Rock Talk Studio: Reviewing Rock 'n' Roll Books and Documentaries

SMiLE was an album that never came out. Not in the '60s when it was made. Not after Pet Sounds. Brian Wilson made an album-when he was 24- that was so visionary it nearly broke him. And this tremendous book gives you everything you ever wanted to know about how SMiLE became myth, then obsession, then burden, and then finally against all odds- triumph! *Want to win a free copy of Queen & A Night At The Opera: 50 Years?  It's easy, just send me an email to sign up. You can find a link to my email address below. *Reminder this is for US citizens only**Want the latest in Rock N Roll Book and Documentaries news sent to your inbox? Sign up for the Monthly BLAST!! the newsletter that comes out on the last Friday of the month that features book buzz and doc news, recently released titles, top 5 lists, and more. Just shoot me over an email at the address below and say Big Rick, send me over that Blast!!Support the showemail Big Rick at:info@rocktalkstudio.com

One rehearsal in the summer of '68 lit the fuse—Becoming Led Zeppelin captures the raw formation of a band that would change music forever. With newly unearthed John Bonham audio and exclusive interviews from Page, Plant, and Jones, this doc is pure voltage—no critics, no fluff, just Zeppelin, and a ton of great music, in their own words.*Want to win a free copy of Queen & A Night At The Opera: 50 Years?  It's easy, just send me an email to sign up. You can find a link to my email address below. *Reminder this is for US citizens only* *Want the latest in Rock N Roll Book and Documentaries news sent to your inbox? Sign up for the Monthly BLAST!! the newsletter that comes out on the last Friday of the month that features book buzz and doc news, recently released titles, top 5 lists, and more. Just shoot me over an email at the address below and say Big Rick, send me over that Blast!!Support the showemail Big Rick at:info@rocktalkstudio.com

This isn't just a book. It's a front-row seat to the moment Queen became immortal.Queen & A Night at the Opera: 50 Years by Gillian G. Gaar is a lavish, photo-packed look into the album that changed everything. With over 250 stunning images, behind-the-scenes stories, and rare insights, this book captures the chaos, craft, and brilliance behind Queen's boldest leap. Built like a coffee table book, packed like a vault — this is the ultimate Queen fan artifact.*Want to win a free copy of Queen & A Night At The Opera: 50 Years?  It's easy, just send me an email to sign up. You can find a link to my email address below. *Reminder this is for US citizens only* And thank you to our sponsor Motorbooks for hooking us up with a give away of this book! You can check out Motorbooks other great titles here.*Want to stay on top of the world of Rock N Roll Book and Documentaries? That's also easy. Sign up for the Monthly BLAST!! the newsletter that comes out on the last Friday of the month that features book buzz and doc news, recently released titles, top 5 lists, and more. Just shoot me over an email at the address below and say Big Rick, send me that Blast!!Support the showemail Big Rick at:info@rocktalkstudio.com

 In 1983, Cameron Crowe — still early in his career — picked up a camera and quietly captured something incredible. The result? A grainy, gutsy, joy-fueled snapshot of a band still hungry, and still trying to figuring it all out. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers in their hungry years. MTV aired it once in the middle of the night, then shelved it for being too raw.Now it's restored, with 20 extra minutes, There's no script, no polish — just raw moments, backstage vibes, late-night jam sessions. It's messy. It's magic. It's a good time, must see!!*Want to stay on top of the world of Rock N Roll Book and Documentaries? Sign up for the Monthly BLAST!!  The BLAST!! drops the last Friday of every month, packed with the hottest book buzz, exclusive doc updates, and the current Top 5 lists. It's your VIP pass to what's next in books and docs. Only once a month. Always worth it!Just shoot me over an email at the address below and say Big Rick, send me that Blast!! Support the showemail Big Rick at:info@rocktalkstudio.com

From McCartney, The Stones, Creedence Clearwater Revival and Bob Dylan, to Live Aid, farewell tours, tribute acts and Cherry Garcia ice cream. This book by David Hepworth, documents how and why rockers have made it this long, and looks at the pivotal moments that pushed their careers, whether they liked it or not, into the future. *Want to win a free copy of Mike Campbell's memoir Heartbreaker?  It's easy, just send me an email to sign up. You can find a link to my email address below. *Reminder this is for US citizens only**Want to stay on top of the world of Rock N Roll Book and Documentaries? That's also easy. Sign up for the Monthly BLAST!! the newsletter that comes out on the last Friday of the month that features book buzz and doc news, recently released titles, top 5 lists, and more. Just shoot me over an email at the address below and say Big Rick, send me that Blast!!Support the showemail Big Rick at:info@rocktalkstudio.com

Perry Farrell's vision transformed a chaotic farewell tour into one of the most influential music festivals, blending diverse acts and cultures in a groundbreaking way. This book features over 200 interviews from artists, promoters, and crew, on how Lollapalooza reshaped the music industry and became a cultural phenomenon.*Want to win a free copy of Mike Campbell's memoir Heartbreaker?  It's easy, just send me an email to sign up. You can find a link to my email address below. *Reminder this is for US citizens only**Want to stay on top of the world of Rock N Roll Book and Documentaries? That's also easy. Sign up for the Monthly BLAST!! the newsletter that comes out on the last Friday of the month that features book buzz and doc news, recently released titles, top 5 lists, and more. Just shoot me over an email at the address below and say Big Rick, send me that Blast!!Support the showemail Big Rick at:info@rocktalkstudio.com

The Who at two very different stages of their career is presented not only visually (this book has over 500 pictures!) but also with an engaging narrative. Teenage Wasteland: The Who at Winterland, 1968 and 1976 is an innovative approach. One that succeeds because it found a way of delivering all these pictures with comprehensive coverage of The Who during a pivotal time in the bands career. *Want to win a free copy of Mike Campbell's memoir Heartbreaker?  It's easy, just send me an email to sign up. You can find a link to my email address below. *Reminder this is for US citizens only**Want to stay on top of the world of Rock N Roll Book and Documentaries? That's also easy. Sign up for the Monthly BLAST!! the newsletter that comes out on the last Friday of the month that features book buzz and doc news, recently released titles, top 5 lists, and more. Just shoot me over an email at the address below and say Big Rick, send me that Blast!!Support the showemail Big Rick at:info@rocktalkstudio.com

Sly Stone invented a sound and style that took the world by storm. It's safe to say there would be no Prince if it weren't for Sly. So why did it come to such a crashing end? Questlove directs a documentary that goes right after the challenges that ruined Sly's music and life while celebrating his genius.  BIG NEWS ABOUT THIS MONTH"S GIVEAWAY!!*Want to win a free copy of Mike Campbell's new memoir Heartbreaker?  It's easy, just send me an email to sign up. You can find a link to my email address below. *Reminder this is for US citizens only**Want to stay on top of the world of Rock N Roll Book and Documentaries? That's also easy. Sign up for the Monthly BLAST!! the newsletter that comes out on the last Friday of the month that features book buzz and doc news, recently released titles, top 5 lists, and more. Just shoot me over an email at the address below  and say Big Rick, send me that Blast!!Support the showemail Big Rick at:info@rocktalkstudio.com

Peter Wolf ex lead singer of The J.Geils Band delivers 35 chapters on his encounters with the most unusual, and extremely interesting people who came into his life. Alfred Hithcock, Muddy Waters, Bob Dylan, David Lynch, Julia Child, Norman Rockwell, Van Morrison, John Lee Hooker and Faye Dunaway all play a significant part in this story. And that is just a few of the names!! This is one of rock n roll's most unique memoirs. ******This week's SHOUT OUT goes to Mad Music RadioMad Music Radio is a small cluster of five internet-only non-commercial radio stations bringing you fantastic music 24 hours a day. They also publish stories at least twice a week on the Patreon, Substack and the Medium platforms. Mad Music Radio, tunes and tales too good to be ignored. It nice that you get a few options to choose from. They have blues, rock, oldies, The Dead and Jazz stations. Whoever does the programing for this has a great ear, I love the diversity and the way they play cuts so deep I would call them lost. Check em out - Mad Music Radio****** Want more news and reviews of the best new rock n roll books and docs out there? The Rock Talk Studio BLAST!! is a monthly newsletter that comes out on the last Friday of the month that keep you on top of all the new releases. Just send me an email using the address below and say "Big Rick send me that BLAST!!" Support the showemail Big Rick at:info@rocktalkstudio.com

Mike Campbell's memoir Heartbreaker, written with Ari Surdoval, is going to blow the minds of every Tom Petty fan. This book includes stories never told and a depth that is rare in a memoir. It is chock full of stories never told and uncovers the inner workings of Mike's relationship with Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers. ******This week's SHOUT OUT goes to Mad Music RadioMad Music Radio is a small cluster of five internet-only non-commercial radio stations bringing you fantastic music 24 hours a day. They also publish stories at least twice a week on the Patreon, Substack and the Medium platforms. Mad Music Radio, tunes and tales too good to be ignored. I like that you get a few options to choose from. They have blues, rock, oldies, The Dead and Jazz stations. Whoever does the programing for this has a great ear, I love the diversity and the way they play cuts so deep I would call them lost. Check em out - Mad Music Radio****** Want more news and reviews of the best new rock n roll books and docs out there? The Rock Talk Studio BLAST!! is a monthly newsletter that comes out on the last Friday of the month that keep you on top of all the new releases. Just send me an email using the address below and say "Big Rick send me that BLAST!!" Support the showemail Big Rick at:info@rocktalkstudio.com

All the latest book buzz and doc news from artists like: Led Zeppelin, Bob Dylan, Brian Wilson, Tom Petty, Genesis, The Cars, Peter Wolf of The J.Geils Band and many more. Find out the news on all the upcoming titles. *Want to stay on top of the world of Rock N Roll Book and Documentaries? That's also easy. Sign up for the Monthly BLAST!! the newsletter that comes out on the last Friday of the month that features book buzz and doc news, recently released titles, top 5 lists, and more. Just shoot me over an email at the address below  and say Big Rick, send me that Blast!!This weeks SHOUT OUT goes to Mad Music RadioMad Music Radio is a small cluster of five internet-only non-commercial radio stations bringing you fantastic music 24 hours a day. They also publish stories at least twice a week on the Patreon, Substack and the Medium platforms. Mad Music Radio, tunes and tales too good to be ignored. I like that you get a few options to choose from. They have blues, rock, oldies, The Dead and Jazz stations. Whoever does the programing for this has a great ear, I love the diversity and the way they play cuts so deep I would call them lost. Check em out - Mad Music RadioSupport the showemail Big Rick at:info@rocktalkstudio.com

How did one man create a guitar shop where Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Tom Petty, Slash, Joe Bonamassa, Melisa Ethridge and Kiefer Sutherland all felt as comfortable as a regular customer? This documentary Norm's Rare Guitars looks at the story behind one of the most iconic guitar shops in the world.*Want to win a free copy of Chris Stein of Blondie's memoir Under A Rock?  It's easy, just send me an email to sign up. You can find a link to my email address below. *Reminder this is for US citizens only**Want to stay on top of the world of Rock N Roll Book and Documentaries? That's also easy. Sign up for the Monthly BLAST!! the newsletter that comes out on the last Friday of the month that features book buzz and doc news, recently released titles, top 5 lists, and more. Just shoot me over an email at the address below  and say Big Rick, send me that Blast!! Support the showemail Big Rick at:info@rocktalkstudio.com

Cheap Trick is one of rock's most quirkiest bands with a mid career triumph that launched the band into stardom. How did that all come about, and how did they manage a career that has lasted over 50 years? It's all in the book Cheap Trick American Standard from the Bars to the Budokan and Beyond by Ross Warner.*Want to win a free copy of Chris Stein of Blondie's memoir Under A Rock?  It's easy, just send me an email to sign up. You can find a link to my email address below. *Reminder this is for US citizens only**Want to stay on top of the world of Rock N Roll Book and Documentaries? That's also easy. Sign up for the Monthly BLAST!! the newsletter that comes out on the last Friday of the month that features book buzz and doc news, recently released titles, top 5 lists, and more. Just shoot me over an email at the address below  and say Big Rick, send me that Blast!!Support the showemail Big Rick at:info@rocktalkstudio.com

Can a huge Bob Dylan fan for over 40 years really give the movie A Complete Unknown a fair review? Here comes my best shot. And, I even own up to why A Complete Unknown didn't win any of my year end awards for best documentaries of 2024. *Want to win a free copy of Chris Stein of Blondie's memoir Under A Rock?  It's easy, just send me an email to sign up. You can find a link to my email address below. *Reminder this is for US citizens only**Want to stay on top of the world of Rock N Roll Book and Documentaries? That's also easy. Sign up for the Monthly BLAST!! the newsletter that comes out on the last Friday of the month that features book buzz and doc news, recently released titles, top 5 lists, and more. Just shoot me over an email at the address below and say Big Rick, send me that Blast! Support the showemail Big Rick at:info@rocktalkstudio.com

The Beatles have arrived in New York City! Here's a story most rock n roll fans know really well. But this doc, produced by Martin Scorcese, opens up the vaults and puts together an encompassing look at a bunch of different perspectives on the first wave of Beatlemania. *Want to win a free copy of Chris Stein of Blondie's memoir Under A Rock?  It's easy, just send me an email to sign up. You can find a link to my email address below. *Reminder this is for US citizens only**Want to stay on top of the world of Rock N Roll Book and Documentaries? That's easy also. Sign up for the Monthly BLAST!! the newsletter that comes out on the last Friday of the month that features book buzz and doc news, recently released titles, top 5 lists, and more. Just shoot me over an email at the address below and say Big Rick, send me that Blast! Support the showemail Big Rick at:info@rocktalkstudio.com

True magic was worked in "The Name Of This Band Is R.E.M." as author Peter Ames Carlin came up with an absolutely engaging way to weave the four band members personal stories into the broader presentation about the band. His writing just made you feel like you were right there. And REM's humble beginnings was a great way to get an up close feel for the four members of the group and their untraditional rise to crazy stardom. This Month's SHOUT OUT goes to -Long Live The ABB NewsletterAllman Brothers fans this one is for you! I guarantee you will not find better ABB content anywhere that can top the in-depth, passionate, informative and original material covered in this newsletter. Conversation from the crossroads of Southern music, history, and culture from historian Bob Beatty, author of 'Play All Night! Duane Allman and the Journey to Fillmore East. Check Out this great newsletter-https://substack.com/@longlivetheabbWant to win a free copy of the number two best book of the year, Robyn Hitchcock's memoir 1967? It's easy, just send me an email to sign up. You can find a link to my email address below. *Reminder this is for US citizens only*Support the showemail Big Rick at:info@rocktalkstudio.com

Here comes the Top 10 of 2024's best rock n roll documentaries! If you are looking for the next great doc to check out, here' my list of the best of the best. Springsteen, Joe Cocker, John Lennon, Santana, Nicky Hopkins, and Stevie Van Zandt are just a few artists that released note worth docs in 2024. Which one was the best? Join me for some great viewing recommendations and the best titles of 2024. Want to win a free copy of the number two best book of the year, Robyn Hitchcock's memoir 1967? It's easy, just send me an email to sign up. You can find a link to my email address below. *Reminder this is for US citizens only*This Month's SHOUT OUT goes to -Long Live The ABB NewsletterAllman Brothers fans this one is for you! I guarantee you will not find better ABB content anywhere that can top the in-depth, passionate, informative and original material covered in this newsletter. Conversation from the crossroads of Southern music, history, and culture from historian Bob Beatty, author of 'Play All Night! Duane Allman and the Journey to Fillmore East.Check Out this great newsletter-https://substack.com/@longlivetheabbSupport the showemail Big Rick at:info@rocktalkstudio.com

Join me for the countdown of 2024's best rock n roll books of the year! If you are looking for the next great rock n roll book to check out, here' my list of the best of the best. There are a wide range of great books to choose from including memoirs, oral histories, autobiography's, biographs and a top ten book that took the author 20 years to write. Want to win a free copy of the number two best book of the year? It's easy, just send me an email to sign up. You can find a link to my email address below. *Reminder this is for US citizens only*This Month's SHOUT OUT goes to -https://substack.com/@longlivetheabbAllman Brothers fans this one is for you! I guarantee you will not find better ABB content anywhere that can top the in depth, passionate, informative and original material covered in this newsletter.  Support the showemail Big Rick at:info@rocktalkstudio.com

The second annual books and docs of the year award show! All the best rock n roll books and documentaries of 2024. Awards for Best Rock n Roll Book About a Band, Best Rock n Roll Book About a Band member, Best Rock n Roll Book that I Learned The Most From and Best Rock n Roll Book Not About A Band or Band Member. Plus the Best Rock n Roll Book of The Year!!Awards for Rock n Roll Documentaries go out to Best Doc about A Band, Best Doc About A Band Member, and Best Doc Not About A Band or Band Member. And of course the Best Documentary of 2024!! This is the culmination of all the titles reviewed in the second year of the Rock Talk Studio and a celebration of the all the great projects to come. Support the showemail Big Rick at:info@rocktalkstudio.com

Win the new Robyn Hitchcock memoir 1967-How I Got There and Why I Never Left  simply by signing up for the free monthly email BLAST!! The BLAST!! keeps you on top of the world of rock n roll books and documentaries and serves as an extra layer of coverage to the podcast. Shoot me an email at info@rocktalkstudio.com to enter!Nicky Hopkins: Session Man finally exposes who was behind some of the most iconic rock 'n' roll piano lines in Rolling Stones, The Kinks, The Beatles and The Who songs. Find out why Keith Richards needed Hopkin's help to complete classic Stones songs, and why a handful of other A list talent call him a genius. This Month's SHOUT OUT goes to - Long Live The ABB Newsletter!https://www.longlivetheabb.com/Allman Brothers fans you will not find better content about the ABB anywhere. The Long Live The ABB newsletter is jammed packed with the most comprehensive writing about the band. Support the showemail Big Rick at:info@rocktalkstudio.com

This is a first for the podcast, not only do you get a review of a recommended title, one lucky winner is going to get a copy of this new slick coffee table style book - Rush at 50. How do you get in on the drawing for next months free book - Robyn Hitchcock's memoir 1967? Just send me an email at info@rocktalkstudio.comSupport the showemail Big Rick at:info@rocktalkstudio.com

Win the new Robyn Hitchcock memoir 1967, and the new Rush book- Rush at 50, simply by signing up for the free monthly BLAST!!Shoot me an email at info@rocktalkstudio.com to enter!Rock n Roll Book and Documentary news this month features projects from: The Beatles, Joni Mitchell, Mike Campbell, The J.Geils Band, Nicky Hopkins and The Bangles to name a few. Support the showemail Big Rick at:info@rocktalkstudio.com

Win the new Robyn Hitchcock memoir 1967, and the new Rush book- Rush at 50, simply by signing up for the free monthly BLAST!! Shoot me an email at info@rocktalkstudio.com to enter!Today's episode looks at how the partnership between The Grateful Dead's lyricist Robert Hunter and Jerry Garcia started. This lost manuscript, written in 1961, has finally been unearthed, giving us a look at the first days of this legendary friendship. This month's SHOUT OUT goes to the Zappagram. The Zappagram is the mother of all news letters. If you want to stay on top of the music world check out the Zappagram!Support the showemail Big Rick at:info@rocktalkstudio.com

The most highly anticipated rock n roll book of the year is out. Alex Van Halen's memoir is a love letter to his brother Ed. Did it live up to the hype? And did the 240 pages tell the whole story? *Sign up to win the new Rush book: Rush at 50It's easy- just send me an email and say, "Big Rick, send me that killer new Rush book," and I will enter you in the drawing! US residents only. *This week's rock n roll newsletter recommendation:The mother of all rock n roll newsletters- The Zappagramhttps://zappagram.substack.com/Support the showemail Big Rick at:info@rocktalkstudio.com

The band has been together for close to 50 years. They haven't toured in 6 years. Why is this set list so important? Road Diary-Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band is a rock n roll documentary that incapsulates everything that makes a Springsteen show so powerful. This is on the list of the top 5 Rock Docs of the year! Support the showemail Big Rick at:info@rocktalkstudio.com

Here's all the latest book buzz and documentary news you don't want to miss! Projects from The Beatles, Bachman Turner Overdrive, The Tragically Hip, Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band and Elton John to name a few are featured on this month's BONUS EPISODE. Plus, your chance to win the new Rush book "Rush at 50!" Support the showemail Big Rick at:info@rocktalkstudio.com

Is there really anything more to learn about John Lennon and Yoko Ono? Mind Games the book answers that questions with the inclusion of never before seen essays, documents, hand written lyrics, and over 750 photos. This definitive exploration is made up of Lennon and Ono's thoughts during the making, producing, and releasing of the album, plus contributions from people who were there. ** Sign up to win the new book "Rush at 50" - Just send me an email to enter.**Remember with this one, it's only available for US citizens Support the showemail Big Rick at:info@rocktalkstudio.com

The oddest, interesting, quirky, unique rock n roll book I have ever read. EVER? Yes!1967: How I Got There and Why I Never Left by Robyn Hitchcock is a delightful read that takes you back to a special time in rock n roll history. Hitchcock writes his life story from his early teens persona as he discovers the life altering power of rock n roll. Support the showemail Big Rick at:info@rocktalkstudio.com

This book is a treasure. Author Tom Zollo got a chance in 2004 and 2005 to sit and talk with Tom Petty, discussing his life and music. This book is a record of these conversation. We are so lucky to have a document like this that so deeply explores not only Tom Petty's craft, but the many chapters of his life and career. Support the showemail Big Rick at:info@rocktalkstudio.com

The latest news from Alex Van Halen's memoir "Brothers" plus news on projects from Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen, Rush, Yoko One and Paul McCartney to name a few. Catch up on all the book buzz and documentary news for the month of September!Support the showemail Big Rick at:info@rocktalkstudio.com

This book was a little outside of the usual rock n roll books I review. But I took a chance. And because of the unique storytelling and interesting personal path author Ann Powers took to tell the story, I found myself engaged throughout. This is not a Joni Mitchell biography. This is the life of Mitchell questioned, examined, and presented with the myriad of avenues Joni Mitchell and author Ann Powers took throughout their lives. Support the showemail Big Rick at:info@rocktalkstudio.com

The iconic music doc and album, Joe Cocker's Mad Dogs and Englishmen, gets a well deserved follow up in this new documentary "Learning To Live Together: The Return of Mad Dogs and Englishmen" 50 years later the Tedeschi Trucks band put together a massive tribute to the Mad Dogs and Englishmen legacy, reuniting 12 member of the original band to play the LOCKN Festival in Arrington Virginia. This doc not only captures the reunion show but also uses never before seen archival footage from the original tour to expand on the myth and answers all the questions from that magical 197O concert run. Support the showemail Big Rick at:info@rocktalkstudio.com

Is the Stone Pony the most iconic rock n roll bar in America? I dive into the oral history of this still standing Asbury Park New Jersey landmark that uses quotes from Bruce Springsteen, Steven Van Zant, Patti Smith, Zack Wylde, Tom Morello and a cast of a hundred more artists to tell this tale. Support the Show.email Big Rick at:info@rocktalkstudio.com

There is only one movie of this immense caliber that was inspired by songs that served as the soundtrack for the movie. And there was only one Prince. This beautifully put together coffee style book does the legacy of the Purple One justice by leaving nothing left to explore about the groundbreaking Purple Rain album and movie. Support the Show.email Big Rick at:info@rocktalkstudio.com

David Lee Roths' crazy manic muse is unmatched in rock n roll. There are very few who can keep up to his always on personality and this book does it best to track down anyone who tried. This episode digs into the DLR Book - How David Lee Roth Changed The World by Darren Paltrowitz. Support the Show.email Big Rick at:info@rocktalkstudio.com

One of the greatest concerts of all time that most know very little about. This new doc, Revival 69 - the Concert That Rocked The World, brings unprecedented live footage and a story like no other to finally expose this amazing moment in rock n roll history.This episode also includes all the latest rock n roll book buzz and documentary news on projects about The Tedeschi Trucks Band, Leon Russell, Mad Dogs and Englishmen, John Lennon and Robyn Hithcock. Support the Show.email Big Rick at:info@rocktalkstudio.com

Chris Stein tells the other side of the Blondie story in his new memoir. Gritty New York City tales from the 70's and 80's bring you right into the CBGB scene. This episodes also includes book and doc news about new projects featuring John Lennon and Yoko Ono, Eric Clapton, Chuck Berry, The Doors, and Melissa Etheridge to name a few.Support the Show.email Big Rick at:info@rocktalkstudio.com

Stevie Van Zant Disciple documentary needs over two hours to tell the story of one of rock's most accomplished careers. Guest appearances by Paul McCartney, Jackson Browne, Peter Wolf, and of course Bruce himself take this doc over the top. It's one not to miss. This episode also includes book and doc news about projects featuring The Grateful Dead, Robert Hunter, Jerry Garcia, Prince, John Lennon, Chuck Berry and The Doors to name a few. Support the Show.email Big Rick at:info@rocktalkstudio.com

For 13 days he was a Beatles. He actually saved the Beatles first world tour. He was 24 years old.  And then he was gone. And most people don't even know his name.How is it possible that drummer Jimmie Nicol could simply vanish after playing with the Beatles? The new book "The Beatle Who Vanished" finally solves the mystery of what happened to Nicol.This episode also includes the latest insight into new projects from Joni Mitchell, Steven Van Zant, Stax Records, The Stone Pony and more. Support the Show.email Big Rick at:info@rocktalkstudio.com

King Curtis played with Buddy Holly. Jimi Hendrix joined King's band. He opened for the Beatles at Shea Stadium. One of his best friends was Duane Allman. There is a ton of rock n roll tales told in the new book Soul Serenade: King Curtis and his Immortal Saxophone.  I am really glad I looked passed King Curtis's R&B and Jazz resume because there was so much to be learned about this underrated talent. Support the Show.

I already saw the Peter Jackson masterpiece “Get Back” why should I watch the film “Let It Be?” “Let It Be” the 1970 film has been remastered and is finally released in it's original state, I look at it's significance and give it a rating I have never given any documentary I have ever reviewed in the year in a half of the Rock Talk Studio podcast.Plus updates on new projects about Journey, Moby Grape, Michael McDonald, Lollapalooza and Stevie Van Zant. Support the Show.

Anita Pallenberg was a major influence on the Rolling Stones; so much so that it jeopardized her career, family and life.  I explore the depth of her story in the new doc Catching Fire. Plus, big news on three new documentaries just announced featuring Led Zeppelin, Los Lobos, and Little Steven Van Zant. Support the Show.

“Carlos” the documentary delivers a look at one of rock's greatest guitarist. How personal does it get, is it deep enough? And yes, the Woodstock experience is explained. Plus! Details on a new Grateful Dead book -easily the most unique book I have ever read about the band. And news on upcoming projects from The Rock n Roll Nightmare series, John Lennon, Chris Stein of Blondie, and Anita Pallenberg to name a few. Support the Show.

Here's the latest news about projects on Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, The Beach Boys, Bob Marley and the sequel to a 1984 rock n roll movie classic.This is the bonus episode, a continuation of the conversation about all the latest news to get fired up about. If you're looking for more news and recommendations on the latest rock n roll books and documentaries check out the main podcast that comes out the 1st Tuesday of every month. Support the show

20 female rockers tell their war stories about the music industry and what they used to overcome every possible roadblock. Plus all the book buzz and doc news including a review of the most disturbing rock n roll book I have ever read! Books and Doc reviewed, previewed, and recommended:Books-She's a Badass: Women in Rock Shaping Feminism by Katherine Yeske TaylorDrums and Demons: The Tragic Journey of Jim GordonTurn It Up! by Tom WermanChristine McVie: Songbird by Lesley-Ann JonesAlice Cooper: Staring Alice CooperDocs-Eno- Brian Eno This Is A Film About The Black Keys  -Black KeysLola -The Story of Lollapalooza Contact Big Rick atinfo@rocktalkstudio.comSupport the show

You might not know the players, but you have definitely rocked out to the records they played on. The Immediate Family documentary pulls the curtain back to expose who was responsible for a lot of that 70's and 80's sound. There was a huge (the biggest of the year so far) announcement of a new memoir that is coming out in October. Find out about the memoir, a new George Harrison book, get some Tina Turner news, and a review of three new Bob Dylan books. Plus The Who, and a bunch of badass female rockers and more!Support the show

One of rock's most endearing personalities Geddy Lee, tells the story of one of rocks best three-piece bands. But, will a non-Rush fan find value with this book? The review looks at all sides of what Geddy's book has to offer and gives up a surprising recommendation. Also included in this episode is all the latest buzz about whats new and what has just been announced as coming soon. Artists featured are Jeff Tweedy, David Lee Roth, Jim Gordon, Brian Eno and Willie Nelson. What is Willy Nelson doing in a rock n roll conversation? Tune in for the details. Support the show

What was the best rock n roll book of 2023? How about the best rock n roll documentary? Found out what came in as the best of the best, in the first annual Rock Talk Studio awards show. Support the show

Springsteen chose to pursue the release of the Nebraska album over Born In The USA. How did he talk his record label into that? And why, after all these years, no one has told the story of this dark masterpiece.  And, could this be one of the best books of the year? Also included in this episode, are the monthly previews, reviews, and recommendations, which include a minor Beatles Fest (3 books and 1 doc about Beatle members) another Bob Dylan must have, and the annual holiday product dump that comes around every time this year. Titles reviewed, previewed, and recommended:Deliver Me From Nowhere: The Making of Bruce Springsteen's Nebraska (Book)The Confessions of a Rock and Roll Name Dropper  (Book)Bob Dylan: Mixing Up The Medicine (Book)Paul McCartney- Lyrics (Book) Thurston Moore - Sonic Life (Book)George Harrison - The Reluctant Beatle (Book)May Pang:The Lost Weekend - A Love Story (Documentary) Immediate Family (Documentary)Podcast recommendation:Rock n Roll AutopsyEmail me (requests, comments, suggestions) at info@rocktalkstudio.comSupport the show

What happens when someone spends 20 years performing Led Zeppelin concerts note for note and then Jimmy Page walks in the door and sits down? This one-of-a-kind documentary about Mr. Jimmy, is this month's spotlight review. Also included in this episode are the monthly previews, reviews, and recommendations which include a look at an over 500 page book on possibly the most underrated rock star of the 70's, notes on the new 12 minute Beatle documentary, and the announcement of docs from the Stones (about Brian Jones) and Pink Floyd (about Sid Barrett). Wait a minute, haven't we seen these two docs before? Email: info@rocktalkstudio.com Titles reviewed, previewed, and recommended:Mr. Jimmy (Documentary)Leon Russell - Master of Space and Time's Journey Through Rock n Roll History (Book)Jeff Tweedy- Word Within A Song (Book)James Hetfield- Messengers: The Guitars of James Hetfield (Book) Have You Got It Yet? The Story of Syd Barrett and Pink Floyd (Documentary) The Stones and Brian Jones (Documentary)The Beatles: Now and Then (Documentary)Podcast recommendation:Rock n Roll AutopsySupport the show

U2 is in the Sphere, they released a new record, Bono's memoir is out, what else is there left to do? How about a rock doc? This month's spotlight review looks at the documentary Bono and The Edge Sort of Homecoming with David Letterman. Plus, rapid fire recommendations on six other don't miss titles. Support the show