We welcome Pete Biggiani from the New Jersey band Kodiak on our latest edition of The New Music Spotlight. Their big hooks and melodies bring us back to the days of fun rock music, but with their own fresh sound. With the new wave of rock music coming to shore this is a band you need to be listening to. @CCRiccardo and I discuss our excitement during the introduction. If you are a music fan like we are, you will enjoy the band Kodiak. Enjoy our conversation.

From the stages of the unknown, a band that merges guitar-based blues-rock with the influences of punk The Brought Low brings it all together. From NYC they've cut their teeth in clubs up and down the east coast and parts of the midwest with a familiar but fresh sound. Ben Smith and I discuss their career, his influences, the current state of rock, and what lies ahead. Enjoy the show!

Faced with the ultimate uncertainty of his own life, Chris Tapp of The Cold Stares never gave up. A rock 'n' roll journey that is like no other, filled with enough countless challenges and setbacks for several lifetimes, their story of perseverance is absolutely inspiring. With songs powered by honesty and endless depth I'm certain their music and story will resonate with you. Enjoy the show!

What is happening to the greatest music genre of all time? Unfortunately, there isn't one right answer nor is there only one problem. We've entered a perfect storm but brighter days may be ahead...if we the fans start listening. The conversation about the state of rock music continues as we welcome Tom & Zeus from @SIOLoudcast. Enjoy the show!

The new wave of rock music is here and Joyous Wolf is one of the bands leading the charge. Able to combine the styles of blues & soul with 60's,70's, 80's, & 90's rock Joyous Wolf does it masterly, adding their own fresh style. Ari Karnezis and I discuss what separates them from other new bands in our introduction, before lead singer Nick Reese and I discuss the past, the present, and future of this great new rock band. Enjoy the show!

We continue our series of discussions about the relevancy of Rock n Roll with Kristi Enigl, former radio personality and current talent and music manager. We discuss how the influence of rock radio is no longer viable and how it's impacted the current state of rock music. No longer an outlet for new rock music, where does the rock fan need to go to find it! We also address the latest news about Eddie Van Halen. Enjoy the show!

Hard & in your face metal is how I would describe the Chicago band Aeraco. The band has the goods with influences ranging from Armored Saint to Dokken....from Helloween to Judas Priest. The lead vocalist/ co-lead guitar player Ace stops by and speaks candidly about his personal influences, the history of the band, and what's going on in the future. Aeraco is band you must listen to. Enjoy the episode!

On our latest New Music Spotlight 17 year old singer/songwriter Griffin Tucker joins me to talk music influences and his upcoming music. We dive into his appreciation and knowledge of rock legends like The Beatles and Led Zeppelin, and how they continue to inspire his evolution throughout his rock n roll journey. The future of rock is bright with Griffin Tucker! Enjoy the episode.

"The New Wave of Classic Rock" is building momentum In England and Anne Estella is at the forefront. She discusses her journey into rock journalism and how she is helping create an audience for new bands and artists. New rock music needs the attention and Anne is doing her part and more to help. Please enjoy the episode.

19 Years ago Lars Ulrich & Metallica became the face of the music industry and their war against Napster & file sharing. Chris Bisha joins me to discuss how this innovative software changed the game with not just how we listen, obtain, and absorb music, but what it meant to the social media platforms, we now rely upon to share information and communicate with each other. Enjoy the show!

We live in the age of opinions…everyone has one. Many artists and musicians voice their opinions through their social media outlets and receive push back to "stay in their lane." It's okay to disagree with those opinions, but to engage in personal boycotts of their music only punishes you. Claudia Stavola stops by to discuss the insanity of boycotts and blocks. Keep listening…it's okay if their views differ from yours! Enjoy the show!

The Blackberry Smoke Discussion by The Hook Rocks!

Welcome to our first New Music Spotlight! The resurgence of rock music is coming…gaining momentum by the day. La Chinga is and certainly will be part of that resurgence. From Vancouver, Canada their music is filled with big hooks and a good time vibe. Music that makes you feel good and want to party. I sat down with Carl Spackler, the bass player/singer from this power trio and talked about their influences, their history, and what's next! Enjoy!

My old friend Justin joins me again to discuss Van Halen and how their music connected with our generation. We both grew up during the height of Van Halen's popularity…from the US Festival in 1983…through the gigantic album 1984…to the transition from David Lee Roth to Sammy Hagar. They set the stage for 80's rock and beyond. Enjoy our conversation!

New rock is on the rise and one of the bands leading the way is Greta Van Fleet. However, their rise in popularity is not without dissension as many detractors feel the band is a blatant rip off of the legendary Led Zeppelin. Ari Karnezis returns to the show for a conversation about the comparisons between both bands.

After being under-appreciated for decades Richie Kotzen has seen a resurgence in popularity since the Winery Dogs debut album. My guest Crash Crafton from Legendary Rock Interviews and I dive into his solo albums and the different projects throughout his career. Richie Kotzen is an artist you should know and one who needs to be a part of your everyday playlists. In my opinion, he is the best guitarist making NEW music today.

Digital vs Physical Format by The Hook Rocks!

The Led Zeppelin Bracket Challenge is here! Which song from one of the greatest rock bands of all time will take the title of "Best Led Zeppelin Song Ever!" You decide! Bracket will be posted for you to follow along.

With an all but confirmed world tour yet to be announced, Dean Clark joins us to discuss his passion for AC/DC. From his extensive book collection to his stockpile of vintage tour t-shirts we learn what it's like to be an avid fan of one of the greatest rock bands of all time. For over 30 years Dean has been on the "Highway to Hell" ! I hope you enjoy our discussion as much as I did!

Sharise Brown and I have a wide ranging discussion on "The Dirt" , The long awaited Motley Crue biopic. We discuss how we remember the events portrayed in the movie, growing up during the height of The Crue's popularity, and our wish for it to be longer…..or have a miniseries. We also share our thoughts on the dynamics within the band and how the band has evolved from the days on the Sunset Strip. Enjoy!

Kiss is one of the greatest and most influential American bands in rock 'n ' roll history. Decades filled with huge albums, great songs, and consistent turmoil. My guest Justin Baron and I discuss all of that and more on today's episode. Enjoy the show. "You Want The Best…..You Got The Best……"

We are at the half way point of 2019 and it has been a great year for new music. We share our Top 20 (so far)albums we've been listening to and what we've been enjoying from new artists, new bands, and those from yesteryear.

Ari Karnezis joins us on today's podcast and discusses the memory and legacy of Chris Cornell. Our conversation

Classic Album Spotlight - Journey "Escape" by The Hook Rocks!

Local Chicago musician and guitarist Gerald Guzman shares what it was like to see Randy Rhoads live during both the Blizzard of Oz and Diary of Madman tours. Gerald talks about the impact Randy had on his guitar playing and development as a musician, as well as the impact Randy Rhoads had on guitar players all over the world. We also discuss how he compared to his contemporaries such as Eddie Van Halen and George Lynch. Enjoy the show!