Blowing Smoke with Twisted Rico

Buck Johnson  is a seasoned singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer whose soulful ‘Cala-Bama’ sound fuses his Alabama gospel roots with a West Coast rock edge. Best known as the keyboardist and backing vocalist for Aerosmith, Ringo Starr & His All Starr Band, The Hollywood Vampires, and The Joe Perry Project, which recently revamped and has an incredible lineup featuring Chris Robinson of The Black Crows, Robert DeLeo and Eric Kretz of Stone Temple Pilots, Brad Whitford, and Buck.

“Aerosmith was already a fine tuned machine when Buck came into the fold but he made them better if that was possible. His vocals complements Steven’s perfectly and Buck still being there is a true testament of what he brings to Aerosmith. I call him the “Swiss Army knife”! He plays keyboards and also guitar on some songs but his singing is his gift and it really shows on the Aerosmith, Vampires and Joe Perry live gigs. I think what puts him high above the rest as a well sought after musician is he is one of the finest humans you are going to meet”. -John Bionelli, Aerosmith

Music

The Charms "So Pretty"

The Dogmatics "I Love Rock N Roll"

Produced and Hosted by Steev Riccardo

Nite Bob returns to the show and tells us some incredible stories about everyone from The New York Dolls to Steely Dan to Aerosmith and much more... No dull moments on this one, just good Rock N Roll Stories!

“Nite Bob was on the ground floor of live sound in the 70’s. He helped perfect it. When you would go to school the next morning after an Aerosmith concert with ringing in your ears you can thank Nite Bob for that. He let you know with his mixing that you saw and more importantly heard one of the greatest rock band’s ever. His face should be on the Mount Rushmore of live sound engineers.” - John Bionelli(Aerosmith)

Music Clips

The Charms "So Pretty"/"American Way"

The Dogmatics "I Love Rock N Roll"

Produced and Hosted by Steev Riccardo

In honor of Mike Peters, who passed away on April 29, 2025, we are replaying our fantastic interview with him from 2023. Rest In Peace Mike.

Music

The Alarm "Whatever"

Additional music clips

The Charms "So Pretty"

The Dogmatics "I Love Rock N Roll"

Produced and Hosted by Steev Riccardo

In this episode, we're joined by Peter Cortner—renowned for his iconic role as the frontman of the legendary punk band Dag Nasty. Of course we hit on the "Wig Out At Denkos" and "Field Day" albums. We also talk about Cortner’s really cool new band, Applied Knowledge, who release their debut album in May.

“Easily the equal of the Replacements at their best -- and as much a forebear of the Goo Goo Dolls' eventual success as a Minneapolis quartet -- Field Day is just that for the group. Peter Cortner's singing in a mere year's time has moved from the edgy, high-pitched rasp of Wig Out to include a ruminative, gently expressing tone, with more vocal control and a sweet edge than one will find in most of the band's peers. As for his lyrics, besides the analysis of personal interaction that defined earlier Dag Nasty material, Cortner addresses everything from being in a band and wanting to write "songs, powerful songs" to reflections on death, loss, and separation”.  -All Music

Music

Applied Knowledge "Earthlink"

Music Clips

Applied Knowledge "Not Too Far"

The Charms "So Pretty"

The Dogmatics "I Love Rock N Roll"

Produced and Hosted by Steev Riccardo

On this episode, we are joined by David Wildman and Jim Foster from the band Tell.

“If you’re a first-class songwriter, being shut down just might wind up turning you loose. David Wildman has written his share of gems over the years, often in bands that deserved way more attention than they got. His band TELL refines the moody yet pop-centric approach he’s had all along. …But the real news here is Wildman’s flair for storytelling: The songs here present characters who are a little offbeat, sometimes flawed but always recognizable, all making their way through a desperate era. It’s a lot like real life in these times, only catchier.” _Brett Milano, Boston music writer

Music Clips

The Charms "So Pretty"

The Dogmatics "I Love Rock N Roll"

Tell "Sweet Proximity

Produced and Hosted by Steev Riccardo

Juli Kryslur joins us on the show to share stories from her music career — from spinning tracks at college radio station WERS to managing iconic bands like The Dogmatics, The Straw Dogs (formerly The FU’s), and The Bags, as well as her time working at record labels such as Enigma Records.

Music clips

The Charms "So Pretty"

The Dogmatics "I Love Rock N Roll

The Dogmatics "Sister Serena"

Produced and Hosted by Steev Riccardo

On this episode we are joined by the Sioux Falls SD indie rock band Shurr Jr.

In 2015, siblings Nick and Frankie began writing music and jamming together in their mother’s garage, drawing inspiration from Elliott Smith, the Avett Brothers, Title Fight, and Charmer. At the time, their sister Kelly Maxwell was teaching herself to play guitar, often listening and vibing along to their creations. The trio’s musical journey took on a deeper, more personal meaning after the loss of their father, Frank—an influential member of the Omaha, NE band Fifth of May. In honor of Frank’s legacy, the siblings turned to music as a way to channel their grief and keep his spirit alive. The band’s name, “Sure, Junior,” is a loving tribute to Frank’s iconic catchphrase.

Music Clips

The Charms "So Pretty"

The Dogmatics "I Love Rock N Roll"

Shurr Jr. "Lewis Park"

No Jive Five

Blondie "Parallel Lines"

Enigma Variations VA

Magnapop "Hot Boxing"

Embrace S/T

Roxy Music S/T

Produced and Hosted by Steev Riccardo

In this episode, we’re joined by Christian Dryden of the New York-based band, The Ritualists.

Emerging from the underground glam scene in NYC’s East Village, The Ritualists have become a key player in the Lower East Side music scene, a community that deeply influenced Dryden’s musical vision. Immersed in a world that draws inspiration from icons like The Velvet Underground and New York Dolls, as well as British glam rock, Dryden’s sound blends these influences with his own contemporary twist. Reflecting on his musical journey, Dryden shares, "Being inspired by larger-than-life figures like David Bowie, Simon Le Bon, Bryan Ferry, and Marc Bolan was both a gift and a challenge. While it was transformative to imagine these legends as musical soulmates, it also brought a sense of loneliness, as I felt like I was the only one with that vision... until I discovered the venues and clubs of the Lower East Side."

Music

The Ritualists "The Wake”

Additional Music

The Charms "So Pretty

The Dogmatics "I Love Rock N Roll"

Produced and Hosted by Steev Riccardo

In this exciting live episode, recorded at WMFO, we welcome back the legendary producer and label owner Rick Harte! Join us for an engaging conversation as we explore his work with iconic bands like The Del Fuegos, Mission of Burma, The Neats, The Neighborhoods, and much more!

Music

The Real Kids "Somewhere West Of Nowhere"

Mission Of Burma "That's How I Escaped My Certain Fate"

The Neighborhoods "Mr. Reeves"

Additional Music

The Charms "So Pretty"

The Dogmatics "I Love Rock N Roll"

Produced and Hosted by Steev Riccardo

This episode was recorded live on WMFO by Mike Newman

In this episode, we chat with Gabriel Johns and Loren Molinare of the Los Angeles rock band, Slamdinistas.

Formed in 2020, Slamdinistas have been captivating audiences with their powerful blend of hard rock energy and catchy pop hooks, all brought to life by a seasoned lineup of musicians. The band features lead vocalist Gabriel Johns (Shelter, FiDo), guitarist Loren Molinare (The Dogs, Little Caesar, Cruzados), guitarist Mike Gavigan (The Blessings), bassist Peter Downing (Adam Sandler Band, Jail Guitar Doors), and drummer Brian Irving (Gilby Clarke, Chris Spedding, Pat Todd & the Rankoutsiders). Join us as we dive into their music and journey so far!

Music

Slamdinistas "Oh Yeah"

Additional Music

The Charms "So Pretty"

The Dogmatics "I Love Rock N Roll"

Produced and Hosted by Steev Riccardo