The Hook Rocks!

The Hooks Rocks Podcast is the place to be for talking rock music. In depth discussions on the state of rock music, new music spotlights featuring new up and coming artists, and much more. Get hooked on The Hooks Rocks…The Ultimate Rock Community podcast! Now Part of Pantheon Podcasts!

Music Commentary
Music Interviews
576
New Music Spotlight: Interview with Chris Turpi...
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!
46 min
577
The Rudy Sarzo Interview
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!
40 min
578
New Music Spotlight: Interview With Matt James ...
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!
40 min
579
The Richie Kotzen 50 For 50 Interview
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!
41 min
580
The Richie Kotzen 50 For 50 Album Review - (Par...
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.
56 min
581
The Richie Kotzen 50 For 50 Album Review - (Par...
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!
61 min
582
The Richie Kotzen 50 For 50 Album Review - (Par...
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!
68 min
583
New Music Spotlight: Interview with Eric Jayk f...
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!
41 min
584
The Brian "Damage" Forsythe Interview
The rock'n' roll journey for Brian Forsythe has had many peaks and valleys, however, the music has always remained a constant driving force. From the early days of forming Kix in Maryland to the glam rock scene of the '80s in Los Angeles Brian has finally found a home in Music City Nashville. Making music has always been the outlet for his creativity. Brian talks about his past, present, and future. Please enjoy the episode!
55 min
585
When Corruption In The Music Industry Suppresse...
The Grammy's and The Rock'n' Roll Hall of Fame is an extension of The Music Industry. For decades this industry continues to suppress the greatest genre in music, rock 'n' roll and all of its subgenres. If you follow the money, the desire to remain relevant is at an all-time high. Accusations of labels and artists paying for Grammy nominations or Rock Hall selections are not going away. As fans, we are being told what rock 'n' roll is because the industry is being corrupted by the artists and labels greed. Let's take a stand! Enjoy the episode with Kristi Enigl!
64 min
586
New Music Spotlight: Interview With Jake Davies...
Inspired by Alice In Chains and others from the '90s hard rock/grunge movement the band Of Limbo gives you a different perspective from those influences. Vocalist and rhythm guitar player Jake Davies offers a candid outlook on their creative process as well as his thoughts on the new wave of rock bands currently making music today. "Alice in Chains without the heroin but with the Van Halen fun" is a perfect way to describe Of Limbo. Please enjoy the episode!
53 min
587
Why Are Rock Fans Conservative?
One would think the fans of a music genre that prides itself on being rebellious would be more open to change. However, as we see time and time again the rock fans want their favorite bands or artists to stay the same. We constantly hear how bands earlier albums are the best and the new stuff is bad. Fans fail to accept anything new by the ones they love or new music by new bands. They resist the evolution of the artist. My friend Doug Smith from the North West region of Canada to discuss the conservative fans of rock music.
63 min
588
All Things Rock Music With Mojo Moomey
Where are the rocks stars? Why are rocks fans not receptive to new rock music? What is happening to the rock 'n' roll genre? These and other topics regarding our favorite music is discussed in this lengthy conversation. A rock'n'roll lifer, Mojo Moomey flies the flag for rock music. Utilizing his platform, he plays you the classics but promotes the new music he loves. I hope you enjoy the episode!
57 min
589
New Music Spotlight: Interview With Tuk Smith
Big things are on the horizon for Tuk Smith & The Restless Hearts. Their first single and title track to the forthcoming album "What Kind of Love" was just released and they are the opening slot on the bigger summer Stadium Tour with Motley Crue & Def Leppard. Tuk Smith and I chat about his influences, his perseverance after his former band Biters broke up, and his thoughts on the music industry. I hope you enjoy the episode!
48 min
590
The George Lynch Interview
A large portion of rock music fans want what they know and find it difficult to adjust to their favorite bands or musicians evolving as artists. One of those artists who constantly looks for ways to chase that evolution and feed his musical journey is the legendary guitar player George Lynch. From Dokken to Lynch Mob to his new project Dirty Shirley you will rarely find an artist who is constantly looking for an outlet for his creativity. Please enjoy the interview.
48 min
591
A Tribute To Neil Peart
The global music community was shocked by the announcement of Neil Peart's passing due to brain cancer on January 7th. One of the legends of rock music and a pillar of influence in the rock genre Neil Peart was regarded by many as the Greatest Drummer of All Time. I reflect on what his lyrics and the music of Rush meant to me and how mourning the loss of a legend will be for myself and fellow Rush fans.
32 min
592
New Music Spotlight: Interview With Tyler Baker...
Everyone has their own journey in life filled challenges, tragedy, and success. Mourning the loss of his brother, Tyler Baker and his cousins found themselves questioning life and what was to come. While healing, they found themselves lost in music and developing their craft which would eventually become Goodbye June. They moved to Nashville and realized the dream of becoming a rock band was there for the taking. The rise of Goodbye June is remarkable. Please enjoy the episode!
60 min
593
Tales of The Douche : Loud Talkers
It gets worse every year. Whether it's the legion of cell phone users watching a concert through the lens of a camera, or the entitled fan distracting you with loud conversations while a band is performing the experience of a rock 'n' roll show is filled with distractions. Chris Riccardo and I welcome you to the first episode of "Tales of The Douche". A light-hearted comedic look at what a concert experience is today.
48 min
594
Holiday Series Episode Xll: The Iron Maiden Legacy
Having secured themselves as one of the most influential heavy metal bands of all time, Iron Maiden continues to create great music four decades after their debut release.
58 min
595
Holiday Series Episode Xl: The Motley Crue Stad...
With the success of the movie and song "The Dirt" last spring, Motley Crue found themselves back in the spotlight. A younger audience has taken notice and the band has been thrust back into relevancy. Sharise Brown and I discuss all the angles on why this tour is happening and why it was inevitable. The Crue is back! Please enjoy the episode.
61 min
596
Holiday Series Episode X: Why You Need to Know ...
One of my favorite artists is one not many people know...or I should say not many people realize they do know him. Responsible for producing several big-name acts from Keith Urban to Pink or Green Day to Train, Butch Walker and his solo work remain underappreciated. One of the best singer-songwriters over the past two decades, Chris Riccardo and I discuss his history and how his music has connected with both of us. Please enjoy the episode!
49 min
597
Holiday Series Episode lX: Looking Forward To 2020
As we close the book on 2019 we open another in 2020. I discuss the upcoming tours, new music, and what the future looks like for The Hook Rocks. So much new great music is coming and music fans need to be there for it. Enjoy the episode and Happy New Year to all of you!
48 min
598
Holiday Series Episode Vlll: The Top 10 Albums ...
Lots of great rock albums released this past year. From new bands to new releases by our favorites. Listen to Chris Corradetti and I review of the Top 10 Albums of 2019. Enjoy the Episode!
78 min
599
Holiday Series Episode Vll: A Queen Fans Perspe...
One of the greatest bands in the history of rock 'n' roll Queen left us with music that stands the test of time. Testing the boundaries of innovation they set themselves apart from their contemporaries. Sean Culver offers an interesting perspective on the uniqueness of Queen & Freddie Mercury. His thoughts on the movie "Bohemian Rhapsody" and how it only scratched the surface on the greatness of Queen. Enjoy the episode!
60 min
600
Holiday Series Episode Vl: Tales From The Sunse...
The scene was legendary and had a huge impact on the music of the '80s and early 90's. Bands earned their chops from playing club to club. It all began with Van Halen and carried on with Motley Crue, Ratt, Quiet Riot, and many more. Returning guest Gerald Guzman talks about his experiences and how he ended up at Vince Neil's house one night. Enjoy the episode!
68 min