Booked On Rock with Eric Senich

Latest Episodes:

[EP 400] The Story of Violent Femmes' Debut: How "Blister in the Sun" Became a Classic with Nic Brown Jul 30, 2026

Show notes

How did Blister in the Sun go from an underground college radio favorite to one of the most recognizable songs in America?
In this episode of Booked On Rock, author Nic Brown (33 1/3: Violent Femmes) explores the remarkable story behind the Violent Femmes' groundbreaking 1983 debut album. Discover how three Milwaukee outsiders created a sound unlike anything before it, why Blister in the Sun was never intended for the band, how The Pretenders helped launch their career, and why the album became one of alternative rock's greatest slow-burn success stories.
We also discuss Gordon Gano's songwriting, the band's unconventional instrumentation, the mystery behind the lyrics, the recording sessions that captured lightning in a bottle, and how Blister in the Sun became a fixture at sporting events, in movies, and throughout popular culture.

Purchase a copy of Violent Femmes' Violent Femmes (33 1/3)
Vist Nic Brown's website
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The Booked On Rock Music: “Whoosh” by Crowander / “Last Train North” & “No Mercy” by TrackTribe

[EP 399] The History of the Velvet Underground with Richie Unterberger Jul 25, 2026

Show notes

The Velvet Underground may not have sold millions of records during their early years, but few bands have had a greater impact on the history of rock music. In this episode of Booked On Rock, author Richie Unterberger discusses his new book, Do What You Fear Most: The History of the Velvet Underground, exploring the band's remarkable journey from New York's underground art scene to becoming one of the most influential groups of all time.
We dive into Lou Reed's songwriting, John Cale's avant-garde influence, Andy Warhol's real role in the band's success, Nico's place in the group, the groundbreaking 'Velvet Underground & Nico', 'White Light/White Heat', 'Loaded', and the band's enduring legacy. If you're a fan of Lou Reed, classic rock, punk, alternative music, or the Velvet Underground, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.
Purchase a copy of Do What You Fear Most: The History of the Velvet Underground
Visit Richie Unterberger's website
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Support Booked On Rock and get every new episode completely commercial-free with the Backstage Pass.
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https://oldglory.com/discount/BOOKEDONROCK
Booked On Rock is part of The Boneless Podcasting Network
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The Booked On Rock Store
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Follow The Booked On Rock with Eric Senich:
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Contact The Booked On Rock Podcast: thebookedonrockpodcast@gmail.com
The Booked On Rock Music: “Whoosh” by Crowander / “Last Train North” & “No Mercy” by TrackTribe

[EP 398] Battle Axes: Sean Kelly on the History of Pointy Guitars Jul 23, 2026

Show notes

From the Gibson Flying V and Explorer to the Jackson Randy Rhoads, Dean ML, B.C. Rich Warlock, and Ibanez RG, pointy guitars helped define the look and sound of hard rock and heavy metal. But how did these outrageous designs go from being dismissed as oddities to becoming some of the most iconic instruments in rock history?
Author and musician Sean Kelly joins Booked On Rock to discuss his new book, Battle Axes: A Hard Rockin' History of Pointy Guitars. We explore the stories behind the guitars, the builders who created them, and the legendary players—including Randy Rhoads, Michael Schenker, Eddie Van Halen, Billy Gibbons, Paul Stanley, Twisted Sister, ZZ Top, Def Leppard, and more—who turned these instruments into rock icons.
🎸 Topics include:

The surprising origins of the pointy guitar
Why the Flying V was initially a failure
How Dean Guitars exploded during the MTV era
The influence of Randy Rhoads and Grover Jackson
Twisted Sister, B.C. Rich, Ibanez, Kramer & ESP
Sean Kelly's pick for the greatest pointy guitar ever made

Purchase a copy of Battle Axes: A Hard Rockin' History of Pointy Guitars
Follow Sean Kelly:
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Instagram
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Join here: https://www.patreon.com/cw/BookedOnRock
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💰 Get 15% OFF | Promo Code: BOOKEDONROCK
https://oldglory.com/discount/BOOKEDONROCK
Booked On Rock is part of The Boneless Podcasting Network
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Follow The Booked On Rock with Eric Senich:
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Contact The Booked On Rock Podcast: thebookedonrockpodcast@gmail.com
The Booked On Rock Music: “Whoosh” by Crowander / “Last Train North” & “No Mercy” by TrackTribe

[EP 397] The Story of April Wine: Tim Durling Explores the Band's Albums, Hits & Legacy Jul 19, 2026

Show notes

Few bands have been as consistently successful in Canada—or as underrated outside of it—as April Wine. From early classics like "Fast Train" to arena rock staples including "Roller," "I Like to Rock," "Just Between You and Me," and "Sign of the Gypsy Queen," the band built a remarkable catalog spanning more than three decades.
Author Tim Durling joins me to discuss his new book, On Record: The April Wine Album Review, an album-by-album journey through all 16 studio albums. We explore the band's fascinating origins, the misread letter that changed their future, Myles Goodwyn's songwriting brilliance, their breakthrough in the U.S., the albums every fan should hear, and why April Wine remains one of classic rock's most overlooked bands.
Whether you're a lifelong fan or discovering April Wine for the first time, this is the ultimate guide to one of Canada's greatest rock bands.
🎸 Topics include:

The story behind April Wine's formation
Myles Goodwyn's lasting legacy
The making of Stand Back, Harder... Faster, and The Nature of the Beast
Why "Roller" changed everything
April Wine's biggest hits and hidden gems
Why the band deserves far more recognition

Purchase a copy of ON RECORD: The April Wine Album Review
Visit Tim's Vinyl Confessions Linktree page for more
----------
🎧 Listen Ad-Free on Patreon
Support Booked On Rock and get every new episode completely commercial-free with the Backstage Pass.
Join here: https://www.patreon.com/cw/BookedOnRock
🛒 Old Glory - Iconic music and sports fan merch
💰 Get 15% OFF | Promo Code: BOOKEDONROCK
https://oldglory.com/discount/BOOKEDONROCK
Booked On Rock is part of The Boneless Podcasting Network
BookedOnRock.com
The Booked On Rock Store
The Booked On Rock YouTube Channel
Follow The Booked On Rock with Eric Senich:
BLUESKY
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
TIKTOK
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Find Your Nearest Independent Bookstore
Contact The Booked On Rock Podcast: thebookedonrockpodcast@gmail.com
The Booked On Rock Music: “Whoosh” by Crowander / “Last Train North” & “No Mercy” by TrackTribe

[EP 396] The Jeff Beck Story: Brad Tolinski & Chris Gill Reveal the Man Behind the Guitar Jul 16, 2026

Show notes

Jeff Beck wasn't just one of the greatest guitarists of all time—he was one of rock's most fearless innovators.
In this episode of Booked On Rock, I welcome Brad Tolinski and Chris Gill, authors of Blow By Blow: The Jeff Beck Story, for an in-depth conversation about the legendary guitarist's remarkable life and career. We explore Jeff's groundbreaking work with the Yardbirds, the Jeff Beck Group, 'Truth', 'Blow by Blow', his friendship with Jimmy Page, his collaborations with Stevie Wonder and Johnny Depp, the story behind "Superstition," the car accident that changed his career, and why he remained one of the most respected musicians in rock until his passing.
Along the way, Brad and Chris separate fact from fiction, share stories uncovered through years of research and interviews, and explain why Jeff Beck's relentless creativity made him one of the most influential guitarists in music history.
Purchase a copy of Blow By Blow: The Jeff Beck Story
Follow Chris Gill on Instagram
Follow Brad Tolinski on Facebook
Subscribe to Brad Tolinksy's Substack Page
----------
🎧 Listen Ad-Free on Patreon
Support Booked On Rock and get every new episode completely commercial-free with the Backstage Pass.
Join here: https://www.patreon.com/cw/BookedOnRock
🛒 Old Glory - Iconic music and sports fan merch
💰 Get 15% OFF | Promo Code: BOOKEDONROCK
https://oldglory.com/discount/BOOKEDONROCK
Booked On Rock is part of The Boneless Podcasting Network
BookedOnRock.com
The Booked On Rock Store
The Booked On Rock YouTube Channel
Follow The Booked On Rock with Eric Senich:
BLUESKY
FACEBOOK
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TIKTOK
X
Find Your Nearest Independent Bookstore
Contact The Booked On Rock Podcast: thebookedonrockpodcast@gmail.com
The Booked On Rock Music: “Whoosh” by Crowander / “Last Train North” & “No Mercy” by TrackTribe

[EP 395] The Rise & Fall of Men at Work with Greg Prato Jul 12, 2026

Show notes

What really happened to Men at Work?
In this episode of Booked On Rock, returning guest Greg Prato discusses his new book, Down Under: The Men at Work & Colin Hay Story, and explores the remarkable rise of one of the biggest bands of the MTV era—and the surprising reasons behind their rapid breakup.
We dive into the stories behind classics like "Down Under," "Who Can It Be Now?," "Overkill," and "Be Good Johnny," the band's early days in Melbourne, the creative partnership between Colin Hay and Greg Ham, the pressure of following 'Business as Usual', the Greg Ham copyright lawsuit, reunion possibilities, and why Men at Work's legacy continues to grow decades later.
If you've ever wondered how a band that dominated MTV and topped the charts could disappear so quickly, this is the story you've been waiting to hear.
Purchase a copy of Down Under: The Men at Work & Colin Hay Story
Find more Greg Prato books on Amazon
Follow Greg Prato on X
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🎧 Listen Ad-Free on Patreon
Support Booked On Rock and get every new episode completely commercial-free with the Backstage Pass.
Join here: https://www.patreon.com/cw/BookedOnRock
🛒 Old Glory - Iconic music and sports fan merch
💰 Get 15% OFF | Promo Code: BOOKEDONROCK
https://oldglory.com/discount/BOOKEDONROCK
Booked On Rock is part of The Boneless Podcasting Network
BookedOnRock.com
The Booked On Rock Store
The Booked On Rock YouTube Channel
Follow The Booked On Rock with Eric Senich:
BLUESKY
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
TIKTOK
X
Find Your Nearest Independent Bookstore
Contact The Booked On Rock Podcast: thebookedonrockpodcast@gmail.com
The Booked On Rock Music: “Whoosh” by Crowander / “Last Train North” & “No Mercy” by TrackTribe

[EP 394] The Story Behind Nirvana's 'In Utero' with Robert Boyd Jul 10, 2026

Show notes

What really happened during the making of Nirvana's 'In Utero'?
Author Robert Boyd joins Booked On Rock to explore the creation of Nirvana's groundbreaking third and final studio album, separating fact from fiction while uncovering the stories behind one of rock's most influential records.
We discuss Kurt Cobain's decision to work with Steve Albini, Geffen Records' reaction to the original mixes, the truth behind the "fixed" album myth, the meanings behind songs like "Heart-Shaped Box," "Pennyroyal Tea," "Rape Me," "Radio Friendly Unit Shifter," "Tourette's," and "All Apologies," the In Utero tour, MTV Unplugged, and the band's final months. Robert also shares insights from his book Last Stand: In Utero and the Final Days of Nirvana, offering a thoughtful look at the album's enduring legacy more than 30 years later.
Purchase a copy of Last Stand: In Utero and the Final Days of Nirvana
Follow Robert Boyd on Instagram
----------
🎧 Listen Ad-Free on Patreon
Support Booked On Rock and get every new episode completely commercial-free with the Backstage Pass.
Join here: https://www.patreon.com/cw/BookedOnRock
🛒 Old Glory - Iconic music and sports fan merch
💰 Get 15% OFF | Promo Code: BOOKEDONROCK
https://oldglory.com/discount/BOOKEDONROCK
Booked On Rock is part of The Boneless Podcasting Network
BookedOnRock.com
The Booked On Rock Store
The Booked On Rock YouTube Channel
Follow The Booked On Rock with Eric Senich:
BLUESKY
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
TIKTOK
X
Find Your Nearest Independent Bookstore
Contact The Booked On Rock Podcast: thebookedonrockpodcast@gmail.com
The Booked On Rock Music: “Whoosh” by Crowander / “Last Train North” & “No Mercy” by TrackTribe

[HIGHLIGHT] Why XTC Needed Todd Rundgren to Make 'Skylarking' - From EP 389 Jul 05, 2026

Show notes

Was Todd Rundgren exactly what XTC needed to create 'Skylarking'?
In this highlight from my conversation with Alfredo Marziano, author of XTC's Skylarking: A Life in a Day, we explore the legendary creative clash between Andy Partridge and Todd Rundgren. Their personalities couldn't have been more different, yet that tension helped shape one of the most acclaimed albums of the 1980s. Was the friction the secret ingredient behind XTC's masterpiece?
Listen for the story behind one of rock's most fascinating producer-artist relationships—and discover why sometimes the greatest art comes from the greatest conflict.
🎧 Watch & listen to the full episode
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Booked On Rock is part of The Boneless Podcasting Network
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The Booked On Rock Store
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Follow The Booked On Rock with Eric Senich:
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Find Your Nearest Independent Bookstore
Contact The Booked On Rock Podcast: thebookedonrockpodcast@gmail.com
The Booked On Rock Music: “Whoosh” by Crowander / “Last Train North” & “No Mercy” by TrackTribe

[EP 393] What If Elvis Had a Secret Son? | Joseph Coulson on The Prince of Memphis Jul 04, 2026

Show notes

What if Elvis Presley had a secret son? That's the fascinating premise behind The Prince of Memphis, the latest novel from author Joseph Coulson. In this episode, Joseph joins me to discuss the inspiration behind the book, creating the unforgettable characters of Aron Beale and Odelia, the real song "Midnight Candy," Elvis's enduring legacy, and why this story explores far more than rock 'n' roll—touching on identity, race, love, memory, and the myths that shape our lives.
The Prince of Memphis will be available for pre-orders starting August 1, 2026 through the publishing date of September 15, 2026. Visit JosephCoulson.com or DreamFieldPress.com for updates and information.
Listen to "Midnight Candy"
----------
🎧 Listen Ad-Free on Patreon
Support Booked On Rock and get every new episode completely commercial-free with the Backstage Pass.
Join here: https://www.patreon.com/cw/BookedOnRock
🛒 Old Glory - Iconic music and sports fan merch
💰 Get 15% OFF | Promo Code: BOOKEDONROCK
https://oldglory.com/discount/BOOKEDONROCK
Booked On Rock is part of The Boneless Podcasting Network
BookedOnRock.com
The Booked On Rock Store
The Booked On Rock YouTube Channel
Follow The Booked On Rock with Eric Senich:
BLUESKY
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
TIKTOK
X
Find Your Nearest Independent Bookstore
Contact The Booked On Rock Podcast: thebookedonrockpodcast@gmail.com
The Booked On Rock Music: “Whoosh” by Crowander / “Last Train North” & “No Mercy” by TrackTribe

[HIGHLIGHT] When Mick Jagger Mistook Talcum Powder for Cocaine - From EP 391 Jul 01, 2026

Show notes

One of the funniest Rolling Stones stories you'll ever hear!
In this special Booked On Rock highlight, author Richard Lefkowitz shares an unforgettable backstage tale involving Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood, Mick Jagger, and a bottle of talcum powder that led to one hilarious misunderstanding.
It's just one of the many incredible stories Richard recounts from his memoir, Welcome to Fabulous Angeles: The Rock 'n' Roll Adventures of a Wayward Westside Teen, chronicling his adventures growing up in 1970s Los Angeles and crossing paths with rock legends.
🎧 Watch & listen to the full episode
----------
Booked On Rock is part of The Boneless Podcasting Network
BookedOnRock.com
The Booked On Rock Store
The Booked On Rock YouTube Channel
Follow The Booked On Rock with Eric Senich:
BLUESKY
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
TIKTOK
X
Find Your Nearest Independent Bookstore
Contact The Booked On Rock Podcast: thebookedonrockpodcast@gmail.com
The Booked On Rock Music: “Whoosh” by Crowander / “Last Train North” & “No Mercy” by TrackTribe

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