There is no other album in my collection that continues to evolve as I do as a person than Physical Graffiti by Led Zeppelin. The album is a journey filled with songs that take you to another place. From the days of youth through the years of life it's lyrical content continues to resonate. Led Zeppelin continued its evolution as a band with experimental tones and texture with songs like "Kashmir" & "In The Light". They were able to tap into a funky groove with "Trampled Underfoot" while rem...
May 09, 2020•26 min•Ep. 101
The new album Youth of Dissent shows once again why 1000mods is building an audience across the globe. Insightful lyrics and a sound that keeps evolving the band was ready for another step in their musical journey. However, the circumstances surrounding Covid19 have put things on pause while giving 1000mods a different perspective. I spoke with drummer Labros G about the past, the now, and the future. Please enjoy the episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 07, 2020•55 min•Ep. 100
It's been three months since the epic masterpiece album 50 For 50 was released by Richie Kotzen. There is so much music to digest even a few months later I am still discovering nuances inside several tracks. As we talk about in the episode it's like contantly having three new albums to listen to. Crash Crafton and I rank our top 10 songs as best we can! Please enjoy the episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 06, 2020•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 99
Guitar legend Joe Satriani has just released another masterpiece of an album called Shapeshifting and it's full of diverse energetic instrumentals. I chatted with Joe about how the recording process for this album differed from the previous ones and how he is constantly looking for ways to be inspired. I'm sure you will find the conversation interesting as Joe also talks about his influences, his creative process, and much more. Please enjoy the episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit m...
May 05, 2020•50 min•Ep. 98
The music world changed on February 10th, 1978 and it never was the same. The loud and ferocious tone of Eddie Van Halen influenced generations of new guitar players while also inspiring veteran players to change their sound. I heard this album 5 years later as an 8-year-old sneaking into my brothers' room as my mother cleaned the house. When I heard the first song "Runnin With The Devil" my soul was captured and my musical journey went into overdrive. Please enjoy! Learn more about your ad choi...
May 02, 2020•33 min•Ep. 97
We always have the benefit of hindsight whenever we reflect on the past. Things we may have missed and not appreciated are now looked upon much differently. The '80s hard rock and heavy metal era was such a great time. So many greats bands with so many great songs filled the airwaves and had a presence on MTV. However, none of those bands had the catalog that Iron Maiden put out with seven outstanding studio albums plus a massively successful live album. Nesbit from the Talking Maiden podcast an...
May 01, 2020•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 96
The new album from the band Massive Wagons "House of Noise" is on its way this July and their first single "In It Together" has dropped. The high energy band is ready to take the stage but will have to wait like many others due to the coronavirus impacting the globe. I had the opportunity to sit down with their lead singer Barry "Baz" Mills and discuss everything from the new album to the current state of affairs. Please enjoy the conversation! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.f...
Apr 30, 2020•57 min•Ep. 95
With a dirty south sound mixed with classic rock influences, Black Heart Saints are a band on the rise. The Misery EP released this past fall, which is a follow up to their full-length album Alive shines a light on their addictive riffs and sleazy grooves. Lead guitarist Mark Sean joins me to discuss the history, influences of the band, and where they are headed once life gets back to the new normal. This band is building a reputation and it's time to take notice. Please enjoy the episode! Learn...
Apr 29, 2020•45 min•Ep. 94
Big Wreck released their 6th album "...but for the sun" last year to glowing reviews. For me personally, it was one of my favorite albums of the year and the music continues to be in my everyday music rotation. I got the chance to chat with Ian Thornley about the album and how the death of guitarist Brian Doherty affected both him and the rest of the band. Ian also shares his thoughts on writing music and what inspired him to pick up a guitar. Please enjoy the conversation! Learn more about your...
Apr 28, 2020•50 min•Ep. 93
I first saw the album cover of Iron Maiden's The Number of The Beast by way of a poster while at a family friend's house when I was 8 or 9 years old. I remember feeling scared and excited at the same time. It wasn't until a few months later while at a sleepover I heard the album in its entirety. The album had a huge impact on my life growing up. I had realized at a young age how the imagery of an album connected with me just as the music did. In the first episode of Classic Album Rewind I take a...
Apr 25, 2020•29 min•Ep. 92
Being in one of the most recognizable bands in rock history has not stopped Tesla's Frank Hannon from trying to evolve as an artist. His solo records have become the outlet he needs creatively as well as a way to increase his knowledge of the guitar. Frank and I also talk about what went into developing his last solo effort, his passion for helping new musicians, and how the covid19 stay home order has helped him reconnect with his family. Enjoy the episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Vis...
Apr 24, 2020•44 min•Ep. 91
From Melbourne, Australia the band Massive has been building a solid reputation in different parts of the world over the past 8 years. From their home country to the U.K. Massive is feeding the hunger of fans who crave loud raucous rock 'n' roll. Lead singer Brad Marr visits The Hook Rocks podcast to talk about the history and influences of the band while discussing the challenges of the current Covid19 global lockdown and what the future may look like. Please enjoy the episode! Learn more about...
Apr 23, 2020•48 min•Ep. 90
Everyone has their own rock 'n' roll story. We all have similar tales of how we connected to hard rock and heavy metal but no one has the same exact tale. Jaide Alicia grew up after the height of the hard rock and heavy metal popularity. Nevertheless, her journey began with Kiss and as a result she has toured with bands across the country, helped them with selling merchandise, and has pushed herself to fulfill her goal of a metal music journalist. She certainly has a story to tell. Enjoy the epi...
Apr 22, 2020•1 hr•Ep. 89
Who were the biggest bands of the '80s? Several bands throughout this decade held the throne at one time or another. They were larger than life and influenced music for generations that followed. Mojo Moomey and I give our own top ten and opinions on why the bands we selected deserve to be on the list. Not only was this a fun discussion but it allowed us to take a trip down memory lane. Please enjoy the episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 21, 2020•1 hr 47 min•Ep. 88
With their new album "Point of No Return" released earlier this being one of my favorites of 2020, it was a pleasure to have a conversation with the lead vocalist of Those Damn Crows, Shane Greenhall. We discuss everything from his influences, the band history and recording process, as well as where he finds the inspiration for his lyrics. The album is one you should have and this episode is one you should listen to! Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 17, 2020•44 min•Ep. 87
Michael Des Barres is a rock 'n' roll legend. Starting his journey with music and acting in the 60's Michael has a unique and timely perspective. The conversation covers a lot of ground, from our current situation under lockdown to his music career to his views on life, there is so much to learn from his point of view. I found his candor and honesty refreshing, even if you disagree I'm sure you will find the interview interesting. Please enjoy the episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...
Apr 17, 2020•46 min•Ep. 86
Silverthorne features drummer Brian Tichy, vocalist/guitarist Pete Shoulder, and Daniel Spree on bass. The band's debut EP "Tear The Sky Wide Open" features a modern sound with bluesy soulful influences and in my opinion, it is one of the best rock records in 2020. I had the pleasure of speaking with Brian Tichy about Silverthorne as well as other projects he has in the works. Please enjoy the episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 16, 2020•53 min•Ep. 85
The first three months of 2020 are in the rearview mirror and several great rock albums have been released. Chris Corradetti and I break down our favorites of the year so far. Debut releases and rock 'n' roll veterans have all shined with captivating new music. Which ones have you listened to? Which ones will make our lists! Please enjoy the episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 15, 2020•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 84
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 wonde...
Apr 14, 2020•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 83
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 eve...
Apr 11, 2020•44 min•Ep. 82
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 wi...
Apr 10, 2020•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 81
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...
Apr 09, 2020•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 80
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! Learn more about your ad choices. ...
Apr 08, 2020•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 79
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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 06, 2020•39 min•Ep. 78
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...
Apr 02, 2020•1 hr•Ep. 77
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 e...
Apr 01, 2020•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 76
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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mar 31, 2020•54 min•Ep. 75
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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit ...
Mar 14, 2020•45 min•Ep. 74
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...
Mar 11, 2020•46 min•Ep. 73
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mar 10, 2020•58 min•Ep. 72
