The Hook Rocks!

Vocalist Robert Mason appears on the show this week to answer The Hook Rocks question "What Hooked You On Rock 'n' Roll". He shares unique stories about connecting with music that led him to the stages of rock music and performing in front of thousands of fans. Robert also shares his perspective on the impact of COVID19, how it has impacted his 2020, and the future for Warrant & End Machine. Pleas...

As new bands continue to surface The New Wave of Rock is proving to be capable of carrying the legacy of rock 'n' roll on to future generations. With a heavy influence of delta blues the band Magnolia Bayou just released their latest album "Strange Place". I chatted with drummer Cedric Feazell & singer/guitarist Dylan Palmier about their history, their blues influences, and rock music. Blues-rock...

The legendary bassist, singer, and songwriter Glenn Hughes visits the podcast this week to discuss The Dead Daisies Lockdown Sessions, their upcoming album set for release this coming January, and staying busy during the pandemic. The conversation moved to Glenn talking about overcoming his demons decades ago and why it's important for him to stay creative and busy with writing music. There is so...

The resurgence of rock music continues to be strong and bands like South of Eden are at the forefront leading the charge. Based in Columbus, Ohio the band brings out the influences of Guns 'n' Roses, Soundgarden, and Van Halen with a modern and unique sound. Their guitar player Justin Young and I discuss his influences, the band's debut EP, and what's ahead for South of Eden. Please enjoy the epis...

Hailing from Belfast in Northern Ireland Simon McBride has been playing guitar since the age of 10. Having been influenced by Rory Gallagher, Gary Moore, and others Simon's music is an incredible combination of blues and rock. Our discussion covers many topics from his latest album and songwriting to his career and the current state of rock music. Like many artists Simon McBride has felt the impac...

Formed in 2007 in Sutherland, IA by brothers Zach and Blake Bedsaul the band Saul offers metal fans across the globe hard melodic riffs and meaningful lyrics. I sat down with Blake to discuss their upcoming album "Rise As Equals" as well as their creative process, influences, and what's next for the band. The album is filled with great songs Saul fans will enjoy and open the door for new fans who...

The first nine months of 2020 are in the books and once again several great rock albums have been released. I welcome back Chris Corradetti and we break down our favorites of the year so far for the months of July through September. Debut releases and music from our favorites are once again spotlighted. Which ones have you listened to? Which ones will make our lists! Please enjoy the episode. Lear...

Having had the pleasure of seeing Tyler Bryant and The Shakedown live...twice, I can say for certain they are the goods. Without a doubt, they are among the bands leading the charge with new rock music. Armed with great songs, incredible players, and an electric stage presence the band reaches new heights on their forthcoming record "Pressure". I talk with Tyler Bryant about the new album and the...

Guitar legend Eddie Van Halen passed away this past Tuesday after a long battle with cancer. Upon hearing the news I immediately remembered my 8-year-old self discovering the wonder of Van Halen while hearing Eruption for the first time. It changed my life. Throughout my youth their music always connected with me and it remains a part of the soundtrack for my life. This episode was a struggle but...

The U.K's new wave of rock music continues to be a force to be reckoned with, building momentum with a huge selection of new bands. Doomsday Outlaw is right in the middle of the fray. With music filled with great songwriting, killer hooks, and the need to keep evolving as artists this is a band you want to hear. I had the pleasure of chatting with bassist Indy Chanda about their history, current m...

2020 is the year everything had to be put on pause. From movies to music, from album release dates to bands going out on tour this year will be forever remembered as the "lost year". As far as new rock music goes the momentum that was building going into 2020 for new bands and artists is also a victim of circumstance. U.K's music journalist Anne Estella and I discuss the impact this year will have...

With a career spanning two decades Joel Hoekstra is regarded as one of rock 'n' rolls hardest working guitar players. Being a member of Trans-Siberian Orchestra and Whitesnake while touring with Cher has given Joel the ability to showcase his tremendous talent to a wide-ranging audience. However, it doesn't stop there! Our discussion covers all of these things plus the many side projects he's invo...

For the past several years rock music has been brewing a feast of incredible new bands. The new scene is global and musicians from one corner of the globe to the next are proving to be up to the task of carrying the legacy torch of rock n roll. The band Black Smoke Trigger from New Zealand is part of the new wave of rock enlisting legendary producer Michael Wagener and guitar player Mick Mars to b...

2020 is the year we would all like to forget. The things we know and love like sporting events, vacations, and concerts have been postponed or canceled in the wake of the Covid19 pandemic. For live music lovers, small clubs and theatres are or on the verge of closing because of the loss of revenue. The impact this has on the communities surrounding these venues is devastating. Jordan Grobe from th...

We welcome back one of our favorite guests Joey Cassata to discuss his latest book "Wrestling With Joeylicious". A Rocky meets Porky's adventure about an amateur wrestler pursuing his dream while his imaginary Pro Wrestling friends guide his journey. Many of you know Joey from the band ZO2, the television show Z Rock and his first book, the autobiography "Start With a Dream". You don't need to be...

The new rock 'n' roll scene is truly global. Bands from all over the planet have the ability to connect with audiences in different countries via social media and streaming platforms. There is no better example of this than the Brazilian band Ego Kill Talent. I had the pleasure of speaking with guitarist Theo Van Der Loo about the band's history as well as the impact Covid19 has had on them. I am...

Streaming music is now the norm. The convenience and accessibility for music fans have left the old ways of how we absorb music in the dust. However, what's great for these companies who provide these platforms and their bottom line has created a vaccuum for the artists we love. The compensation given to these bands and artist on average is less than minimum wage and if your new to the scene it's...

Released last Friday "Even The Devil Believes" is the latest from the hard rock band Stryper. The album, which was recorded earlier this year prior to the Covid19 pandemic offers Stryper fans great songs and a powerful message. I chat with lead singer/guitarist Michael Sweet on the recording process and the impact Perry Richardson had had on the band. We then turned our discussion to the current p...

One of the most interesting and exciting bands to come out over the past few years is Joyous Wolf. Armed with incredible songs, great musicianship, and defining stage presence the band is looking to take advantage of the forced downtime, preparing themselves for what's next. Guitarist Blake Allard and I discuss the next steps in Joyous Wolf's future and how excited they are to be part of the new w...

The days when a classic rock fan can say "New rock music sucks" are over. With so many great new bands taking the stage over the past few years the problem with rock 'n' roll is the fans, not the bands. The fact is the genre is on the rise and even though the pandemic has paused the momentum, rock 'n' roll is positioning itself to explode once the new normal begins. The question is, are you in the...

One of the major factors pushing rock music into irrelevancy is the lack of connection with younger fans. For whatever reason, rock 'n' roll stopped embracing the rock 'n' roll lifestyle of danger and excess while being a soundboard for the outcast teenager filled with angst...but it's coming back. With the success of the Motley Crue biopic "The Dirt" and rising rock scene filled with new incredib...

We welcome back Mr. Scary George Lynch back to the podcast to discuss the Lynch Mob 30th Anniversary Re-Imagined Wicked Sensation album along with other topics such as his recent Sturgis appearance, Covid19, and moving on from the name Lynch Mob. There is never enough time when you interview George Lynch because he always gives thoughtful and honest answers, which is why I look forward to our conv...

One of the most exciting new bands to hit the scene over the past few years is South of Eden. From the college town of Columbus, Ohio the rock influences of Guns'n'Roses, Van Halen, AC/DC, Led Zeppelin are worn on the sleaves of all four members in this band. I had the pleasure of chatting with lead singer Ehab Omran and discussed all things rock 'n' roll including how Covid19 has affected the mom...

Coming into 2020 rock 'n' roll music was starting to gain momentum with hopes of taking the long road back to the mountain of relevancy. There seemed to be an enthusiasm burning right underneath the surface. Now because of Covid19 there is more uncertainty than ever before. Will clubs survive? Will bands survive? My guest Marci Wiser from KLOS 95.5 and I discuss this and the lingering challenges f...

The most iconic instrument in music is the guitar and rock n roll's history has been defined by the guitar heroes who have graced the stages with mind-blowing riffs and ear-piercing tones. Over the past few decades, the guitar has slowly moved to the background with less emphasis on the song solo and individual innovation. The next generation of guitar players are here...will the mystique of the g...