Christmas Special with Mick Michaels PARS806

Episode 806 of the Pennsylvania Rock Show celebrates our annual Christmas tradition with an unmistakable guest from the Philadelphia heavy metal scene. We welcome Mick Michaels of Corners of Sanctuary, host of The Cosmic Voice with Chris Natalini & Mick Michaels, and co-author of the landmark historical book When We Rocked: The Story of Philadelphia. This episode blends holiday music, metal history, storytelling, and a deep dive into the culture and creativity shaping both the Western Pennsylvania and Philadelphia rock and metal communities.

Mick Michaels joins the show to discuss the evolution of Corners of Sanctuary, a band known for its powerful blend of traditional heavy metal, melodic structure, and timeless songwriting. The band continues to expand its catalog each year with a dedicated Christmas release, and in this episode we feature their newest seasonal track, What If It Was Christmas Every Day. This exclusive play-through showcases the band’s commitment to bridging heavy metal and holiday spirit with their signature high-energy, classic metal sound.

We explore what inspires Corners of Sanctuary to release an annual Christmas song, how the tradition began, and what fans can expect from their holiday music moving forward. Mick shares details about the writing and recording process behind this year’s track, the band’s approach to seasonal themes, and why Christmas metal continues to resonate with fans worldwide.

Listeners will also get insight into Mick’s work outside the band, including his role as co-author of When We Rocked: The Story of Philadelphia, a comprehensive look at the music history, venues, artists, and cultural moments that shaped the Philadelphia rock scene. We discuss the city’s legacy, its influence on the national metal landscape, and how documenting that history ensures future generations understand the roots of the region’s sound.

This Christmas episode blends music discovery, holiday tradition, artistic inspiration, and regional rock history. Whether you are a fan of Corners of Sanctuary, a follower of Mick’s broader creative work, or a listener searching for new Christmas metal music, Episode 806 delivers a complete, immersive experience centered around Pennsylvania-based talent and the seasonal celebration of rock.