Rock & Roll Nightmares

Staci Layne Wilson

5.0 (8)
MUSIC INTERVIEWS
UPDATED WEEKLY

Hosted by Staci Layne Wilson and based on the Rock & Roll Nightmares horror and true crime book series, this irreverent podcast on rock, punk, grunge, etc., features interviews with musicians, writers, photographers, artists, and filmmakers. It's only rock & roll, but we like it!

10/09/2025

Peter Aaron: Author, "Moving in Stereo: Ric Ocasek, the Driving Force of The Cars"

Staci welcomes author Peter Aaron, the author of the new book "Moving in Stereo," for a deep dive into the life and legacy of Ric Ocasek—enigmatic frontman, visionary songwriter, and the cool center of The Cars’ sleek, synth-driven storm. From Ric’s early partnership with Ben Orr and the bands that fizzled before The Cars finally clicked, to the creative tensions that came with skyrocketing success, Peter—himself a seasoned music journalist and frontman of the punk band Chrome Cranks—brings fresh insight into the man behind the shades. We’ll explore the research that shaped this biography, the personal relationships that defined Ric’s world, and the meaning behind the book’s title. Buckle up for the revelations, the resonance, and yes, the rock and roll nightmares that haunted and fueled one of rock’s most enduring architects.

21 min
09/17/2025

Evan Husney: Co-Creator of the Heavy Metal Series, "Into the Void"

Evan Husney, co-creator of Vice's "Dark Side of the Ring" and the upcoming Hulu series "Into the Void," joins Staci to discuss his deep dive into metal music's darkest chapters. Husney explains his fascination with the genre's tragic figures and shares insights into the show's impressive roster of subjects, from guitar virtuoso Randy Rhoads to punk pioneer Wendy O. Williams. The conversation explores the mysterious Kurt Struebing (NME) case and its chilling parallels to other music industry tragedies, while Husney discusses the series' innovative blend of traditional documentary interviews with dramatic recreations. He reveals which story from season one surprised him most during production and explains how the show's unique visual approach brings these haunting tales to life in ways that straight documentary footage cannot.

18 min
09/17/2025

Bill Fishman: Director, Music Videos, "Tapeheads," & "Waltzing With Brando"

Director Bill Fishman joins Staci Wilson on "Rock & Roll Nightmares" to discuss his legendary career behind the camera for some of rock's biggest names. From directing music videos for The Ramones, Georgia Satellites, and Good Charlotte to helming the cult films "Tapeheads" and "My Dinner with Jimi Hendrix," Fishman has captured decades of rock and roll history. Fishman shares behind-the-scenes stories from video sets, discusses the challenge of directing rock legends, and reveals details about his latest project, the Marlon Brando biopic "Waltzing with Brando" starring Billy Zane. The episode wraps with Fishman's own personal rock and roll nightmare - a hilarious tale from his years in the music industry trenches (spoiler alert: it involves The Grateful Dead... and this is not the first time that band has shown up in guests’ nightmares!).

24 min
09/10/2025

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.

25 min
09/10/2025

Tim Kirk: Author, "All His Damned Mother's Sons," an alternate history Elvis novel

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.

20 min
08/25/2025

Steve Blacknell: Author, "Tales from the Bedroom Wall" & Host, "London Calling"

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.

29 min
08/25/2025

Daniel Bukszpan: Author, "Ozzy @75" and "Iron Maiden @50" Heavy Metal Books

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.

33 min
08/25/2025

Martin Porter and David Goggin: Authors, "Buzz Me In: Inside the Record Plant Studios" Book

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.

35 min

5

out of 5

8 Ratings

Hosted by Staci Layne Wilson and based on the Rock & Roll Nightmares horror and true crime book series, this irreverent podcast on rock, punk, grunge, etc., features interviews with musicians, writers, photographers, artists, and filmmakers. It's only rock & roll, but we like it!

Creator

Staci Layne Wilson
Years Active

2022 - 2025
Episodes

161
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© Rock & Roll Nightmares 2023
Show Website

Rock & Roll Nightmares