Rock n Roll History & Culture: Rock Talk Studio

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How Do You Say Goodbye to Neil Peart? Oct 13, 2026

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Rush never really got the chance to say a proper public goodbye to Neil Peart after his passing in 2020. Between tour schedules, world events, and grief, that planned tribute seemed stalled—until now.
In this episode, I breaks down the powerful new documentary, Neil Peart: No One’s Disciple. From emotional conversations between Geddy and Alex to legendary drummers (Chad Smith, Danny Carey, Stewart Copeland, Gavin Harrison) stepping behind the drums to discover just how grueling his parts truly were, this film quietly delivers the profound, honest farewell Neil always deserved.

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Did the New Gregg Allman Documentary Do Him Justice? Oct 06, 2026

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Gregg Allman was one of rock’s great blues voices, but did the new documentary Music of My Soul really do his story justice? In this episode I break down what the film gets right, what makes it unique, and what longtime Allman Brothers fans may feel is missing.

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Hotel California: The Dark Truth Behind the Eagles Masterpiece Sep 29, 2026

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Before Hotel California became one of the biggest albums in rock history, the Eagles were already living inside the fame, money, pressure, and power struggles that helped create it. Today we dive into this new book Eagles and Hotel California: 50 Years and look at how the California dream turned darker inside the band’s masterpiece.

*WIN A COPY OF Eagles and Hotel California: 50 Years *

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Crossroads Festival: The Gathering of Guitar Gods Sep 22, 2026

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Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival is where the world's greatest guitarists share one stage- Buddy Guy, John Mayer, Trey Anastasio, Derek Trucks, Gary Clark Jr., Marcus King, & more. 🎸

From the first show at the Cotton Bowl in 2004 to the 7th festival at the Moody Center in Austin this September, we look back at 20+ years of legendary sets. Gary Clark Jr. became a star here. John Mayer's career got its rocket boost here. Bill Murray ran the room here. And this year 90 year old Buddy Guy will be honored.
Discover how Clapton personally curates the lineup, the iconic guitars that are being brought out to play (Clapton's Blackie, Stevie Ray Vaughn's Lenny), and why this festival is something to look forward to.

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The Hollywood Hotel Built for Rock Star Debauchery Sep 15, 2026

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There’s a tucked-away place in Hollywood where rock stars have lived, disappeared, let loose, and made history since the 60s. This episode digs into the new documentary If These Walls Could Rock, the wild stories behind the legendary Sunset Marquis, and why this place became one of rock n roll’s true clubhouses.

Want to win a copy of Metallica: Album by Album by Martin Popoff? This killer hardcover is packed with more than 200 photos and a deep dive into Metallica’s catalog with musicians and industry insiders who know the music. Sign up for the free Rock Talk Studio newsletter to enter to win! Enter here

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Metallica’s Albums Through the Eyes of Rock & Metal Insiders Sep 07, 2026

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Martin Popoff’s new book Metallica: Album by Album takes a different approach to one of metal’s most analyzed catalogs. With insight from Kim Thayil (Soundgarden) Frank Bello (Anthrax) , Richie Faulkner (Judas Priest), Brian Slagel (Metal Blade Records) and others, the book digs deep into the songs, albums and evolution that made Metallica one of rock’s biggest bands.

*WIN THE METALLICA BOOK!!

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Robyn Hitchcock's Memoir Just Broke a Rock Rule Aug 25, 2026

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Robyn Hitchcock has written a rock memoir unlike anything else I’ve read. His new book, Stranded in the Future, takes us through 1968–1978 in a strange, funny, surreal trip through songwriting, first crushes, musical obsession, and the beginnings of the Soft Boys. I also go back to Hitchcock’s first memoir, 1967: How I Got There and Why I Never Left, and explain why these two books are best experienced together.

*Want the latest in Rock N Roll Book and Documentaries news sent to your inbox? New editions come out on the last Friday of the month featuring all the book buzz and doc news, recently released titles, top 5 lists, and entry into ALL giveaways and more. Enter here

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Roland Orzabal’s Very Unusual Memoir + A Neil Peart Tribute You Need to See Aug 18, 2026

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Roland Orzabal of Tears for Fears has written one of the most unusual rock memoirs I’ve ever read, one built around his lifelong fascination with astrology. I dig into Welcome to Your Life and whether the book works even if astrology isn’t your thing. Plus, a new Neil Peart documentary is coming featuring Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, Stewart Copeland, Chad Smith, Danny Carey and more paying tribute to the legendary Rush drummer.

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The Book and Doc That Changed My Mind About Elvis Aug 11, 2026

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In this episode of Rock Talk Studio, I break down the three things that finally made Elvis "click" for me:

The Colonel and the King: Why understanding the mysterious and relentless Colonel Tom Parker provided the context I was missing.
EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert: How seeing these rehearsals and concert footage revealed the raw work ethic behind the spectacle.
Elvis Presley: Conversations With Scotty Moore: A look at the new book by Jim Berkenstadt that gives a first-hand account of Elvis’s early career through the eyes of his legendary guitarist.

Whether you're a die-hard Elvis fan or a skeptic like I was, this is a story about how the right history can make you reconsider an artist you thought you had all figured out.

Special shout out to listener Vaughan M. for the encouragement to dive deeper!

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The Best Books About New York City Rock 'n' Roll? Start Here Aug 04, 2026

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This week on Rock Talk Studio, Big Rick reviews Jesse Malin’s Almost Grown and counts down some of the greatest New York City rock books ever written. From Patti Smith and Jim Carroll to Please Kill Me, discover the books that best capture the music, the people, and the spirit of New York rock ’n’ roll.

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