Booked On Rock with Eric Senich

Rock ’n’ roll didn’t just change the world—it may have awakened something.

In this episode of Booked On Rock, we dive into the shadowy mythology behind the music with a look inside Rock ’N’ Roll Ghosts, a chilling collection of occult-tinged tales that reimagine the origins of rock’s biggest legends. These aren’t traditional biographies—they’re dark, supernatural stories where fame comes at a cost… and something always collects.

From eerie encounters and cursed chords to deals that blur the line between ambition and the unknown, these stories ask a haunting question: what did it really take to become a rock ’n’ roll legend?

This episode features an interview with Mark Slade, author of Rock ’N’ Roll Ghosts, as we explore the inspiration behind the book, the twisted legends within it, and why the mythology of rock music may be darker than we ever imagined.

Including: 

• Elvis encounters a demon dog from hell
• Little Richard finds himself in a church full of ghosts
• Buddy Holly survives the plane crash (and pays for it)
• Fats Domino gambles his soul to lift a curse
• Jerry Lee Lewis falls in love with an alien
• Chuck Berry plays a mysterious chord with dire consequences

Purchase a copy of Rock 'N' Roll Ghosts

Listen to the Rock 'N' Roll Ghosts Spotify Playlist

Subscribe to Twisted Pulp Magazine

Visit ScreamingEyePress.com

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

What does it take to go from Chicago club gigs to becoming one of the defining bands of the 1990s?

In this episode of Booked On Rock, I’m joined by author Greg Prato to dive into I Am One: The Smashing Pumpkins Story, 1988–1994—a deep look at the band’s formative years, creative breakthroughs, and the relentless drive of Billy Corgan.

We explore the making of Gish, the explosion of Siamese Dream, and how The Smashing Pumpkins carved out their place in the alt-rock boom alongside grunge giants—while doing things entirely their own way.

From internal tensions to studio perfectionism, this is the story of how a band pushed boundaries and built a legacy that still resonates today.

Purchase a copy of I Am One: The Smashing Pumpkins Story, 1988–1994

Follow Greg Prato:
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Greg Prato Amazon page

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

New York City, summer of 1977. A city on the edge. Crime is soaring, the Son of Sam is terrorizing the streets, and a massive blackout has pushed Gotham into chaos.

In the middle of it all, a young poet in the downtown scene is found dead in his East Village apartment—ruled an accidental overdose. Case closed… or so it seems.

But when suspicions of murder begin to surface, an unlikely investigator emerges from the heart of the CBGB scene. What follows is a deep dive into a shadowy world where punk rock, art, fashion, and crime collide—pulling in some of the most iconic names of the era, from Lou Reed and Patti Smith to William S. Burroughs and Andy Warhol’s inner circle.

At the center of it all: a chilling conspiracy that could explode on the opening night of a brand-new CBGB venue.

This episode explores The CBGB Conspiracy, a gripping story that blends real history with fiction—set against one of the most volatile and creatively explosive moments in New York City history.

Featuring an interview with Gabriel Rotello, author of The CBGB Conspiracy, who takes us inside the story, the research, and the real-life figures that shaped this unforgettable world.

Listen now and step into the chaos of 1977—where the music was loud, the city was crumbling, and nothing was as it seemed.

Purchase a copy of The CBGB Conspiracy

Visit Gabriel Rotello's website

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

Stereolab didn’t just make music—they built a world of sound. Blending krautrock rhythms, vintage electronics, lounge influences, and radical ideas, the band carved out one of the most distinctive catalogs in modern music.

In this episode, we explore the story of Stereolab through 20 essential songs, tracing their evolution from underground innovators to one of the most influential alternative acts of their era. Along the way, we uncover the creative philosophy, sonic experimentation, and cultural influences that shaped their singular sound.

Featuring an in-depth interview with Ben Cardew, author of Space Age Bachelor Pad Music: The Story of Stereolab in 20 Songs, this episode dives deep into the band’s history, key tracks, and lasting legacy.

Whether you're a longtime fan or just discovering Stereolab, this is your guide to understanding the band—one song at a time.

Purchase a copy of Space Age Batchelor Pad Music: The Story of Stereolab in 20 Songs

Visit Ben Cardew's Substack page

Follow Ben Cardew:
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Follow The Booked On Rock with Eric Senich:
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The Booked On Rock Music: “Whoosh” by Crowander / “Last Train North” & “No Mercy” by TrackTribe

Step inside a world where volume meets legacy. In this episode, we explore Collecting Loud History, a stunning 600-page book documenting the world’s most extensive Marshall amplifier collection.

Featuring an in-depth interview with authors Peter Margolis and Brian Ranks—a former road manager and guitar tech—this episode goes beyond the gear to uncover the stories behind the sound. From rare, one-of-a-kind amplifiers to the evolution of Marshall’s iconic tone, this is rock history told through the very equipment that powered it.

It’s more than a collection—it’s a lifetime of passion, preservation, and pure volume. If you’ve ever wondered how the sound of your favorite records came to life, this is where it all begins.

Purchase a copy of Collecting Loud History

Purchase a signed copy of Collecting Loud History through Chicago Music Exchange

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

Why did so many AOR singers sound like Steve Perry? Because he set the template.

In this highlight from Booked On Rock, author Paul Rees (Raised on Radio: Power Ballads, Cocaine & Payola – the AOR Glory Years 1976–1986) explains how the Journey frontman’s soaring vocals, emotional delivery, and arena-ready style became the gold standard for AOR frontmen throughout the late ’70s and ’80s. From power ballads to radio dominance, Perry helped define the sound of an era.

Listen to Episode 364 - FM Radio’s Golden Decade: The Rise of AOR

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

If you could ask Axl Rose just one question about the making of Guns N’ Roses’ Chinese Democracy, what would it be?

Author James Greene Jr. shares the one question he’d most want answered about the legendary album’s long, chaotic 15-year recording saga. 

Listen to Episode 363 - Chinese Democracy: The Album That Took 15 Years

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Booked On Rock is part of The Boneless Podcasting Network
 
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Follow The Booked On Rock with Eric Senich:
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Contact The Booked On Rock Podcast: [email protected]
 
The Booked On Rock Music: “Whoosh” by Crowander / “Last Train North” & “No Mercy” by TrackTribe

In 1976, Rush released '2112', a daring, side-long science fiction epic that nearly didn’t happen. Facing pressure from their record label after the commercial disappointment of Caress of Steel, the band doubled down on their progressive rock vision instead of playing it safe. The result was '2112'—an album that not only saved Rush’s career but helped define the sound and ambition of progressive rock for decades to come. 

In this episode, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of '2112' and explore the story behind the album’s creation, its dystopian narrative inspired in part by Ayn Rand, and the impact it had on Rush’s legacy. Joining the show is author Daniel Bukszpan, who discusses his book Rush and 2112: Fifty Years and shares insights into the band’s bold gamble, the making of the album, and why '2112' remains one of the most celebrated and influential albums in rock history.

Whether you’re a lifelong Rush fan or discovering the album for the first time, this episode dives deep into the music, mythology, and lasting power of '2112'—the album that proved Rush would do things their own way.

Purchase a copy of Rush and 2112: Fifty Years

Visit Daniel Bukszpan's website

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Booked On Rock is part of The Boneless Podcasting Network
 
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Follow The Booked On Rock with Eric Senich:
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Find Your Nearest Independent Bookstore
 
Contact The Booked On Rock Podcast: [email protected]
 
The Booked On Rock Music: “Whoosh” by Crowander / “Last Train North” & “No Mercy” by TrackTribe

AOR’s golden age is one of the most electrifying eras in rock history.

From 1976 to 1986, album-oriented rock dominated FM radio, filling arenas and airwaves with massive hooks, soaring power ballads, and legendary bands. But behind the music was a wild world of record label power, payola scandals, larger-than-life personalities, and an industry fueled by excess.

In this episode of Booked On Rock, Eric Senich sits down with Paul Rees, author of Raised on Radio: Power Ballads, Cocaine & Payola – the AOR Glory Years 1976–1986. Together, they explore the rise of AOR and the stories behind the music that defined a generation.

Paul shares incredible insights into the artists, the radio programmers, and the record executives who helped shape the sound of FM rock during its peak. From arena-filling anthems to the behind-the-scenes chaos that fueled the industry, this conversation dives deep into the decade when melodic rock ruled the airwaves. If you love the sound of classic FM radio, this is the era that changed rock forever.

Purchase a copy of Raised on Radio: Power Ballads, Cocaine & Payola – the AOR Glory Years 1976-1986

Visit Paul Rees's website

Visit Paul Rees's Substack site

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Booked On Rock is part of The Boneless Podcasting Network
 
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Follow The Booked On Rock with Eric Senich:
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Contact The Booked On Rock Podcast: [email protected]
 
The Booked On Rock Music: “Whoosh” by Crowander / “Last Train North” & “No Mercy” by TrackTribe

Few albums in rock history have had a journey quite like Chinese Democracy. What started as the next chapter for Guns N' Roses turned into one of the most infamous and expensive recording sagas ever. Delays, lineup changes, studio experiments, and years of rumors turned the album into a legend long before it was finally released in 2008.

In this episode, author James Greene Jr. joins the show to discuss his book Magnum Opus: The Unbelievable 15-Year Saga of Guns N' Roses' Chinese Democracy. Greene takes us inside the chaotic, fascinating story behind the making of Chinese Democracy—from Axl Rose’s relentless perfectionism to the revolving door of musicians and producers who helped shape one of the most talked-about albums in rock history.

What really happened during those 15 years? And how did one album become the most infamous production saga in rock?

Purchase a copy of Magnum Opus: The Unbelievable 15-Year Saga of Guns N' Roses' Chinese Democracy

Visit JG2LAND: THE OFFICIAL BLOG OF JAMES GREENE, JR.

Follow James Greene Jr. :
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Booked On Rock is part of The Boneless Podcasting Network
 
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Follow The Booked On Rock with Eric Senich:
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Contact The Booked On Rock Podcast: [email protected]
 
The Booked On Rock Music: “Whoosh” by Crowander / “Last Train North” & “No Mercy” by TrackTribe