The Rock Podcast with Denny Somach

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This is the podcast from PodcastOne that goes deep undercover to shine new light on the soundtrack of the most exciting decades in music. Producer/Rock Historian Denny Somach and friends are bringing their career experiences and his library of thousands of interviews to new life in this fast-paced, fan-focused series. They present not only the stories as they lived them, but as the artists did. From The Beatles to Foo Fighters, from John Bonham to Dave Grohl, from Woodstock to Coachella, these are the real stories: the greatest stories of rock from the artists themselves – in their own voices!

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    • Feb 13, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 48m AVG DURATION
    • 79 EPISODES

    4.6 from 74 ratings Listeners of The Rock Podcast with Denny Somach that love the show mention: good, love, great.


    Ivy Insights

    The Rock Podcast with Denny Somach is an absolute gem for all music lovers, especially those with a keen interest in classic rock and music history. From the very first episode, it is evident that the two hosts know their stuff and are incredibly passionate about the subject matter. Their extensive knowledge and love for rock music shine through in every episode, making it a delight to listen to.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is the wealth of incredible interviews and encounters with rock royalty. From legends like Paul McCartney and Mick Jagger to lesser-known but equally talented musicians, the hosts bring forth amazing interview cuts that give listeners a glimpse into the lives and minds of these iconic figures. The stories shared are captivating and sometimes even unexpected, giving a unique perspective on some of the greatest musicians of our time.

    The chemistry between the hosts is another highlight. They play off each other's energy effortlessly, creating an engaging dynamic that keeps listeners hooked from start to finish. Their banter is light-hearted yet informative, striking a perfect balance between entertainment and education. It feels like listening to two friends having an enthusiastic conversation about their favorite subject, which adds a personal touch to the podcast.

    However, as much as I adore The Rock Podcast with Denny Somach, there are some minor drawbacks worth mentioning. Occasionally, there can be moments where the discussions veer off track or become slightly repetitive. While this does not happen often, it can be a bit distracting for those who prefer a more focused approach. Additionally, some episodes may cater more towards die-hard fans of specific artists or genres rather than appealing to a wider audience. This might limit its appeal to casual listeners who may not have deep knowledge or interest in certain aspects of rock music.

    In conclusion, The Rock Podcast with Denny Somach is an absolute must-listen for any music lover who appreciates classic rock and wants to delve into its rich history. The passion and expertise of the hosts are evident in every episode, making it an incredibly enjoyable experience. While there may be minor flaws, they are easily overlooked when considering the wealth of amazing interviews and stories that this podcast brings to the table. For anyone looking for a captivating and informative journey through rock music's legendary past, The Rock Podcast with Denny Somach is the perfect choice.



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    Latest episodes from The Rock Podcast with Denny Somach

    Michael Shrieve, Superstar Drummer

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2025 28:19


    Denny has a deep-diving conversation with Michael Shrieve, a founding member of Santana, best known for his amazing live performance on Soul Sacrifice at Woodstock. He had just turned 20 years old when he played Woodstock, making him the youngest musician to perform at the festival. That drum solo during Soul Sacrifice has been described as electrifying, as is his new album, Drums of Compassion, which features performances by great drummers including Olatunji (Drums of Passion), who inspired Michael. He also discusses some of the other groups he's been a part of: Automatic Man, Novo Combo, Go with Steve Winwood, and the short-lived Hagar Schon Aaronson Shrieve Band. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Carl Palmer's American Debut

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2024 23:11


    Carl Palmer, English drummer best known for being a founding member of Emerson, Lake & Palmer, and Asia, in a rare interview by Denny, back in 1982 when Asia was rehearsing in Lititz, PA for their debut tour. He's currently on tour with Carl Palmer's ELP Legacy – 42 years after this historic encounter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Iain Matthews

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2024 33:48


    Iain Matthews contemplates retirement and, instead, writes a song about it, adding to his discography of nearly 60 albums. Denny, who's been a fan since the beginning of Matthews' career, from Fairport Convention to solo to Matthews Southern Comfort, gets Iain talking about Joni Mitchell, Robert Plant, and in a totally unplanned moment, Amelia Earhart. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Carmine Appice Rocks!

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2024 31:18


    Denny catches up with legendary drummer Carmine Appice to talk about the new Cactus album and learns about Carmine's new AI project as well as lots of reminiscing. You'll hear a lot of names on this episode - Led Zeppelin, John Bonham, Jeff Beck, Rod Stewart, Vanilla Fudge, and Melanie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Classic Jeff Beck

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2024 36:46


    Denny celebrates the late Jeff Beck's birthday with vintage audio from his Classic Rock Archives. Beck, one of the greatest guitar players in rock history, discusses his Yardbirds days and the beginnings of his solo career, in this rare interview.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Steve Hackett

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2024 34:05


    Denny catches up with Steve Hackett, former lead guitarist with Genesis (part of their classic line up with Gabriel, Collins, Banks and Rutherford) with whom he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in March 2010. He just released his 30th solo album, The Circus And The Nightwhale, and is touring, so the conversation covers decades of Steve's extraordinary career. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    From Layla to Murder

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2024 28:44


    The man who wrote Layla with Eric Clapton and was a founding member of Derek and the Dominos lived a life touched by mental illness and marked by murder. Author Joel Selvin reveals the results of his years of research on the inside story of Jim Gordon, one of the most prolific drummers of all time. Joel's new book, Drums and Demons, raises the larger questions of how we miss the signs that someone – even a great talent - is in trouble.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Dave Mason Knows

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2024 23:43


    Denny and Dave Mason go back a very long time – even before Denny was the executive producer of Dave's late 80s album Two Hearts. Dave holds nothing back, including what happened at his Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in this intimate look at Dave's career. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Gerry Beckley of America

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2024 22:51


    Known mostly as half of the platinum-selling group, America, with co-founder Dewey Bunnell, Gerry Beckley has recorded and released eight solo albums, the latest titled Aurora. He joined Denny from his home in Australia (the other is in Venice, CA) to talk about his career and answer that eternal question… “Did the horse ever get a name?” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    All About Yes!

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2024 24:16


    Join Denny as he shares a comprehensive look at the early years of the #1 progressive rock band, taken from his extensive collection of vintage audio. You'll hear Chris Squire, Jon Anderson, Rick Wakeman, Tony Kaye, Peter Banks, Bill Bruford, Alan White, Steve Howe, Trevor Rabin, Patrick Moraz, Geoff Downes, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    The Immediate Family

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2023 39:31


    They're more than just three of the best rock musicians in the business. When Leland Sklar, Russ Kunkel, and Waddy Wachtel get together with Denny, you feel the connection that has kept them together all these years, even though they've also had separate careers with amazing stories. Among others, you'll hear Waddy on working with Warren Zevon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    The Fifth Beatle

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 28, 2023 41:23


    If anyone deserves the title, it's George Martin. Here, in a candid interview with Carol Thatcher (daughter of former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, aka the “Iron Lady”) from 1982, he talks about discovering the Beatles, working with them in the studio, and other revelations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Roger Earl, Foghat to Sonic Mojo

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2023 47:24


    Foghat, a legendary band in the pantheon of Rock ‘n Roll, has released a new album, Sonic Mojo. Founding member and leader, Roger Earl, who Denny first met in the 70's, is this episode's guest. Roger has seen it all - and he's sharing it all - on The Rock Podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Paul Rodgers

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2023 34:05


    As lead singer of Free (remember All Right Now?), Bad Company, The Law with Kenny Jones, The Firm with Jimmy Page, and Queen with Paul Rodgers, and with his solo albums,  Paul Rodgers has consistently delighted rock fans. In this episode, he talks about his career, how he and Cynthia, his wife, met tough health challenges, and his newest album, Midnight Rose. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Melanie Tells (Almost) All

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2023 63:58


    Melanie was just starting her career when she  was the first artist booked to play Woodstock, almost a year before the concert took place. She was an unknown when she walked onto the Woodstock stage and sang for half a million people. By the end of her set, she was a star. In this episode, Denny interviews Melanie, who goes deep into her life and career - past, present, and future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Eric Bazilian - The Hooters

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2023 37:20


    Eric Bazilian, one of the founders of the Hooters, catches up with Denny after many years, and you're invited to tune in to the past, present, and future of this multitalented musician. Stay for a snippet from the performance that Denny featured on Hot Spots, his early 80s show on USA Network!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Geezer Butler, Into the Void

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2023 38:08


    Denny goes into the void, and through the career of a true English Rock God, Geezer Butler of Black Sabbath. This exclusive interview is where you'll find the deep story on whatever happened to the Sabbath/Zeppelin jam and the Black Zeppelin album! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Steve Howe: Yes, Yes, YES!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2023 61:38


    Celebrate Steve Howe's fifty years of playing just about anything with strings with Denny, who's known Steve most of those fifty years. They cover the early years, pre-Yes, up to their latest release, Mirror in the Sky, leaving nothing unsaid - including some intriguing details about who's touched Steve's guitar. Steve's been honored five times as Best Overall Guitar Player of the Year by Guitar Magazine, and he was the first inductee into the Guitar Player Hall of Fame. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    mirror steve howe guitar magazine
    Is Steve Katz a Rockstar?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2023 57:34


    What the Hell Ever Happened to Blood, Sweat and Tears? is a new documentary about the band that sold millions of records, won multiple Grammy Awards including Album of the Year, and headlined at Woodstock. Denny interviews Steve Katz, co-founder of the band, in this episode, which takes its title from Steve's autobiography. You'll hear about The Blues Project, Steve's prodigious career, and the stars whose work he produced and influenced.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Jethro Tull with Ian Anderson

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2023 56:46


    Ian Anderson has been fronting Jethro Tull since it formed. He and Denny have known each other a long time, more than forty years, so they kick back and catch up on everything from the old days to the band's newest release – their 23rd album. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    The Zombies are Back!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2023 40:41


    You may not know this, but the Zombies are the only band still touring after 50 years whose lead singer is not Mick Jagger! The Zombies are more than their biggest hits, “She's Not There” and “Time of the Season.” Denny goes way back and deep with Colin Blunstone and Rod Argent as they launch their newest album, documentary, and tour. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    A Conversation with Jon Anderson

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2023 51:38


    Denny and Jon know each other for nearly 50 years, so you know this conversation will range from the earliest times to the latest tours for 2023, with brief stops at all of Jon's works-in-progress. While you may have heard one or two of these stories in the past, even hard-core fans will be telling their friends about something from this episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Phil Lynott Memories

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2023 17:00


    You'll hear a rare historic interview with the legendary Black Irish bassist, who tragically died at age 36. Phil Lynott was known for his work both with Thin Lizzy and solo, and his influence on the heavy metal artists who followed him. The episode ends with Denny telling the story of how he and Phil got to sing on the same number one record! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    The Yardbirds, in memory of Jeff Beck

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2023 22:31


    The most influential band in British rock, after the Beatles and Rolling Stones, has included three of the most accomplished guitarists of all time - Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page. You'll hear from all three in this episode, plus Chris Dreja, Jim McCarty, Alice Cooper, Geddy Lee, and Joe Perry – all from Denny's Classic Rock Archives.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Nazareth: The Story of Love Hurts

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2022 8:32


    Denny tells the little-known story of how Nazareth came to record Love Hurts, and the Scottish group's connection to his hometown – and his career.

    Roger Waters, in His Own Words

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 26, 2022 35:53


    In this 1984 interview, Roger Waters talks about how he came to his solo career; the meaning behind The Pros and Cons of Hitch Hiking; and he even offers an opinion on the possibility of Pink Floyd coming together again.

    David Leaf on Brian Wilson

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2022 48:40


    Best known for his long association with the Beach Boys, award-winning writer, director, and producer David Leaf talks about Brian Wilson, and the new edition of his classic, God Only Knows: The Story of Brian Wilson, the Beach Boys & the California Myth. Listen for the clips of Brian and Mike from The Classic Rock Archives!

    Nick Mason, Pink Floyd and Beyond

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2022 32:22


    From the Classic Rock Archives, an exclusive interview with Nick Mason, founding member of Pink Floyd, from 1985. Nick talks about the history of band, including the tragic Syd Barrett, how David Gilmour joined, why they didn't play Live Aid, meeting the Beatles at Abbey Road Studios while recording their first album, and more. 

    Tears For Fears

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 31, 2022 21:34


    From the Classic Rock Archives, an exclusive interview with Curt Smith from 1985 - just as the iconic, “Everybody Wants to Rule the Wild” was being released – reveals the meaning of the name, their early years, and more.

    Richie Furay, Country-Rock Pioneer

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 20, 2022 49:35


    Founding member of Buffalo Springfield, Poco, and the Souther-Hillman-Furay band, the legendary Richie Furay, pioneer of Country-Rock, talks about his new album, In the Country, life, love, spirit, and career, including being signed by Atlantic Records.

    Eric Johnson, the Guitar Player's Guitar Player

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2022 39:38


    Eric Johnson is the guitar player's guitar player. His Platinum certified album, Ah Via Musicom, contains his Grammy award winner, Cliffs Of Dover. In this very candid conversation between old friends, the Austin-based inductee in the Guitar Player Gallery of Greats, also listed among the 100 Greatest Guitarists of the 20th Century by Musician Magazine, talks about his two new albums, his favorite guitarists and influences, and much more. Denny pulls an unreleased favorite from the Archives to end this episode.

    Gary Brooker, His Final Interview

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2022 32:38


    Whiter Shade of Pale is one of the greatest songs of all time – AND one of the cold cases of rock ‘n' roll. In what was to become Brooker's final interview, he talks about his career and Denny talks about the legal entanglements concerning the writing of this song.

    Kate Bush

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2022 17:43


    Kate Bush was a star in the UK back in the 80s, but didn't make it in the US till her Running Up That Hill was prominently featured in Season 4 of the Netflix series Stranger Things, and she hit the top at Spotify. This episode features a 1982 interview from the host's Classic Rock Archives. Kate rarely gave interviews, making this one a must-listen treasure!

    Ben Fong-Torres, Like a Rolling Stone

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2022 47:28


    Ben Fong-Torres, famed Rolling Stone editor, talks about his life, career, and new documentary, Like a Rolling Stone: The Life & Times of Ben Fong-Torres, as well as Almost Famous, the movie that made him even more famous. This episode features a classic interview Ben did with Bob Geldof after Live Aid.

    John Lennon's Lawyer Tells All!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2022 50:20


    John Lennon's Lawyer Tells All! Ripped from the headlines – but all true. Jay Bergen, author of Lennon, The Mobster & The Lawyer tells the story of the dispute between the famous Beatle and the infamous mobster. The ultimate insider interview! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    John Lennon's Lawyer Tells All!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2022 48:50


    John Lennon's Lawyer Tells All! Ripped from the headlines – but all true. Jay Bergen, author of Lennon, The Mobster & The Lawyer tells the story of the dispute between the famous Beatle and the infamous mobster. The ultimate insider interview!Part of Pantheon Podcasts

    Felix Cavaliere Sets the Record Straight

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2022 50:17


    From walking in on the Beatles who were opening for Joey Dee, with Felix on organ – before they came to America – to playing with Jimi Hendrix, campaigning for Bobby Kennedy, and the drama of working in the industry. More than fifty years later, Felix is still a rascal, in every sense of the word! Part of Pantheon Podcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Felix Cavaliere Sets the Record Straight

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2022 48:47


    From walking in on the Beatles who were opening for Joey Dee, with Felix on organ – before they came to America – to playing with Jimi Hendrix, campaigning for Bobby Kennedy, and the drama of working in the industry. More than fifty years later, Felix is still a rascal, in every sense of the word!Part of Pantheon Podcasts

    John Waite

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2022 52:55


    John Waite tells all, beginning with The Babys and remembering how he and Denny met almost 45 years ago! You'll hear about John's acoustic album series, Wooden Heart, forthcoming documentary, tour plans - and why becoming a US citizen was so important to him. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    babys john waite wooden heart
    John Waite

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2022 49:25


    John Waite tells all, beginning with The Babys and remembering how he and Denny met almost 45 years ago! You'll hear about John's acoustic album series, Wooden Heart, forthcoming documentary, tour plans - and why becoming a US citizen was so important to him.

    babys john waite wooden heart
    Dion DiMucci Still Rocks

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2022 46:00


    Dion DiMucci is in his seventh decade of performing. In this exclusive interview, celebrating the release of his new album, Stomping Ground, we talk about life, love, and rock ‘n' roll...and Dion reveals how his face made it onto one of the most iconic rock albums of all time.

    Dion DiMucci Still Rocks

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2022 49:30


    Dion DiMucci is in his seventh decade of performing. In this exclusive interview, celebrating the release of his new album, Stomping Ground, we talk about life, love, and rock ‘n' roll...and Dion reveals how his face made it onto one of the most iconic rock albums of all time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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