Onstage and Backstage Podcast

James Campion, author of Shout It Out Loud: The Story of Kiss's Destroyer and the Making of an American Icon spoke with Eddie Trunk on SiriusXM. They talked about the book, James' first Kiss record, and why he chose to write about Kiss's Destroyer. Listen to the podcast below and let us know what you think!   About the BookShout It Out Loud is a serious examination of the circumstance and serendipity that fused the creation of the band's seminal work, Destroyer – including the band's arduous ascent to the unexpected smash hit, Alive!, the ensuing lawsuits between its management and its label, the pursuit of the hot, young producer, a grueling musical “boot camp,” the wildly creative studio abandon, the origins behind an iconic cover, the era's most outlandish tour, and the unlikely string of hit singles.               James Campion is the managing editor of the Reality Check News & Information Desk, a contributing editor f

Stephen Tropiano, author of TV Finales FAQ: All That's Left to Know About the Endings of Your Favorite TV Shows spoke with Ghosty host of The Vintage Rock & Pop Shop on WFDU. They talked about the book and what  inspired Harvey to write a book on Neil Young! Listen to the podcast below and let us know what you think!   About the BookTV Finales FAQ is the first book devoted exclusively to television's most memorable series finales. From Mary Richards' heartfelt goodbye to the WJM-TV newsroom in the classic finale of The Mary Tyler Moore Show to the puzzling conclusion of the enigmatic adventure series, Lost, to the tumultuous final hours in the life of Breaking Bad's Walter White, TV Finales FAQ takes an up close, insightful, and entertaining look at the most memorable final episodes of television's most popular prime time, daytime, and late night series.               Stephen Tropiano is the author of Saturday Night Live FAQ, The Prime Time Clos

Harvey Kubernik, author of Neil Young: Heart of Gold spoke with Ghosty host of The Vintage Rock & Pop Shop on WFDU. They talked about the book and what  inspired Harvey to write a book on Neil Young! Listen to the podcast below and let us know what you think!   About the BookEvery aspect of Young's remarkable life is explored through exclusive interviews with fellow musicians, record producers, music journalists, film directors, and loyal fans. Among those featured are musicians Graham Nash, Nils Lofgren, and Richie Furay; filmmaker Jim Jarmusch; photographer Henry Diltz; and many more. Featuring a retrospective commentary on Neil Young's studio and live albums, a complete discography, and photographs and memorabilia from throughout his career, the book places Young's musical achievements within the context of his life – an essential and timely celebration.               Harvey Kubernik is a writer, editor, journalist, and liner note

Sanford Josephson, author of Jeru's Journey: The Life & Music of Gerry Mulligan spoke with Dave Drexler host of Inside Art. They talked about the book and moments of Gerry Mulligan's life! Listen to the podcast below and let us know what you think!   About the BookJeru's Journey – The Life & Music of Gerry Mulligan vividly recounts all the major milestones and complications in Mulligan's extraordinary life and career, ranging from his early days of arranging for big bands in the 1940s to his chance 1974 meeting with Countess Franca Rota, who would have a major impact on the last two decades of his life. In between were his battles with drugs; his significant contributions to the historic 1949 Birth of the Cool recording; the introduction of an enormously popular piano-less quartet in the early 1950s; the creation of his innovative concert jazz band in the early '60s; his collaboration – personal and professional – with actress Judy Holliday; his breakthrough into classical musi

Harvey Kubernik, author of Neil Young: Heart of Gold spoke with Thrasher's Wheat Radio Hour Show. They spoke about some pivotal moments that really inform the book and what Harvey Kubernik learned while writing the book! Listen to the podcast below and let us know what you think!   About the BookEvery aspect of Young's remarkable life is explored through exclusive interviews with fellow musicians, record producers, music journalists, film directors, and loyal fans. Among those featured are musicians Graham Nash, Nils Lofgren, and Richie Furay; filmmaker Jim Jarmusch; photographer Henry Diltz; and many more. Featuring a retrospective commentary on Neil Young's studio and live albums, a complete discography, and photographs and memorabilia from throughout his career, the book places Young's musical achievements within the context of his life – an essential and timely celebration.               Harvey Kubernik is a writer, editor, and journalist

Michael Beinhorn, author of Unlocking Creativity: A Producer's Guide to Making Music & Art spoke with Lij Shaw of Recording Studio Rockstars. They spoke about Michael's book and his career as a music producer! Listen to the podcast below and let us know what you think!   About the BookHere, record producer Beinhorn reveals how to deal with interpersonal issues record producers face when they work with artists one on one or in small groups. The situations and solutions are based upon the author's personal and professional experience working with a variety of different artists, such as Herbie Hancock, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Soul Asylum, Hole, Soundgarden, Ozzy Osbourne, Courtney Love, Marilyn Manson, Social Distortion, Korn, and Mew.               Michael Beinhorn lives in Los Angeles, CA and his career as a record producer spans over 30 years. He has worked with a diverse range of artist from Herbie Hancock to Soundgarden to the Red Hot Chili Pepp

Dave Thompson, author of Haunted America FAQ: All That's Left to Know About the Most Haunted Houses, Cemeteries, Battlefields, and More spoke with Peter Tilden about the places that get mentioned the most when it comes to hauntings. Listen to the podcast below!   About the BookHaunted America FAQ has a fast-paced survey of the ghosts, ghouls, and associated denizens of the country's haunted history. Tracing the local ghost stories back to Native American legends and then forward through horror tales both ancient and modern, the book revisits some of the best-known haunted locales, as well as some of the most obscure creepy places, in America.                  Dave Thompson is the author of more that 100 books on television, music, and pop culture, with previous titles in the Backbeat Books and Applause Books FAQ Series on Sherlock Holmes, Doctor Who, South Park, and soccer. His writing has appeared in Rolling Stone, Spin, Goldmine, MOJO, M

Stephen Jones, editor of Art of Horror: An Illustrated History spoke with Stuart Wright of Britflicks podcast. They spoke about the wonderful illustrations that are featured in the book and more! Listen to the podcast below and let us know what you think!   About the BookAmazingly, there has never been a book quite like The Art of Horror – a celebration of frightful images, compiled and presented by some of the genre's most respected names. While acknowledging the beginnings of horror-related art in legends and folk tales, the focus of the book is on how the genre has presented itself to the world since the creations of Bram Stoker and Mary Shelley first became part of the public consciousness in the 19th century. It's all here: from early engravings – via dust jackets, book illustrations, pulp magazines, movie posters, comic books, and paintings – to today's artists working entirely in the digital realm.               Stephen Jones is

Bobby Borg, author of Business Basics for Musicians: the Complete Handbook from Start to Success spoke with Chris Aballo of Chris Aballo's Podcast Experience, or C.A.P.E. for short. Listen below!   About the BookWritten by a professional musician for other musicians, Business Basics for Musicians is the layperson's guide to the music industry. In a conversational tone and an easy-to-scan format, it simplifies five vital areas in which musicians need to succeed: Career Execution, Business Relationships, Pro Teams, Deals and Dollars, and Future Predictions. Everything from copyright to record deals, managers, merchandising, and doing it yourself is covered.               Bobby Borg is a former major label, independent, and DIY recording/touring artist who has worked alongside the most respected managers, producers, and A&R executives in the music industry. A distinguished educator, he teaches at Musicians Institute and UCLA Extension and speaks at Berk

James Campion, author of Shout It Out Loud: The Story of KISS'S Destroyer and the Making of an American Icon, spoke with Julian of the KISSFAQ podcast series. Listen to the podcast below to learn more about the book!   About the BookShout It Out Loud is a serious examination of the circumstance and serendipity that fused the creation of the band's seminal work, Destroyer – including the band's arduous ascent to the unexpected smash hit, Alive!, the ensuing lawsuits between its management and its label, the pursuit of the hot, young producer, a grueling musical “boot camp,” the wildly creative studio abandon, the origins behind an iconic cover, the era's most outlandish tour, and the unlikely string of hit singles.               James Campion is the managing editor of the Reality Check News & Information Desk, a contributing editor for the Aquarian Weekly, and a columnist for the Huffington Post. He has covered music, sports, and pol

Keith Elliot Greenberg, author of Too Fast to Live, Too Young to Die: James Dean's Final Hours, spoke with Matt Bubala who filled in for Justin Kaufmann in this episode of The Download. They talked about Greenberg's book and the impact that James Dean had on people. Listen to what else they had to say in the podcast below!   About the BookIn Too Fast to Live, Too Young to Die, readers take an evocative journey with author Keith Elliot Greenberg as he pieces together the puzzle of James Dean's final day and its everlasting impact. Greenberg travels to Dean's hometown to talk with folks who knew the star, and all the way to the California roads that underlay the tires of the actor's infamous Porsche Spyder. Taking the story back and forth in time, Greenberg gives insight into what drove Dean to live on the edge – the early loss of his mother, his relentless drive to explore for the sake of his craft.                 Keith Elliot Greenberg is a N

Don Randi, author of You've Heard These Hands: From the Wall of Sound to the Wrecking Crew and Other Incredible Stories talked with Doug McIntyre host of McIntyre in the Morning. Listen below!   About the BookAs a keyboard musician, composer, arranger, music director, and record producer, Don Randi has thrilled music lovers for years, even if they weren't aware of it... until now. He played keyboards on over a thousand popular recordings and was a member of the remarkable “Wrecking Crew” of studio musicians during the explosive pop music era of the 1960s and early 1970s. Nancy Sinatra, the Beach Boys, the Jackson 5, Elvis Presley, Sammy Davis Jr., Neil Diamond, and Linda Ronstadt are among the many music greats Randi has worked with and writes about in You've Heard These Hands.               Don Randi is a composer, arranger, music director, and keyboard musician. As part of the legendary “Wrecking Crew” group of studio musicians,

John Kenneth Muir, author of The X-Files FAQ All That's Left to Know About Global Conspiracy, Aliens, Lazarus Species, and Monsters of the Week spoke with Ky Johnson, XFiles News feature editor. They talked about everything X-Files related and also about John Kenneth Muir's own experience as a fan himself. Listen to the podcast below!   About the BookThe X-Files FAQ  explores Chris Carter's popular 1990s science-fiction TV series, which aired on Fox for nine seasons and inspired spin-offs, including feature films, TV shows, toys, novels, and comic books. The book explores the series in terms of its historical context and analyzes how many of the episodes tackle the events of their time: the Clinton era. The X-Files FAQ also tallies the episodes that are based on true stories, selects touchstone moments from the almost decade-long run, and organizes the series by its fantastic subject matter – from serial killers to aliens, from prehistoric menaces to ethnic and religious-based horrors.  

Brian Solomon, author of Pro Wrestling FAQ All That's Left to Know About the World's Most Entertaining Spectacle, spoke with Jim Ross of The Ross Report about his book. They talked about the experience that WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross had while he was wrestling and about today's wrestling stars. Listen to the podcast below!   About the BookPro Wrestling FAQ  is a bit of sport, entertainment, and art form, all put into one. With a certain intangible extra something thrown in for good measure, this book makes professional wrestling a truly unique entity unto itself. From its origins in carnivals and sideshow attractions of the 19th century, right up to the multimillion-dollar, multimedia industry of the present day, and all the bizarre, wild, and woolly points in between, Pro Wrestling FAQ delves into the entire history and broad scope of one of popular culture's most enduring yet ever-changing spectacles.               Brian Solomon is a former editor

Nicholas Nigro, author of Seinfeld FAQ: Everything Left To Know About the Show About Nothing, spoke with Mr. Media, a podcast hosted by Bob Andelman. They talked about everything there is to know about Seinfeld and more. The podcast is available below, click play to hear more.   About the BookSeinfeld FAQ is the first-ever comprehensive guide to the sitcom, tracing its path from modest beginnings to water-cooler-show status and to its infamous, love-it-or-hate-it finale. This humor-filled reference tells all about Jerry, Elaine, George, and Kramer, as well as the other unforgettable characters in their world. It features season-by-season episode reviews and a wealth of fun facts about everything from the characters' inevitably doomed relationships to their food obsessions and fashion sense (or lack thereof) as well as profiles of actors and other notables.               Nicholas Nigro is a freelance writer and the author of multiple books in a broad rang

Dave Thompson, author of Hearts of Darkness, visited WJBE in Knoxville, Tenn., to talk about his book. He gives us a quick insight into what readers can expect when they read Hearts of Darkness, listen to the amazing interview down below!   About the BookHearts of Darkness is the story of a generation's coming of age through the experiences of its three most atypical pop stars. James Taylor, Jackson Browne, and Cat Stevens could never have been considered your typical late-sixties songwriters – self-absorbed and self-composed, all three eschewed the traditional means of delivering their songs, instead turning its process inward. The result was a body of work that stands among the most profoundly personal art ever to translate into an international language, and a sequence of songs – from “Sweet Baby James” and “Carolina in My Mind,” to “Jamaica Say You Will” and “These Days,” to “Peace Train” and “Wild World” – tha

Denise McKinney, author of Morrissey FAQ All That's Left To Know About This Charming Man talks with Patrick Phillips of "Pop Culture Tonight" about what readers can learn about Morrissey in the book.   About the BookMorrissey FAQ will put to rest any questions and doubts about the singer known around the world for his meaningful lyrics and biting wit. Readers will also learn about his passions, his weaknesses, the people who love him, the people who hate him, and the people who want to be him. Not since Elvis have fans been so obsessed with a singer; they fight with each other at concerts, they rush and tackle him onstage, they dress and act like him, and they even build shrines dedicated to him. Liking Morrissey isn't just liking his music – it's a way of life.               Denise McKinney (Riverside, California) is the author of the chramingly crude novels Welcome to Sluberland and Overbite. A writer, music over, and record collector

Susan Masino, author of AC/DC FAQ, visited The Marty and Fairlie Breakfast Show on Australian radio station i98FM to discuss her latest book. Click play below to hear about her work and maybe, just maybe, a word or two about the band behind the curtains...   About the BookAC/DC FAQ spans AC/DC's 40-year career, starting from the band's inception in 1973. This book covers everything from their early days in Australia to their first tour of England and the United States. It also includes personal experiences, stories, conversations, and interviews by author Susan Masino, who has known the band since 1977. Rebounding from the tragic loss of their singer Bon Scott in 1980, AC/DC hired Brian Johnson and went on to record Back in Black, which is now one of the top five biggest-selling albums in music history. True rockers from the very beginning, AC/DC will continue to be heralded as one of the greatest rock and roll bands of all time.               Susan

Jim Crockett, editor of Guitar Player: The Inside Story of the First Two Decades of the Most Successful Guitar Magazine Ever, talks on the Flo Guitar Enthusiasts podcast about the book. Listen below!   About the BookGuitar Player: The Inside Story of the First Two Decades of the Most Successful Guitar Magazine Ever is a refection on Guitar Player's often pioneering early days, from its 1967 founding through its 1989 sale by founder Bud Eastman and editor/publisher Jim Crockett. This book looks at the magazine's evolution from a 40-page semi-monthly to a monthly exceeding 200 pages, with a gross yearly income that grew from $40,000 to nearly $15 million.               Jim Crockett was editor and then president/publlisher of Guitar Player between 1970 and 1989. He also created the magazines Keyboard, Bass Player, Drums & Drumming, and Frets. His books include Fix Your Axe and  The Why-To of Scuba Diving, and he has wr

Michael Seth Starr, author of Ringo: With A Little Help, visited the Marilu Henner Show on the eve of Ringo Starr's 75th birthday. This entertaining podcast is available below. Click play to hear what he and Marilu has to discuss.   About the BookIn Ringo: With A Little Help the book covers the highs and lows of Starr's career while becoming one of rock and roll's revered elder statesmen. This is the first in-depth biography of Beatles drummer Ringo Starr, who kept the beat for an entire generation and who remains a rock icon over fifty years since the Beatles took the world by storm. The book traces the entire arc of Ringo's remarkable life and career, from his sickly childhood to his life as The World's Most Famous drummer to his triumphs, addictions, and emotional battles following the breakup of the Beatles as he comes to terms with his legacy.               Michael Seth Starr has covered television as a reporter and a columnist a