HOGPOD Chicago Music Scene Podcast: Tony Mok of Tom Sawyer & Hitwave 80s Breaks Down Rush

🎙️ HOGPOD Chicago Music Scene Podcast welcomes legendary bassist and vocalist Tony Mok, the frontman for not one but two standout Chicagoland tribute acts: Tom Sawyer, a Rush tribute band, and Hitwave 80s, a synth-fueled trip through the MTV era. Alongside Tony, we’re joined by his bandmates Brent Johnson on guitar, Wolfgang Paul on drums, and vocalist Kate Hutchins. They share the full story behind how these projects came together, why Rush’s music is so uniquely challenging, and what it takes to replicate the technical mastery of Geddy Lee, Neil Peart, and Alex Lifeson on stage.

The crew goes deep into how they built their live sets, what gear they use, and how they handle samples, foot pedals, and keyboards with just three members. We talk about the evolution of Hitwave 80s, how it was inspired by early dance clubs and MTV, and why synthpop is alive and well in Chicagoland today. Along the way, we’re joined by Rhodsey (Chris Rhodes), Beth Miller, Bongo Mike, Mike Dermont, and Pete Jansons as the conversation covers everything from AI in music to old-school festival war stories to whether Rush should be crowned the kings of cowbell.

Whether you're a Rush superfan, an 80s synth junkie, or just love Chicago’s thriving music scene, this one’s for you. Tony Mok breaks it all down with passion, humility, and a few hilarious behind-the-scenes moments you won’t want to miss.

✅ Key Moments:
5:17 Wolfgang Paul vinyl collection
6:51 Mike Dermont introduces Rush tribute band Tom Sawyer
6:59 Geddy Lee – Tony Mok https://www.facebook.com/Anthony.Mok66
8:25 Alex Lifeson – Brent Johnson https://www.facebook.com/GuitarJohnson
10:50 Wolfgang Paul Neil Peart drummer solo
15:50 Is there a harder music to play than Rush?
17:17 Hardest Rush song to play
21:55 Is Rush one of the top cowbell bands?
28:25 Drumeo shoutout https://www.youtube.com/@DrumeoOfficial
34:22 Subdivisions
39:21 Bonnie Miske Show Clip – Broken Oar https://youtu.be/fEKhSr89TJs?si=oySAG02MSOfTXC-M
42:16 Hitwave 80s Band https://www.facebook.com/Hitwave80sCoverBandChicago
57:30 Bongo Mike at Broken Oar https://www.facebook.com/events/1648111639428552
57:55 IPOP Band shoutout https://www.facebook.com/ipopband
58:22 Nate Schmidt drummer shoutout https://www.facebook.com/drummernate

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