JR Richards, former Dishwalla singer, guitarist and songwriter talks about his new solo album: " My Darkest Hour" + performing in fans homes

Formed in Los Angeles' lengendary Sunset Strip in 1985, Guns N' Roses quickly rose from the gritty club scene to become one of the biggest acts in rock music - achieving massive commercial success and becoming a top live draw in under three years. Along the way, their meteoric rise was matched by no shortage of controversy, internal conflict, and headline-making moments.  In the book "Guns N' Roses at 40", acclaimed rock historian and author Martin Popoff explores 40 priotal moments that shaped the band's legacy - from their formation and  breakout success to major tours, iconic releases, creative partnerships, internal struggles, and everthing in between.  We were thrilled to be speaking with Martin Popoff about his new book. With over 100 titles to his name on topics ragning from hard rock and heavy metal to classic rock and vinyl collection, Martin's work includes Rush" The Illustrated History, Led Zeppelin: Song By Song, Pink Floyd: Album by Album, Bowie at 75, AC/DC at 50, KISS at 50 and more. He also contributed to the award-winning docuemtaries Rush: Beyond the LIghted Stage and ZZ Top: That Little Ol' Band From Texas.   

This interview we welcome an old friend back into the studio - someone who's been part of the soundtrack of our lives for decades, It's JR Richards, fromerly of Dishwalla. JR began his career as the lead singer, guitarist, and songwriter for the iconice alternative rock band Dishwalls. The bands' debut album "Pet Your Friends" dropped in 1995, and it didn't take long for them to make waves. In 1996, The Richards-penned 'Counting Blue Cars" hit #1 earning JR a Billboard Music Award for Top Mainstream Rock Track of the Year. But that was just the beginning. JR has been producing music since the '90s not only for Dishwalla but also for this own solo projects and a slew of TV shows. You might've heard his work on series like One Tree Hill, How I Met Your Mother, Criminal Minds and he even contributed twenty songs to the reboot of Baywatch in 2017.  Now, JR is gearing up to release his 10th studio album (5th solo), "My Darkest Hour", expected in the next few months. So we're thrilled to sit down and talk about it, along with his journey through music and all the incredible milestones along the way.

A pioneer and one of the first aritsts ever inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame, Dion DiMucci first rose to fame with his group Dion & The Belmonts, before becoming a solo sensation with iconic hits like The Wanderer, Runaround Sue and many more. His influence on American music spans more than six decades - and he's still going strong.  Earlier this year, Dion co-authored a powerful and deeply personal new book with his longtime friend Adam Jablin. It's titled: Dion - The Rock N Roll Philosopher: Conversations on LIfe, Recovery, Faith 7 music. In it, Dion opens up about his incredible journey - his struggles and triumphs, his faith, and his unwavering passion for music.  In our conversation, we'll talk about the new book, his decision to give up his seat on the plane with Buddy Holly, his path to sobriety, wisdom he gained from Sam Cooke, and the lessons He's leanred across a lifetime in music. Check out our show notes at; www.rockandrollconfessional.rocks  

One of the greatest rock bands in our generation was REO Speedwagon. At the beginning of this year, we received word that REO was officially no longer. But that doesn't mean that guitarist, song writter and lead vocalist Kevin Cronin is stopping. We had the opportunity to speak with Kevin not only about his upcoming tour (with many of the REO family members), but we spoke about his dad being in World War II, why REO broke up, how Stephen Stills is one of his all time heroes and a hint of his new book. 

ZZ Ward was born in 1986 and is an American Singer-Songwriter from Roseburg, Oregon. She signed with Hollywood Records to release here debut EP, Criminal in 2012, which preceded the release of her debut studio album, Til The Casket Drops, that same year. Her second studio album, The Storm was released in 2017, which peaked atop the Billboard Blues Albums Chart. Her third studio album, Dirty Shine (2023), was released independently and met with cricital acclaim. On Friday, March 14 (2025) ZZ will be releasing her next album which is on the famous blues label: Sun Records, titled Liberation. 

This show is our amazing interview with Rick Springfield. You may remember Rick who played Dr. Noah Drake on General Hospital, Pastor Charles on American Horror Story or even playing himself (naked) on Californication. But did you know he is also an amazing musician, singer & songwriter??? There is WAY more to Rick than "Jessie's Girl".  Hang tight for a great ride with this show. We talk about how he coped with the recent fires in Los Angeles, his new CD/vinyl box set: BIG HITS: RICK SPRINGFIELD'S GREATEST HITS, VOLUME 2, along with plans for his future and his most prized collectibles. 

We are back with our good friend Kenny Wayne Shepherd. Since the last time we interviewed Kenny, he has released a follow up album to "Dirt On My Diamonds, Vol 1" iornically titled, "Dirt On My Diamonds, Vol 2".  In addition to the new album, we talk about Kenny's experience actually playing Jimi Hendrix's "Woodstock" guitar and his upcoming tour, plus 2 new albums set to release in 2025.  Kenny is a five-time-Grammy-nominated guitarist. The new album was recorded  at the Legendary Fame Stuios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. This project chronicles Shepherd's journey of musical evolution, touching on stories of loss, redemption, and memorable melodies. All crafted by an elite team of songwriters. Born in Louisiana, in 1977, Shepherd's own life has never followed the script. Steeped in classic blues and rock 'n' roll from an early age by his dad - a respected Lousiana radio personality and promoter - Kenny soon reached for his first Fender stratocaster and found he didn't require lessons to make it cry and wail. Long before Warner Brothers subsidairy Giant Records offered a deal, Shepherd had toured in clubs which he was too young to drink in.    Please also check out our precious KWS interview released: October 7, 2023.

Formed in Toronto in 1968, Rush became one of the most popular and best-selling bands in rock history, thanks to their tireless effort and imaginative, ever-evolving music. This richly illustrated and entertianingly written book from Rush expert and music journalist Dan Bukszpan pays tribute to the trio on the 50th anniversary of their debut album by curating and examining 50 of the most significant milestones in the bands career. Daniel covers everything down through the decades. And in this interview we talk with him about : The band's formation by bassiest Geddy Lee and guitarist Alex Lifeson in the suburban Toronto and their early gigs and tours opening for the likes of KISS. We also talk about the breakthrough in the United States thanks to a Cleveland DJ. Plus, the role of co-founding drummer, John Rutsey. Plus much more. In examinging 50 touchstones, Bukszpan presents a unique look at Rush's Career from Toronto bar band to international mega-platinum stadium fillers. Every page is illustrated with stunning concert and candid offstage photography, including gig posters, 7 - inch picture sleeves, ticket stubs and more.

As one of the founding members, lead singer, lead guitarist, and wrote more than 90% of the Grand Funk Railroad music catalog, Mark Farner has always been known as the energetic driving force on stage, the engine that pulled the original Grank Funk Railroad to the top of the charts. From his soulful voice and power rock riffs, to fueling the Funk with his atomic stage presence. His story and his imprint on music starts with Flint and since 1969 from his humble beginnings and a blue-collar outlook, Farner has captained a global crusade for love, peace and freedom and became a rock 'n' roll icon. Mor the 60 years later - he commands the stage with the same intensity performing epic hits that defined a generation - "I'm Your Captian (Closer to Home)", "Bad Time", "Some Kind of Wonderful", "Foot Stompin' Music", "Heartbreaker", "Rock & Roll Soul", "Locomotion", "Mean Mistreater" and  "We're An American Band" Mark will be releasing his latest solo album, "Closer To My Home" on November 8th , and we had the opporutnity to speak with him regarding the album along with his musical career.

Joanne Shaw Taylor, discovered at 16 by Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics, quickly ascended as one of the world's leading rock guitarists. Championed by legends like Stevie Wonder, Annie Lennox, and Joe Bonamassa, her powerful songwriting and distinct vocals first captivated audiences with here 2009 debut, White Sugar. Over the years, Joanne has released numerous acclaimed albums, including the UK Top 20 hit Reckless Heart and the #1 Billboard Blues Chart toppers The Blues Album and Blues From The Heart Live. Her most recent studio album, Heavy Soul, launced under Bonamassa's Journeyman Record earlier this year.