The Rocker Life

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Tune in every Monday to find out what happens when Rock n' Roll and life intersect. The Rocker Life has all of the killer guests and interviews that fans expect in a rock music podcast, and adds a lifestyle angle to conversations that will turn a rock fan's interest up to eleven! With guests like Michael Sweet (Stryper, Boston), Rudy Sarzo (Ozzy Osbourne, Dio, etc.), Bruce Kulick (KISS, Grand Funk Railroad), Todd Kerns (Slash ft. Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators, Raiding the Rock Vault), Jared James Nichols (Solo Artist), Mitch Lafon (Rock Talk with Mitch Lafon), Ken Kelly (Artist - KISS, Ace Frehley, etc.), Greg Renoff (Author "Van Halen Rising..."), "The Metal Motivator" C.J. Ortiz, and more, host Aaron K. will remind you weekly to "...keep your rock hard, and keep reachin' for the stars!!"

Aaron K.


    • May 6, 2021 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 45m AVG DURATION
    • 51 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from The Rocker Life

    050: Brian Wheat of TESLA - "Son of a Milkman"

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2021 24:51


    Brian Wheat makes his Rocker Life debut, to discuss the release of his autobiography "Son of a Milkman"! Listen in as we discuss the dynamics of discussing private personal matters in a book, the influence of Ronnie Montrose, how "Shock" was misunderstood, and what it was like to be the first band to perform on the Def Leppard in the round stage on the Hysteria tour.

    049: BONUS - BON: Highways of a Legend

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2021 99:41


    A CAN'T MISS episode that was a special Livestream Roundtable presentation for the Bon Scott Forum on Facebook! Listen in as we discuss the biggest misconceptions about Bon Scott's death, how Bon Scott Back in Black were far more related than many fans may think, and much much more. The panel consists of Jesse Fink (BON: The Last Highway), Fil Olivieri (Founder of SoloDallas), B.J. Lisko (Author), and Michael Fazzolare (Musician, Friend of Bon Scott's), and Aaron K. (Host - The Rocker Life Podcast).

    048: EVH Guitar Tech, Tom Weber - Roadiecare and the State of Live Music

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2021 51:39


    In an episode that could only be described as a reality check for the happenings in the live music and entertainment industry over the last year, former Eddie Van Halen (Van Halen) and C.C. DeVille (Poison) Guitar Tech and Master Luthier TOM WEBER tells his personal story related to COVID, right here on The Rocker Life. Please be sure to visit Roadiecare.com and read about the current challenges facing many individuals who've helped facilitate live shows for all of us, and the very real struggles they're facing. Let's ALL get in the game and help where we can!

    047: Caesar of Zero Theorem

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2021 23:27


    In this edition of the Future of Rock series, Caesar of Los Angeles based band ZERO THEOREM discusses working with Producer Kane Churko (Five Finger Death Punch, In This Moment, Ozzy Osbourne, Papa Roach), the success of previous single releases in regards to playlists, and an upcoming tour with FOZZY.

    046: ACCEPT "Too Mean to Die" with Philip Shouse

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2021 30:15


    Released in early 2021, ACCEPT "Too Mean to Die" has appeared to take on instant classic status amongst many hard rock and metal fans. Join in as Philip Shouse (Guitar) discusses the recording process, the albums quick and far-reaching chart success and much more on this episode of The Rocker Life!

    045: Amber Eye

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2021 46:33


    Jump in to another great Rock n' Roll conversation in the Future of Rock series, with Rocker Life Alumni - Amber Eye! Clint & Amber Shay, along with Manager Steve Susman fill Rocker Nation in on the progress on their upcoming project.

    044: AC/DC PWR/UP Review with RONNIE ELVIS JAMES!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 28, 2021 48:56


    A fun episode as special guest RONNIE ELVIS JAMES and myself wax poetic on an observational review of AC/DC's newest release: PWR/UP !! What are our favorite standout tracks? What's the overall assessment? What effect did the release have on 2020? Fire up Ep. 044 and find out, baby! Rocker Nation - LET's GOOOOO!!

    043 - "Instant Angus!" - Fil Olivieri, Founder of SoloDallas

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2021 76:42


    Fil Olivieri, founder of SoloDallas, had been obsessed with AC/DC's guitar tones since the release of Back in Black. To replicate them, he began purchasing the same equipment used by lead guitarist Angus Young, but as close as he got, it was obvious there was still a key ingredient missing. Until he discovered the Schaffer-Vega Diversity System! Ep. 043 is a CAN'T MISS step into 2021! Including a fantastic discussion with Fil Olivieri, and the latest singles from MOON FEVER, CLOVERHILL, and LUTHER!

    042: Jesse Fink - AC/DC Author Discusses New Project

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 26, 2020 40:35


    In Episode 042, Jesse Fink - International Bestselling Author known for his work, "The Youngs..." and "Bon: The Last Highway...", discusses his personal AC/DC needle-drop moment, upcoming AC/DC album #PWRUP, the private nature of the AC/DC camp, the future of Rock n' Roll, and more!

    041: Moon Fever - "Undertaker"

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2020 38:20


    Next stop in the Future of Rock series - meet MOON FEVER and frontman CODY JASPER, as we talk about the new single "Undertaker", influences, band chemistry, writing an album, snake handling, and all that enlightening Rock n' Roll Conversation that goes down on The Rocker Life!

    040: The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus - Is This the Real World?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 12, 2020 30:20


    Ron Winter from The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus joins Aaron K. to discuss the band's latest single and video - "Is This the Real World?". Find out what the band is most proud of in their 17 year tenure and the impact that Van Halen had on them, as we speak just hours after the news of Edward Van Halen's sad and unfortunate passing.

    039: Luther - Groove-Heavy Rock and Roll from Nashville, Tennessee

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2020 47:36


    The Future of Rock has never looked so good! Jump into some Rock n' Roll Conversation with Noni Crow, Bruce Card, and Ronnie James Elvis from Nashville-based Rock and Roll band, LUTHER! Stay tuned to The Rocker Life and Luther social media channels for info about GIVEAWAYS - so you can experience the groove-heavy swagger of Luther for yourself. Let's gooooo....!

    038: Steve Brown - Tokyo Motor Fist and more!

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 5, 2020 52:18


    Steve Brown makes his first appearance on The Rocker Life for Ep. 038! Join in the Rock n' Roll conversation as Steve and Aaron K. discuss his work with Trixter, Def Leppard, and Dennis DeYoung. Also, they dig into interesting Rocker Life topics such as leadership and the music business. Wrapping up the episode you can hear all about the sophomore effort from Tokyo Motor Fist, entitled "Lions"! It's out and available NOW where you purchase your Rock n' Roll!!

    037: QUOR

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2020 58:19


    On this episode of The Rocker Life Aaron K. talks with Smitty of the San Diego based metal band QUOR. Listen as they talk goals, work ethic, and touring Japan - all right here as part of the Future of Rock series.

    036: Them Evils Ask the Question - "Where Ya Gonna Crash Tonight?"

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2020 30:28


    Jordan Griffin (Guitar, Vocals) of Them Evils joins Aaron K. for the official launch of the Future of Rock series! Jump in and take part as they discuss producer relationships, life on the road, and albums vs. singles.

    035: Tony Harnell - The Rock Singer Society

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 21, 2020 41:05


    We're excited to welcome the one and only Tony Harnell to Episode 035 of The Rocker Life! In this episode, Tony and Aaron discuss the exciting launch of The Rocker Singer Society, along with Tony's newest musical project - The Echobats! Also, Mr. Harnell will give Rocker Nation an update on TNT. Not one to miss ladies and gentlemen - so grab your Rock-it Fuel and strap in!! Rock n' Roll Conversation commencing in 5...4...3...2...

    034: Classic Rock Rundown 004 - KISS "ALIVE!" with David Ellefson and Don Jamieson

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 14, 2020 59:03


    The episode that Rocker Nation has been waiting for! David Ellefson and Don Jamieson join Aaron K. for a Classic Rock Rundown celebrating the 45th Anniversary of KISS' 1975 live album that proved to be a game-changer in rock history!

    033: Michael Sweet - Stryper "Even the Devil Believes"

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 7, 2020 24:56


    In Episode 033, the one and only Michael Sweet makes his third appearance on The Rocker Life to discuss the release of what many are calling the best album of Stryper's career – β€œEven the Devil Believes”! Listen in as Michael and Aaron K. discuss what keeps the creative flames burning, exploring unchartered territory to give fans an experience as close to a tour as possible during the COVID-19 pandemic, Perry Richardson's studio debut with the band, the recording processes that Michael and co. have refined at SpiritHouse Studios, and much more!

    032: 308 Ghost Train - 2021 and Beyond!

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 24, 2020 44:43


    Anthony "Train" Caruso is back to share with Rocker Nation all of the developments with 308 Ghost Train since his previous appearance! Listen in and hear about everything slated for 2021, including a new EP, world tour, and more!

    031: Warren Huart - Multi-Platinum Producer Talks Queen, First Guitars, and Produce Like a Pro

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2020 52:01


    Warren Huart (Ace Frehley, Aerosmith, Jared James Nichols) is the Multi-Platinum Producer/Engineer behind the ever-expanding YouTube community, "Produce Like a Pro". In this episode we get a chance to discuss needle drop moments (Queen - A Night at the Opera), his first guitar, influences, coming to American from the U.K., and examples of his incredible work in the music industry.

    030: Philip Shouse - Thee Rock N' Roll Residency EP

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2020 48:04


    Episode 030 features Philip Shouse (Ace Frehley, Accept, Gene Simmons) making his Rocker Life debut! Fire this one up and get ready to share a laugh as we talk about the debut EP from Thee Rock N' Roll Residency, Nashville, The Blues Brothers, Swedish artists we're listening to, and much much more!

    029: Jaime Vendera - Glass-Shattering, Vocal Strengthening Specialist

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 3, 2020 39:24


    What do MythBusters, Dr. Oz, Good Morning America and National Geographic's Humanly Impossible have in common? Appearances by today's guest, Jaime Vendera! Hear about Jaime's work alongside vocal greats like Tony Harnell, James LaBrie, and Miles Kennedy, plus his mind-blowing suite of books and vocal products designed to help singers be their strongest and best.

    028: Classic Rock Rundown 003: Aerosmith "Toys in the Attic"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2020 66:11


    Join Thee Rock N' Roll Residency - Jeremy Asbrock and Philip Shouse (Ace Frehley, Gene Simmons) - and host Aaron K. as they run down Aerosmith's 1975 masterpiece, "Toys in the Attic"! Hear about Jack Douglas' production style and his thoughts on what the band brought to the table for their third effort, whether "You See Me Crying" was the overlooked ballad in a career filled with hit ballads, and how album photos from the LP jacket had a visual influence on future legends such as Guns N' Roses.

    027 - Anna Achimowicz, Rock Dance Theatre

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2020 64:11


    Enjoy a killer conversation during this episode with Anna Achimowicz from Rock Dance Theatre!

    026: John Alves, CPO Dirtbag Clothing

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2020 48:15


    Dirtbag Clothing Chief Passionate Officer, John Alves, joins Aaron K. for a killer conversation about growing a brand, challenges of the grind, fear of failure, the golden age for independent musicians, and living in the "uncomf"!

    025: Cloverhill - "All Done with Dreaming"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2020 47:16


    Get ready for a great conversation with Paul Laskey from Cloverhill, as we discuss the second and brand new effort, "All Done with Dreaming"!

    024: BONUS EPISODE: Memorial Day 2020

    Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2020 23:40


    Please check out a bonus episode for Memorial Day 2020 that I'm very proud of. It always feels great to have the opportunity to shine the spotlight on the real heroes who have sacrificed so that we might have the continued privilege of the way of life we enjoy. -Aaron K.

    023: Jeremy Asbrock - The First Concert, Gene and Ace, and "Origins Vol. 2"

    Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2020 37:04


    Another awesome conversation with Jeremy Asbrock (Ace Frehley, Gene Simmons, Thee Rock and Roll Residency) on The Rocker Life! It just so happened we had our chat on the 37th anniversary of not only his first KISS show, but his first concert ever! Hear about his paths to working with both Gene Simmons and Ace Frehley and some info on the upcoming Ace release "Origins Vol. 2" and his involvement.

    022: Greg Renoff Discusses "Ted Templeman: A Platinum Producer's Life in Music"

    Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2020 43:10


    Author Greg Renoff makes his return to The Rocker Life! In episode 022, hear all about his new book, "Ted Templeman: A Platinum Producer's Life in Music". If you're a fan of Van Halen, David Lee Roth, Aerosmith, Sammy Hagar, Steve Stevens, and many others - you won't want to sleep on this book. Rich in detail just like its predecessor, "Van Halen Rising...", Greg's most recent effort covering the life of one of music's most notable producers, is one you won't want to put down!

    021: Moriah Formica - "Better Off Alone"

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2020 44:06


    She wrote her first song at age 11 and now at age 19 will be taking the "Special Guest" slot for Tour 1987 with Michael Sweet and Tony Harnell, kicking off this fall. Check out an insightful discussion with Moriah Formica then check out her new single "Better Off Alone" - out now!

    020: Classic Rock Rundown 002: Judas Priest - British Steel 40th Anniversary

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 13, 2020 80:45


    On Episode 020 of The Rocker Life, it's time for CLASSIC ROCK RUNDOWN 002! This time out we're celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Judas Priest's 1980 release, BRITISH STEEL!! TODD KERNS (Slash ft. Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators) and CLAUDIO BERGAMIN (Artist - Judas Priest "Firepower") will complete the panel, along with host AARON K., for an in-depth and detailed discussion of the release that played a massive role in kick-starting the metal movement of the 1980s.

    019: David Ellefson - Grammy Award-Winning Co-Founder of Megadeth Discusses the School's Out Initiative

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2020 25:41


    Grammy Award-Winning Co-Founder of Megadeth, David Ellefson, comes by The Rocker Life to discuss the School's Out Initiative and reaching out to students and parents to offer music lessons during the Covid-19 pandemic. Also, find out David's thoughts on gratitude playing a role in musicians and entrepreneurs growing their brand.

    018: Classic Rock Rundown 001 - Van Halen "Women and Children First"

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2020 56:04


    On episode 018 of The Rocker Life, you'll experience the debut of the CLASSIC ROCK RUNDOWN! For Rundown 001 we celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Van Halen's triple platinum third release from 1980, "Women and Children First"! Aaron K. chose two major league Van Halen fans in MICHAEL SWEET (Michael Sweet, Stryper, Boston) and JEREMY ASBROCK (Ace Frehley, Gene Simmons, Thee Rock and Roll Residency) to help him break down this hi-energy masterpiece from the Roth-era of one of the greatest rock n' roll bands in history! After this episode, you'll see why this format is here to stay!!

    017: Paralandra - Guitarist Paul Carson Discusses the Path to Success and the Video for the Single "Love Will Win"

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 16, 2020 40:54


    Paralandra guitarist Paul Carson stops by The Rocker Life to discuss humble beginnings, early influences, a path to the band's current success, and the upcoming video for the band's single, "Love Will Win".

    016: Wade Sutton - Radio Veteran Talks Move Into Music Business

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2020 58:00


    Sit back and enjoy episode 016 as Wade Sutton from Rocket To The Stars Artist Services and the Six Minute Music Business Podcast discusses his adventures in radio, his transition into music business, resilience, branding, and much more! ALSO – don't miss out on Wade's generous offer for listeners at the end of the episode! MUSICIANS – This one's for you!!!

    015: Don Jamieson - Denim and Laughter

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2020 22:21


    Emmy Award winning comedian and co-host of That Metal Show, Don Jamieson, makes his Rocker Life debut and discusses his brand new release on Metal Blade Records, "Denim & Laughter"!

    014: Claudio Bergamin - Fantasy Artist Behind Judas Priest "Firepower" and much more!

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2020 78:25


    Claudio Bergamin is an insanely talented fantasy artist known for working closely with many artists on album covers and other illustrations, including: Judas Priest, Rob Halford, Richie Faulkner, Battle Beast and many more! Check out a great conversation about his influences, life experiences, friendship with Richie Faulkner, work for Rob Halford, Judas Priest & more. Stop by his shop for incredible prints at www.BergaminArt.com . Also - be sure to visit @RockerLifeShow across social media to see our brand new artwork courtesy of Claudio!

    013: Todd Kerns - Man of 1,000 Talents

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2020 57:25


    Todd Kerns makes his Rocker Life debut and has a great conversation about Las Vegas, the recent unfortunate passing of legendary drummer Neil Peart, and his experiences with Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators, Bruce Kulick, KISS Kruise, Toque, and Raiding the Rock Vault.

    012: Jared James Nichols: Blues Power, Rock Influences and Becoming a Road Warrior

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2020 51:49


    Guitarist extraordinaire Jared James Nichols shares incredible tales of his move to L.A., hanging with Aerosmith, learning from Eddie Kramer, years on the road with Lynyrd Skynyrd, Zakk Wylde and much, much more!

    011: 308 Ghost Train - "Hey Lonely" Single Premiere and Much More

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 30, 2019 51:32


    The Year-End Rock n' Roll Double Feature continues with Episode 011 and a great discussion with Anthony "Train" Caruso of 308 Ghost Train and a single premiere for "Hey Lonely", a Rocker Life exclusive!

    010: Blue Midnight - A Promising Future for the Innovators of Dream Metal

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 30, 2019 26:41


    The Rocker Life is wrapping up 2019 with a Year-End Rock n' Roll Double Feature! Up first is the enigmatic Justine from Blue Midnight, discussing all things dream metal with poise and maturity. Don't miss this discussion!

    009: Raquel Figlo - Rock n' Roll PR Specialist

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2019 41:21


    From the OC to The Rocker Life, PR Specialist Raquel Figlo discusses her love for metal, Megadeth, the mindset tips David Ellefson shared with her, networking, branding and much more!

    008: Author Greg Prato - KISS Loses the Makeup, Seattle Explodes, and Soundgarden is Discovered

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2019 32:31


    Bestselling Author Greg Prato (Take It Off: Kiss Truly Unmasked, & Dark Black and Blue: The Soundgarden Story) visits The Rocker Life to discuss his #1 and #16 Amazon Bestsellers. Grab your drink of choice and listen as host Aaron K. and Greg Prato discuss details of both bands and the details of the transition from rock and metal of the 80s into the Seattle era of the early 90s. Not a discussion to be missed!

    007: CJ Ortiz - The Metal Motivator

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2019 67:13


    CJ Ortiz, aka The Metal Motivator, joins Aaron on The Rocker Life to discuss the revelationary musical moments that led him to metal and first steps for those who have suffered complacency, setbacks or trauma to getting un-stuck and moving forward in life.

    006: Amber Eye: Straight Outta Austin

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2019 36:57


    Meet Visionary Noise Recording Artists out of Austin, TX - Amber Eye. Clint and Amber Shay discuss influences, a long career as "road warrior" musicians, and the process of recording their debut full length release.

    005: Greg Renoff - On Fire Discussing Van Halen

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2019 68:37


    Author of "Van Halen Rising...", Greg Renoff, joins Aaron on this episode of The Rocker Life for a killer conversation on The Mighty Van Halen. Don't miss out on this discussion if you've got a soft spot for Diamond Dave, Michael Anthony or the brothers Van Halen, and the history of the formative years of the band.

    004: Bruce Kulick - Tribute to Eric Carr

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 25, 2019 41:49


    A very special episode where Bruce Kulick (KISS, Grand Funk Railroad) discusses his friendship with the late, great KISS drummer Eric Carr. Hear about their tenure together in KISS, Eric's sense of humor, and the unique bond they shared.

    003: Dirty Honey: Justin Smolian Discusses Independence, Influences, and Rock That Rolls

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2019 31:33


    Dirty Honey was the first band in 40 plus years of Billboard to chart #1 on the Mainstream Rock Songs chart without being signed to a record label! Hear bassist Justin Smolian talk about the band's approach to independence, along with: Life on the road with Slash, Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators, and Skillet. You'll learn about Guns n' Roses' influence on Dirty Honey and what it was like to share the stage with their influences during Guns n' Roses' recent run at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas.

    000: Welcome to The Rocker Life!

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 16, 2019 12:07


    The Rocker Life is all systems go and this one is all about the listeners: What's in it for you? What would you like to hear on the show? Where can you send feedback? Also, an introduction to your host and some commentary on Van Halen, KISS, Queen, AC/DC, Cheap Trick and Alice Cooper.

    002: Ken Kelly Talks "Destroyer" and Humble Beginnings

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 2019 41:37


    Legendary heroic fantasy artist of "Destroyer" and "Love Gun" (KISS), "Rising" (Rainbow), "Space Invader" (Ace Frehley), and nearly 30 years of Manowar album covers, has a great discussion with The Rocker Life. Hear Ken's take on humble beginnings, the talent of his uncle - legendary artist Frank Frazetta, the success of KISS "Destroyer" and the affect on his career, and following your passion in life.

    001: Michael Sweet is on "Ten"!

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 2019 22:07


    In this episode of The Rocker Life, Michael Sweet (Stryper, Boston, Sweet and Lynch) discusses the release of his tenth solo project, entitled "Ten". He touches on: - Pressure to follow up "One Sided War" -The amazing artwork for "Ten" -Logistics of the including guest players on the album β€œTen”, including Jeff Loomis of Arch Enemy, Marzi Montazeri, Howie Simon, Gus G of Firewind, Rich Ward of Fozzy, Ethan Brosh, Joel Hoekstra of Whitesnake, Tracii Guns of LA Guns, Mike Kerr and Ian Raposa from Firstbourne, & Todd La Torre of Queensryche, and Andy James.

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