Peter and the Acid King

Peter and the Acid King

Before there was MTV, there was New Wave Theater. Peter & The Acid King is a documentary podcast that explores the life and unsolved death of New Wave Theater host and key cultural curator Peter Ivers. The show takes us on a deep dive through the grimy, chaotic world of the early ‘80s Los Angeles punk rock scene from which he emerged. Narrated by native LA punk and esteemed director Penelope Spheeris. Imagine Audio is your destination for the highest quality audio documentaries. Our latest show, 'Peter and the Acid King' is out now. Or check out Big Sugar further down the feed.

Episodes

September 19, 2023 2 mins

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark as Played

On March 3rd, 1983, Peter Ivers—the eccentric and beloved host of New Wave Theater—was found bludgeoned to death in his apartment. Forty years later, his friends are still searching for answers about what happened to him. 

This episode features information and audio from the following sources:

  • Decline of Western Civilization Part I

  • Wayne’s World

    ...
Mark as Played

After his first album flops, Peter Ivers moves to LA for a fresh start. As his friends excel in film, TV, and music, Peter starts to fall behind. 

--

This episode features information and audio from the following sources:

Decline of Western Civilization Part I

Animal House

Eraserhead

Grand Theft Auto

In Heaven Everything is Fine ...

Mark as Played

As host of New Wave Theater, Peter Ivers found himself in the middle of the LA punk scene. From police raids, DIY-venues, and the outsiders it attracted, we explore punk music and the LA underground. 

– 

This episode features information and audio from the following sources:

Decline of Western Civilization Part I

In Heaven Everything is Fine by Josh Frank

Mark as Played
October 16, 2023 29 mins

When an opportunity that combines Peter’s love of music, performance, and LA’s underground comes his way, he feels like it might be a new beginning. But Peter has no idea what—or who—he’s dealing with. 

This episode features information and audio from the following sources:

New Wave Theater

“How Punk is This?” Ask Me Another, NPR. 

Punk and Tomatoes 

St...

Mark as Played
October 23, 2023 26 mins

Enter: The Acid King. People were equal parts inspired by and terrified of David Jove. He sold acid to the Rolling Stones, fled Canada on a felony charge, and… oh yeah, he created New Wave Theater.

This episode features information and audio from the following sources:

New Wave Theater

Rarefied Heir 

LIFE, Keith Richards

In Heaven Everything is Fine, Jo...

Mark as Played
October 30, 2023 24 mins

A big secret. Tornados. Rain. A lost wallet. $15,000 dollars in cash that’s gone missing. Peter’s last day feels ominous. 

This episode features information and audio from the following sources:

New Wave Theater

NBCLA

In Heaven Everything is Fine, Josh Frank

Over the edge: The incredible life and mysterious death of Peter Ivers

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy...

Mark as Played
November 6, 2023 25 mins

Many of Peter’s friends arrived at the crime scene before the police. Which meant that by the time the cops arrived, the scene had already been corrupted—and multiple pieces of evidence had gone missing. Years later, people would discover that evidence in some unexpected places.

This episode features information and audio from the following sources:

Who Killed Peter Ivers, Micha...

Mark as Played
November 13, 2023 23 mins

How do you mourn someone who was so very alive? It’s a question Peter’s friends asked over and over. Today, we look into how Peter’s community grieved the loss of their friend.

This episode features information and audio from the following sources:

The Peter Principle, John Leone

In Heaven, Everything is Fine by Josh Frank

'An Einstein among Neanderthal...

Mark as Played
November 20, 2023 32 mins

Samoan drug gangs, secret lovers, and the acid king. There’s a lot more to Peter’s story that’s left to uncover. 

 

This episode features information and audio from the following sources:

New Wave Theater

In Heaven, Everything is Fine by Josh Frank

'An Einstein among Neanderthals': the tragic prince of LA counterculture

Over the edge: The i...

Mark as Played

Peter Ivers’ death marked the end of an era. Though David Jove tried to recreate New Wave Theater, he couldn’t do it without Peter. We examine the legacy Peter left behind, and the scene that ended with his death. 

This episode features information and audio from the following sources:

New Wave Theater

Twin Peaks

The Top

ABC News

Read more

Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

    Crime Junkie

    Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by Audiochuck Media Company.

    NFL Daily with Gregg Rosenthal

    Gregg Rosenthal and a rotating crew of elite NFL Media co-hosts, including Patrick Claybon, Colleen Wolfe, Steve Wyche, Nick Shook and Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic get you caught up daily on all the NFL news and analysis you need to be smarter and funnier than your friends.

    Dateline NBC

    Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

    The Breakfast Club

    The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2026 iHeartMedia, Inc.