Boomerocity

What happens when one legendary hotel becomes a home away from home for generations of rock stars?

In this episode of Boomerocity, Randy Patterson sits down with director Craig A. Williams to talk about his documentary, If These Walls Could Rock, which takes viewers inside the extraordinary rock-and-roll history of West Hollywood's legendary Sunset Marquis Hotel.

Hidden just off the Sunset Strip, the Sunset Marquis has spent decades serving as a retreat, gathering place and sometimes playground for some of the biggest names in music. Behind its doors are stories involving generations of artists who didn't simply stay there—they helped make the hotel part of rock-and-roll history.

If These Walls Could Rock taps into those memories with an impressive collection of artists and personalities, including Bruce Springsteen, Slash, Cyndi Lauper, Dave Grohl, Ringo Starr, Sheryl Crow, Billy Bob Thornton, Billy Gibbons, Gene Simmons, Richard Marx, Sharon Osbourne, Lzzy Hale, Roger Daltrey, Chris Robinson, Morrisseyand more.

Craig talks with Randy about how the documentary came together, why the Sunset Marquis developed such a unique relationship with the music community, and what it was like hearing these artists share their memories of a place that became an important part of their lives and careers.

They also explore the stories Craig discovered during production, the challenge of fitting decades of rock history into one film, and why the Sunset Marquis itself becomes almost another character in the documentary.

For music fans, If These Walls Could Rock offers something different from the traditional rock documentary. This isn't simply the story of an artist, band or album.

It's the story of a place—and all the extraordinary people who passed through it.

Because some of rock and roll's best stories didn't happen onstage.

They happened back at the Sunset Marquis.

Join Randy and Craig for a fascinating trip inside one of rock music's most storied addresses.

If These Walls Could Rock is now available to watch on Prime Video and Apple TV.

To watch or listen to this full interview, search for Boomerocity on YouTube or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also visit Boomerocity.com.

Matt Bissonette has spent decades providing the musical foundation for some of the biggest artists in the world—but this time we're talking about the music bearing his name.

Matt returns to Boomerocity for a conversation centered on three very different records: Straight to the Truth, Common Road, and his newest jazz album, Is It Though.

We talk about songwriting, jazz, musical freedom, his brother Gregg Bissonette, and what happens when a musician known for supporting legendary performers steps forward with something entirely his own.

Naturally, a few stories from Matt's extraordinary career find their way into the conversation as well—from Elton John and Ringo Starr to Joe Satriani, David Lee Roth, Rick Springfield, Kevin Cronin and beyond.

But underneath all of it is something much simpler: two friends talking about music, family, creativity and a lifetime spent doing what they love.

Pull up a chair and enjoy another visit with Matt Bissonette on Boomerocity.

There are musicians who stand at center stage, and there are musicians whose playing helps make that stage unforgettable.

Reese Wynans has spent a lifetime doing exactly that.

On this episode of the Boomerocity Podcast, Reese joins Randy Patterson for a conversation spanning an extraordinary career — from his unforgettable years with Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble to his work with Joe Bonamassa and countless other musicians.

Reese talks about the relationships behind the music, the experiences that remain particularly meaningful to him and Sweet Release, the 2019 album that finally put the longtime sideman's name at the top of the record.

Now retired from touring, Reese also reflects on this new chapter of life, what he misses — and perhaps doesn't miss — about the road, and what decades of making music have taught him.

The conversation comes as Reese prepares for a special August 21, 2026 appearance at Nashville's 3rd & Lindsley with Kenny Greenberg, Alison Prestwood, Lynn Williams, Kevin McKendree and special guests.

This isn't simply a conversation about a résumé.

It's about the man behind the keyboards, the friendships behind the records and a musical legacy that helped provide the soundtrack for generations of listeners.

Listen now to Reese Wynans on the Boomerocity Podcast.

Award-winning singer-songwriter Bird joins Boomerocity to discuss Held Here Together, an album born almost by accident that ultimately became one of her most personal artistic statements.

From cinematic songwriting to the importance of vinyl records, Bird shares the stories behind the music, the inspiration for "The Car," and why connection, memory and resilience remain at the heart of everything she creates.

Blues artist J.P. Reali joins Boomerocity to discuss the music that has defined his life, his songwriting process, and the inspiration behind his latest album, Grateful Blues.

From his earliest musical influences to today's independent music scene, this is a conversation about passion, perseverance, and the enduring power of the blues.

Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac created one of the greatest blues recordings ever made when they entered Chicago's legendary Chess Studios in January 1969.

Photographer Jeff Lowenthal was there to document it.

Historian Robert Schaffner helped preserve the story.

In this episode of Boomerocity, Randy Patterson welcomes photographer Jeff Lowenthal and historian Robert Schaffner to discuss one of the most fascinating chapters in blues and rock history.

Their acclaimed book, Fleetwood Mac in Chicago: The Legendary Chess Blues Session, January 4, 1969, chronicles the unforgettable day when Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac recorded alongside legendary Chicago blues musicians at Chess Studios.

Jeff shares firsthand memories from being the only photographer documenting the session, while Robert provides historical context that brings this remarkable collaboration to life.

Topics include:

• The significance of the January 4, 1969 recording session
• Peter Green's extraordinary musicianship
• Working with Buddy Guy, Willie Dixon, and Otis Spann
• The untold stories behind the photographs
• Preserving an important piece of music history

Tommy Emmanuel returns to Boomerocity for an engaging conversation about music, creativity, touring, and the experiences that continue to inspire one of the world's most celebrated guitarists.

We discuss his latest recordings, life on the road, lessons learned over decades of performing, and why the joy of making music never fades.

Legendary guitarist, songwriter and vocalist Warren Haynes returns with a remarkable new album, Dreams & Songs, and joins Randy Patterson on Boomerocity for an in-depth conversation about creativity, authenticity and a lifetime of making meaningful music.

From Gov't Mule and The Allman Brothers Band to touring with Ziggy Marley, Warren shares stories, insights and perspectives that only come from decades on the road.

It's thoughtful, honest and everything Boomerocity listeners have come to expect.

Award-winning blues artist Janiva Magness joins Boomerocity to discuss her deeply personal new album, The Truth In The Room: The Clearmountain Sessions.

Recorded before a live audience with legendary producer Bob Clearmountain, the album showcases Janiva at her most honest and emotionally vulnerable.

In this conversation she shares the stories behind the songs, reflects on her remarkable career, discusses the creative process behind the record, and explains why authenticity has always been at the heart of her music.

Whether you're a longtime blues fan or simply appreciate great storytelling, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

The Alarm's Mike Peters' legacy extends far beyond music.

In this emotional episode of Boomerocity, Mike's widow, Jules Peters, reflects on the creation of Transformation, Mike's remarkable optimism during his final months, the memories they shared together, and how his message of hope continues to inspire fans around the world.

It's an unforgettable conversation about love, resilience, music, and living every day with purpose.