Booked On Rock

As Yoko Ono approaches her 93rd birthday, the conversation around her is changing. With new exhibitions and Beatles films putting her back into the cultural spotlight, we take a deeper look at the artist behind the headlines. Often reduced to myth and controversy, Yoko Ono has spent decades shaping avant-garde art, experimental music, and the language of performance itself. This episode features a...

Imagine Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin colliding in one room — and someone actually hit record. In this episode highlight clip, Denny Somach, author of Get the Led Out: How Led Zeppelin Became the Biggest Band in the World, shares the incredible story of the jam session where Geezer Butler played with Robert Plant, John Paul Jones, and Tony Iommi — a moment fans would consider impossible… except i...

In this audio highlight, the spotlight turns to one of rock’s greatest unsung heroes: Nicky Hopkins — the legendary session pianist who played on iconic recordings by The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who, The Kinks, and countless others. But here’s the twist: Hopkins once had the opportunity to become a member of Led Zeppelin — and turned it down.  In this clip, Denny Somach, author of Get the...

In this episode, original Quiet Riot bassist Kelly Garni shares the deeply personal story of his bond with guitar legend Randy Rhoads and the early days that shaped Quiet Riot. Garni opens up about their friendship, the tensions that led to his departure from the band, the devastating shock of Randy’s death, and how he rebuilt his life beyond rock ’n’ roll. It’s an honest, emotional look at brothe...

This episode highlight explores the competing theories behind Charles Manson’s motives — from psychological explanations and the cultural chaos of the late 1960s to the controversial claim that he may have been an unwitting subject of CIA mind-control experiments. Featuring insights from Nicholas Tochka, author of 'The Musical Lives of Charles Manson: The Beatles, the Beach Boys, and the Invention...

In this episode, we dive into the explosive rise of Led Zeppelin and the story behind how they became the biggest band in the world. From their groundbreaking sound and larger-than-life image to the tours and records that reshaped rock music, we explore the forces that propelled Zeppelin to global dominance. Featuring an in-depth interview with Denny Somach, author of 'Get the Led Out: How Led Zep...

Richard Houghton — author of Is Everybody Ready For The Next Band?: The Rolling Stones 1969 US Tour — revisits the tragedy of the Rolling Stones’ Altamont show and the moment that forever changed the landscape of live rock music. This short clip explores how one night became a turning point in rock history. Listen to Episode 355 - Stones ’69: The Tour That Changed Rock Forever 🛒 Old Glory -  Icon...

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the dark legacy of Charles Manson, exploring his motives, the psychology behind his crimes, and the conspiracy theories that still surround the case—while focusing on the surprising role rock music played in shaping his worldview. We’re joined by Nicholas Tochka, author of The Musical Lives of Charles Manson, who unpacks Manson’s obsession with 1960s music...

We dive deep into the Rolling Stones’ explosive 1969 U.S. Tour—a run of shows that cemented their status as the world’s most dangerous rock band and marked the beginning of the end of the 1960s dream. I'm joined by Richard Houghton, author of Is 'Everybody Ready For The Next Band?: The Rolling Stones 1969 US Tour', for an in-depth trip through the tour. From the electric performances and cultural...

In this episode, we examine the groundbreaking crossover moments when rock met hip-hop—and music history changed. From Run-DMC and Aerosmith’s “Walk This Way” to Anthrax and Public Enemy’s “Bring the Noise,” these collaborations broke musical, cultural, and racial barriers. I'm joined by Steven Blush, author of 'When Rock Met Hip-Hop', to discuss how artists like the Blondie, Beastie Boys, Ice-T,...

Loud, fast, and built to start a riot — “Saturday Night’s Alright For Fighting” didn’t happen by accident. In this audio highlight, we dig into how Elton John and Bernie Taupin crafted one of the most explosive tracks on Goodbye Yellow Brick Road — from the song’s working-class roots to the energy that made it an instant crowd favorite. This insight comes from Andrea Grasso, co-author of Elton Joh...

Released in 1973, 'Goodbye Yellow Brick Road' marked a creative peak for Elton John — a bold, genre-spanning double album that helped define his legacy. In this episode, we explore the making of the album with authors Andrea Grasso and Luca Perasi, co-authors of 'Elton John: Goodbye Yellow Brick Road – The Making of an Epic Album'. They share behind-the-scenes stories from the Château d’Hérouville...

In this episode highlight, author Bruce Pegg shares the tragic final chapter of Keith Emerson, the visionary keyboardist of Emerson, Lake & Palmer. As carpal tunnel syndrome robbed Emerson of the ability to perform at the level he demanded of himself, the struggle became unbearable, leading to his death in 2016. This is a powerful and heartbreaking look at the human cost behind musical genius...

When Emerson, Lake & Palmer toured Tarkus in 1971, prog rock spectacle hit new extremes—including a full-size tank onstage. Author Bruce Pegg shares the story behind ELP’s infamous Tarkus tour and how the band redefined what a rock concert could be. Listen to Episode 352 - Emerson, Lake & Palmer: A History Told by the Fans 🛒 Old Glory -  Iconic music and sports fan merch 💰 Get 15% OFF |...

Emerson, Lake & Palmer’s legacy is one of ambition, virtuosity, and fierce devotion. This episode explores the band’s history as told by the fans who lived it with Bruce Pegg, author of the new book 'Welcome Back My Friends: A People’s History of Emerson, Lake & Palmer'. Purchase a copy of Welcome Back My Friends: A People’s History of Emerson, Lake & Palmer Visit Bruce Pegg's website...

Paul McCartney’s “Rockestra Theme” wasn’t just a song — it was a gathering of rock royalty. In this audio highlight, author Luca Perasi tells the story behind McCartney’s all-star Rockestra, featuring Pete Townshend, John Bonham, and David Gilmour, along with other major names like Elton John, Jeff Beck, and Eric Clapton who were connected to the project. A rare look at how one of rock’s most ambi...

'Back to the Egg' was meant to be a bold new beginning for Paul McCartney & Wings—but it ultimately became their final statement. In this episode, I dig into the ambition, experimentation, and turbulence surrounding Wings’ last album, and why it marked the end of an era. I’m joined by author Luca Perasi, who has written an in-depth book on Back to the Egg, to explore its creation, context, and...

Author Ovais Naqvi explains how Deep Purple landed their first record deal with Tetragrammaton — a short-lived label with a surprising founder: Bill Cosby. A strange and little-known chapter in rock history. Listen to Episode 350 - Lord Of Keys: Deep Purple's Jon Lord 🛒 Old Glory -  Iconic music and sports fan merch 💰 Get 15% OFF | Promo Code: BOOKEDONROCK https://oldglory.com/discount/BOOKEDONR...

Discover the story of Jon Lord, Deep Purple’s legendary keyboardist, with author Ovais Naqvi. From iconic riffs to symphonic experiments, we explore the life, music, and legacy of rock’s master of keys. Purchase a copy of Before We Forget – A Work in Eight Movements 🛒 Old Glory -  Iconic music and sports fan merch 💰 Get 15% OFF | Promo Code: BOOKEDONROCK https://oldglory.com/discount/BOOKEDONROC...

Artist Bette A. shares her collaboration with Brian Eno, reading her short stories over his ambient music. Discover how slowing down her delivery and embracing silence gave her words new power. Listen to Episode 348 - A Symphony of Colors: Bette A., Brian Eno, and the Magic Within Their Collaboration 🛒 Old Glory -  Iconic music and sports fan merch 💰 Get 15% OFF | Promo Code: BOOKEDONROCK https:...

Author Joe Matera ["The Making of ABBA: The Story Behind The Band's Breakthrough 1975 Album"] on the photos featured on the front and back of ABBA's 1975 self-titled album. Listen to Episode 349 - The Story Behind ABBA's 1975 Breakthrough Album 🛒 Old Glory -  Iconic music and sports fan merch 💰 Get 15% OFF | Promo Code: BOOKEDONROCK https://oldglory.com/discount/BOOKEDONROCK ---------- Booked On...

Diving deep into the making of ABBA's iconic 1975 album with author Joe Matera. Released on April 21st, 1975, ABBA's breakthrough album was their self-titled third studio album. It cemented their global stardom with massive hits like "Mamma Mia," "SOS," and "I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do," becoming their blueprint for international pop domination.  Purchase a copy of The Making of ABBA: The Story B...

Join Artist Bette A. on a journey of artistic discovery as she discusses her collaboration with legendary artist/producer Brian Eno for their latest project! Combining narrative, music, and painting, Slow Stories is a collaboration between Bette A. and Brian Eno, based on Bette A.’s short story collection of the same name. For the vinyl, Brian Eno’s ambient compositions accompany Bette A.’s voice...

Author D.X. Ferris ['Slayer 66 2/3: A Metal Band Biography'] on why AC/DC and producer Rick Rubin didn't click during the making of 'Ballbreaker' in 1995.  Listen to Episode 347 - 'Slayer 66 2/3' Reborn & Re-Remastered! 🛒 Old Glory -  Iconic music and sports fan merch 💰 Get 15% OFF | Promo Code: BOOKEDONROCK https://oldglory.com/discount/BOOKEDONROCK ---------- Booked On Rock is part of The...

Fans of  Slayer – it's time to get excited! D.X. Ferris is back on the show to talk about the updated version of his book 'Slayer 66 2/3'! Purchase a copy of Slayer 66 2/3: A Metal Band Biography [ALL VERSIONS] Purchase a copy of the audiobook version of Slayer 66 2/3: A Metal Band Biography Listen to D.X. Ferris's previous appearance [Episode 304] 🛒 Old Glory -  Iconic music and sports fan merch...