Rock n Roll History & Culture: Rock Talk Studio

The 2025 Best Rock n Roll Documentary of the Year Award goes to: Bono: Stories of Surrender  This is a re-broadcast of my original review of the book when it was first released. Learn why it went on to win my best doc of the year award. And, how it was able to beat out the great documentary Becoming Led Zeppelin! *Want the latest in Rock N Roll Book and Documentaries news sent to your inbox?   Sig...

The 2025 Book of the Year Award goes to: Heartbreaker by Mike Campbell and Ari Surdoval This is a re-broadcast of my original review of the book when it was first released. Learn why it went on to win my best book of the year award. Spoiler: Every Tom Petty fan will want to buy this book!! *Want the latest in Rock N Roll Book and Documentaries news sent to your inbox?   Sign up for the FREE monthl...

The third annual Rock Talk Studio best book and doc awards for 2025.  The categories are: Book and Doc of the Year Best Book and Doc about a Band Best Book and Doc about a Band Member Best Book and Doc not about a Band or Band Member *Want the latest in Rock N Roll Book and Documentaries news sent to your inbox?   Sign up for the FREE monthly BLAST!! newsletter- right here Subscribe now and get th...

Reading Patti Smith writing is like entering a giant daydream. Bread of Angels is like a pre-quell and a sequel to her first memoir -Just Kids. With this book you get a more intimate look at her marriage, childhood, motherhood and her life beyond fame.  *Want the latest in Rock N Roll Book and Documentaries news sent to your inbox?   Sign up for the FREE monthly BLAST!! newsletter- right here Subs...

It's a four pack of four very distinctly different coffee table style presentation that just might surprise you. Something new in the world of larger presentations from four iconic artists and bands.  *Want the latest in Rock N Roll Book and Documentaries news sent to your inbox?   Sign up for the FREE monthly BLAST!! newsletter- right here   Subscribe now and get the BONUS newsletter featuri...

The only true currency in this bankrupt world is what you share with someone else when you're uncool.  Cameron Crowe delivers stories only he could tell. Pure rock n roll history here. No one interviewed Bowie, Greg Allman, Jimmy Page, Ronnie Van Zant, Joni Mitchell, Glen Fry- to name a few, at the age of 15!! *Want the latest in Rock N Roll Book and Documentaries news sent to your inbox?   S...

The new Springsteen biopic feels like it’s missing a huge piece, and it’s enough to make me completely rethink how the Nebraska chapter deserves to be told. The most anticipated rock n roll movie of 2025 is out and I can't wait to talk about it. *Want the latest in Rock N Roll Book and Documentaries news sent to your inbox?   Sign up for the FREE monthly BLAST!! newsletter- right here New edi...

The second memoir from Ozzy entitled Last Rites , unearths what was going on in the last few years of his life. This episode explores why this book is a key piece of rock n roll history.  *Want the latest in Rock N Roll Book and Documentaries news sent to your inbox?   Sign up for the FREE monthly BLAST!! newsletter- right here New editions come out on the last Friday of the month featuring all th...

Alternative For The Masses: The 90's Alt-Rock Revolution Book Review Writer Greg Prato weaves together more than 60 new interviews that were conducted exclusively for the book, capturing a time when underground music briefly took over the mainstream. Prato gives space to the entire ecosystem that made the movement matter. This is a very deep oral history that looks at the chaotic, creative sh...

With rare, unrestricted access, photographer Jill Furmanovsky captured Oasis in all their raw power, humor, and moments of vulnerability. Her photographs and stories reveal a deep trust and genuine connection between the band and the photographer. 557 photos, 30+ years of access. From candid backstage chaos to arena-size pandemonium, every shot tells a story.  *This episode is sponsored by Thames...

Paul McCartney, Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen, Allman Brothers, Grateful Dead, and Bob Dylan have all had great rock n roll books and docs released about them in the last few years. This podcast is a greatest hits show! Tune in for a bunch of great recommendations to check out!  Want to win a free copy of the new book Iron Maiden: Infinite Dreams? Sign up to enter the giveaway right here *Reminder...

This book stands as the official chronicle of the band’s story and triumphs, it’s a comprehensive account of the band’s 50 year legacy. And its done by bringing their story to life through a visual narrative of photographs and memorabilia. The the presentation is just top notch. And, it goes without saying... Iron Maiden fans are in for a treat with this one! *This episode is sponsored by Thames &...

This is all about the incredible courage, extraordinary talent, and the amazing women who came together to create a one-of-a-kind event in music history. Here's why I am recommending this new documentary.  *Want the latest in Rock N Roll Book and Documentaries news sent to your inbox?   Sign up for the FREE monthly BLAST!! newsletter- right here New editions come out on the last Friday of the...

The three surviving members help writer Bill Janovitz work through the history of The Cars. How did this Boston band become of the 80's most influential bands? I dig into the new book "Let The Stories be Told"  and reveal why this book is a must read.  *Want the latest in Rock N Roll Book and Documentaries news sent to your inbox?   Sign up for the FREE monthly BLAST!! newsletter- r...

Ed Sullivan not only booked the Beatles for their famous February 9th 1964 appearance, he also was a champion for civil rights. Get the whole story about who Ed Sullivan was as a person and all the great work he did for black musicians.  *Want the latest in Rock N Roll Book and Documentaries news sent to your inbox?   Sign up for the FREE monthly BLAST!! newsletter- right here New editions come ou...

From the award-winning biographer of Elvis Presley comes a groundbreaking look at the King and his controversial manager. Drawing on never before seen letters, it reveals the Colonel not just as a reviled figure, but as Elvis’s confidant, friend, and architect of his success. *Want the latest in Rock N Roll Book and Documentaries news sent to your inbox?   Sign up for the FREE monthly BLAST!! news...

What was Devo trying to say with their music? A lot more than Whip it! This doc opened my eyes to how deep and artistic this band really was.  *Want the latest in Rock N Roll Book and Documentaries news sent to your inbox?   Sign up for the FREE monthly BLAST!! newsletter- right here New editions come out on the last Friday of the month featuring all the book buzz and doc news, recently released t...

It’s 70 years of rock n roll packed into 366 days. A virtual time machine for fans.  What if every day came with its own slice of rock history? That’s exactly what this book does.  It’s 366 days, 400+ albums, 2,700+ stories.  *Want the latest in Rock N Roll Book and Documentaries news sent to your inbox?   Sign up for the FREE monthly BLAST!! newsletter- right here New editions come out on the las...

Bruce Springsteen said that Garland Jeffreys was on par, as a songwriter, with Bob Dylan and Neil Young!!! Wow! This doc is an interesting exploration of success, while making sure to explain and  introduce probably to a lot of people, the depth of Garland Jeffreys and his life as an underappreciated artist.  *Want the latest in Rock N Roll Book and Documentaries news sent to your inbox?   Sign up...

Want to win some great Outlaw Music Festival merchandise? Have you seen the beyond cool gear they put together to celebrate Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, Billy Strings, Lucinda Williams, Wilco and more? Just send me an email at the address below and I will enter you in to win. Three lucky Rock Talk Studio winners will get a chance at some Outlaw Music Festival 10th Anniversary Branded Merchandise.  Ch...

Want to win some great Outlaw Music Festival merchandise? Have you seen the beyond cool gear they put together to celebrate Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, Billy Strings, Lucinda Williams, Wilco and more? Just send me an email at the address below and I will enter you in to win. Three lucky Rock Talk Studio winners will get a chance at some Outlaw Music Festival 10th Anniversary Branded Merchandise.  Ch...

This book is equal parts technical chronicle and counterculture memoir dives deep into the Grateful Dead, and the massive, brain-bending machinery used to build their iconic sound system- The Wall of Sound.  * This episode is sponsored by the Outlaw Music Festival 10th Anniversary Merchandise.  Want to win some of that great Outlaw merchandise? Just send me an email at the address below and I will...

When you think of rock ‘n’ roll hotspots, Princeton, New Jersey probably doesn’t make the list. But according to Sharing in the Groove , maybe it should. This episode dives into the surprising and sprawling history of the jam band movement through the lens of this compelling oral history.  What you'll hear in this episode: How the jam band scene exploded in the late ‘80s and ‘90s—from Princet...

The book is equal parts parody and love letter to the excess’s of 1980s music culture. I've never reviewed a book like this on the podcast, but now that I have, I am glad I did! Support the show email Big Rick at: info@rocktalkstudio.com

Looking for a doc that is artsy, gutsy and very real. A doc that is meaningful, clever, and deep. Bono does something in 86 minutes that most documentaries struggle to do-he grabs your attention, sparks your emotion and delivers on a very high level.   * Want to win a free copy of Guns N' Roses at 40 book?  It's easy, just send me an email to sign up. You can find a link to my email addr...