oel Hoekstra is a powerhouse guitarist known for his technical skill, versatility, and relentless work ethic. Born on December 13, 1970, in Iowa City, Iowa, and raised in a musical household, he started out playing cello and piano. But everything changed when he saw Angus Young of AC/DC on TV—at that moment, he knew guitar was his calling. That inspiration launched a career that would span Broadway stages, stadium tours, and studio sessions with some of the biggest names in rock.Joel first gained wider recognition playing with Night Ranger in the late 2000s. Around the same time, he became a fixture in the Broadway musical Rock of Ages, performing eight shows a week while juggling touring commitments with rock bands. His ability to seamlessly shift between hard rock stages and theater pits set him apart from most guitarists in the scene.He later joined the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, known for their elaborate holiday arena tours, and in 2014, he landed a major gig as guitarist for Whitesnake. Since then, he’s toured the world with the band, appearing on albums like The Purple Album and Flesh & Blood, where he also contributed as a songwriter. He’s also performed alongside Cher, playing guitar for her Las Vegas residency and her “Here We Go Again” tour, proving he can hold his own in any musical environment.In addition to his high-profile band work, Joel leads his own project, Joel Hoekstra’s 13, a melodic hard rock supergroup featuring players like Russell Allen, Vinny Appice, Tony Franklin, and Jeff Scott Soto. The project has released several critically acclaimed albums—Dying to Live (2015), Running Games (2021), and Crash of Life (2023)—with a new one on the way in 2025. The music is a blend of soaring vocals, powerful riffs, and sharp songwriting that showcases Joel’s full range as a musician and producer.Outside of performing, Joel is a respected session guitarist and educator. He’s contributed to albums by Foreigner, Dee Snider, and many others, and he’s shared his expertise in magazines like Guitar World. Whether he’s tearing it up onstage with a rock legend or composing intricate solos in the studio, Joel Hoekstra continues to prove why he’s one of the most in-demand guitarists in rock today.⸻

Tony Dolan has come forward to call out former Venom and Venom Inc. drummer Abaddon (Anthony Bray) for what he describes as ongoing toxic behavior at fans. According to Dolan, Abaddon has been targeting fans online, engaging in bullying and harassment, especially toward supporters of Venom Inc.Tony also talks publishing and art battles in the band that Abaddon has taken credit for!

Johnette Napolitano was born on September 22, 1957, in Los Angeles, California. From a young age, she showed signs of being musically gifted—learning songs by ear and absorbing the sounds of everything from show tunes to soul. Her powerful voice and introspective writing would later become the soul of a band that defined a piece of the alternative rock era. But long before that, she was a quiet observer of the world, turning emotion into melody and poetry.In the early ‘80s, Napolitano co-founded the band Dream 6 with guitarist James Mankey. By 1986, they had changed their name to Concrete Blonde, thanks to a suggestion from R.E.M.’s Michael Stipe. It was a perfect fit: hard and soft, beautiful and brutal—just like their music. Johnette’s voice, smoky and commanding, cut through the clutter of the decade’s pop polish. The band quickly developed a cult following with their blend of post-punk edge and lyrical depth.Concrete Blonde broke into the mainstream with their 1990 album Bloodletting, which captured the darker tones of Napolitano’s songwriting. Its hit single “Joey”—a heartbreak anthem about addiction and love—became a signature track, reaching the Billboard Top 20. With its aching delivery and confessional lyrics, “Joey” made Napolitano a powerful voice for emotional realism in rock, and Bloodletting earned gold certification.After the band’s initial breakup in 1994, Napolitano didn’t slow down. She formed the duo Pretty & Twisted, collaborated with punk icon Holly Vincent in Vowel Movement, and later pursued solo projects. Her solo work—especially the Sketchbook series and the 2007 album Scarred—showcased her knack for raw storytelling, shifting between haunted ballads and fierce rock with the same honesty that marked her earliest work.Concrete Blonde reunited several times over the years, releasing Group Therapy in 2002 and Mojave in 2004, both reflecting a matured sound while staying true to their roots. They toured again from 2010 to 2012, reigniting their bond with longtime fans. Napolitano’s performances during these years were filled with the same fire that first drew listeners in—proof that her voice, both literal and artistic, remained as vital as ever.Life in the Desert and Creative LegacyToday, Napolitano lives in Joshua Tree, where she rescues horses, creates visual art, and continues to write music on her own terms. She’s contributed songs to film soundtracks and occasionally releases new work, often quietly and independently. Fiercely original and unapologetically herself, Johnette Napolitano has never chased fame—only truth. And in doing so, she’s built a body of work that resonates deeply with those who’ve loved, lost, and lived out [email protected]

Courtney Cox, known in metal circles as “CC Shred,” has been a standout guitarist since her early teens. Hailing from Philadelphia, she began playing guitar at 13 and by 15 was touring nationally thanks to her training with the Paul Green School of Rock. Her dedication and ferocious style quickly set her apart in the male-dominated world of metal guitar. Courtney moved to Los Angeles in 2008 to further her career, where she became a prominent member of the all-female Iron Maiden tribute band, The Iron Maidens, performing as “Adriana Smith.” Her time with the group solidified her international presence and developed her reputation for technical precision and powerful live performances.

In 2023, Courtney took a bold step by joining Swiss metal band Burning Witches, initially filling in for guitarist Larissa Ernst during maternity leave. Not long after, she was made a permanent member, fully embracing the transition from tribute work to creating and performing original music. Her arrival injected new energy into the band’s sound, and she quickly proved her worth by contributing to fresh tracks like “The Spell Of The Skull” and “Mirror, Mirror.” Fans and critics alike have praised her seamless integration and her ferocious riffs that blend seamlessly with the Witches’ heavy, melodic power metal style.

Courtney’s move from The Iron Maidens to Burning Witches marked a turning point. In a 2024 interview, she explained how difficult it was to leave the tribute band world, but emphasized the joy and creative satisfaction that comes from playing music she helped write. The constant travel between both bands had taken its toll, and she decided to focus her energy on one project. The choice paid off, and her contributions to Burning Witches have been instrumental in their continued rise, particularly as the band headlines European metal festivals and develops material for their next studio album.

Outside of performing, Courtney is also deeply connected with her fans through social media and her personal projects. She launched a Patreon where fans can get exclusive content, lessons, and behind-the-scenes access to her creative process. She’s also a proud ambassador for Caparison Guitars, being the first female artist to have her own signature model, the Horus-M3 CC. Known for her aggressive playing style and charismatic stage presence, Courtney continues to inspire a new generation of shredders while staying grounded and accessible to her global audience.

To keep up with Courtney Cox, follow her on Facebook and Instagram. You can also stay updated on upcoming albums, tour dates, and band news at the official Burning Witches website: www.burningwitches.ch.

Eric Martin, born October 10, 1960, in Long Island, New York, is best known as the soulful, powerhouse lead vocalist of the rock band Mr. Big. Raised in a military family that moved frequently, Martin eventually found his way to the West Coast, where his passion for music took root. Originally a drummer, he discovered his true calling as a frontman after stepping out from behind the kit. With a naturally commanding voice, he began carving out his place in the Bay Area rock scene during the late ’70s and early ’80s.His first major break came with the band 415, which soon rebranded as the Eric Martin Band (EMB). Blending hard rock with melodic hooks, the group built a strong regional following and released the album Sucker for a Pretty Face in 1983. They shared stages with giants like ZZ Top, Journey, and Hall & Oates, gaining a reputation for high-energy performances. Despite their momentum, EMB disbanded a couple of years later, leading Martin to pursue a solo career and continue developing his distinct blend of rock, pop, and soul.In 1988, Martin was recruited to front a new supergroup featuring bassist Billy Sheehan, guitarist Paul Gilbert, and drummer Pat Torpey. The band, named Mr. Big, launched with a self-titled debut in 1989 and quickly gained traction. Their 1991 album Lean Into It catapulted them into international stardom, largely thanks to the acoustic ballad “To Be With You,” which topped charts in over a dozen countries. Martin’s dynamic vocal range and emotive delivery helped define the band’s unique sound—a blend of technical musicianship and sing-along accessibility.Throughout the ’90s and into the 2000s, Martin balanced work with Mr. Big alongside a prolific solo career. He released several solo albums, collaborated with Japanese artists, and even joined the Tak Matsumoto Group, a hard rock project that reached No. 1 on Japan’s Oricon charts. One of his most notable side projects was the Mr. Vocalist series, where he reinterpreted classic Japanese and Western pop songs, further cementing his popularity across Asia.Following a brief hiatus, Mr. Big reunited in 2009 for a world tour and new albums, maintaining a loyal fan base across the globe. The band suffered a major loss with the passing of drummer Pat Torpey in 2018, but pressed on in his honor. In 2024, they released Ten, their final studio album, and concluded “The BIG Finish” farewell tour. Today, Eric Martin continues to tour as a solo artist and guest vocalist, beloved by fans for his passionate performances, resilient spirit, and unmistakable voice that’s powered some of rock’s most enduring anthems.

Guitarist Stevie Dacanay—better known as Stevie D—has been a defining force in Buckcherry since joining the band during its 2005 revival. After Buckcherry’s brief hiatus in the early 2000s, the reformed lineup, featuring Stevie D alongside founding vocalist Josh Todd, breathed new life into the band’s hard rock roots. His guitar work helped shape their comeback album 15, which launched hits like “Crazy Bitch” and “Sorry,” and reestablished Buckcherry as a mainstay in the modern rock world.Fast forward to 2025, and Stevie D is still going strong with Buckcherry, releasing the band’s eleventh studio album, Roar Like Thunder, on June 13. The record was produced by longtime collaborator Marti Frederiksen, who has worked with the band on several previous albums. The writing process for Roar Like Thunder began in late 2023, with Stevie D and Josh Todd trading ideas both on tour and in Stevie’s home studio before finishing the songs in Nashville. From an initial batch of about 20 tracks, they selected 10 to record, focusing on high-energy rock without ballads or covers.The album captures Buckcherry’s trademark sound—loud, fast, and unapologetically raw. Stevie D described the writing sessions as spontaneous and collaborative, with some songs beginning as simple melodies from Josh that he and Frederiksen later fleshed out into full arrangements. The goal, according to the band, was to deliver a record that rocks from start to finish and reflects their chemistry and confidence after two decades of working together.To support the album, Buckcherry launched a new North American tour in June 2025. The live set includes material from Roar Like Thunder. With a lineup rounded out by bassist Kelly LeMieux, drummer Francis Ruiz, and guitarist Billy Rowe, Stevie noted that the current band is as tight and focused as ever—thanks in part to detailed demos that gave everyone a strong head start before hitting the studio and the stage.Over the years, Stevie D has played a key role in keeping Buckcherry’s momentum alive. From the explosive return of 15 to the consistent touring and recording that followed, he’s remained a creative anchor and driving force behind the band’s sound. With Roar Like Thunder, he and the band aren’t just leaning on their legacy—they’re proving there’s still plenty of fuel in the tank.https://www.buckcherry.com

In this episode, Mandy Lion joins the show to discuss his brand-new single, “Red Rain”, marking a powerful return to form. Best known for his work with World War III, Mandy’s unmistakable vocal style is once again front and center. He reveals that Red Rain is just the beginning, with four full-length albums currently in development — each offering something unique for longtime fans and new listeners alike.Mandy shares that the upcoming albums are the result of years of writing, personal experience, and artistic growth. Each record explores different themes and musical directions, allowing him to push creative boundaries while staying true to his heavy metal roots. The songs are personal, raw, and reflective of a world that continues to evolve.A key part of the conversation is Mandy’s reflection on his time working with guitarist Jake E. Lee. He recalls the energy and creativity they once shared and expresses his appreciation for Jake’s talents. Mandy also addresses how, despite the potential, things didn’t pan out as hoped.Mandy opens up about Ted Nugent. He specifically calls out a video Nugent released that features trophy hunting wild hogs from a helicopter. Mandy doesn’t mince words, expressing strong opposition to the act and how it inspired him to respond by creating a video that shows his false statements online.Wrapping up the conversation, Mandy looks back on his journey — the highs, the lows, the battles with the music industry, and his refusal to chase trends. With new music on the horizon, old collaborations revisited, and his voice as bold as ever, Mandy Lion proves he’s not just back — he never left.https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@MandyLionRock⁩ 

In Episode 575 of the podcast, we sit down with Drew Rose, best known as the singer from the cult-favorite ‘90s hard rock band Wildside. While fans of glam, sleaze, and Sunset Strip may remember Drew for singing in Wildside’s MTV-era heyday, these days he’s earning a different kind of spotlight on YouTube. Drew has been the man behind The 80's Metal Recycle Bin—a fun, raw, and passionate channel dedicated to deep-cut interviews, forgotten stories, and rock ‘n’ roll honesty. But now, he’s switching gears with a brand-new name and vibe: Get On The Bus.Why the rebrand? Drew reveals it was a mix of wanting to expand beyond just “recycled” memories and leaning into the freedom of a new name. Get On The Bus captures not only the interviews with rock royalty and road dogs but the actual ride—sometimes literally. Viewers get a first-hand feel of what it’s like being on tour, backstage, or even just jamming in a parking lot.A big shout out in the evolution of Drew’s channel goes to none other than Stevie Rachelle—frontman of the glam rock band Tuff and founder of the site Metal Sludge. Stevie encouraged Drew to step into the video format, but supported the original idea of preserving and celebrating the rock scene’s lesser-told stories.Drew’s background in both music and film production gives him a unique edge. He’s been there in the trenches of the LA rock world and knows how to make a story come alive on screen. As Get On The Bus revs up, fans can expect better production, deeper access, and plenty of unscripted content. From forgotten band tales to candid tour bus confessions, the channel is growing into something that blends nostalgia, music journalism, and vlogging into one rocking ride.https://getonthebus.com/https://www.youtube.com/@getonthebustv

Skunk Anansie exploded onto the UK rock scene in the mid-1990s with a sound that defied easy categorization—combining elements of punk, metal, electronic, and soul, all powered by the unmistakable voice and stage presence of frontwoman Skin. Formed in 1994, the band quickly made waves with their bold political lyrics and uncompromising sound, releasing their debut album Paranoid & Sunburnt in 1995 to critical and commercial acclaim.The band followed up with a string of powerful albums including Stoosh (1996) and Post Orgasmic Chill (1999), cementing their place as one of the most important rock bands of their era. Their songs tackled topics like racism, politics, sexuality, and personal freedom, delivered with raw intensity by Skin, one of the few openly queer Black women in rock—a trailblazer in every sense of the word.After a brief split in 2001, the band reunited in 2009 and has continued to evolve both musically and politically. Their newer releases, like Anarchytecture (2016), show they’ve lost none of their bite or relevance. Skunk Anansie’s fierce independence has kept them both outside the mainstream and yet always influential, especially in their ability to speak truth to power in an industry that often rewards playing it safe.Skin herself remains one of rock’s most magnetic figures. Whether screaming into a mic or delivering stripped-back vocals, she commands attention. Beyond music, she’s also become a voice for activism, identity, and artistic expression, publishing her memoir It Takes Blood and Guts in 2020, which chronicles not only her journey in music but also the cultural barriers she’s smashed through.With decades of experience, a devoted global fanbase, and a career built on authenticity and strength, Skunk Anansie—and Skin herself—are as urgent and important today as when they first kicked in the door. This interview is a chance to hear directly from the source: the stories, the struggles, and the sound of a band that never held back.

BulletBoys exploded onto the scene in 1988 with their self-titled debut, produced by Ted Templeman (famed for his work with Van Halen and David Lee Roth). The album went gold, fueled by hits like “Smooth Up in Ya” and a blistering cover of The O’Jays’ “For the Love of Money.” With comparisons to Van Halen swirling, it was no surprise when Marq eventually struck up a friendship with Eddie Van Halen himself — stories of which he shares with candor and admiration.

Torien opens up not just about Eddie, but also his encounters with others like Dave Grohl, members of KISS, and many more. With nearly four decades in the music business, he remains fiercely independent, constantly evolving the band and touring .

Beyond nostalgia, BulletBoys continue to bring new material and fresh energy to the stage — with Marq Torien’s signature vocal firepower leading the charge.

🔗 Official Site: https://www.bulletboysofficial.com