Ray Van Horn, Jr.: Horror Author and Music Journalist

Join Staci as she sits down with veteran journalist and author Ray Van Horn, Jr. For more than sixteen years, Ray covered the worlds of music and film for outlets like Blabbermouth, Metal Maniacs, Noisecreep, and many others. His blog, The Metal Minute, even earned Metal Hammer’s award for Best Personal Blog. Ray is also the author of the rock‑fueled novel Coming of Rage—and he’s got plenty more exciting projects in the pipeline. Tune in for behind‑the‑scenes stories, rock‑and‑roll history, and a glimpse at what’s next from one of the scene’s sharpest voices.

On today’s show, Staci welcomes Tim Kirk, author of the brand‑new “what if?” novel All His Damned Mother’s Sons. This gripping alternate history dares to imagine a world where Elvis Presley died during his time in the German army—and launches readers on a high‑octane ride from 1959 to 1973, where fateful roads lead toward a deadly collision. Beyond his novel, Tim is also the producer of two unforgettable documentaries—Room 237, a deep dive into The Shining, and Nightmare, the chilling exploration of sleep paralysis. Don’t miss this episode, packed with eerie twists, cultural insights, and rock‑and‑roll mystery.

Broadcaster and author Steve Blacknell is on the show to talk about his memoir, “Tales From the Bedroom Wall.” Known to a generation of fans for the mid-1980s MTV staple London Calling, Blacknell chronicles a whirlwind life of fame, lost fortunes, and everything in between. From first love Kate Bush to crossing the Atlantic on the Concorde with Phil Collins, and interviews with music’s biggest names, the memoir brims with rock’n’roll excess, Hollywood heartbreak, addiction, and redemption. Joining from London, Blacknell dives into the tales behind the pages--and shares his own personal "rock & roll nightmare," which involves Bruce Springsteen.

Author Daniel Bukszpan returns to Rock & Roll Nightmares to discuss not one but two titles. Previously on the show to talk about “Rush at 50” — a timely visit as host Staci had just finished Geddy Lee’s autobiography — Bukszpan now revisits “Ozzy at 75,” a conversation made newly relevant by the recent passing of the Prince of Darkness. He also previews his forthcoming book, “Iron Maiden at 50,” due out in September of 2025.

Authors Martin Porter and David Goggin (aka Mr. Bonzai) join the podcast to unpack their collaborative book, “Buzz Me In: Inside the Record Plant Studios.” Staci spotlights the book’s expansive deep dive into the storied studios that shaped so many iconic 1970s rock albums. With locations in New York, Los Angeles, and Sausalito—and a legendary fleet of remote recording trucks—Record Plant’s influence spanned every corner of the music world, and Porter and Goggin share the stories behind it.

Historian of pop culture, film, and music, John Harrison, joins Staci on Rock & Roll Nightmares to discuss his latest project: a comprehensive, 676-page book on KISS titled Creatures of the Screen. Unlike any other book on the band, John’s work is an immersive exploration of KISS’s presence onscreen, covering their films, TV appearances, and notable music videos. The book also delves into other shows and media inspired by—and exploiting—the band’s visual imagery, popularity, and cultural impact. John Harrison shares insights from his deep dive into the world of KISS and their enduring influence on pop culture.

This episode features Jake Sumner, director of the music documentary Ron Delsener Presents. The film explores the life and legacy of legendary music impresario Ron Delsener, with insights from an impressive roster of interviewees including Billy Joel, Patti Smith, Bruce Springsteen, Paul Simon, Art Garfunkel, and Bette Midler. As the son of Sting (of The Police), Jake brings a unique perspective to the project, having known Delsener personally and wanting to uncover the story behind his iconic status. Jake discusses how the documentary came together during the pandemic and shares some of the wild stories featured in the film.

In this episode, Rock & Roll Nightmares welcomes author and Professor of Literature Jarret Keene, whose work first caught Staci’s attention with the release of his novel, Hammer of the Dogs. Now, Jarret returns with his newly released short story collection, Gateways to Annihilation—a book packed with wild, rock and roll-infused tales that are as twisted as they are entertaining. Tune in as he discusses his latest work as well as his takes on the future of writing with AI, and the nurturing of creative talent in the face of governmental budget cuts to national arts programs.

Colin Blunstone, lead singer of the iconic psychedelic rock band The Zombies, joins Staci on "Rock & Roll Nightmares" to discuss "Hung Up on a Dream," the first-ever feature-length documentary about the band. Despite hits like "She's Not There" and "Time of the Season" and their Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction, the band's story hasn't been fully documented until now. Colin shares insights into the film's collaborative process, along with entertaining stories about career mishaps, his brief stint as an insurance salesman, and his time recording as a solo artist under a pseudonym.

In this mini-episode, Staci welcomes Robert Schwartzman—accomplished musician, member of the renowned Coppola filmmaking family, and director of “Hung Up on a Dream,” the new documentary about psychedelic rock legends The Zombies. Robert discusses his creative approach to condensing the band's remarkable 60-year career into a compelling 90-minute film, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how he brought their story to the screen.