Metalshop

Charlie Kendall’s Metalshop, a legendary radio show airing on THE ZOO and hosted by the iconic Charlie Kendall, has been a cornerstone of metal culture since its original run from 1984 to 1995, when it reached over 250 stations. Revived in 2023, the show delivers a mix of vintage segments, fresh content, and interviews with hard rock heroes, delighting the station’s “Zoo Freaks” audience. One fascinating piece of trivia comes from a 2024 Decibel Geek Podcast episode, where Kendall revealed that Judas Priest played a pivotal role in getting Metalshop green-lit. The band’s influence helped convince producers to back the show, which became a radio equivalent to MTV’s Headbanger’s Ball, shaping the metal revolution of the 1980s. Another memorable story involves a recent episode featuring Living Colour’s Vernon Reid, who shared a wild tale of backstage drama from their tour with The Rolling Stones and Guns N’ Roses, adding a raw, unfiltered vibe to the show’s storytelling.

The Zoo Crew, a group of hippie DJs spinning records at THE ZOO, brings a free-spirited energy to Metalshop, blending classic and new metal tracks. Kendall’s interviews, both archival and current, are a highlight, with recent episodes featuring Iron Maiden’s Adrian Smith discussing his Smith/Kotzen project and Krokus frontman Marc Storace reflecting on his solo album. A 2025 episode even premiered Halestorm’s “Darkness Always Wins,” showcasing the show’s commitment to breaking new music. Kendall’s knack for capturing the untamed spirit of metal is evident in his commentary, like when he saluted 80s hair bands, crediting Jon Bon Jovi for sparking the trend that filled arenas and dominated MTV. The show’s revival, as Kendall shared in a BraveWords interview, came after years of planning, with the right team—producers Corey Harker and Chris Akin—finally bringing it back to stations like KRFK Radio.

Charlie Kendall’s journey to becoming Metalshop’s host began at age 14, fueled by a passion for radio that led him to a remarkable career. According to his official website, Kendall started as a young enthusiast, quickly rising to prominence as a disc jockey and voice talent. His work spans nationally syndicated programs like “The Legends of Rock” for NBC Radio and specials for Westwood One, including “Live Aid Coverage.” Kendall’s voice has also graced projects like PBS’s NOVA, The Ultimate Fighting Championships, and commercials for Avis and Levi’s. He created groundbreaking shows like Metalshop, Rock Today, and Country Today, and co-produced Ticket to Ride for DIR Broadcasting. His distinctive voice and unmatched energy, as noted on his site, have made him a radio pioneer, shaping the landscape at legendary stations and captivating audiences worldwide.

Fans can stay connected with Metalshop through its official website and social media on Facebook, Instagram, and X. The Zoo Crew’s home, THE ZOO, also engages fans via its Facebook page, where Zoo Freaks share their love for the station’s album rock and comedy vault. While no dedicated fan websites or Facebook groups specifically for Metalshop were found, the ZOO KZEW Radio Project serves as a vibrant hub for fans to discuss the station’s programming, including Metalshop, and connect over their shared passion for rock ‘n’ roll history. The show’s syndication, available through the show's website, ensures its rebellious spirit continues to resonate globally.