Serious Rock Talk Podcast

The short answer is that no one really knows for sure. But we have a pretty good idea. We address one of the great questions of the universe—unafraid, energetic, and always entertaining. So listen in.    

Robert Johnson: Was the Devil at the Crossroads?  One moment he could barely play the guitar. Six months later, Robert Johnson became the most important blues guitarist of all time. How is it possible? Who, or 'What', did he meet at the Crossroads? Dr. Clarke unravels a devilish mystery that won't go away—a  dark, foreboding tale that shaped the blues and rock n' roll.    #robertjohnson #blues #mu...

Rock Trivia Episode: Stump the Chump It takes some guts to go before an audience of thousands and reveal depraved ignorance in a subject about which you're supposed to hold some competence. But that's exactly what we do. We are that brave and that desperate. Ferris Kennedy and Dr Clarke face each other in a death struggle,each curating questions solely to his own advantage. In this episode, you wi...

Rock Masterpieces You Really Should Know About Ferris Kennedy and Dr. Clarke stand toe to toe, each declaring why his personal selection of rock masterpieces is defensible, immutable, and not to be trifled with. This episode saves you time by explaining, with passion and insight, why a particular album shall not and will not be ignored—and perhaps should be in your collection.

Canadian Rock: We Stand on Guard for Thee Since the beginning, Canadians have known how to rock. It's in their cold blood. From Paul Anka to the present day, there is so much to celebrate. Dr Clarke and Ferris Kennedy put it all in perspective. We discuss the bands, the people, and the hits. Do yourself a huge favor and listen in.

Even now, almost 50 years after his death, you can still see Sid's Kids. The hair. The boots. T-shirts, chains and 'The Attitude'. Sex Pistol Sid Vicious was hugely influential within his very brief career and his very brief life. Dr. Clarke explores what happened, how it happened, and the inevitable results. Tune in as he explores the strange life and loves of the Godfather of Punk. #sidvicious #...

For over 50 years, AC/DC has maintained a remarkably stable lineup, with little to no internal drama or conflict. However, the departure of a lead singer, such as the passing of Bon Scott and the replacement by Brian Johnson, can significantly impact the band's dynamic. Music journalist Kennedy explores this unique dynamic shift and how it has ultimately led to the continued success of the iconic...

The state of radio airplay is puzzling. Are stations contractually constrained, or simply playing it safe with the same 18-song rotation hour after hour? What happened to the deep cuts and lesser-known album tracks that used to surface when listeners dug through crates of vinyl? Radio analyst Kennedy examines this evolving landscape and shares his perspective.

So Much Good Music, So Little Time.  On Kennedy's Corner, T-Bone Terry guest hosts a discussion about the wealth of great heavy metal music and the bands that deserve induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

So Much Music, So Little Time. In an exclusive one-on-one interview, Serious Rock Talk's Kennedy sits down with T-Bone Terry, the lead singer of the rock band Ranamers. Delve into T-Bone's journey, from his early days in the rock and metal music scene to his acclaimed career with his former band, Eudoxis.

The Tale of Phil Spector: Violence Covered in Sugar and Candy   Brilliant and abusive. Cruel and kind. A genius, A murderer. Music producer Phil Spector functioned on many levels, one of which led him down a very dark, sinister path. Dr. Clarke helps to illuminate the man's career, talent, demons and the terrible act that sent him to prison.   #philspector #thebeatles #leonardcohen #truecrime #mur...

Jimi Hendrix: What Happened on September 18, 1970?   Few rock personalities command as much recognition and respect as Jimi Hendrix. But popularity breeds conspiracies—and the death of Jim Hendrix is shrouded in confusion, distortion and deceit. Join Dr. Ian Clarke as he examines the evidence and opinions, identifying the bogus, condemning the criminals, and celebrating the facts!   #jimihendrix #...

The death of rocker Bobby Fuller is an enduring riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma. Who did it? Why? Where? And when? Everything was going Bobby's way. He was set to explode into international stardom. But suddenly out of nowhere... Listen in as Dr. Clarke leads you down a dark, winding path to arrive at one of rock's most bizarre deaths.   #bobbyfuller #ifoughtthelaw #murder #truecrime...

Rock Stars of Italian Descent. Who Knew?   Be prepared for an explosion of surprises. In this episode, Ferris Kennedy—he of Italian background—takes great delight in confusing Dr. Clarke by listing the many rock musicians of Italian descent—people you have no idea had roots in  Il Bel Paese!. This is a special chance to be entertained by pretty cool insights. È fantastico!

What Happened to The Beatles after They Broke Up?   The Beatles' career is well known. But what happened to the lovable mop tops after the best rock band in the world broke up? Kennedy and Clarke have you covered. The post-Beatle careers of John, Paul, George, and yes, even Ringo, are discussed, condemned, and celebrated.

The Men that Made Nirvana Successful   We know that you like/love Nirvana. That means you're interested in behind-the-scenes revelations about exactly who helped them along. Which band mates left, and who remained to ascend the stairs to rock stardom? Ferris Kennedy is jacked as he kicks it with a discussion of a great band with eternal vibes.

Foo Fighters: What's Next?   Hey, the Foos have been through a lot. And they're still around—still selling out stadiums, still bringing garage rock to the masses. But what's next? Ferris Kennedy amps it up as he plots a path for Dave Grohl and the boys. You don't want to miss this inaugural episode of Kennedy's Corner.

Sam Cooke: Motel Money Murder Madness Much has been written about the strange circumstances surrounding the tragic death of Sam Cooke, one of the greatest soul and pop singers/composers of the early 1960s. In this episode, Dr Clarke discusses conspiracies and carefully evaluates the circumstances which led to Cooke's murder in a $3-dollar-a-night motel in south-central Los Angeles.     #samcooke #...

Is Rock Music Soon to be Extinct? Classic bands are aging. Radio is dying. New music formats are flourishing. Has rock music really strummed its last chord? In this episode we review the tell-tale facts, consider the trends, and deliver entertaining, persuasive conclusions that will just about make your day!  

Are Rock Lists Goofy or Great? Listeners of Serious Rock Talk know our mixed emotions about 'Greatest Songs/Bands/Guitarists/ Singers/Etc.' lists. In this episode, we make a temporary truce with those that perpetuate lists (Rolling Stone Mag et. al .) and we come out the other end with a lot of laughs. Listen up and enjoy original insights and random observations about rock lists and our incessant...

New Year's Eve Show 2024 2024 was an amazing year for rock—and dare we say an outstanding year for the Serious Rock Talk Podcast. We thank you all for lending us an ear, sending emails, and making suggestions. Listen in as Dr. Clarke, Steven Wheeler, and Ferris Kennedy sum it all up for you. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride. 2025—here we come!

Aerosmith: 54 Years and No More Counting  They say there are five stages of grief. When Aerosmith announced that the band was no longer touring or recording, Kennedy began his dark, lonely trek across the stages. O yes, he loves his Aerosmith, This episode is therapeutic for Kennedy, and he enriches us all with his sorrow. Listen in while he praises the Boys from Beantown, the Toxic Twins—Aerosmit...

What's Motown All About?   How does a $800 investment attain a $61-million value in twenty years? The Motown story is a tale of ambition, talent, timing and tragedy. From Diana Ross to Boyz ll Men, Motown produced an astounding roster of incredible performers. Listen in as we take you on a mini-march through the halls of this incredible company.  

The Inevitable Murder of John Lennon   Death is inevitable, but murder isn't. With the help of Professor Joseph Campbell's book The Hero with a Thousand Faces, Dr Ian Clarke tries to make sense of Mark David Chapman's senseless act of violence. 

Jake & Jackie: Exclusive Interview with the Country Folk Duo. It's not often that we are lucky enough to speak with artists at the beginning of their careers: the dynamic duo of Jake & Jackie gave us an exciting opportunity. They are country, folk, rock and more. All of you musicians and music lovers, listen in. . This is the sound of talented, dedicated and unique talents about to quickly climb t...