Rock & Roll Nightmares

Staci welcomes author Peter Aaron , the author of the new book " Moving in Stereo ," for a deep dive into the life and legacy of Ric Ocasek—enigmatic frontman, visionary songwriter, and the cool center of The Cars’ sleek, synth-driven storm. From Ric’s early partnership with Ben Orr and the bands that fizzled before The Cars finally clicked, to the creative tensions that came with skyrocketing suc...

Evan Husney, co-creator of Vice's " Dark Side of the Ring " and the upcoming Hulu series " Into the Void ," joins Staci to discuss his deep dive into metal music's darkest chapters. Husney explains his fascination with the genre's tragic figures and shares insights into the show's impressive roster of subjects, from guitar virtuoso Randy Rhoads to punk pioneer Wendy O. Williams . The conversation...

Director Bill Fishman joins Staci Wilson on " Rock & Roll Nightmares " to discuss his legendary career behind the camera for some of rock's biggest names. From directing music videos for The Ramones , Georgia Satellites , and Good Charlotte to helming the cult films "Tapeheads" and " My Dinner with Jimi Hendrix," Fishman has captured decades of rock and roll history. Fishman shares behind-the-...

Join Staci as she sits down with veteran journalist and author Ray Van Horn, Jr. For more than sixteen years, Ray covered the worlds of music and film for outlets like Blabbermouth , Metal Maniacs , Noisecreep , and many others. His blog, The Metal Minute , even earned Metal Hammer’s award for Best Personal Blog . Ray is also the author of the rock‑fueled novel Coming of Rage —and he’s got plenty...

On today’s show, Staci welcomes Tim Kirk , author of the brand‑new “what if?” novel All His Damned Mother’s Sons . This gripping alternate history dares to imagine a world where Elvis Presley died during his time in the German army—and launches readers on a high‑octane ride from 1959 to 1973, where fateful roads lead toward a deadly collision. Beyond his novel, Tim is also the producer of two unfo...

Broadcaster and author Steve Blacknell is on the show to talk about his memoir, “ Tales From the Bedroom Wall .” Known to a generation of fans for the mid-1980s MTV staple London Calling , Blacknell chronicles a whirlwind life of fame, lost fortunes, and everything in between. From first love Kate Bush to crossing the Atlantic on the Concorde with Phil Collins , and interviews with music’s biggest...

Author Daniel Bukszpan returns to Rock & Roll Nightmares to discuss not one but two titles. Previously on the show to talk about “ Rush at 50 ” — a timely visit as host Staci had just finished Geddy Lee’s autobiography — Bukszpan now revisits “ Ozzy at 75 ,” a conversation made newly relevant by the recent passing of the Prince of Darkness. He also previews his forthcoming book, “ Iron Maiden...

Authors Martin Porter and David Goggin (aka Mr. Bonzai) join the podcast to unpack their collaborative book, “ Buzz Me In: Inside the Record Plant Studios .” Staci spotlights the book’s expansive deep dive into the storied studios that shaped so many iconic 1970s rock albums. With locations in New York, Los Angeles, and Sausalito—and a legendary fleet of remote recording trucks—Record Plant’s infl...

Historian of pop culture, film, and music, John Harrison , joins Staci on Rock & Roll Nightmares to discuss his latest project: a comprehensive, 676-page book on KISS titled Creatures of the Screen . Unlike any other book on the band, John’s work is an immersive exploration of KISS’s presence onscreen, covering their films, TV appearances, and notable music videos. The book also delves into ot...

This episode features Jake Sumner , director of the music documentary Ron Delsener Presents . The film explores the life and legacy of legendary music impresario Ron Delsener, with insights from an impressive roster of interviewees including Billy Joel, Patti Smith, Bruce Springsteen, Paul Simon, Art Garfunkel , and Bette Midler . As the son of Sting (of The Police ), Jake brings a unique perspect...

In this episode, Rock & Roll Nightmares welcomes author and Professor of Literature Jarret Keene , whose work first caught Staci’s attention with the release of his novel, Hammer of the Dogs . Now, Jarret returns with his newly released short story collection, Gateways to Annihilation —a book packed with wild, rock and roll-infused tales that are as twisted as they are entertaining. Tune in as...

Colin Blunstone , lead singer of the iconic psychedelic rock band The Zombies , joins Staci on " Rock & Roll Nightmares " to discuss " Hung Up on a Dream ," the first-ever feature-length documentary about the band. Despite hits like " She's Not There " and " Time of the Season " and their Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction, the band's story hasn't been fully documented until now. Colin sha...

In this mini-episode, Staci welcomes Robert Schwartzman —accomplished musician, member of the renowned Coppola filmmaking family, and director of “ Hung Up on a Dream ,” the new documentary about psychedelic rock legends The Zombies . Robert discusses his creative approach to condensing the band's remarkable 60-year career into a compelling 90-minute film, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how...

Author Jennifer Banash joins Staci on "Rock & Roll Nightmares" to discuss her novel " The Rise and Fall of Ava Arcana ," a twisty mystery about a Rolling Stone reporter uncovering a famous rock star's dark secret. Jennifer reminisces about her experiences in New York's club scene during the early 2000s and shares the surprising inspiration behind her main characters. She also offers a glimpse...

Staci welcomes writer-director Kirsten Foe to discuss her rock and roll cautionary tale " Off the Record ." What begins as a romance movie between two musician lovers takes a dark turn, putting the microscope on the Svengalis of the music industry. Kirsten shares insights about her impressive cast featuring Rainey Qualley , Ryan Hansen , Rebecca De Mornay , and ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons . She reveals...

Staci welcomes Gillian G. Gaar , an accomplished rock author and journalist whose work has appeared in Mojo, Rolling Stone, and Goldmine. With previous titles including "She's a Rebel: The History of Women in Rock & Roll," "Entertain Us: The Rise of Nirvana," and "Bruce Springsteen at 75," Gaar discusses her newest publication - the beautifully crafted hardcover " Queen: A Night at the Opera 5...

Today’s episode features an interview with Angie Moon , founder of The Diversity of Classic Rock (found at CrazyOnClassicRock.com ). As a music historian and author, Moon discusses her new nonfiction true crime book " Crime of the Century " along with insights from her work celebrating diverse voices in classic rock music.

1991 wasn’t just another year—it was a musical and cultural earthquake. Grunge went from the underground to the mainstream, changing rock music and an entire generation’s outlook along the way. Staci’s guest, Rob Janicke , has written a book, Slacker: 1991, Teen Spirit Angst, and the Generation It Created , which explores the movement’s impact, the key players, and why the world embraced it so fie...

What’s it like to get a guitar lesson from Keith Richards, sword-fight Bruce Dickinson, or launch a Pink Floyd airship? For legendary rock promoter Paul Rappaport , it was all just part of the job. In this episode of Rock & Roll Nightmares , host Staci talks with Paul about his memoir, Gliders Over Hollywood , which pulls back the curtain on the wild world of rock promotion. With a career span...

David Bowie was the ultimate musical chameleon, but his transformation after Let’s Dance in 1983 led to one of the most unexpected chapters of his career. In this episode of Rock & Roll Nightmares, host Staci Layne Wilson welcomes author Don Klees to discuss his book On Track , which takes a deep dive into Bowie’s later years—from the Tin Machine experiment to his haunting farewell, Blackstar...

Staci’s guest is Alycen Rowse , the author of a memoir, “ We've Got Tonight: The Life and Times of a Notorious Groupie .” She currently hosts the popular Cocktails and Rock Tales podcast, in which she dishes on the two decades she spent waking up next to the most infamous musicians in rock history. Alycen has some funny stories and insightful perspectives on the groupie lifestyle, which she discus...

Staci welcomes music historian and author Madeline Bocaro , who returns to the Rock & Roll Nightmares podcast for a second time to talk more about her book, “ In Your Mind, the Infinite Universe of Yoko Ono .” The book has been out for several months now and Madeline has had time to pause and reflect on how Yoko Ono ’s legacy continues to grow and morph with the changing times, which she discu...

Here is a special episode featuring the creative minds behind the new film, " Becoming Led Zeppelin ." Director Bernard MacMahon and co-writer and co-producer Allison McGourty join Staci to discuss the creative choices they made when editing the documentary, what it was like to sit down and interview Robert Plant , Jimmy Page , and John Paul Jones (as well as giving a voice to the late John Bonham...

Staci’s guest is Roni Lee , a powerhouse singer, songwriter, and guitarist whose career stretches back to the 1970s L.A. rock scene. She was a member of the legendary punk band Venus and the Razorblades , wrote songs for The Runaways , and has shared the stage with some of rock’s biggest names. But she’s not just about legacy—she’s still out there tearing it up, and she’s got a brand-new EP, Feels...

Staci talks with filmmaker Jordan Albertsen , whose documentary BOOM ! A Film About the Sonics explores the groundbreaking legacy of The Sonics , a pioneering rock band from Tacoma, Washington, that helped shape the sound of punk before the genre even had a name. The film is not just a chronicle of the band’s influence but also a testament to Albertsen’s 15-year journey to bring their story to the...