From the Gibson Flying V and Explorer to the Jackson Randy Rhoads, Dean ML, B.C. Rich Warlock, and Ibanez RG, pointy guitars helped define the look and sound of hard rock and heavy metal. But how did these outrageous designs go from being dismissed as oddities to becoming some of the most iconic instruments in rock history?

Author and musician Sean Kelly joins Booked On Rock to discuss his new book, Battle Axes: A Hard Rockin' History of Pointy Guitars. We explore the stories behind the guitars, the builders who created them, and the legendary players—including Randy Rhoads, Michael Schenker, Eddie Van Halen, Billy Gibbons, Paul Stanley, Twisted Sister, ZZ Top, Def Leppard, and more—who turned these instruments into rock icons. 

🎸 Topics include:

• The surprising origins of the pointy guitar
• Why the Flying V was initially a failure
• How Dean Guitars exploded during the MTV era
• The influence of Randy Rhoads and Grover Jackson
• Twisted Sister, B.C. Rich, Ibanez, Kramer & ESP
• Sean Kelly's pick for the greatest pointy guitar ever made

Purchase a copy of Battle Axes: A Hard Rockin' History of Pointy Guitars

Follow Sean Kelly: 
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The Booked On Rock Music: “Whoosh” by Crowander / “Last Train North” & “No Mercy” by TrackTribe

Few bands have been as consistently successful in Canada—or as underrated outside of it—as April Wine. From early classics like "Fast Train" to arena rock staples including "Roller," "I Like to Rock," "Just Between You and Me," and "Sign of the Gypsy Queen," the band built a remarkable catalog spanning more than three decades.

Author Tim Durling joins me to discuss his new book, On Record: The April Wine Album Review, an album-by-album journey through all 16 studio albums. We explore the band's fascinating origins, the misread letter that changed their future, Myles Goodwyn's songwriting brilliance, their breakthrough in the U.S., the albums every fan should hear, and why April Wine remains one of classic rock's most overlooked bands.

Whether you're a lifelong fan or discovering April Wine for the first time, this is the ultimate guide to one of Canada's greatest rock bands.

🎸 Topics include:

• The story behind April Wine's formation
• Myles Goodwyn's lasting legacy
• The making of Stand Back, Harder... Faster, and The Nature of the Beast
• Why "Roller" changed everything
• April Wine's biggest hits and hidden gems
• Why the band deserves far more recognition

Purchase a copy of ON RECORD: The April Wine Album Review

Visit Tim's Vinyl Confessions Linktree page for more

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The Booked On Rock Music: “Whoosh” by Crowander / “Last Train North” & “No Mercy” by TrackTribe

Jeff Beck wasn't just one of the greatest guitarists of all time—he was one of rock's most fearless innovators.

In this episode of Booked On Rock, I welcome Brad Tolinski and Chris Gill, authors of Blow By Blow: The Jeff Beck Story, for an in-depth conversation about the legendary guitarist's remarkable life and career. We explore Jeff's groundbreaking work with the Yardbirds, the Jeff Beck Group, 'Truth', 'Blow by Blow', his friendship with Jimmy Page, his collaborations with Stevie Wonder and Johnny Depp, the story behind "Superstition," the car accident that changed his career, and why he remained one of the most respected musicians in rock until his passing. 

Along the way, Brad and Chris separate fact from fiction, share stories uncovered through years of research and interviews, and explain why Jeff Beck's relentless creativity made him one of the most influential guitarists in music history.

Purchase a copy of Blow By Blow: The Jeff Beck Story

Follow Chris Gill on Instagram

Follow Brad Tolinski on Facebook

Subscribe to Brad Tolinksy's Substack Page

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The Booked On Rock Music: “Whoosh” by Crowander / “Last Train North” & “No Mercy” by TrackTribe

What really happened to Men at Work?

In this episode of Booked On Rock, returning guest Greg Prato discusses his new book, Down Under: The Men at Work & Colin Hay Story, and explores the remarkable rise of one of the biggest bands of the MTV era—and the surprising reasons behind their rapid breakup.

We dive into the stories behind classics like "Down Under," "Who Can It Be Now?," "Overkill," and "Be Good Johnny," the band's early days in Melbourne, the creative partnership between Colin Hay and Greg Ham, the pressure of following 'Business as Usual', the Greg Ham copyright lawsuit, reunion possibilities, and why Men at Work's legacy continues to grow decades later.

If you've ever wondered how a band that dominated MTV and topped the charts could disappear so quickly, this is the story you've been waiting to hear.

Purchase a copy of Down Under: The Men at Work & Colin Hay Story

Find more Greg Prato books on Amazon

Follow Greg Prato on X

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The Booked On Rock Music: “Whoosh” by Crowander / “Last Train North” & “No Mercy” by TrackTribe

What really happened during the making of Nirvana's 'In Utero'?

Author Robert Boyd joins Booked On Rock to explore the creation of Nirvana's groundbreaking third and final studio album, separating fact from fiction while uncovering the stories behind one of rock's most influential records.

We discuss Kurt Cobain's decision to work with Steve Albini, Geffen Records' reaction to the original mixes, the truth behind the "fixed" album myth, the meanings behind songs like "Heart-Shaped Box," "Pennyroyal Tea," "Rape Me," "Radio Friendly Unit Shifter," "Tourette's," and "All Apologies," the In Utero tour, MTV Unplugged, and the band's final months. Robert also shares insights from his book Last Stand: In Utero and the Final Days of Nirvana, offering a thoughtful look at the album's enduring legacy more than 30 years later.

Purchase a copy of Last Stand: In Utero and the Final Days of Nirvana

Follow Robert Boyd on Instagram

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The Booked On Rock Music: “Whoosh” by Crowander / “Last Train North” & “No Mercy” by TrackTribe

Was Todd Rundgren exactly what XTC needed to create 'Skylarking'?

In this highlight from my conversation with Alfredo Marziano, author of XTC's Skylarking: A Life in a Day, we explore the legendary creative clash between Andy Partridge and Todd Rundgren. Their personalities couldn't have been more different, yet that tension helped shape one of the most acclaimed albums of the 1980s. Was the friction the secret ingredient behind XTC's masterpiece?

Listen for the story behind one of rock's most fascinating producer-artist relationships—and discover why sometimes the greatest art comes from the greatest conflict.

🎧 Watch & listen to the full episode

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The Booked On Rock Music: “Whoosh” by Crowander / “Last Train North” & “No Mercy” by TrackTribe

What if Elvis Presley had a secret son? That's the fascinating premise behind The Prince of Memphis, the latest novel from author Joseph Coulson. In this episode, Joseph joins me to discuss the inspiration behind the book, creating the unforgettable characters of Aron Beale and Odelia, the real song "Midnight Candy," Elvis's enduring legacy, and why this story explores far more than rock 'n' roll—touching on identity, race, love, memory, and the myths that shape our lives.

The Prince of Memphis will be available for pre-orders starting August 1, 2026 through the publishing date of September 15, 2026. Visit JosephCoulson.com or DreamFieldPress.com for updates and information.

Listen to "Midnight Candy"

----------

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The Booked On Rock Music: “Whoosh” by Crowander / “Last Train North” & “No Mercy” by TrackTribe

One of the funniest Rolling Stones stories you'll ever hear!

In this special Booked On Rock highlight, author Richard Lefkowitz shares an unforgettable backstage tale involving Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood, Mick Jagger, and a bottle of talcum powder that led to one hilarious misunderstanding.

It's just one of the many incredible stories Richard recounts from his memoir, Welcome to Fabulous Angeles: The Rock 'n' Roll Adventures of a Wayward Westside Teen, chronicling his adventures growing up in 1970s Los Angeles and crossing paths with rock legends.

🎧 Watch & listen to the full episode

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The Booked On Rock Music: “Whoosh” by Crowander / “Last Train North” & “No Mercy” by TrackTribe

What if one of the most iconic scenes in A Hard Day's Night happened by accident?

In this Booked On Rock highlight, author and broadcaster Samira Ahmed reveals how a camera battery running low accidentally created the distinctive look of the Beatles' famous "Can't Buy Me Love" sequence. She also explains why director Richard Lester recognized the magic of the moment and left it in the film—creating one of the most memorable scenes in music movie history. 

🎧 Watch & listen to the full episode

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The Booked On Rock Music: “Whoosh” by Crowander / “Last Train North” & “No Mercy” by TrackTribe

Before Buffalo became a stop for legendary rock acts like Sly & the Family Stone, the Bob Seger System, Deep Purple, Cactus, and Arthur Brown, one man helped build the city's entertainment scene.

In this episode of Booked On Rock, author Susan Fenster discusses her fascinating new book, Harry Altman: Buffalo's Master Showman. Discover the remarkable story of Harry Altman, the visionary promoter behind the legendary Town Casino and Glen Casino, and how his influence paved the way for iconic venues like The Inferno and Gilligan's during the rise of rock 'n' roll.

We also explore Buffalo's forgotten role in music history, the connection between nightclubs and organized crime, the mysterious mannequin that hung above the Town Casino, the tragic Inferno fire, local bands like Raven and Wilmer & the Dukes, and the musicians who came within reach of rock stardom.

Purchase a copy of Harry Altman: Buffalo's Master Showman

Visit SusanFenster.com

Join the Harry Altman - Buffalo’s Master Showman Facebook community

----------

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The Booked On Rock Music: “Whoosh” by Crowander / “Last Train North” & “No Mercy” by TrackTribe