The most highly anticipated rock n roll book of the year is out. Alex Van Halen's memoir is a love letter to his brother Ed. Did it live up to the hype? And did the 240 pages tell the whole story? *Sign up to win the new Rush book: Rush at 50 It's easy- just send me an email and say, "Big Rick, send me that killer new Rush book," and I will enter you in the drawing! US residents only. *This week's rock n roll newsletter recommendation: The mother of all rock n roll newsletters- The Zappagram htt...
Nov 11, 2024•12 min•Ep. 44
The band has been together for close to 50 years. They haven't toured in 6 years. Why is this set list so important? Road Diary-Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band is a rock n roll documentary that incapsulates everything that makes a Springsteen show so powerful. This is on the list of the top 5 Rock Docs of the year! Support the show email Big Rick at: [email protected]...
Nov 05, 2024•15 min•Ep. 43
Here's all the latest book buzz and documentary news you don't want to miss! Projects from The Beatles, Bachman Turner Overdrive, The Tragically Hip, Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band and Elton John to name a few are featured on this month's BONUS EPISODE. Plus, your chance to win the new Rush book "Rush at 50!" Support the show email Big Rick at: [email protected]...
Oct 29, 2024•12 min•Ep. 42
Is there really anything more to learn about John Lennon and Yoko Ono? Mind Games the book answers that questions with the inclusion of never before seen essays, documents, hand written lyrics, and over 750 photos. This definitive exploration is made up of Lennon and Ono's thoughts during the making, producing, and releasing of the album, plus contributions from people who were there. ** Sign up to win the new book "Rush at 50" - Just send me an email to enter.** Remember with this one, it's onl...
Oct 21, 2024•12 min•Ep. 41
The oddest, interesting, quirky, unique rock n roll book I have ever read. EVER? Yes! 1967: How I Got There and Why I Never Left by Robyn Hitchcock is a delightful read that takes you back to a special time in rock n roll history. Hitchcock writes his life story from his early teens persona as he discovers the life altering power of rock n roll. Support the show email Big Rick at: [email protected]...
Oct 08, 2024•10 min•Ep. 40
This book is a treasure. Author Paul Zollo got a chance in 2004 and 2005 to sit and talk with Tom Petty, discussing his life and music. This book is a record of these conversation. We are so lucky to have a document like this that so deeply explores not only Tom Petty's craft, but the many chapters of his life and career. Support the show email Big Rick at: [email protected]...
Oct 01, 2024•13 min•Ep. 39
The latest news from Alex Van Halen's memoir "Brothers" plus news on projects from Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen, Rush, Yoko Ono and Paul McCartney to name a few. Catch up on all the book buzz and documentary news for the month of September! Support the show email Big Rick at: [email protected]
Sep 24, 2024•14 min•Ep. 38
This book was a little outside of the usual rock n roll books I review. But I took a chance. And because of the unique storytelling and interesting personal path author Ann Powers took to tell the story, I found myself engaged throughout. This is not a Joni Mitchell biography. This is the life of Mitchell questioned, examined, and presented with the myriad of avenues Joni Mitchell and author Ann Powers took throughout their lives. Support the show email Big Rick at: [email protected]...
Sep 17, 2024•13 min•Ep. 37
The iconic music doc and album, Joe Cocker's Mad Dogs and Englishmen, gets a well deserved follow up in this new documentary "Learning To Live Together: The Return of Mad Dogs and Englishmen" 50 years later the Tedeschi Trucks band put together a massive tribute to the Mad Dogs and Englishmen legacy, reuniting 12 member of the original band to play the LOCKN Festival in Arrington Virginia. This doc not only captures the reunion show but also uses never before seen archival footage from the origi...
Sep 10, 2024•13 min•Ep. 36
Is the Stone Pony the most iconic rock n roll bar in America? I dive into the oral history of this still standing Asbury Park New Jersey landmark that uses quotes from Bruce Springsteen, Steven Van Zant, Patti Smith, Zack Wylde, Tom Morello and a cast of a hundred more artists to tell this tale. Support the show email Big Rick at: [email protected]
Sep 02, 2024•18 min•Ep. 35
There is only one movie of this immense caliber that was inspired by songs that served as the soundtrack for the movie. And there was only one Prince. This beautifully put together coffee style book does the legacy of the Purple One justice by leaving nothing left to explore about the groundbreaking Purple Rain album and movie. Support the show email Big Rick at: [email protected]...
Aug 20, 2024•12 min•Season 2Ep. 34
David Lee Roths' crazy manic muse is unmatched in rock n roll. There are very few who can keep up to his always on personality and this book does it best to track down anyone who tried. This episode digs into the DLR Book - How David Lee Roth Changed The World by Darren Paltrowitz. Support the show email Big Rick at: [email protected]
Aug 13, 2024•17 min•Season 2Ep. 33
One of the greatest concerts of all time that most know very little about. This new doc, Revival 69 - the Concert That Rocked The World, brings unprecedented live footage and a story like no other to finally expose this amazing moment in rock n roll history. This episode also includes all the latest rock n roll book buzz and documentary news on projects about The Tedeschi Trucks Band, Leon Russell, Mad Dogs and Englishmen, John Lennon and Robyn Hithcock. Support the show email Big Rick at: info@...
Aug 06, 2024•20 min•Ep. 32
Chris Stein tells the other side of the Blondie story in his new memoir. Gritty New York City tales from the 70's and 80's bring you right into the CBGB scene. This episodes also includes book and doc news about new projects featuring John Lennon and Yoko Ono, Eric Clapton, Chuck Berry, The Doors, and Melissa Etheridge to name a few. Support the show email Big Rick at: [email protected]...
Jul 23, 2024•14 min•Ep. 31
Stevie Van Zant Disciple documentary needs over two hours to tell the story of one of rock's most accomplished careers. Guest appearances by Paul McCartney, Jackson Browne, Peter Wolf, and of course Bruce himself take this doc over the top. It's one not to miss. This episode also includes book and doc news about projects featuring The Grateful Dead, Robert Hunter, Jerry Garcia, Prince, John Lennon, Chuck Berry and The Doors to name a few. Support the show email Big Rick at: [email protected]...
Jul 09, 2024•17 min•Ep. 30
For 13 days he was a Beatles. He actually saved the Beatles first world tour. He was 24 years old. And then he was gone. And most people don’t even know his name. How is it possible that drummer Jimmie Nicol could simply vanish after playing with the Beatles? The new book "The Beatle Who Vanished" finally solves the mystery of what happened to Nicol. This episode also includes the latest insight into new projects from Joni Mitchell, Steven Van Zant, Stax Records, The Stone Pony and more. Support...
Jul 01, 2024•15 min•Ep. 29
King Curtis played with Buddy Holly. Jimi Hendrix joined King's band. He opened for the Beatles at Shea Stadium. One of his best friends was Duane Allman. There is a ton of rock n roll tales told in the new book Soul Serenade: King Curtis and his Immortal Saxophone. I am really glad I looked passed King Curtis's R&B and Jazz resume because there was so much to be learned about this underrated talent. Support the show email Big Rick at: [email protected]...
Jun 18, 2024•14 min•Ep. 28
I already saw the Peter Jackson masterpiece “Get Back” why should I watch the film “Let It Be?” “Let It Be” the 1970 film has been remastered and is finally released in it’s original state, I look at it’s significance and give it a rating I have never given any documentary I have ever reviewed in the year in a half of the Rock Talk Studio podcast. Plus updates on new projects about Journey, Moby Grape, Michael McDonald, Lollapalooza and Stevie Van Zant. Support the show email Big Rick at: info@r...
Jun 11, 2024•17 min•Season 2Ep. 27
Anita Pallenberg was a major influence on the Rolling Stones; so much so that it jeopardized her career, family and life. I explore the depth of her story in the new doc Catching Fire. Plus, big news on three new documentaries just announced featuring Led Zeppelin, Los Lobos, and Little Steven Van Zant. Support the show email Big Rick at: [email protected]
Jun 02, 2024•15 min•Season 2Ep. 26
“Carlos” the documentary delivers a look at one of rock’s greatest guitarist. How personal does it get, is it deep enough? And yes, the Woodstock experience is explained. Plus! Details on a new Grateful Dead book -easily the most unique book I have ever read about the band. And news on upcoming projects from The Rock n Roll Nightmare series, John Lennon, Chris Stein of Blondie, and Anita Pallenberg to name a few. Support the show email Big Rick at: [email protected]...
May 05, 2024•16 min•Season 2Ep. 25
Here’s the latest news about projects on Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, The Beach Boys, Bob Marley and the sequel to a 1984 rock n roll movie classic. This is the bonus episode, a continuation of the conversation about all the latest news to get fired up about. If you’re looking for more news and recommendations on the latest rock n roll books and documentaries check out the main podcast that comes out the first three Tuesday's of every month. Support the show email Big Rick at: info@rocktalkstud...
Apr 16, 2024•13 min•Season 2Ep. 24
20 female rockers tell their war stories about the music industry and what they used to overcome every possible roadblock. Plus all the book buzz and doc news including a review of the most disturbing rock n roll book I have ever read! Books and Doc reviewed, previewed, and recommended: Books- She's a Badass: Women in Rock Shaping Feminism by Katherine Yeske Taylor Drums and Demons: The Tragic Journey of Jim Gordon Turn It Up! by Tom Werman Christine McVie: Songbird by Lesley-Ann Jones Alice Coo...
Apr 02, 2024•22 min•Ep. 23
You might not know the players, but you have definitely rocked out to the records they played on. The Immediate Family documentary pulls the curtain back to expose who was responsible for a lot of that 70’s and 80’s sound. There was a huge (the biggest of the year so far) announcement of a new memoir that is coming out in October. Find out about the memoir, a new George Harrison book, get some Tina Turner news, and a review of three new Bob Dylan books. Plus The Who, and a bunch of badass female...
Mar 05, 2024•17 min•Ep. 22
One of rock’s most endearing personalities Geddy Lee, tells the story of one of rocks best three-piece bands. But, will a non-Rush fan find value with this book? The review looks at all sides of what Geddy’s book has to offer and gives up a surprising recommendation. Also included in this episode is all the latest buzz about whats new and what has just been announced as coming soon. Artists featured are Jeff Tweedy, David Lee Roth, Jim Gordon, Brian Eno and Willie Nelson. What is Willy Nelson do...
Feb 06, 2024•17 min•Ep. 21
What was the best rock n roll book of 2023? How about the best rock n roll documentary? Found out what came in as the best of the best, in the first annual Rock Talk Studio awards show. Support the show email Big Rick at: [email protected]
Dec 28, 2023•18 min•Season 1Ep. 20
Springsteen chose to pursue the release of the Nebraska album over Born In The USA. How did he talk his record label into that? And why, after all these years, no one has told the story of this dark masterpiece. And, could this be one of the best books of the year? Also included in this episode, are the monthly previews, reviews, and recommendations, which include a minor Beatles Fest (3 books and 1 doc about Beatle members) another Bob Dylan must have, and the annual holiday product dump that c...
Dec 05, 2023•20 min•Ep. 19
What happens when someone spends 20 years performing Led Zeppelin concerts note for note and then Jimmy Page walks in the door and sits down? This one-of-a-kind documentary about Mr. Jimmy, is this month’s spotlight review. Also included in this episode are the monthly previews, reviews, and recommendations which include a look at an over 500 page book on possibly the most underrated rock star of the 70’s, notes on the new 12 minute Beatle documentary, and the announcement of docs from the Stone...
Nov 07, 2023•20 min•Season 1Ep. 18
U2 is in the Sphere, they released a new record, Bono’s memoir is out, what else is there left to do? How about a rock doc? This month’s spotlight review looks at the documentary Bono and The Edge Sort of Homecoming with David Letterman. Plus, rapid fire recommendations on six other don’t miss titles. Support the show email Big Rick at: [email protected]
Oct 03, 2023•19 min•Season 1Ep. 17
Why did David Bowie's Moonage Daydream documentary take seven years to complete? Being the first authorized release from the Bowie estate, it has to be worth it right? I look at this documentary from all different angle and from all type of fans viewpoints to determine if it's recommended. This episode also preview and reviews six other titles and leave you with a few choices of where to spend your time and money. Support the show email Big Rick at: [email protected]...
Sep 05, 2023•16 min•Ep. 16
Spotlight on Lucinda Williams' raw memoir, “Don’t Tell Anyone The Secrets I Told You.” Plus RTS' latest rock n roll books and documentaries recommendations featuring titles from Allman Brothers, Bob Dylan, and Black Sabbath, Carlos Santana, Hipgnosis, and Imagine Dragons. Support the show email Big Rick at: [email protected]
Aug 01, 2023•17 min•Ep. 15
