Rock & Roll Nightmares Staci Layne Wilson

Andy Cahan, the “Most Famous Musician You’ve Never Heard Of” and “One-Man Wrecking Crew” shares stories with Staci on this week’s Rock & Roll Nightmares podcast about Jimi Hendrix, John Bonham, The Turtles, Harry Nilsson, and Ringo Starr, to name only a few (plus a little love for The Ventures). Andy has written his memoir, The Most Famous Musician You’ve Never Heard Of—you’ll hear about that, and a lot more.

Staci interviews punk rock drummer and historian, S.W. Lauden. They dig into his newest book, The Oral History of Popsicko, which delves into an up-and-coming 1990s band whose trajectory was tragically cut short and their current resurgence. Steve also talks about his works of music-themed crime fiction, which include the Greg Salem punk rock P.I. trilogy. Lastly, there’s a special excerpt from Rock & Roll Nightmares: True Stories, Vol 1, which brings a lesser-known member of the 27 Club to light.

Staci chats with Patti Quatro, guitarist of the pioneering all-female rock groups, The Pleasure Seekers, Cradle, and Fanny. She joined Fanny in 1974 after founding member June Millington left the band; June was on this podcast last year to talk about the documentary Fanny: the Right to Rock when it was out in theaters… now it’s brand new to streaming and Patti gives her perspective on the film as well as fan reaction. She also shares some fun stories about growing up in a Detroit music family and reveals a rather hilarious “Rock & Roll Nightmare.”

Film director and producer, Mike Schiff talks with Staci about his newest film, The History of Metal and Horror. Mike also talks about his start in television production working for the Howard Stern Show; creating music videos for John Carpenter, Fozzy, and Charred Walls of the Damned; and gives the inside scoop on snagging names like Arthur Brown, Alice Cooper, Rob Zombie, and Marky Ramone (to name a few) for his documentary. Also, Staci reads from the chapter “Psycho Killer” in Rock & Roll Nightmares: True Stories, Vol 2.

Journalist, biographer, and expert on all things Elvis Presley, Alanna Nash, joins Staci to chat about The King’s love life via her book, Baby, Let’s Play House. She delves into his complex psychological profile; remembers Lisa Marie fondly; shares stories about attending Elvis’s funeral, and interviewing Col. Tom Parker. Alanna also wrote a book about Dolly Parton, so she gives some insight on that, as well as her review of the Academy Award-nominated 2022 movie, Elvis. What’s more, she gives sage advice to aspiring biographers. There is also a special excerpt from the audiobook, Rock & Roll Nightmares: Along Comes Scary.

Staci talks with the effervescent Ron Keel, frontman of KEEL—the hard rock band that formed in the 1980s and had hits with anthems like “The Right to Rock” (produced by Gene Simmons of KISS). Since then, Ron has fronted several bands and made his mark on country music. He goes into detail about his memoir, Even Keel; shares insight on recording at Sound Studio and Electric Lady; what it was like when “Parental Advisory” stickers were put on music for the first time; and there might even be a ghost story or two! Last, Staci shares an excerpt from the audiobook version of “Rock & Roll Nightmares: True Stories, Vol 1.”