Matt Trzcinski’s career in journalism began in high school when he started writing for local newspapers. He’s been a film critic since 2012 and joined the Showbiz Cheat Sheet team in 2019 where he specializes in classic rock and pop music. He loves the larger-than-life personalities in both genres, which provide ample fodder in books and interviews for behind-the-scenes information our readers want to know. Matt has expertise in acts such as The Beatles and The Monkees.
Matt is a Tufts University graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Film and Media Studies. In his free time, he participates in the Boston Horror Society, a group devoted to horror films. He also enjoys reading the work of critics including Roger Ebert and Chuck Klosterman and authors J.D. Salinger, Edgar Allen Poe, and Franz Kafka. See more of Matt’s work on Screen Rant, Cinema Axis, Taste of Cinema, American Songwriter, and his Muck Rack profile.
Bobby Brown revealed why he wanted to record "Don't Be Cruel" and what he wanted to say with its parent album. "Don't Be Cruel" was an international hit.
Devo's Mark Mothersbaugh praised Mick Jagger's lyrics for The Rolling Stones' "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction." Jagger heard Devo's cover of the song, which was not a hit.
The Monkees' Davy Jones didn't like the casting of the band's sitcom. He and Micky Dolenz didn't always get along but they mattered a lot to each other.
Elton John co-wrote "Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting" with Bernie Taupin. When they first recorded it, they faced bad vibes. The song became a hit.
Elton John co-wrote "Bennie and the Jets" with Bernie Taupin. John was shocked by how the song was received in Detroit. The song was less popular in the United Kingdom.
Elvis Presley and David Bowie had the same birthday. Bowie had strong feelings about Elvis and one of his concerts. The two singers found success in the United Kingdom.
Mike Nesmith revealed his favorite part of The Monkees’ career and his thoughts on Micky Dolenz and Peter Tork as musicians. His song "Circle Sky" was about television.
Britney Spears appeared nude in the video for "Womanizer" even though it wasn't her idea. The video garnered a positive reception online, and "Womanizer" was a big hit.
The Rolling Stones' Mick Jagger discussed Acker Bilk while inducting The Beatles into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. “Stranger on the Shore" was a hit that impacted pop culture.
Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong said a former girlfriend inspired "She." He performed the song nearly nude at Madison Square Garden. "She" appeared on the hit album 'Dookie.'
Paul Williams wrote Three Dog Night's "An Old Fashioned Love Song." The Carpenters' Richard Carpenter and The Monkees' Micky Dolenz didn't record the hit song in the 1970s.
Mac Davis wrote Elvis Presley's "A Little Less Conversation" with Aretha Franklin in mind. Davis hated selling his songs. Junkie XL's remix of "A Little Less Conversation" was a hit.