities of staying healthy on the road. Ben joins us from backstage at a Sisters of Mercy show, while Vincent takes us through his drum setup, and Adam reviews a week in gigs—including Smashing Pumpkins and Barry Manilow (yes, really).

We also take a moment to remember the legendary Rik Mayall, talk Dungeons & Dragons and board games, and—if you stick around until the end—you’ll catch an exclusive tidbit about the upcoming Diamond Black album!


What do you think? Is staying healthy on tour as important as people say? Let us know in the comments!


************************************************


Join our lovely DIAMOND BATS on YouTube in the live-chat!



Please ‘like’ the video if you enjoyed it, and leave a comment too as it really helps the band get more views and get spread around Youtube! We really appreciate all the support!


DIAMOND BLACK MERCH - www.diamondblackofficial.com/store


Ben - @benchristomusic

Adam - @adamhartist

Vincent - @vincentvdrums

Natalie - @diamondblacksnaps

Instagram - @diamondblackofficial

Facebook - @diamondblackofficial

X - @dmondblk


Email us! mail@diamondblackofficial.com

Listen to this episode

Welcome to the Show! | Diamond Cast 001

The wait is over—Diamond Black has launched a podcast! In this very first episode of Diamond Cast, we dive into the music that inspires us, what we’ve been working on behind the scenes, and our vision for the podcast. Plus, we take some time to connect with you, the fans, as we kick off this new chapter.

Join us as we set the stage for what’s to come—raw conversations, behind-the-scenes stories, and all things Diamond Black.


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Join our lovely DIAMOND BATS on YouTube in the live-chat!


Please ‘like’ the video if you enjoyed it, and leave a comment too as it really helps the band get more views and get spread around Youtube! We really appreciate all the support!


DIAMOND BLACK MERCH - www.diamondblackofficial.com/store


Ben - @benchristomusic

Adam - @adamhartist

Vincent - @vincentvdrums

Natalie - @diamondblacksnaps

Instagram - @diamondblackofficial

Facebook - @diamondblackofficial

X - @dmondblk


Email us! mail@diamondblackofficial.com

Listen to this episode