Modern Rock Live is a syndicated, interactive radio show geared to 18- to 34-year-old alternative rock listeners. It can be heard on radio stations in nearly all 50 states that play the modern rock format. The show runs at 10:30 p.m. EST/7:30 PST.
Generally, each show focuses on one particular band; the members of the band will give an interview with the host and then play one or more songs, usually selections from their latest album, in order to promote it. The show's key feature is its interactivity; listeners are encouraged to call in during live shows and pose their own questions to the bands.
One of the major sponsors of Modern Rock Live is the Sony Corporation. In 1996, Sony ran a promotion in which the company gave away copies of a two-disc Modern Rock Live compilation CD, made up of live performances from the radio show. Listerners could receive the CD by purchasing a Sony Discman or Sony CD Boombox at any participating Sony retail outlet.
The Modern Rock Live compilation CD wasn't available for commercial purchase separate from a Sony music player, thus it is rare to find today. The two-disc set contains, among other tracks, "Who Will Save Your Soul" by Jewel, "Hitchhiker's Smile" by Victoria Williams, "She Went to Germany" by the Violent Femmes, "Red" by Belly and "Philosophy" by Ben Folds Five.
Modern Rock Live reached the height of its popularity in the mid-90s, when the Modern Rock format was at its most popular, with the rise of bands such as The Violent Femmes and Soul Asylum.