Booked On Rock with Eric Senich

Zebra’s Randy Jackson joins me on Booked On Rock to discuss Zebra V, the band’s first new studio album in 23 years, arriving November 13 through Flatiron Recordings. Jackson shares the story behind “Walk With You,” co-written with KISS frontman Paul Stanley, and reunites the conversation with the band’s longtime producer, Jack Douglas.

We also revisit Zebra’s breakthrough 1983 debut, “Tell Me What You Want,” and “Who’s Behind the Door?” Along the way, Jackson reflects on the band’s early club years, support from Long Island’s WBAB, and five decades of making music with original members Felix Hanemann and Guy Gelso. Plus, hear stories involving Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, and the musical influences that helped shape Zebra’s sound.

Visit ZebraBand.com to pre-order Zebra V [due out November 13th]

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

What makes one vinyl record sound extraordinary while another pressing of the exact same album falls flat? And how much should you really spend on a turntable to experience the best sound?

On this episode of Booked On Rock, music journalist and author Ken Micallef joins us to discuss his book Small Luxuries: Vinyl and explore the fascinating world of vinyl records, audiophile sound, rare pressings, and the enduring appeal of analog music.

We dive into the art of collecting vinyl, including the legendary Robert Ludwig “RL” pressing of Led Zeppelin II, valuable original Blue Note jazz albums, and collectible records by The Beatles, The Police, and Nick Drake. Ken explains what makes certain pressings special, why mastering matters, and how collectors discover hidden treasures in independent record stores.

We also explore the equipment behind the listening experience, from affordable Crosley record players and vintage Thorens turntables to Japanese phono cartridges and ultra-high-end J. Sikora turntables costing tens of thousands of dollars. Plus, discover the culture of Japanese jazz listening cafés, New York vinyl listening rooms, and why dedicated music listening remains so meaningful in the streaming era.

Whether you're a lifelong vinyl collector, a classic rock fan, an audiophile, or someone just getting started with records, this conversation offers a deeper appreciation for the music, craftsmanship, and stories hidden in the grooves.


Purchase a copy of Small Luxuries: Vinyl

Check out Ken Micallef's YouTube channel Jazz Vinyl Audiophile

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

Live Aid brought Queen, Led Zeppelin, U2, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, and Run-DMC together for an unforgettable day in music history. But what made July 13, 1985, mean so much beyond the performances?

Author Shane Robitaille and researcher Livi Stanford join me to discuss Live Aid Runaways, a historical novel following two teenagers on a life-changing journey to the Philadelphia concert. Drawing on archival footage, contemporary reporting, and conversations with fans and people involved in the event, they explain how they brought the world of Live Aid to the page.
We explore the debate over Led Zeppelin’s reunion performance, the Tom Petty scene Shane removed from his first draft, Run-DMC’s unexpected challenges, and why Livi believes Bono’s connection with the audience captured the spirit of the day. Shane also shares how his own experiences shaped the novel’s themes of music, family, and belonging.

Whether you watched Live Aid in 1985 or discovered it years later, revisit the performances, fan memories, and human connections that keep its legacy alive.

Purchase a copy of Live Aid Runaways

Visit LiveAidRunaways.com

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

What are the hidden stories behind some of the Grateful Dead’s most beloved songs? From a mysterious prison singer whose music became “I Know You Rider” to the lightning storm that inspired “Terrapin Station,” the band's catalog is filled with fascinating histories, unforgettable characters, and unexpected connections.

In this episode of Booked On Rock, author Alex Pappademas and artist Joan LeMay join us to discuss their book, Friends of the Devil, exploring the music, mythology, and creative genius of the Grateful Dead.

Discover the surprising origins of “Morning Dew,” the Janis Joplin connection to Jerry Garcia’s “Bird Song,” and the darker California counterculture influences behind “Estimated Prophet.” We also explore Garcia’s extraordinary songwriting partnership with Robert Hunter, Bob Weir’s collaboration with John Perry Barlow, and the unconventional musicianship of Phil Lesh.

Plus, hear the wild story behind the Grateful Dead’s 1969 appearance on Playboy After Dark, the band's unforgettable Festival Express tour with Janis Joplin, and how Joan LeMay brought the characters and imagery of Grateful Dead songs to life through her original artwork.

Whether you're a lifelong Deadhead or just discovering the band, this conversation reveals new ways to appreciate the songs, stories, and enduring legacy of the Grateful Dead.

Purchase a copy of Friends Of The Devil

Follow Alex & Joan on Instagram:
Alex Pappademas
Joan LeMay

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

What happens when the dream of becoming a rock star turns into a dangerous obsession with fame, drugs, and rebellion?

Author David Barnett joins Booked On Rock to discuss his memoir Foxtail, a revealing journey through Austin, Texas's underground rock and heavy metal scene during the 1990s and early 2000s.

Growing up inspired by The Beatles, The Doors, Jimi Hendrix, and the rebellious image of rock stars, Barnett formed his own band, Dome Factor, at just sixteen. But following his mother's breast cancer diagnosis, his pursuit of rock stardom became tangled with substance abuse, reckless behavior, and a deteriorating friendship with his childhood best friend.

Barnett shares outrageous behind-the-scenes stories, including a disastrous concert at Austin's legendary Back Room, a school performance that got him expelled, and a chaotic senior prom involving a police chase. He also discusses the influence of artists like Slayer, Static-X, and Lil' Keke, and makes a startling admission: at one point, he became more interested in being a rock star than actually making music.

We also explore celebrity worship, the darker side of rock-and-roll mythology, the emotional power of heavy music, and how writing Foxtail forced Barnett to confront his past.

It's a conversation about rock music, ambition, friendship, self-destruction, and the complicated road toward understanding who we really are.


Visit David Barnett's Website

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

Paul Simon’s Graceland is one of the most celebrated albums of the 1980s, blending American songwriting with South African musical traditions. But behind the groundbreaking 1986 album are fascinating stories of creative reinvention, unlikely collaborations, political controversy, and disputes over songwriting credits and royalties.I

In this episode of Booked On Rock, I'm joined by Kalvin Schmidt-Rimpler Dinh, author of Paul Simon’s Graceland from Bloomsbury’s 33⅓ Africa series, to explore the making of this landmark album. Discover how a cassette of South African accordion music inspired Simon during a difficult period in his life, why recording in apartheid-era South Africa sparked controversy over the international cultural boycott, and how musicians including Ray Phiri, Bakithi Kumalo, Isaac Mtshali, and Ladysmith Black Mambazo helped create the album’s unmistakable sound.

We also uncover the remarkable recording trick behind the famous backward bass solo in “You Can Call Me Al,” the meaning behind songs like “Graceland,” “The Boy in the Bubble,” and “Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes,” and the contributions of Linda Ronstadt and Joseph Shabalala. Plus, we examine the songwriting-credit disputes involving Los Lobos and Rockin’ Dopsie and ask whether Simon’s collaborators received the recognition they deserved.

More than four decades into his career, Paul Simon reinvented himself with an album that crossed musical and cultural boundaries. Forty years after its release, Graceland remains a masterpiece with a complicated legacy—and this conversation reveals why its music and controversies still matter.

Purchase a copy of Paul Simon's Graceland [33 1/3]

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

What happens when five hard rock and metal songs inspire five dark tales of psychological horror, supernatural mystery, revenge, and redemption?

On this episode of Booked On Rock, author Courtney Skelton discusses his book Inspired, a collection of five short stories born from songs by Reign of Z, Bullet to the Heart, Eden on Fire, and The Almas.

Courtney reveals how the haunting emotions and lyrics behind these songs became gripping works of fiction. From a woman fighting back against a terrifying attacker to a troubled character seeking forgiveness, a kidnapping victim confronting the voices in her mind, and a mysterious presence reaching out from beyond the grave, each story takes its musical inspiration in an unexpected direction.

We also discuss the creative freedom the bands gave Courtney to reinterpret their music, his admiration for horror legends Stephen King and Clive Barker, Stephen King's complicated relationship with Stanley Kubrick's adaptation of The Shining, and the remarkable moment when a song by The Almas helped Courtney finish a story that first came to him in a dream.

It's a conversation about the connection between rock music, storytelling, psychological suspense, and the unexpected places creativity can take us.

Featured songs and artists:

• Reign of Z – "Cellophane" and "Whispers in the Walls"
• Bullet to the Heart – "Falling Away"
• Eden on Fire – "Fallen"
• The Almas – "Lifeline"

Purchase a copy of Inspired

Follow Courtney Skelton:
Facebook 
Instagram
Linkedin

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

Howard Stern’s relationships with rock stars produced unforgettable interviews, unlikely friendships, and plenty of fallout. Author Greg Prato returns to Booked On Rock to discuss his book, The Great American Nightmare: An Oral History of the Howard Stern Show, and Stern’s influence on rock music.

We explore Howard’s falling-out with Bon Jovi, his championing of Enuff Z’Nuff, revealing visits from the Ramones and Leslie West, and Dave Grohl’s celebrated acoustic performance of “Everlong.” Greg also recounts Howard’s claim that Van Halen wanted $1 million for a new David Lee Roth song for the Private Parts soundtrack, Ozzy Osbourne’s emotional meeting with Paul McCartney, and KISS’s 2023 appearance.

Plus, we discuss why musicians opened up to Howard, how his show changed over the years, and why some of its most famous moments look different today.

Purchase a copy of The Great American Nightmare: An Oral History of the Howard Stern Show

Follow Greg Prato:
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Greg Prato Linkedin Page

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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 influential drumbeats in music history came from a musician who never received the recognition—or compensation—he deserved?

Clyde Stubblefield, James Brown's legendary drummer, created the iconic groove behind "Funky Drummer," one of the most sampled drumbeats in hip-hop history. His unmistakable rhythms helped shape funk, soul, hip-hop, and modern popular music, influencing generations of musicians and producers.

In this episode of Booked On Rock, author D. Leah Steinberg joins me to discuss her book, Clyde Stubblefield: Rhythms of the Funky Drummer, revealing the remarkable life and overlooked legacy of the man behind the beat.

Steinberg shares fascinating stories about Clyde's early musical influences in Chattanooga, Tennessee, his groundbreaking work with James Brown on songs like "Cold Sweat" and "Funky Drummer," and his complicated relationship with the Godfather of Soul.

You'll hear about James Brown fining musicians during performances, the circumstances surrounding Clyde's departure from Brown's band, and why the legendary drummer found greater personal freedom performing in Madison, Wisconsin.

The conversation also explores Clyde's contributions to Garbage's 1995 debut album, including "Queer" and "Not My Idea," his influence on hip-hop artists such as Public Enemy, and the extraordinary story of Prince quietly helping pay more than $90,000 toward Clyde's medical expenses.

Despite having his rhythms sampled in approximately 2,000 recordings, Clyde struggled to receive the recognition he deserved. Steinberg reveals how his creativity, humility, and generosity left an enduring mark on music far beyond his years with James Brown.

Discover the untold story of one of funk's most important musicians and the drumbeat that helped change popular music forever.

Purchase a copy of Clyde Stubblefield: Rhythms of the Funky Drummer

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

How did Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, and Alice in Chains transform Seattle’s underground music scene into a worldwide rock revolution?

Music journalist and author Gillian G. Gaar returns to Booked On Rock to discuss her new book, Grunge: The Story of the Music That Redefined Rock. Having witnessed the rise of grunge firsthand in Seattle, Gaar takes us inside the music, musicians, and independent labels that helped change rock history forever.

Discover how pioneering bands like the Melvins, Green River, and Mudhoney laid the groundwork for grunge, how Sub Pop Records marketed the Seattle sound, and why Nirvana’s Nevermind became a phenomenon nobody saw coming. Gaar also reveals the influence of producer Jack Endino, the evolution of Alice in Chains, and how Eddie Vedder helped transform a group of musicians into Pearl Jam.

Plus, hear fascinating behind-the-scenes stories about Kurt Cobain, Butch Vig’s production of “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” the making of In Utero, and Gaar’s personal memories of encountering Cobain backstage at Nirvana’s 1993 MTV Live and Loud performance. She also recalls covering Cobain’s tragic death in 1994 and explores the lasting legacy of Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, and the Seattle grunge movement.

From the early days of Seattle’s underground clubs to the explosion of alternative rock in the 1990s, this episode explores how grunge changed music—and why its influence continues to resonate more than three decades later.For more classic rock author interviews, visit bookedonrock.com.

Purchase a copy of Grunge: The Story of the Music That Redefined Rock

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