The Hook Rocks!

I first saw the album cover of Iron Maiden's The Number of The Beast by way of a poster while at a family friend's house when I was 8 or 9 years old. I remember feeling scared and excited at the same time. It wasn't until a few months later while at a sleepover I heard the album in its entirety. The album had a huge impact on my life growing up. I had realized at a young age how the imagery of an...

Being in one of the most recognizable bands in rock history has not stopped Tesla's Frank Hannon from trying to evolve as an artist. His solo records have become the outlet he needs creatively as well as a way to increase his knowledge of the guitar. Frank and I also talk about what went into developing his last solo effort, his passion for helping new musicians, and how the covid19 stay home orde...

From Melbourne, Australia the band Massive has been building a solid reputation in different parts of the world over the past 8 years. From their home country to the U.K. Massive is feeding the hunger of fans who crave loud raucous rock 'n' roll. Lead singer Brad Marr visits The Hook Rocks podcast to talk about the history and influences of the band while discussing the challenges of the current C...

Everyone has their own rock 'n' roll story. We all have similar tales of how we connected to hard rock and heavy metal but no one has the same exact tale. Jaide Alicia grew up after the height of the hard rock and heavy metal popularity. Nevertheless, her journey began with Kiss and as a result she has toured with bands across the country, helped them with selling merchandise, and has pushed herse...

Who were the biggest bands of the '80s? Several bands throughout this decade held the throne at one time or another. They were larger than life and influenced music for generations that followed. Mojo Moomey and I give our own top ten and opinions on why the bands we selected deserve to be on the list. Not only was this a fun discussion but it allowed us to take a trip down memory lane. Please enj...

With their new album "Point of No Return" released earlier this being one of my favorites of 2020, it was a pleasure to have a conversation with the lead vocalist of Those Damn Crows, Shane Greenhall. We discuss everything from his influences, the band history and recording process, as well as where he finds the inspiration for his lyrics. The album is one you should have and this episode is one y...

Michael Des Barres is a rock 'n' roll legend. Starting his journey with music and acting in the 60's Michael has a unique and timely perspective. The conversation covers a lot of ground, from our current situation under lockdown to his music career to his views on life, there is so much to learn from his point of view. I found his candor and honesty refreshing, even if you disagree I'm sure you wi...

Silverthorne features drummer Brian Tichy, vocalist/guitarist Pete Shoulder, and Daniel Spree on bass. The band's debut EP "Tear The Sky Wide Open" features a modern sound with bluesy soulful influences and in my opinion, it is one of the best rock records in 2020. I had the pleasure of speaking with Brian Tichy about Silverthorne as well as other projects he has in the works. Please enjoy the epi...

The first three months of 2020 are in the rearview mirror and several great rock albums have been released. Chris Corradetti and I break down our favorites of the year so far. Debut releases and rock 'n' roll veterans have all shined with captivating new music. Which ones have you listened to? Which ones will make our lists! Please enjoy the episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megapho...

Every rock 'n' roll fan has the memory of the local record store. It is where we discovered music, it is where we developed friendships, and it's where we would sit for hours digesting the album covers of our favorite bands. The record store helped raise us on rock music. The internet was nonexistent and the information we heard about our favorite music, came from the store clerks and the magazine...

With their third album "Red" released earlier this month, New Zealand's Devilskin continues to release top-notch music. With poignant lyrics and big hooks, the album takes you on a journey from the opening track "Do You See Birds" through the epic "Corrode" & "Endo" and ends with "Everybody's High But Me". This is an album every rock fan must own. I had the pleasure of talking with Bass player Pau...

The days of the larger than life rock stars are gone. The swagger and the attitude that once graced the stages of stadiums and concert halls are now replaced with toeing the line and fear of the boycott. No one wants to say the wrong thing and alienate half of their audience. Rock 'n' Roll has always been about the middle finger and not caring what people think. How do we get back to those days? S...

In 2017- 2018 MIRA (The Music Industry Research Association)along with the Princeton University Survey Research Center partnered with Music Cares and surveyed over 1200 musicians regarding the challenges musicians face. The study conducted revealed an overwhelming response to mental health and substance issues along with other challenges people face in the music industry. Kristi Enigl and I discus...

New rock music is alive and well but the majority of rock fans are refusing to connect with it. Either by not having any interest or not knowing where to find it. Rob N The Hood and I discuss what you should be doing if you are having difficulty finding new rock music. We walk you through and give you examples of how easy it is to locate and enjoy the new music from your favorite artists and the w...

At an early age, Dakota Sean was exposed to rock music from seeing his fathers' band play on stage. He knew then he wanted to write music and perform. His band Another Day Dawns began as a cover band while developing original music combining '90s grunge with Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath. What they have created is a hard rock/metal sound with deep introspective lyrics. Enjoy the conversation! Lea...

Growing up in the '80s rock music became not only an escape but part of the core of who we were becoming as people. The trip to a record store was like going to Disneyland. Up until now, there has not been a book that accurately describes what it was like during this time. "Start With A Dream" by Joey Cassata is a rock 'n' roll journey and it is that book. From the early days of his childhood to t...

We live in the age of everyone being a critic...everyone having an opinion. We see it constantly on social media with fellow rock fans conveying how "this singer can't sing anymore" or "they look so old". Well, guess what? They've aged just as you have. Just like you, the rock fan not looking as you did in your twenties, neither do they. Stacey Forbes and I discuss why people have trouble acceptin...

With their new album "Art of Disconnect" due out this May, lead singer and guitarist Nikki Smash from The Rocket Dolls visits The Hook Rocks to discuss what's in store this coming year. Nikki is forthcoming about his influences and what hooked him on rock 'n' roll as well as what is needed for rock music to become relevant once again. The Rocket Dolls are poised for big things in the future! Enjoy...

We welcome back singer/songwriter Christian Shields to discuss his debut album "This Is Rock n Roll". The album is an epic journey of old school rock influences mixed with a modern sound. It is an album that gets better with every listen. Our conversation turns to the future for Christian Shields as we discuss touring and promoting the album in 2020. Check out his two songs "Rock n Roll" & "Raise...

With great songs and high energy performances, Diamonds and Whiskey is a band built on the influences of Rock, Country, & Blues. Lead singer and lyricist Jenny Webb joins me on the latest New Music Spotlight to discuss the history of the band and where their journey is taking them. Audiences all over the globe are connecting with her personal lyrics expressing heartache and life's challenges as th...

We return with another installment of Tales of The Douche where we explore the difficulties and challenges tall people give concertgoers at general admission shows. We provide an outline of proper concert etiquette for these situations. During this episode, Chris Riccardo and I also offer dating advice and discuss why I refuse to eat pulled pork. Enjoy the episode. Learn more about your ad choices...

Following a trip to the local library when he was a kid, guitar player Tommy White heard Jimi Hendrix for the first time. His journey to rock 'n' roll began and it's lead him to the Brooklyn based band Lovehoney. Combining elements of the blues, funk, R & B, and soul with a touch of sleaze this band is primed and ready for a big year in 2020. Please enjoy the episode! Learn more about your ad choi...

Often overlooked The New Wave of British Heavy Metal Movement is one of the most important chapters in hard rock and heavy metal history. It is the bridge that connects the legendary bands such as Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, & Rainbow with modern hard rock and heavy metal acts. Producing major international touring acts like Iron Maiden & Def Leppard this period of music deserves mor...

The NWOBHM movement is an often-overlooked period of time in Hard Rock & Heavy Metal history but one of the most important. In terms of sound, it was very primitive however, it was the first-moment the influences of Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, & Deep Purple had a direct impact on the music bands were producing across the U.K. Brian Tatler, lead guitar player from the influential band Diamond Head...

Rock music and its connection to the youth of today have been found to be a tall mountain to climb. Overstimulated and lack of physical connection to music the kids today want the experience. One of the upcoming voices of rock 'n' roll and also part of the younger generation is Abby K. She hopes to bring the hard rock experience to those her age and beyond. Enjoy our conversation about her influen...