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 magazines sold at the record store. Growin Up Rock co-host Steven Michael joins me to talk about these wonderful memories. Enjoy The Episode!

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 Paul Martin about the writing and recording process as well as what life is like right now with everything stuck in idle because of Covid-19. I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I had having it!

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? Sharise Brown and I discuss this topic and how it relates to the outlaw image the youth of America will always embrace. Please enjoy the episode!

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 discuss the findings and how it relates to the current world situation we are all facing. Please enjoy the episode.

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 wave of rock music. Enjoy the conversation and listen to new rock!

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!

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 touring with Kiss to being on Broadway Cassata's life has been filled with challenges and success. We discuss the book in detail and how someone like myself connects with his story. Please enjoy the conversation.

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 accepting this and how social media has become a haven for the self- absorbed critic who has to comment on everything. Enjoy the episode!

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 the conversation!

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 'Em Up" at the beginning and end of the episode. Enjoy!

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 the band wins people over with their musicianship. Great things are ahead for Diamonds And Whiskey. Please enjoy the episode.

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.

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!

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 more appreciation. Enjoy my conversation with Josh @decanterofdoom!

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 and I discuss what it was like during this movement as well as the upcoming year for the legendary band. Enjoy the conversation.

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 influences, her music, and how she is navigating her way through the new age of rock 'n' roll!

Legendary rock guitarist Doug Aldrich visits with The Hook Rocks to discuss his current project Revolution Saints and their new album "Rise". Doug has a lot to say about the current state of music, his influences, as well as The Dead Daisies new album. Gerald Guzman and I discuss Doug and his identifiable tone in the intro. Please enjoy the episode.

The imperfections of the blues allow the emotions of the artist to go on a journey, unlike any other music genre. Chris Turpin from Ida Mae and I discuss how that emotion and imperfections play a huge role in how they create music. From there, we dive into the state of music and what needs to happen for it to flourish again. Please enjoy the conversation!

The Beatles debut on The Ed Sullivan Show had an enormous impact on musicians throughout the history of rock 'n' roll. Legendary bass player Rudy Sarzo was one of those musicians. On our latest episode, Rudy and I discuss his influences and how he found his way in Ozzy Osbourne's band featuring Randy Rhoads. This experience helped shape his career and legacy in rock music. Please enjoy the conversation!

From a small town in east Texas, Blacktop Mojo continues to win over fans with great songs and great live shows. Founding member Matt James shares his views on the bands' evolution, their history, and how they've developed a loyal fan base. Check out their latest release from 2019 "Under The Sun". One of my favorite albums of the year. Please enjoy the episode!

The album "50 For 50" is a musical journey unlike no other. Released on his 50th birthday Richie Kotzen gives his fans a gift of 50 original songs. He and I discuss what inspired him to embark on this project and how revisiting incomplete songs also inspired him to write new music. The end result is an epic masterpiece that allows him to showcase all of his influences while displaying his evolution as an artist. Please enjoy the episode!

On the last installment of our Richie Kotzen, "50 For 50" album review Crash Crafton and I give our final thoughts on this epic masterpiece. The 3rd disc opens with the 1-2 punch of "Play The Field" & "Wide Open" setting the tone for the albums final chapter. Once again Kotzen's influences of r & b, funk, soul, & rock shine throughout each track on the album. This is the must-have album of 2020! Please enjoy the episode.

Happy 50th Birthday to Richie Kotzen! "50 For 50" is officially out and we continue our review with Disc 2 of this epic triple album. Crash Crafton and I give our take on each song and how Kotzen explores his influences generating music only he can create. With songs such as "Warrior" and "Who I Am" he remains the most prolific multi-instrumental performer in music! Enjoy the review of disc 2!

With the release of Richie Kotzen's epic triple album "50 For 50" happening tomorrow, February 3, Crash Crafton and I discuss the 1st disc track by track. The album begins its journey with "Stick The Knife" featuring an incredible guitar intro letting you know all of your anticipated excitement is about to be fulfilled. Kotzen allows his influences of rock, blues, R & B, and funk to be on full display with each song standing on its own merit. Enjoy the review and look out for part 2 tomorrow!

Putting the party back in rock 'n' roll is the mission for the New York City band Wildstreet. Big hooks and melodies combined with the glam look they are a throwback to the music from a generation before. Eric Jayk and I discuss the exciting future and how 2020 will be their biggest year yet. Playing wherever they can to whoever will come Wildstreet is a band you need to hear and know. Please enjoy the episode!