The Untold Story of Nikola Tesla | Mark Rodgers & Jason Nelson on the Light It Up Rock Opera
What happens when one of history's greatest inventors becomes the subject of a full-scale rock opera?
On this episode of Mostly Superheroes, Logan sits down with Mark Rodgers, writer, producer, and composer of Nikola Tesla: Light It Up, alongside legendary St. Louis performer Jason Nelson, to explore the music, history, and passion behind this groundbreaking production.
From Tesla's rivalry with Thomas Edison to the surprising connection between Tesla and The Wizard of Oz, this conversation dives deep into the research, songwriting, and creative process behind the 13 original songs that make up the show.
Whether you're a history buff, classic rock fan, or simply love great storytelling, this episode shines a light on one of the most fascinating figures who ever lived.
Learn more:
teslalightitup.com
Listen to Mostly Superheroes:
mostlysuperheroes.com
Timestamps
00:00 Jason Nelson's musical journey
01:11 Becoming Nikola Tesla
03:15 The first meeting that started it all
05:11 Why Jason immediately said yes
06:00 Building the seven-piece band
07:20 Creating a cinematic rock opera
08:19 Bringing the music into the podcast
10:48 Born Tesla 🎵
11:30 The 13-song concept album
12:24 Tesla arrives in America
14:37 Money and Imagination 🎵
15:27 Researching Nikola Tesla's life
16:29 Wardenclyffe and free energy
17:57 Tesla's famous 3-6-9 philosophy
18:38 Light It Up – The Beginning (Reprise) 🎵
20:17 Presence 🎵
22:25 The meaning behind "Presence"
24:40 Standing On My Grave 🎵
26:24 I Am The Original Wizard of Oz 🎵
28:18 What fans can expect at Delmar Hall
29:58 Community support and live broadcast
31:28 Elon Musk, The Sphere, and future dreams
32:25 Nikola Tesla's greatest inventions
33:48 Tesla's St. Louis connection
35:57 The future of Light It Up
36:24 Tickets and where to attend
37:51 Jason Nelson's other bands
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