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Rock and Roll Confessional is a podcast for Rock music fans. Those that love music, but are not in the industry, yet want to hear the stories that shaped the world of music. We interview not only musicians and song writers, but promoters, DJs, venue management, agents and more.
106 Episodes
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We've got the scoop! First to record it, first to announce it. It's an incredible interview with Derek Smalls, former lead bass player formerly of the band formerly known as Spinal Tap. We have the official announcement! Spinal Tap, which had been together for over 40 years, officially has broken up. Derek is pursuing a solo career with the release of the first of 12 new songs - the first is: R.V.M. (Rear View Mirror). We also get an update on what has happened since the release of "Spinal Tap 2 - The End Continues", including the relationship between Derek and Elton John, the Glue Museum and how the band originally tranistioned from Pop to Heavy Metal. Plus we get to hear about the Saucy Jack musical, the soon to be released live performance at Stonehenge and why Derek, Nigel and David are no longer a band. Side note: Derek mentions a few musicians that have been previous guests on our podcast, including: Mark Bonilla, Kipp Lennon and a few more. Find those recordings in our archives. For more information and for show notes, visit our website: www.rockandrollconfessional.rocks Derek's site: www.dereksmalls.com
Marc Bonilla is a renowned guitarist, composer, and producer whose dynamic career spans decades across the worlds of rock, film, and television. He first gained recognition touring with Warner Bros. recording artists Toy Matinee and later released three critically acclaimed instrumental guitar albums on Reprise Records: EE Ticket, American Matador, and Celluloid Debris. A versatile and south-after collaborator, Bonill has performed, recorded and produced with an impressive roster of artists including Asia, Ronnie Montrose, Gamma, Glenn Hughes, Eddie Jobson, Slash, Little Richard, Peter Frampton, Rob Halford, David Coversale, Paul Rodgers, Edgar Winter, Ambrosia, David Pack, Todd Rundgren, Robby Krieger, Don Felder, Sammy Hagar and Tesla, among many others. In the Realm of film and television, Marc has composed and performed on scores for numersous major motion pictures such as The Bourne Legacy, Iron Man 2, Green Lantern, The Scorpion King, Falling Down, Waterworld, The Replacements, Spiderman 2, Bruce Almighty, ER and many more. He has collaborated with top Hollywood composers including James Newton Howard, John Debney, Joel McNeely, and Snuffy Walden, earning an Emmy nomination in 2001 for his work on David Milch's Big Apple. For Show notes and more info, visit our website: www.rockandrollconfessional.rocks Also Marc mentions many of our previoius guests that you may want to hear those interviews, including Lee Sklar, Glenn Hughes, Kipp Lennon, Peter Frampton, Robby Krieger and more. Find those interviews where ever you found this one! More info on Marc's site: https://marcbonillamusic.com/
Few Metal bands havwe achieved Iron Maiden's enduring success - across popularity, musical integrity, and live performance power. Daniel Bukszpan's new book, Iron Maiden At 50, captures this extraordinary five-decade journey in full. Equal parts biography and anniversary tribute, the book chronicles Maiden form inception to global metal juggernaut via 50 pivotal moments that shaped the band's influence and legacy. They story is told indepth, via the landmark albums, historic tours, line up shifts and behind-the-scenes decisioins through the decades. Daniel's book is more than a timeline - it's a deep dive into Maiden's unmatched drive, evolution, and artistic conviction. From pub gigs to packed stadiums across six continents, Iron Maiden at 50 explores how a working-class band from London became one of the most influencital forces in metal. For show notes and more information, visit our website: www.rockandrollconfessional.rocks We also have two other interviews with Daniel in our archives including: his books: "Ozzy at 75" and "Rush at 50"
Original release date: September 20, 2025. Jerry Harrison is an American musician, songwriter, producer, and entrepreneur. He launched is professional career with the pironeering band The Modern Lovers, before joining the iconic new wave group Talking Heads as their keyboards and guitarist. In 2002, Jerry was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Talking Heads. One of the band's most celebrated achievements is Stop Making Sense, the groundbreaking 1984 concert film directed by Jonathan Demme and excutive produced by longtime manager Gary Kurfirst. Filmed over four nights at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood during tthe Speaking In Toungues tour, it remains a high watermark in live performance cinema. Now, Stop Making Sense is back - newly restored in 4K and returning to the theatres with a special twist: each screening features a live appearance by Jerry himself. He kicks things off with personal insight and behind-the-scenes stories followed with a live audience QandA. We had the incredible opporutnity to sit down with Jerry to talk about this exciting new tour, which just kicked off earlier this month. For show notes and more information, visit our website: www.rockandrollconfessional.rocks Talking Heads fans, please see our previous shows, one which includes a great interview with Talking Heads drummer, Chris Frantz. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRo9aDR3Ay0&t=86s
Today we are honored to share a rare and special conversation with one of Los Angeles' original punk icons - Exene Cervenka of the band X. As the co-lead vocalist, a core songwriter, poet, and artist, Exene has helped define a genre and inspire generations. X Began shaking up the music scene nearly 50 years ago, and now, after decades of groundbresaking work, they're preparing to take their final bow. Their farewell album, Smoke & Fiction, dropped last year to critical acclaim - and now John Doe, Billy Zoom, DJ Bonebreak and Exene are hitting the road one last time with their final tour kicking off September 19th, joined by the legendary Los Lobos. Side note: we have two other archived interviews featuring John Doe of X and Steve Berlin of Los Lobos. Find our show notes and more information on our website: www.rockandrollconfessional.rocks
When people talk about the great rock vocalists of all time, several familiar and redundant names will always appear, like Ronnie James Dio, Robert Plant, Roger Daltrey, Chris Cornell and others. One name that appears on those same lists is Rock And Roll Hall of Famer, Glenn Hughes, known for his work in Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, Trapeze, Black Country Communion, and as a solo artist. We were lucky enough to speak with him about the new record, upcoming confirmed projects with Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, and Joe Bonamassa, as well as what it was like to play Cal Jam I in Ontario and his thoughts on loosing his friend Ozzy Osbourne the prior week.
Original air date: August 1, 2025 First off, we highly reccomend that you listen to part one before you listen to this half of the interview. If you've ever wondered what it's like to work in the rock and roll business at the highest level, this guest has the answers to all of your questions. Paul Rappaport started out as just a regular guy from Southern California - someone who loved ledgendary concerts and played guitar in his own band. But as fate would have it, a recommendation led him to apply for a college rep position at Columbia Records, and he only moved up from there. In the episode, Paul tells incredible stories about the Rolling Stones (Ron Wood & Keith Richards), Pink Floyd's David Gilmour, Elvis Costello and more. Paul just released his critically acclaimed book, "Gliders Over Hollywood" and he is happy to share many of those stories on this episode of our podcast. For more information and to view the show notes, visit: www.rockandrollconfessional.rocks
Original release date: July 17, 2025 If you have ever wondered what it was like to work in the rock and roll business at the highest level, our latest guest will be able to answer many of your questions. Paul Rappaport was just a regular guy growing up in Southern California, who enjoyed seeing legendary concerts and even playing guitar in his own band. As fate would have it, someone recommended that he apply for a job as a college rep for Columbia Records. He got the job and before long he was using his creativity and love for music to help elevate the careers of Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen and even stalwart label mates, like Tony Bennett and Bob Dylan. Paul just release is critically acclaimed book, "Gliders over Hollywood - Airships, Airplay and the Art of Rock Promotion". The book is available everywhere including Amazon and your local book stores! For more information or to see the show notes, visit: www.rockandrollconfessional.rocks
Original release date: June 19, 2025 Formed in Los Angeles' lengendary Sunset Strip in 1985, Guns N' Roses quickly rose from the gritty club scene to become one of the biggest acts in rock music - achieving massive commercial success and becoming a top live draw in under three years. Along the way, their meteoric rise was matched by no shortage of controversy, internal conflict, and headline-making moments. In the book "Guns N' Roses at 40", acclaimed rock historian and author Martin Popoff explores 40 priotal moments that shaped the band's legacy - from their formation and breakout success to major tours, iconic releases, creative partnerships, internal struggles, and everthing in between. We were thrilled to be speaking with Martin Popoff about his new book. With over 100 titles to his name on topics ragning from hard rock and heavy metal to classic rock and vinyl collection, Martin's work includes Rush" The Illustrated History, Led Zeppelin: Song By Song, Pink Floyd: Album by Album, Bowie at 75, AC/DC at 50, KISS at 50 and more. He also contributed to the award-winning docuemtaries Rush: Beyond the LIghted Stage and ZZ Top: That Little Ol' Band From Texas. For more information or to see the show notes, visit: www.rockandrollconfessional.rocks
Original release date: June 3, 2025 This interview we welcome an old friend back into the studio - someone who's been part of the soundtrack of our lives for decades, It's JR Richards, fromerly of Dishwalla. JR began his career as the lead singer, guitarist, and songwriter for the iconice alternative rock band Dishwalls. The bands' debut album "Pet Your Friends" dropped in 1995, and it didn't take long for them to make waves. In 1996, The Richards-penned 'Counting Blue Cars" hit #1 earning JR a Billboard Music Award for Top Mainstream Rock Track of the Year. But that was just the beginning. JR has been producing music since the '90s not only for Dishwalla but also for this own solo projects and a slew of TV shows. You might've heard his work on series like One Tree Hill, How I Met Your Mother, Criminal Minds and he even contributed twenty songs to the reboot of Baywatch in 2017. Now, JR is gearing up to release his 10th studio album (5th solo), "My Darkest Hour", expected in the next few months. So we're thrilled to sit down and talk about it, along with his journey through music and all the incredible milestones along the way. For more information or to see the show notes, visit: www.rockandrollconfessional.rocks
Original release date: May 1, 2025 A pioneer and one of the first aritsts ever inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame, Dion DiMucci first rose to fame with his group Dion & The Belmonts, before becoming a solo sensation with iconic hits like The Wanderer, Runaround Sue and many more. His influence on American music spans more than six decades - and he's still going strong. Earlier this year, Dion co-authored a powerful and deeply personal new book with his longtime friend Adam Jablin. It's titled: Dion - The Rock N Roll Philosopher: Conversations on LIfe, Recovery, Faith 7 music. In it, Dion opens up about his incredible journey - his struggles and triumphs, his faith, and his unwavering passion for music. In our conversation, we'll talk about the new book, his decision to give up his seat on the plane with Buddy Holly, his path to sobriety, wisdom he gained from Sam Cooke, and the lessons He's leanred across a lifetime in music. Check out our show notes at; www.rockandrollconfessional.rocks
Original air date: April 3, 2025 One of the greatest rock bands in our generation was REO Speedwagon. At the beginning of this year, we received word that REO was officially no longer. But that doesn't mean that guitarist, song writter and lead vocalist Kevin Cronin is stopping. We had the opportunity to speak with Kevin not only about his upcoming tour (with many of the REO family members), but we spoke about his dad being in World War II, why REO broke up, how Stephen Stills is one of his all time heroes and a hint of his new book. For more information or to see the show notes, visit: www.rockandrollconfessional.rocks
Original air date: March 7, 2025 ZZ Ward was born in 1986 and is an American Singer-Songwriter from Roseburg, Oregon. She signed with Hollywood Records to release here debut EP, Criminal in 2012, which preceded the release of her debut studio album, Til The Casket Drops, that same year. Her second studio album, The Storm was released in 2017, which peaked atop the Billboard Blues Albums Chart. Her third studio album, Dirty Shine (2023), was released independently and met with cricital acclaim. On Friday, March 14 (2025) ZZ will be releasing her next album which is on the famous blues label: Sun Records, titled Liberation. For more information and to see the show notes, visit: www.rockandrollconfessional.rocks
Original air date: February 13, 2025 This show is our amazing interview with Rick Springfield. You may remember Rick who played Dr. Noah Drake on General Hospital, Pastor Charles on American Horror Story or even playing himself (naked) on Californication. But did you know he is also an amazing musician, singer & songwriter??? There is WAY more to Rick than "Jessie's Girl". Hang tight for a great ride with this show. We talk about how he coped with the recent fires in Los Angeles, his new CD/vinyl box set: BIG HITS: RICK SPRINGFIELD'S GREATEST HITS, VOLUME 2, along with plans for his future and his most prized collectibles. For more information and show notes, visit: www.rockandrollconfessional.rocks
Original air date: December 21, 2024 We are back with our good friend Kenny Wayne Shepherd. Since the last time we interviewed Kenny, he has released a follow up album to "Dirt On My Diamonds, Vol 1" iornically titled, "Dirt On My Diamonds, Vol 2". In addition to the new album, we talk about Kenny's experience actually playing Jimi Hendrix's "Woodstock" guitar and his upcoming tour, plus 2 new albums set to release in 2025. Kenny is a five-time-Grammy-nominated guitarist. The new album was recorded at the Legendary Fame Stuios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. This project chronicles Shepherd's journey of musical evolution, touching on stories of loss, redemption, and memorable melodies. All crafted by an elite team of songwriters. Born in Louisiana, in 1977, Shepherd's own life has never followed the script. Steeped in classic blues and rock 'n' roll from an early age by his dad - a respected Lousiana radio personality and promoter - Kenny soon reached for his first Fender stratocaster and found he didn't require lessons to make it cry and wail. Long before Warner Brothers subsidairy Giant Records offered a deal, Shepherd had toured in clubs which he was too young to drink in. Please also check out our precious KWS interview released: October 7, 2023. For more information and show notes, visit: www.rockandrollconfessional.rocks
Original air date: November 6, 2024 Formed in Toronto in 1968, Rush became one of the most popular and best-selling bands in rock history, thanks to their tireless effort and imaginative, ever-evolving music. This richly illustrated and entertianingly written book from Rush expert and music journalist Dan Bukszpan pays tribute to the trio on the 50th anniversary of their debut album by curating and examining 50 of the most significant milestones in the bands career. Daniel covers everything down through the decades. And in this interview we talk with him about : The band's formation by bassiest Geddy Lee and guitarist Alex Lifeson in the suburban Toronto and their early gigs and tours opening for the likes of KISS. We also talk about the breakthrough in the United States thanks to a Cleveland DJ. Plus, the role of co-founding drummer, John Rutsey. Plus much more. In examinging 50 touchstones, Bukszpan presents a unique look at Rush's Career from Toronto bar band to international mega-platinum stadium fillers. Every page is illustrated with stunning concert and candid offstage photography, including gig posters, 7 - inch picture sleeves, ticket stubs and more. For more information and show notes, visit: www.rockandrollconfessional.rocks
Original air date: October 10 2024 As one of the founding members, lead singer, lead guitarist, and wrote more than 90% of the Grand Funk Railroad music catalog, Mark Farner has always been known as the energetic driving force on stage, the engine that pulled the original Grank Funk Railroad to the top of the charts. From his soulful voice and power rock riffs, to fueling the Funk with his atomic stage presence. His story and his imprint on music starts with Flint and since 1969 from his humble beginnings and a blue-collar outlook, Farner has captained a global crusade for love, peace and freedom and became a rock 'n' roll icon. Mor the 60 years later - he commands the stage with the same intensity performing epic hits that defined a generation - "I'm Your Captian (Closer to Home)", "Bad Time", "Some Kind of Wonderful", "Foot Stompin' Music", "Heartbreaker", "Rock & Roll Soul", "Locomotion", "Mean Mistreater" and "We're An American Band" Mark will be releasing his latest solo album, "Closer To My Home" on November 8th , and we had the opporutnity to speak with him regarding the album along with his musical career. For more information and show notes, visit: www.rockandrollconfessional.rocks
Original air date: September 8, 2024 Joanne Shaw Taylor, discovered at 16 by Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics, quickly ascended as one of the world's leading rock guitarists. Championed by legends like Stevie Wonder, Annie Lennox, and Joe Bonamassa, her powerful songwriting and distinct vocals first captivated audiences with here 2009 debut, White Sugar. Over the years, Joanne has released numerous acclaimed albums, including the UK Top 20 hit Reckless Heart and the #1 Billboard Blues Chart toppers The Blues Album and Blues From The Heart Live. Her most recent studio album, Heavy Soul, launced under Bonamassa's Journeyman Record earlier this year. For more information and show notes, visit: www.rockandrollconfessional.rocks
Original air date: June 28, 2024 Joe Bonamassa is not a household name. But if you ask any musician one of their top favorite guitarist, Joe will surely be included. Only in his 40s, Bonamassa has become a living legend with an astounding multi-genre catalogue. Collectively, Joe has over 40 albums to date with studio and live recordings, collaborative albums with blues sensation Beth Hart and his adventurous side projects: Black Country Communion and Rock Candy Fund Party. A prolific writer always on the hunt to expand his eclectic musical horizons, Bonamassa has a limitless work eithic whether it's in a studio, on the road or working with other artists to spur new music. The New York state native opened for B.B. King when he was only 12 years old and has since played alongside such artists as Eric Clapton, Stephen Stills, John Lee Hooker, Warren Haynes, Steve Winwood, Peter Frampton and Buddy Guy, among others. B.B. King might not have guessed it at the time, but that 12-year-old prodigy would go on to become an industry powerhouse. Building on their 30-year parnership, Joe and manager Roy Weisman created their own record label, management, marketing and concert promotion company called J&R Adventures almost two decades ago. Together, the two mavericks devised a 360-degree independent business model that has survived and thrived during one of the music industry's most uncertain eras. More information and show notes at: www.rockandrollconfessional.rocks
Original air date: June 4, 2024 Since their debut in 2011, Orange County's Robert Jon & The Wreck have captivated audiences worldwide, turning the Southern Rock sound on its head and making it distinctly their own. With Robert Jon Burrison's lead vocals and guitar, the band's synergy on stage is undeniable. As they embark on this next phase with their new release: Red Moon Rising coming out June 28, they invite both longtime followers and new listeners to join in the celebration of their ongoing evolution and the invincible spirit of rock 'n' roll. The band has toured in the past with Joe Bonamassa, Peter Framption, Buddy Guy and Rival Sons. Their current tour is extensive and goes through December including dates in the U.K. Robert Jon & The Wreck just recently signed to Joe Bonamasssa and Roy Weissman's label: Journeyman Records. For more information or to see the show notes, visit: www.rockandrollconfessional.rocks
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