A kindred spirit with a story to tell, Martin Reed from MTR Project is finally in the place he was always meant to be. Battling through years of addiction and self destruction Martin now sings about hope as he continues on his musical journey utilizing music as the ultimate healing power. The MTR project beautifully merges the '90s Seattle sound like Alice In Chains with the power of Black Label Society. Enjoy Martin's raw perspective on his life and the music of MTR Project. This show is part of Pantheon Podcasts.

It is here ladies and gentlemen! It has been decades since the last great movement in rock history happened. It is now happening again! So many great new bands and artists are reviving the music we love and it's time for you to take notice. Jordan "The Junkman" West from KNAC.com joins me to discuss his enthusiasm for new rock 'n' roll and the hurdles it now faces. In the end, we both believe it will conquer. There is too much talent, too much awesome music, and too much momentum building for it it not to succeed. Please enjoy the episode!

Already a rock 'n' roll veteran at the age of 36 Nick Perri has finally found the artistic freedom he has been searching for with the album Sun Via and his band Nick Perri and The Underground Thieves. The album is a celebration of music with different influences creating a journey for the listener. Each song shows the evolution of Nick and the band as artists with a theme of no boundaries. We discuss the creative process for Sun Via and how the last two decades have prepared him for this musical journey as well as his influences and what hooked him on rock music. Please enjoy the episode!

Armed with a signature sound Armored Saint has delivered great music for almost four decades and the latest album Punching The Sky is one of their best. Filled with great hooks and timely lyrics this release is a must-have for any hard rock or heavy metal fans. I had the pleasure to speak with lead singer John Bush about the creative process and the decision to release new music during the pandemic of 2020. John offered great insight into the band's decision amongst other topics as well. Please enjoy the conversation. 

Inspiration comes in various ways and because many bands and artists continue to create during the pandemic, they are finding it in the music they've already heard.  Drawing from the influences of Black Sabbath and Funkadelic Tommy White from Lovehoney discusses the new album due out in February and how the place you're in mentally can affect how you hear music, even if you've heard a hundred times before. Please enjoy the episode!

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 know on new rock 'n' roll? Chris Corradetti and I will feature three new bands on a bi-monthly basis. On our second installment we showcase King Bull, Magnolia Bayou, and Those Damn Crows. Enjoy our discussion on each band and as I always say "Give Them a Listen!"

Guitarist from Goodbye June, Tyler Baker returns to the show to give an update on the music the band has been recording during the pandemic. Drawing inspiration from a legendary rock album the group decided to step outside their comfort zone and take a different approach in creating their new songs. The results have Tyler and the rest of the band excited and they can't wait for their fans to hear this musical journey. Tyler explains how it all began and why without the pandemic this album may not have happened. Please enjoy the episode!

Up & coming artist Abby K returns to The Hook Rocks podcast to discuss her latest EP "Live From The Playroom" being released this December. We discuss her selection process of the classic rock songs she chose and the reasons behind each tune. The gifted and talented musician also discusses the new music she has released over the last year and what to expect from her in 2021. Between graduating high school this year as well as already taking college courses Abby K is positioning herself as a new force in rock 'n' roll. Please enjoy the episode!

We talk a lot on this podcast about The State of Rock Music. There are so many questions and so few answers. Beau from The Rock Savages Podcast joins me to discuss new music and where the evolution of the industry is headed. Will it become a tech industry based on algorithms and information stored on your cell phone? Will you be allowed to discover music naturally through an organic process or will you be steered unknowingly in a forced direction? Where does the future of live music fit in and what will be the new normal?...and of course we trade info on new bands we are listening to. I hope you enjoy this discussion between two music fans!

With everyone struggling to get through 2020 we've been searching for reasons to be excited. The pandemic has taken away our outlets of enjoyment as we wait for a breath of normalcy. In many ways, AC/DC's release of their new album Power Up is giving many rock fans a reason to smile once again and take us to a place we can escape while temporarily keeping our minds off of the daily stresses, we are all dealing with. Friend of the show and AC/DC fanatic Dean Clark and I review Power Up as well as the future of the band. We believe this is the album we all need in 2020. Please enjoy the episode. 

The music business is much different today than it was years ago. Fans have so many different platforms to find music, bands and artists have several ways to build and connect with an audience, and many artists need to diversify themselves in order to survive being a musician due to a change in revenue streams. In a wide-ranging conversation with Ace Von Johnson of L.A. Guns, Faster Pussycat, and Neon Coven he details his creative path with different projects both in and outside of music.  We also discuss his story as a musician, the latest Neon Coven album, and much more. Please enjoy the episode!

A few decades have passed since the era of fun good-time music ruled radio, the stages, and MTV. However, the impact of the bands during that time still remains. Groups like Van Halen, Motley Crue, Def Leppard, & Bon Jovi sold millions of records and to this day have one of the most loyal fan bases ever in music history. Yet a few years into the early '90s it all came to a screeching halt and only over the past decade have we seen a renewed appreciation of the music from this era. Why did it all end? Chris Preston from My Rock 'n' Roll Heaven and I discuss the major components of its downfall. Please enjoy the episode. 

Social media impacts everyone in today's world. Good or bad there is no way to escape it and the majority of people around the globe are on one platform or another. The band Small Town Titans captures the circus atmosphere that is social media with their new song "Rufflin Feather" from their upcoming album The Ride. My conversation with lead guitarist Ben Guiles covers this as well as the impact Covid19 has had on the band, plus much more. Please enjoy the episode.

The future of rock music is in the hands of the youth of today. It is up to the new bands and artists to make the connection and provide the answer to the angst kids are feeling in today's world. Just like the parents of my generation who grew up on Elvis, The Beatles, and The Rolling Stones their interest in our music when were growing up was minimal. Classic rock fans are fans of the bands they grew up with. It's not up to them to carry the flag for our favorite genre of music. Kids today have so many things pulling them in so many directions but I believe a perfect storm is brewing. The angst and anger caused by the lockdowns because of the pandemic will fuel the future of rock music. Returning guest Jaide Alicia and I discuss all of this and more! Please enjoy the episode!

From the moment they saw Lynyrd Skynrd live Stacey, Josh, & Patrick Galanis wanted to make rock music. The three brothers decided to start a rock band combining the influences of southern rock and the grunge era of rock 'n' roll. From there Southern Governor has been moving forward ever since. I had the pleasure of chatting with Patrick & Stacey about their new song "Memphis Train", their debut album released a couple of years ago, and what's in the future for this great young band from Virginia. Please enjoy the episode!

The long-awaited Reb Beach instrumental solo album "A View From The Inside" comes out this Friday. Featuring the first single  "Aurora Borealis" the album is filled with amazing textures and incredible riffs. This project has been in the works for years but because of the downtime caused by the pandemic Reb was able to finish the album. We discuss the album and more during his visit to The Hook Rocks including the impact Eddie Van Halen had on his playing. Please enjoy the episode!

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. Please enjoy the episode!

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 fans definitely need to have "Strange Place" in their record collection. I enjoyed the conversation as you will too!

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 much about this conversation I think you will enjoy!

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 episode!

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 impact of Covid19 but is excited to continue his rock'n'roll journey once normalcy returns. Please enjoy the episode!

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 are looking for their metal fix. Please enjoy the episode!

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.

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 recording experience during the pandemic, as well their plans once things return to "normal". Please enjoy the episode!

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 I hope many of you find it helpful as I did to speak about it as we keep his music and memory alive.