Released today, the new episode of musician and activist Moby’s podcast “Moby Pod” celebrates the 25th anniversary of his seminal album “Play.”
The episode was recorded in front of a live audience at the Masonic Lodge in Los Angeles over the course of two nights. Along with his co-hosts Lindsay Hicks and Bagel the dog, Moby recounts stories of his life in lower Manhattan before the release of the album, as well as how “Play” was created and how the success of the album radically altered his life afterward. In addition to the honest and dramatic conversation, the podcast features acoustic performances (with live strings, piano, and choir) of several tracks from “Play” and Moby’s extended catalogue. Special guest Lady Blackbird also joins to sing two tracks (“Walk With Me” and “Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad?”)
The shows were recorded at the historic Masonic Lodge, located in the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, the resting place of some of entertainment’s biggest stars including Judy Garland, Rudolph Valentino, Johnny and Dee Dee Ramone, and Chris Cornell. The lodge, originally built by Freemasons in the late 1920’s, is one of the most iconic and beloved venues in Los Angeles.
Says Moby, “These two nights at the Hollywood Forever Masonic Lodge were honestly two of the most special live events I've ever done.”
“Play” was released in May 1999 and has sold over 12 million copies worldwide, becoming the most successful electronic album of all time. It includes the hits “Porcelain,” “Natural Blues,” “Honey” and more. The Grammy-nominated album is considered to be one of the “500 Greatest Albums of All Time” by “Rolling Stone” magazine, and was named the #1 album of the year in 1999 by “The Village Voice’s” prestigious “Pazz and Jop” critic’s poll.
Produced by Moby’s production company Little Walnut, "Moby Pod" premiered in late 2022. The podcast focuses on several topics: animal rights, climate change, creative expression, and mental health. It has featured guests as diverse as Hunter Biden (in one of his rare interviews), Lisa Edelstein, Dan Buettner, Peter Kalmus, Steve-O and Joe Manganiello.
